INSULIN-INDUCED ENHANCEMENT OF CELL MORPHOLOGICAL DYNAMICS - NONSPECIFIC BIOPHYSICAL MECHANISMS FOR THE GENERALIZED STIMULATION OF METABOLISM

Time series analysis of fluctuations in the intensity of light scattered by cells indicates the existence of a range of oscillations in cell morphology that usually occur in (pseudo) periodic bursts. Insulin has a frequency-dependent effect on the rhythms, predominantly that of stimulating the short period components believed to reflect surface movements. It is suggested that the non-specific action of the hormone on transport is due to an effective decrease in the net thickness of the surrounding diffusion layer (resulting from increased stirring of the micro-environment) and to accompanying membrane and cytoplasmic vibrations. From published data it seems likely that other mitogens and chemotactic agents act in a similar manner.