208 JOHN SUNDWALL 



is in all liklihood a lipoid albumen complex. In nerve cells if 

 they are numerous the lipoid granules are few and vice versa. 

 In my opinion Cowdry's conclusions are correct. 



Regarding their function in secretory cells, Altmann held the 

 view that they were capable of forming secretion granules and 

 also related to the formation and absorption of fat. Noll held 

 views similar to Altmann regarding their relation to secretion. 

 Schirmer could not say. Bensley ('11) states that certain types 

 may possibly represent secretion antecedents. Champy ('11) 

 makes the bold assertion that secretion granules originate from 

 mitochondria. Hoven ('11, '12) also hold that the different 

 products of the mammary gland originate from these granules 

 and according to him this is true of the secretion granules for all 

 glands. Arnold ('11) likewise holds the same view. 



My studies on the lachrymal gland have not revealed any 

 positive evidence that secretion granules have their origin from 

 mitochondria. Certain facts may suggest that such a hypothesis 

 is tenable. These are, 1) The absence of demonstrable ante- 

 cedent substances such as prozymogen — basophile substance 

 (toluidin blue), prozymogen granules (intra vitam, neutral red), 

 nuclear material in cytoplasm (Macallum reaction). 2) The 

 secretion granules seem to make their appearance in any part 

 of the cell independent of the nucleus. 3) The small amount of 

 mitochondria in the secreting cells as contrasted with that in the 

 cells of the ducts suggests that it may be used up in the formation 

 of secretion granules. 



On the other hand as valid objections can be advanced against 

 this theory — 1) Demonstrable antecedents for secretion granules 

 are not found in many other serous and mucous cells. 2) The 

 secretion may arise directly from other cytoplasmic structures 

 independent of mitochondria. 3) If secretion granules originate 

 from mitochondria one would expect to find variations in quan- 

 tity depending upon the secretory stages of the cells. 4) The 

 universal distribution of mitochondria in all cells speaks against 

 a specificity in gland cells. Much light on this subject would 

 result no doubt from both embryological and comparative study 

 of glands aided by certain pharmacodynamic reactions. 



