The Role of Mitochondria in the Detection of Infrared Light Sources by Mammalian Cells
Abstract
With permission of the Program Director, Dr. Hugh DeLong and in cooperation with the DARPA programs "Persistence in Combat (PIC)" and "Regenesis" (Program Director: Cmdr. Dr. Kurt Henry) the emphasis was shifted to the detection and recording of near-infrared emissions of mammalian cells. The results warranted an immediate re-emphasis on the biological role of near-infrared detection by mammalian cells. During the past grant period we developed a novel and quantitative method to link the near-infrared light scattering of the cells to the distance from which a cell aggregate recruits its members. In short, it measures how far cell can see' each other in the following way. Each cellular aggregate forming on an isotropic, solid surface defines a circular area that marks the initial locations of its cells. The article uses a novel assay to measure the radius R(sub a) of this circle (range of aggregation') and shows in the case of 3T3 cells that it relates directly to the intensity l(sub SC) of their near-infrared light scattering. The results suggest that cells detect distant others by their scattered near-infrared light.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA439696
Entities
People
- Guenter Albrecht-buehler
- Robert L. Rea
Organizations
- Northwestern University