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Ultrastructural Changes and Viral Morphogenesis during the Growth of the Mouse Preputial Gland Tumor ESR 586¹

Departments of Cell Biology [L. P.], Environmental Medicine [T.G.R.], and Dermatology [V. R. W.], New York University Schools of Medicine, New York, New York 10016

A study was undertaken to observe morphological changes and viral morphogenesis during the growth of the mouse preputial gland tumor ESR 586. The acinar cells of the normal preputial gland have an extensive agranular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus and large lipid droplets. No viral particles are present. During tumor growth, the numerous lipid droplets never attain the size of those found in the normal gland. There is a decrease in the Golgi apparatus and agranular endoplasmic reticulum and an increase in the rough endoplasmic reticulum which could reflect a change in composition of tumor secretory product from the normal gland. Indeed, there is a decrease in triglycerides as the tumor ages and an increase in the sterol esters and waxes.

In addition, intracisternal A-particles are observed budding from thickened endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Thickening of these membranes occur early in A-particle formation. One side of the membrane is first thickened while the opposing membrane appears morphologically unaffected. The thickening of the affected membrane is initially confined to the outer (cytoplasmic) face of the membrane. In the older tumor, both opposing membranes of the reticulum are thickened and can assume an elongated whorled pattern.

¹ Supported in part by USPHS Grants CA-19421, AM-18792, and ES-00260 and by Research Funds from the Department of Dermatology of this University.

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed.

Received 8/ 6/76. Accepted 11/ 9/76.