bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra-acinar profiles of cytosolic and mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in rat liver.
Authors: Maly I P , Toranelli M , Sasse D
Published: April 2011

A new method for electrophoretic separation of the isoforms of malate dehydrogenase in microdissected tissue samples was applied to rat liver. The intra-acinar activity profiles of cytosolic (cMDH) and mitochondrial (mMDH) malate dehydrogenase were determined in male and female control animals and in animals fasted for 84 hr. Measurements were carried out on lyophilized liver tissue samples of 50-100 ng from the whole length of the sinusoid. The results showed that both in fed and fasted animals, mMDH activity was almost evenly distributed throughout the acinus in livers of both sexes. cMDH showed higher activity in the periportal area compared with the perivenous area by a factor of approximately 1.35 in all animals studied. Our results favor a slightly higher capacity of the malate-aspartate shuttle in the periportal area in both fed and fasted animals. Furthermore, the distribution pattern of mMDH suggests that this isoenzyme is not a marker for the zonation of the oxidative metabolism in the liver acinus.
Video image analysis of labile zinc in viable pancreatic islet cells using a specific fluorescent probe for zinc.
Authors: Zalewski P D , Millard S H , Forbes I J , Kapaniris O , Slavotinek A , Betts W H , Ward A D , Lincoln S F , Mahadevan I
Published: April 2011

We used an intracellular zinc-specific fluorophore, Zinquin, in conjunction with fluorescence video image analysis, to reveal labile zinc in pancreatic islet cells, which concentrate this metal for use in synthesis, storage, and secretion of insulin. Zinquin vividly demonstrated zinc in the islet cell secretory granules, which formed a brightly labeled crescent in the cytoplasm between one side of the nucleus and the plasma membrane. Lower but still appreciable amounts of zinc were detected in the remaining cytoplasm, but there was little labeling in the nucleus. Fluorescence intensity varied among islet cells, suggesting differences in zinc content. Their average fluorescence intensity greatly surpassed that of the surrounding pancreatic acinar cells in frozen sections of pancreas and in all other types of cell studied, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, fibroblasts, and erythrocytes. Less labile zinc was detected in cells of the mouse insulinoma cell line NIT-1, regardless of whether they were maintained in long-term culture in the presence or absence of exogenous extracellular zinc. Exposure of islet or insulinoma cells to a high concentration of glucose or other secretagogue decreased the content of labile zinc. Zinquin should be a useful probe for revealing changes in zinc homeostasis in islet B-cells that may be important in their dysfunction and death during diabetes.
Light microscopic lectin histochemistry in aging mouse kidney: study of compositional changes in glycoconjugates.
Authors: Hanai T , Usuda N , Morita T , Nagata T
Published: April 2011

We report compositional changes in glycoconjugates in mouse kidney cortex due to aging, as analyzed by lectin histochemistry and Western blot analysis. Mouse kidney tissues of prenatal and postnatal ages (prenatal, 19 days of gestation; postnatal 2 and 8 days, 4 and 13 weeks, and 10 months) were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and cryosections were made. They were stained with 16 kinds of biotinylated lectin, followed by ABC, for light microscopy. Tissue homogenate was also examined by Western blotting for WGA, ConA, and Lotus. Changes in glycoconjugates due to prenatal and postnatal aging were detected by both lectin histochemistry and Western blotting.
Image analysis of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining for measurement of S-phase in rat and mouse liver.
Authors: Soames A R , Lavender D , Foster J R , Williams S M , Wheeldon E B
Published: April 2011

We developed a system for quantifying the numbers of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled hepatocyte nuclei in rat and mouse liver with an automated image analysis system. We began by developing a protocol for BrdU staining that would provide consistently intense staining to facilitate identification of both labeled and unlabeled nuclei by image analysis. Preliminary studies detected and characterized hepatocyte nuclei and differentiated them from non-hepatocyte nuclei using area and form factors. The parameters were selected to optimize discrimination between the two populations, selecting 90% of hepatocyte and 5% non-hepatocyte nuclei. Finally, we developed a program for automatic counting of BrdU-labeled hepatocyte and total hepatocyte nuclei. Results obtained from this method correlated well with data collected by a microscopist over a wide range of labeling indices. The automated system reduces interobserver variation and should minimize intraobserver error, as well as reducing the tedium of measuring labeling indices in the liver. Moreover, the techniques described should be applicable to other tissues.
Development of endogenous beta-galactosidase and autofluorescence in rat brain microvessels: implications for cell tracking and gene transfer studies.
Authors: Lal B , Cahan M A , Couraud P O , Goldstein G W , Laterra J
Published: April 2011

Cell transplantation is commonly used in studies of CNS development, tumor biology, and gene therapy. Fluorescent dyes and the E. coli lacZ reporter gene are used to identify transplanted cells in host tissues. The usefulness of these methods depends on host autofluorescence and beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) activity. Our interest in the CNS vasculature led us to examine vascular autofluorescence and beta-Gal activity in postnatal and adult rat brains. Brains were perfusion-fixed (3.7% paraformaldehyde), cryoprotected, and cryostat-sectioned (12 microns). Autofluorescent vessel profiles were quantitated in sections using rhodamine filter sets and beta-Gal-positive vessels were quantitated under bright-field after incubation of sections with X-Gal chromogenic substrate for 1-18 hr at 37 degrees C. Multifocal vessel autofluorescence appeared in postnatal Day (PND) 18 Lewis rats (0.6 +/- 0.4 vessels/field) and increased tenfold in adults (6.8 +/- 0.3/field). The numbers of beta-Gal-positive vessels in PND 18 and adult sections incubated with X-Gal for 18 hr were 21.1 +/- 1.7 and 119 +/- 17, respectively. Host beta-Gal staining was similar to that produced by implanted endothelial cells expressing the bacterial lacZ reporter gene. Reducing incubation times in X-Gal to less than 4 hr eliminated endogenous staining and retained lacZ-specific staining. The presence of vascular autofluorescence and endogenous beta-Gal activity must be considered when either fluorescence- or lacZ-dependent cell markers are used in rat brain.
Combined immunocytochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization for simultaneous tricolor detection of cell cycle, genomic, and phenotypic parameters of tumor cells.
Authors: Speel E J , Herbergs J , Ramaekers F C , Hopman A H
Published: April 2011

We describe the development and application of a sensitive high-resolution fluorescence alkaline phosphatase (APase)-Fast Red immunocytochemical (ICC) staining method in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization (ISH) and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) detection. The high fluorescence intensity, accurate localization, and advantageous slow-fading properties make the APase-Fast Red reaction a valuable tool for detection of antigens or specific DNA probes in biological cell preparations. Since the enzyme precipitate proved to be resistant to enzymatic pre-treatment steps and stable during the entire ISH procedure, APase-Fast Red immunostaining could be combined with subsequent visualization of DNA target sequences by fluorescence ISH. The lung cancer cell lines NCI-H82 and EPLC 65 were used as a model system for simultaneous detection of cell proteins, such as the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), cytokeratin filaments, lamin or the Ki67 antigen (Ki67-Ag), and centromere-specific DNA probes for human chromosomes 1, 7, or 17. In addition, the combined ICC/ISH procedure could be extended with the immunodetection of BrdU incorporated by tumor cells in S-phase. As a consequence, a combined ICC/ISH/BrdU detection procedure is now available that enables analysis of relatively complex tumor populations on the basis of different ICC and genetic markers as well as proliferative activity.
A comparison of the sensitivity of immunoperoxidase staining methods with high-sensitivity fluorescence flow cytometry-antibody quantitation on the cell surface.
Authors: Coventry B J , Neoh S H , Mantzioris B X , Skinner J M , Zola H , Bradley J
Published: April 2011

Surface molecules present in low copy numbers can be detected with high-sensitivity fluorescence flow cytometry. Many cells previously thought not to express certain molecules on their surface can now be shown to have these molecules in very low copy numbers by high-sensitivity fluorescent cytometric methods. Detection of molecules by immunoperoxidase staining methods has not previously been compared with high-sensitivity flow cytometry techniques. Computerized video image analysis (VIA) is a method that allows measurement of area and density of the immunostain chromogen reaction product in a standardized fashion analogous to flow cytometry. In this study, we compared immunoperoxidase reaction products measured by VIA methods with high-sensitivity flow cytometric measurements for cells with 10,000 down to 50 antibody molecules bound to their surfaces. Detection of 100-200 surface molecules was possible with heavy metal-enhanced immunoperoxidase methods, whereas standard immunoperoxidase methods were not as sensitive. The sensitivity of the nickel-enhanced immunoperoxidase staining method was confirmed for detection of an epitope (Tac-IL2 receptor alpha-chain) present in low numbers on the surface of peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Monoclonal antibody COL-1 reacts with restricted epitopes on carcinoembryonic antigen: an immunohistochemical study.
Authors: Shi Z R , Tacha D , Itzkowitz S H
Published: April 2011

We used a monoclonal antibody, MAb COL-1, which recognized a restricted epitope on the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) molecule, to stain a wide variety of human normal and cancerous tissues. None of the 35 different types of normal tissue stained with COL-1. Of 59 types of benign and malignant tissues, COL-1 reacted with neoplasms of epithelial origin, especially the gastrointestinal tract, breast, lung, and bladder. In benign adenomatous colon polyps, villous adenomas were more frequently stained than tubular adenomas. Normal colon tissue from individuals without colon disease was unreactive, but very weak reactivity was noted in normal-appearing mucosa several centimeters remote from colon cancers. In contrast, another anti-CEA antibody with a less restricted epitope reacted frequently with both normal and remote colon mucosa. These results indicate that MAb COL-1 recognizes a restricted CEA epitope expressed only on pre-malignant or malignant cells and therefore may be a useful reagent for immunopathology.
Use of lectin probes on tissues and sympathetic saliva to study the glycoproteins secreted by rat submandibular glands.
Authors: Zhang X S , Proctor G B , Garrett J R , Schulte B A , Shori D K
Published: April 2011

We used a panel of nine lectins to detect the glycosylation patterns of rat submandibular glycoproteins. Binding of lectins was assessed on tissue sections and on Western blots of electrophoretically separated glycoproteins from glandular extracts or sympathetic saliva. Histochemical staining of tissue sections showed that two lectins (DBA and SBA) with affinity for terminal GalNAc residues were localized specifically to acinar cells. In contrast, LTA and UEA-I (alpha Fuc-directed) and LFA (NeuAc-directed) bound exclusively to granular tubule cells. PNA and MPA (beta Gal-directed), LCA (alpha Man- and alpha Glc-directed), WGA (beta GlcNAc- and NeuAc-directed), and sWGA (beta GlcNAc-directed) bound to both acinar and granular tubule cells. On electroblot preparations, LFA, PNA, WGA, DBA, and SBA reacted with high molecular weight acinar mucin components both in glandular extracts and in saliva. LTA, UEA-I, LFA, PNA, MPA, LCA, WGA, sWGA, and DBA bound to lower molecular weight bands on blots known to contain granular tubular proteinases. Lectin binding to acini and granular tubules was reduced in sections and in most bands from glandular extracts after sympathetic nerve stimulation. Our results show that (a) secretory glycoproteins from rat submandibular acinar cells are non-fucosylated and contain abundant alpha GalNAc and NeuAc and a small proportion of beta Gal in their oligosaccharide side chains, and (b) alpha Fuc, NeuAc, beta Gal, and alpha GalNAc form the major carbohydrate moieties of the secretory glycoproteins from granular tubules. The results confirm the considerable potential of lectin probes for studying glycoproteins in secretions and in their cells of origin.
Expression and localization of the mRNA for DNA (cytosine-5)- methyltransferase in mouse seminiferous tubules.
Authors: Numata M , Ono T , Iseki S
Published: April 2011

DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase (DNA MTase) is the only enzyme known to be involved in the methylation of mammalian DNA. Although the expression of DNA MTase gene is abundant in the testis, little is known about the role of this enzyme during spermatogenesis. We examined the distribution of DNA MTase mRNA in mouse testis by in situ hybridization histochemistry with an oligonucleotide probe. The mRNA signal was observed in the seminiferous tubules and was localized predominantly in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, particularly during the earlier steps of meiotic prophase I, with maximal intensity in the early pachytene cells. These results suggest some significant role for DNA MTase in spermatogenesis.
Improved method for post-embedding cytochemistry using reduced osmium and LR white resin.
Authors: Tamaki H , Yamashina S
Published: April 2011

We established an improved method for post-embedding cytochemistry by which highly specific cytochemical reactions on excellent cellular ultrastructures are possible. The method is a combination of post-fixation in potassium ferrocyanide-reduced OsO4 and embedment in acrylic-based LR White resin. It permits both immuno- and lectin-gold cytochemistry with fine ultrastructures comparable to those obtained by conventionally osmicated and epoxy-embedded tissues. Fixation with reduced osmium appeared to contribute to the preservation of immunoreactivity and membranous structures. By this method, the immunocytochemical localization of secretory proteins (amylase and chymotrypsinogen), actin filaments by polyclonal antibodies, 105 KD Golgi-associated protein by a monoclonal antibody (GF-1), and binding sites for gold-labeled lectin could be demonstrated. Also possible was multiple staining with enzyme cytochemistry of thiamine pyrophosphatase and immunocytochemistry of GF-1 and anti-amylase antibodies. This multiple staining made possible partial characterization of the trans-Golgi network in parotid acinar cells.
Triple immunohistochemical staining for bromodeoxyuridine and catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes using microwave antigen retrieval.
Authors: Tischler A S
Published: April 2011

A method was developed for detection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in conjunction with other antigens in formalin-fixed paraffin sections with microwave antigen retrieval. The method was applied to rat adrenal medulla to demonstrate S-phase nuclei in epinephrine-producing cells stained for immunoreactive phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase and in norepinephrine-producing cells stained for immunoreactive tyrosine hydroxylase. The quality of staining for all three antigens was comparable to or better than that previously obtained with other techniques. This method provides an efficient tool for studying turnover of subpopulations of adrenal chromaffin cells. It should also be widely applicable to other cells and tissues.
Single-laser three-color immunolabeling of a histological section by laser scanning microscopy: application to senile plaque-related structures in post-mortem human brain tissue.
Authors: Uchihara T , Kondo H , Akiyama H , Ikeda K
Published: April 2011

We describe a method for observing three-color immunofluorescence simultaneously in a histological section under a confocal laser scanning microscope. In this study we investigated the spatial relationship of blood vessels, reactive microglia, and amyloid beta-protein (A beta) deposits in post-mortem brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer's disease. HLA-DR was employed as a marker for activated microglia and von Willebrand factor (vWF) as a marker for vascular endothelial cells. HLA-DR was labeled with R-phycoerythrin (R-PE) and vWF with fluorescein isothiocyanate. A beta-protein was immunostained with the tandem conjugate of R-PE and cyanin 5. Three images were obtained serially by scanning a tissue section with a 488-nm laser beam in combination with an appropriate emission filter for each fluorochrome. Overlaying of these three images permitted simultaneous observation of three distinct structures: activated microglia, blood vessels, and A beta deposits. This technique provides an improved way to study the localization of three different antigens in a single tissue section.
Expression of MxA protein in inflammatory dermatoses.
Authors: Fäh J , Pavlovic J , Burg G
Published: April 2011

