ISSN:
0886-1544
Keywords:
acetylcholine receptor
;
deep-etch replication
;
sarcolemma
;
cytoskeleton
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
We studied the organization of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters by shearing cultured Xenopus muscle cells with a stream of buffer, and preparing rotary replicas of the exposed cytoplasmic surface of the sarcolemma. AChR clusters contained numerous particles that protruded from the sarcolemma and formed an irregular array composed of discrete aggregates. AChR were located within these particle aggregates, as shown by comparison of the replicas to labeling by fluorescent α-bungarotoxin, and by immunogold cytochemistry with antibodies specific for the receptor. The aggregates were cross-linked by a dense network of 7 nm filaments that replicated with the banded pattern characteristic of actin microfilaments. The organization of receptors into the small aggregates was independent of the organization of these aggregates into clusters, as alkaline extraction removed the microfilament network and disrupted the irregular array of particle aggregates, but did not disperse individual receptors from the aggregates. We conclude that two levels of interactions organize AChR clusters in Xenopus muscle cells: short-range interactions that assemble individual AChR into small aggregates, and long-range interactions, perhaps mediated by actin microfilaments, that anchor the aggregates into larger clusters. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
8 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cm.970280209
