Summary
A description of the atretic human corpus luteum is given. Membrane-limited bodies of varying dimensions, some containing membrane-whorls, are found in the cytoplasm. These bodies are sometimes limited by a double membrane and reaction product for acid phosphatase is observed both between the double membrane and inside these bodies. The plasma membrane projections penetrating the cell at multiple sites are ATP-ase positive.
Our results favour the hypothesis that the plasma membrane is involved in the formation of the limiting membrane around autophagic vacuoles.
The process of autophagy is discussed in the light of the cellular energy balance and the possible origin of the hydrolytic enzymes involved in the formation of autophagic vacuoles is given.
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Quatacker, J.R. Formation of autophagic vacuoles during human corpus luteum involution. Z.Zellforsch 122, 479–487 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00936082
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00936082