Organization of acetylcholine receptor clusters in cultured rat myotubes is calcium dependent

S. Bursztajn, J. L. McManaman, Stanley H. Appel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effect of extracellular Ca2+ concentration and myasthenic globulin on the distribution and appearance of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters on rat myotubes was studied with tetramethyl-rhodamine-labeled αBTX. Low Ca2+ medium (2.5 x 10-5 M) caused a time-dependent loss of AChR clusters, and a concomitant increase in small punctate areas of fluorescence. High Ca2+ concentrations (1.5 x 10-2 M) increased the size of AChR clusters without altering AChR synthesis. These changes were not observed with other divalent ions. In the presence of myasthenic globulin, the rate of AChR turnover increases, and AChR clusters are rapidly dispersed. High Ca2+ concentration partially protects the AChR clusters from dispersal and decreases the rate of receptor turnover.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)507-517
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Cell Biology
Volume98
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1984

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cell Biology

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