Possible roles for microtubules and microfilaments in ADH action on toad urinary bladder

Abstract
Intramembranous particle aggregates in the luminal membrane of toad bladder granular cells after vasopressin stimulation were found to correlate closely and specifically with induced alterations of water permeability. Roles for microtubules and microfilaments in mediating the latter response were proposed on the basis of studies involving colchicine and cytochalasin B, respectively. The effects of these agents on both initiating and sustaining vasopressin-induced osmotic water flow and the particle aggregation phenomenon were studied. During initiation the aggregation and water flow responses to vasopressin are each colchicine- and cytochalasin B-sensitive and that these sensitivities can be wholly additive. After full vasopressin stimulation is established, the same responses demonstrate sensitivity only to cytochalasin B, not to colchicine. Microtubules and microfilaments may be independently necessary for the initiation of the aggregation and water flow responses to vasopressin, and microfilaments, but not microtubules, are probably required for their maintenance.