In this work, we have monitored the changes in hippocampal membrane order and related parameters by cholesterol and protein content utilizing a Nile Red-based phase-sensitive fluorescent membrane probe NR12S.  Since alteration of membrane cholesterol is often associated with membrane phase change, the phase-sensitive nature of NR12S fluorescence becomes useful in these experiments.  Our results show that fluorescence spectroscopic parameters such as emission maximum, anisotropy, and lifetime of NR12S display characteristic dependence on membrane cholesterol content.  Interestingly, cholesterol-dependent red edge excitation shift is displayed by NR12S under these conditions. 
NR12S
In this work, we have monitored the changes in hippocampal membrane order and related parameters by cholesterol and protein content utilizing a Nile Red-based phase-sensitive fluorescent membrane probe NR12S.  Since alteration of membrane cholesterol is often associated with membrane phase change, the phase-sensitive nature of NR12S fluorescence becomes useful in these experiments.  Our results show that fluorescence spectroscopic parameters such as emission maximum, anisotropy, and lifetime of NR12S display characteristic dependence on membrane cholesterol content.  Interestingly, cholesterol-dependent red edge excitation shift is displayed by NR12S under these conditions. 
NR12S