Early nuclear structural changes of transformed human amniotic cells (WISH) in presence of type IV collagen detected by the nuclear refringency assay.

An early nuclear activation of transformed human amniotic epithelial (WISH) cells triggered by type IV collagen is visualized by a modification of the nuclear refringency obtained by mercury binding on condensed chromatin. This phenomenon is quantified by the nuclear refringency test. The nuclear activation of WISH cells by basement membrane collagen is also shown by the DNase I sensitivity of chromatin and by the measurement of mRNA synthesis. These nuclear phenomena are concomitant with WISH cell attachment and laminin synthesis. Reversible effects on nuclear refringency, cell attachment, and laminin synthesis are tested by the addition and removal of different metabolic inhibitors.