Studies of the secretory process in the mammalian exocrine pancreas. I. The condensing vacuoles

MTHFR Knockdown Assists Cell Defense against Folate Depletion Induced Chromosome Segregation and Uracil Misincorporation in DNA

Folate depletion causes chromosomal instability by increasing DNA strand breakage, uracil misincorporation, and defective repair. Folate mediated one-carbon metabolism has been suggested to play a key role in the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through influencing DNA integrity. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the enzyme catalyzing the irreversible conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate that can control folate cofactor distributions and modulate the partitioning of intracellular one-carbon moieties. The association between MTHFR polymorphisms and HCC risk is inconsistent and remains controversial in populational studies. We aimed to establish an in vitro cell model of liver origin to elucidate the interactions between MTHFR function, folate status, and chromosome stability. In the present study, we (1) examined MTHFR expression in HCC patients; (2) established cell models of liver origin with stabilized inhibition of MTHFR using small hairpin RNA delivered by a lentiviral vector, and (3) investigated the impacts of reduced MTHFR and folate status on cell cycle, methyl group homeostasis, nucleotide biosynthesis, and DNA stability, all of which are pathways involved in DNA integrity and repair and are critical in human tumorigenesis. By analyzing the TCGA/GTEx datasets available within GEPIA2, we discovered that HCC cancer patients with higher MTHFR had a worse survival rate. The shRNA of MTHFR (shMTHFR) resulted in decreased MTHFR gene expression, MTHFR protein, and enzymatic activity in human hepatoma cell HepG2. shMTHFR tended to decrease intracellular S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) contents but folate depletion similarly decreased SAM in wildtype (WT), negative control (Neg), and shMTHFR cells, indicating that in cells of liver origin, shMTHFR does not exacerbate the methyl group supply in folate depletion. shMTHFR caused cell accumulations in the G2/M, and cell population in the G2/M was inversely correlated with MTHFR gene level (r = −0.81, p < 0.0001), MTHFR protein expression (r = −0.8; p = 0.01), and MTHFR enzyme activity (r = −0.842; p = 0.005). Folate depletion resulted in G2/M cell cycle arrest in WT and Neg but not in shMTHFR cells, indicating that shMTHFR does not exacerbate folate depletion-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. In addition, shMTHFR promoted the expression and translocation of nuclei thymidine synthetic enzyme complex SHMT1/DHFR/TYMS and assisted folate-dependent de novo nucleotide biosynthesis under folate restriction. Finally, shMTHFR promoted nuclear MLH1/p53 expression under folate deficiency and further reduced micronuclei formation and DNA uracil misincorporation under folate deficiency. In conclusion, shMTHFR in HepG2 induces cell cycle arrest in G2/M that may promote nucleotide supply and assist cell defense against folate depletion-induced chromosome segregation and uracil misincorporation in the DNA. This study provided insight into the significant impact of MTHFR function on chromosome stability of hepatic tissues. Data from the present study may shed light on the potential regulatory mechanism by which MTHFR modulates the risk for hepatic malignancies.

Distinguishing signal from autofluorescence in cryogenic correlated light and electron microscopy of mammalian cells

In cryogenic correlated light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM), frozen targets of interest are identified and located on EM grids by fluorescence microscopy and then imaged at higher resolution by cryo-EM. Whilst working with these methods, we discovered that a variety of mammalian cells exhibit strong punctate autofluorescence when imaged under cryogenic conditions (80 K). Autofluorescence originated from multilamellar bodies (MLBs) and secretory granules. Here we describe a method to distinguish fluorescent protein tags from these autofluorescent sources based on the narrower emission spectrum of the former. The method is first tested on mitochondria and then applied to examine the ultrastructural variability of secretory granules within insulin-secreting pancreatic beta-cell-derived INS-1E cells.

No Evidence for Pituitary Priming to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Relation to Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Secretion Prior to the Preovulatory LH Surge in Ewes1

The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of and the regulatory mechanisms involved in priming of the pituitary to GnRH before the preovulatory LH surge in sheep. Experiment 1: Forty-two ewes had progestagen devices removed after 14 days and were assigned to luteal (Lut) or follicular (Foll) groups. Fifteen days later, blood sampling was initiated either immediately or 36 h after induced luteolysis in groups Lut and Foll, respectively. After 4 h, ewes were administered either saline (n = 5) or 250 ng (n = 8) or 10 microg (n = 8) of GnRH. Five ewes per treatment group were killed 1 h later, while remaining animals were blood sampled for a further 7 h. Experiment 2: Eighteen ewes were allocated to Lut and Foll groups (described above). Blood samples were collected from 2 h before GnRH (10 microg) treatment until 7 h after. Despite up-regulated GnRH-R mRNA levels in Foll ewes, pituitary content and plasma levels of LH and LHbeta mRNA levels were similar between groups. Mean FSHbeta mRNA and plasma FSH levels were elevated in Lut ewes but declined after GnRH treatment. Inversely, plasma estradiol and inhibin-A concentrations were higher in Foll ewes and declined after GnRH treatment. Fewer LH(+ve)/secretogranin II(-ve) (SgII(-ve)) granules were present in gonadotropes of Foll ewes, coincident with increased basal LH levels. Fewer smaller sized granules were present after GnRH treatment. In conclusion, there was no evidence of self-priming before onset of the preovulatory LH surge. Constitutive release of LH(+ve)/SgII(-ve) granules may maintain basal LH levels while smaller sized, presumably mature granules may be preferentially released after GnRH stimulation.

Exclusion of golgi residents from transport vesicles budding from Golgi cisternae in intact cells

A central feature of cisternal progression/maturation models for anterograde transport across the Golgi stack is the requirement that the entire population of steady-state residents of this organelle be continuously transported backward to earlier cisternae to avoid loss of these residents as the membrane of the oldest (trans-most) cisterna departs the stack. For this to occur, resident proteins must be packaged into retrograde-directed transport vesicles, and to occur at the rate of anterograde transport, resident proteins must be present in vesicles at a higher concentration than in cisternal membranes. We have tested this prediction by localizing two steady-state residents of medial Golgi cisternae (mannosidase II and N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase I) at the electron microscopic level in intact cells. In both cases, these abundant cisternal constituents were strongly excluded from buds and vesicles. This result suggests that cisternal progression takes place substantially more slowly than most protein transport and therefore is unlikely to be the predominant mechanism of anterograde movement.

