Intramembrane particle distribution and lectin binding of glioblastoma cells after long term subculture.

Human glioblastoma cells in long-term monolayer culture showed an even distribution of intramembrane particles (IMP) on all surfaces of the plasma membrane; junctional complexes were rarely observed and rectilinear arrays were not seen. Cells treated with Con A-ferritin and Ricin II-ferritin showed an even distribution of lectin receptors and under conditions used no capping occurred. Lectin-ferritin complexes were taken up into pinocytotic vesicles. Cleaved preparations of Ricin II-ferritin treated cells showed no change in the distribution of IMP.