[Fluorescence anisotropy and myelin structure. III. Effect of temperature changes on the orientation of dye molecules in nerve fibers].

Abstract

The temperature dependence of fluorescence polarization of stained nerve fibres has been studied. As has been previously demonstrated by the authors, the dependence of fluorescence polarization on the angle between the electrical vector of exciting light and the fibre axis (azimuth characteristics) is associated with the molecular orientation of dyes adsorbed on the membranes of the myelin sheath. This permits an indirect conclusion to be made about the structure and structural changes of an adsorbent. The experiments with changing temperature show that the molecular orientation of dyes decreases with decline of temperature from the room temperature to the freezing point of the Ringer solution. The structure of myelin membranes is suggested to be stabilized through hydrophobic interaction.