Direct connection between myelinosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope in mouse hepatocytes grown with the amphiphilic drug, quinacrine

Abstract

Mouse hepatocytes grown in 4 microM quinacrine had numerous myelinosomes which were directly connected to expanded cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). The cisternae of the RER either subtended the electron transparent space of the myelinosome, expanded to form the outer membrane of the myelinosome or penetrated into it. Material of low electron density was frequently seen within the area where the cisternae penetrated into the electron transparent space of the myelinosome. Myelinosomes were also associated with the nuclear envelope in a pattern similar to that of the RER. Quinacrine appears to bind with the phospholipids of the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope and this drug-lipid complex is then moved into myelinosomes effectively removing the drug from the cell.