bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunolocalization of AMP-deaminase isozymes in human skeletal muscle and cultured muscle cells: concentration of isoform M at the neuromuscular junction.
Authors: van Kuppevelt T H , Veerkamp J H , Fishbein W N , Ogasawara N , Sabina R L
Published: April 2011

The three major isoforms of AMP-deaminase (AMPda) were localized in human skeletal muscle and cultured muscle cells by immunocytochemistry. The M isoform was mainly located in Type II muscle fibers and showed a clear cross-striation. Particularly strong staining was present at the neuromuscular junction. Capillaries were also immunoreactive. The L isoform was predominantly observed in nerve bundles and to a minor extent in smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. The E isoform was predominantly present in smooth muscle cells, and to a lesser extent in Type I muscle fibers and nerve bundles. In quadriceps muscle of patients with myoadenylate deaminase deficiency, no immunostaining for the M isozyme was observed, whereas reactivity for the L and E isoforms was unaltered. In human muscle cell cultures, mononuclear cells, including myoblasts, were immunoreactive for the L isoform and to a lesser extent the E isoform, whereas the M isoform was absent. In myotubes, diffuse or fibrillar staining was present for all three isoforms, but only the M isoform showed a clear cross-striation pattern in highly differentiated myotubes.
Developing human lung and kidney are major sites for synthesis of bone morphogenetic protein-3 (osteogenin).
Authors: Vukicevic S , Helder M N , Luyten F P
Published: April 2011

Bone morphogenetic protein-3 (BMP-3; osteogenin) is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. We used human BMP-3 cDNA probes and a specific BMP-3 polyclonal peptide antibody to analyze BMP-3 expression and synthesis in human fetal and adult tissues. Northern blot hybridization revealed two mRNA species of 7 and 3 KB. High levels of BMP-3 mRNA were found in fetal lungs. By in situ hybridization, the BMP-3 transcripts were found in lung bronchial epithelium, straight collecting kidney tubules, intestinal mucosa, perichondrium, periosteum, and osteoblasts of human embryos of 6-14 weeks' gestation. Cellular BMP-3 immunostaining co-localized with the distribution of RNA. In addition, bone matrix showed intensive BMP-3 staining. These data suggest that although BMP-3 has been isolated from bone matrix, it may have additional regulatory roles in the morphogenesis and/or function of human lung, kidney, and intestine.
Identification of S-phase cells with PC10 antibody to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) by flow cytometric analysis.
Authors: Beppu T , Ishida Y , Arai H , Wada T , Uesugi N , Sasaki K
Published: April 2011

We estimated the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in HeLa S3 cells by flow cytometry with monoclonal antibody (MAb) PC10. HeLa cells were fixed with six different fixation procedures: 15-min and 30-min acetone, 15-min acetone followed by 15-min methanol (acetone/methanol), 30-min methanol, 15-min methanol followed by 15-min acetone (methanol/acetone), and a mixture of acetone and methanol. The fixed cells were applied to MAb PC10 against PCNA and then treated with FITC. With five fixation procedures except for acetone/methanol, PCNA was expressed in almost all cells with similar shapes and different FITC intensity levels on PCNA/DNA bivariate cytograms, whereas acetone/methanol fixation allowed PCNA detection in S-phase cells with a cytogram that showed a horseshoe-like pattern with a peak level at mid-S-phase. Flow cytometric dual parameter analysis of PCNA/BrdU was carried out in HeLa cells to confirm detection of PCNA in S-phase cells with acetone/methanol fixation. The population of cells stained for both parameters, i.e., S-phase cells, was obviously discriminated from that of the non-S-phase cell in PCNA/BrdU bivariate cytograms. These results strongly suggest that PCNA used with acetone/methanol fixation would be equal to BrdU as an S-phase marker.
Differential expression of multiple cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans during embryonic tooth development.
Authors: Bai X M , Van der Schueren B , Cassiman J J , Van den Berghe H , David G
Published: April 2011

