Introduction of alpha-tocopherol into bovine lymphocyte surfaces by lipid vesicles: effects of phospholipid composition on alpha-tocopherol transfer.

Liposomes transferred alpha-tocopherol to bovine peripheral blood lymphocytes (BPBL) at 39 degrees C. Phospholipid ([14C] DMPC) transferred into BPBL at rates similar to [3H] alpha-tocopherol but with less efficiency than [3H] alpha-tocopherol from liposomes containing both labels. Liposomes containing unsaturated phospholipids DOPC and DLPC reduced but did not stop the rates of transfer of alpha-T to BPBL when compared to liposomes composed of DMPC. The presence of [14C] cholesterol in liposomes with [3H] alpha-tocopherol does not restrict but possibly enhances the alpha-tocopherol transfer into BPBL.