Isolation of surface membranes from mammalian cells

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the isolation of surface membranes from mammalian cells. The preparation of purified surface membranes is an art not to be approached lightly. Methods are available to prepare membranes from most cell types. These methods produce whole membranes, large or small fragments, or vesicles. Cells performing different functions require variations of the isolation procedures. Therefore, the method to be used should be selected on the basis of the cell type as well as on the ability of the final membrane product. Two kinds of restrictions are placed on the interpretation of any data on isolated membranes. The possibility exists that not all of the cytoplasmic contents have been expelled, particularly when whole membranes are prepared. It may not be possible to separate completely all of the internal membranes from those of the surface, particularly when the method causes vesiculation of the membrane systems. As there are vast differences among cells, the criteria cannot be universal but should be categorized for particular cell types. In addition, when possible, similar methods should be used for a particular cell type or comparisons should be made with the other methods if there is a conflict.