Sorting and storage during secretory granule biogenesis: looking backward and looking forward

Secretory granules are specialized intracellular organelles that serve as a storage pool for selected secretory products. The exocytosis of secretory granules is markedly amplified under physiologically stimulated conditions. While granules have been recognized as post-Golgi carriers for almost 40 years, the molecular mechanisms involved in their formation from the trans-Golgi network are only beginning to be defined. This review summarizes and evaluates current information about how secretory proteins are thought to be sorted for the regulated secretory pathway and how these activities are positioned with respect to other post-Golgi sorting events that must occur in parallel. In the first half of the review, the emerging role of immature secretory granules in protein sorting is highlighted. The second half of the review summarizes what is known about the composition of granule membranes. The numerous similarities and relatively limited differences identified between granule membranes and other vesicular carriers that convey products to and from the plasmalemma, serve as a basis for examining how granule membrane composition might be established and how its unique functions interface with general post-Golgi membrane traffic. Studies of granule formation in vitro offer additional new insights, but also important challenges for future efforts to understand how regulated secretory pathways are constructed and maintained.

Mannose 6-phosphate receptors are sorted from immature secretory granules via adaptor protein AP-1, clathrin, and syntaxin 6-positive vesicles

The occurrence of clathrin-coated buds on immature granules (IGs) of the regulated secretory pathway suggests that specific transmembrane proteins are sorted into these buds through interaction with cytosolic adaptor proteins. By quantitative immunoelectron microscopy of rat endocrine pancreatic beta cells and exocrine parotid and pancreatic cells, we show for the first time that the mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) for lysosomal enzyme sorting colocalize with the AP-1 adaptor in clathrin-coated buds on IGs. Furthermore, the concentrations of both MPR and AP-1 decline by approximately 90% as the granules mature. Concomitantly, in exocrine secretory cells lysosomal proenzymes enter and then are sorted out of IGs, just as was previously observed in beta cells (Kuliawat, R., J. Klumperman, T. Ludwig, and P. Arvan. 1997. J. Cell Biol. 137:595-608). The exit of MPRs in AP-1/clathrin-coated buds is selective, indicated by the fact that the membrane protein phogrin is not removed from maturing granules. We have also made the first observation of a soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor, syntaxin 6, which has been implicated in clathrin-coated vesicle trafficking from the TGN to endosomes (Bock, J.B., J. Klumperman, S. Davanger, and R.H. Scheller. 1997. Mol. Biol. Cell. 8:1261-1271) that enters and then exits the regulated secretory pathway during granule maturation. Thus, we hypothesize that during secretory granule maturation, MPR-ligand complexes and syntaxin 6 are removed from IGs by AP-1/clathrin-coated vesicles, and then delivered to endosomes.

Histology of the exocrine pancreas

The morphology of the exocrine secretory unit of the pancreas, i.e. the pancreatic acinus, is reviewed. The histological features of the acini and their relation with the duct system are described. The acinar three-dimensional architecture was studied by means of different ultrastructural techniques, some of which are complementary. The fine structure and morphodynamics of the acinar cells are also described. In addition, the location of the organelles in specific cytoplasmic domains and their close morphofunctional relationship with the sequential stages of secretion of the digestive enzymes are specially emphasized. Finally, morphological approaches are suggested to achieve a better comprehension of the physiological and pathological pancreatic activities whose morphodynamics need to be further elucidated or are almost totally unknown.

Luminal endocytosis and intracellular targeting by acinar cells during early biliary pancreatitis in the opossum

Cell necrosis in acute experimental pancreatitis is preceded by a redistribution of digestive enzymes into a lysosomal subcellular compartment. We have investigated whether endocytosis from the acinar cell lumen might contribute to this disturbance of intracellular compartmentation. In an animal model of pancreatitis involving pancreatic bile duct ligation in opossums, we have studied in vivo endocytosis of dextran 40 and [14C]dextran 70, cationized ferritin, and horseradish peroxidase from the apical surface of acinar cells before the onset of necrosis. Marker solutions were instilled into the pancreatic duct of anesthetized animals at physiological pressure. Tissue samples obtained at intervals of up to 60 min after instillation of markers were studied by electron microscopy and electron microscope autoradiography. All markers were taken up by acinar cells in control animals and in animals with obstructed pancreatic bile ducts. Markers for membrane-mediated endocytosis (cationated ferritin and horseradish peroxidase) were transported to lysosomes in both groups. In contrast, the fluid-phase tracer dextran was transported to the secretory pathway in controls but to lysosomes after duct ligation. Since dextran and luminally present secretory proteins can be expected to follow the same route after endocytosis, our findings suggest that altered intracellular targeting of endocytosed proteases might be one mechanism by which digestive zymogens reach an intracellular compartment in which premature activation can occur. This phenomenon may be a critical and early event in the pathogenesis of biliary pancreatitis.

Relation between the trans-Golgi network and the Golgi stack on development of the Golgi apparatus of the ameloblast in developing rat molar tooth germs

BACKGROUND

The problem of how the functional compartments of the Golgi apparatus organizes during cell differentiation to become a well-formed Golgi apparatus is as yet an unresolved issue. This study was designed to define the involvement of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and the Golgi stack in organizing the Golgi apparatus.

METHODS

The distribution of the TGN marker enzyme was examined in the ameloblast of developing rat molar tooth germs using cytochemistry with Co-enzyme A phosphatase (CoA Pase) and cytidine monophosphatase (CMPase).

RESULTS

Typically formed Golgi apparatus was observed in the secretory ameloblast but not in the presecretory ameloblast. Organization of the Golgi apparatus through the presecretory ameloblast was noted. In the presecretory ameloblast, Golgi stacks of different sizes and clusters of small vesicles were located in the cytoplasm lateral to the nucleus. The saccules with enzymes marked for TGN were also observed in the cytoplasm lateral to the nucleus. These saccules were adjacent to the cluster of small vesicles and/or the Golgi stack. Upon cell differentiation, Golgi stacks were seen in line along the long axis of the cell, and the file of the stacks in the cytoplasm lateral to the nucleus was formed. The positive saccule was seen in a parallel line equal to the length of the Golgi stacks.

CONCLUSIONS

In organizing the Golgi apparatus, the development process of the TGN and the Golgi stack appear to be different, and new Golgi stacks seem to be formed through the accumulation of small vesicles near the pre-existing TGN.

A three-dimensional reconstruction study of the rough ER-Golgi interface in serial thin sections of the pancreatic acinar cell of the rat

Distinctive views of the tubulo-vesicular elements interposed between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus were obtained in thin sections. The tubules that protrude from the transitional rough ER (tRER) are of dissimilar length. The numbers of tubules and of the nearby omega- and pear-shaped profiles decrease after fasting and are partially restored by refeeding. This formation is designated herein as the budding chamber of the tRER. Close to the budding chamber, clusters of 56 nm diameter vesicles are consistently observed. In some of the cells, convoluted tubules appear enmeshed with the presumptive transport vesicles of 56 nm diameter and with irregular, vesicular formations. Apparently structureless, electron-lucent ellipsoidal areas are found adjacent to these membranous elements. Serial and semi-serial sections show that the budding chamber, the sinuous tubules, the irregular vesicles, the structureless regions and the 56 nm vesicles fill tunnel-like spaces limited by the outermost Golgi cisterna (OGC) on one side and by the tRER on the other. Curved tubules appear to link the lumen of the OGC with that of smooth membranous occupants of these tunnel-like spaces. A presumptive luminal connection between these membranous occupants and the tubules of the budding chamber can also be seen. The predominant configuration of the OGC is that of a perforated, flat saccule. However, OGC regions exhibiting progressively lower densities of fenestrae, including smooth surfaced sectors eventually accumulating an intraluminal content are seen. Two such dilated, saccular portions of the OGC were analyzed through reconstruction of serial sections. Bundles of microtubules run closely apposed to the cis side of the OGC.

