Ultrastructural distribution of nuclear ribonucleoproteins as visualized by immunocytochemistry on thin sections

The ultrastructural distribution of nuclear ribonucleoproteins (RNP) has been investigated by incubation of thin sections of mouse or rat liver, embedded in Lowicryl K4M or prepared by cryoultramicrotomy, with antibodies specific for RNP. The antibodies were localized by means of a protein A-colloidal gold complex. Anti-small nuclear (sn)RNP antibodies, specific for determinants of the nucleoplasmic snRNP species containing U1, U2, U4, U5, and U6 RNAs, were found associated preferentially with perichromatin fibrils, interchromatin granules, and coiled bodies. This indicates an early association of snRNP with structural constituents containing newly synthesized heterogeneous nuclear RNA. It also suggests a possible structural role of some snRNPs in nuclear architecture. Antibodies against the core proteins of heterogeneous nuclear RNP particles associate preferentially with the border regions of condensed chromatin, and in particular with perichromatin fibrils and some perichromatin granules. These results are discussed in view of recent knowledge about the possible role of nucleoplasmic RNP-containing components in the functions of the cell nucleus.     

M33 condenses chromatin through nuclear body formation and methylation of both histone H3 lysine 9 and lysine 27

Heterochromatin, a type of condensed DNA in eukaryotic cells, has two main categories: Constitutive heterochromatin, which contains H3K9 methylation, and facultative heterochromatin, which contains H3K27 methylation. Methylated H3K9 and H3K27 serve as docking sites for chromodomain-containing proteins that compact chromatin. M33 (also known as CBX2) is a chromodomain-containing protein that binds H3K27me3 and compacts chromatin in vitro. However, whether M33 mediates chromatin compaction in cellulo remains unknown. Here we show that M33 compacts chromatin into DAPI-intense heterochromatin domains in cells. The formation of these heterochromatin domains requires H3K27me3, which recruits M33 to form nuclear bodies. G9a and SUV39H1 are sequentially recruited into M33 nuclear bodies to create H3K9 methylated chromatin in a process that is independent of HP1α. Finally, M33 decreases progerin-induced nuclear envelope disruption caused by loss of heterochromatin. Our findings demonstrate that M33 mediates the formation of condensed chromatin by forming nuclear bodies containing both H3K27me3 and H3K9me3. Our model of M33-dependent chromatin condensation suggests H3K27 methylation corroborates with H3K9 methylation during the formation of facultative heterochromatin and provides the theoretical basis for developing novel therapies to treat heterochromatin-related diseases.     

Structure of interphase nuclei in relation to the cell cycle. Chromatin organization in mouse L cells temperature-sensitive for DNA replication

Mutant lines of mouse L cells, TS A1S9, and TS C1, show temperature- sensitive (TS) DNA synthesis and cell division when shifted from 34 degrees to 38.5 degrees C. With TS A1S9 the decline in DNA synthesis begins after 6-8 h at 38.5 degrees C and is most marked at about 24 h. Most cells in S, G2, or M at temperature upshift complete one mitosis and accumulate in the subsequent interphase at G1 or early S as a result of expression of a primary defect, failure of elongation of newly made small DNA fragments. Heat inactivation of TS C1 cells is more rapid; they fail to complete the interphase in progress at temperature upshift and accumulate at late S or G2. Inhibition of both cell types is reversible on return to 34 degrees C. Cell and nuclear growth continues during inhibition of replication. Expression of both TS mutations leads to a marked change in gross organization of chromatin as revealed by electron microscopy. Nuclei of wild-type cells at 34 degrees and 38.5 degrees C and mutant cells at 34 degrees C show a range of aggregation of condensed chromatin from small dispersed bodies to large discrete clumps, with the majority in an intermediate state. In TS cells at 38.5 degrees C, condensed chromatin bodies in the central nuclear region become disaggregated into small clumps dispersed through the nucleus. Morphometric estimation of volume of condensed chromatin indicates that this process is not due to complete decondensation of chromatin fibrils, but rather involves dispersal of large condensed chromatin bodies into finer aggregates and loosening of fibrils within the aggregates. The dispersed condition is reversed in nuclei which resume DNA synthesis when TS cells are downshifted from 38.5 degrees to 34 degrees C. The morphological observations are consistent with the hypothesis that condensed chromatin normally undergoes an ordered cycle of transient, localized disaggregation and reaggregation associated with replication. In temperature-inactivated mutants, normal progressive disaggregation presumably occurs, but subsequent lack of chromatin replication prevents reaggregation.     

