FIGURE 8.

GSLs/adaGSL stabilize/destabilize cholesterol within PC liposomes. The effect of inclusion of SPM, Gb₃, or adaGb₃ (alone and in combination) on [³H]cholesterol availability to MβCD extraction from cholesterol/PC liposomes was determined. The percentage of cholesterol extracted by PBS (open bars) or 0.25 mm MβCD (gray bars) after 1 h at room temperature is shown. As expected, inclusion of the sphingolipid SPM or Gb₃ increased resistance to cholesterol extraction by MβCD, but adaGb₃ showed a reverse effect. Moreover the inclusion of adaGb₃ together with Gb₃, but not SPM, partially reversed the stabilizing effect on liposomal cholesterol. Error bars, S.D.