[Change in cellular surface structures and volume under the action of colchicine]

Effect of colchicine upon the surface structures and volume of embryonic pig kidney cells and mouse ascite carcinoma Krebs II cells involved an increase of the cells volume. This was confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy data. The surface of colchicine-treated pig cells has less microvilli due, probably, to their enlarged volume. Swelling of mitochondrial matrix as well as some other ultrastructural changes in cytoplasm of the drug-treated cells suggest that the increase in the volume is a result of cell hydration. Disturbance of the osmotic equilibrium following the depolymerization of microtubles in the mitotic spindle and cytoplasm, is discussed.