In situ localization of soluble and filamentous actin in Torpedo marmorata electrocyte

The subcellular distribution of soluble and filamentous forms of actin in Torpedo marmorata electrocyte was investigated by cytochemical methods. Under conditions of adequate fixation of the electric tissue, two different monoclonal anti-actin antibodies revealed, in situ, actin only in the cytoplasm, never in association with the innervated and non-innervated membranes. On the other hand, a fluorescent derivative of phalloidin labeled the polymerized F-form of actin at the level of the non-innervated membrane and of the nerve terminals. However, after homogenization of the tissue, innervated membrane fragments, which still comprised cytoskeletal filaments, were systematically labeled on their cytoplasmic face. In these membrane fragments, cytoplasmic actin was never observed on the cytoskeleton. These results point to a redistribution of actin during tissue fractionation. The secondary binding of actin to the cytoplasmic surface of the postsynaptic membrane is consistent with its known in vitro interaction with the membrane-bound, 43 kd (v1) protein. Thus, at variance with the 43 kd protein, actin is not a prominent component of the mature Torpedo postsynaptic domain, and its suggested contribution to the stabilization of the AchR in the postsynaptic membrane should be reconsidered.