scholarly journals The Fine Structure of the Rod-Bipolar Cell Synapse in the Retina of the Albino Rat

1958 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron J. Ladman
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Bipolar Cell ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Lower Pole ◽  
Albino Rat ◽  
Cytoplasmic Vesicles ◽  
Thin Lamella ◽  
Cell Synapse

The fine structure of the rod-bipolar synapse is described and illustrated. Each rod spherule possesses a large, single, oval or elongate mitochondrion approximately 0.5 x 2.0 microns. Surrounding the mitochondrion are elements of agranular endoplasmic reticulum. The bipolar dendrite projects into the lower pole of the spherule and usually terminates in two lobes separated by a cleft. The plasma membranes appear dense and thicker in the region of the synapse. In the rod spherule cytoplasm, contiguous with the plasma membrane is a dense, slightly concave arciform structure, the rod arciform density, extending from the base of the bipolar bifid process through the cleft to an equivalent point on the opposite side. Also within the spherule, and external (towards the sclera) to the rod arciform density, is a parallel, dense, thin lamella, the rod synaptic lamella. This is approximately 25 mµ in thickness and 400 mµ in width at its widest extent. This halfmoon-shaped plate straddles the cleft between the two lobes of the bipolar process. The lamella appears to consist of short regular rodlets or cylinders 5 to 7 mµ in diameter, oriented with their long axes perpendicular to the plane of the lamella. Minute cytoplasmic vesicles found in the cytoplasm of both the rod spherule and the bipolar terminal are most abundant near the rod synaptic lamella.

Incorporation in vivo of [32P]orthophosphate and [Me-3H]choline into rough microsomal, Golgi, and plasma membranes of rat liver

1977 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 876-885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia L. Chang ◽  
John R. Riordan ◽  
Mario A. Moscarello ◽  
Jennifer M. Sturgess
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Rat Liver ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Specific Radioactivity ◽  
Marker Enzyme ◽  
Golgi Membranes ◽  
Endomembrane Flow

To study membrane biogenesis and to test the validity of the endomembrane flow hypothesis, incorporation of 32P and [Me-3H]choline in vivo into membranes of the rat liver was followed. Rough microsomal, Golgi-rich, and plasma membrane fractions were monitored with marker enzyme assays and shown with morphometric analysis to contain 82% rough microsomes, at least 70% Golgi complexes, and 88% plasma membranes, respectively. Membrane subfractions from the rough microsomal and Golgi-rich fractions were prepared by sonic disruption.At 5 to 30 min after 32P injection, the specific radioactivity of phosphatidylcholine was higher in the rough microsomal membranes than in the Golgi membranes. From 1 to 3 h, the specific activity of phosphatidylcholine in Golgi membranes became higher and reached the maximum at about 3 h. Although the plasma membrane had the lowest specific radioactivity throughout 0.25–3 h, it increased rapidly thereafter to attain the highest specific activity at 5 h. Both rough microsomal and plasma membranes reached their maxima at 5 h.The specific radioactivity of [32P]phosphatidylethanolamine in the three membrane fractions was similar to that of [32P]phosphatidylcholine except from 5 to 30 min, when the specific radioactivity of phosphatidylethanolamine in the Golgi membranes was similar to the rough microsomal membranes.At 15 min to 5 h after [Me-3H]choline injection, more than 90% of the radioactivity in all the membranes was acid-precipitable. The specific radioactivities of the acid-precipitated membranes, expressed as dpm per milligram protein, reached the maximum at 3 h. After [Me-3H]choline injection, the specific radioactivity of phosphatidylcholine separated from the lipid extract of the acid-precipitated membranes (dpm per micromole phosphorus) did not differ significantly in the three membrane fractions. The results indicated rapid incorporation of choline into membrane phosphatidylcholine by the rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and plasma membranes simultaneously.The data with both 32P and [Me-3H]choline precursors did not support the endomembrane flow hypothesis. The Golgi complexes apparently synthesized phosphatidylethanolamine and incorporated choline into phosphatidylcholine as well as the endoplasmic reticulum. The results are discussed with relevance to current hypotheses on the biogenesis and transfer of membrane phospholipids.

