A quantitative morphological study of the pineal organ in the goldfish, Carassius auratus

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (7) ◽  
pp. 1312-1325 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. McNulty
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Pineal Organ ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Photoreceptor Cells ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Goldfish Carassius Auratus ◽  
Supportive Cells

Stereological techniques applied to a light and electron microscopic study of the pineal organ of the goldfish indicated that photoreceptor and supportive cells were comparable in their number and cell volume and that approximately 500 nerve cells were present in the pineal end vesicle. There were approximately 310 nerve fibers descending the distal part of the pineal tract. Quantitative analysis of organelles in photoreceptor cells revealed that the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies, in the vicinity of which were situated both clear and dense-cored vesicles, formed a substantial part of the cytoplasmic volume. Other new observations reported for this species include a close association between mitochondria and parts of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a characteristic feature of photoreceptor cells, and the presence of subsurface cisternae formed from profiles of endoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, specialized contacts were found between both photoreceptor and supportive cells. Some of these ultrastructural features are similar to those reported in the secretory pinealocytes of mammals. These findings suggest that (1) the pineal organ in this species has a high degree of photosensitivity as evidenced by the large number of photoreceptor cells related to each nerve cell, and (2) photoreceptor cells are metabolically active possibly having functions other than photoreception.

Actin-dependent light-induced translocation of mitochondria and ER cisternae in the photoreceptor cells of the locust Schistocerca gregaria

1995 ◽  
Vol 108 (6) ◽  
pp. 2273-2283 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Sturmer ◽  
O. Baumann ◽  
B. Walz
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Cytochalasin B ◽  
Schistocerca Gregaria ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Electron Microscopic Examination ◽  
Photoreceptor Cells ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Filament Bundles

Light-dependent changes in the positioning of organelles in photoreceptor cells of arthropods are a well-known phenomenon. In this study, we examine the role of the cytoskeleton in these light-dependent antagonistic movements. In dark-adapted photoreceptor cells of the locust Schistocerca gregaria, prominent sacs of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) oppose the bases of the photoreceptive microvilli. Light stimulation causes a translocation of the ER elements towards the main cell body, and an aggregation of mitochondria adjacent to the microvilli. Immunofluorescence studies and electron-microscopic examination of chemically fixed or high-pressure-frozen, freeze-substituted specimens demonstrate a lack of microtubules in the submicrovillar region. However, numerous filament bundles are aligned in close association with mitochondria and ER elements, along the track of their movement. Fluorescent phallotoxins and monoclonal anti-actin antibodies label filament bundles in the submicrovillar region, indicating that they are composed of F-actin. Finally, depolymerization of the submicrovillar actin filaments by incubation with cytochalasin B results in a blockade of the movement of mitochondria and ER cisternae towards the rhabdom. These results suggest that the light-dependent translocation of both ER cisternae and mitochondria occurs along actin filaments.

Hepatic Ultrastructure Changes Induced by Lithocholic Acid

1967 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 162-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. G. Zaki
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Lithocholic Acid ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Protein Diet ◽  
Low Protein Diet ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Hydropic Degeneration ◽  
Hepatic Cells ◽  
Low Protein ◽  
Microscopic Studies

Addition of lithocholic acid (LCA), a naturally occurring bile acid in mammals, to a low protein diet fed to rats induced marked inflammatory reaction in the hepatic cells followed by hydropic degeneration and ductular cell proliferation. These changes were accompanied by dilatation and hyperplasia of the common bile duct and formation of “gallstones”. All these changes were reversible when LCA was withdrawn from the low protein diet except for the hardened gallstones which persisted.Electron microscopic studies revealed marked alterations in the hepatic cells. Early changes included disorganization, fragmentation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and detachment of its ribosomes. Free ribosomes, either singly or arranged in small clusters were frequently seen in most of the hepatic cells. Vesiculation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum was often encountered as early as one week after the administration of LCA (Fig. 1).

scholarly journals STUDIES ON MICROPEROXISOMES II. A CYTOCHEMICAL METHOD FOR LIGHT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

1972 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 1006-1023 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALEX B. NOVIKOFF ◽  
PHYLLIS M. NOVIKOFF ◽  
CLEVELAND DAVIS ◽  
NELSON QUINTANA
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Lipid Droplets ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Distal Tubule ◽  
Striking Difference ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Pig Kidney