Thiamine pyrophosphatase activity in secretory cells of the lateral prostate and seminal vesicle of normal and castrated guinea pigs and castrates treated with oestradiol

Ultrastructural localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) activity was studied in secretory cells of the lateral prostate and seminal vesicle of normal and castrated guinea pigs and castrates treated with 17 beta-oestradiol benzoate. The present study has demonstrated that TPPase reaction product is consistently localized in the three to four trans cisternae of Golgi complexes in both the lateral prostate and the seminal vesicle. The reaction was intense and the reaction product often filled the cisternae completely. After castration there was a decrease in TPPase activity in both glands as revealed by the reduction in the amount of the reaction product which was found mainly in one to two trans cisternae of the regressed Golgi complex. The reaction product changed from a dense to a more particulate or granular pattern or to discrete deposits of high electron-density. Administration of 17 beta-oestradiol benzoate to the castrates caused changes in the localization and patterns of distribution of TPPase. In the lateral prostate there was an apparent increase in TPPase activity. The reaction product was found in two to four trans cisternae and occasionally in the trans-most cisternae of the dilated Golgi complex. The reaction product appeared as discrete, dense coarse precipitates. In the seminal vesicle TPPase reaction product was consistently found in one to two trans cisternae in cells with larger Golgi complexes. However, almost all cisternae of the smaller Golgi complexes were TPPase-positive.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ultrastructure of the exocrine pancreas in the snake Waglerophis merremii (Wagler)

Three types of serozymogenic cells were found in the secretory compartment of the snake exocrine pancreas. Type I cell was the most common and presented a well-developed granular endoplasmic reticulum arranged in cisternal and vesicular forms. The cisternal form was located predominantly in the basal regions of the cell and the vesicular form was found in the supranuclear regions of the cell next to a prominent Golgi complex. Mature secretory granules were seen at the cell apex. The cytoplasmic matrix of the Type II cells was electron dense but had only poorly-developed organelles. Secretory granules were rare. The cytoplasmic matrix of the Type III cells was electron lucent and the granular endoplasmic reticulum in the cisternal form was located predominantly in the supranuclear region, whereas the vesicular form was randomly distributed throughout the cytoplasm. The nucleus appeared pale due to the fine dispersion of the chromatin; the nucleolus was prominent. Centroacinar and intermediate cells were also examined.

Three-dimensional structure of cytidine monophosphatase reactive trans-Golgi elements in spinal ganglion cells of the rat

In order to analyse, at the electron microscope level, the three-dimensional configuration of the trans compartment of the Golgi apparatus rat dorsal root ganglia were treated to demonstrate cytidine monophosphatase (CMPase) activity. The localization of enzymatic activity in the Golgi apparatus varied according to cell types. In type A and C cells, CMPase was exclusively located in the transmost sacculotubular element, whereas in type B cells all the saccules of the stacks forming the Golgi ribbon and the trans-Golgi networks were impregnated. Numerous dense bodies seen at proximity were also CMPase positive. In 3 microns thick sections of type A cells examined at low magnification, the impregnated element was scattered throughout the cytoplasm and never formed a continuous structure. In type B cells, the strongly reactive trans-Golgi networks did not follow the entire length of the impregnated Golgi ribbon but were preferentially located in the concavity of its arched portions. At higher magnification and in all cell types some tubular portions of the trans-Golgi networks took the appearance of spheroidal cage-like structures, the CMPase positive anastomotic tubules forming the bars of the cage. Anastomotic tubules separated from the trans-Golgi networks formed fenestrated spheres, while nearby CMPase-reactive dense bodies exhibited a paler hilus. These observations were taken to indicate that in ganglion cells, some CMPase positive dense bodies, presumably lysosomes, formed by fragmentation of the trans-Golgi networks.

Golgi apparatus of epithelial principal cells of the epididymal initial segment of the rat: structure, relationship with endoplasmic reticulum, and role in the formation of secretory vesicles

The initial segment of the epididymis of rats, fixed with glutaraldehyde, was postfixed with reduced osmium, a technique that clearly delineates the membranes of cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the various elements of the Golgi apparatus, or with tannic acid to enhance the coats of vesicles and ribosomes on ER cisternae. The material was also treated to demonstrate various phosphatase activities (NADPase, TPPase, CMPase, G-6-Pase) or impregnated with osmium tetroxide. In osmium-impregnated material, the Golgi apparatus of the epithelial principal cells of the initial segment appeared in the light microscope as a branching, anastomosing ribbon forming a large network in the supranuclear region. In the electron microscope, ER were of two types: the heavily granulated, flattened, rough ER seen in the infranuclear and juxtanuclear regions and the distended, tubular, sparsely granulated ER, showing only few ribosomes, seen interlaced with the Golgi ribbon in the supranuclear region and at the apical pole of the cell. Of particular interest in this cell was the fact that the sparsely granulated ER approximated the Golgi stack on both its cis- and trans-faces. On the cis-face of the Golgi stack, the sparsely granulated ER cisternae showed the usual finger- or bud-like protrusions directed toward the cis element of the Golgi stack and around which numerous small 80 nm vesicles or membranous tubules were clustered. The Golgi stack consisted of the following elements in a cis-trans axis: the cis osmiophilic element, a first saccule slightly dilated, saccules two to four (S2-S4), which were NADPase-positive, and saccules five to seven and the eight Golgi element, which were TPPase-positive. On the trans-aspect of the Golgi stacks, several (up to four) CMPase-positive trans-Golgi networks were observed often in close apposition to the sparsely granulated ER cisternae. One of the trans-Golgi networks showed a "peeling-off" configuration, i.e. part of it was closely apposed to the overlying Golgi element of the stack, whereas the remaining part was separated from the stack by a space occupied by a cisterna of sparsely granulated ER. The other trans-Golgi networks were completely separated from the stack and were often seen sandwiched between sparsely granulated ER cisternae. Thus, ER cisternae showed extensive areas of close apposition but no continuity with the trans-Golgi networks. Although the saccules of the Golgi stacks showed NADPase and/or TPPase activity, the trans-Golgi networks displayed CMPase activity, thus facilitating their identification from the closely associated unreactive sparsely granulated ER cisternae.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Secretory pathways in animal cells: with emphasis on pancreatic acinar cells

Studies over the past three decades have clearly established the existence of at least two distinct pathways for the intracellular transport and release of secretory proteins by animal cells. These have been identified as the regulated and constitutive pathways. Many observations have indicated that in certain cells, such as those of the exocrine pancreas and parotid glands at least, these pathways coexist in the same cells. Although the general scheme of protein transport within these pathways is well established, many fundamental aspects of intracellular transport remain to be unraveled. How are proteins transported through the endoplasmic reticulum? How are the transitional vesicles formed and what are the underlying mechanisms involved in their fusion with the cis-Golgi cisterna? Even the general mode of transfer through the Golgi stack is debated: Is there a diffusion through the stack by flow through intercisternal tubules and openings or is there a vesicle transfer system where membrane quanta hop from one cisterna to the other? What is the fate of secretory proteins in the trans-Golgi area and by what mechanisms is a fraction of newly synthesized molecules of a given secretory protein released spontaneously while the majority of such nascent molecules are diverted into a secretory granule compartment? In this review, we have examined these and other aspects of intracellular transport of secretory proteins using pancreatic acinar cells as our reference model and we present some evidence to support the existence of a paragranular pathway of secretion associated with secretory granule maturation.

