The cytoskeleton of the cynomolgus monkey trabecular cell. II. Influence of cytoskeleton-active drugs.

The effects of cytochalasin B (10(-6) M and 10(-5) M), taxol (10(-5) M), and colchicine (10(-5) M) on the cytoskeleton of cynomolgus monkey trabecular cells were examined with Nomarski observations, fluorescent labeling as well as extraction, S-1 labeling, and critical-point drying. Changes in actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments, the three major cytoskeletal systems, were correlated with changes in the overall shape and organization of the monkey trabecular cell. Incubation with cytochalasin B caused a marked alteration on actin filament structure, as well as cell shape and cytoskeletal organization. Effects on microtubule structure were noted with taxol, nocodozole, or colchicine; however, no marked changes in overall cell shape or other cytoskeletal structures were observed. These studies demonstrate the importance of actin filaments in regulating the shape and cytoskeletal organization of cynomolgus monkey trabecular cells.