Fine Structures of the Cells of the Reticuloendothelial System and Their Correlation to the Function

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Abstract
Outstanding traits of fine structures of the reticuloendothelial cells comprise the following triad: the presence of complicated cytoplasmic processes, abundance in the agranular endoplasmic reticulum profils, and the presence of the specific granules as well as phagocytotic granules. These characteristics are regarded as morphological evidences of the specific function of this cell species, pinocytosis and phagocytosis. Besides complicated cytoplasmic processes and phagocytotic granules which are undoubtedly manifestations of phagocytotic activity of the cells, an abundance in the agranular endoplasmic reticulum profiles might be emphasized as a reflex of active pinocytosis, as is suggested by the images in the early phase of the saccharated iron uptake by the cell. The specific granules are identified as dense granules bounded by a single membrane and 0. 2-0. 3u in diameter, and are considered to be comparable to those of neutrophilic leukocytes. In connection with correlation between fine structures and function, intracellular distribution of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase was biochemically examined to show that these lysosomal enzymes localize predominantly in the cytoplasmic particulate fractions in which phagocytotic granules are mostly confined.