Pleomorphism of human prostatic cancer cells (DU 145) in culture--the role of cytoskeleton.

The role of cytoskeletal structure in the alteration of cell shape, multinucleation, and intracellular transport of human prostatic carcinoma cells DU 145 was investigated by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and by immunofluorescence microscopy. It was confirmed that alterations in cell shape and surface topography, multinucleation, and intracellular transport of these cultured cells were regulated by a microfilament system composed of actin. The presence of prekeratin confirmed the epithelial nature of these cells. It was noted for the first time that these cells were highly motile and contained fewer microtubules, a moderate amount of intermediate filaments, and a large amount of microfilaments. "Displastic" cells were quite common in long-term culture. DU 145 cells are excellent in vitro models for further research on human prostatic cancer cells.