Fine structure of the sensory epithelium of guinea-pig organ of Corti: Subsurface cisternae and lamellar bodies in the outer hair cells

The fine structure of subsurface cisternae and lamellar bodies in the outer hair cells of the guinea-pig organ of Corti was studied with thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. Subsurface cisternae in the outer hair cells consist of multilayers along the lateral plasma membrane of the cell. The outermost layer is a flattened cistern in the upper part of the supranuclear region, but comprises a series of tubules in the lower part. Deeper layers are fenestrated cisternae in which disc-like areas are found in the upper part of the supranuclear region. Lamellar bodies consist of concentric layers of fenestrated cisternae and are located in the apical cytoplasm beneath the cuticular plate. They are continuous with the subsurface cisternae. In the supranuclear cytoplasm, bulges of the subsurface cisternae and the lamellar bodies are found. Dilated cisternae are also present. Some dilated cisternae contain many small vesicles, which display acid phosphatase activity. The dilated cisternae are considered as forms of the bulges undergoing transformation into multivesicular bodies. The possible role of the lamellar bodies, and the origin and fate of the subsurface cisternae are discussed.     

Unusual intracytoplasmic lamellar bodies in a malignant gonadal stromal tumor

Characteristic intracytoplasmic lamellar bodies were found in a malignant gonadal stromal tumor. These bodies consisted of the stacks of up to 200 tubular cisternae arranged in parallel. Each cisterna had a circular section in tangential view and a diameter of about 85 nm. The cisternae on the outermost side of these lamellar bodies tended to be dilated and adorned with ribosomes. The ends of cisternae were often contiguous with rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. The latter feature is also seen in annulate lamellae, but periodically spaced annuli or discontinuities characteristic of annulate lamellae were never observed. Furthermore, fine ribosomal granules resembling a rosary were recognizable along the whole circumference of the outer surface of each cisterna. The unique structure we describe is a cytoplasmic organelle which, like annulate lamellae, is closely associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and is presumed to be related to the genesis of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum in tumor cells.     

A POSSIBLE MECHANISM FOR THE MORPHOGENESIS OF LAMELLAR SYSTEMS IN PLANT CELLS

A mechanism for the formation of lamellar systems in the plant cell has been proposed as a result of electron microscope observations of young and mature cells of Nitella cristata and the plastids of Zea mays in normal plants, developing plants, and certain mutant types. The results are compatible with the concept that lamellar structures arise by the fusion or coalescence of small vesicular elements, giving rise initially to closed double membrane Structures (cisternae). In the chloroplasts of Zea, the cisternae subsequently undergo structural transformations to give rise to a compound layer structure already described for the individual chloroplast lamellae. During normal development, the minute vesicles in the young chloroplast are aggregated into one or more dense granular bodies (prolamellar bodies) which often appear crystalline. Lamellae grow out from these bodies. In fully etiolated leaves lamellae are absent and the prolamellar bodies become quite large, presumably because of inhibition of the fusion step which appears to require chlorophyll. Lamellae develop rapidly on exposure of the plant to light, and subsequent development closely parallels that seen under normal conditions. The plastids of white and very pale green mutants of Zea similarly lack lamellae and contain only vesicular elements. A specialized peripheral zone immediately below the double limiting membrane in Zea chloroplasts appears to be responsible for the production of vesicles. These may be immediately converted to lamellae under normal conditions, but accumulate to form a prolamellar body if lamellar formation is prevented, as in the case of etiolation and chlorophyll-deficient mutation, or when the rate of lamellar formation is slower than that of the production of precursor material (as appears to be the case in the early stages of normal development).     

Specialized formations of endoplasmic reticulum in parenchyma cells ofMimosa pudica L.

Summary Parenchyma cells ofMimosa pudica display close associations between two or more cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum. These associations form simplified types of lamellar bodies in which inner paired lamellae have lost their ribonucleoprotein granules and are separated by a dense layer.     

