Lipid fluidity of erythrocyte membrane: Failure to demonstrate significant alterations in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

A molecular rheological parameter (lipid fluidity) of erythrocyte membrane was investigated in diabetic patients by means of fluorescence polarization method using two fluorescent probes: DPH and TMA–DPH which are localized in different lipid compartments of red cell membrane. Other rheological parameters: plasma viscosity, red cell aggregation and filterability were simultaneously determined. Despite significant alterations in plasma viscosity and red cell aggregation, no important modifications in the membrane fluidity was observed in diabetic patients. The only significant change suggesting an increase in membrane fluidity was observed with TMA–DPH as fluorescent probe in diabetic patients with good metabolic control. Some of the possible factors explaining our data and the opposite results previously reported are discussed with regard to both standardization of methods and metabolic aspects in diabetic patients.