Detergent extraction of erythrocyte ghosts. Comparison of residues after cholate and Triton x-100 treatments

Abstract

1. 1. Human erythrocyte ghosts were extracted with individual free and conjugated bile salts and, for comparison, with Triton X-100 under conditions approximating to physiological temperature, pH and tonicity. 2. 2. Treatment with cholate, glycocholate, taurocholate, or with Triton X-100 gave lipid-depleted residues. These could still be seen as ghost-like profiles by phase contrast microscopy. Deoxycholate brought about complete membrane dissolution. 3. 3. The cholate residue gave a trilamellar image by electron microscopy and in condensed form gave a smaller membrane repeat than untreated membranes. It had a polypeptide composition representing mainly integral proteins. 4. 4. The Triton X-100 residue had a granular profile in the electron microscope and a polypeptide composition largely representing peripheral proteins. © 1976.