Heparan sulfate accumulates on cell surfaces and at cell-matrix interfaces, and functionally modulates several of the effector molecules that support the interactions, growth, and differentiation of developing tissues. Using heparin sulfate-specific monoclonal antibodies MAb, we obtained evidence that extracts from rodent embryos contain multiple forms of cell surface-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan (PG). Taking tooth development in the mouse embryo as a model to further investigate the relevance of this PG redundancy and using MAb against heparan sulfate, antibodies specific for syndecan (syndecan-1) and fibroglycan (syndecan-2) (two distinct members of a larger family of cell-surface heparan sulfate PGs), and specific cDNA probes for these two cell-surface PGs, we obtained in situ evidence for regulated and differential expression of multiple cell-surface heparan sulfate PGs. The unique, distinctive, and coordinated changes in the expressions of these PGs during morphogenesis and differentiation of dental tissues suggest that the various cell-surface PGs are not truly redundant but play important, specific, and potentially complementary roles during embryonic development.
A quantitative histochemical study of xanthine oxidase activity in rat liver using the cerium capture method in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol.
Authors: Frederiks W M , Bosch K S , Van den Munckhof R J , Van Noorden C J
Published: April 2011

A recently developed histochemical technique to demonstrate xanthine oxidase activity in milk globules of bovine mammary gland and in epithelial cells of rat small intestine using cerium ions and a semipermeable membrane was slightly modified. The semipermeable membrane method was replaced by the addition of 10% (w/v) polyvinyl alcohol to the incubation medium. This technically more simple procedure enabled detection of xanthine oxidase activity in unfixed cryostat sections of rat liver. Both methods gave qualitatively and quantitatively similar results. Activity was found in sinusoidal cells and in liver parenchymal cells, with 50% higher activity in pericentral than in periportal areas. The specificity of the reaction was proven by the generation of only small amounts of final reaction product on incubation either in the absence of the substrates hypoxanthine or oxygen or in the presence of hypoxanthine and allopurinol. Allopurinol is a specific inhibitor of xanthine oxidase activity. The amount of final reaction product, as measured cytophotometrically in rat liver, increased linearly with incubation time (15-90 min) and with section thickness (up to 12 microns). By varying the hypoxanthine concentrations, a Km value of 0.05 mM was found. Addition of dithiothreitol to the incubation medium reduced the amount of final reaction product by 85%, which was caused by conversion of reversible xanthine oxidase into xanthine dehydrogenase. This histochemical method can be used for quantitative analysis of in situ xanthine oxidase activity.
Heterogeneity in the pattern of distribution of the specific hormonal product and secretogranins within the secretory granules of rat prolactin cells.
Authors: Ozawa H , Picart R , Barret A , Tougard C
Published: April 2011

We investigated the subcellular distribution of secretogranins I, II (Sg I, Sg II), and prolactin (PRL) by double immunogold electron microscopy in GH3B6 rat pituitary tumor cells grown in different culture conditions and in normal PRL cells in adult male rat anterior pituitary. Co-localization of Sg I or Sg II with PRL was observed in most secretory granules in GH3B6 cells and normal PRL cells, except for some secretory granules containing only Sgs in GH3B6 cells and containing only PRL in normal PRL cells. In GH3B6 cells treated with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) for 2 hr, the newly formed small secretory granules within the Golgi zone contained preferentially immunoreactive PRL. Interestingly, when co-localized with PRL, Sgs (particularly Sg I) were observed at the periphery of the matrix of secretory granules in GH3B6 cells as well as in normal PRL cells, suggesting their possible interaction with the secretory granule membrane. The present study indicates a heterogeneous subcellular distribution of PRL, Sg I, and Sg II in individual secretory granules of GH3B6 cells and of normal PRL cells, pointing out the formation of different types of aggregates during the condensation of secretory products in these two PRL cell models.
In situ hybridization analysis of anterior pituitary hormone gene expression during fetal mouse development.
Authors: Japón M A , Rubinstein M , Low M J
Published: April 2011

