Fluorescent and Immuno-Electron Microscopy of Detergent Extracted Cytoskeletal and Associated Antigens
Triton X-100 detergent extraction has been shown to be a relatively simple method for revealing the internal architecture of cultured cells. This method has proven valuable in studies of cytoskeleton-associated proteins and their functions in regulating cell activities. Exposed cytoskeletal elements can be examined using either transmission or high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Immunochemical studies at the electron microscopic level have been simplified by the availability of Protein A-colloidal gold as a high affinity marker for immunoglobulins, specifically IgG.Several investigators have reported an association between the cytoskeleton and viral antigens. Evidence has indicated that, in some systems, the cytoskeleton plays a significant role in virus infection. Immunofluorescent studies on canine distemper virus infected, extracted cells have revealed altered cytoskeletal staining patterns, as compared to non-infected controls. In our laboratory, immuno-electronmicroscopy studies of extracted NIH/3T3 cells infected with Maloney-murine leukemia virus have indicated an association between cytoskeletal actin and the viral antigens gp70 and pl5E.