ULTRASTRUCTURAL-LOCALIZATION OF CA++-ATPASES IN MEISSNER CORPUSCLE OF THE MONGOLIAN GERBIL

The cytochemical localization of Ca++-ATPases in Meissner's corpuscles of the palatine mucosa of the Mongolian gerbil was studied. Wachstein-Meisel's medium modified by SALAMA et al. (1987) was used for the demonstration of low-affinity Ca++-ATPase or Ca++/Mg++-ATPase, whereas the medium devised by KORTJE et al. (1990) was used for the demonstration of high-affinity Ca++-ATPase. Orthovanadate-containing medium, Ca++- or/and Mg++-free medium, ATP-free medium and preheated sections were used as controls. The plasma membrane of axon terminals consistently showed a strong reaction for high-affinity Ca++-ATPase and a capricious reaction for Ca++/Mg++-ATPase. In contrast, plasma membranes of the caveolae of lamellar plates showed a strongly positive reaction for Ca++/Mg++-ATPase.