Microtubules and associated microfilaments in the tentacles of the suctorian Heliophrya erhardi Matthes

1976 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 589-617
Author(s):  
M. Hauser ◽  
H. Van Eys
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Ultrastructural Level ◽  
Peritrophic Membrane ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Helical Wave ◽  
Length Changes ◽  
Microscopic Findings

At the ultrastructural level length changes accompanying linear movements of resting (non-feeding) tentacles of the suctorian Heliophrya involve not only altered microtubule numbers, but also marked changes in the specific microtubule pattern of cross-sectioned tentacles. These changes in number and pattern indicate a sliding between axonemal microtubules. The visualization of microfilaments in the cytoplasm at the tentacle base and in the knob region could shed new light on the problem of whether microtubular sliding is an active or passive process. At the tentacle base, microfilaments are either arranged in a ring-shaped configuration around the axoneme, or they run parallel to the axonemal microtubules, whereas at the tentacle tip during the resting state, microfilaments are closely associated with the plasma membrane of the knob. They form a filamentous reticular layer, which is continuous at the anchorage site of axonemal microtubules with the dense epiplasmic layer of the tentacle shaft. Obiously, this filamentous layer is engaged in positioning the haptocysts at the plasma membrane and in holding the membrane itself under tension. The putative contractile nature of microfilaments and the epiplasmic layer is argued from ATP-sensitive glycerol models of tentacles and from the results of halothane treatment of native tentacles. Halothane treatment of resting tentacles also gave indications of the presence of differentially stable intermicrotubule-bridges. The role of micro-filaments and halothane-resistant dynein-like inter-row bridges in tentacle movement is discussed. As soon as the plasma membrane of the knob is ‘sealed’ with the prey pellicle during feeding, the microtubules of the sleeve region slide into the knob where they bend back and outwards. The microtubules now appear decorated and sometimes cross-connected by microfilaments which adhere closely to the plasma membrane- now acting as a peritrophic membrane-lining the prey cytoplasm against the microtubules of the inner tube. These microfilaments which show a close association with the microtubules of the active knob area, are thought to be engaged in microtubular bending and stretching during feeding. They may also be involved in the transport of the peritrophic membrane in distal tentacle regions. Microinematographically recorded oscillations in tentacle diameter in these regions are in agreement with the electron-microscopic findings of various states of collapsed tentacle axonemes. These observations, as well as the occurrence of helically twisted tentacles during feeding, suggest microfilament mediated sequential back and forth movements of sleeve microtubules in the knob region which generate a proximally migrating helical wave.

scholarly journals ESCRT-dependent targeting of plasma membrane localized KCa3.1 to the lysosomes

2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (5) ◽  
pp. C1015-C1027 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina M. Balut ◽  
Yajuan Gao ◽  
Sandra A. Murray ◽  
Patrick H. Thibodeau ◽  
Daniel C. Devor
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Human Embryonic Kidney Cells ◽  
Endosomal Sorting ◽  
Escrt Machinery ◽  
Interfering Rna

The number of intermediate-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa3.1) present at the plasma membrane is deterministic in any physiological response. However, the mechanisms by which KCa3.1 channels are removed from the plasma membrane and targeted for degradation are poorly understood. Recently, we demonstrated that KCa3.1 is rapidly internalized from the plasma membrane, having a short half-life in both human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). In this study, we investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling the degradation of KCa3.1 heterologously expressed in HEK and HMEC-1 cells. Using immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, as well as quantitative biochemical analysis, we demonstrate that membrane KCa3.1 is targeted to the lysosomes for degradation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that either overexpressing a dominant negative Rab7 or short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Rab7 results in a significant inhibition of channel degradation rate. Coimmunoprecipitation confirmed a close association between Rab7 and KCa3.1. On the basis of these findings, we assessed the role of the ESCRT machinery in the degradation of heterologously expressed KCa3.1, including TSG101 [endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-I] and CHMP4 (ESCRT-III) as well as VPS4, a protein involved in the disassembly of the ESCRT machinery. We demonstrate that TSG101 is closely associated with KCa3.1 via coimmunoprecipitation and that a dominant negative TSG101 inhibits KCa3.1 degradation. In addition, both dominant negative CHMP4 and VPS4 significantly decrease the rate of membrane KCa3.1 degradation, compared with wild-type controls. These results are the first to demonstrate that plasma membrane-associated KCa3.1 is targeted for lysosomal degradation via a Rab7 and ESCRT-dependent pathway.

