Membrane responses of B-16 melanoma cells to single exposure to ultraviolet light.

Electron spin resonance spectroscopy using the spin probe (5-, 12- and 16-deoxylstearic acid) was employed to analyze the changes in membrane fluidity in B-16 melanoma cells following UV-B exposure. The UV exposure resulted in the immediate accumulation of lipid peroxide, being accompanied by a change in membrane fluidity. The 12-DSA is the most sensitive to the changes in membrane organization caused by UV light. Na+,K+-ATPase activity was regulated by a change in membrane fluidity. Following UV exposure, the release of the prelabeled arachidonic acid from the cells was observed immediately. Ca2+-dependent calmodulin-dependent phospholipase A2-like activity was involved in the UV-stimulated arachidonic acid release from phospholipid.