Vimentin intermediate filaments in fish melanophores.

The distribution and chemical composition of intermediate filaments in cultured melanophores of two teleost species - Gymnocorymbus ternetzi and Pterophyllum scalare - were studied by immunofluorescence staining and immunoblotting techniques. The immunofluorescence staining of the melanophores with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to the intermediate filament protein vimentin revealed a system of fibrils radiating from the cell centre. These fibrils were resistant to 0.6 M-KCl and nocodazole treatments as has been found in other cell types. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of intermediate filaments in melanophores. Immunoblotting experiments showed the presence of the intermediate filament protein vimentin in melanophore lysates. Therefore, teleost melanophores possess a developed radial system of vimentin intermediate filaments.