Correspondence of two nuclear networks observed in situ with the nuclear matrix

Abstract

In resting lymphocytes, three well defined networks are observed and attempts were made to superimpose them upon the networks described in isolated nuclear matrices. These three nuclear structures are seen after DNase and RNase treatment. They are digested by pepsin but their sensitivity to this enzyme is different. The more resistant network corresponds to the outer lamina of the isolated nuclear matrix. The second network is located in the inter-chromatin area. It is more sensitive to pepsin than the lamina and this sensitivity is increased ten-fold when digestion with pepsin is preceded by RNase digestion. This network corresponds to the internal network of isolated nuclear matrices. The third network is located in the intrachromatin area and is the most sensitive to pepsin action.