In exocrine pancreas, the basolateral endocytic pathway converges with the autophagic pathway immediately after the early endosome

Intracisternal granules (ICGs) are insoluble aggregates of pancreatic digestive enzymes and proenzymes that develop within the lumen of the rough endoplasmic reticulum of exocrine pancreatic cells, especially in guinea pigs. These ICGs are eliminated by autophagy. By morphological criteria, we identified three distinct and sequential classes of autophagic compartments, which we refer to as phagophores, Type I autophagic vacuoles, and Type II autophagic vacuoles. Lobules of guinea pig pancreas were incubated in media containing HRP for periods of 5-120 min to determine the relationship between the endocytic and autophagic pathways. Incubations with HRP of 15 min or less labeled early endosomes at the cell periphery that were not involved in autophagy of ICGs, but after these short incubations none of the autophagic compartments were HRP positive. After 30-min incubation with HRP, early endosomes at the cell periphery, late endosomes in the pericentriolar region, and, in addition, Type I autophagic vacuoles containing ICGs were all labeled by the tracer. Type II autophagic vacuoles were not labeled after 30-min incubation with HRP but were labeled after incubations of 60-120 min. Phagophores did not receive HRP even after 120 min incubations. We concluded that the autophagic and endocytic pathways converge immediately after the early endosome level and that Type I autophagic vacuoles precede Type II autophagic vacuoles on the endocytic pathway. We studied the distribution of acid phosphatase, lysosomal proteases and cation-independent-mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-M6PR) in the three classes of autophagic compartments by histochemical and immunocytochemical methods. Phagophores, the earliest autophagic compartment, contained none of these markers. Type I autophagic vacuoles contained acid phosphatase but, at most, only very low levels of cathepsin D and CI-M6PR. Type II autophagic vacuoles, by contrast, are enriched for acid phosphatase, cathepsin D, and other lysosomal enzymes, and they are also enriched for CI-M6PR. Moreover, soluble fragments of bovine CI-M6PR conjugated to colloidal gold particles heavily labeled Type II but not Type I autophagic vacuoles, and this labeling was specifically blocked by mannose-6-phosphate. This indicates that the lysosomal enzymes present in Type II autophagic vacuoles carry mannose-6-phosphate monoester residues. Using 3-C2, 4-dinitroanilino-3'-amino-N-methyldipropylamine (DAMP), we showed that Type II autophagic vacuoles are acidic. We interpret these findings as indicating that Type II autophagic vacuoles are a prelysosomal compartment in which the already combined endocytic and autophagic pathways meet the delivery pathway of lysosomal enzymes.

The origin and fate of Merkel cell granules--an ultrastructural study

In order to elucidate the origin and fate of Merkel cell granules (MCGs), electron microscopic studies were carried out in fetal rat skin at day 20 of gestation. In addition to the ordinary processing of the tissue, we incubated a part of the tissue with a solution containing ionophore A23187 in order to capture the rarely observable exocytotic event. Based on our findings, a hypothetical model for the life cycle of Merkel cell granules is proposed as follows: I) Granule morphogenesis takes place in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the GERL, from where immature granules are budding off, thereby exhibiting a bristle-like coat. II) Maturation and storage of MCGs takes place in the cytoplasm. III) Following stimulation, MCGs are released. IV) After the exocytotic granule release, MCG membranes are retrieved in the form of coated pits.

Sorting and secretory pathways in exocrine cells

Exocrine secretory cells contain multiple post-Golgi pathways from protein secretion. The major pathway in pancreatic and parotid acinar cells involves protein sorting into storage granules that undergo exocytosis with or without stimulation by secretagogues. This route of release is paralleled by a minor nongranular (but vesicular) pathway that originates by budding from maturing secretory granules. The nongranular pathway carries the same polypeptides that undergo storage in the granules but in different relative amounts. These features indicate that sorting into the stimulus-regulated pathway reflects not only the deposition of secretory proteins into immature granules but may also involve selective aggregation of proteins along with exclusion and vesicle-mediated secretion of other polypeptides that are inefficiently retained. Storage granules represent a distinct compartment of the secretory pathway, as indicated by the specific composition of their limiting membranes. Little is known about processes that maintain the low content and limited diversity of integral proteins of the granule membrane as compared to the membranes with which it fuses during exocytosis and formation. Future studies will examine the role of the nongranular secretory pathway in acinar cells, the branchpoint of pathways that are directed to the apical or basolateral cell surfaces, the structural determinants of secretory sorting, and the distribution and function of specific granule membrane polypeptides.

Three-dimensional observation of the Golgi apparatus in rat tracheal gland during the secretory cycle

The purpose of the present work is three-dimensional clarification of the overall configuration of the Golgi apparatus in rat tracheal serous cells including the sequence of structural modification during the secretory cycle induced by pilocarpine. From the results of both transmission electron microscopy from the serial sections, and scanning electron microscopy using the osmium-DMSO-osmium method based on maceration in dilute osmium tetroxide, the overall configuration of the Golgi apparatus shows that the Golgi stacks are joined together to make an interconnected, single Golgi complex in a cell. Connections, not only between the TGN (trans Golgi network) and rough ER (endoplasmic reticulum), but also between rough ER and cis cisternae are observed. This finding offers alternative routes for movement of substances through the cellular endomembrane system. During the secretory cycle induced by pilocarpine injection, it is evidenced that the disappearance of the TGN is accompanied by rapid discharge of secretory granules and the reconstitution of the TGN is followed by reformation of secretory materials. The beginning of the reconstitution of the TGN is indicated by vesicular buds from the sacculotubular element. These results indicate that the TGN participates directly in membrane recycling and in formation of secretory granules.

