Figure 2. 3D reconstructions of abnormal mitochondrial structure following exposure to elevated hydrostatic pressure. Differentiated RGC-5 cells were exposed to elevated hydrostatic pressure (30 mmHg) for 3 days. Non-pressurized cells show an elongated and fused mitochondrial network (A-D). Pressurized cells show abnormal cristae depletion (E-H), and mitochondrial fission (I-L). Mitochondria in these cells were reconstructed in 3D using electron microscope tomography. Slices of 1.4 nm thickness through the middle of each reconstruction are shown (A, E, I). Top and side views of surface-rendered volumes of a control mitochondrion and three pressurized mitochondria are displayed. The outer membrane is shown in blue and the cristae are shown in various colors. Top views of the mitochondria after segmentation of the outer and inner membranes into separate objects show the distribution of cristae (B, F, J). Side views of the outer membrane show no ruptures of the membrane (C, G, K). With the outer membrane made translucent (D, H, L), the cristae shapes and sizes are visualized. Also apparent is the extent to which the mitochondria volume is filled (or otherwise depleted) of cristae. Size bar represents 250 nm. Movie one (left) shows non-pressurized RGC-5 cells and movie 2 (right) shows pressurized RGC-5 cells. Double-click on the image to play the video. Note that the slide bar at the bottom of the quicktime movie can be used to manually control the flow of the movie. If you are unable to view the movie, a representative frame from the movie is included.