The origin of prespore vacuoles in Dictyostelium discoideum cells as analysed by electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry and radioautography.

Prespore vacuoles (PSVs) are specifically formed in prespore cells of the cellular slime moulds and contain spore-specific antigens. We have examined the processes of PSV formation in Dictyostelium discoideum, using both the methods of immunoelectron microscopy with antispore serum and electron-microscopic radioautography with [3H]fucose, which is specifically incorporated into prespore cells. When prespore cells begin to differentiate at the late aggregation stages the Golgi apparatus, consisting of stacked cisternae and numerous vesicles, becomes conspicuous. Vesicles and flat sacs containing fibrous and membranous materials, respectively, are derived from Golgi cisternae. Spore antigens are found in these structures as well as in immature and mature PSVs. Fucose is incorporated into the same structures. When prespore differentiation is completed, the Golgi cisternae almost disappear and both antigens and fucose are localized in mature PSVs. The Golgi apparatus is scarcely observable in prestalk cells. Moreover, a similar pattern of changes in the Golgi apparatus and related structures occurs during the re-differentiation of prespore cells within prestalk isolates. It is concluded from these findings that PSVs are derived from the Golgi apparatus, the development of which is closely related to the differentiation of prespore cells.