Effects of secretory stimulation on the Golgi apparatus and GERL of rat tracheal gland cells

The morphological and cytochemical changes of the Golgi apparatus and GERL of rat tracheal serous cells were studied after in vivo secretory stimulation with pilocarpine. Discharge of PAS-positive secretory granules had started within 30 min and complete discharge was finished within 2 h after stimulation. Reaccumulation of secretory granules became evident at 6 h and the volume of granules was similar to that of unstimulated control cells at 8 h. At 6 h after pilocarpine administration, acid phosphatase (AcPase) activity was markedly increased in GERL and immature secretory granules as compared to uninjected controls and this phenomenon continued 12 h after stimulation. GERL appeared to increase in extent and numerous continuities with immature granules were observed. Thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) activity, normally present in trans Golgi saccules was not altered during the secretory cycle. At 2 h after stimulation, tubular structures of GERL, which also react to AcPase, were seldom observed. At 6 h, these structures were more numerous than those of control cells. These results demonstrate that, in rat tracheal serous cells, pilocarpine induces alteration of only GERL, and reconstitution followed by resynthesis of secretory granules is performed without participation of the Golgi stack.

Topographical and planar distribution of Helix pomatia lectin-binding glycoconjugates in secretory granules and plasma membrane of pancreatic exocrine acinar cells of the rat: demonstration of membrane heterogeneity

The lectin-gold technique was used to detect Helix pomatia lectin (HPL) binding sites directly on thin sections of rat pancreas embedded in Lowicryl K4M and on freeze-fractured preparations of rat pancreas submitted to fracture label. On thin sections of acinar cells, whereas the content of zymogen granules was negative or weakly labeled, the limiting membrane displayed a high degree of labeling. In the Golgi complex, labeling by HPL was localized on the trans saccules and the limiting membrane of the condensing vacuoles. The latter appeared to be more intensely labeled than the membrane of the zymogen granules. Intense labeling by HPL was also observed along the microvilli and the plasma membrane. In contrast to the weak labeling of the zymogen-granule content, labeling of the acinar lumen was intense. Fracture-label preparations revealed preferential partition of HPL-binding sites to the exoplasmic half of the zymogen-granule and plasma membranes. The population of zymogen granules was, however, heterogeneous with respect to labeling intensity; the exoplasmic fracture-face of the plasma membrane was intensely and uniformly labeled, while the protoplasmic membrane halves were only weakly labeled. These observations were further confirmed and extended by the thin-section fracture-label approach. In addition, favorable profiles of thin sections of freeze-fractured zymogen granules showed that the labeling was not associated with the external surface of the limiting membrane, but rather localized over the exoplasmic fracture-face. We conclude that 1) zymogen granules contain little HPL-binding glycoconjugates, 2) HPL-binding sites are preferentially associated with the exoplasmic half of the zymogen-granule and plasma membranes, and 3) the limiting membrane of the immature condensing vacuoles carries a greater number of HPL-binding sites than that of the mature zymogen granules. These last, in turn, constitute a heterogenous population with respect to labeling density. These results support the current view that glycoconjugates are directed toward the lumen in secretory granules but become external to the cell surface after fusion of the secretory-granule membrane with the plasma membrane. Also, the results reflect membrane modifications during the maturation process of secretory granules in the exocrine pancreas in which glycoproteins are removed from the limiting membrane of the granule to become soluble and secreted with the content.

Ultrastructural identification of sulphated glycoconjugates in the Golgi apparatus in human colonic absorptive cells

The subcellular localization of sulphated glycoconjugates was determined at the ultrastructural level by using the high iron diamine (HID) technique for sulphate groups in the absorptive cells of human colonic mucosa. Stained material was observed on the apical plasma membrane, in intracytoplasmic vesicles and in the Golgi complex. In this organelle, the last two or three cisternae of the trans side and the trans-Golgi network (TGN) were labelled, as well as a variable number of coated and noncoated vesicles facing the trans side and surrounding trans-Golgi network. These findings point to the trans side of the Golgi apparatus and trans-Golgi network as the subcompartments functionally involved in the sulphation of glycoconjugates.

Formation of secretion granules in the Golgi apparatus of pancreatic acinar cells of the rat

The three-dimensional structure of the Golgi apparatus and its components has been analyzed in sections of pancreatic acinar cells by using stereopairs of electron microscope photographs. Pancreatic tissue fixed in glutaraldehyde was postfixed in reduced osmium, and the sections were stained with lead citrate. Tissues were also treated to demonstrate phosphatase activity (i.e., nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase, NADPase; thiamine pyrophosphatase, TPPase; cytidine monophosphatase, CMPase). The following stacked components were observed along the branching, anastomotic, continuous, ribbonlike Golgi apparatus. 1) On the cis-face of the Golgi stack there was a tubular membranous network known to be osmiophilic and referred to as the cis-osmiophilic tubular network or cis-element. 2) A first, poorly fenestrated saccule, unreactive for the phosphatases tested, was slightly distended in places and contained a fluffy granulofilamentous material. 3) The subjacent three or four saccules, reactive for NADPase and/or TPPase, showed dilated portions containing a granulofilamentous secretory material similar to that filling the rest of the saccule. They also showed nondilated portions perforated with large fenestrations, some of which were in register and formed wells containing 80-nm vesicles. The dilated portions of these saccules were present at random along the length of the saccules and were not located exclusively at their edges. 4) The remaining one or two elements of the stack, CMPase positive, showed dilated spheroidal portions or prosecretory granules containing a homogeneous secretory material and flattened fenestrated regions free of secretory material and having the appearance of networks of narrow membranous tubules. 5) Lastly on the trans-aspect of the stack there were detached prosecretory granules reactive for CMPase and surrounded by a corona of small vesicles, and smooth-surfaced spherical CMPase-negative granules having a denser content that were identified as fully formed secretion granules; there were also occasional free trans-tubular networks strongly reactive for CMPase that appeared to undergo fragmentation and numerous small vesicles free from acid-phosphatase activity. These various images were interpreted as indicating that prosecretory granules formed in relation to two or three fenestrated saccules on the trans-side of the stack. Such granules, following their detachment from the trans-face of the stack, their separation from trans-tubular networks, and condensation of their content, yielded mature secretion granules.

Cytochemical study of the Golgi apparatus and related organelles of the secretory ameloblasts of rat molar tooth germs cultured with and without colchicine

The Golgi apparatus and Golgi-associated endoplasmic reticulum lysosome (GERL) were examined in the ameloblasts with a cytochemical marker, osmium impregnation, and two enzyme markers, thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) and acid phosphatase (ACPase). In control cultured germs, osmium deposit appeared in one to two immature side cisternae of Golgi stacks; TPPase activity was restricted in a few mature side cisternae and condensing vacuoles. ACPase activity existed in the GERL and, sometimes, in the mature side-cisternae and condensing vacuoles. These findings show that Golgi stacks of ameloblasts consist of several distinct compartments. In colchicine-treated tooth germs, there were morphological and cytochemical changes in both Golgi stacks and GERL. The Golgi apparatus was fragmented and its stacks were scattered throughout the supranuclear region. In some stacks, the number of osmium-positive cisternae was greater than normal; in others they were absent. TPPase and ACPase activity was absent or diminished. These findings suggest the importance of microtubules in the organization of Golgi complex and GERL in the secretory ameloblast.

