Video-rate confocal reflection microscopy of neoplastic cells: rate of intracellular movement and peripheral motility characteristic of neoplastic cell line (RSK4) with high degree of growth independence in vitro

Fast intracellular motion in the living cell by video rate reflection confocal laser scanning microscopy

Fast intracellular motion (FIM) was first revealed by back scattered light (BSL) imaging in video rate confocal scanning laser microscopy (VRCSLM), beyond the limits of spatial and temporal resolution obtainable with conventional optical microscopy. BSL imaging enabled visualisation of intra and extracellular motion with resolution in space down to 0.2 microm and in time to 1/25th of a second. Mapping the cell space at 0.2 microm x 0.2 microm (XY = in instantaneous best focal plane) x 0.5 microm (Z = height/depth, optic axis direction) volume steps revealed a communication layer above the known contact layer and an integrated dynamic spatial network (IDSN) towards the cell centre. FIM was originally observed as localised quasichaotic dancing (dithering) or reflecting patches/spots in the cell centre, faster in the darker nuclear space. Later, a second type of FIM was recognised which differed by the presence of a varied proportion of centrifugal and centripetal directional movements and/or jumping of patches/spots in the cell centre and outside the nuclear space. The first type is characteristic for cells in slightly adverse conditions while the second type has so far only been found in eutrophic cells. Temporal speeding up and coarsening of FIM, followed by slowing and eventually cessation at cell death, was found on exposure to strong stressors. It was concluded that the state of FIM provides instantaneous information about individual cell reactions to actual treatment and about cell survival. A putative switch between the first and second type FIM could be considered as an indicator of timing of cellular processes. The significance of FIM for the biology of the cell is seen in the rapid assessment of the condition of an individual live cell investigated by combination of various methods. Requirements for further development of this approach are outlined.

High temporal and spatial resolution studies of bone cells using real-time confocal reflection microscopy

Chick and rat bone-derived cells were mounted in sealed coverslip-covered chambers; individual osteoclasts (but also osteoblasts) were selected and studied at 37 degrees C using three different types of high-speed scanning confocal microscopes: (1) A Noran Tandem Scanning Microscope (TSM) was used with a low light level, cooled CCD camera for image transfer to a Noran TN8502 frame store-based image analysing computer to make time lapse movie sequences using 0.1 s exposure periods, thus losing some of the advantage of the high frame rate of the TSM. Rapid focus adjustment using computer controlled piezo drivers permitted two or more focus planes to be imaged sequentially: thus (with additional light-source shuttering) the reflection confocal image could be alternated with the phase contrast image at a different focus. Individual cells were followed for up to 5 days, suggesting no significant irradiation problem. (2) Exceptional temporal and spatial resolution is available in video rate laser confocal scanning microscopes (VRCSLMs). We used the Noran Odyssey unitary beam VRCSLM with an argon ion laser at 488 nm and acousto-optic deflection (AOD) on the line axis: this instrument is truly and adjustably confocal in the reflection mode. (3) We also used the Lasertec 1LM11 line scan instrument, with an He-Ne laser at 633 nm, and AOD for the frame scan. We discuss the technical problems and merits of the different approaches. The VRCSLMs documented rapid, real-time oscillatory motion: all the methods used show rapid net movement of organelles within bone cells. The interference reflection mode gives particularly strong contrasts in confocal instruments. Phase contrast and other interference methods used in the microscopy of living cells can be used simultaneously in the TSM.

Topography of the Leydig cell mitochondrial peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor

Native MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cell mitochondrial preparations were examined by transmission electron (TEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopic procedures in order to investigate the topography and organization of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR). Mitochondria were immunolabeled with an anti-PBR antiserum coupled to gold-labeled secondary antibodies. Results obtained indicate that the 18,000 MW PBR protein is organized in clusters of 4-6 molecules. Moreover, on many occasions, the interrelationship among the PBR molecules was found to favor the formation of a single pore. Taking into account recent observations that the 18,000 MW PBR protein is functionally associated with the pore forming 34,000 MW voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) these results suggest that (i) the mitochondrial PBR complex could function as a pore, thus allowing the translocation of cholesterol and other molecules to the inner mitochondrial membrane, and (ii) the native receptor is a multimeric complex of an approximate 140,000 MW composed on an average of five 18,000 PBR subunits, one 34,000 VDAC subunit, and associated lipids.

Subtraction scanning acoustic microscopy reveals motility domains in cells in vitro

Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) observes all mechanical properties of living cells. Subtraction of the SAM images (SubSAM) of live cells was developed as a method for investigating minimal changes in cellular topography and elasticity. The image formation in the SubSAM takes into account the motion of cell mass as well as the changes of tension. High spatial and temporal resolution of the SubSAM revealed the structure of motile processes that develops at increasing time intervals, thus allowing the arising complexity of motion to be registered and investigated. Independent spots of activity emerge on a quiescent background as motility domains; they may change position, divide, merge, or disappear after a long time interval. In addition, zones of quiescence were identified over central parts of cytoplasmic lamellae. Nonmalignant (Ep: tadpole epidermal cells, XTH2: endothelial cells from tadpole hearts, 3T3 cells) and neoplastic cells (K2 cells of rat fibrosarcoma, A870N cells selected from K2) were investigated with the SubSAM. Three types of domains of subcellular cytoplasmic motility were identified in time series of two-dimensional SubSAM iamges in normal and neoplastic cells. Of them only the wave-like domain is self-evident, being derived from ruffling and protruding activity at the cell margin. Two other domains wait for detailed analysis. The oscillating domain is a visualization of tension within the cell(s), and the nucleating domain indicates intracellular processes possibly preceding locomotion. Differences in motile domains were found between low K2 and high A870N metastatic cells. The dynamics of motility domains of the A870N cells resembled that of the highly motile Ep cells. Cell morphotype and motile activity of the A870N cells are significantly influenced by the pH of the medium. It became evident that identification of the otherwise invisible motile domains in living cells by SubSAM opens a new approach to a characterization of cell motility in vitro and to an understanding of early cellular reactions to various stimuli.