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Phase contrast observations on the endoplasmic reticulum of living cells in culture

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Summary

Phase contrast observation on a variety of cell types in culture revealed an extensive phase dark cytoplasmic network consisting of interconnected broad and fine branching trabeculae which extended from the perinuclear region to the cell margin; in structure, size and intracellular distribution, this network closely resembled the endoplasmic reticulum as seen in low power electron micrographs of unsectioned fixed cells of similar type. The networks of living cells were mobile and extraordinarily plastic. Both broad and fine network trabeculae underwent pronounced changes in shape, the broader elements sometimes extending into and partially merging with adjacent fine ones. The fine branching trabeculae altered in length and their junctions With other trabeculae continually shifted about; consequently individual trabeculae moved through the cytoplasmic matrix and the network pattern was forever changing. In some injured cells the networks appeared as highly mobile phase-light canaliculi which periodically opened into pathological vacuoles. The concept of the ER as a membranebo- und vacuolar system serving as an intracellular transport system was discussed in the light of the present findings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pasadena Foundation for Medical Research, Pasadena, California

    Ian K. Buckley

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  1. Ian K. Buckley
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Additional information

Aided in part by Grant GB-15 from the National Science Foundation administered by Dr. Donald E. Rounds.

Eleanor Roosevelt Cancer Foundation Fellow — International Union Against Cancer (UICC).

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Buckley, I.K. Phase contrast observations on the endoplasmic reticulum of living cells in culture. Protoplasma 59, 569–588 (1965). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01252457

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01252457

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