We are studying the nature of the progesterone binding site on the amphibian oocyte surface as well as the plasma membrane events initiated by ligand-receptor binding. Our general aim is to define the acetin of steroid at the plasma membrane that is distinct from steroid action at the genome. We are correlating changes in ion transport with membrane fluidity in erythrocytes from diabetic and hypertensive patients.
Initial studies indicate that water structure undergoes cyclical changes during the cell cycle.
A newly initiated project in collaboration with Drs. Gupta, Altura and Altura is concerned with the clinically observed association of low serum Mg, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Our in vitro studies with cerebrovascular and aortic smooth muscle have found that low Mg alters both membrane phospholipid structure and lipid-derived signals. Morrill, G. A., Kostellow, A.B., Osterlow, K. And Gupta, R.K. Differences in hydration state of nucleus and cytoplasm of the amphibian oocyte.