scholarly journals "NEW MEMBRANE" FORMATION IN AMOEBA PROTEUS UPON INJURY OF INDIVIDUAL CELLS

1971 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 747-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Szubinska

Changes in the plasma membrane complex following the injury of single cells of Amoeba proteus were examined with the electron microscope. Two types of injury were employed in this study; cells were either pinched ("cut") in half or speared with a glass microneedle, and quickly fixed. Speared cells, when fixed in the presence of the ruthenium violet (a derivative of ruthenium red), revealed the presence of an extra trilaminar structure outside of each cell. This structure, called the "new membrane," was separated from the plasma membrane complex by a distance of less than a micron. The trilaminar structure of the new membrane strikingly resembled the image of the plasma membrane in all cells examined, except for its increased width (30%). This new membrane appeared nearly to surround the injured amebae. Attempts were made to demonstrate the possible origin of the new membrane, its reality, and its sensitivity to calcium. Also, some evidence is shown concerning the role of the small dense droplets (100–1200 A in diameter) normally present in the cytoplasm of amebae. Their frequent contact with the plasma membrane of the cell as the result of injury is interpreted as indicating their involvement in the formation and expansion of the plasma membrane.

1969 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 329-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emile Vivier ◽  
André Petitprez

The parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii has been examined with the electron microscope in order to study the fine structure and the formation of the membranes surrounding the cell. The study of the ultrastructure of the membranes covering the parasite shows the existence of a three-membraned complex. Only the outer membrane is considered to be the plasma membrane; the two membranes below it form an inseparable whole of changeable molecular architecture (modifications in appearance depending on the methods of fixation, local differentiation). During reproduction, which takes place by fission or more often by endogeny, the membranes of the daughter individuals are formed from the membranes of the parent. At first the middle and inner membranes of the parent extend, separating the cytoplasm of the daughter cells from that of the parent. The three-membrane complex of the endozoites is completed at the time of their liberation; the external membrane of the parent covers the leaving endozoites; thus, the plasma membrane of the daughter cells derives also from that of the parent. These findings on the origin and role of limiting membranes during reproduction differ entirely from those described so far for other cells.


Author(s):  
J. H. Luft

Ruthenium red is one of the few completely inorganic dyes used to stain tissues for light microscopy. This novelty is enhanced by ignorance regarding its staining mechanism. However, its continued usefulness in botany for demonstrating pectic substances attests to selectivity of some sort. Whether understood or not, histochemists continue to be grateful for small favors.Ruthenium red can also be used with the electron microscope. If single cells are exposed to ruthenium red solution, sufficient mass can be bound to produce observable density in the electron microscope. Generally, this effect is not useful with solid tissues because the contrast is wasted on the damaged cells at the block surface, with little dye diffusing more than 25-50 μ into the interior. Although these traces of ruthenium red which penetrate between and around cells are visible in the light microscope, they produce negligible contrast in the electron microscope. However, its presence can be amplified by a reaction with osmium tetroxide, probably catalytically, to be easily visible by EM. Now the density is clearly seen to be extracellular and closely associated with collagen fibers (Fig. 1).


1985 ◽  
Vol 227 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
R G Hansford ◽  
F Castro

The steady-state content of active (dephospho) pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDHA) of suspensions of coupled rat brain mitochondria oxidizing succinate was found to be markedly increased with increasing free Ca2+ ion concentration of the medium, with a half-maximal effect at 10(-6.43) M Ca2+. Other ions were present in these studies at concentrations appropriate for the cytosol. Depolarization of the plasma membrane of synaptosomes caused an increase in the steady-state content of PDHA, with veratridine giving a larger increase than depolarization by 33 mM-KCl. Values were 68 +/- 1% (n = 13) and 81 +/- 1% (n = 19) of maximal activity, for control incubations and incubations in the presence of 30 microM-veratridine, respectively. Measurements of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]cyt.) in these suspensions of synaptosomes, with the use of the fluorescent Ca2+-indicator Quin-2, indicated an increase on depolarization, with the change due to 30 microM-veratridine being larger in extent than that due to 33 mM-KCl. Values were 217 +/- 21 nM (n = 15), 544 +/- 48 nM (n = 15) and 783 +/- 75 nM (n = 14) for control, KCl-depolarized and veratridine-depolarized synaptosomes respectively. Experiments in which synaptosomes were treated with Ruthenium Red, an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, gave much lower resting contents of PDHA (42 +/- 2% of maximal), but failed to prevent totally an increase on depolarization. Addition of an excess of EGTA to the synaptosomal suspension just before the addition of veratridine resulted in a partial diminution in the response of PDHA content. Parallel studies with Quin-2 indicated no increase in [Ca2+]cyt. on addition of veratridine, under these conditions. Thus an increase in [Ca2+]cyt. forms only a part of the mechanism whereby pyruvate dehydrogenase interconversion responds to depolarization. A decrease in the ATP/ADP ratio may also be important, as inferred from the results of experiments with ouabain, which inhibits the Na+ + K+-dependent ATPase.


1966 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-267
Author(s):  
M. S. BINGLEY

1. Amoebae can be penetrated by microelectrodes at either end. One records voltage and the other supplies alternating current. 2. Step-like increases in alternating voltage superimposed on potentials recorded by the voltage electrode when in either the pseudopod or rear region demonstrate that low potentials recorded from a pseudopod and high ones from the rear region exist across a discrete impedance barrier. The only structure so far shown to fulfil this function is the plasma membrane. 3. A resistance inserted in the earth path monitors current flowing through the system and confirms observations made when recording with single electrodes that there is a reduction of electrode resistance when the cell is entered. 4. Pronounced depolarization in the rear region is shown when the current-carrying electrode penetrates the pseudopod, but not vice versa. 5. Morphological changes associated with membrane potential reversal are illustrated. 6. Consideration is given to the role of step-like potential changes in movement.