Ultrastructural changes in neurons and neuroglia of the avian telencephalon (Hyperstriatum Accessorium) following tri-ortho-cresyl-phosphate intoxication

Summary Ultrastructural reactions of neurons of the avian forebrain following tri-ortho-cresyl-phosphate (TOCP) poisoning are described. These neurons show a marked increase in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), with RER specializations such as lamellar bodies and subsurface cisternae, as well as a proliferation of the Golgi complex and neurofilaments. In addition, an increase in the number of dense bodies and mitochondrial osmiophilia is noted. Similar changes can also be observed in the neuroglia. These alterations appear 10–13 days after TOCP ingestion.     

Influence of gonadotropic hormones on the ultrastructure of rat pinealocytes

Summary The influence of gonadotropic hormones on the ultrastructure of rat pinealocytes was studied. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as well as pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) caused a marked activation of pinealocytes. It is characterised by a conspicuous proliferation of the granular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus as well as an increase in number of dense core vesicles, mitochondria, dense bodies, subsurface cisternae and vesicles in the terminal buds of pinealocyte processes. The changes after HCG administration were more pronounced than after PMSG.Supported by a grant from the Polish Academy of Sciences, No. 10.4.2.01.5.6     

A PECULIAR CONFIGURATION OF AGRANULAR RETICULUM (CANALICULATE LAMELLAR BODY) IN THE RAT PINEALOCYTE

A cytoplasmic structure exhibiting a peculiar configuration of agranular reticulum has been found in the rat pinealocyte, and has been designated a canaliculate lamellar body. It consists of a number of fenestrated, flat cisternae which are closely spaced. They bear some distant resemblance to the annulate lamellae previously reported in a variety of cell types. Profiles of stacks of lamellae in a plane of section always display two distinct aspects, the surface and the cross-sectional views of flat cisternae. A surface view shows the hexagonal arrangement of pores or fenestrations. The pores in successive lamellae are aligned precisely, one behind the other, so that clear, cylindrical channels are seen running perpendicular to the lamellae as indicated by transverse sections of the lamellar stacks. Large canaliculate lamellar bodies are composed of many extended series of lamellar stacks which pursue a tortuous course and cross one another. Occasionally the canaliculate lamellar body is located deep in a nuclear invagination, which reminds one of the so-called nuclear pellets (Kernkugeln) reported by light microscopy. The functional significance of the body is unknown.     

The annulate lamellae of salamander oocytes: Morphological and functional aspects

Summary The present study reports observations on the distribution, morphology and functional significance of annulate lamellae in the developing salamander oocyte. This organelle was found in the cytoplasm, both as individual elements and as a cluster made up of from two to approximately five lamellae organized into closely aligned stacks. Adjacent stacks of lamellae were found to be randomly oriented. Annulate lamellae are essentially identical in structure with the nuclear envelope. The terminations of lamellae were very frequently found to be expanded into sac-like structures. The outer surface of each sac is usually lined with ribosomes. The paired membranes in some of the lamellae exhibited dilations for varying distances from their terminal sacs. These dilated segments of the lamellae were also lined with ribosomes. The annulate lamellae were interpreted as being intermediate stages in the formation of rough-surfaced cisternae and would, therefore, represent structural precursors of a form of endoplasmic reticulum. This organelle may therefore represent a transient morphological response to a need for especially high concentrations of proteins.

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Zusammenfassung Die vorliegende Arbeit berichtet Beobachtungen über Verteilung, Morphologie und funktioneile Bedeutung von Annulate lamellae in der sich entwickelnden Oocyte von Salamandern. Diese Organellen wurden im Zytoplasma gefunden, sowohl als individuelle Elemente, als auch in Gruppen, die aus etwa zwei bis fünf nahe beieinanderliegenden Stapeln organisierten Lamellen bestehen. Aneinandergrenzende Stapel von Lamellen sind zufÄllig orientiert. Annulate lamellae sind in ihrer Feinstruktur im Wesentlichen mit der Kernmembran identisch. Die Enden von Lamellen waren sehr oft als sackförmige Strukturen ausgebildet. Die Äu\ere OberflÄche eines Sackes ist im allgemeinen mit Ribosomen besetzt. In einigen der Lamellen zeigten die gepaarten Membranen Ausweitungen über variierende Distanzen von ihren TerminalsÄcken. Diese ausgeweiteten Teilstücke der Lamellen waren ebenfalls mit Ribosomen besetzt. Die Beobachtungen werden dahin interpretiert, da\ die Annulate lamellae intermediÄre Stadien in der Bildung von granulÄren Zisternen sind und deshalb strukturelle VorlÄufer einer Form des endoplasmatischen Retikulums darstellen. Die Organelle mag deshalb eine vorübergehende morphologische Reaktion auf einen Bedarf von besonders hoher Proteinkonzentration darstellen.

