Age-related characteristics of erythrocyte membrane microviscosity in experimental cardiosclerosis

Age-related changes in the microviscosity coefficient and polarity in the zones of lipid-lipid and lipid-protein contacts have been studied in erythrocyte membranes of 4- and 12-month-old rats (group 1, n = 20, and group 2, n = 20, respectively) using the pyrene lateral diffusion method. Each group included ten control animals and ten animals in which post-infarction cardiac remodeling had been induced. Increased microviscosity and polarity of annular and total membrane lipids were detected in erythrocyte membranes of 12-month-old animals. A pronounced increase in the microviscosity and polarity of erythrocyte membranes in the zone of annular and total lipids occurred in 4-month-old animals in which PICS was induced. Decreased microviscosity in the lipid bilayer and increased microviscosity in the annular lipid zone was characteristic of 12-month-old animals suffering from PICS; lipid polarity in this group was high and did not change.