Paclitaxel and nocodazole differentially alter endocytosis in cultured cells.

Purpose: Microtubule-based transport facilitates the endocytosis of exogenous macromolecules. We have determined how microtubule accumulation and disassembly alter endocytosis.

Methods: The effects of paclitaxel, which promotes microtubule assembly, and nocodazole, which promotes microtubule disassembly, on fluid-phase and receptor-mediated endocytosis were measured using uptake of horseradish peroxidase and 125I-transferrin, respectively.