Observations on peroxisomes in interrenal (adrenocortical) cells of Triturus cristatus and Salamandra salamandra (Urodele Amphibians).

Intracellular organelles (average diameter: 0.3 mu) similar to peroxisomes were observed in the interrenal cells of Triturus cristatus and Salamandra salamandra. Their peroxisomal nature was demonstrated by incubating tissue sections in alkaline 3,3-diaminobenzidine. Oxidation of diaminobenzidine, a characteristic feature of peroxisomes, was observed. These organelles are devoid of a central nucleoid and are surrounded to various degrees by profiles of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The matrix of these organelles is sometimes in direct communication with the inside of the smooth tubules. These relationships suggest a possible origin of the peroxisomes from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.