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Published on: August 9, 2013

Subplasmalemmal microfilaments and microtubules in resting and phagocytizing cultivated macrophages

E P Reaven, S G Axline

    The Journal of Cell Biology
    |October 1, 1973
    PubMed

    Insights

    Microfilaments and microtubules are key to macrophage phagocytosis and cell attachment. These cytoskeletal elements reorganize near the plasma membrane during these processes, aiding in membrane movement.

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Cytoskeleton Dynamics
    • Macrophage Function

    Background:

    • Macrophages play a crucial role in the immune system through phagocytosis.
    • Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying phagocytosis is essential for immunology and cell biology.
    • The subplasmalemmal organization of macrophages influences their interaction with surfaces and particles.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the subplasmalemmal organization of cultivated macrophages.
    • To identify specific membrane-associated structures involved in phagocytosis.
    • To compare the organization of free and glass-attached macrophage surfaces.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of serial thin sections of oriented cultivated macrophages.
    • Examination of resting and phagocytizing cells.
    • Observation of cells after a phagocytic pulse with polystyrene particles.

    Main Results:

    • The attached cell surface exhibits complex microfilament and microtubule organization compared to the free surface.
    • A filamentous network of microfilaments extends from the attached plasma membrane, with subjacent zones of oriented microfilaments and microtubules.
    • Phagocytosis induces the appearance of microtubules and oriented filaments around ingested particles, similar to those on the attached surface.

    Conclusions:

    • Microfilaments and microtubules are implicated in the plasma membrane translocation necessary for phagocytosis.
    • The cytoskeletal organization supports the hypothesis that microfilaments and/or microtubules are vital for cell attachment to surfaces.
    • These findings elucidate the dynamic cytoskeletal rearrangements underlying macrophage phagocytic and adhesive functions.

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