Age-Related Features of the Viscosity of Plasma and Mitochondrial Membranes of Hepatocytes in Liver Cirrhosis.

The viscosity of plasma and mitochondrial membranes of hepatocytes was studied in young (3-month-old) and old (9-month-old) male Wistar rats. It was shown that viscosity of hepatocyte plasma and mitochondrial membranes in young rats under optimal vital functions in the area of protein—lipid membrane contacts was significantly lower than in old rats. No age-related differences in the viscosity of lipid—lipid membrane contacts and in the polarity of protein—lipid contacts and lipid layers were found. Liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride and ethanol administration was associated with increased fluidity of the plasma and mitochondrial membranes of hepatocytes in rats of both age groups. The decrease in membrane viscosity in young rats occurred due to a decrease of the viscosity in the area of protein—lipid and lipid—lipid contacts, while in old rats in the area of protein—lipid contacts. Carbon tetrachloride and ethanol did not affect the polarity of lipid contacts and lipid layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]