Structural changes induced by heparin in Zajdela ascites hepatoma cells.
By method of light and electron microscopy the influence of heparin (0.1%) sodium heparinate) on Zajdela ascites hepatoma cells was studied. To provide penetration of heparin into cells, the latter were treated with low-concentration detergent--Triton X-100. Heparin causes increase of cells observable by phase-contrast method, and homogenization of the karyoplasm. When examining stained preparations light-optically, chromatin is distributed evenly and structurelessly over the whole cell. Streaks of DNA-containing material protrude into the cytoplasm. Electronograms show lowering of electron density of cells, transformation of chromatin fibrils into a thin-fibrillar network, vanishing of nucleoli, and appearance of structureless globules about the size of 100 nm. The observed changes are discussed in the light of data on the anti-cancer action of heparin.
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002466:Cell Nucleolus / Q000187:drug effects; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002843:Chromatin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000187:drug effects; D006493:Heparin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008114:Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D009685:Nuclear Envelope / Q000187:drug effects; D017830:Octoxynol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D002843:Chromatin; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D017830:Octoxynol; D006493:Heparin