PML is critical for ND10 formation and recruits the PML-interacting protein daxx to this nuclear structure when modified by SUMO-1.

Nuclear domain 10 (ND10), also referred to as nuclear bodies, are discrete interchromosomal accumulations of several proteins including promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and Sp100. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of ND10 assembly by identifying proteins that are essential for this process using cells lines that lack individual ND10-associated proteins. We identified the adapter protein Daxx and BML, the RecQ helicase missing in Bloom syndrome, as new ND10-associated proteins. PML, but not BLM or Sp100, was found to be responsible for the proper localization of all other ND10-associated proteins since they are dispersed in PML-/- cells. Introducing PML into this cell line by transient expression or fusion with PML-producing cells recruited ND10-associated proteins into de novo formed ND10 attesting to PMLs essential nature in ND10 formation. In the absence of PML, Daxx is highly enriched in condensed chromatin. Its recruitment to ND10 from condensed chromatin requires a small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO-1) modification of PML and reflects the interaction between the COOH-terminal domain of Daxx and PML. The segregation of Daxx from condensed chromatin in the absence of PML to ND10 by increased accumulation of SUMO-1-modified PML suggests the presence of a variable equilibrium between these two nuclear sites. Our findings identify the basic requirements for ND10 formation and suggest a dynamic mechanism for protein recruitment to these nuclear domains controlled by the SUMO-1 modification state of PML.     

Fine structural organization of a non-reticulate plant cell nucleus

We studied the fine structural organization of the meristematic nucleus in roots of Lycopesicon esculentum (tomato) using ultracytochemical and immunocytochemical approaches. The nucleus has a non-reticulate (i.e. low DNA content) structure whose supramolecular organization differs in some respects from that in reticulate nuclei, principally in the organization of the chromocentres associated with the nuclear envelope, with which centromeric structures appear to be associated. The main difference at the nucleolar level is found in the fibrillar centres, which have a low amount of DNA labelling and in which inclusions of condensed chromatin are present only very rarely. The distribution of nucleolar DNA amongst the nucleolar compartments is similar to that in reticulate nucleoli as demonstrated using an anti-DNA monoclonal antibody. Tomato nuclei have nucleolus-associated bodies or karyosomes, like other plant species with a low DNA content and non-reticulate nuclear organization. The nuclear ribonucleoprotein structures in the inter- and perichromatin regions, namely inter- and perichromatin fibrils and granules, show similar ultrastructural and cytochemical characteristics in both types of nuclei.Abbreviations NAC nucleolus associated chromatin - CES centromeric structures - NOR nucleolar organizing region - NAB nucleolus associated body - IG interchromatin granules - RNP ribonucleoprotein - Mab monoclonal antibody by M.F. Trendelenburg     

Progressive polycomb assembly on H3K27me3 compartments generates polycomb bodies with developmentally regulated motion

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are conserved chromatin factors that maintain silencing of key developmental genes outside of their expression domains. Recent genome-wide analyses showed a Polycomb (PC) distribution with binding to discrete PcG response elements (PREs). Within the cell nucleus, PcG proteins localize in structures called PC bodies that contain PcG-silenced genes, and it has been recently shown that PREs form local and long-range spatial networks. Here, we studied the nuclear distribution of two PcG proteins, PC and Polyhomeotic (PH). Thanks to a combination of immunostaining, immuno-FISH, and live imaging of GFP fusion proteins, we could analyze the formation and the mobility of PC bodies during fly embryogenesis as well as compare their behavior to that of the condensed fraction of euchromatin. Immuno-FISH experiments show that PC bodies mainly correspond to 3D structural counterparts of the linear genomic domains identified in genome-wide studies. During early embryogenesis, PC and PH progressively accumulate within PC bodies, which form nuclear structures localized on distinct euchromatin domains containing histone H3 tri-methylated on K27. Time-lapse analysis indicates that two types of motion influence the displacement of PC bodies and chromatin domains containing H2Av-GFP. First, chromatin domains and PC bodies coordinately undergo long-range motions that may correspond to the movement of whole chromosome territories. Second, each PC body and chromatin domain has its own fast and highly constrained motion. In this motion regime, PC bodies move within volumes slightly larger than those of condensed chromatin domains. Moreover, both types of domains move within volumes much smaller than chromosome territories, strongly restricting their possibility of interaction with other nuclear structures. The fast motion of PC bodies and chromatin domains observed during early embryogenesis strongly decreases in late developmental stages, indicating a possible contribution of chromatin dynamics in the maintenance of stable gene silencing.     

