The interactions of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleylphosphatidylcholine and bovine brain cerebroside.

Model membranes composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) and bovine brain galactocerebroside (BOV-CER) have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). POPC is a naturally occurring phospholipid, and BOV-CER is a major component of the myelin membrane. POPC and BOV-CER are immiscible in the gel state over the composition range 0-70 mol% BOV-CER. At most POPC/BOV-CER ratios, broad dual-peaked acyl chain transitions are observed, characteristic of the co-existence of a fluid POPC-rich liquid-crystalline phase and a solid BOV-CER-rich gel phase over a wide temperature range.