Molecular organization of hepatocyte peroxisomes

The matrix of peroxisomes has been considered to be homogeneous. However, a fine network of tubules is visible in electron micrographs at very high magnification. This substructure becomes more positive in a high-contrast photocopy and with an imaging-plate method. Clofibrate, bezafibrate, and aspirin increase peroxisomes. In proliferated peroxisomes, the density of matrix is low and the fine network is more visible. The effect of proliferators is more significant in males than in females. This sex difference may involve the action of estrogen, growth hormone, cytochrome P-450 and thyroxine. Mg-ATPase is localized on the limiting membrane of peroxisomes. Even on the membrane of irregular projections of proliferated peroxisomes, Mg-ATPase is evident cytochemically. Carnitine acetyltransferase is detectable in the matrix of proliferated peroxisomes. Withdrawal of proliferators results in a rapid decrease of peroxisomes. This may indicate the existence of peroxisome suppressors. Alternatively, dynamic transformation of vesicular to tubular types in peroxisome reticulum may occur. Such transformation has been described in lysosomes and mitochondria.