The human MxA protein can be detected in the cytoplasm of IFN-alpha/beta-treated cells, whereas other cytokines, including IFN-gamma, are poor inducers. Because IFN-alpha/beta is predominantly synthesized in response to viral infections, MxA protein should be detectable in virally infected tissue. Biopsy specimens (n = 64) of 12 different dermatoses were therefore screened with an MxA-specific monoclonal antibody on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded and microwave-treated tissue sections. As expected, high amounts of MxA protein were found in acute viral skin lesions (chickenpox, Herpes zoster, and Herpes labialis). In addition, MxA protein was also detected in some inflammatory skin lesions of unknown etiology (lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, Schoenlein-Hennoch's anaphylactoid purpura and psoriasis). MxA protein was not found in non-viral infections (bacterial, mycotic, and parasitic) and was also not detectable in various other dermatoses (eczema, scleroderma, urticaria, granulomatous and bullous disorders). MxA staining proved a reliable, sensitive histochemical viral marker for infectious dermatoses. The positive results in non-infectious inflammatory dermatoses might implicate viral involvement or activation of the IFN system by thus far unknown mechanisms.
Use of a new fluorogenic phosphatase substrate in immunohistochemical applications.
Authors: Larison K D , BreMiller R , Wells K S , Clements I , Haugland R P
Published: April 2011

We used the phosphatase substrate 2-(5'-chloro-2'-phosphoryloxyphenyl)-6- chloro-4-[3H]-quinazolinone, with standard alkaline phosphatase-mediated immunohistochemical techniques, to visualize a number of antibodies that bind to adult zebrafish retinal tissue. This compound, known as the ELF (enzyme-labeled-fluorescence) phosphatase substrate, produces a precipitate that fluoresces at approximately 500-580 nm (bright yellow-green). We show that the precipitated product from the ELF phosphatase substrate has a number of characteristics that make it superior to fluorescein-labeled secondary reagents. The staining produced with the ELF substrate is much more photostable than that produced by fluorescein-labeled secondary reagents, thus allowing time to examine, focus, and photograph the ELF-labeled tissue under high magnification. Moreover, the ELF precipitate exhibits a Stokes shift of greater than 100 nm, a characteristic that has enabled us to overcome the problem of distinguishing signal from background in this autofluorescent tissue. In addition, we show that the ELF product's large Stokes shift makes the ELF substrate ideal for multicolor applications.
The gene encoding vitamin K-dependent anticoagulant protein S is expressed in multiple rabbit organs as demonstrated by northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry.
Authors: He X , Shen L , Bjartell A , Dahlbäck B
Published: April 2011

Vitamin K-dependent protein S is an anticoagulant plasma protein that functions as a co-factor to activated protein C in the degradation of coagulation factors Va and VIIIa. We investigated the tissue/cellular distribution of protein S synthesis by Northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Northern blotting together with in situ hybridization, using specific oligodeoxynucleotide probes, demonstrated protein S mRNA in liver, lung, testis, epididymis, ovary, uterus, and brain. In the reproductive system, protein S mRNA was present in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells, interstitial cells of the ovary, epithelial cells of the epididymis, and in the endometrium, including endometrial mucous glandular membrane in the myometrium. Bronchial epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages were positive in the respiratory system. In the central nervous system, pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex and in the hippocampal region, and dentate fascia neurons gave strongly positive signals. Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies yielded a staining pattern that correlated well with results of in situ hybridization. In conclusion, results from Northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry suggested that rabbit protein S is expressed in several extrahepatic tissues. The presence of protein S transcripts in these fully differentiated cells suggests a cell type-specific gene expression which may be related to local anticoagulation or to other as yet unknown protein S functions.
Image analysis and image processing as tools to measure initial rates of enzyme reactions in sections: distribution patterns of glutamate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver lobules.
Authors: Jonker A , Geerts W J , Charles R , Lamers W H , Van Noorden C J
Published: April 2011

To analyze regional differences in the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase in rat liver in situ, we developed an image recording and processing system for monitoring the formation of a colored final reaction product in time. All absorbance measurements of test and control reactions in time in consecutive sections were used to fit the data to a quadratic curve, with the derivative at t = 0 representing the initial velocity of formazan formation. The images of sections incubated for test and control reactions were topographically matched with an affine transformation using the positions of vessels as fiducials. Specific enzyme activity was calculated by subtracting the coefficients representing the initial velocity at corresponding locations in the test and control reactions and appeared to be 8 and 4 mumoles glutamate converted per min per cm3 of tissue at 20 degrees C in pericentral and periportal zones of fasted female rats, respectively. Those values are in agreement with biochemical data. The ability to construct two-dimensional images of cellular distribution patterns of enzyme activity in liver lobules is particularly useful for the study of metabolic zonation in this organ.
Evidence of foam cell and cholesterol crystal formation in macrophages incubated with oxidized LDL by fluorescence and electron microscopy.
Authors: Klinkner A M , Waites C R , Kerns W D , Bugelski P J
Published: April 2011

