Changes in composition and properties of erythrocyte membrane in chronic alcoholics.

AIMS AND METHODS Alterations in cholesterol and phospholipid contents as well as fluidity and lipid peroxidation in erythrocyte membranes from chronic alcoholic humans were investigated. RESULTS While an increase in cholesterol with no change in phospholipid content was observed in erythrocyte membranes, the phospholipid content increased with no change in cholesterol in plasma. CONCLUSIONS An increase in microviscosity and a consequent decrease in membrane fluidity were evident from the studies of fluorescent hydrocarbon pyrene mobility in the bilayer of erythrocytes in chronic alcoholics. Also, an enhancement in the lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes from alcoholics is indicative of structural damage of membrane resulting from oxidative stress.