An immunocytochemical, cytosol, and ultrastructural study of tissue ferritin in breast carcinoma

1994 ◽  
Vol 52 ◽  
pp. 298-299
Author(s):  
Robert L. Elliott ◽  
Fen Wang ◽  
Mary C. Elliott ◽  
Jonathan F. Head
Keyword(s):  
Breast Carcinoma ◽  
Malignant Tissue ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Major Site ◽  
Intense Staining ◽  
Cytoplasmic Staining ◽  
Ferritin Concentration ◽  
Benign Tissue ◽  
Microscopic Findings

Increased levels of serum ferritin in breast carcinoma is well known, however, its exact source has been disputed. Weinstein et al found six times the ferritin concentration in malignant tissue as compared to benign tissue. The anaplastic tumors had the highest ferritin concentrations, suggesting that the major site of the increased ferritin was the malignant epithelium. We found in a previous cytosolic and electron microscopic study of tissue ferritin in breast carcinoma that the malignant epithelium is almost certainly the source of the increased ferritin.To better define and expand this study and increase our knowledge of the role of transferrin receptors and iron metabolism in breast cancer, we began an immunocytochemical study of tissue ferritin to compliment our cytosol and ultrastructural observations. This was done with a mouse antihuman ferritin monoclonal antibody. To date 92 specimens have been examined by all three techniques. Immunocytochemical tissue slides showed intense staining of the cytoplasm with immunoperoxidase, and the intensity of the cytoplasmic staining correlated with the cytosolic concentrations and the electron microscopic findings.

ATP is required in platelet serotonin exocytosis for protein phosphorylation and priming of secretory vesicles docked on the plasma membrane

1996 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-118
Author(s):  
T. Morimoto ◽  
S. Ogihara
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Protein Phosphatase ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Dense Granules ◽  
Granule Membrane ◽  
Microscopic Studies ◽  
Amorphous Structures ◽  
Gamma S

Calcium-evoked secretion generally requires the presence of millimolar concentrations of Mg-ATP. We investigated the role of Mg-ATP in the secretion of serotonin from electropermeabilized bovine platelets. The secretion of serotonin was lost within 5 minutes when the Mg-ATP concentration was diluted to less than 0.1 mM, but was maintained when ATP-gamma S (adenosine 5′-O-3-thiotriphosphate) was used instead of ATP. Okadaic acid, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase, could also maintain the exocytotic activity even when ATP was diluted. Decrease in the secretory activity was paralleled by a decrease in phosphorylation level of four proteins after dilution of ATP, but the activity was maintained when the thiophosphorylation level of these proteins was maintained. Two of these proteins were digested by a protease, calpain, which has been shown to lead to a loss in the exocytotic activity. Electron microscopic studies showed that calcium did not induce the formation of distinct bridge-like structures between the granule membrane and the plasma membrane in Mg-ATP-diluted cells, previously shown as the structure transiently formed prior to fusion of the two membranes. Anchorage of the secretory dense granules to the plasma membrane and the presence of the amorphous structures between the granules and the plasma membrane were unchanged by dilution of ATP. These results indicate that ATP is not required for the anchorage itself, but is required to prime anchored granules for calcium-triggered secretion. Maintenance of the phosphorylated state of proteins by ATP enables the calcium trigger to form the bridge-like structures preceding membrane fusion events.

Actin-dependent light-induced translocation of mitochondria and ER cisternae in the photoreceptor cells of the locust Schistocerca gregaria

1995 ◽  
Vol 108 (6) ◽  
pp. 2273-2283 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Sturmer ◽  
O. Baumann ◽  
B. Walz
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Cytochalasin B ◽  
Schistocerca Gregaria ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Electron Microscopic Examination ◽  
Photoreceptor Cells ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Filament Bundles