Macrophage-derived foam cells are a prominent component of developing atherosclerotic lesions. We describe an in vitro model of foam cell formation which mimics some aspects of the evolution of foam cells in mature atherosclerotic lesions. Thioglycollate-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages were incubated with copper-oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) for periods up to 168 hr. Identifiable foam cells were present after incubation with ox-LDL at 24, 72, and 168 hr. Control cells incubated without ox-LDL did not form foam cells. Fluorescence microscopy after staining with Nile red exhibited progressive accumulation of lipids, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed distinct ultrastructural changes over time. Macrophages at 24 hr had a few non-membrane-bound lipid droplets but were otherwise identical to control cells. These lipid droplets fluoresced yellow-gold after Nile red staining. After 72 hr of incubation with ox-LDL, in addition to increased numbers of non-membrane-bound lipid inclusions, macrophages contained membrane-bound multilamellar lipoid structures. These multilamellar structures corresponded to areas of reddish-orange fluorescence after Nile red staining. In macrophages incubated with ox-LDL for 168 hr, the amount of cellular lipid was further increased and cholesterol crystal profiles were apparent within some multilamellar lipoid structures. Biochemical analysis showed that the total cholesterol content steadily increased over 168 hr. The increase in total cholesterol was accompanied by a dramatic increase in free cholesterol between 72 and 168 hr. These results demonstrate that long-term incubation of macrophages with ox-LDL increased lipid deposition in cultured cells and that, under the conditions studied, cholesterol crystals formed in macrophage foam cells. Moreover, this system allows investigation of the evolution of foam cells showing some characteristics of those found in atherosclerotic lesions.
Quantitative and three-dimensional analysis of human Langerhans cells in epidermal sheets and vertical skin sections.
Authors: Emilson A , Scheynius A
Published: April 2011

We used confocal laser scanning microscopy to analyze and compare Langerhans cells (LCs) in normal skin of six subjects. Acetone-fixed epidermal sheets and 25-microns vertical skin sections were incubated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated mouse monoclonal antibodies directed against HLA-DR. An individual threshold setting algorithm compensating for the differences in background fluorescence was applied to identify specific fluorescence. No statistically significant difference was found in the relative volume of epidermal HLA-DR reactivity between epidermal sheets (14 +/- 5%) and vertical skin sections (13 +/- 6%) or in the number of dendrites per HLA-DR+ LCs (7.8 +/- 3.1 and 5.9 +/- 3.1, n = 58, respectively). However, statistically significant higher background intensity was found in vertical sections than in epidermal sheets. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of HLA-DR+ LCs revealed a concentration of HLA-DR to one or a few intracellular vesicles in 42 of 58 analyzed LCs in epidermal sheets and in 18 of 58 analyzed LCs in vertical sections. Direct contact between dendrites from different LCs was not found. The results indicate that both skin forms are suitable for quantitative studies. Owing to less background intensity and larger tissue volume, detailed 3D analysis of LCs is preferably performed on epidermal sheets rather than on vertical sections.
Detection of P53 expression and S-phase cell fraction in paraffin-embedded tissue by a double-labeling technique.
Authors: Benini E , Silvestrini R , Daidone M G , Canova S
Published: April 2011

TP53 is a gene that normally regulates cell growth and division. Alterations to it may induce a proliferative advantage and confer an aggressive phenotype. In breast cancer, we observed a poor correlation (rs = 0.17) between P53 expression and proliferative activity evaluated as [3H]-thymidine ([3H]-dT) labeling index and an independent prognostic relevance of the two variables. We used a double-labeling technique to simultaneously evaluate the fraction of P53-positive and [3H]-dT-labeled cells to analyze the degree of association between the two markers on individual cells in order to understand their biological significance. The study was performed on a series of 44 P53-positive (P53+) breast cancers. Histological sections were immunostained for P53 with monoclonal antibody (MAb) PAb1801 and then processed for autoradiography. A weak direct relation between P53 positivity and [3H]-dT incorporation (rs = 0.4) was observed on the overall series of P53+ tumors and was maintained in subgroups defined by several biological and pathological features, except for estrogen receptor-negative tumors. The simultaneous presence of P53 expression and [3H]-dT incorporation was directly and significantly proportional to the fraction of S-phase cells of the tumor (rs = 0.7). Conversely, the fraction of cells expressing only P53 was inversely related to cell proliferation (rs = -0.66). These findings support the hypothesis that P53 has biological functions other than cell cycle regulation.
Demonstration of tryptase in bovine cutaneous and tumor mast cells.
Authors: Welle M M , Proske S M , Harvima I T , Schechter N M
Published: April 2011

We examined three tissue samples from each of four cows with non-lesional skin, tissue samples from a cow with multiple cutaneous mast cell tumors, and samples from another cow in which mast cells were infiltrating multiple lymphosarcomas of the skin, for the presence of tryptase and chymase by enzyme cytochemical and immunohistological methods. The enzyme activities of tryptase and chymase were tested using N-carbobenzoxy-glycilglycil-L-arginine-2-naphthylamide (Z-Gly-Gly-Arg-NA) and naphthol-AS-D-chloroacetate (N-AS-D-CA) as substrates, respectively. Tryptase reactivity could be demonstrated in frozen and Carnoy-fixed paraffin sections. Chymase reactivity was seen in neither frozen nor paraffin sections of formalin- or Carnoy-fixed skin tissues. Antibody linkage with a polyclonal rabbit anti-human skin tryptase antibody was highly specific in bovine normal cutaneous, infiltrating, and tumor mast cells. More than 90% of the tumor mast cells were distinctly tryptase-positive. With alcian blue, only slightly more than 10% of the mast cells stained clearly positive and with methylene blue hardly any staining of mast cell granules could be demonstrated. No antibody labeling of mast cell granules in any of the tissue sections was detected by the use of rabbit anti-dog chymase antiserum. These results indicate that there is a striking antigenic similarity of bovine tryptase to its canine and human equivalents. The demonstration of tryptase is an important tool in confirming the diagnosis of undifferentiated mast cell tumors. In contrast to other species, chymase appears to be completely absent in bovine skin mast cells.
In situ substrate specificity and ultrastructural localization of polyamine oxidase activity in unfixed rat tissues.
Authors: Van den Munckhof R J , Denyn M , Tigchelaar-Gutter W , Schipper R G , Verhofstad A A , Van Noorden C J , Frederiks W M
Published: April 2011

