[14] Use of Tetrahymena and Paramecium in Studies of Exocytosis

This chapter describes the techniques used for quantitative studies on all three compartments. Emphasis is placed on biochemical and ultrastructural techniques. Procedures for Tetrahymena and Paramecium are described in separate sections; where overlap exists it will be noted. Three cellular compartments are involved in the process of exocytosis: The cell membrane, the secretory vesicles, and the cytosol between them. Each must be primed and ready for the membrane fusion process before exocytosis can occur, and failure in any one will prevent a normal release event. Therefore, it is imperative that each of the three compartments be studied not only independently, but in concert with the other two. This chapter presents the review of population of wild-type Tetrahymena after stimulation with alcian blue. The released mucus results in capsules (straight arrows) surrounding each cell. A cell that has escaped from its capsule (arrowhead) and an empty capsule (curved arrow) can be observed.