Differential filipin labeling of the luminal membranes lining the pancreatic acinus.

The cytochemical labeling of cholesterol by filipin in plasma membranes of the exocrine pancreas has shown a difference in the reactivity to filipin between the acinar and centro-acinar cells. The acinar cell has a poorly labeled luminal membrane but numerous filipin-cholesterol complexes on the basolateral membrane. In contrast, the centro-acinar cell shows a comparable degree of filipin labeling on both luminal and basolateral membrane. This difference in the distribution of filipin labeling suggests underlying differences in the organization of the respective membranes, probably related to their specific functions.