Ultrastructural changes induced in zoospores of Lagenidium callinectes by exposure to Captan

1979 ◽  
Vol 57 (20) ◽  
pp. 2116-2121 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Ruch ◽  
C. E. Bland
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Nuclear Matrix ◽  
Active Component ◽  
Marine Fungus ◽  
Toxic Action ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Mitochondrial Matrix ◽  
Growth Development

The effects of the fungicide Captan on growth, development, and fine structure of the marine fungus Lagenidium callinectes Couch are studied. At the minimum lethal concentration (LC100) of Captan for L. callinectes (3.2 ppm active component), zoospores exposed for 30 min failed to encyst or germinate. Ultrastructural changes caused by exposure to Captan included "washing-out" of the mitochondrial matrix and disappearance of many of the cristae, clumping of the chromatin and disappearance of the nuclear matrix, and swelling of the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum. Longer exposure of zoospores to Captan resulted ultimately in breakdown of the plasma membrane. These observations were in agreement with those of previous studies which indicated that the toxic action of Captan occurs primarily in mitochondria.

scholarly journals SUBSURFACE CISTERNS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEURONAL PLASMA MEMBRANE

1962 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Rosenbluth
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Nerve Cell ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Granular Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Supporting Cells ◽  
Golgi Membranes ◽  
Subsurface Cisterns ◽  
Central Nervous Systems ◽  
Neuronal Plasma Membrane

Subsurface cisterns (SSC's) are large, flattened, membrane-limited vesicles which are very closely apposed to the inner aspect of the plasma membranes of nerve cell bodies and the proximal parts of their processes. They occur in a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate neurons of both the peripheral and central nervous systems, but not in the surrounding supporting cells. SSC's are sheet-like in configuration, having a luminal depth which may be less than 100 A and a breadth which may be as much as several microns. They are separated from the plasmalemma by a light zone of ∼50 to 80 A which sometimes contains a faint intermediate line. Flattened, agranular cisterns resembling SSC's, but structurally distinct from both typical granular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and from Golgi membranes, also occur deep in the cytoplasm of neurons. It is suggested that membranes which are closely apposed may interact, resulting in alterations in their respective properties. The patches of neuronal plasmalemma associated with subsurface cisterns may, therefore, have special properties because of this association, resulting in a non-uniform neuronal surface. The possible significance of SSC's in relation to neuronal electrophysiology and metabolism is discussed.

A comparison of membrane fracture faces of fixed and unfixed glycerinated tissue

1976 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-448
Author(s):  
A.S. Breathnach ◽  
M. Gross ◽  
B. Martin ◽  
C. Stolinski
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Striated Muscle ◽  
Freeze Fracture ◽  
Particle Aggregation ◽  
Buccal Epithelium ◽  
Mitochondrial Membranes ◽  
Nuclear Membranes ◽  
General Plasma

Fixed (glutaraldehyde, 3%) and unfixed specimens of rat buccal epithelium, striated muscle, and liver, were cryoprotected with glycerol, freeze-fractured, and replicated without sublimation. A comparison of fracture faces of general plasma membranes, nuclear membranes, mitochondrial membranes, and membranes of rough endoplasmic reticulum revealed no significant differences as between fixed and unfixed material. Apart from some membranes of liver endoplasmic reticulum, there was no evidence of aggregation or redistribution of intramembranous particles in the unfixed material. The results demonstrate that chemical prefixation of tissues for freeze-fracture is not always necessary, or even desirable, and that glycerol may not be as deeply or directly implicated in particle aggregation as previously thought. Fixation with glutaraldehyde alters the cleaving behaviour of plasma membrane at desmosomes and tight junctions, but not at gap junctions.

scholarly journals myo-Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate mobilizes Ca2+ from isolated adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum but not from plasma membranes

1986 ◽  
Vol 236 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
D M Delfert ◽  
S Hill ◽  
H A Pershadsingh ◽  
W R Sherman ◽  
J M McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Initial Rate ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Heavy Fraction ◽  
Differential Centrifugation ◽  
Plasma Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Inositol 1,4,5 Trisphosphate ◽  
Uptake And Release

The effects of myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) on Ca2+ uptake and release from isolated adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane vesicles were investigated. Effects of IP3 were initially characterized using an endoplasmic reticulum preparation with cytosol present (S1-ER). Maximal and half-maximal effects of IP3 on Ca2+ release from S1-ER vesicles occurred at 20 microM- and 7 microM-IP3, respectively, in the presence of vanadate which prevents the re-uptake of released Ca2+ via the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump. At saturating IP3 concentrations, Ca2+ release in the presence of vanadate was 20% of the exchangeable Ca2+ pool. IP3-induced release of Ca2+ from S1-ER was dependent on extravesicular free Ca2+ concentration with maximal release occurring at 0.13 microM free Ca2+. At 20 microM-IP3 there was no effect on the initial rate of Ca2+ uptake by S1-ER. IP3 promoted Ca2+ release from isolated endoplasmic reticulum vesicles (cytosol not present) to a similar level as compared with S1-ER. Addition of cytosol to isolated endoplasmic reticulum vesicles did not affect IP3-induced Ca2+ release. The endoplasmic reticulum preparation was further fractionated into heavy and light vesicles by differential centrifugation. Interestingly, the heavy fraction, but not the light fraction, released Ca2+ when challenged with IP3. IP3 (20 microM) did not promote Ca2+ release from plasma membrane vesicles and had no effect on the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity or on the initial rate of ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by these vesicles. These results support the concept that IP3 acts exclusively at the endoplasmic reticulum to promote Ca2+ release.