Light-dependent changes in the positioning of organelles in photoreceptor cells of arthropods are a well-known phenomenon. In this study, we examine the role of the cytoskeleton in these light-dependent antagonistic movements. In dark-adapted photoreceptor cells of the locust Schistocerca gregaria, prominent sacs of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) oppose the bases of the photoreceptive microvilli. Light stimulation causes a translocation of the ER elements towards the main cell body, and an aggregation of mitochondria adjacent to the microvilli. Immunofluorescence studies and electron-microscopic examination of chemically fixed or high-pressure-frozen, freeze-substituted specimens demonstrate a lack of microtubules in the submicrovillar region. However, numerous filament bundles are aligned in close association with mitochondria and ER elements, along the track of their movement. Fluorescent phallotoxins and monoclonal anti-actin antibodies label filament bundles in the submicrovillar region, indicating that they are composed of F-actin. Finally, depolymerization of the submicrovillar actin filaments by incubation with cytochalasin B results in a blockade of the movement of mitochondria and ER cisternae towards the rhabdom. These results suggest that the light-dependent translocation of both ER cisternae and mitochondria occurs along actin filaments.

scholarly journals Role of Surface Electric Charge in Red Blood Cell Interactions

1973 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 638-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kung-Ming Jan ◽  
Shu Chien
Keyword(s):  
Surface Charge ◽  
Molecular Size ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Human Red Blood Cells ◽  
Rbc Aggregation ◽  
20 Nm ◽  
Microscopic Findings

The role of the surface charge of human red blood cells (RBC's) in affecting RBC aggregation by macromolecules was studied by comparing the behavior of normal RBC's with that of RBC's treated with neuraminidase, which removes the sialic acids from the cell membrane and reduces the zeta potential. RBC aggregation in dextrans with different molecular weights (Dx 20, Dx 40, and Dx 80) was quantified by microscopic observation, measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and determination of low-shear viscosity. Dx 20 did not cause aggregation of normal RBC's, but caused considerable aggregation of neuraminidase-treated RBC's. Neuraminidase-treated RBC's also showed stronger aggregation than normal RBC's in Dx 40 and 80. Together with the electron microscopic findings that the intercellular distance in the RBC rouleaux varies with the molecular size of dextrans used, the present study indicates that the surface charge of RBC's inhibits their aggregation by dextrans and that the electrostatic repulsive force between cell surfaces may operate over a distance of 20 nm.

Immunocytochemical Localization of Amyloid Protein AA in the “Dense Fibrillar Inclusions” of the Reticuloendothelical Cells

1977 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 438-439
Author(s):  
T. Shirahama ◽  
M. Skinner ◽  
A.S. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Amyloid Fibril ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Gel Filtration ◽  
Fibril Formation ◽  
Amyloid Protein ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Amyloid Deposits ◽  
Amyloid Fibril Formation ◽  
Electron Microscopic Technique ◽  
Lysosomal System

A1thought the mechanisms of amyloidogenesis have not been entirely clarified, proteolysis of the parent proteins may be one of the important steps in the amyloid fibril formation. Recently, we reported that "dense fibrillar inclusions" (DFI), which had the characteristics of lysosomes and contained organized fibrillar profiles as well, were observed in the reticuloendothelial cells in close association with the foci of new amyloid deposits. We considered the findings as evidence for the involvement of lysosomal system in amyloid fibril formation (l). In the present study, we attempted to determine the identity of the contents of the DFI by the use of antisera against the amyloid protein (AA) and an immuno-electron microscopic technique.Amyloidosis was induced in CBA/J mice by daily injections of casein (l). AA was isolated from amyloid-laden spleens by gel filtration and antibody to it was produced in rabbits (2). For immunocytochemistry, the unlabeled antibody enzyme method (3) was employed.

Immunocytochemistry. A Review of Methodology for Electron Microscopic Applicaiton

1974 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 328-329
Author(s):  
Joseph E. Mazurkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Ultrastructural Level ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Biological Interest ◽  
Investigative Approach ◽  
Immunologic Activity ◽  
Dense Label

Immunocytochemistry is a powerful investigative approach in which one of the most exacting examples of specificity, that of the reaction of an antibody with its antigen, isused to localize tissue and cell specific molecules in situ. Following the introduction of fluorescent labeled antibodies in T950, a large number of molecules of biological interest had been studied with light microscopy, especially antigens involved in the pathogenesis of some diseases. However, with advances in electron microscopy, newer methods were needed which could reveal these reactions at the ultrastructural level. An electron dense label that could be coupled to an antibody without the loss of immunologic activity was desired.

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