Light-induced permeabilization and merocyanine 540 staining of mouse spleen cells.

Merocyanine 540 (M540) is a potential-sensitive, hydrophobic dye that preferentially incorporates into the 'fluid' domains of cellular membranes, distinguishing between hemopoietic cells according to their differentiation state. A bright staining with M540 is usually achieved by UV illumination of the cells during staining. We show by flow cytometric analysis that: (1) staining is greatly enhanced by UV illumination of mouse spleen cells before addition of the dye; (2) UV treatment causes an increased permeability toward propidium iodide and intracellular fluorescein as well; (3) the increment in M540 fluorescence precedes permeabilization to propidium iodide, while the latter precedes leakage of fluorescein.

Förster-type energy transfer as a probe for changes in local fluctuations of the protein matrix.

Much evidence, on both theoretical and experimental sides, indicates the importance of local fluctuations (in energy levels, conformational substates, etc.) of the macromolecular matrix in the biological activity of proteins. We describe here a novel application of the Förster-type energy-transfer process capable of monitoring changes both in local fluctuations and in conformational states of macromolecules.

Segmental mobility in glycogen phosphorylase b.

The dynamics and structuredness of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-binding region in glycogen phosphorylase b (EC 2.4.1.

Correlation between activity and dynamics of the protein matrix of phosphorylase b.

Quenching of the tryptophan fluorescence of phosphorylase b was studied by using iodide and acrylamide. Steady-state measurements indicated that all indole side chains were accessible to the nonionic quencher, although only 3 out of the total of 12 residues could be quenched by I-. From Stern--Volmer plots and the fluorescence lifetime data, it was concluded that the quenching was mainly of dynamic character.