Isolation of rosette-like structures from partially deproteinized chromatin in rat hepatocytes

The structure of partial deproteinized rat hepatocyte chromatin has been studied. Depending on the magnesium concentration the chromatin of isolated nuclei is present in the two conditions: diffuse (at 0-1.5 mM MgCl2) and condensed (at 2-5 mM MgCl2). The main components of nuclei with condensed chromatin are chromomers--globular structures about 100 nm in diameter. By treating such nuclei with heparin and dextransulfate one can observe a rosette-like structure with lateral loops having the following parameters: the length of the loops, 15-20 micron; the number of loops, 15-30. The rosette-like structures are sensitive to endogenous nuclease and DNase 1, but not to RNase. Pronase or higher concentration of polyanions give rise to unfolding of the rosette-like structures. The rosette structures cannot be isolated from the nuclei with diffuse chromatin. On the basis of these observations a hypothesis of chromatin structural organization in the interphase nucleus is proposed, and the connection of the rosette-like structures with some structural levels of chromatin organization is discussed.     

Ultrastructure of the nuclear apparatus of the lower ciliateRemanella granulosa Kahl (Karyorelictida)

Summary The nuclear apparatus ofRemanella granulosa has been investigated using conventional TEM methods and Bernhard's technique of preferential RNP staining. This species has two (rarely three) macronuclei and a single micronucleus (rarely two micronuclei). The nuclei always form a single group.The macronuclei contain a fibro-granular matrix resistant to EDTA destaining, and several nucleoli and chromatin bodies. The chromatin bodies are readily bleached with EDTA and are often clustered, or even fused, forming chromocenters. The nuclei are of the compact concentric type. Some macronuclei contain nuclear bodies, as finely fibrous spheres or bundles of coarse fibers, or both. Neither type of nuclear body is destained with EDTA. The spheres are frequently associated with nucleoli. There is no evidence of any transition between the two types of nuclear bodies. The macronuclear envelope contains numerous pore complexes and is strengthened with an electron dense layer. The micronucleus is filled with spongy condensed chromatin and surrounded by an envelope with occasional pores. This nucleus lacks nucleoli and nuclear bodies.     

THE FINE STRUCTURE AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF NUCLEI DURING SPERMIOGENESIS IN THE HOUSE CRICKET : I. Initial Stages of Differentiation and the Loss of Nonhistone Protein

The early stages of nuclear differentiation in spermatids of the house cricket are described with regard to the fine structural elements and chemical components which occur. Particular attention is given to the loss of nonhistone protein from the nucleus and its relation to chromatin structure. Granular elements about 25 to 80 mµ in diameter, and fibers about 8 mµ in diameter occur in the earliest spermatid nucleus. The fibers are found in diffuse and condensed chromatin while granules are found only in diffuse material. DNA and histone parallel the chromatin fibers in distribution, while nonhistone protein and RNA parallel the granules in distribution. The granules and most of the nonhistone protein are lost, simultaneously, after the early spermatid stage. The protein loss occurs without detectable change in the structure of chromatin fibers. Chromatin fibers first show a structural change in mid spermiogenesis, when they become thicker and very contorted. Unusually thin fibers (about 5 mµ) also appear in mid spermatid nuclei; they are apparently composed of nonhistone protein and free of DNA and histone.     

Ultrastructure of the nuclei during different phases of the cell cycle in the antheridial filaments ofChara vulgaris L.

Summary Synchronously dividing nuclei of the antheridial filaments ofChara vulgaris at the 32-celled stage have different structure depending on the period of interphase.During S phase which begins as early as at the start of telophase (coincidently with the nuclear envelope formation and chromosome decondensation) one can observe a gradual reduction in the content of condensed chromatin, having the appearance of an indistinct network. During the middle S period the area of condensed chromatin decreases to the lowest level of about 29% of nuclear profile and the nuclear envelope becomes folded. At the end of S phase the condensed chromatin forms a more distinct and thicker reticulum which covers an area of about 52%.During the early G₂ phase, the area occupied by the condensed chromatin was about 41% and it was found to assume the shape of large and iregular clusters localized mainly near the nucleoli. The reticulate form of chromatin, characteristic of the S period, disappears almost completely. During the next period of interphase the condensed chromatin disperses considerably and covers now 24% of the area. At the end of the G₂ phase the condensed chromatin reappears and transforms into chromosomes. Then the condensed chromatin removes from the nuclear envelope.This work was supported by the Polish Academy of Sciences within the project 09.7.3.1.4.     

