Dynamic structure and function of Golgi apparatus in the salivary acinar cells

The structural dynamics of the Golgi apparatus (GA) in salivary exocrine cells under various conditions are described. The GA of a normal acinar cell is a single continuous structure with a stack of 4-5 cisternae associated with small vesicles 50 to 70 nm in diameter, and vacuoles of varying diameter. There is sufficient indication that the structural integration of the GA into one single organelle is maintained by the effect of microtubules. Disorganization of the lamellated structure was recognized in host cells under various conditions such as mitotic division and treatment with monensin, brefeldin A or okadaic acid. Perturbation of the transport of exportable proteins appeared to be a major factor of the structural disorganization. Structural analysis during the process of recovery from the effects of these drugs could provide useful model to examine the controlling mechanism of morphogenesis of GA. Based on these observations and related evidences, this review article discusses the characteristic lamellated structure of the GA to be essential for the expression of normal functions.