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Experimental evidence of secretion by mouse granulated metrial gland cells
1Human Morphology, University of Southampton, UK.
Abstract:
Granulated metrial gland cells are cytotoxic cells found in the uterine wall in pregnancy. In this study, the involvement of the cytoplasmic granules of mouse granulated metrial gland cells during cytolysis of fibrosarcoma Wehi 164 cells was investigated in vitro. Using the lectin Helix pomatia agglutinin which binds to the granule membrane, but not to the cell membrane, of mouse granulated metrial gland cells, the limiting membrane of one or more cytoplasmic granules became incorporated into the cell membrane of the granulated metrial gland cells during cytolysis of Wehi 164 cells. It is concluded that this occurs during exocytosis of the contents of the granules and describes the first experimental evidence of secretion by mouse granulated metrial gland cells.
Insights
Mouse granulated metrial gland cells secrete contents from cytoplasmic granules during cell killing. This study provides the first experimental evidence of this secretion mechanism in pregnant uterine cells.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Cell biology
- Cytotoxicity mechanisms
Background:
- Granulated metrial gland cells are immune cells present in the uterine wall during pregnancy.
- These cells possess cytoplasmic granules implicated in cytotoxic functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cytoplasmic granules in the cytotoxic activity of mouse granulated metrial gland cells against fibrosarcoma cells.
- To provide the first experimental evidence of secretion from these cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro cytolysis assay using fibrosarcoma Wehi 164 cells.
- Utilized Helix pomatia agglutinin lectin to identify granule membrane incorporation into the cell membrane.
Main Results:
- The lectin Helix pomatia agglutinin bound specifically to the granule membrane, not the cell membrane.
- Incorporation of granule membrane into the cell membrane of granulated metrial gland cells was observed during target cell lysis.
Conclusions:
- Cytoplasmic granules are secreted via exocytosis during the cytotoxic process.
- This study presents the first experimental evidence of secretion from mouse granulated metrial gland cells.