We used 35S-labeled oligonucleotides and cRNAs (riboprobes) to detect the temporal order and spatial pattern of anterior pituitary hormone gene expression in (B6CBF1 x B6CBF1)F2 fetal mice from embryonic Day 9.5 (E9.5) to postnatal Day 1 (P1). Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA was expressed in the basal diencephalon on Day E10.5, in the ventromedial zone of the pars distalis on Day E12.5, and in the pars intermedia on Day E14.5. The common alpha-glycoprotein subunit (alpha-GSU) mRNA first appeared in the anterior wall of Rathke's pouch on Day E11.5 and extended to the pars tuberalis and ventromedial zone of the pars distalis on Day E12.5. Thyroid-stimulating hormone-beta (TSH beta) subunit mRNA was expressed initially in both the pas tuberalis and ventromedial pars distalis on Day E14.5, with an identical spatial distribution to alpha-GSU at the time. In contrast, luteinizing hormone-beta (LH beta) subunit and follicle-stimulating hormone beta (FSH beta) subunit mRNAs were detected initially only in the ventromedial pars distalis on Days E16.5 and E17.5, respectively, in an identical distribution to each other. POMC-, alpha-GSU-, TSH beta, LH beta-, and FSH beta-positive cells within the pars distalis all increased in number and autoradiographic signal with differing degrees of spatial expansion posteriorly, laterally, and dorsally up to Day P1. POMC expression was typically the most intense and extended circumferentially to include the entire lateral and dorsal surfaces of the pars distalis. The expression of both growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) started coincidentally on Day E15.5. However PRL cells localized in the ventromedial area similarly to POMC and the glycoprotein hormone subunits, whereas GH cells were found initially in a more lateral and central distribution within the lobes of the pars distalis. Somatotrophs increased dramatically in number and autoradiographic signal, extending throughout the pars distalis except for the most peripheral layer of cells on Day E17.5. Mammotrophs also increased in number but less abundantly than somatotrophs, and PRL expression remained more confined to central-medial and ventrolateral areas of the pars distalis up to Day P1. These data demonstrate distinctive patterns of expression for each of the major anterior pituitary hormone genes during development of the mouse pituitary gland and suggest that different groups of committed cells are the immediate precursors to the terminally differentiated hormone-secreting cell types.
Effects of fixation method on image cytometric measurement of DNA content and distribution in cells stained for fluorescence with propidium iodide.
Authors: Poulin N M , Matthews J B , Skov K A , Palcic B
Published: April 2011

We performed image cytometric measurements of DNA content and distribution on cycling human HCT-8 cells stained for fluorescence with propidium iodide (PI). Seven different fixation protocols were evaluated for stoichiometry of PI staining and for their ability to preserve in vivo chromatin structure. Bimodal integrated optical intensity (IOI) histograms were obtained with all fixation protocols. Increased accessibility of DNA to the dye was evident in increased values of the IOI at the GI peak. The fixatives studied, in order of increasing accessibility to DNA, were Regaud's Boehm-Sprenger, Carnoy's, air-drying, methanol, ethanol, and acetone/methanol. In general, the coefficient of variation of the IOI within the G1 peak was higher for fixatives where DNA is less accessible. Features describing the spatial distribution of stain exhibited dramatic changes for Boehm-Sprenger fixation, which were consistent with the observation that in vivo conformation of chromatin is best preserved with this method.
Measurement of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase content in rat liver sections by quantitative immunohistochemistry with a video image processor.
Authors: Watanabe J , Asaka Y , Tanaka T , Kanamura S
Published: April 2011

We have a quantitative light microscopic immunohistochemical method using video image processing. First, an antigen (NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase) content in homogenates of livers of rats was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Then frozen sections from rat livers were incubated with the anti-NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase antibody under saturation conditions by the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Subsequently, relative staining intensities in small portions and those in wide areas in the sections were measured with a video image processor. Finally, the resulting relative values obtained from the small portions were converted into absolute NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase contents using the results of enzyme immunoassay and the average relative staining intensity obtained from the wide areas in the sections. The reductase content in sections from rat livers measured by the image processing method coincided with the content measured by the microphotometric method using a nitrocellulose model system. The present image processing method is applicable to measurement of contents of antigens that can not be immobilized in model systems.
Immunohistochemical detection of the androgen receptor with monoclonal antibody F39.4 in routinely processed, paraffin-embedded human tissues after microwave pre-treatment.
Authors: Janssen P J , Brinkmann A O , Boersma W J , Van der Kwast T H
Published: April 2011