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This investigation was supported by a Public Health Service research career program award (5-K3-HD-5356-07) from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.     

Electron microscopic and cytochemical studies of the mouse subcommissural organ

Summary In mice most of the ependymal cells of the subcommissural organ (SCO cells) are densely packed with dilated cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) containing either finely granular or flocculent materials. The well developed supra-nuclear Golgi apparatus consists of stacks of flattened saccules and small vesicles; the two or three outer Golgi saccules are moderately dilated and exhibit numerous fenestrations; occasional profiles suggesting the budding of coated vesicles and formation of membrane-bound dense bodies from the ends of the innermost Golgi saccules are seen. A few coated vesicles and membrane-bound dense bodies of various sizes and shapes are also found in the Golgi region.The contents of the dilated ER cisternae are stained with periodic acid-silver methenamine techniques. In the Golgi complex the two or three inner saccules are stained as deeply as the dense bodies, and the outer saccules are only slightly stained. The stained contents of ER cisternae are more electron opaque than those of the outer but less opaque than those of the inner Golgi saccules and the dense bodies.Acid phosphatase activities are localized in the dense bodies, some of the coated vesicles in the Golgi region, and in the one or two inner Golgi saccules.On the basis of these results the following conclusions have been reached: (1) In mouse SCO cells the finely granular and the flocculent materials in the lumen of ER cisternae contain a complex carbohydrate(s) which is secreted into the ventricle to form Reissner's fiber; (2) the secretory substance is assumed to be synthesized by the ER and stored in its cisternae, and the Golgi apparatus might play only a minor role, if any, in the elaboration of the secretory material; (3) most of the dense bodies in the mouse SCO cells are lysosomal in nature instead of being so-called dark secretory granules.Sponsored by the National Science Council, Republic of China.     

Annulate lamellae and crystalline inclusions in granular endoplasmic reticulum of the islet organ and associated tissues of a cyclostome,Myxine glutinosa

Cytoplasmic annylate lamellae were found in the islet organ of a cyclostome, the hagfish (Myxine glutinosa), predominantly in cells interpreted as young proliferating beta-cells, and also in endocrine cells and enterocytes of the bile duct and gut and in the endothelial cells of small blood vessels. A close association was observed annulate lamellae and granular endoplasmic reticulum. Both in cells with and in those without annulate lamellae, crystalline inclusions of proteinaceous nature were seen in granular endoplasmic reticulum. These inclusions were occasionally closely associated to annulate lamellae, and a direct continuity could be seen between granular endoplasmic reticulum and the outer nuclear membrane surrounding an inclusion partially situated in the perinuclear cisterna. Rod-shaped structures and rounded electron dense bodies were seen in the nuclei of some islet parenchymal cells. The presence of annulate lamellae in the islet organ and associated tissues of Myxine glutinosa is believed to be related to the very high phylogenetic age of this species. The close association observed between annulate lamellae, granular endoplasmic reticulum, crystalline inclusions, and sometimes also nuclear membranes, may be of functional significance.     

DISTRIBUTION OF PHOSPHATASES IN THE GOLGI REGION AND ASSOCIATED STRUCTURES OF THE THORACIC GANGLIONIC NEURONS IN THE GRASSHOPPER, MELANOPLUS DIFFERENTIALIS

