@Article{IPB-2101, author = {Opitz, S. and Schnitzler, J.-P. and Hause, B. and Schneider, B.}, title = {{Histochemical analysis of phenylphenalenone-related compounds in Xiphidium caeruleum (Haemodoraceae)}}, year = {2003}, pages = {881-889}, journal = {Planta}, doi = {10.1007/s00425-002-0941-z}, volume = {216}, abstract = {Phenylphenalenones represent a typical group of secondary metabolites of the Haemodoraceae. Some of these phenolic compounds show organ-specific distribution within the plant. However, detailed information on cellular localisation is still lacking. To this end, confocal laser-scanning microscopy, microspectral photometry and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to study the tissue localisation of phenylphenalenone-type compounds in Xiphidium caeruleum Aubl. From the autofluorescence potential of these compounds, specific distribution of allophanylglucosides and non-glucosidic compounds of the phenylphenalenone-type in distinct cells of the roots (apical meristem, cortex, cap, epidermis) and the shoot system was revealed. Fluorescence enhancement using \"Naturstoff reagent A\" (NA) indicated the occurrence of NA-positive natural products in the vacuoles of leaf epidermal cells. The present results provide new insights into the possible functions of phenylphenalenone-related compounds in the context of their localisation. Additionally, the advantages and limitations of the techniques are discussed.} }