Properties of the demarcation membrane system in living rat megakaryocytes

The demarcation membrane system (DMS) is the precursor of platelet cell membranes yet little is known of its properties in living megakaryocytes. Using confocal microscopy, we now demonstrate that demarcation membranes in freshly isolated rat marrow megakaryocytes are rapidly stained by styryl membrane indicators such as di-8-ANEPPS and FM 2-10, confirming that they are invaginations of the plasma membrane and readily accessible from the extracellular space. Two-photon excitation of an extracellular indicator displayed the extensive nature of the channels formed by the DMS throughout the extranuclear volume. Under whole-cell patch clamp, the DMS is electrophysiologically contiguous with the peripheral plasma membrane such that a single capacitative component can account for the biophysical properties of all surface-connected membranes in the majority of recordings. Megakaryocyte capacitances were in the range of 64-694 pF, equivalent to 500-5500 platelets (mean value 1850). Based upon calculations for a spherical geometry, the DMS results in a 4- to 14-fold (average 8.1-fold) increase in specific membrane capacitance expressed per unit spherical surface area. This indicates a level of plasma membrane invagination comparable with mammalian skeletal muscle. Whole-cell capacitance measurements and confocal imaging of membrane-impermeant fluorescent indicators therefore represent novel approaches to monitor the DMS during megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis.