Ribosome-associated membrane contacts between astrocytes in the anoxic brain.
Between adjacent astrocytes in cerebral and particularly cerebellar cortices of brains unsuccessfully perfused or subjected to 2-30 min anoxia or short (5 h) autolysis, a new distinct unusual variant of an intercellular apposition was observed, which derived from already pre-existing membrane contacts. This membrane apposition was characterized by thicker contacting plasma membranes than usual, narrower intercellular distance, a fine para- and intermembranous material and ribosomes in the paramembranous position. In addition to these ribosome-associated membrane appositions ribosomes-associated gap junction and microtubule-associated junction were observed in isolated cases. The reason for binding of ribosomes and microtubules to the plasma membrane and their function in this site is unknown.
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002525:Cerebellar Cortex / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002534:Hypoxia, Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D051379:Mice; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure*