Characterization of metal-containing granules from the kidney of the common mussel, Mytilus edulis

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta Vol. 716; no. 1; pp. 61 - 71
• Main Authors: George, S.G., Coombs, T.L., Pirie, B.J.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 05.05.1982
• Subjects: animal ecology; animals; aquatic habitat; aquatic organisms; Lipid peroxidation; Lipofuchin; Lysosomes; Metal-containing granule; Mussel kidney; Lipid peroxidation; Lysosomes; Lipofuchin; Mussel kidney; Metal-containing granule; Hepes
• ISSN: 0304-4165; 0006-3002; 1872-8006; 1878-2434
• DOI: 10.1016/0304-4165(82)90203-3

The metal-containing membrane-limited granules which make up some 20% of the cellular volume of the kidney cells of the marine mussel, Mytilus, have been purified and partially characterized by chemical and histochemical analysis. They contain an inorganic component (10% of their dry weight), principally iron, zinc and calcium, associated with sulphur phosphorus together with a pigmented organic component which has the histochemical and spectroscopic of lipofuschin. Microscopic and enzymic evidence indicates that the lipofuschin is present as a result of lysosomal degradation and peroxidation of cellular membranes. The granules may thus be regarded as tertiary lysosomes or residual bodies. The ash content of these lysosomes is 10-fold higher than those from mammalian sources. For this reason, Mytilus may be a useful model system for the study of intralysosomal metal accumulation.