The endoplasmic reticulum: a cytochemist's view (a review)

Abstract

Enzyme cytochemistry has been used, at the light and electron microscope levels, to "mark" cytoplasmic organelles of mammalian cells. Catalase cytochemistry permitted identification of microperoxisomes, apparently ubiquitous organelles that are attached by numerous slender connections to the endoplasmic reticulum. Thiamine pyrophosphatase and acid phosphatase cytochemistry can be used to distinguish between the Golgi apparatus and a specialized acid-phosphatase-rich region of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that appears to be involved in: (a) the formation of lysosomes and melanin granules: (b) the processing and packaging of secretory materials in endocrine and exocrine cells; and (c) the metabolism of lipid. The acronym GERL has been given to this region of smooth ER because it is located at the inner or "trans" aspect of the Golgi apparatus and because it appears to produce various types of Lysosomes.