Data concerning the substrate specificity and the exact intracellular localization of the polyamine-catabolizing enzyme polyamine oxidase are conflicting. Biochemical studies have shown that N1-acetylation of spermine and spermidine dramatically increases the specificity of these compounds for peroxisomal polyamine oxidase to produce spermidine and putrescine, respectively. On the other hand, polyamine oxidase activity was demonstrated histochemically both in peroxisomes and in cytoplasm of several tissues, using spermidine and/or spermine as substrate. To elucidate the in situ substrate specificity of polyamine oxidase and the localization of its activity, enzyme activity was detected in rat liver, kidney, and duodenum at the light and electron microscopic levels. For this purpose, unfixed cryostat sections were applied to avoid changes in enzyme activity owing to chemical fixation. Spermine, spermidine, their N1-acetylated forms, and putrescine were used as substrates, and cerium ions as capturing agent for H2O2. Control reactions were performed in the absence of substrate or in the presence of substrate and specific oxidase inhibitors. At the light microscopic level, final reaction product specifically generated by polyamine oxidase activity was found exclusively in a granular form in hepatocytes, epithelial cells of proximal tubules of the kidney, and epithelial cells of duodenal villi with N1-acetylspermidine or N1-acetylspermine as substrates. Final reaction product was not observed in any of the tissues after incubation in the presence of putrescine, spermidine, or spermine. Formation of specific final reaction product was prevented by incubation in the presence of a specific polyamine oxidase inhibitor, but it was not affected by a diamine oxidase inhibitor. Ultrastructural studies revealed that polyamine oxidase activity is localized exclusively to the matrix of peroxisomes of kidney and liver and to microperoxisomes of the duodenum. The localization patterns obtained with unfixed tissues are in agreement with biochemical data. Strong intraperoxisomal, interperoxisomal, and intercellular heterogeneity in polyamine oxidase activity was found in all tissues investigated.
Human osteoclast and giant cell differentiation: the apparent switch from nonspecific esterase to tartrate resistant acid phosphatase activity coincides with the in situ expression of osteopontin mRNA.
Authors: Connor J R , Dodds R A , James I E , Gowen M
Published: April 2011

Animal model and in vitro cultures suggest that osteoclasts and cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system share a common precursor. However, the human osteoclast precursor has not been positively identified. We attempted to identify the precursor in situ by using a number of osteoclast- and macrophage-selective markers, together with the expression of osteopontin mRNA, previously shown to be abundant in human osteoclasts. Sections of osteophytic bone and a panel of inflammatory connective tissues were processed for in situ hybridization; serial sections were analyzed for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and nonspecific esterase (NSE) activity, selective cytochemical markers for the osteoclast and cells of the macrophage/monocyte lineage, respectively. The murine anti-human osteoclast monoclonal antibodies 23C6 (vitronectin receptor) and C35 (osteoclast-selective) were used to further identify the osteoclast phenotype. We compared osteoclasts, giant cells, and their respective putative mononuclear precursors. At resorption sites within osteophytic bone, osteopontin mRNA was expressed in osteoclasts and a distinct population of TRAP+, NSE- mononuclear cells. Adjacent clusters of mononuclear cells were TRAP- and NSE+ or were active for both enzymes; these cells demonstrated variable expression of osteopontin mRNA. In the inflammatory connective tissues, abundant macrophage-like cells (NSE+/TRAP-) did not express osteopontin mRNA. However, TRAP+ mononuclear cells observed among clusters of NSE+ cells did express osteopontin mRNA. At these sites, clusters of putative macrophage polykaryons removing fragments of bone debris were observed. These giant cells and associated mononuclear cells were NSE- and distinctly TRAP+, and expressed osteopontin mRNA, C35, and 23C6 (human osteoclast) reactivity. Therefore, cells involved in the remodeling (resorption) of bone or the removal of bone debris, together with their immediate precursors, switch from being NSE+/TRAP- to NSE-/TRAP+ cells that express osteopontin mRNA. We propose that the clusters of NSE+/TRAP- mononuclear cells represent the immature osteoclast precursor. In support of this, TRAP+/NSE+ cells were occasionally observed in both tissues, representing an intermediate stage in differentiation. These results further suggest that cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage within bone and inflammatory connective tissue have the potential to differentiate into osteoclasts.
Persistence of a perinatal cellular phenotype in submandibular glands of adult rat.
Authors: Man Y G , Ball W D , Culp D J , Hand A R , Moreira J E
Published: April 2011

