[Effect of colcemid on the radial spreading of fibroblasts in culture].

Effect of colcemide upon the spreading of mouse embryo fibroblast-like cells on the substrate was studied with the aid of time-lapse microcinematography and scanning electron microscopy. On the glass, colcemide did not prevent the transition of cells into a well-attached state, however, the time needed for this transition was seen considerably increased as compared with the control cultures. Intermediate stages of spreading on flat glass had the following abnormal features in colcemide-containing medium: a) shapes of cytoplasmic outgrowths formed by the cell were altered and their distribution along the cell border appeared less regular; b) partial detachments of the attached parts of cells occurred very frequently; c) the spreading of various parts of the cells was not correlated. Possible mechanisms of colcemide action on the cell spreading are discussed, and it is suggested that intracellular structures sensitive to colcemide are essential for coordination of reactions that occur in various parts of the cell in the course of spreading.