The Distribution of Coated Vesicles in Keratinizing Cells of the Wool Follicle

Abstract

The presence and distribution of coated vesicles in the cells of the lower third of the Romney wool follicle are described, with special reference to cortical cells. Coated vesicles were typically found free in the cytoplasm and associated with plasma membranes and Golgi complexes. They were most prevalent in the bulb and in the elongation and lower keratogenous zones of the cortex. However, the numbers of coated vesicles decreased markedly in the remainder of the keratogenous zone, especially of those associated with plasma membranes. A similar decrease in the numbers and sizes of Golgi complexes in this zone was also noted. The possible role of coated vesicles in the lower wool follicle is discussed.