The relationships between the Golgi apparatus, GERL, and lysosomes of fetal rat liver Kupffer cells examined by ultrastructural phosphatase cytochemistry

Kupffer cells are the sinusoidal macrophages of the liver. Using ultrastructural phosphatase cytochemical methods, we examined the relationship between the Golgi apparatus, GERL, and lysosomes of Kupffer cells in fetal rat livers identified, in part, by their ability to phagocytize intravenously injected latex spheres. Thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) activity was localized to the inner Golgi saccules and some vesicles in the Golgi region but not to GERL. A TPPase-like activity, demonstrable in lysosomes, was abolished by sodium fluoride but not suppressed by the alkaline phosphatase inhibitors L-cysteine and L-p-bromotetramisole. Acid phosphatase (AcPase) was localized by GERL, some coated vesicles, and in lysosomes, but not to the Golgi stacks. Continuities between GERL and lysosomes were observed. Phagosomes containing internalized latex spheres received TPPase and AcPase sequentially. TPPase was localized in phagosomes immediately after latex administration. AcPase activity was not found here until at least 10 minutes following the injection of the particulates. Our findings indicate that Kupffer cell lysosomes are derived from GERL, but also suggest that phagosomes may receive material packaged by the Golgi apparatus as well as GERL.     

Fine structural localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase and acid phosphatase activities in the mouse pancreatic acinar cell

The fine structural localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) and acid phosphatase (AcPase) was examined in pancreatic acinar cells of fasting and fed mice. The results were not affected by these conditions. TPPase activity was positive in two and sometimes three cisternae of the inner Golgi lamellae as well as in the condensing vacuoles of the trans area, but negative in the rigid lamellae and small vesicles of the trans area. AcPase activity was demonstrated in two and sometimes three cisternae of inner Golgi lamellae, condensing vacuoles, rigid lamellae, lysosomes and smooth or coated vesicles in the trans area. The inner Golgi lamellae and the condensing vacuoles were positive for both enzyme activities. From these facts, the lysosome is considered to be formed not only in the GERL system but also through the rough endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus route. It is reasonable to consider that Novikoff's GERL is not independent from the Golgi apparatus but represents a part of this organelle.     

CYTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF ACID PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN GRANULE FRACTIONS FROM RABBIT POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES

When rabbit peritoneal exudates (97% polymorphonuclear [PMN] leukocytes, 2% mononuclear cells) were fractionated by zonal sedimentation or isopycnic centrifugation, four fractions (A, B, C, and D) were obtained, as reported earlier. "A" consisted largely of PMN azurophil granules, "B" of PMN specific granules, and "D" of membranous elements. The source of the more heterogeneous "C" fraction (containing acid hydrolases) was uncertain. To gain further information on the nature of this fraction, cytochemical tests for acid phosphatase (AcPase) were carried out on the starting cells and on the fractions. In intact PMN, lead phosphate reaction product was found in Golgi complexes, perinuclear cisternae, and some azurophil granules (immature forms or disrupted mature forms) of a few cells. The specifics and the intact azurophils were not reactive. Reaction product was also found within Golgi cisternae, secondary lysosomes, and some of the azurophil granules of mononuclear cells. Observations on the A and B fractions confirmed those in situ regarding the localization of reaction product in disrupted PMN azurophils, its absence from specifics, and the latency of the enzyme activity in intact azurophils. In the C fraction, AcPase was found in three structures (a) Golgi cisternae, (b) dense bodies, and (c) small pleomorphic granules Comparison with the starting cells indicates that the Golgi complexes are probably derived from both PMN leukocytes and mononuclear cells, whereas the remaining elements resemble (in size, shape, and density) secondary lysosomes and azurophil granules of mononuclear cells. The results indicate that the bulk of the cytochemically detectable AcPase present in the C fraction is derived from mononuclear cells, rather than from PMN leukocytes     

Enzyme modulation of the Golgi apparatus and GERL: a cytochemical study of parotid acinar cells

The distribution of thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) and acid phosphatase (AcPase) has been examined in resting parotid acinar cells as well as during decreased and increased secretory granule production. In resting acinar cells, TPPase activity was restricted to the trans Golgi saccules and AcPase activity was localized in GERL and immature secretory granules. Although secretory granule production is diminished during ethionine intoxication, no significant alteration in the distribution of either TPPase or AcPase was noted. However, marked changes in enzyme localization, especially of TPPase, occurred during accelerated secretory granule production. The alterations were essentially the same for all of the conditions studied (recovery from ethionine treatment, recovery from a protein depletion diet, secretory stimulation with isoproterenol, and postnatal maturation of the parotid gland). During maximal secretory granule production, TPPase activity was localized not only in the trans Golgi saccules, but also in GERL-like cisternae and immature secretory granules. The immature secretory granules were often in continuity with the GERL-like cisternae. At the same time that the TPPase activity was increased, the AcPase activity was frequently diminished. These modulations in enzyme activity provide evidence that GERL is derived from the trans Golgi saccule.     

