Fig. 8. Methyl-ß-cyclodextrin promotes release of the laminin matrix from the cellular surface. Astrocyte monolayers derived from E16 rats were labeled for laminin and DAPI before (A) or after treatment with Triton X-100 (B) or CD (C). Triton X-100, a detergent capable of dissolving phospholipids, permeabilized the cells, allowing for visualization of intracellular stocks of the protein. Conversely, CD, which affects membrane structures stabilized by cholesterol, caused complete release of laminin from the monolayers. Insets show DAPI labeling in the respective fields. Bar, 50 µm.