Abstract
In order to examine the mechanical properties of the membrane surface of astrocytes, we observed living astrocytes by atomic force microscopy (AFM) both in contact mode and force-mapping mode. Ridge-like structures reflecting actin filaments were observed in the topographic images in contact mode, but not in force-mapping mode, using a zero-loading force. When we measured the elasticity of astrocytes, we observed that the cell membrane above the nucleus was soft and the cell membrane above the cytosol was stiff. In particular, the parts reflecting actin filaments were very stiff. This effect of actin filaments on the elasticity of astrocytes was confirmed by the loss of actin filaments after application of actin-polymerization inhibitor.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 3711-3716 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Part 1: Regular Papers and Short Notes and Review Papers |
| Volume | 39 |
| Issue number | 6 B |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2000 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Actin filament
- Astrocyte
- Atomic force microscopy
- Cell membrane
- Elasticity
- Force mapping
- Young's modulus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Engineering(all)
- Physics and Astronomy(all)