Microtubule-granule relationships in motile human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

We examined the relationship of microtubules to the granule organization in stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Electron microscopic (EM) observations of critical-point-dried PMNs revealed that only a portion of the granules appeared in close association to microtubules. These closely associated granules appeared to be attached to the microtubule via smaller-diameter filaments. The remaining granules appeared either attached to microtubules at a further distance, via smaller-diameter filaments such as actin, or unassociated with microtubules. EM observations of PMNs treated with either the microtubule promoter drug taxol or the microtubule depolymerization drugs nocodozole and colchicine revealed a redistribution of granules towards the nucleus. Granule clustering at the periphery of the cell was also noted with nocodozole and colchicine. With cytochalasin B, a uniform distribution of granules was noted. However, granule clustering was noted when PMNs were coincubated with cytochalasin B and colchicine. These results indicate that microtubules may have both a direct and indirect role (through other cytoskeletal elements) in the organization of PMN granules.