Mechanical models of pseudopod formation

Abstract

The active locomotion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into a glass pipette has been recently reported using formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) as a chemoattractant. The frontal portion of the leukocyte appears clear and free of granules as observed in pseudopod formation. Three possible mechanisms for pseudopod formation are considered: (1) pressure-flow generated by actin-myosin contraction at the rear of the cell or at the base of the pseudopod; (2) osmotic pressure generated at the cell membrane, interior to the cell; and (3) actin polymerization of the cell membrane at the leading edge of the pseudopod. Experimental data on the movement of F-actin toward the rear of the cell, away from the front, favors polymerization of G-actin to F-actin at the leading edge. The active role of osmotic pressure and contraction at the base of the pseudopod are possible but not yet proven.