Reversible changes in nuclear and cell surface topography in cells exposed to collagenase and EDTA

Rabbit auricular chondrocytes, SIRC cells, human fibroblasts, and HeLa cells were cultivated in vitro and the fine structural effects of various detachment procedures studied. Treatment with collagenase, trypsin, and trypsin-EDTA caused scalloping of the nuclear envelope, accumulation of phagolysosomes, and an increase in the number of cell surface extensions. Collagenase-EDTA evoked a marked deformation of the nuclei with formation of numerous deep indentations and a redistribution of heterochromatin. Similarly, the cell surface became extensively folded and the vacuolation of the cytoplasm was further increased. These changes were reversible and within 24 h the cells had regained a normal structure. In all cases, chondrocytes and SIRC cells were most prominently affected, whereas fibroblasts and HeLa cells were only slightly changed. Treatment of chondrocytes with colchicine or cytochalasin B did not produce any effects of the type mentioned above. Neither did treatment with the drugs before and during detachment with collagenase-EDTA prevent the structural modification of the cells. It therefore seems unlikely that microtubules and microfilaments are essential for this process. The structural changes occurring during detachment of cells could represent an adoptive mechanism for disposal of excessive membrane in connection with transition from a flattened to a rounded shape.