Lysosomal origin of the chloragosomes in the chloragogenous tissue of the earthworm Eisenia foetida: cytochemical demonstration of acid phosphatase activity.
The cytochemical localization of the lysosomal marker enzyme acid phosphatase was studied in the chloragogenous tissue of earthworms. The Gomori lead technique and the cerium capture technique were utilized. Both techniques demonstrated the chloragosomal location of this enzyme. Only a small proportion of chloragosomes presented reactivity, which suggests that these organelles are distinctly heterogeneous. The reaction product was localized in the periphery of chloragosomes, suggesting a membrane-bound compartmentalization of acid phosphatase. In addition, degenerating mitochondria and membrane whorls were observed in some chloragosomes, indicating the possibility that these organelles perform autophagosomal functions.
Electron Microscopy Unit, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Wales.
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I
Cancio
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I
ap Gwynn
M P
MP
Ireland
M P
MP
Cajaraville
D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002563:Cerium; D006651:Histocytochemistry / Q000379:methods; D007854:Lead; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015388:Organelles / Q000201:enzymology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D007854:Lead; D002563:Cerium; D000135:Acid Phosphatase