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Pseudopodia formation by neurosecretory granules

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Summary

Ultrastructural studies of the mouse neurohypophysis, under various experimental conditions, revealed a number of neurosecretory granules (NSG) bearing single pseudopodia-like protrusions. Some NSG adhered to the axolemma via pseudopodia; other NSG, distant from the axolemma, budded electron lucent microvesicles from the tip of the pseudopod.

Pseudopodia counts were made on electron micrographs, and calculated as a percentage of the NSG population. In neural lobes from intact mice, small numbers of pseudopodia were observed (0.3%); the count increased significantly after injections of large doses of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) (9.4–14.5%); hypertonic saline augmented the count, as did histamine.

In vitro incubation experiments with isolated neural lobes in Krebs Ringer revealed concomitant pseudopodia formation and elevated vasopressin release (measured by antidiuretic bioassay) in the presence of HRP and di-butyryl cyclic AMP respectively. Histamine and excess potassium also increased hormone secretion, but did not induce pseudopodia formation in vitro; pseudopodia were observed neither in controls, nor in the presence of ineffective secretagogues.

It is suggested that the pseudopod may represent the active site on the granule membrane. Different ultrastructural images of granule release suggest that several modes of hormone release may be operative in the neurohypophysis. The role of HRP in pseudopodia formation and vasopressin release is enigmatic.

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  1. Department of Zoology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

    Mona Castel

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  1. Mona Castel
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This study is dedicated to Prof. Berta Scharrer, esteemed mentor and beloved friend

Prof. Zwi Selinger, Department of Biological Chemistry of the Hebrew University, kindly collaborated in the in vitro experiments. Thanks are due to Mrs. Ilana Sabnai and Mrs. Sara Eimerl for excellent technical assistance. Research supported by the Binational Israel-United States Science Foundation (BNSF), grant 200

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Castel, M. Pseudopodia formation by neurosecretory granules. Cell Tissue Res. 175, 483–497 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00222414

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