PMID: 2120900Jan 1, 1990Paper

Mechanism of action of alloxan on pancreatic B-cells with special regard to the alloxan-metal-complex theory. II. Actions of alloxan, alloxanic acid, Zn2+ and ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N'tetraacetic acid (EGTA) on the assembly of microtubule proteins (MTP) into microtubules or MPT sheets in vitro

Acta histochemica
R SchmidtW Vater

Abstract

Analyses of the cell structures in the islets of Langerhans revealed the presence of 2 predominant cations, calcium (beta-granules and saccules, mitochondria, sac membranes, and cell membranes) and zinc (secretory granules, encasing membraneous sacs) in association with organelles which involve directional secretion. Both elements are known to interact with microtubules influencing their structural and functional properties, e.g. movement of secretory granules. Influences of Zn2+ on microtubules are investigated with a view to interactions in vitro with and without diabetogenic substances. Turbidimetry and electron microscopic investigations showed that under the conditions mentioned above, alloxan of a concentration of 2 x 10(-5) mol/l (alloxan/tubulin 1:1) inhibits the formation of microtubules and increases the portion of microtubules stabilized of 4 degrees C. The Zn2(+)-induced formation of MTP sheets is not influenced by alloxan and the metal complex forming agent EGTA, if the molar concentrations of the substance and Zn2+ are equally high. With a molar proportion of 2:1 (EGTA:Zn2+), the formation of sheets does not longer occur and only microtubules are formed, whereas neither sheets nor microtubules were assembled by al...Continue Reading

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