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Sarcolemma blebs and cell damage in mammalian skeletal muscle
1Department of Zoology, University of Liverpool, U.K.
Abstract:
Plasma membrane blebs are an early sign of cellular damage in isolated cells. Phenazine methosulphate (PMS) triggers the production of conspicuous and characteristic sarcolemma blebs in mouse diaphragm skeletal muscle incubated in vitro and also causes severe myofilament damage. It is suggested that PMS activates transmembrane NAD(P)H dehydrogenases and, in turn, a modification of sulphydryl groups of the cytoskeleton, thereby permitting bleb formation in contracting cells.
Insights
Phenazine methosulphate (PMS) causes cellular damage in mouse diaphragm muscle, leading to plasma membrane blebs and myofilament injury. This suggests PMS activates enzymes that alter the cytoskeleton, promoting bleb formation in contracting cells.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Muscle physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plasma membrane blebs are indicators of cellular damage.
- Phenazine methosulphate (PMS) is known to induce cellular changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which PMS induces plasma membrane blebbing in skeletal muscle.
- To understand the role of cytoskeletal modifications in PMS-induced cellular damage.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of mouse diaphragm skeletal muscle in vitro.
- Administration of Phenazine methosulphate (PMS).
- Microscopic observation of sarcolemma bleb formation and myofilament damage.
Main Results:
- PMS induced characteristic sarcolemma blebs in mouse diaphragm muscle.
- Severe myofilament damage was observed concurrently with bleb formation.
- A proposed mechanism involves PMS activating transmembrane NAD(P)H dehydrogenases.
Conclusions:
- PMS triggers bleb formation by activating transmembrane NAD(P)H dehydrogenases.
- This activation leads to modification of cytoskeletal sulphydryl groups.
- Altered cytoskeleton permits bleb formation in contracting muscle cells.