The three-dimensional aspect of mammalian lung multilamellar bodies

The three-dimensional aspect of rat and monkey lung multilamellar bodies was demonstrated in lipid retained thin sections. The glutaraldehyde and urea lipid retention embedment and an Epon 812 resin polar dehydrant procedure were utilized to retain lamellar lipids for precise morphological study. The unextracted multilamellar bodies were found to conform to a general, though complex, three-dimensional structure. A model that demonstrated that structure was derived. Freeze-etch and extracted material were shown to support the model. Mature multilamellar bodies were from 1-2-1-6 mu in diameter and were 1-0-1-6 mu high. Each body contained a matrix core that included from 2-25 vesicular bodies and was in contact with the limiting membrane at the matrix plate. Most bodies had from 25-70 lamellae attached for 360 degrees to the projection plate. Microtubules were seen in communication with the matrix core. When sectioned in longitudinal section, lamellae projected from the base plate and coursed parallel to the limited membrane of the top half of the body. Any cross-section produced circular lamellae without apparent attachment. Oblique sections sometimes produced both 'stacked' and 'circular' lamellae. Four postulates of multilamellar body formation were discussed in light of these findings.