Tridimensional architecture of the Golgi apparatus and its components in mucous cells of Brunner's glands of the mouse

The three-dimensional structure of the Golgi apparatus and its components has been analyzed in thin and thick sections of mucous cells of mouse Brunner's glands by using low- and high-voltage electron microscopes and a stereoscopic approach. In thick sections of glands impregnated with osmium or treated to detect nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase (NADPase) or thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) activity, the Golgi apparatus appeared, at low magnification, as a continuous network located in the supranuclear region. At higher magnifications and in thin sections of tissue postfixed with reduced osmium and stained with lead citrate or treated to demonstrate phosphatase activity, the following components were observed: on the cis-face of the Golgi stacks, an osmiophilic tubular network referred to as the cis-element; a cis-saccular-compartment composed of a distended porous saccule slightly reactive for NADPase and three or four underlying NADPase-positive, flattened, poorly fenestrated saccules; a trans-saccular-compartment consisting of four to six TPPase-positive saccules or sacculo-tubular elements, prosecretory granules, and "peeling off" trans-tubular networks. The saccules of the cis-compartment were often perforated by large pores in register. The cavities thus formed in the stacks were called wells and were pan-shaped with a mouth directed toward the cis-face of the stacks and a bottom closed by TPPase-positive saccules. The wells always contained 80-nm vesicles. The saccules of the trans-compartment were involved in the formation of secretory granules according to the following proposed sequence of transformation. The secretion product appeared initially as a granular material evenly distributed throughout a slightly distended, poorly fenestrated saccule. These saccules appeared to transform into fenestrated elements with irregular pores and with parts of them taking on the appearance of a tubular network; they were thus referred to as sacculotubular elements. The secretory material initially distributed throughout these elements accumulated in nodular dilatations randomly distributed along the tubular portions of the elements. The dilatations, considered as prosecretory granules, increased in size as they drained the secretory material from the rest of the sacculotubular elements. Such prosecretory granules, large and irregular in shape, "peeled off" from the stacks of saccules with residual saccular or tubular structures still attached to them, some of the latter forming trans-tubular networks. The prosecretory granules detached from such membranous residues, condensed, and finally transformed into spherical secretion granules.

Similarities and differences among neuroendocrine, exocrine, and endocytic vesicles

Secretory and endocytic vesicles have analogous functions as cyclic carriers between specific cellular compartments. The centrifugally functioning secretory system operates from the Golgi complex, whereas the centripetally functioning endocytic system operates from the cell surface. Further, within polarized epithelial cells the export traffic can be directed to a distinct plasmalemmal domain which distinguishes exocrine from endocrine secretion and import traffic can be directed transcellularly. These shuttle operations involve a special class of lipid-rich, protein-poor membranes that appear to use an inwardly directed H+-translocase activity to varying extents for pH-dependent sorting and for accumulation and concentration of transported molecules. Comparative analyses of purified membrane preparations from exocrine and endocrine sources identify compositional overlap between different types of shuttle membrane. However, the structural elements that specify a particular origin or destination for a given carrier or determine function in storage and stimulus-dependent shuttling remain unknown.

The trans Golgi network: sorting at the exit site of the Golgi complex

The Golgi complex is a series of membrane compartments through which proteins destined for the plasma membrane, secretory vesicles, and lysosomes move sequentially. A model is proposed whereby these three different classes of proteins are sorted into different vesicles in the last Golgi compartment, the trans Golgi network. This compartment corresponds to a tubular reticulum on the trans side of the Golgi stack, previously called Golgi endoplasmic reticulum lysosomes (GERL).

Tridimensional structure of the Golgi apparatus in type A ganglion cells of the rat

The three-dimensional structure of the whole Golgi apparatus and of its components in type A ganglion cells was examined in thin and thick sections by low- and high-voltage electron microscopy. At low magnification, in 10-micron-thick sections of osmicated cells, the Golgi apparatus formed a broad, continuous perinuclear network. At higher magnification and in thinner sections of cells impregnated with uranyl acetate-lead-copper citrate or postfixed in K-ferrocyanide-reduced osmium, the Golgi apparatus appeared as a heterogeneous structure in which saccular regions characterized by stacks of saccules alternated with intersaccular regions made up of branching membranous tubules which bridged the saccules of adjacent stacks. The saccular regions consisted of the following superimposed elements: a cis-osmiophilic element made up of anastomosing tubules; two or three saccules negative for the phosphatases tested (i.e., nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase = NADPase, thiamine pyrophosphatase = TPPase, and cytidine monophosphatase = CMPase); two saccules showing TPPase activity; and one to three trans-sacculotubular elements showing a "peeling-off" configuration, one of which showed CMPase activity. The saccules (phosphatase-negative) on the cis-side of the Golgi stacks showed, in addition to small circular pores, larger perforations in register. The cavities thus formed in the stacks of saccules, called "wells," always associated with small 80-nm vesicles, had a pan shape with the mouth directed toward the cis-face and the bottom closed by a TPPase-positive saccule. In face views of the saccules, the smallest of these perforations showed either a crescent shape, due to the presence of a bud on one side of the perforation, or a circular shape with a single small 80-nm vesicle in the center which was occasionally attached to the saccule by a filiform stalk. Such smaller cavities were considered as the precursors of the larger perforations and eventually of the wells. The small 80-nm vesicles seen in the small cavities or in the wells appeared to form in situ and possibly migrate toward the cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum seen proximal to the cis-face of the stack of saccules. Small 80-nm vesicles were also numerous in the intersaccular regions, along the lateral- and trans-aspects of the Golgi stacks, while larger, 150-to 300-nm vesicles, coated and uncoated, were seen only on the trans-face of the Golgi stacks in proximity to the trans-sacculotubular elements which appear to "peel off" from the Golgi stacks.

Temperature and energy dependence of secretory protein transport in the exocrine pancreas

Pancreatic lobules pulse-labeled with [3H]leucine have been incubated at temperatures between 0 and 37 degrees C in the presence or absence of ongoing oxidative phosphorylation. Subcellular fractionation methods and electron microscopic autoradiography have been used to monitor the progress of intracellular transport of newly synthesized secretory proteins. Over the period studied, exit from the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) occurs only at greater than 10 degrees C while traversal of the Golgi complex and entry into condensing vacuoles requires greater than 22 degrees C. Both steps of transport require ongoing ATP production. Incubation at 10 or 20 degrees C does not diminish ATP levels, relative to 37 degrees C controls. Remarkable and unprecedented alterations of the ultrastructure of transitional elements of the RER accompany the arrest of exit from the RER: at 10 degrees C transitional elements are much more numerous and longer than in controls; in the absence of ATP production they are essentially absent. These observations are interpreted in terms of a cyclic model of RER-to-Golgi vesicular traffic. Inhibition of ATP production also causes an increase in the rigid cisternae and coated elements in the distal Golgi area.

