Polarization of membrane glycoproteins during monocyte chemotaxis

Distribution of membrane glycoproteins was studied in chemotactic monocytes using ferritin-conjugated lectins. The cells became polarized forming a pseudopodia at a leading head. Membrane glycoproteins were redistributed at the head. This phenomenon was not observed in chemokinetic or non-chemotactic cells suggesting that membrane glycoproteins may have a role in recognition of the chemoattractant.