RETINOL STIMULATES GOLGI-APPARATUS ACTIVITY IN CULTURED BOVINE MAMMARY-GLAND EPITHELIAL-CELLS

Biochemical and electron microscopic studies have indicated that the Golgi apparatus responds to retinol. The purpose of this investigation was to visualize and record with living cells the rapidity of the response to retinol. A rapid response of the Golgi apparatus to retinol (1.75-17.5-mu-mol/L) added to the culture medium was observed using video-enhanced light microscopy with bovine mammary epithelial cells. The response was manifested within 1 min as a marked movement of membranes within the Golgi apparatus zone. In subsequent electron microscope preparations of the cells, only minor changes were observed and were restricted to increased numbers of normal-appearing membranes and vesicles associated with the trans Golgi apparatus face of the retinol-treated cells.