title: Effects of local anesthetics on cell morphology and membrane-associated cytoskeletal organization in BALB/3T3 cells.
abstract: Tertiary amine local anesthetics (dibucaine, tetracaine, procaine) reversibly affect the morphology of untransformed BALB/3T3 cells and the organization of membrane-associated cytoskeletal elements. In the presence of these drugs cells contract and become rounded in shape with the appearance of numerous surface "blebs." Electron microscope examination of anesthetic-treated cells revealed significant reductions in plasma membrane-associated microtubules and microfilaments and/or their plasma membrane attachment. The relationship of the findings on local anesthetic-induced changes in cellular cytoskeletal systems is discussed in relation to previous proposals on plasma membrane organization and control of cell surface receptor topography and mobility.
mesh_terms: D002460:Cell Line; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003992:Dibucaine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008870:Microtubules / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011343:Procaine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D013748:Tetracaine; D011343:Procaine; D003992:Dibucaine