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Lysosomes in the midgut of Calliphora erythrocephala meigen

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Summary

The midgut epithelial cells of Calliphora were investigated with special attention to lysosomes. Developmental changes in the structure, number, and acid phosphatase activity of these organelles were determined by morphometric, biochemical, and cytochemical methods.

Two periods of lysosomal activity are distinguished, one during pupal development and predominantly affecting the mitochondria, the other during the adult stage.

In the pupal stage large agglomerates of acid phosphatase-positive dense bodies are present. Condensation and fragmentation of these leaves only small residual bodies. During the first week of adult life the lysosomes increase in both size and number. They are formed by isolating membranes deriving from the endoplasmic reticulum, in which acid phosphatase activity can be demonstrated.

Biochemical analysis of acid phosphatase activity shows that there are only minor variations in the total activity, the temporary decrease in lysosomal structures being counter-balanced by an increase in the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoölogisch Laboratorium der Rijksuniversiteit, Leiden, The Netherlands

    W. de Priester

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  1. W. de Priester
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The author is indebted to Dr. W. Th. Daems for initiating him into the field of lysosomology, and to Prof. Dr. P. Dullemeijer for encouragement and critical discussions. He also wishes to thank Mr. G. de Leeuw for technical assistance, Mr. E. Brunings for improving the cytochemical technique, Mr. J. J. Emeis for valuable help with morphometrical methods, Mrs. I. Seeger for correction of the English text, and Miss M. van Wijngaarden for typing the manuscript.

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de Priester, W. Lysosomes in the midgut of Calliphora erythrocephala meigen. Z. Zellforsch 129, 430–446 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307298

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