Ultrastructural appearances of subcultured aortic smooth muscle cells migrating into Millipore filters

The ultrastructures of vascular smooth muscle cells migrating in Millipore filters were examined using a modified Boyden chamber. The cells (seventh and eighth subculture) were obtained from explants of rat aorta. Very small numbers of bipolar-shaped cells migrated deeply into the filter toward a platelet suspension added to the lower compartment. The migrating cells were richer in intermediate filaments and microtubules than the cells on the filter. The cytoskeleton was oriented along the elongated cell body, and the cortical microfilamentous mat was disorganized along the entire cell periphery. These data are discussed.