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Ultrastructural changes of human amniotic cells induced by natural human interferon-alpha
T Neumark1, G Premecz, A Markovits
1National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, Budapest, Hungary.
International Journal of Tissue Reactions
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Human interferon-alpha (Hu-IFN alpha) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) trigger protein kinase C (PK-C) translocation. This leads to significant cellular ultrastructural changes, suggesting PK-C is key in IFN-mediated cell reactions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Protein kinase C (PK-C) activation is implicated in cellular signaling pathways.
- Human interferon-alpha (Hu-IFN alpha) is known to modulate cellular responses.
- Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) is a potent activator of PK-C.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PK-C in Hu-IFN alpha-induced cellular alterations.
- To examine the morphological and ultrastructural changes in human amniotic cells (UAC) upon treatment with Hu-IFN alpha and PMA.
- To determine if PK-C mediates IFN-alpha's effects on cell structure.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed.
- Human amniotic cells (UAC) were treated with Hu-IFN alpha and PMA.
- Cellular morphology, nuclear structure, nucleolar components, cell processes, and microvilli were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hu-IFN alpha and PMA induced translocation of PK-C from cytosol to membrane.
- Significant changes in cell shape, volume, and ultrastructure were observed in treated UAC.
- Enlarged nuclei, chromatin condensation, nucleolar segregation, and shortened microvilli were prominent findings.
Conclusions:
- PK-C translocation is a key event in Hu-IFN alpha and PMA treated cells.
- IFN-alpha induces profound ultrastructural modifications in human amniotic cells.
- The data strongly support PK-C as a critical mediator of IFN-alpha's cellular effects.