Review: properties and assembly mechanisms of ND10, PML bodies, or PODs

Nuclear domain 10 (ND10), also referred to as PML bodies or PODs, are discrete interchromosomal accumulations of several proteins including PML and Sp100. We describe here developments in the visualization of ND10 and the mechanism of ND10 assembly made possible by the identification of proteins that are essential for this process using cell lines that lack individual ND10-associated proteins. PML is critical for the proper localization of all other ND10-associated proteins under physiological conditions. Introducing PML into a PML -/- cell line by transient expression or fusion with PML-producing cells recruited ND10-associated proteins into de novo formed ND10, attesting to its essential nature in ND10 formation. This recruitment includes Daxx, a protein that can bind PML and is highly enriched in condensed chromatin in the absence of PML. The segregation of Daxx from condensed chromatin to ND10 by increased accumulation of Sentrin/SUMO-1 modified PML suggests the presence of a variable equilibrium between these two nuclear sites. These findings identify the basic requirements for ND10 formation and suggest a dynamic mechanism for protein recruitment to these nuclear domains controlled by the SUMO-1 modification state of PML. Additional adapter proteins are suggested to exist by the behavior of Sp100, and Sp100 will provide the basis for their identification. Further information about the dynamic balance of proteins between ND10 and the actual site of functional activity of these proteins will establish whether ND10 function as homeostatic regulators or only in storage of excess proteins destined for turnover.     

Nuclear events of apoptosis in vitro in cell-free mitotic extracts: a model system for analysis of the active phase of apoptosis

We have developed a cell-free system that induces the morphological transformations characteristic of apoptosis in isolated nuclei. The system uses extracts prepared from mitotic chicken hepatoma cells following a sequential S phase/M phase synchronization. When nuclei are added to these extracts, the chromatin becomes highly condensed into spherical domains that ultimately extrude through the nuclear envelope, forming apoptotic bodies. The process is highly synchronous, and the structural changes are completed within 60 min. Coincident with these morphological changes, the nuclear DNA is cleaved into a nucleosomal ladder. Both processes are inhibited by Zn2+, an inhibitor of apoptosis in intact cells. Nuclear lamina disassembly accompanies these structural changes in added nuclei, and we show that lamina disassembly is a characteristic feature of apoptosis in intact cells of mouse, human and chicken. This system may provide a powerful means of dissecting the biochemical mechanisms underlying the final stages of apoptosis.     

Relationships between DNA Fragmentation, Chromatin Condensation, and Changes in Flow Cytometry Profiles Detected during Apoptosis

The determination of whether a cell dies by apoptosis as opposed to necrosis is usually best made on the basis of distinct structural changes in the chromatin. These changes include extensive condensation of the chromatin and DNA fragmentation. We have shown that the cytotoxic drug bleomycin (BLM) is able to cleave the DNA between the nucleosomes when it enters into the cell. If sufficient amounts of BLM are internalized, the nuclear morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis are detected. In this work, we describe the nuclear changes that occurred after DNA fragmentation as a function of the number of DNA double-strand breaks generated per cell and of the time after their generation. Our results show that DNA fragmentation and degradation of higher-order DNA structure were directly responsible for the nuclear morphological changes associated with apoptosis. During apoptosis reduced fluorescence with respect to the G₀/G₁ cell cycle region (the sub-G₁ region) is often detected if fixed cells from cultures undergoing apoptosis are analyzed by flow cytometry. We demonstrate here that, depending on the extent of the DNA fragmentation and on ulterior changes in chromatin structure, the content of the fluorescent sub-G₁ region can be either soluble pieces of DNA or apoptotic bodies or cells depleted in the DNA content by partial loss of fragmented DNA dissolved in the washing media and/or by the release of apoptotic bodies.     