Exit of newly synthesized membrane proteins from the trans cisterna of the Golgi complex to the plasma membrane

The intracellular location at which the G protein of vesicular stomatitis virus accumulated when transport was blocked at 20 degrees C has been studied by biochemical, cytochemical, and immunocytochemical methods. Our results indicated that the viral G protein was blocked in that cisterna of the Golgi stack which stained for acid phosphatase. At 20 degrees C this trans cisterna became structurally altered by the accumulation of G protein. This alteration was characterized by extensive areas of membrane buds which were covered by a cytoplasmic coat. These coated structures were of two kinds--those that labeled with anti-clathrin antibodies and those that did not. The clathrin-coated pits consistently did not label with anti-G antibodies. Upon warming infected cells to 32 degrees C, G protein appeared on the surface within minutes. Concomitantly, the trans cisterna lost its characteristic structural organization. Double-labeling experiments were performed in which G protein localization was combined with staining for horseradish peroxidase, which had been taken up from the extracellular medium by endocytosis. The results suggest that the trans cisterna was distinct from the endosome compartment and that the latter was not an obligatory station in the route taken by G protein to the cell surface.

Cytochemical studies of acid phosphatases in the rat lateral prostate with special reference to secretory apparatus and lysosome system

A cytochemical study of acid phosphatase (AcP-ase) in the lateral prostate of the rat was performed to investigate whether AcP-ase in the secretory apparatus can be distinguished from AcP-ase in lysosomes and their related structures. Two types of AcP-ase were observed in the rat lateral prostate. One was found in the secretory apparatus (Golgi saccules and some Golgi vesicles, condensing and secretory vacuoles), and reacted well with naphthol AS-BI phosphate (N AS-BI P) as substrate; the other was found in the lysosomes and Golgi-associated endoplasmic-reticulum-lysosome system (GERL)-like structure, and reacted well with beta-glycerophosphate (beta GP) as substrate. Although the AcP-ase which reacted well with N AS-BI P was also observed in certain portions of pleomorphic lysosomes, it was concluded that it was the same as the AcP-ase found in the condensing and secretory vacuoles, since a lysosome engulfing a condensing vacuole was often observed. Therefore, it is concluded that the AcP-ase in the secretory apparatus in the rat lateral prostate is different from the AcP-ase in lysosomes. Condensing vacuoles appear to originate from particular portions of Golgi saccules, but not from the GERL or GERL-like structure, at least in the rat lateral prostate.

Immunocytochemistry of lysosomal hydrolases and their precursor forms in normal and mutant human cells

The acid hydrolases alpha-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase, N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase, beta-glucocerebrosidase and cathepsin D were studied immunocytochemically in normal and mutant human cells using monoclonal and affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies. For light microscopy, Rhodamine or Fluorescein-labelled conjugates were used, and for electron microscopy protein A-gold conjugates were employed. With the double labelling procedure, it was found that in normal fibroblasts every lysosome contained all the enzymes studied. The method described also enabled us to demonstrate the presence or absence of mutant enzyme protein in fibroblasts derived from patients with a genetic lysosomal enzyme deficiency. Immunoreactive acid hydrolases or their precursor forms were found in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the cisternae of the Golgi complex, Golgi associated vesicles and lysosomes. This is in agreement with the present concept that the Golgi complex plays an essential role in the processing and targeting of lysosomal enzymes.

The Golgi apparatus and lysosomes of rat pancreatic acinar cells following refeeding

The short term effects of refeeding on the Golgi apparatus and lysosomes of the rat exocrine pancreas were evaluated by ultrastructural, morphometric and cytochemical methods. Ten minutes after refeeding, there was a significant enlargement of Golgi cisternae and a significant increase, compared with the controls, in the number of condensing vacuoles and lysosomes. These modifications were accompanied by the appearance of acid phosphatase activity in stacked Golgi cisternae (as well as GERL) of some cells. One hour after refeeding, there were about the same numbers of condensing vacuoles and lysosomes as in the controls; Golgi cisternae were still significantly enlarged, compared with the controls, but they were no longer reactive for acid phosphatase. In both fasting and refed animals, acid phosphatase activity was demonstrable in tubular lysosomes. The data are interpreted in terms both of membrane disposal and recycling, leading to enhanced formation of zymogen granules, during physiologically stimulated secretion.

Tridimensional architecture of the Golgi apparatus in the atrial muscle cell of the rat

The tridimensional structure of the Golgi apparatus of atrial muscle cells has been studied in thin and thick sections with low- and high-voltage electron microscopes. Cardiac tissue was inpregnated with osmium, stained to demonstrate phosphate activity (i.e., nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase or NADPase; thiamine pyrophosphatase or TPPase; cytidine monophosphatase or CMPase) or postfixed and stained with potassium ferrocyanide-reduced osmium. At low power, in thick (3-10 micron) sections, the cisosmiophilic element and the NADPase- and the TPPase-positive saccules each appeared as a continuous irregular ribbon that formed, at the two poles of the nucleus, two conical masses connected to each other by beltlike bands encircling the nucleus. At higher magnifications, the continuous Golgi apparatus showed saccular regions along its length connected by short intersaccular tubular regions. In the saccular regions, the following five superimposed elements formed a stack: (1) the cis-osmiophilic network of anastomosed tubules; (2) a chromophobic, dilated saccule perforated with numerous pores; (3) a thin NADPase-positive saccule showing few pores; (4) a thin TPPase-positive saccule perforated with numerous minute pores; and (5) a CMPase-positive transelement that showed saccular and tubular regions and was often partly separated from the overlying saccule. In the intersaccular tubular regions, membranous tubules connected and bridged saccules of two adjacent saccular regions. Secretory granules usually appeared in this region as dilations of the tubules connected to all elements of the Golgi stack except the cis-osmiophilic element.

Ultrastructural localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase activity in the intestinal epithelial cells of adult rats

Ultrastructural localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) activity was studied in the small and large intestinal epithelial cells of adult rats. In the duodenal and jejunal absorptive cells, TPPase activity was localized on the microvilli, on the lateral cell membrane, and on the lysosome-like bodies. In the ileal epithelial cells, TPPase activity was detected on the lysosome-like bodies, and weak phosphatase activity was observed on the microvilli and on the cisternae of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (rER). In the principal cells of the caecum, the ascending colon, and the descending colon, the lysosome-like bodies and the cisternae of the rER showed TPPase activity. Almost all Golgi lamellae, vesicles and GERL elements (NOVIKOFF 1964) in the duodenal absorptive cells were strongly TPPase positive. The 1st to 3rd of the inner Golgi lamellae and the vesicles of the jejunal, ileal, and large intestinal epithelial cells usually showed positive TPPase activity, while the GERL elements were totally negative.

