Ultrastructural localization of the iodination centre in the endostyle of the adult amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum)

Summary

The site of iodination in the endostyle of the adult amphioxus was examined by light-and electron-microscopic autoradiography. In accordance with previous studies, light-microscopic autoradiography showed a distinct accumulation of autoradiographic grains at the apical end of epithelial cells in the lateral part of the endostyle. In the electron microscope two distinct cellular zones were identified in an approximate position of the light-microscopic zone 5. Zone 5a, not previously recognized, was adjacent to zone 4 and consisted of six to nine rows of cells free of characteristic granules. Cells in zone 5b contained large “mucous” granules and had, in previous ultrastructural studies, been identified as belonging to the typical zone 5. Four or less incomplete rows of granule-containing cells, not observed in previous studies, marked the border between zones 5b and 6. After incubation in ¹²⁵I for 5 min, electron-microscopic autoradiography showed a selective concentration of label to zone 5a, which, thus, corresponds to the iodination centre seen in the light microscope. The grains were associated with cilia and microvilli in the lumen. After longer incubation times (30, 60, 90 min) grains were still concentrated at the surface of zone 5a but were also associated with the surface of zones 5b and 6. Grains were also located over the cytoplasm of all three zones. They were associated with vesicles and lysosome-like structures, suggesting secondary uptake of labelled products by endocytosis. Methimazole, an inhibitor of peroxidase, abolished the autoradiographic reaction. In conclusion, the site of iodination in the endostyle of amphioxus is located in zone 5a, which has not previously been ultrastructurally defined. Iodination in the endostyle is an extracellular process, but secondary uptake by endocytosis appears to occur.