Extralysosomal localisation of acid phosphatase in the rat kidney

 There is strong evidence that acid phosphatase (AcPase) plays an important role in the catabolism of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and the removal of macromolecular debris resulting from ultrafiltration. Recent enzyme histochemical investigations provide new evidence of the antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory function of ADPase and on the distribution of AcPase in mouse kidney tubule cells. By means of 3 mM cerium as the trapping agent and 1 mM p-nitrophenyl phosphate as the substrate, extralysosomal AcPase could be demonstrated at the ultrastructural level. Following a mild perfusion fixation (2% formaldehyde + 0.07% glutaraldehyde), an effective postfixation and short enzyme incubations (20 min) with microwave irradiation, highly specific enzyme histochemical reaction product and reasonable structural preservation were obtained. Extralysosomal, membrane-bound AcPase was observed along the endoplasmic reticulum, the trans-Golgi cisternae, the nuclear envelope, basal infoldings of the proximal and distal tubular cells and on glomerular profiles, e.g. cell membranes of podocytes, endothelium and basement membrane. Large amounts of extralysosomal AcPase were observed in the basement membrane of glomeruli, in contrast to no AcPase activity in the tubular and mesangial basement membrane. The observed difference in AcPase activity in the tubular epithelial basement membrane and the GBM supports the idea that AcPase in GBM specifically serves in the clearance of macromolecular debris to facilitate ultrafiltration. In the GBM a laminar distribution is observed, suggesting that both epithelial and endothelial cells are involved in the production of AcPase. Accepted: 16 September 1997     

Phosphatase localization in the endomembrane system of the dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii

The distribution of four enzymes within the endomembrane system of the protist Crypthecodinium cohnii has been determined using cytochemical localizations with lead as a capture agent. Nucleoside diphosphatase (NDPase) activity, using inosine diphosphate (IDP) and thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) as substrates, was observed in the Golgi apparatus, with a gradient of increasing reaction product noted in some cells from the cis to trans cisternae. Tubules and vesicles associated with the trans cisternae also contained reaction product. The endoplasmic reticulum exhibited a high activity of glucose-6-phosphatase [with glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P) as substrate]. Traces of reaction product were also observed in the cis-most and trans-most cisternae of the dictyosomes. Activity of acid phosphatase (AcPase) was observed in Golgi cisternae as well as in associated cytoplasmic vesicles. Heaviest deposition was localized in medial and trans dictyosome cisternae. The cytoplasmic system of flattened vesicles subtending the surface membranes in these cells did not exhibit reactivity with any of the substrates used. The distribution of these enzymes in this algal cell appears similar to that observed in animal cells and suggests that these enzymes may represent markers for algal cell endomembrane compartments.     

Cytochemical studies on the internal polarity of the golgi apparatus and the relationship between this organelle and GERL

Summary Cytochemical studies were performed to clarify the occurrence of an internal polarity of the Golgi apparatus and the relationship between this organelle and GERL in many kinds of cells having different morphologies and functions. The fine structural localizations of thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) and acid phosphatase (AcPase) were examined in anterior pituitary cells, thyroid epithelial cells, gastric chief and parietal cells, duodenal absorptive epithelial cells, hepatocytes, adrenal cortical and medullary cells of mice, and thyroid epithelial cells of domestic fowls. TPPase activity is usually localized in the cisternae of 1–3 stacks and vesicles on the trans-side of the Golgi apparatus of all the cells examined, and in some immature secretory granules of anterior pituitary cells and of gastric chief cells. Rigid lamellae and multivesicular bodies are rarely positive to this reaction, in several kinds of cells. AcPase activity was usually demonstrable in the cisternae of 1–3 stacks and vesicles on the trans-side of the Golgi apparatus, and also in rigid lamellae, coated vesicles, multivesicular bodies and lysosomes in all varieties of cells studied. Some immature secretory granules are positive to the AcPase reaction in anterior pituitary cells and gastric chief cells. The areas positive for both enzyme activities were partially or almost completely overlapping in all the cells examined, though there were minor variations among them. The grades of overlap are classified into three types. Prolonged osmication was performed on thyroid epithelial cells, duodenal absorptive epithelial cells, hepatocytes, adrenal cortical cells, Leydig cells, the epithelial cells of the vas deferens and the theca cells of mice. Cisternae of 1–3 stacks on the cis-side of the Golgi apparatus of all the cells examined were stained with osmium tetroxide. In all these cells we observed that the Golgi apparatus has an internal polarity and that GERL is a part of this organelle in cytochemical respects.This study was supported by grants from the Japan Ministry of Education     

Fine structural localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase and acid phosphatase activities in the mouse pancreatic acinar cell

Summary The fine structural localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) and acid phosphatase (AcPase) was examined in pancreatic acinar cells of fasting and fed mice. The results were not affected by these conditions. TPPase activity was positive in two and sometimes three cisternae of the inner Golgi lamellae as well as in the condensing vacuoles of the trans area, but negative in the rigid lamellae and small vesicles of the trans area. AcPase activity was demonstrated in two and sometimes three cisternae of inner Golgi lamellae, condensing vacuoles, rigid lamellae, lysosomes and smooth or coated vesicles in the trans area. The inner Golgi lamellae and the condensing vacuoles were positive for both enzyme activities. From these facts, the lysosome is considered to be formed not only in the GERL system but also through the rough endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus route. It is reasonable to consider that Novikoff's GERL is not independent from the Golgi apparatus but represents a part of this organelle.This study was supported by a grant from the Japan Educational Ministry     

Golgi apparatus, GERL, and secretory granule formation within neurons of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system of control and hyperosmotically stressed mice

The vasopressin-producing neurons of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system are a particularly good model with which to consider the relationship between the Golgi apparatus nd GERL and their roles in secretory granule production because these neurons increase their synthesis and secretion of vasopressin in response to hyperosmotic stress. Enzyme cytochemical techniques for acid phosphatase (AcPase) and thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) activities were used to distinguish GERL from the Golgi apparatus in cell bodies of the supraoptic nucleus from normal mice, mice hyperosmotically stressed by drinking 2% salt water, and mice allowed to recover for 5-10 d from hyperosmotic stress. In nonincubated preparations of control supraoptic perikarya, immature secretory granules at the trans face of the Golgi apparatus were frequently attached to a narrow, smooth membrane cisterna identified as GERL. Secretory granules were occasionally seen attached to Golgi saccules. TPPase activity was present in one or two of the trans Golgi saccules; AcPase activity appeared in GERL and attached immature secretory granules, rarely in the trans Golgi saccules, and in secondary lysosomes. As a result of hyperosmotic stress, the Golgi apparatus hypertrophied, and secretory granules formed from all Golgi saccules and GERL. Little or no AcPase activity could be demonstrated in GERL, whereas all Golgi saccules and GERL-like cisternae were TPPase positive. During recovery, AcPase activity in GERL returned to normal; however, the elevated TPPase activity and secretory granule formation seen in GERL-like cisternae and all Golgi saccules during hyperosmotic stress persisted. These results suggest that under normal conditions GERL is the predominant site for the secretory granule formation, but during hyperosmotic stress, the Golgi saccules assume increased importance in this function. The observed cytochemical modulations in Golgi saccules and GERL suggest that GERL is structurally and functionally related to the Golgi saccules.     

Ultrastructural localization of lysosomal enzymes in the egg cortex of Brachydanio

The localization of acid phosphatase (E.C. 3.1.3.2), inorganic trimetaphosphatase (E.C. 3.6.1.2), and aryl sulfatase (E.C. 3.1.6.1) in the cortex of unactivated and activated eggs of Brachydanio was examined by ultrastructural cytochemistry. Using a lead capture method, activity for all three acid hydrolases was demonstrated in organelles of the cortex before and after egg activation. Acid phosphatase (AcPase) reaction product was consistently present in primary lysosomes, secondary lysosomes, multivesicular bodies, and yolk bodies. AcPase activity was absent from mitochondria, profiles of the endoplasmic reticulum, coated pits of exocytosed cortical granules, and coated vesicles. Although most cortical granules of the mature, unactivated egg were unreactive for this enzyme, a few showed AcPase reaction product. It is not clear whether the AcPase-positive granules might be an immature form of cortical granules or a subpopulation of these organelles with lysosomal properties. Most cisternae of the Golgi apparatus did not stain for AcPase; however, reaction product was occasionally localized in a single cisterna as well as several small vesicles at the inner face of the Golgi. The intensity of the reaction product and the pattern of distribution of trimetaphosphatase (Tm-Pase) activity was very similar to that of AcPase. However, TmPase was never observed in cortical granules. Cortices of unactivated and activated eggs showed less overall aryl sulfatase (ArSase) activity when compared with AcPase and TmPase. The presence of ArSase reaction product in lysosomes and multivesicular bodies confirmed the acid hydrolytic nature of these organelles. AcPase and TmPase, and to a lesser extent ArSase, are adequate markers of a cortical lysosomal system in the danio egg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of secretory stimulation on the Golgi apparatus and GERL of rat parotid acinar cells

The structure and cytochemistry of the Golgi apparatus and GERL of rat parotid acinar cells was studied after in vivo secretory stimulation with isoproterenol. Discharge of mature secretory granules was complete within 1 hr after isoproterenol injection, but immature granules in the Golgi region or near the lumen were not released. At early times (1-5 hr) after isoproterenol, acid phosphatase (AcPase) activity was markedly increased in GERL and immature secretory granules compared to uninjected controls. GERL appeared increased in extent and numerous continuities with immature granules were observed. Reaccumulation of mature secretory granules was first evident at 5 hr, and was almost complete by 16 hr after isoproterenol. Thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) activity, normally restricted to the trans Golgi saccules, was frequently present in immature granules during this time. Narrow cisternae resembling GERL, occasionally in continuity with immature granules, also contained TPPase reaction product. By 16-24 hr after stimulation, the activity and distribution of AcPase and TPPase were similar to control cells. These results demonstrate the dynamic nature of the Golgi apparatus and GERL in parotid acinar cells, and emphasize the close structural and functional relationship between these two structures.     

Convergence of the endocytic and lysosomal pathways in soybean protoplasts

Ultrastructural analysis of endocytosis of cationized ferritin (CF) has been combined with ultrastructural localization of acid phosphatases (AcPase) in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) protoplasts. While CF is an electron-dense marker of organelles of the endocytic pathway, ultrastructural histochemistry of AcPase identifies the organelles involved in the synthesis, transport, and storage of lytic-compartment enzymes, i.e. the lysosomal pathway. Acid phosphatases have been localized using both lead- and cerium-precipitation techniques. Protoplasts have been exposed to CF for 5 min, 30 min, or 3 h and processed for AcPase localization. At 5 min, smooth vesicles contain both CF and AcPase. By 30 min, Golgi cisternae and multivesicular bodies contain both labels. By 3 h, vacuoles become labelled with both CF and AcPase. The large central vacuoles contain intraluminal membranes which are associated with both AcPase and CF. These observations extend the analogy between plant vacuoles and animal lysosomes and demonstrate the points at which the endocytic pathway of plants converges with the lysosomal pathway.Abbreviations AcPase acid phosphatase - CF cationized ferritin - ER endoplasmic reticulum - MVB multivesicular body - PCR partially coated reticulum - PM plasma membrane     

Cytochemistry of the Golgi apparatus in developing ovarian germ cells of the Syrian hamster

Summary A cytochemical study of the Golgi apparatus in the developing oocyte of the golden hamster was carried out using the TPPase, AcPase and zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide (ZnOs) techniques. Tissue from both immature and sexually mature animals was investigated.Peak TPPase activity was found in pre-growth oocytes in ovaries from sexually mature adults. Some activity was also present in SER in the peripheral cytoplasm of growing oocytes. AcPase activity was found only after the onset of oocyte growth. It was present in Golgi cisternae and associated vesicles and in some profiles of peripheral SER. No structures corresponding to GERL were identified. Strong staining with ZnOs was seen, at all stages studied, in certain Golgi vesicles and short tubules but not in the cisternae unless the oocyte was atretic. Weaker ZnOs staining was characteristic of ER throughout the oocyte.With all techniques there was a falling off of reactivity as oocyte size increased. Within a single oocyte some Golgi bodies were negative while others were positive, with both TPPase and AcPase techniques. This suggests that two or more functional types of this organelle are present within the developing oocytes.We would like to thank Dr. K.N. Christie for his interest and helpful suggestions regarding the enzyme techniques     

Organelle relationships in cultured 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

In differentiating 3T3-L1 cells, lipid spheres, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), microperoxisomes, and mitochondria form "constellations" that may reflect the interplay of lipid metabolizing enzymes in these organelles. ER cisternae are also situated very close to "rosettes,"plasmalemmal specializations found in mature adipocytes in vivo. As in hepatocytes and absorptive cells of the intestine, this spatial relationship of ER and plasmalemma suggests a role for rosettes in the uptake of exogenous lipid precursors. The morphological differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes includes the loss of "stress fibers" and the appearance of microfilament like structures that encase, in a complex manner, the cytosolic lipid spheres that appear during differentiation. Other features described for the first time in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes include: (a) the presence of an extensive acid phosphatase (AcPase) positive GERL from which coated vesicles apparently arise (these coated vesicles display AcPase activity and are much smaller and far more numerous than the coated vesicles that seem to arise from the plasmalemmal coated pits); (b) the abundance of AcPase-positive autophagic vacuoles; and (c) a high level of alpha- naphthyl-acetate-esterase activity which, by light microscopy cytochemistry, appears to be localized in the cytosol.     

Ultrastructural localization of acid and alkaline phosphatases in sterile septae of the anthozoa Pachycerianthus fimbriatus (author's transl)]

Acid and alkaline phosphatase activity has been localized in the cells of the sterile septae of starved and fed anthozoa. Acid phosphatase is present in lysosomes, in Golgi cisternae and old phagosomes of starved animals. In fed animals, the reaction is more intense and the number of lysosomes is increased. New phagosomes are loaded with lead phosphate. In starved animals, the alkaline phosphatase activity has been observed on the plasma membranes and in the old phagosomes.     

Two subfamilies of plant purple acid phosphatases

The cDNA sequences of two purple acid phosphatases (previously purified AcPase1 and putative AcPase2) from yellow lupin ( Lupinus luteus L) have been determined. AcPase1 mRNA is 1755 nt in length, including a single open reading frame of 1434 nt that encodes 477 amino acid residues (EMBL accession number AJ458943 ). The AcPase2 mRNA is a 170-nt molecule, including a single open reading frame of 1392 nt that encodes 463 amino acid residues (EMBL accession number AJ505579 ). Both sequences were compared with known purple acid phosphatases (PAPs). The analysis of all known PAP sequences showed that they are divided into two subfamilies. The characteristic feature of the first subfamily containing AcPase1 is the lack of cysteine residues in the C-terminal region of the polypeptide around position 350. AcPase2 belongs to the second subfamily which contains a disulphide bridge formed of cysteines present around position 350. A possible relationship between structure and substrate specificity in these two PAP subfamilies is presented. Expression of AcPase1 and AcPase2 shows that the first enzyme is produced in the early stage of germination (its mRNA in polyadenylated form is present already in dry seeds), whereas the second phosphatase is produced mainly in the roots of mature plants. The early expression of AcPase1 was confirmed by a comparative analysis of a cotranslational N-glycosylation of AcPase1 and diphosphonucleotide phosphatase/phosphodiesterase ( PPD1 ) known to be expressed in the final stage of germination.     

Colchicine-induced tubular,vesicular and cisternal organelle aggregates in absorptive cells of the small intestine of the rat. I. Morphology and phosphatase cytochemistry

Treatment of rats with colchicine administered intraperitoneally at a dosage of 0.5 mg per 100 g of body weight for 6 hr induces extensive accumulations of tubular-vesicular and cisternal organelles in the absorptive cells of the small intestine. The formation of these organelle aggregates coincides with a reduction of microtubules and massive changes in the cellular organization including alterations of the Golgi apparatus and the plasma membrane. In most cases the accumulated tubules and vesicles contain a homogeneous electron-dense matrix, the cisternae often having the character of rigid lamellae. The organelle aggregates mainly occupy apical cell portions subjacent to the terminal web as well as basal cellular regions close to the basolateral plasma membrane. Tubular-vesicular as well as cisternal organelles react strongly for thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase), inosine diphosphatase (IDPase), acid phosphatase (AcPase) and trimetaphosphatase (TMPase). The staining pattern of TMPase differs from that of the other phosphatases in that the reaction is restricted to the colchicine-induced tubular-vesicular and cisternal aggregates, whereas TPPase, IDPase, and AcPase, respectively, also appear over Golgi stacks, multivesiculated bodies and plasma membrane. This phosphatase reactivity indicates the lysosomal character of the organelle aggregates.     

Phagosomes are fully competent antigen-processing organelles that mediate the formation of peptide:class II MHC complexes

During the processing of particulate Ags, it is unclear whether peptide:class II MHC (MHC-II) complexes are formed within phagosomes or within endocytic compartments that receive Ag fragments from phagosomes. Murine macrophages were pulsed with latex beads conjugated with OVA. Flow or Western blot analysis of isolated phagosomes showed extensive acquisition of MHC-II, H-2M, and invariant chain within 30 min, with concurrent degradation of OVA. T hybridoma responses to isolated subcellular fractions demonstrated OVA (323-339):I-Ad complexes in phagosomes and plasma membrane but not within dense late endocytic compartments. Furthermore, when two physically separable sets of phagosomes were present within the same cells, OVA(323-339):I-Ad complexes were demonstrated in latex-OVA phagosomes but not in phagosomes containing latex beads conjugated with another protein. This implies that these complexes were formed specifically within phagosomes and were not formed elsewhere and subsequently transported to phagosomes. In addition, peptide:MHC-II complexes were shown to traffic from phagosomes to the cell surface. In conclusion, phagosomes are fully competent to process Ags and generate peptide:MHC-II complexes that are transported to the cell surface and presented to T cells.     

Morphological and cytochemical alterations of the Golgi apparatus and GERL in rat parotid acinar cells during ethionine intoxication and recovery

The present electron microscopic cytochemical investigation was undertaken to characterize the alterations in the golgi apparatus and GERL of rat parotid acinar cells during ethionine intoxication and recovery. Although the Golgi apparatus and GERL were reduced in size, and some broadening of the Golgi saccules occurred as the result of ethionine treatment, the relative localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) activity in the Golgi saccules, and acid phosphatase activity (AcPase) in GERL, remained unchanged. Shortly after ethionine treatment was stopped, a dramatic redistribution of enzyme activities was noted. Within the first 24 hours of recovery, the Golgi apparatus began to enlarge, and the content of secretory granules increased. By day 3 of recovery, cisternae morphologically identifiable as GERL and forming secretory granules possessed TPPase activity, while AcPase activity was virtually undetectable. After seven days of recovery, the Golgi apparatus and GERL appeared both morphologically and cytochemically normal. The enzyme modulation observed during recovery may be correlated with increased secretory granule production. Furthermore, the presence of TPPase activity in GERL and forming secretory granules lends support to the suggestion that GERL may be derived from the trans Golgi saccule.     

The 35 kDa acid metallophosphatase of the frog Rana esculenta liver: studies on its cellular localization and protein phosphatase activity

The cellular localization of the 35 kDa, low molecular mass acid metallophosphatase (LMW AcPase) from the frog (Rana esculenta) liver and its activity towards P-Ser and P-Tyr phosphorylated peptides were studied. This enzyme was localized to the cytoplasm of hepatocytes but did not appear in other cells of liver tissue (endothelium, macrophages, blood cells). This LMW AcPase does not display activity towards (32)P-phosphorylase a under conditions standard for the enzymes of PPP family. Proteins containing P-Ser: rabbit (32)P-phosphorylasea and phosvitin are hydrolysed only at acidic pH and are poor substrates for this enzyme. The frog AcPase is not inhibited by okadaic acid and F(-) ions, the Ser/Thr protein phosphatase inhibitors. Moreover, the frog enzyme does not cross-react with specific antisera directed against N-terminal fragment of human PP2A and C-terminal conserved fragment of the eukaryotic PP2A catalytic subunits. These results exclude LMW AcPase from belonging to Ser/Thr protein phosphatases: PP1c or PP2Ac. In addition to P-Tyr, this enzyme hydrolyses efficiently at acidic pH P-Tyr phosphorylated peptides (hirudin and gastrin fragments). K(m) value for the hirudin fragment (7.55 +/- 1.59 x 10(-6) M) is 2-3 orders of magnitude lower in comparison with other substrates tested. The enzyme is inhibited competitively by typical inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases): sodium orthovanadate, molybdate and tungstate. These results may suggest that the LMW AcPase of frog liver can act as PTPase in vivo. A different cellular localization and different response to inhibition by tetrahedral oxyanions (molybdate, vanadate and tungstate) provide further evidence that LMW AcPase of frog liver is distinct from the mammalian tartrate-resistant acid phosphatases.