1967 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack L. Pate ◽  
Erling J. Ordal

An electron microscope study of the myxobacterium Chondrococcus columnaris has revealed the following structures in the peripheral layers of the cells: (1) a plasma membrane, (2) a single dense layer (probably the mucopeptide component of the cell wall), (3) peripheral fibrils, (4) an outer membrane, and (5) a material coating the surfaces of the cells which could be stained with the dye ruthenium red.The ruthenium red-positive material is probably an acid mucopolysaccharide and may be involved in the adhesive properties of the cells. The outer membrane and plasma membrane both have the appearance of unit membranes: an electron-translucent layer sandwiched between two electron-opaque layers. The peripheral fibrils span the gap between the outer membrane and the mucopeptide layer, a distance of about 100 A, and run parallel to each other along the length of the cell. The fibrils appear to be continuous across the ends of the cells. The location of these fibrillar structures suggests that they may play a role in the gliding motility of these bacteria.


Parasitology ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Higgins

SUMMARYUptake by the tegument of metacercariae of Bucephalus haimeanus of both particulate material and small molecules in solution is demonstrated by the use of electron-dense tracers and autoradiographic techniques. Ruthenium red (RR) uptake involved pinocystosis and the formation of large, electron-lucent vesicles in the outer cytoplasmic tegument. RR lost its association with these vesicles and became freely dispersed within the cytoplasm as it passed through the outer cytoplasmic tegument, down the cytoplasmic bridges and into the tegumental cell bodies. Ferritin, iodinated insulin and iodinated human serum albumin were also located within the outer cytoplasmic tegument and ferritin collected beneath the inner plasma membrane of the outer cytoplasmic tegument. Horseradish peroxidase was not absorbed by the tegument although it bound strongly to the outer surface of the metacercariae. C-labelled glucose, phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine were all detected in the outer cytoplasmic tegument.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 330-338
Author(s):  
Luming Wu ◽  
Yuan Ding ◽  
Shiqiang Han ◽  
Yiqing Wang

Background: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from cells upon fusion of an intermediate endocytic compartment with the plasma membrane. They refer to the intraluminal vesicles released from the fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. The contents and number of exosomes are related to diseases such as metabolic diseases, cancer and inflammatory diseases. Exosomes have been used in neurological research as a drug delivery tool and also as biomarkers for diseases. Recently, exosomes were observed in the seminal plasma of the one who is asthenozoospermia, which can affect sperm motility and capacitation. Objective: The main objective of this review is to deeply discuss the role of exosomes in spermatozoa after leaving the seminiferous tubule. Methods: We conducted an extensive search of the literature available on relationships between exosomes and exosomes in spermatozoa on the bibliographic database. Conclusion: : This review thoroughly discussed the role that exosomes play in the exchange of spermatozoa after leaving the seminiferous tubule and its potential as a drug delivery tool and biomarkers for diseases as well.


1999 ◽  
Vol 5 (S2) ◽  
pp. 998-999
Author(s):  
Seung K. Rhee ◽  
Arjan P. Quist ◽  
Hai Lin ◽  
Nils Almqvist ◽  
Ratneshx Lai

Hemichannels from two single cells can join upon contact between these cells to form gap junctions - an intercellular pathway for the direct exchange of ions and small metabolites. Using techniques of fluorescent dye-uptake assay, laser confocal fluorescence imaging and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we have examined the role of hemichannels, present in the non-junctional regions of single cell plasma membrane, in the modulation of cell volume.Antibodies against a gap junctional protein connexin43, were immunolocalized to nonjunctional plasma membrane regions of single BICR-MlRk k (breast tumor epithelial) cells, KOM-1 (bovine aortic endothelial) cells, and GM04260 (AD-free human) fibroblast cells. In the absence of extracellular calcium, cytoplasmic uptake of Lucifer yellow (LY) but not of dextran-conjugated LY was observed in single cells. Dye uptake was prevented by gap junctional inhibitors, ẞ-glycyrrhetinic acid (ẞGCA) and oleamide.


Author(s):  
Marek A. Motyka ◽  
Ahmed Al-Imam

Drug use has been increasing worldwide over recent decades. Apart from the determinants of drug initiation established in numerous studies, the authors wish to draw attention to other equally important factors, which may contribute to augmenting this phenomenon. The article aims to draw attention to the content of mass culture, especially representations of drug use in mass media, which may influence the liberalization of attitudes towards drugs and their use. The role of mass culture and its impact on the audience is discussed. It presents an overview of drug representations in the content of mass culture, e.g., in film, music, literature, and the occurrence of drug references in everyday products, e.g., food, clothes, and cosmetics. Attention was drawn to liberal attitudes of celebrities and their admissions to drug use, particularly to the impact of the presented positions on the attitudes of the audience, especially young people for whom musicians, actors, and celebrities are regarded as authorities. Indications for further preventive actions were also presented. Attention was drawn to the need to take appropriate action due to the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when many people staying at home (due to lockdown or quarantine) have the possibility of much more frequent contact with mass culture content, which may distort the image of drugs.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document