The Golgi apparatus of goblet cells in the mouse descending colon: three-dimensional visualization using a confocal laser scanning microscope

The three-dimensional structure of the Golgi apparatus was studied in goble t cells in lectin-stained sections of the mouse descending colon by using a confocal laser scanning microscope. In the lower part of the crypt, the Go lgi apparatus formed a dome- or globe-like structure in the supranuclear re gion. The wall of the dome had some holes, one of which usually faced towar d the nucleus and others toward the apical cytoplasm. Mucous granules seeme d to be initially released into the interior of the dome and transported to ward the apical cytoplasm through the holes. In the upper part of the crypt , on the other hand, the Golgi apparatus formed a cup- or funnel-like struc ture with a larger opening toward the cell apex and a smaller opening towar d the nucleus. A large mass of mucous granules occupied the inside of the c up to the apical cytoplasm. It is thought that the accumulation of mucous g ranules enlarges holes at the ceiling of the dome to form a large opening, which makes the configuration of the Golgi apparatus cup-shaped.