Summary
Granules in acinar cells show considerable variations in size, shape, electron-density and molecular organisation of secretory material. Discrete organelles with an electron-dense homogenous matrix are seen in the guinea-pig and to some extent in the male hamster. Similar organelles with moderate electron-density are seen in the cat and dog. Acinar cells of the cat, hamster, guinea-pig and to a lesser extent the rat, contain discrete, pale granules and also confluent organelles arising from two to three of the pale particles. Composite, electron-pale secretory units are observed in the dog and rabbit.
No correlation could be elicited between the histochemical reactivity of the acinar cells and the content of the secretory enzymes. The relationship between the histochemical reactivity and ultrastructural appearance of acinar cell granules and the organelles containing kallikrein, trypsin-like proteases and amylase seems much more important and functionally relevant. Morphological aspects of the intracellular transport and secretion of granules are discussed.
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We wish to thank The Wellcome Trust for a travel grant to attend the International Symposium on Vasopeptides (Florence, July, 1971) where this work was briefly reported.
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Dorey, G., Bhoola, K.D. I. Ultrastructure of acinar cell granules in mammalian submaxillary glands. Z.Zellforsch 126, 320–334 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306847
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306847