Cellular autophagocytosis induced by deprivation of serum and amino acids in HeLa cells

J. S. Mitchener, J. D. Shelburne, W. D. Bradford, H. K. Hawkins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

81 Scopus citations

Abstract

Morphologic alterations in HeLa cells deprived of serum and amino acids were studied by light and electron microscopy. After complete deprivation for 1, 3, or 6 hr, many cells contained autophagic vacuoles, enclosing clearly recognizable cell organelles. The proportion of cells showing autophagy rose from 4 to 37% in the first 3 hr of deprivation. Acid phosphatase reaction product was localized within many of the autophagic vacuoles by a modified Gomori method. After 12 or 24 hr of deprivation, many membranous residual bodies were noted within the starved HeLa cells. These electron microscopic studies indicate that complete deprivation of serum and amino acids provides a useful model for the further study of cellular autophagocytosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)485-498
Number of pages14
JournalAmerican Journal of Pathology
Volume83
Issue number3
StatePublished - 1976
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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