Chlorpromazine and force relaxation in the cochlear outer hair cell plasma membrane – An optical tweezers study

D. R. Murdock, S. Ermilov, B. Anvari, A. A. Spector, A. S. Popel, W. E. Brownell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The cationic amphipath chlorpromazine (CPZ) is postulated to selectively partition into the inner leaflet of the plasma membranes and modulate the electromotile behavior of cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs). We used an optical tweezers system to characterize the mechanical properties of OHCs plasma membrane (PM) through the formation and analysis of membrane tethers in the presence and absence of CPZ. We observed characteristic force relaxation when the tethers were formed and maintained at a constant length for extended periods. This relaxation process was modeled using a 2nd order Kelvin body that provided stiffness, membrane viscosity-related measurements, and relaxation time constants, which collectively indicated an overall biphasic nature of relaxation. Our results with CPZ strengthen the hypothesis linking the drug’s effect to reducing the mechanical interaction between PM and cytoskeleton.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAuditory Mechanisms
Subtitle of host publicationProcesses and Models - Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium
EditorsAlfred L. Nuttall, Tianying Ren, Peter Gillespie, Karl Grosh, Egbert de Boer
PublisherWorld Scientific Publishing Co. Pte Ltd
Pages235-236
Number of pages2
ISBN (Electronic)9812568247, 9789812568243
StatePublished - 2005
Event9th International Mechanics of Hearing Workshop on Auditory Mechanisms: Processes and Models, MoH 2005 - Portland, United States
Duration: Jul 23 2005Jul 28 2005

Publication series

NameAuditory Mechanisms: Processes and Models - Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium

Conference

Conference9th International Mechanics of Hearing Workshop on Auditory Mechanisms: Processes and Models, MoH 2005
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland
Period7/23/057/28/05

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Chlorpromazine and force relaxation in the cochlear outer hair cell plasma membrane – An optical tweezers study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this