Membranes of animal cells. I. Methods of isolation of the surface membrane

Abstract

Abstract Procedures have been devised for the isolation of the surface membranes of mouse fibroblasts (L cell) and a variety of other cells. The surface membranes are stabilized by various reagents in a hypotonic solution and are then removed intact or as large fragments with a Dounce homogenizer. The membranes are purified by differential centrifugation on solutions of sucrose or glycerol or on a column of fine glass beads. A trilaminar pattern can be seen in thin sections of the membrane in the electron microscope. Sufficient material can be conveniently obtained for chemical analyses.