A SEM ANALYSIS OF DMSO TREATED HYDRA POLYPS

Scanning electron microscopy revealed that exposure of hydra polyps to DMSO at concentrations used for permeabilizing tissue results in stri king changes in epithelial cell morphology. Epithelial cells from trea ted polyps rounded up in shape and formed numerous large blebs at the cell surface. Along the borders of epithelial cells numerous small pro jections became detectable. The DMSO-induced changes at the cell surfa ce corresponded to drastic changes in the intracellular organization. No evidence could be found for DMSO induced opening of cell junctions and/or opening of the interstitial space. The results demonstrate that DMSO affects the morphology and intracellular organization of hydra e pithelial cells. Thus, caution is necessary in interpreting cell behav ior in DMSO treated tissue.