Interaction between spin labels and DPPC vesicles.

1H NMR studies on DPPC vesicles labeled with the spin labels (1,14) or (12,3) have shown that both of the spin labels influence the fatty acid side chains as well as the choline head groups. The spin label (12,3) affects, naturally, the head groups stronger than the spin label (1,14), while the reversed effect can be observed at the side chains. This effect progresses with time after vesicle preparation and is fully developed after about 24 h. Addition of Na-ascorbate, at this time, seems to reverse the effect indicating a stabilizing effect of the vitamin on the membrane. These results could be confirmed by ESR investigations according to which the high-field signal seems to be indicative for changes occurring at the side chains, while the low-field signal seems to reflect modifications of the head groups. Since the spin label (1,14) affects considerably the head groups at temperatures less than 6 degrees C, in which case the spectrum is very similar to that obtained with spin label (12,3) at 24 degrees C, one might conclude that there might be a phase transition in regard to the head groups.