Microtubules in mammalian heart muscle

J Cell Biol. 1979 Jan;80(1):183-95. doi: 10.1083/jcb.80.1.183.

Abstract

Sections of adult mammalian cardiac muscles fixed at room temperature reveal numerous microtubules (24--28 nm in diameter) both near the nucleus and in the extra-myofibrillar space. Microtubules encircle the nucleus, are associated with the myofibrils in a helical arrangement, and form a network that runs transversely at the level of the I band and axially between the myofibrils. Microtubules are more numerous in muscle cells than previously recognized and may perform more than cytoskeletal function.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure
  • Dogs
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Microtubules / ultrastructure*
  • Myocardium / ultrastructure*
  • Myofibrils / ultrastructure
  • Rats