[Ultrastructural changes in the plasma membrane of A-431 cells exposed to epidermal growth factor]

The plasma membrane ultrastructural changes after the action of epidermal growth factor were studied in A-431 cells using freeze-fracture methods. The incubation with EGF (100 ng/ml, 0 degree C, 60 min) led to a decrease in density of intramembrane particles on the P surface of ventral cell membrane, while the number of coated pits increased there. The revealed effects of EGF may be related to direct consequences of EGF-receptor complex formation, because all the temperature dependent steps of its processing were blocked. The data obtained testify to an active involvement of the membrane ventral surface in the formation of cell response towards growth factors.