Concentration of amylase along its secretory pathway in the pancreatic acinar cell as revealed by high resolution immunocytochemistry

The modified protein A-gold immunocytochemical technique was applied to the localization of amylase in rat pancreatic acinar cells. Due to the good ultrastructural preservation of the cellular organelles obtained on glutaraldehyde-fixed, osmium tetroxide-postfixed tissue, the labelling was detected with high resolution over the cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), the Golgi apparatus, the condensing vacuoles, the immature 'pre-zymogen' granules, and the mature zymogen granules. Over the Golgi area, the labelling was present over the transitional elements of the endoplasmic reticulum, some of the smooth vesicular structures at the cis- and trans-faces and all the different Golgi cisternae. The acid phosphatase-positive rigid trans-cisternae as well as the coated vesicles were either negative or weakly labelled. Quantitative evaluations of the degree of labelling demonstrated an increasing intensity which progresses from the RER, through the Golgi, to the zymogen granules and have identified the sites where protein concentration occurs. The results obtained have thus demonstrated that amylase is processed through the conventional RER-Golgi-granule secretory pathway in the pancreatic acinar cells. In addition a concomitance has been found between some sites where protein concentration occurs: the trans-most Golgi cisternae, the condensing vacuoles, the pre- and the mature zymogen granules, and the presence of actin at the level of the limiting membranes of these same organelles as reported previously (Bendayan, 1983). This suggests that beside their possible role in transport and release of secretory products, contractile proteins may also be involved in the process of protein concentration.

Plasma membrane retrieval in neoplastic pancreatic acinar cells

The dynamics of plasma membrane retrieval has been studied in the pancreatic acinar carcinoma in order to determine if neoplastic cells exhibiting a heterogeneity of cytodifferentiation states retain the capacity to interiorize and recycle plasma membrane. To this end, the plasma membranes of neoplastic pancreatic acinar cells were labeled with radioiodinated cationic ferritin (125I-CF), and the fate of the tracer was monitored by quantitative electron microscopic autoradiography. The undifferentiated granule-deficient cells of the tumor internalized membrane-bound 125I-CF and sequestered it predominantly in lysosomes. By contrast, the differentiated granule-rich cells internalized significantly more membrane-bound 125I-CF, and the tracer was localized in secretory granules and in lysosomes. The data suggest that neoplastic cells retain the capability of retrieving plasma membrane and that the dynamics of the process is correlated with the state of cytodifferentiation of the neoplastic cells.

Effect of colchicine on the Golgi complex of rat pancreatic acinar cells

Colchicine administered to adult rats at a dosage of 0.5 mg/100 g of body weight effected a disorganization of the Golgi apparatus in pancreatic acinar cells. The results obtained after various periods of treatment (10 min to 6 h) showed (a) changes in all components of the Golgi complex, and (b) occurrence of large vacuoles that predominated in cytoplasmic areas outside the Golgi region. The alterations in Golgi stacks concerned elements of the proximal and distal side: (a) accumulation of transport vesicles, (b) formation of small, polymorphic secretion granules, and (c) alterations in the cytochemical localization of enzymes and reaction product after osmification. Transport vesicles accumulated and accompanied short, dilated cisternae, which lack mostly the reaction products of thiamine pyrophosphatase, inosine diphosphatase, and acid phosphatase, and osmium deposits after prolonged osmification. After 4 to 6 h of treatment, accumulated transport vesicles occupied extensive cellular areas; stacked cisternae were not demonstrable in these regions. The changes on the distal Golgi side included GERL elements: condensing vacuoles were diminished; they were substituted by small, polymorphic zymogen granules, which appeared to be formed by distal Golgi cisternae and by rigid lamellae. Unusually extended coated regions covered condensing vacuoles, rigid lamellae, and polymorphic secretion granules. A cytochemical distinction between Golgi components and GERL was possible neither in controls nor after colchicine treatment. The cytochemical alterations in Golgi components were demonstrable 20-30 min following administration of colchicine; at 45 min, initial morphological changes--augmentation of transport vesicles and formation of polymorphic zymogen granules--became apparent. 20 min after administration of colchicine, conspicuous groups of large vacuoles occurred. They were located mostly in distinct fields between cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, and were accompanied by small osmium--reactive vesicles. Stacked cisternae were not demonstrable in these fields. Vacuoles and vesicles were devoid of reaction products of thiamine pyrophosphatase, inosine diphosphatase, and acid phosphatase. The results provide evidence that formation of stacked Golgi cisternae is impaired after colchicine treatment. The colchicine--induced disintegration of the Golgi complex suggests a regulatory function of microtubules in the organization of the Golgi apparatus.

Vicinal glycol-staining identifies secondary granules in human normal and Chédiak-Higashi neutrophils

Neutrophil secondary granules contain large amounts of glycoprotein. We evaluated periodate-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate (PA-TCH-SP) staining of these granules after alpha-amylase digestion to assess their content of vicinal glycol-containing glycoconjugates and the usefulness of this stain as a positive stain for secondary granules. Using this method, early stages of secondary granule genesis were observed prior to completion of primary granule genesis in myelocytes. Immature secondary granules appeared round to ovoid, but irregular in outline and demonstrated strong staining of the limiting membrane and matrix material. In mature granules, matrix staining was unaltered; however, membrane staining was decreased. Some immature primary granules in promyelocytes demonstrated strong PA-TCH-SP reactivity which was masked in mature primary granules of band and segmented neutrophils. The Golgi apparatus showed progressively increasing PA-TCH-SP reactivity toward its mature surface which was often convex in promyelocytes and myelocytes and concave in segmented neutrophils. The Chédiak-Higashi secondary granules were cytochemically and morphologically similar to those of normal individuals and were not statistically decreased in number when compared to controls. They were only rarely observed contacting or fusing with giant granules which had consumed all primary granules leaving an easily detected population of secondary granules. Thus the alpha-amylase-PA-TCH-SP method demonstrates a large amount of unmasked vicinal glycol-containing glycoconjugates in neutrophil secondary granules, which allows their differentiation from primary granules.

Gallbladder epithelial acid hydrolases in human cholecystitis

The lysosomal enzymes beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase were studied in 112 patients with cholecystitis. Acid phosphatase activity was generally lower in patients with cholesterol stones compared with cases with pigment stones. beta-glucuronidase activity was higher in acalculous cholecystitis than in any other group, a fact compatible with the concept that in lithiasis the enzyme is secreted into the bile and therefore may participate in nidus formation. Histochemistry at light microscopical level clearly demonstrates the lysosomal distribution of these enzymes and their presence in the macrophages infiltrating lamina propria in cholesterolosis. Electron histochemistry in 45 patients showed acid phosphatase activity in lysosomes and some in mucous droplets. Thiamine pyrophosphatase activity, a marker for the Golgi system, showed a close association with these mucous droplets. The secretion of mucus will be accompanied by a secretion of acid phosphatase, and by implication other acid hydrolases, into the bile.