Scanning acoustic microscopy visualizes cytomechanical responses to cytochalasin D

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Microscopy

Background:

• Xenopus laevis tadpole heart cells (XTH-2) are a model for studying cellular responses.
• Cytochalasin D (CD) is a known disruptor of the actin cytoskeleton.
• Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) offers high-resolution imaging of cellular mechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cellular response of XTH-2 cells to cytochalasin D (CD).
• To evaluate the utility of Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) in detecting early cellular mechanical changes.
• To correlate acoustic impedance changes with alterations in the actin fibrillar system.

Main Methods:

• XTH-2 cells were treated with cytochalasin D (CD).
• Cellular responses were monitored using Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) at 0.9 GHz.
• Fluorescence microscopy (TRITC-phalloidin staining of actin) and electron microscopy were employed for structural analysis.

Main Results:

• SAM detected an initial loss of image contrast in CD-treated cells, corresponding to a ~30% decrease in acoustic impedance.
• Actin staining revealed structural changes within the actin fibrillar system.
• A correlation was established between the observed decrease in acoustic impedance and reduced tension in the actin cytoskeleton.

Conclusions:

• Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) is sensitive to early, subtle changes in cellular mechanical properties induced by cytochalasin D.
• The decrease in acoustic impedance is directly linked to alterations and loss of tension in the cell's actin cytoskeleton.
• This study demonstrates the potential of SAM as a tool for non-invasive monitoring of cytoskeletal dynamics and cell mechanics.