Participation of π-Electrons of Phospholipid Molecules in Absorption of Ultraviolet Light in the Range of 260–280 nm

• Published in: Journal of evolutionary biochemistry and physiology Vol. 41; no. 3; pp. 296 - 300
• Main Authors: Zabelinskii, S. A., Chebotareva, M. A., Shukolyukova, E. P., Furaev, V. V., Krivchenko, A. I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.05.2005
• ISSN: 0022-0930; 1608-3202
• DOI: 10.1007/s10893-005-0062-y

The UV-spectra (230-260 nm) of the rat brain lipid extract and of individual extract lipid fractions obtained on a column with silica gel (10 mu m) were studied. It was found out that hydration of the lipid extract led to a decrease of the absorption intensity of the UV-spectrum by 70% as compared with the initial intensity. Addition of silica gel to the lipid extract decreases twice the UV-spectrum intensity, whereas the repeated addition of silica gel does not decrease intensity of the UV absorption, with no changes of the amount of phospholipids in the lipid extract. Some lipid fractions isolated from the column shift the UV-spectra towards the shorter wavelength region, while the fractions containing phosphatidylcholine shift the spectrum towards the longer wavelength region. It has been established that the phosphatidylcholine fractions containing different amounts of polyenic acids differ by the UV-spectrum intensity. It was concluded that chromophore groups of polyunsaturated acids of phospholipids participated in absorption of energy in the range of 260-280 nm, which lead to excitation of valence electrons of multiple (double) bonds. Energy of such electrons can be used in interactions with other molecules, in particular, for energy transfer inside the membrane monolayer.