The murine heterochromatin protein M31 is associated with the chromocenter in round spermatids and Is a component of mature spermatozoa

In mature sperm the normal nucleosomal packaging of DNA found in somatic and meiotic cells is transformed into a highly condensed form of chromatin which consists mostly of nucleoprotamines. Although sperm DNA is highly condensed it is nevertheless packaged into a highly defined nuclear architecture which may be organized by the heterochromatic chromocenter. One major component of heterochromatin is the heterochromatin protein 1 which is involved in epigenetic gene silencing. In order to investigate the possible involvement of heterochromatin protein in higher order organization of sperm DNA we studied the localization of the murine homologue of heterochromatin protein 1, M31, during chromatin reorganization in male germ cell differentiation. Each cell type in the testis showed a unique distribution pattern of M31. Colocalization to the heterochromatic regions were found in Sertoli cells, in midstage pachytene spermatocytes, and in round spermatids in which M31 localizes to the centromeric chromocenter. M31 cannot be detected in elongated spermatids or mature spermatozoa immunocytologically, but could be detected in mature spermatozoa by Western blotting. We suggest that M31, a nuclear protein involved in the organization of chromatin architecture, is involved in higher order organization of sperm DNA.     

Study of the structural and structure-functional subdomains in the interphase nucleus by photostabilization

The role of the nuclear matrix components in the organization of structural and functional domains of interphase nuclei was studied using irradiation with blue light in the presence of a photosensibilized agent (Ethidium bromide). Nuclear domain resistance to extractive solution (2 M NaCl) treatment served as a criterion of irradiation-induced stabilization of different nuclear domains. The following results have been obtained: 1) the structural organization of the complexes of chromatin and clusters of replication does not depend on the state of the nuclear matrix in isolated nuclei; 2) chemical stabilization of the nuclear matrix by Cu(2+)-ions is not sufficient for the organization of chromatin domains; 3) irradiation in the presence of Ethidium bromide stabilizes domains of the nuclei, but does not lead to stabilization of the nuclear matrix internal network. Hence, the irradiation prevented extraction from the nuclear domains of nonhistone proteins which were not standard matrix proteins. Based on the results obtained, a hypothesis was proposed about a coexistence of two groups of nonhistone proteins in the cell nucleus. The first group includes proteins of the nuclear matrix involved in immobilization of scafford attachment regions and active genes. The second group includes some hypothetical structural proteins participating only in compaction of DNA of condensed chromatin.     

Characterization, expression and subcellular distribution of a novel MFP1 (matrix attachment region-binding filament-like protein 1) in onion

MFP1 (matrix attachment region-binding filament-like protein 1) is a conserved nuclear and chloroplast DNA-binding protein encoded by a nuclear gene, well characterized in dicot species. In monocots, only a 90 kDa MFP1-related protein had been characterized in the nucleus and nuclear matrix of Allium cepa proliferating cells. We report here a novel MFP1-related nuclear protein of 80 kDa in A. cepa roots, with M(r) and pI values similar to those of MFP1 proteins in dicot species, and which also displays a dual location, in the nucleus and chloroplasts of leaf cells. However, this novel protein is not a nuclear matrix component. It shows a spotted intranuclear distribution in small foci differing from the nuclear bodies containing the 90 kDa protein. In electron microscopy analysis, the intranuclear foci containing the 80 kDa MFP1 appeared as small loose structures at the periphery of condensed chromatin patches. This protein was also located in the nucleolus. It was abundant in meristematic cells, but its level fell when proliferation stopped. This different expression and distribution, and its preferential location at the boundaries between heterochromatin and euchromatin, suggest that the novel 80 kDa protein might be associated with decondensed DNA and could play a role in chromatin organization.     

Aurora B Kinase Maintains Chromatin Organization During the MI to MII Transition in Surf Clam Oocytes

Meiosis represents a specialized cell cycle whereby cells undergo two reductive divisions without an intervening S phase. In oocytes, the transition from meiosis I to II is brief, with paired sister chromatids remaining condensed throughout the interkinesis period. This stands in contrast to mitotic divisions where cytokinesis and the return to interphase is always accompanied by chromatin decondensation and nuclear envelope reformation. Because other aspects of M phase exit are normal, we probed the mechanisms that allow for polar body extrusion while retaining chromatin condensation in Spisula solidissima oocytes. If oocytes were activated in the presence of protein synthesis inhibitors, oocytes progressed normally through MI, but arrested in interkinesis with condensed chromatin, phosphorylated histone H3 and a disorganized MII spindle. Neither inhibition of CDK1- nor MAPK activity in arrested oocytes was sufficient to drive chromatin decondensation or nuclear envelope reformation, suggesting that these kinases were not responsible for the maintenance of chromatin condensation. However, inhibition of Aurora B kinase activity resulted in chromatin decondensation, loss of histone H3 phosphorylation and reformation of the nuclear envelope. Inhibition of Aurora B activity following MI also resulted in chromosome segregation defects during MII and blocked polar body formation, consistent with Aurora B’s well-established role in cytokinesis. Together, these results suggest that extended Aurora B activity between meiotic divisions maintains chromatin condensation, thus allowing for the rapid reassembly of the MII spindle and progression through meiosis.     

