Related Experiment Videos
A fine structural analysis of intercellular junctions in the mouse liver
The Journal of Cell Biology
|May 1, 1970
Summary
Acetone treatment disrupts gap junctions in mouse liver by removing phospholipids, affecting membrane integrity. Zonulae occludentes remain structurally intact but become permeable, impacting bile canaliculus sealing.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Hepatology
Background:
- Zonulae occludentes and gap junctions are critical intercellular structures in the liver.
- Understanding their molecular composition and structural integrity is vital for liver function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural and functional effects of acetone extraction on mouse liver junctions.
- To identify specific molecular components affected by acetone treatment.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy techniques including uranyl acetate staining, lanthanum, and phosphotungstate staining.
- Freeze-cleaving of junction-rich membrane fractions.
- Acetone extraction (50% and 60%) and thin-layer chromatography.
Main Results:
- 60% acetone extraction removed phospholipids and disrupted the gap junction structure, eliminating the characteristic 20 Å gap and lattice.
- Zonulae occludentes structure was preserved, but they became permeable to lanthanum after acetone treatment.
- 50% acetone extraction did not yield these effects, suggesting a specific phospholipid involvement.
Conclusions:
- Specific phospholipids are essential for maintaining gap junction structure and integrity in mouse liver.
- Acetone treatment selectively affects gap junctions and compromises the barrier function of zonulae occludentes.