The neuronal perikarya of the grasshopper contain sudanophilic lipochondria which exhibit an affinity for vital dyes. These lipochondria are membrane-delimited and display acid phosphatase activity; hence they correspond to lysosomes. Unlike those of most vertebrates, these lysosomes also hydrolyze thiamine pyrophosphate and adenosine triphosphate. Like vertebrate lysosomal "dense bodies," they are electron-opaque and contain granular, vesicular, or lamellar material. Along with several types of smaller dense bodies, they are found in close spatial association with the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi complexes are frequently arranged in concentric configurations within which these dense bodies lie. Some of the smaller dense bodies often lie close to or in association with the periphery of dense multivesicular bodies. Further, bodies occur that display gradations in structure between these multivesicular bodies and the dense lysosomes. Acid phosphatase activity is present in the small as well as the larger dense bodies, in the multivesicular bodies, and in some of the Golgi saccules, associated vesicles, and fenestrated membranes; thiamine pyrophosphatase is found in both the dense bodies and parts of the Golgi complex. The close spatial association of these organelles, together with their enzymatic similarities, suggests the existence of a functional or developmental relationship between them.     

Annulate lamellae in human tumor cells.

Annulate lamellae have been found in a primitive neuroectodermal tumor, a metastatic cerebellar tumor, a testicular seminoma, a retinoblastoma and three melanomas. These annulate lamellae are arranged in stacked parallel arrays in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. The number of annulate lamellae observed to comprise a single stack varies from 2--4 in the seminoma tumor to 5--18 in the cerebellar tumor. Although the functional significance of annulate lamallae is still unknown, in many instances they have been found to be continuous with rough-surfaced cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes have been demonstrated on the surface of annulate lamellae. This may suggest that annulate lamellae participate in protein synthesis.     

Cytoplasmic annulate lamellae in human spermatogenesis

Summary Electron microscopic examination of normal human testicular tissue revealed annulate lamellae (AL) in the cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes and spermatids. AL of primary spermatocytes are encountered in the perinuclear region, parallel to the nuclear envelope and form single or multiple membranous profiles containing numerous annuli (500–600 Å in diameter) frequently associated with a fibrillar electron dense material. Spermatids contain numerous layers of AL either continuous with the nuclear envelope and caudal to the acrosome or peripherally positioned in the cytoplasm. Individual lamellae possess terminal dilations and display continuities with the endoplasmic reticulum. The interlamellar space in spermatid AL is entirely filled with a fine granular electron dense material. Additionally, the break-down of AL in spermatozoan residual bodies is indicated by a dilation of AL cisternae to form vacuoles following the dissolution of pore complexes.Supported in part by grant (AT-(40-1)-4002) from the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission     

The origin,structure and occurrence of corpora amylacea in the bovine mammary gland and in milk

Summary Fibres growing from neurons of explanted dorsal root ganglia from 10 day chick embryos were transected and subsequently observed by light and electron microscopy after periods of a few to fifty minutes. Changes immediately proximal and distal to the cut together with alterations further away from the site of injury on both sides of the cut were recorded. Observations were also made on the growth cones of damaged axons and on changes in associated glial cells.Reactive and degenerative changes including the rotation, retraction and swelling of cut axons occurred rapidly. Electron microscopy revealed tracts of filamentous material close to the sealed-off ends of axons, swollen organelles such as mitochondria, and lamellar bodies of varying dimensions.Proximal to the injury and closer to the expiant, damaged and degenerating axons mingled with normal processes. Many contained only a fine granular material, others clumps of organelles, particularly mitochondria.Distal to the cut, microspikes were lost from some growth cones. The dense granular material filling microspikes and growth cones remained unchanged. Clumps of large clear vesicles, lamellar bodies and swollen degenerating mitochondria were present, not only within growth cones, but also in all parts of the axon distal to the cut.Glial cells associated with transected axons soon developed an electron dense cytoplasm containing swollen organelles. Large numbers of vesicles filled with a particulate substance were also found.The possible significance of the changes observed after transection are considered and discussed.The author wishes to thank Prof. D.W. James in whose laboratory at University College London these studies were initiated, Dr. A.R. Lieberman for his expert help and advice and the University of London Central Research Fund and Wellcome Trust for financial assistance     

