Three-dimensional observation of the Golgi apparatus in rat tracheal gland during the secretory cycle.

The purpose of the present work is three-dimensional clarification of the overall configuration of the Golgi apparatus in rat tracheal serous cells including the sequence of structural modification during the secretory cycle induced by pilocarpine. From the results of both transmission electron microscopy from the serial sections, and scanning electron microscopy using the osmium-DMSO-osmium method based on maceration in dilute osmium tetroxide, the overall configuration of the Golgi apparatus shows that the Golgi stacks are joined together to make an interconnected, single Golgi complex in a cell. Connections, not only between the TGN (trans Golgi network) and rough ER (endoplasmic reticulum), but also between rough ER and cis cisternae are observed. This finding offers alternative routes for movement of substances through the cellular endomembrane system. During the secretory cycle induced by pilocarpine injection, it is evidenced that the disappearance of the TGN is accompanied by rapid discharge of secretory granules and the reconstitution of the TGN is followed by reformation of secretory materials. The beginning of the reconstitution of the TGN is indicated by vesicular buds from the sacculotubular element. These results indicate that the TGN participates directly in membrane recycling and in formation of secretory granules.