A modification of the Novikoff-Goldfischer alkaline 3,3'-diaminobenzidine medium for visualizing peroxisomes is described. It makes possible light microscopic as well as electron microscopic studies of a recently described class of peroxisomes, the microperoxisomes. Potassium cyanide (5 x 10–3 M) is included in the medium to inhibit mitochondrial staining, the pH is 9.7 and there is a high concentration of H2O2 (0.05%). Two cell types have been chosen to illustrate the advantages of the new procedure for demonstrating the microperoxisomes: the absorptive cells in the human jejunum and the distal tubule cells in the guinea pig kidney. Suggestive relations of microperoxisomes and lipid are described in the human jejunum. The microperoxisomes are strategically located between smooth endoplasmic reticulum that radiates toward the organelles and contains lipid droplets and "central domains" of highly specialized endoplasmic reticulum which do not show the lipid droplets. The microperoxisomes are also present at the periphery of large lipid-like drops. In the guinea pig kidney tubule there is a striking difference between the thick limb of Henle and distal tubule. The distal tubule has a population of cells with large numbers of microperoxisomes readily visible by light microscopy; these cells are not present in the thick limb of Henle. Other differences between the two are also described.

scholarly journals Inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate releases calcium from specialized sites within Limulus photoreceptors

1987 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 933-937 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Payne ◽  
A Fein
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Injection Site ◽  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Subcellular Distribution ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Image Intensifier ◽  
Photoreceptor Cells ◽  
Calcium Stores ◽  
Inositol 1,4,5 Trisphosphate ◽  
Probable Site

We have investigated the subcellular distribution and identity of inositol trisphosphate (InsP3)-sensitive calcium stores in living Limulus ventral photoreceptor cells, where light and InsP3 are known to raise intracellular calcium. We injected ventral photoreceptor cells with the photoprotein aequorin and viewed its luminescence with an image intensifier. InsP3 only elicited detectable aequorin luminescence when injected into the light-sensitive rhabdomeral (R)-lobe where aequorin luminescence induced by light was also confined. Calcium stores released by light and InsP3 are therefore localized to the R-lobe. Within the R-lobe, InsP3-induced aequorin luminescence was further confined around the injection site, due to rapid dilution and/or degradation of injected InsP3. Prominent cisternae of smooth endoplasmic reticulum are uniquely localized within the cell beneath the microvillar surface of the R-lobe (Calman, B., and S. Chamberlain, 1982, J. Gen. Physiol., 80:839-862). These cisternae are the probable site of InsP3 action.

Interaction of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 370-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.G. Goetz ◽  
I.R. Nabi
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Cytosolic Calcium ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Motility Factor ◽  
Calcium Sequestration ◽  
Multiple Domains ◽  
The Relationship

The ER (endoplasmic reticulum) is composed of multiple domains including the nuclear envelope, ribosome-studded rough ER and the SER (smooth ER). The SER can also be functionally segregated into domains that regulate ER–Golgi traffic (transitional ER), ERAD (ER-associated degradation), sterol and lipid biosynthesis and calcium sequestration. The last two, as well as apoptosis, are critically regulated by the close association of the SER with mitochondria. Studies with AMFR (autocrine motility factor receptor) have defined an SER domain whose integrity and mitochondrial association can be modulated by ilimaquinone as well as by free cytosolic calcium levels in the normal physiological range. AMFR is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets its ligand directly to the SER via a caveolae/raft-dependent pathway. In the present review, we will address the relationship between the calcium-dependent morphology and mitochondrial association of the SER and its various functional roles in the cell.

Liver Ultrastructural Pathology in Cocaine Users

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (S2) ◽  
pp. 55-56
Author(s):  
H.J. Finol ◽  
D.D. Mondragón ◽  
Y.M. González ◽  
C. Paradisi ◽  
N. González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Liver Function ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Liver Function Tests ◽  
Electron Microscopic Investigation ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Ultrastructural Pathology ◽  
Function Tests ◽  
Cocaine Users

