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Cytoplasmic microtubules in polymorphonuclear leukocytes: effects of chemotactic stimulation and colchicine

D C Anderson, L J Wible, B J Hughes

    Cell
    |December 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Chemotactic activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) increases microtubule (MT) length, not number. The microtubule organizing center (MTOC) shifts within the cell, aiding migration and orientation.

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Immunology
    • Cytoskeleton Dynamics

    Background:

    • Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are crucial immune cells involved in migration to sites of inflammation.
    • Cell migration is a complex process involving cytoskeletal rearrangements, particularly microtubules (MTs).
    • The role of MTs and their organizing center (MTOC) during chemotactic activation of PMNs requires further elucidation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the dynamic changes in microtubule (MT) organization within migrating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) upon chemotactic stimulation.
    • To determine the impact of chemotactic factors (CFs) on microtubule number, length, and the spatial positioning of the microtubule organizing center (MTOC).

    Main Methods:

    • Modified indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) techniques were employed using antitutulin and anticentrosome antibodies.
    • Studies focused on PMNs exposed to both gradients and uniform concentrations of chemotactic factors (CFs).
    • Microtubule (MT) number, length, and microtubule organizing center (MTOC) location were quantified in relation to cell migration.

    Main Results:

    • No significant alterations in the number of microtubules (MTs) per cell were observed following chemotactic activation.
    • A significant increase in the average length of MTs per cell was noted upon exposure to chemotactic factors (CFs).
    • Microtubule (MT) elongation occurred parallel to the direction of cell migration, accompanied by shortening of perpendicular MTs; the MTOC shifted position within polarized cells.

    Conclusions:

    • Chemotactic activation induces significant changes in microtubule (MT) length and organization, rather than number, in PMNs.
    • The repositioning of the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) is a key event correlating with cell orientation and migration.
    • These MT array alterations are integral to the cellular response to chemotactic stimuli, facilitating directed migration.

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