We describe the immunohistochemical detection of the human androgen receptor (AR) in routinely processed, paraffin-embedded tissue with the monoclonal antibody (MAb) F39.4. Deparaffinized sections were heated in a microwave oven for antigen retrieval. A panel of human male- and female-derived tissues was investigated. We observed a nuclear staining pattern consistent with previous results on frozen sections. Moreover, we studied the possibility of detecting AR in prolonged formalin-fixed tissue and in paraffin-embedded archival material. After prolonged fixation times or long-term storage of paraffin-embedded tissue, the staining intensity for the AR did not deteriorate. Blocking experiments with the specific synthetic peptides demonstrated the specificity of this technique. We conclude that this method is specific, allows retrospective AR studies, and offers optimally preserved morphology.
Cellular distribution of pulmonary Mn and CuZn superoxide dismutase: effect of hyperoxia and interleukin-1.
Authors: Lee C Y , Pastore J N , Tang G , Tsan M F
Published: April 2011

Pulmonary superoxide dismutase (SOD) plays an important role in the lung defense against O2 toxicity. We have previously demonstrated that tracheal insufflation of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1) selectively enhances pulmonary MnSOD and protects rats against O2 toxicity. However, little is known about the cellular distribution of pulmonary MnSOD- and CuZnSOD-specific proteins. We performed immunohistochemistry in plastic sections (2 microns thick) to determine the effects of hyperoxia and IL-1 on the cellular distribution of pulmonary MnSOD and CuZnSOD in rats. MnSOD and CuZnSOD were present in all lung cells. Smooth muscle and endothelial cells appeared to contain higher immunoreactive MnSOD and CuZnSOD proteins than other lung cell types. Exposure of rats to 100% O2 for 24 hr had no effect on the cellular distribution and intensity of pulmonary MnSOD. However, at 50 hr after O2 exposure the intensity of pulmonary MnSOD was reduced. In contrast, tracheal insufflation of IL-1 markedly enhanced the intensity of pulmonary MnSOD in rats exposed to O2 for 50 hr. Neither O2 exposure nor IL-1 insufflation had any apparent effect on the distribution and intensity of pulmonary CuZnSOD. We conclude that IL-1 selectively enhances pulmonary MnSOD and that this effect is manifested in most lung cells, particularly smooth muscle and endothelial cells.
Cellular localization and structural characterization of natriuretic peptide-expressing ventricular myocytes from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Authors: Tanaka M , Hiroe M , Nishikawa T , Sato T , Marumo F
Published: April 2011

Although atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are expressed in the tissue of ventricles of failing hearts, the localization and histopathological features of natriuretic peptide-expressing ventricular myocytes have not been clearly described. This study was designed to characterize the ventricular cardiomyocytes that express both natriuretic peptides in 19 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization for ANP and BNP were performed with left ventricular biopsy specimens. Peptide-expressing myocytes were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining and desmin immunohistochemistry and by in situ hybridization to characterize the corresponding cells histopathologically. The distribution of ANP- and BNP-expressing myocytes in the ventricle was identical and was located in the subendocardial layer, fibrous area, and perivascular region. Desmin was found in heavy deposits in the cytosol of peptide-expressing myocytes, and desmin mRNA was not always augmented in the peptide-expressing myocytes. These results indicate that the augmented expression of natriuretic peptides in the left ventricle of patients with DCM is not due solely to global stress on the ventricular wall but is also influenced by regional conditions and is associated with structural changes in the myocytes.
Expression of a widely distributed, novel sulfated membrane glycoprotein by bovine endothelia and certain transporting epithelia.
Authors: Raub T J , Sawada G A , Kuentzel S L
Published: April 2011