Cytomembranes in first cleavage xenopus embryos

Summary The ultrastructure and interrelationships of the Golgi body, endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets have been studied in the first cleavage Xenopus embryos. Lipid droplets, usually spherical or sometimes multilobed, did not have a discernible limiting membrane, although some had an incomplete electron dense partition. The Golgi bodies and endoplasmic reticulum were seen continuous with lipid droplets and the profiles indicated a probable formation of these membranes from lipid droplet material. Rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) mainly consisted of paired tubular cisternae and vesicles containing filamentous material that gave a fringed appearance. The relationships of paired cisternae with the Golgi body suggested a transformation of ER membranes into the Golgi body membranes. In addition, paired ER cisternae showed a close apposition with the limiting membrane of the yolk platelet. Lone ER cisternae that contained moderately electron dense material instead of filaments were also present and showed numerous associated vesicles near the Golgi body. The Golgi body showed several morphological forms including a single fenestrated cisterna, two to four flat or cup-shaped cisternae, or up to seven cisternae, some of which were dilated and similar to fringed ER in appearance. These forms could be different developmental stages of the organelle. Coated vesicles were seen continuous with the cisternae of the Golgi body. A probable route for the assembly of the cell surface material has been proposed.This work was supported by a grant from the Medical Research Council of Canada to one of us (E.J.S.).     

The ultrastructure of oogenesis and yolk formation in Labidocera aestiva (Copepoda: Calanoida)

Yolk formation in the oocytes of the free-living, marine copepod, Labidocera aestiva (order Calanoida) involves both autosynthetic and heterosynthetic processes. Three morphologically distinct forms of endogenous yolk are produced in the early vitellogenic stages. Type 1 yolk spheres are formed by the accumulation and fusion of dense granules within vesicular and lamellar cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. A granular form of type 1 yolk, in which the dense granules within the cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum do not fuse, appears to be synthesized by the combined activity of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes. Type 2 yolk bodies subsequently appear in the ooplasm but their formation could not be attributed to any particular oocytic organelle. In the advanced stages of vitellogenesis, a single narrow layer of follicle cells becomes more developed and forms extensive interdigitations with the oocytes. Extra-oocytic yolk precursors appear to pass from the hemolymph into the follicle cells and subsequently into the oocytes via micropinocytosis. Pinocytotic vesicles fuse in the cortical ooplasm to form heterosynthetically derived type 3 yolk bodies.     

ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF ORAL CELLS IN VITRO : II. Subsurface and Intracytoplasmic Confronting Cisternae in Strain KB Cells

Two special areas involving membranous components in strain KB cells were studied by electron microscopy. The first area described is that of the subsurface regions of two apposing cells in which flattened cisternae (one cisternae in each subsurface region) with membranes spaced 110–230 A apart were found in a confrontation alignment. The long dimension of the profiles of these cisternae ranges from 0.5 to 2 µ. At these intercellular contact areas, each cisterna is closely applied to the adjacent plasma membrane; the intervening space is 60–100 A. We have named the cisternae in these roughly symmetrical areas of cell contact the subsurface confronting cisternae. Communications between these cisternae and those of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum also were observed. The second area described is that of the intracytoplasmic confronting cisternae. These cisternae were observed as oval or round images about 0.3–1.4 µ in diameter, each image being composed of a pair of concentrically arranged confronting cisternae with membranes spaced 200–400 A apart. The apposing membranes of the two confronting cisternae are electron opaque, smooth, and free of ribosomes, whereas the unapposed membranes are less dense, scalloped, and associated with ribosomes. The spacing between the two intracytoplasmic confronting cisternae is 70–110 A.     

Protein Bodies at Early Stages of Development in High Lysine Mutant Notch-2 and Parent NP-113 Barley

In barley parent NP-113, endospermic protein bodies originate on rough endoplasmic reticulum, either as electron transluscent vesicles or as very small, spherical, electron dense protein bodies, These are translocated to vacuoles tor enlargement and subsequent storage, Endospermic protein bodies of Notch-2 high lysine mutant are either vacuolar, or confined to distended cisternae of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Vacuolar protein bodies are of two types one, flocculent, which loosely fill up almost the entire vacuolar space; two, spherical, relatively compact and granular, Protein bodies, confined to smooth endoplasmic reticulum are small, spherical, electron dense or electron transluscent, These protein bodies fuse to form electron dense proteinaceous masses which are deposited in the cytosol due to disruption of the confining smooth endoplasmic reticulum.