Insulin-induced enhancement of cell morphological dynamics: non-specific biophysical mechanisms for the generalized stimulation of metabolism?
Time series analysis of fluctuations in the intensity of light scattered by cells indicates the existence of a range of oscillations in cell morphology that usually occur in (pseudo) periodic bursts. Insulin has a frequency-dependent effect on the rhythms, predominantly that of stimulating the short period components believed to reflect surface movements. It is suggested that the non-specific action of the hormone on transport is due to an effective decrease in the net thickness of the surrounding diffusion layer (resulting from increased stirring of the micro-environment) and to accompanying membrane and cytoplasmic vibrations. From published data it seems likely that other mitogens and chemotactic agents act in a similar manner.
Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
D A
DA
Gilbert
G R
GR
Visser
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002477:Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008027:Light; D051379:Mice; D010507:Periodicity; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D007328:Insulin