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Monensin does not prevent recycling of plasma membrane glycoconjugates
Experimental Cell Research
|September 1, 1983
Abstract:
Plasma membrane glycoconjugates, internalized during fluid-phase pinocytosis in the macrophage cell line, P388D1, were found to be rapidly recycled to the cell surface, also in the case where the cells had been treated with 25 microM monensin for 80 min which resulted in a reduction of the pinocytotic uptake rate to 30%. The result is discussed in terms of the intracellular pathway of internalized membrane.
Insights
Macrophage cells rapidly recycle plasma membrane glycoconjugates after pinocytosis, even when uptake is reduced by monensin treatment. This suggests efficient intracellular membrane recycling pathways in P388D1 cells.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Membrane Trafficking
Background:
- Plasma membrane glycoconjugates are crucial for cell recognition and signaling.
- Pinocytosis is a major mechanism for cellular uptake of extracellular material.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the recycling of internalized plasma membrane glycoconjugates in macrophages.
- To determine the effect of monensin on pinocytosis and subsequent membrane recycling.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the P388D1 macrophage cell line.
- Administered monensin to inhibit pinocytotic uptake.
- Tracked the fate of internalized plasma membrane glycoconjugates.
Main Results:
- Internalized plasma membrane glycoconjugates were rapidly recycled to the cell surface.
- Monensin treatment reduced pinocytotic uptake rate by 70% but did not abolish recycling.
- Recycling occurred efficiently even under conditions of reduced uptake.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages possess robust mechanisms for recycling internalized membrane components.
- Intracellular pathways facilitate rapid surface re-expression of glycoconjugates.
- Monensin's effect on pinocytosis does not disrupt the fundamental recycling process.