We generated monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against cultured bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMEC) for use as probes to study membrane protein traffic and polarity. One MAb recognized a heterogeneous family of acidic sulfoglycoproteins called gp4A4 with molecular weights of 50-65 KD and 85 KD. Gp4A4 is a long-lived integral membrane protein which resides mostly at the plasma membrane, and a portion appears to be in equilibrium with an intracellular pool via endocytosis. Gp4A4 is expressed by many endothelial cells, except for fenestrated capillaries in choroid plexus, and specific epithelial cells in bile duct, kidney, and choroid plexus. A comparison of indirect immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence detection using semi-thin cryosections gave contrasting results on the apparent distribution of gp4A4 on the apical and basolateral membranes of cerebral endothelia and choroid plexus epithelia. Immunogold labeling of ultra-thin cryosections showed that gp4A4 was expressed by the apical and basolateral membrane domains of BMEC and choroid plexus epithelia. This was consistent with the results using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. On an average, gp4A4 expression by cerebral endothelia was not asymmetric and was considerably variable between capillaries. These results emphasize the need to compare several different techniques in assessing polarized expression of cell surface antigens in vivo.
Simple mucin-type carbohydrate antigens in major salivary glands.
Authors: Therkildsen M H , Mandel U , Thorn J , Christensen M , Dabelsteen E
Published: April 2011

Simple mucin-type carbohydrate antigens Tn, sialosyl-Tn and T are often markers of neoplastic transformation and have very limited expression in normal tissues. We performed an immunohistological study of simple mucin-type carbohydrate antigens, including H and A variants, with well-defined monoclonal antibodies (MAb) on frozen and paraffin-embedded normal salivary gland tissue from 22 parotid, 14 submandibular, six sublingual, and 13 labial glands to elucidate the simple mucin-type glycosylation pattern in relation to cyto- and histodifferentiation. The investigated carbohydrate structures were predominantly observed in the cell cytoplasm, most often in the supranuclear area, suggesting localization to the Golgi region, whereas ductal contents were unstained. Mucous acinar cells expressed Tn, sialosyl-Tn, and H and A antigens, regardless of glandular location. Serous acinar cells, on the other hand, expressed A, H, and inconstantly sialosyl-T, Tn, and sialosyl-Tn antigens in major salivary glands, whereas serous cells of minor (labial) salivary glands expressed H exclusively, Tn and sialosyl-T antigens inconstantly, but never sialosyl-Tn and A antigens. The difference may be related to a more simple cytodifferentiation of serous cells of minor (labial) salivary glands as compared with major salivary glands. Duct cells in major salivary glands expressed A, H, and inconstantly T, sialosyl-T, and Tn antigens, whereas minor (labial) salivary glands ducts exclusively expressed H, T and sialosyl-T antigens, differences that may be related to dissimilarities in the duct system. Myoepithelial cells and basal cells exclusively expressed T and sialosyl-T antigens, which may prove useful in studies of salivary gland tumors, since these cells are known to play a key role in the histological characteristics of some salivary gland tumors. The results indicate a similar glycosylation pattern in the different major salivary glands, whereas minor (labial) salivary gland differ slightly in serous and duct cells. The limited and exclusive intracellular expression of the immature Tn, sialosyl-Tn, and T antigens indicates that these structures may be of value as markers of salivary gland tumors.
Electron microscopic immunocytochemical evidence for the involvement of the convertases PC1 and PC2 in the processing of proinsulin in pancreatic beta-cells.
Authors: Malide D , Seidah N G , Chrétien M , Bendayan M
Published: April 2011

Endoproteolytic cleavage of pairs of basic amino acids is the key mechanism in the specific processing of precursor hormone molecules. Two endoproteases, PC1 (or PC3) and PC2, have recently been implicated in the conversion of proinsulin. Using antibodies against these proteases and proinsulin, followed by protein A-gold complex, we performed an immunocytochemical study for precise identification of the subcellular compartments involved in the processing of insulin. Both PC1 and PC2 immunoreactivities followed a pattern of gradually increasing density along the secretory pathway, being higher in the immature granules. Proinsulin labeling was detected in the Golgi apparatus and in the coated immature secretory granules located mainly in the Golgi area. Using double labeling, we demonstrated the presence of PC1 and/or PC2 in the majority of proinsulin-rich granules. In addition, we provided evidence that PC1 and PC2 are co-localized within the same granules. Co-expression of PC1 and PC2 with proinsulin in islet beta-cells indicates that these proteases are actively involved, probably in a sequential manner, in the conversion of proinsulin into insulin.
Ultrastructural study of proliferating cells with an improved immunocytochemical detection of DNA-incorporated bromodeoxyuridine.
Authors: Tamatani R , Taniguchi Y , Kawarai Y
Published: April 2011

