Carbohydrate induced modulation of cell membrane I. Interaction of sialic acid with peripheral blood lymphocytes: A spin label study
Sialic acid is now known to serve as ligand for lymphocyte lectins known as selectins. Although its role as a ligand for adhesion molecules has been studied extensively, no studies have been performed to determine the physiological changes in lymphocytes after binding of sialic acid to lymphocyte lectin. We report for the first time that interaction of lymphocytes with sialic acid severely restricts the rotational mobility of the cell surface proteins as well as membrane lipids, as studied by EPR spectroscopy using spin probes. Binding of mucin totally immobilizes the lymphocyte membrane. Surprisingly the binding of sialic acid or mucin also immobilized the aqueous probe TEMPO, indicating an appreciable increase in cytoplasmic viscosity.
Clarified the relationships between self-care behaviors and illness-specific outcomes in approximately 270 youths with IDDM. Youths were assessed at three points in time using a semistructured interview measure and multiple indices of dietary intake and physical activity with two different methodologies (i.e., recalls, logs). Glycemic control was most strongly related to the semistructured Self-Care Adherence Interview (SCAI); and second to the overall quality of the youth's dietary intake. The SCAI also predicted glycemic control over time. Physical activity levels and specific nutritional components from the logs and recalls were generally unrelated to glycemic control.