Biomaterial Database

Macrophage microtubules: an optimized method for the assay of tubulin concentration and state of polymerization in macrophages. 1984

M Seger, and E Pick

We describe a method for the assay of total tubulin content and the tubulin dimer/polymer ratio in cultured macrophages (MPs). The assay is based on the specific binding of [3H]colchicine to tubulin dimer units and on the separation of free and tubulin-complexed [3H]colchicine on diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-cellulose filters. The native state of microtubules (MTs) was conserved by suspending the cells in a microtubule-stabilizing solution specifically adapted for use with MPs and by disrupting the cells under carefully chosen conditions. Intact MTs were isolated from the cell homogenate by centrifugation at 150,000 X g and were subsequently depolymerized. [3H]Colchicine binding assays were performed on both the supernatant fraction, containing the pool of soluble tubulin, and on the deploymerized MTs. By using this method, we examined the influence of low temperature and of a number of agents known to affect MP function, on the tubulin dimer/polymer ratio in guinea pig peritoneal MPs. The results of the biochemical assay correlated well with the published information, derived by morphologic and functional approaches, on the effect of cold and of these agents on MTs in phagocytic cells.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008264	Macrophages	The relatively long-lived phagocytic cell of mammalian tissues that are derived from blood MONOCYTES. Main types are PERITONEAL MACROPHAGES; ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES; HISTIOCYTES; KUPFFER CELLS of the liver; and OSTEOCLASTS. They may further differentiate within chronic inflammatory lesions to EPITHELIOID CELLS or may fuse to form FOREIGN BODY GIANT CELLS or LANGHANS GIANT CELLS. (from The Dictionary of Cell Biology, Lackie and Dow, 3rd ed.)	Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages,Monocyte-Derived Macrophages,Macrophage,Macrophages, Monocyte-Derived,Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages,Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophage,Macrophage, Bone Marrow-Derived,Macrophage, Monocyte-Derived,Macrophages, Bone Marrow-Derived,Macrophages, Monocyte Derived,Monocyte Derived Macrophages,Monocyte-Derived Macrophage
D008297	Male		Males
D008722	Methods	A series of steps taken in order to conduct research.	Techniques,Methodological Studies,Methodological Study,Procedures,Studies, Methodological,Study, Methodological,Method,Procedure,Technique
D008870	Microtubules	Slender, cylindrical filaments found in the cytoskeleton of plant and animal cells. They are composed of the protein TUBULIN and are influenced by TUBULIN MODULATORS.	Microtubule
D009240	N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine	A formylated tripeptide originally isolated from bacterial filtrates that is positively chemotactic to polymorphonuclear leucocytes, and causes them to release lysosomal enzymes and become metabolically activated.	F-Met-Leu-Phe,N-Formyl-Methionyl-Leucyl-Phenylalanine,Formylmet-Leu-Phe,Formylmethionyl Peptide,Formylmethionyl-Leucyl-Phenylalanine,Formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine,N-Formylated Peptide,N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine,fMet-Leu-Phe,F Met Leu Phe,Formylmet Leu Phe,Formylmethionyl Leucyl Phenylalanine,Leucyl-Phenylalanine, N-Formylmethionine,N Formyl Methionyl Leucyl Phenylalanine,N Formylated Peptide,N Formylmethionine Leucyl Phenylalanine,N formylmethionyl leucyl phenylalanine,Peptide, Formylmethionyl,Peptide, N-Formylated,fMet Leu Phe
D010537	Peritoneum	A membrane of squamous EPITHELIAL CELLS, the mesothelial cells, covered by apical MICROVILLI that allow rapid absorption of fluid and particles in the PERITONEAL CAVITY. The peritoneum is divided into parietal and visceral components. The parietal peritoneum covers the inside of the ABDOMINAL WALL. The visceral peritoneum covers the intraperitoneal organs. The double-layered peritoneum forms the MESENTERY that suspends these organs from the abdominal wall.	Parietal Peritoneum,Peritoneum, Parietal,Peritoneum, Visceral,Visceral Peritoneum,Parametrium,Parametriums
D011108	Polymers	Compounds formed by the joining of smaller, usually repeating, units linked by covalent bonds. These compounds often form large macromolecules (e.g., BIOPOLYMERS; PLASTICS).	Polymer
D003078	Colchicine	A major alkaloid from Colchicum autumnale L. and found also in other Colchicum species. Its primary therapeutic use is in the treatment of gout, but it has been used also in the therapy of familial Mediterranean fever (PERIODIC DISEASE).	Colchicine, (+-)-Isomer,Colchicine, (R)-Isomer
D006168	Guinea Pigs	A common name used for the genus Cavia. The most common species is Cavia porcellus which is the domesticated guinea pig used for pets and biomedical research.	Cavia,Cavia porcellus,Guinea Pig,Pig, Guinea,Pigs, Guinea
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia