SUBCELLULAR-LOCALIZATION OF CERIUM IN INTESTINAL MUCOSE, LIVER, KIDNEY, SUPRARENAL AND TESTICLE GLANDS, AFTER CERIUM ADMINISTRATION IN THE RAT

The subcellular distribution of cerium was studied after two modes of administration of this element in the soluble form in the rat. After i ntraperitoneal administration, cerium is selectively concentrated in t he lysosomes of hepatocytes and adrenal cells. In the lysosomes of hep atocytes, cerium is associated with phosphorus. In the kidney, a selec tive concentration of cerium is observed along the tubules of the base ment membranes. After gastric administration, cerium is selectively pr ecipitated in the lysosomes of the enterocytes apical part. This mecha nism of selective precipitation initially prevents the diffusion of th e element in the organism and then permits its elimination digestively after desquamation of enterocytes in apoptose in the intestinal lumen .