ISSN:
0003-276X
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
The ruthenium red staining technique of Luft ('71b) was utilized in an electron microscopic investigation of developing and adult rat lung. Electron-dense deposits of ruthenium red-positive material were observed on all exposed surfaces of the tissue block, regardless of the stage of development. In the more central areas of the block, sites of ruthenium red binding changed with age. In early prenatal lung (days 16 to 20) dense accumulations of ruthenium red-positive material were found in association with the basement membranes of endodermal epithelial cells. Ruthenium red binding was also observed between adjacent epithelial cells; however, their luminal surfaces were negative. The main intracellular site of ruthenium red binding in intact cells was the lamellar body of the developing type II pulmonary epithelial cells. By day 21 of development, accumulations of granular product were observed in association with most lamellar bodies, as well as on epithelial cell luminal surfaces. Ruthenium red binding in postnatal tissue decreases with increasing age. By the second postnatal week, the predominant site of binding is the luminal surface of the type I and type II pulmonary epithelial cells. When compared to fetal and early neonatal stages, adult rat lung has a still more limited distribution of ruthenium red-positive material. Changes in the distribution of ruthenium red-positive material correlate with numerous morphologic and biochemical events in rat lung development.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ar.1091780210
