To study the role of sulfhydryl group formation during cell cycle progression, mammalian tissue culture cells (PTK2) were exposed to 100¼M 2-mercaptoethanol for 2 to 6 h during their exponential phase of growth. The effects of 2-mercaptoethanol on centrosomes, chromosomes, microtubules, membranes and intermediate filaments were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM) methods using a human autoimmune antibody directed against centrosomes (SPJ), and a mouse monoclonal antibody directed against tubulin (E7). Chromosomes were affected most by this treatment: premature chromosome condensation was detected in interphase nuclei, and the structure in mitotic chromosomes was altered compared to control cells. This would support previous findings in dividing sea urchin cells in which chromosomes are arrested at metaphase while the centrosome splitting cycle continues. It might also support findings that certairt-sulfhydryl-blocking agents block cyclin destruction. The organization of the microtubule network was scattered probably due to a looser organization of centrosomal material at the interphase centers and at the mitotic poles.