Dynamics of structural changes of Paramecium caudatum and Bursaria truncatella macronuclear chromatin and nucleoli under hypotonic conditions

Dynamics of structural changes of nucleoli, complex nucleolar aggregates and chromatin bodies in macronuclei (Ma) of ciliates Paramecium candatum and Bursaria truncatella under hypotonic conditions was studied. It was shown that after a 3 min hypotonic treatment nuclei swelled and became highly vacuolated. 3D-reconstruction showed that such nucleoli were formed by nucleolonema-like threads about 100-200 nm in thickness. Intranucleolar chromatin bodies decompacted, but remained bound with fibrillar component of the nucleolus by thin fibres about 10 nm thick. After 6 min hypotonic treatment the nucleolar material loosened and had a "gauze", or network-like appearence. After 10 min hypotonic treatment nucleoli dissociated completely. It was shown that a transition of chromatin bodies from completely compact to partially and fully decompacted state occurred cooperatively in different regions of Ma. In particular, chromatin bodies in the central part of complex nucleolar aggregates decompacted much faster than those in the Ma karyoplasm. It evidences for a specific, well-ordered chromatin organization in Ma. Prolonged hypotonic treatment led to a complete dissociation of Ma components; fibres 6-10 nm thick were solely observed in such preparations. Such fibres may represent remnant structures of the nuclear matrix. Dynamics of Ma chromatin bodies decompaction correlates well with that of chromomeres in the nuclei of higher eukaryotes. Our data confirm that chromatin 100-200 nm bodies in the ciliate Ma are analogues of chromomeres--looped discrete chromatin domains, observed in the nuclei of higher eukaryotes.     

Ultrastructure of nuclei of cisplatin-treated C6 glioma cells undergoing apoptosis

C6 glioma cells, treated with a cytostatic dose of cisplatin (1.66 x 10(-5) M) ceased dividing by 24 h and, most of them had undergone apoptosis by 72-96 h. The reactive cells were classified into 5 types (T-I to V), according to the ultrastructure of nuclei. At 4 h, 20.4% of cells (T-I) showed minute condensation and margination of chromatin. The nuclear envelope (NE) formed slim and deep invaginations consisting of the inner or both membranes. The later kind of NE invaginations often extended to the enlarged nucleoli and contained nucleolus-like material at its cytoplasmic side. Some nuclear pores were covered with a dome-shaped "cap" formed by fine filamentous material. The number of T-I cells increased to 53.3% by 72 h. In T-II cells, which appeared at 24 h, the chromatin was condensed into dense irregular masses separated from the NE by a lucent space with filamentous structures preventing complete margination of chromatin. Nucleoli of T-II cells were small and showed partial segregation of their components. The "capped" pores were absent in these apparently more damaged cells. From 24 h, cells with large and lobulated nuclei (T-III) started to increase in number and peaked at 72 h (6.6%). Except for some small lobules, the chromatin of T-III cells was moderately aggregated and the NE was well preserved. Typical apoptotic cells with highly condensed and marginated chromatin (T-IV) peaked at 48-72 h (2.4-4.8%). They appeared in 2 varieties, including cells with wrinkled nuclei with less condensed and incompletely marginated chromatin or more lobulated forms with highly condensed marginated chromatin suggesting their origin from T-II or T-III cells. T-IV cells, as well as their fragments, underwent phagocytosis and secondary necrosis (T-V cells, 48.6% at 96 h). Two alternative routes of nuclear changes leading to cisplatin-triggered apoptosis, as represented by the sequence T-I --> T-III --> T-IV/V or T-I --> T-II --> T-IV/V, may explain the initially less or more damaged cells. These alternatives, together with progressive recruitment of reactive cells, suggest intrapopulation differences in the sensitivity of cells or in the cell cycle perturbations induced by cisplatin. Except for the T-IV and T-V cells, observed alterations of cytoplasmic organelles, including mitochondria, were fewer than reported in previous studies on cisplatin.