Effect of digitonin on rat myometrium subcellular membrane fractions

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (11) ◽  
pp. 1128-1133 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. Grover ◽  
C. Y. Kwan ◽  
J. Crankshaw ◽  
E. E. Daniel
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cytochrome C ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mitochondrial Marker ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Subcellular Membrane ◽  
Ca Uptake ◽  
Isopycnic Centrifugation

Isopycnic centrifugation experiments using sucrose density gradients showed that in digitonin-treated microsomes the distribution of the plasma membrane (PM) marker 5′-nucleotidase was shifted to higher densities. The treatment also caused similar but less pronounced changes in the distribution of protein, the putative endoplasmic reticulum (ER) marker NADPH-dependent cytochrome c reductase, and the inner mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase. Similar experiments using more purified membrane fractions showed that the digitonin treatment led to a comparable increase in the densities of the fractions N1 and N2 previously described as subfractions of plasma membrane and to considerably less increase in the density of the fraction N3B which is enriched in the endoplasmic reticulum and the inner mitochondrial markers. Digitonin inhibited the ATP-dependent Ca uptake by the N1 fraction in a concentration-dependent manner (I50 = 0.3 mg/mL). Digitonin (0.5 mg/mL) inhibited the ATP-dependent azide-insensitive Ca uptake by all the fractions. The results support the hypothesis that (a) N1 and N2 are subfractions of plasma membrane, and (b) ATP-dependent azide-insensitive Ca uptake in rat myometrium is a property of plasma membranes.

scholarly journals ACTIVE TRANSPORT BY THE CECROPIA MIDGUT

1966 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Everett Anderson ◽  
William R. Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Goblet Cell ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Goblet Cells ◽  
Potassium Transport ◽  
Columnar Cell ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Basal Region ◽  
Cytoplasmic Matrix

A morphological basis for transcellular potassium transport in the midgut of the mature fifth instar larvae of Hyalophora cecropia has been established through studies with the light and electron microscopes. The single-layered epithelium consists of two distinct cell types, the columnar cell and the goblet cell. No regenerative cells are present. Both columnar and goblet cells rest on a well developed basement lamina. The basal portion of the columnar cell is incompletely divided into compartments by deep infoldings of the plasma membrane, whereas the apical end consists of numerous cytoplasmic projections, each of which is covered with a fine fuzzy or filamentous material. The cytoplasm of this cell contains large amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum, microtubules, and mitochondria. In the basal region of the cell the mitochondria are oriented parallel to the long axes of the folded plasma-lemma, but in the intermediate and apical portions they are randomly scattered within the cytoplasmic matrix. Compared to the columnar cell, the goblet cell has relatively little endoplasmic reticulum. On the other hand, the plications of the plasma membrane of the goblet cell greatly exceed those of the columnar cell. One can distinguish at least four characteristic types of folding: (a) basal podocytelike extensions, (b) lateral evaginations, (c) apical microvilli, and (d) specialized cytoplasmic projections which line the goblet chamber. Apically, the projections are large and branch to form villus-like units, whereas in the major portion of the cavity each projection appears to contain an elongate mitochondrion. Junctional complexes of similar kind and position appear between neighboring columnar cells and between adjacent columnar and goblet cells as follows: a zonula adherens is found near the luminal surface and is followed by one or more zonulae occludentes. The morphological data obtained in this study and the physiological information on ion transport through the midgut epithelium have encouraged us to suggest that the goblet cell may be the principal unit of active potassium transport from the hemolymph to the lumen of the midgut. We have postulated that ion accumulation by mitochondria in close association with plicated plasma membranes may play a role in the active movement of potassium across the midgut.

scholarly journals Immunocytochemical techniques reveal multiple, distinct cellular pools of PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2

