[Changes in lysosomal enzyme activity in the mitotic cycle of L cells]

Activities of lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, acid lipase and cathepsin D) have been examined in a synchronized culture of mouse L-fibroblasts. Cell synchronization was achieved by the double thymidine block with a subsequent mitotic selection after colcemid treatment. Specific activities of the enzymes studied were found to be higher in S-G2 that in G1. There is a linear increase (approximate doubling) in enzyme activities per cell from G1 to M. Activity of galactosyltransferase, a marker of the Golgi apparatus, declined in mitotic cells in comparison with the interphase cells. Ultrastructural examination of L-cells revealed a reduction of the intracellular membrane system including the Golgi apparatus during mitosis. Changes in the Golgi apparatus activity have been considered as a possible regulatory point of lysosome formation. The data presented are compared with the results of morphological studies of lysosomal system in L-cells.