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Plasma membrane vesiculation: correlation between macrophage spreading and the shedding of cell surface vesicles

R E Scott, P B Maercklein

    Laboratory Investigation; a Journal of Technical Methods and Pathology
    |October 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Macrophage spreading correlates with plasma membrane vesicle shedding. Chemicals targeting sulfhydryl groups induce this shedding, particularly in spread cells, suggesting cytoskeletal involvement.

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Biochemistry
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Macrophage function involves dynamic membrane remodeling.
    • Cell spreading is a critical process for macrophage adherence and migration.
    • Plasma membrane shedding can be a response to cellular stress or injury.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between macrophage spreading and plasma membrane vesicle shedding.
    • To identify factors that induce plasma membrane vesiculation in macrophages.
    • To explore the role of the cytoskeleton in membrane vesiculation.

    Main Methods:

    • Macrophage culture and incubation with spreading-promoting agents (Mn2+, dithiothreitol).
    • Treatment with membrane vesiculants (formaldehyde, dithiothreitol).
    • Scanning electron microscopy to analyze cell morphology and vesicle formation.

    Main Results:

    • Maximal macrophage spreading occurred with Mn2+ or dithiothreitol, resulting in flat cell morphology.
    • Membrane vesiculants induced plasma membrane vesiculation in spread macrophage monolayers.
    • Vesicles, 1-15 micrometers in diameter, were released randomly from the cell surface.
    • Chemicals binding to sulfhydryl groups acted as membrane vesiculants.

    Conclusions:

    • Macrophage spreading extent is directly correlated with plasma membrane vesicle shedding.
    • Cytoskeletal reorganization during cell spreading may facilitate membrane vesiculation induced by vesiculants.
    • The findings suggest a novel mechanism of cell injury and vesicle release in adherent macrophages.

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