Synthesis and Localization of Sulphated Mucopolysaccharide in Megakaryocytes and Platelets of the Rat, An Analysis by Electron-Microscope Autoradiography

Abstract

Electron-microscope autoradiography has been used to investigate the synthesis and localization of sulphated mucopolysaccharide in megakaryocytes and blood platelets. Following 10-min incubation of bone marrow with 35S-sulpahte in vitro the majority of the activity in megakaryocytes was associated with the Golgi apparatus, but a substantial proportion was associated with other cytoplasmic organelles, suggesting either rapid transport or sulphation of mucopolysaccharide outside the Golgi apparatus. Three hours after the intravenous injection of 35SO4 only a small proportion of the total activity was associated with the Golgi apparatus, most being associated with demarcation membranes and dense granules, while 12 h after injection almost all the activity was associated with demarcation membranes and granules. A rising proportion of activity localized solely on the demarcation membranes suggested that they may possess some activity of their own. Autoradiographs of blood platelets prepared 72 h after the injection of 35SO4 were analysed. It was shown that most of the activity was associated with the α-granules, but there was strong evidence that the platelet membrane possessed a low level of activity.