ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Yolk sac
;
Tubular endosomes
;
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
;
Ultrastructure
;
Endocytosis
;
Rat (Wistar)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The three-dimensional architecture of the tubular endocytic apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum in the rat yolk-sac endoderm was investigated after loading with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated concanavalin A by intrauterine administration. After 30 min, small vesicles (50–150 nm in diameter), small tubules (80–100 nm in diameter) and large vacuoles (0.2–1.0 μm in diameter) in the apical cytoplasm were labeled with the tracer, but lysosomes (1.0–3.5 μm in diameter) in the supranuclear cytoplasm were not labeled until 60 min after loading. Stereo-viewing of the labeled small tubules in thick sections revealed that they were not isolated structures but formed three-dimensional anastomosing networks, which were also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy after maceration with diluted osmium tetroxide. Their earlier labeling with the endocytic tracer, localization in the apical cytoplasm and three-dimensional network formation indicated that the labeled small tubules represented tubular endosomes (tubular endocytic apparatus). These well-developed membranous networks provided by the tubular endosomes are suggested to facilitate the receptor-mediated endocytosis and transcytosis of the maternal immunoglobulin in the rat yolk-sac endoderm. Scanning electron microscopy further revealed lace-like networks of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum near the lateral plasma membrane. Their possible involvement in transport of small molecules or electrolytes is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00414178
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