Methods in enzymology, vol. 171, biomembranes, part R, transport theory: Cells and model membranes

BOOK Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 171, Biomembranes, Part R, Transport Theory: Cells and Model Membranes. Edited by S. FLEISCHER AND B. FLEISCHER. Academic Press, San Diego, 1989. 926 pp. $95.00. Volume 171 covers several unrelated aspects of ion transport and is separated somewhat arbitrarily into five sections. Rather than the emphasis on methodology, that characterizes many of the earlier volumes in this series, the chapters in this volume depend heavily on mathematical interpretation of data generated by a few selected methods. Section 1 on the transport theory describes the kinetics of model systems of ion transport and exemplifies the theoretical rather than practical approach to the study of ion transport that characterizes this volume. The information on kinetic theory in this chapter, and throughout the volume, is comprehensive, even if not introductory. Section 2 on “Model Membranes and Their Characteristics” covers liposome preparation and reconstituted protein-lipid membranes. Methods for measuring electrical properties of ion carriers (proteins or ionophores) in planar-lipid membranes are also included in the section as well as two useful chapters on dyes and fluorescent probes used in measuring surface charge and potential. Section 3 entitled “Cell Isolation” gives methods for isolation of gastric and ascites cells. Most of the chapters in the section, however,

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describe the use and theory of separation techniques including gradient centrifugation, elutriation, velocity sedimentation, free flow electrophoresis, and cytometry and partition. Somehow this does not appear to be the place to effectively describe the production of monoclonal antibodies. Section 4 entitled “Polar Cell Systems” describes electrical measurements in epithelia and includes direct current, impedance, patchclamp, passive permeation, and scanning electrode measurements. Section 5 on “Cell Modification” has two comprehensive chapters on cell permealization and a chapter on Sendai virus fusion and resonance energy transfer. Within the different sections are several small chapters dealing with specific methods such as the preparation of inverted microvesicles from erythrocytes or how to make porous-bottom culture dishes to study epithelial cell transport. There are also much longer chapters t-50 pages each) on, for example, equilibrium thermodynamics, epithelial volume regulation, and the use of NMR to characterize a gramicidin channel in artificial membranes. These long and self-contained chapters, as well as several chapters on the use of ionophores, are interspersed throughout the volume. There is much here but it is almost randomly distributed, is incomplete in coverage, and is of uneven quality. E. GROLLMAN

NIH