Actin-like filaments amd membrane rearrangement in oxyntic cells.

The secretory pole of vertebrate oxyntic cells possesses two distinct membrane systems: the apical plasma membrane which presents numerous infoldings, microvilli and processes, and a complex tubulovesicular system located in close proximity to the plasma membrane. These two membrane systems are generally believed to be interconvertible in relation to the functional state of the cell. To determine the role that filaments may play in the interconversion process, the secretory pole of rat and toad oxyntic cells was examined by electron microscopy under conditions designed to demonstrate filamentous structures, i.e., slight cellular swelling and incubation with heavy meromyosin. Filaments 50-80 A in diameter are present in close association with the plasma membrane to which they are connected by regularly spaced bridges. Heavy meroxyosin-treated material reveals "decorated" filaments in topographically corresponding locations. No filaments are seen in association with membranes of the tubulovesicular system. These findings suggest that association with actin-like filaments is a step in the translocation of membranes from the tubulovesicular system to the plasma membrane.