2009 ◽  
Vol 422 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald R. V. Hammond ◽  
Giampietro Schiavo ◽  
Robin F. Irvine
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Membrane Lipid ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Immunocytochemical Detection ◽  
Plasma Membrane Lipid ◽  
Cytoplasmic Vesicles ◽  
Immunocytochemical Techniques ◽  
Phosphatidylinositol 4

PtdIns4P is the major precursor for the synthesis of the multifunctional plasma membrane lipid, PtdIns(4,5)P2. Yet PtdIns4P also functions as a regulatory lipid in its own right, particularly at the Golgi apparatus. In the present study we define specific conditions that enable preservation of several organellar membranes for the immunocytochemical detection of PtdIns4P. We report distinct pools of this lipid in both Golgi and plasma membranes, which are synthesized by different PI4K (phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase) activities, and also the presence of PtdIns4P in cytoplasmic vesicles, which are not readily identifiable as PI4K containing trafficking intermediates. In addition, we present evidence that the majority of PtdIns4P resides in the plasma membrane, where it is metabolically distinct from the steady-state plasma membrane pool of PtdIns(4,5)P2.

scholarly journals ARCHITECTURE AND NERVE SUPPLY OF MAMMALIAN SMOOTH MUSCLE TISSUE

1957 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 867-878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudolf Caesar ◽  
George A. Edwards ◽  
Helmut Ruska
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Muscle Cell ◽  
Muscle Tissue ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Autonomic Nerves ◽  
Smooth Muscle Tissue

Smooth muscle tissue from mouse urinary bladder, uterus, and gall bladder has been studied by means of the electron microscope. The smooth muscle cells are distinctly and completely separated from each other by a cytolemma comparable to the sarcolemma of striated muscle. The tissue is thus cellular and not syncytial. With this evidence, supported by electron microscopy of other tissues, we question the existence of true syncytia in animal tissues. Individual cell membranes necessary for the electrophysiologic events exist in smooth muscle, and its nerve and conduction in a tissue such as uterus or bladder can occur at the cellular level as well as at the tissue area level. The smooth muscle cell contains myofilaments, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi complex, centrosome, and pinocytotic vesicles. These structures are described in some detail, and their probable interrelations and functions are discussed. The autonomic nerves innervating smooth muscle cells are composed of axons and lemnoblasts. The axon is suspended by the mesaxon formed by the infolded plasma membrane of the lemnoblast. The respective plasma membranes separate axon and lemnoblast from each other and from surrounding muscle cells. The axons of autonomic nerves never penetrate the plasma membrane of the muscle cell, but pass or intrude into muscle cell pockets, forming a contact between axonal plasma membrane and smooth muscle plasma membrane. The lemnoblast shows well developed endoplasmic reticulum with Palade granules, mitochondria, and a long, elliptical nucleus. The axon contains neurofilaments, mitochondria, and synaptic vesicles; the quantity of the latter two being significantly greater in the periphery of lemnoblasts and near axon-muscle contact regions. We regard the contact regions as the synapses between the autonomic nerves and the smooth muscle cells.

scholarly journals UNE FORME MICROTUBULAIRE ET PARACRISTALLINE DE RETICULUM ENDOPLASMIQUE DANS LES PHOTOCYTES DES ANNELIDES POLYNOINÆ

1966 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Bassot
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Contact Surface ◽  
Special Kind ◽  
The Other ◽  
Cytoplasmic Organelle ◽  
Specialized Form

Luminous cells of polynoid worm elytra have been examined by methods of electron microscopy, with special attention focused on the fine structure of photogenic grains. These cells send apical prolongations into the mid-part of the elytra. The plasma membrane is very sinuous, and a special kind of desmosome links two portions of the same membrane. In addition to all the organelles which can be found in nonluminescent epithelial cells of the elytra, numerous photogenic grains are contained in their cytoplasm. These grains are composed of undulating microtubules measuring 200 A in diameter; their disposition in the grain is highly regular, and the grains appear as paracrystals. At the borders of the grains, the walls of the microtubules are often in continuity with those of the endoplasmic reticulum and with the external membrane of the nuclear envelope. Because of this fact, the microtubules of the grains may be considered a cytoplasmic organelle, representing a specialized form of the endoplasmic reticulum. The microtubules permit the repartition, inside and outside their walls, of two different products, one being forty-three times more abundant than the other; thus, the contact surface, in comparison to the volume, is greatly increased. The induction of the luminous reaction by change in the permeability of the microtubule walls, allowing contact between the two substances, is suggested as a working hypothesis. There is an evolution of the grains along the axis of the photocytes. The grains are often surrounded by progressively increasing amounts of glycogen. Their paracrystalline disposition is altered at the apex of the luminous cells.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document