Studies on the structure of the Golgi apparatus. III. Some observations on the mechanism of secretion of the Golgi bodies in the intestinal cells of Lumbriconereis

Abstract

Two kinds of secretion have been observed in the alimentary canal cells of Lumbriconereis. In cells producing a watery mucous secretion, the Golgi apparatus consists of granules and vesicles. The secretion vacuoles were observed to arise in contact with the chromophilic rim of the Golgi vesicles. As new droplets of secretion are formed the older droplets are pushed away from the Golgi elements. The secretion vacuoles collect near the lumen end of the cell which appears at this stage bag-like and is cut off into the alimentary canal lumen. In cells producing the granular type of secretion three types of association between the Golgi bodies and the secretory product were observed. (1) Granules were seen arising in intimate relation with the idiosome of the Golgi batonettes. (2) Developing granules were seen to be closely pressed against small Golgi vesicles. (3) Typical Golgi batonettes, double-rimmed batonettes and Golgi vesicles were seen plastered on the surface of a secretory granule. A theory regarding the mechanism of working of the Golgi apparatus is given, which would bring into line the secretion of various substances by the Golgi apparatus in invertebrates with that in vertebrates.