Acid phosphatase activity in the supramedullary neurons of Coris julis (L.).

This work describes the acid phosphatase activity in supramedullary neurons of Coris julis, analyzed by a cytochemical method. The presence of both acid phosphatase-positive and -negative membrane bound granules indicates that only a part of the numerous electrodense granules in the supramedullary neurons can be interpreted as lysosomes. The great number of lysosomes in these large neurons of young animals is indicative of the rapid turnover of cell structures, which may be correlated with the high rate of synthesis. The electrodense granules showing no acid phosphatase activity are postulated to be vesicles containing gastrin/CCK-like peptide or precursors of this neuromediator.