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Journal of Cell Science, Vol 36, Issue 1 61-72, Copyright © 1979 by Company of Biologists

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Studies of membrane fusion. III. Fusion of erythrocytes with polyethylene glycol

S Knutton

Freeze-fracture electron microscopy has been used to investigate the mechanism of polyethylene glycol-induced cell fusion. Interaction of cells with the high concentrations of polyethylene glycol required for cell fusion results in cell agglutination with large planar areas of very close contact between adjacent cell membranes. An aggregation of intramembrane particles into large patches at the sites of cell-cell contact accompanies cell agglutination. Fusion occurs following the removal of most of the PEG when cells only remain in close contact at small (approximately 0.1 micrometer diameter) plaques of smooth membrane resulting in cells connected by one (or more) small cytoplasmic connexions. Expansion to form spherical fused cells occurs by a process of cell swelling.


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S. Hui, T. Stewart, L. Boni, and P. Yeagle
Membrane fusion through point defects in bilayers
Science, May 22, 1981; 212(4497): 921 - 923.
[Abstract] [PDF]


© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1979