Modification of phosphatidylcholine-opiates interaction by different buffers

The influence of subphase composition and ionic strength on the interaction between opiate molecules and phosphatidylcholine has been studied. Results show that a neutral pH favours the penetration of opiate molecules in phosphatidylcholine monolayers, but the ionic strength and the chemical nature of buffer components affect also greatly these interactions. The results could explain, in part the differences in opioid binding values observed for different buffers.