Although liver function tests could be abnormal in humans taking cocaine the histopathological basis for this disorder has not been well established. Light microscopic studies have shown the existence of peripheral, centrilobular or diffuse necrosis. The only electron microscopic investigation we could find reports hepatocyte alterations including dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, hypertrophy of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and existence of phagolysosomes. In this work we report the liver ultrastructural pathology in chronic cocaine users.Liver biopsies were obtained in five male patients, 25-44 years old. These patients had consumed cocaine and other drugs (marihuana, alcohol, amphetamines, etc..) for 7-30 years. All of them had altered liver function tests. Tissue samples were processed with routine techniques for transmission electron microscopy and observed in a Hitachi H-500 electron microscope.Abnormalities observed included those previously reported as swollen rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, presence of autophagic vacuoles and lipid deposition.

scholarly journals ALTERATIONS OF HEPATIC ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM IN PORPHYRIC RATS

1968 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 337-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZOLTAN POSALAKI ◽  
TIBOR BARKA
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Electron Microscopic

The alterations of hepatic microsomal fractions were studied in fasting rats given porphyrogenic doses of allylisopropylacetamide. A single dose of allylisopropylacetamide caused significant enlargement of the liver within 14 hr and in 24 hr the liver was about 49% heavier. Microsomal phospholipids of liver more than doubled in 48 hr after the administration of allylisopropylacetamide. This increase was accounted for principally by an increase in phospholipids of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Incorporation of 32P indi cated that the increase in microsomal phospholipids was caused mainly by a reduction of the rate of catabolism rather than by an augmentation of the rate of synthesis. Electron microscopic observations in agreement with the fractionation studies revealed a hypertrophy of the smooth membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Massive liver enlargement accompanied by decreased drug metabolism. Effect of anterior pituitary extract on hepatic ultrastructure, zoxazolamine paralysis, and metabolism in the rat

1977 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 1135-1142 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Szabo ◽  
B. D. Garg ◽  
P. Kourounakis ◽  
B. Tuchweber
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Drug Metabolism ◽  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Electron Microscopic Examination ◽  
Liver Weight ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Supernatant Fraction ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Liver Enlargement

The relationship between liver enlargement and drug metabolism was investigated in female rats. Hepatomegaly (e.g., 31% increase in liver weight in a 17-day experiment) was induced by injection of lyophylized anterior pituitary (LAP) extract The liver enlargement seemed to be due to an increase in the number and the size (enhanced water content and PAS-positive material) of hepatocytes. Electron microscopic examination of the liver revealed slight proliferation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and pronounced fragmentation and dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Zoxazolamine paralysis time was significantly prolonged (+55% and +102%) after 4 and 17 days, respectively, of treatment with LAP. Metabolism of zoxazolamine by the 9000 g supernatant fraction of the liver of rats given LAP for 17 days was reduced by 73%. Thus, the marked hepatomegaly induced by LAP was associated with a prolonged action of the drug which may result from a decrease in hepatic drug metabolism.

scholarly journals Control of the acute phase response. Demonstration of C-reactive protein synthesis and secretion by hepatocytes during acute inflammation in the rabbit.

1978 ◽  
Vol 148 (2) ◽  
pp. 466-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Kushner ◽  
G Feldmann
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Acute Phase Response ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Phase Response ◽  
Cell Of Origin ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Microscopic Studies

To determine the cell of origin of C-reactive protein (CRP) and to cast light on the mechanisms leading to the acute phase response, we used an immunoenzymatic technique to visualize this protein in livers from rabbits at intervals after intramuscular injection of turpentine. CRP was detected only in hepatocytes. 8 h after turpentine injection, CRP was demonstrated in occasional periportal hepatocytes. With time, larger numbers of positive cells were detected successively in perilobular, midlobular, and centrilobular areas. On electron microscopy, CRP was detected in rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), and Golgi apparatus (GA). When colchicine was administered to inhibit cellular secretion of CRP, intensity of reaction and number of CRP-containing hepatocytes were substantially greater than without colchicine, but the sequence of intralobular distribution was similar. At peak serum response 38 h after turpentine injection, CRP could be demonstrated in most hepatocytes. Electron microscopic studies showed accumulation of CRP on membranes and lumina of RER, SER, GA, and in cytoplasmic vacuoles. These findings indicate that CRP is produced by progressively increasing numbers of hepatocytes after inflammatory stimulus and suggest that a mediator, acting initially in portal zones, is responsible for recruitment of cells to CRP production.

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