In the perinatal submandibular gland (SMG) of the rat, Type I cells secrete protein C (89 KD) and Type III cells secrete B1-immunoreactive proteins (20-30 KD); both cell types secrete protein D (175 KD). After the disappearance of both perinatal cell types from the maturing acini, only cells of the intercalated ducts (ID) show strong reactivity for the perinatal antigens. In adult ID, light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical analysis showed that most cells had either C or B1 reactivity, a few had either C and D or B1 and D reactivities, and some cells were unreactive for all of the perinatal proteins. Occasional clusters of "adult" acini, however, were strongly positive for B1 and for D, and these clusters were negative for a typical adult acinar marker, the glutamine/glutamic acid-rich proteins (GRP). Also seen in some preparations were a few anomalous acini with the histological appearance of sublingual (SLG) acini. These were negative for the perinatal and adult submandibular gland marker proteins but reactive with an antibody against SLG mucin. We suggest that the B1-positive acini in the adult SMG consist of newly differentiated replacement cells that have arisen from the ID, and that the anomalous mucous acini are, phenotypically, SLG acini that have differentiated within the SMG parenchyma.
Proliferating cells in human eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.
Authors: Morimoto Y , Saga K
Published: April 2011

Morphological observations of sweat glands showed degenerated debris of secretory cells in the secretory lumen in both apocrine and eccrine sweat glands. This suggested that dead secretory cells of human eccrine and apocrine sweat glands were released into the lumen and replaced by other cells. However, we did not know which type of cells replaced lost secretory cells. Therefore, we studied the proliferating cells in human eccrine and apocrine sweat glands by labeling S-phase cells in vitro with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd) and by immunostaining proliferation-associated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) with anti-PCNA monoclonal antibody. BrdUrd and anti-PCNA antibody labeled a few secretory cells in eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, but neither method labeled myoepithelial cells. Luminal and peripheral cells of the eccrine and apocrine coiled duct were labeled with both BrdUrd and PCNA. However, we could not find any highly proliferative germinative cells in coiled ducts. Our results suggest that lost secretory cells could be replaced by proliferation of secretory cells themselves rather than by proliferation of myoepithelial cells or duct cells.
Light microscopic autoradiographic study of DNA synthesis in cecal epithelial cells of aging mice.
Authors: Jin C , Nagata T
Published: April 2011

The localization and activity of DNA synthesis of mouse cecal epithelia from prenatal Day 19 embryos to 12-month adults were investigated by light microscopic autoradiography after [3H]-thymidine injection in vivo. The cecal epithelial labeled cells with [3H]-thymidine were located at the lower half of the crypts, and the labeling index (LI) changed with the development of the cecum due to aging. A peak in the LI of absorptive cells was found at embryonic Day 19, but it decreased strikingly at the first postnatal day and then kept an almost constant value until 12 months. The LI of the goblet cells showed the highest value at fetal Day 19, decreased gradually with aging from the first postnatal day, and completely disappeared from 1 month onwards. The basal granulated cells were located only in the base of crypts, and the significant difference of LI was not found from embryonic Day 19 through 12-month adult. The results obtained in this study suggest that there are some differences of DNA synthesis among different kinds of cecal epithelial cells from embryonic stages to postnatal stages as a result of aging.
Measurement of nitric oxide synthase activity in sections of rat liver.
Authors: Mehdizadeh S , O'Farrell A , Bitensky L , Weisz J , Alaghband-Zadeh J , Chayen J
Published: April 2011

In the previous communication we described a histochemical method for measuring soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activity in sections of rat liver. In theory, this method could be used to assess nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity by the increased sGC activity induced by the additional presence of the substrates for NOS activity. We found that this was correct provided that the concentration of the colloid stabilizer in the reaction medium was decreased to just below the concentration required to fully stabilize the guanylate cyclase activity in the sections. This was related to the fact that the site of NOS activity was different from that of the sGC activity in the hepatocytes, so that the NO generated had to diffuse from the Kupffer cells to the hepatocytes as could occur only in partially unstabilized sections. Optimal concentrations of arginine and of NADPH have been determined for demonstrating NOS activity; the increased reaction was shown to be largely inhibited by methyl-arginine.
Histochemistry of guanylate cyclase activity.
Authors: Mehdizadeh S , O'Farrell A , Bitensky L , Weisz J , Alaghband-Zadeh J , Chayen J
Published: April 2011

Guanylate cyclase liberates pyrophosphate from guanosine triphosphate (GTP). In studies published previously, this phosphate is trapped by lead ions even though it is known that free lead ions inactivate a considerable proportion of this enzymatic activity. To overcome the damaging effects of fixation, this study used fresh cryostat sections stabilized with a sufficient concentration of a collagen-derived polypeptide to ensure no measurable loss of guanylate cyclase activity. To avoid the damaging influence of free lead ions, we used a hidden metal capture reagent, i.e., a complex of lead ammonium citrate/acetate that does not react with GTP but which rapidly forms a precipitate with the pyrophosphate liberated by the enzyme. The lead precipitate is then converted into the colored sulfide which is measured in individual cells by microdensitometry. This system was used to measure guanylate cyclase activity in individual cells in unfixed sections of rat liver.
Expression of histidine decarboxylase and cellular histamine-like immunoreactivity in rat embryogenesis.
Authors: Nissinen M J , Karlstedt K , Castrén E , Panula P
Published: April 2011

