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Amoeboid movement in human leucocytes: basic mechanisms, cytobiological and clinical significance
Abstract:
The present paper is an analytical review of the information available on amoeboid movement in human leucocytes. The reported evidence suggests that leucocyte locomotion is due to pressure developed in the cell cortex in the middle and posterior parts of the moving cell, that 4 nm fibrils may provide at least part of the ultrastructural basis of locomotion, that actin-like and myosin-like proteins may be involved in the mechanism of movement and that ATP may serve as an energy source. Leucocyte motility appears to be governed mainly by factors produced in the external medium. Neutrophil chemotaxis is the most antitubulin-susceptible cell mechanism known; from this observation an essential role of microtubule redistribution in chemotaxis is inferred. In contrast, the random movement of neutrophils is not appreciably affected by antimitotic concentrations of antitubulins. Amoeboid movement seems to be an important mechanism in the short-distance locomotion and immunological functions of leucocytes.
Insights
Human leucocyte locomotion, or amoeboid movement, is driven by cell cortex pressure and cytoskeletal proteins, utilizing ATP for energy. Microtubule redistribution is crucial for neutrophil chemotaxis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Amoeboid movement is a fundamental process in human leucocytes.
- Understanding leucocyte motility is key to comprehending immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize available information on amoeboid movement in human leucocytes.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying leucocyte locomotion and chemotaxis.
Main Methods:
- Analytical review of existing scientific literature.
- Examination of evidence regarding cellular structures and molecular components involved in movement.
Main Results:
- Leucocyte locomotion is attributed to pressure in the cell cortex.
- 4 nm fibrils, actin-like and myosin-like proteins, and ATP are implicated in the movement mechanism.
- External factors primarily govern leucocyte motility, with microtubule redistribution essential for neutrophil chemotaxis.
Conclusions:
- Amoeboid movement is vital for short-distance leucocyte locomotion and immunological functions.
- Neutrophil chemotaxis is highly susceptible to antitubulins, highlighting the role of microtubule dynamics.