Actin microfilaments in melanophores of Fundulus heteroclitus. Their possible involvement in melanosome migration

Abstract

In melanophores of Fundulus heteroclitus, hormone-stimulated melanosome aggregation is accompanied by cytoplasmic flow from the cellular processes to the perikaryon, and reversal of these events takes place upon hormone-induced melanosome dispersion. These cells contain parallel arrays of microtubules, the majority of which are located in the perikaryon and in cortical regions of the processes. Studies with heavy meromyosin binding demonstrated two types of actin filaments: 11 a decorated meshwork of filaments similar to those usually found in close association with plasma membranes, and 2) filaments decorated in a manner similar to that of stress fibers. There is an apparent increase in the amount of filaments during melanosome aggregation. These results are discussed in relation to intracellular movement.