High-energy adhering junctional complexes or with mitochondrial coupling

Abstract

A variety of adhering junction is found in the ependyma of the domestic cat with a coupling of mitochondria. These are symmetrically situated (in mirror form) at both sides of the intercellular cleft, which always maintain the same separating distance, thereby leaving a limiting cellular space of a constant amplitude. The hypothesis is put forward that the energy (ATP), provided by the mitochondria over adhering junctional complexes, would produce separate fields of force which would position in a lengthwise direction the molecules which give rise to the anchoring filaments. The mitochondrial energy provided and the electrostatic forces generated would produce an adhering, intercellular junction which is functionally very strong and which could be called: high-energy adhering junctional complexes or with mitochondrial coupling.