In this study we investigated the developmental expression of histidine decarboxylase (HDC) mRNA and the distribution of histamine-immunoreactive (histamine-ir) cells in the rat embryonic tissues. We applied Northern blot analysis, in situ hybridization with synthetic oligonucleotide probes complementary to the rat HDC cDNA, and indirect histamine immunocytochemistry. Northern blot analysis revealed the appearance of a major (2.6 KB) HDC mRNA species in liver on embryonic Day 14. Its hybridization level peaked on Day E18, when two minor (1.6 and 3.5 KB) mRNA species were also present. During the periparturition period, a rapid decrease in HDC RNA was apparent, as the 2.6 KB mRNA species was expressed at a low level on postnatal Day P1. The embryonic liver expressed HDC on days E14-E20. On days E18 and E20, the periosteum and the epiphyseal growth plates of the endochondrally ossificating bones, and some striated muscle cells, showed hybridization signal for HDC. Histamine immunoreactivity was detected in many epithelial and neuronal cell types during embryogenesis. An intense histamine immunoreaction appeared first in essentially all cells of the liver parenchyma on day E12. This parenchymal histamine immunoreactivity disappeared by birth, after which this immunofluorescence in liver was restricted to a few scattered mast cells until adulthood. Some neurons in the peripheral sensory, sympathetic and cranial nerve ganglia were histamine-immunoreactive from day E16 to birth. In addition, many immunoreactive nerve fibers were detected in the gastrointestinal muscularis externa, mesentery, salivary glands, kidney, lung, and muscle tissue. We conclude that during rat embryogenesis histamine is produced and stored transiently by cells in liver, developing bone, and a few striated muscle cells, in addition to previously reported neurons in rat brain. Many peripheral neurons, epithelial cells, and mast cells display histamine immunoreactivity during rat embryogenesis but are devoid of detectable HDC mRNA with the current method. It remains possible that histamine is formed by another enzyme or is taken up from the extracellular space. The results support the concept that a significant proportion of histamine is formed and stored by embryonic cells other than mast cells.
Immunocytochemical localization of catalase in the central nervous system of the rat.
Authors: Moreno S , Mugnaini E , Cerù M P
Published: April 2011

Catalase is a marker for peroxisomes, which are ubiquitous cytoplasmic organelles. Although the distribution and features of peroxisomes are well known in liver and kidney, these organelles have been rarely studied in neural tissues. Catalase is an important scavenging enzyme against reactive oxygen species, as it removes H2O2 produced during metabolic processes. Reactive oxygen species are involved in a number of brain lesions and in brain aging. We investigated the distribution of catalase in rat central nervous system by means of a newly developed immunocytochemical procedure for signal enhancement, using an affinity-purified polyclonal antiserum. The data show that catalase immunoreactivity is present in all neural cells, both neuronal and glial, albeit at different concentrations. Among glial cells, ependymal cells and tanycytes of the third ventricle and the median eminence show the most intense immunoreaction; positivity is also found in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. In general, neurons in the brainstem are relatively more immunoreactive than those in the forebrain although, within these respective brain regions, there are areas with low and high staining intensity. Moreover, within the same area, certain types of neuron appear more immunoreactive than others. The cell bodies in the septal nuclei, pallidum, reticular thalamic nucleus, mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve, Deiter's nucleus, locus ceruleus, cranial and spinal motor nuclei, and the Golgi cells of the cerebellar cortex are among the most densely stained neurons. Catalase immunoreactivity of the cell bodies, which presumably is proportional to catalase content, appears to be only partially correlated with cell size or type of neurotransmitter used in the nerve endings; it is likely that other unknown parameters regulate the abundance of the enzyme. In many cases, highly immunoreactive cells correspond to neurons known to be resistant to ischemia-reperfusion injury, whereas weakly stained cells correspond to neurons that are more susceptible to ischemic damage. The amount of catalase may be critical for a protective effect against oxidative stress under pathological conditions, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Efficient immunodetection of various protein antigens in glutaraldehyde-fixed brain tissue.
Authors: Mrini A , Moukhles H , Jacomy H , Bosler O , Doucet G
Published: April 2011

Optimal ultrastructural preservation of brain tissue for electron microscopy is best achieved with fixatives containing high concentrations of glutaraldehyde, which is generally considered detrimental to the immunogenicity of most protein antigens. We tested seventeen mono- or polyclonal antibodies against peptide or protein antigens, including a majority for which immunoreactivity had previously been reported to be sensitive to glutaraldehyde fixation. Forebrain sections of rats or mice fixed by perfusion with 3.5% glutaraldehyde were processed for pre-embedding immunocytochemistry by the avidin-biotin method. The resulting immunostaining was in most cases at least similar to that obtained in sections fixed with paraformaldehyde. Immunoreactivity against the mouse or human neurofilament protein NF-L was even improved, being similar to that previously reported for unfixed brain tissue. Of all antigens tested, only choline acetyltransferase, phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase, and neuropeptide Y were detected with lower sensitivity than after paraformaldehyde fixation, which was attributed to a rather restricted penetration of the primary antibody into glutaraldehyde-fixed tissue sections. These results indicate that glutaraldehyde may be envisaged as a possible fixative for optimal immunocytochemical detection of any tissue antigen at the electron microscopic level, including antigens which, on the basis of results obtained after fixation with paraformaldehyde-glutaraldehyde mixtures, were considered highly sensitive to glutaraldehyde fixation.