Summary
The ultrastructural localization of acid phosphatase (AcPase) activity in regressing salivary gland cells of Chironomus tentans was studied with Gomori's lead method. In last instar intermolt larvae AcPase activity is restricted to Golgi vesicles, to small electrondense bodies of about 0.25 μ diameter, and to larger, more electron-lucid bodies which are considered to be lysosomes. The smaller bodies apparently arise from Golgi vesicles. The average frequency of lysosomes increases as development proceeds. Until the end of the pupal molt, only very few of them contain degenerating fragments of other cellular components.
Overt cell regression begins in young pupae. At this stage practically all lysosomes contain degenerating cell components. In addition, cellular breakdown seems to occur outside of these organelles. Regressing cellular areas show in addition free AcPase reaction products (lead deposits), the amount of which closely parallels the degree of regression of the particular area.
Possible genetic relationships between the various AcPase-containing cell organelles and the role of lysosomes in the control of gland cell breakdown are discussed.
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Supported by NSF Grant GB-2639 to U. Clever. The technical assistance of Mr. Hermann Bultmann in part of these studies is gratefully acknowledged.
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Schin, K.S., Clever, U. Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies of salivary gland regression in Chironomus tentans . Zeitschrift für Zellforschung 86, 262–279 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00348528
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00348528