Abstract
When fibroblasts contract collagen matrices, the cells activate a Ca2+-dependent cyclic AMP signaling pathway. We have found that contraction also stimulates uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran molecules from the medium. Our results indicate that fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran enters directly into the cell cytoplasm through 3- to 5-nm plasma membrane passages. These passages, which reseal in less than 5 s in the presence of divalent cations, also are likely sites of Ca2+ uptake during contraction and the first step in contraction-activated cyclic AMP signaling. The formation of plasma membrane passages during fibroblast contraction may reflect a general cellular response to rapid mechanical changes.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 59-71 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Molecular biology of the cell |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1997 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology