ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Mast cell maturation
;
Mast cell granules
;
Acid hydrolases
;
Lysosomes
;
Golgi apparatus
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The ultrastructural and cytochemical features of peritoneal mast cells of the rat were studied. Immature mast cells show specific cytoplasmic granules of different sizes, the smaller ones localized in the Golgi region. The rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are well developed, and mitochondria are numerous. Nuclei show deep indentations. Acid phosphatase is present in the Golgi saccules, in GERL (Golgi apparatus-endoplasmic reticulumlysosome) and in some small granules. It is not present in mature granules. Trimetaphosphatase is present in the Golgi saccules, in GERL, in most immature granules and in some mature granules. These enzymes appear to be transported and packaged into granules by the Golgi apparatus, suggesting that the specific mast cell granules may be a form of lysosome. The results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that peritoneal mast cells may be derived from macrophage-like precursors.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00212533
Permalink