Abstract
White adipose tissue of suckling rats was examined for evidence of continuity of membranes within cells, and areas of contact between adipocytes and capillary endothelial cells. Extracellular space, invaginations of cell surfaces, and lumens of channels and vesicles within both types of cells were marked with electron-opaque material in tissues which were treated with tannic acid after being fixed with glutaraldehyde. The electron-opaque material also marked channels that extended from extracellular space to the surface of intracellular lipid droplets in fat cells. Presence of this material in channels and vesicles, but not in cytoplasm, indicates they were open to extracellular space during treatment with tannic acid and, furthermore, that their membranes were continuous with plasma membrane. Cell processes of adipocytes and endothelium extended through basement membrane to make contact with each other. Apparent continuity of the external leaflet of plasma membrane of one cell with that of another cell was observed. These findings demonstrate membrane continuity between plasma membrane and membranes of intracellular channels in adipocytes and endothelial cells, and intercellular contacts in adipose tissue.
Published Version
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