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Microbodies of the pig liver. A morphologic and morphometric study
Abstract:
The ultrastructure of hepatic microbodies of pigs was studied in liver samples fixed in phosphate-buffered 2% glutaraldehyde (pH 7.4) and postfixed in 2% osmium tetroxide. The microbodies were rounded or ovoid in shape and contained a granular matrix enclosed with a single limiting membrane. The matrix, in many of the organelles, contained an amorphous or an organized (crystalloid) area. The crystalloids were organized as fine, alternating electron-opaque and electron-lucent lines, or as groups of tubules arranged in more than one plane. Profiles of smooth endoplasmic reticulum were usually found near the microbodies. 34 microbodies were approximately 0.67 +/- 0.02 micrometer (mean +/- standard error) in length and were approximately 0.56 micrometer (+/- 0.02 micrometer) wide. The marginal plates consisted of strata which exhibited a periodicity. The average length and width of 17 plates was approximately 0.34 +/- 0.03 micrometer and 0.002 micrometer, respectively. This study clearly establishes the occurrence of marginal plates in microbodies of porcine liver.
Insights
This study details the ultrastructure of pig liver microbodies, revealing their shape, matrix, and the presence of organized crystalloids. It confirms the existence of marginal plates within these organelles in porcine liver.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Hepatic microbodies, also known as peroxisomes, are vital organelles involved in various metabolic processes.
- Understanding their ultrastructure is crucial for comprehending liver function and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detailed ultrastructure of hepatic microbodies in pigs.
- To characterize the morphology of the matrix and internal structures, including crystalloids and marginal plates.
Main Methods:
- Liver samples from pigs were fixed using phosphate-buffered glutaraldehyde and postfixed with osmium tetroxide.
- Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine the ultrastructural details of the microbodies.
Main Results:
- Porcine liver microbodies were observed as rounded or ovoid structures with a granular matrix enclosed by a single membrane.
- Crystalloids, either amorphous or organized, were present in the matrix. Organized crystalloids displayed periodic lines or tubular arrangements.
- Marginal plates with periodic strata were identified, with average dimensions of 0.34 x 0.002 micrometers.
Conclusions:
- This research provides a comprehensive ultrastructural description of pig liver microbodies.
- The study definitively establishes the presence and characteristics of marginal plates within porcine hepatic microbodies.