We designed an improved method to observe proliferating cells with well-preserved ultrastructure. After IP injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) into rats, the pituitaries were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde with 0.05% or 0.2% glutaraldehyde and post-fixed with ferrocyanide-reduced osmium. They were embedded in LR White and polymerized by heat. BrdU incorporated into DNA was detected with a commercial anti-BrdU monoclonal antibody (MAb) by the immunogold or the immunogold-silver staining method. Using these methods, proliferating cells labeled by BrdU were observed with well-preserved ultrastructure. By light microscopy, the number of labeled cells was almost the same regardless of the fixative used. By electron microscopy, localization of gold particles that indicate incorporated BrdU varied according to the cells and was mainly observed in two patterns, one in which gold particles were localized in condensed chromatin scattered in the nucleus and the other in which gold particles were dispersed evenly all over the nucleus. These results showed that with our improved method fine ultrastructure and good immunoreactivity of BrdU can be obtained in proliferating cells. We consider that this method is very useful for ultrastructural study of cell proliferation and differentiation.
Expression pattern of osteogenic protein-1 (bone morphogenetic protein-7) in human and mouse development.
Authors: Helder M N , Ozkaynak E , Sampath K T , Luyten F P , Latin V , Oppermann H , Vukicevic S
Published: April 2011

Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1; BMP-7) is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein subfamily. Because members of the TGF-beta superfamily have a role in tissue development, the distribution of OP-1 expression in developing human embryos (5-8 gestational weeks) and fetuses (8-14 gestational weeks) and mouse (9.5-17.5 gestational days) fetuses was examined. Northern hybridization with specific OP-1 probes revealed two mRNA species of 4 and 2.2 KB. Highest levels of OP-1 mRNA were found in human fetal kidney and heart between 12-14 weeks of gestation. By in situ hybridization, the OP-1 transcripts were found in various tissues, i.e., the ectodermal epithelium of the mouse fore- and hindlimbs, heart, teeth, intestinal epithelium, perichondrium, hypertrophic chondrocytes, and periosteum/osteoblast layer of developing human bones. In kidneys, transcripts were first detected in the epithelium of the branching uretheric buds, whereas at later stages glomeruli were the major site of OP-1 mRNA accumulation. These data suggest that, although OP-1 has been isolated from bone matrix, it may have additional regulatory roles in the morphogenesis and/or function of the kidney, limb bud, tooth, heart, and intestine.
Changes in integrin expression during chondrogenesis in vitro: an immunomorphological study.
Authors: Shakibaei M , Zimmermann B , Merker H J
Published: April 2011

Integrins are receptors composed of ligand-specific alpha-chains and cell type-specific beta-chains which are involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. The distribution of alpha 1- and alpha 3-integrins as well as collagen Types I and II, was investigated by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy during chondrogenesis in organ culture after various culture periods. Mesenchymal cells from limb buds of Day 12 mouse embryos were grown at high density. Within the first 2 days of the culture period, only alpha 1-integrin could be detected. Formation of cartilage-specific matrix on Day 3 was accompanied by the occurrence of alpha 3-integrin. On Day 7, alpha 3 was present only in cartilage nodules, whereas alpha 1 was strongly expressed in the perichondrium and was more or less homogeneously distributed in the surrounding mesenchyme. On Day 14, alpha 1-integrin was again detectable in cartilage. We suggest that the change in collagen formation from Type I to Type II during chondrogenesis is accompanied by a change in integrin expression from alpha 1 to alpha 3. Conversely, dedifferentiation of chondrocytes in aging cartilage is accompanied by the occurrence of collagen Type I and alpha 1-integrin. Therefore, a strict correlation between the collagen type synthesized by the cells and the appropriate receptor presented by the cells is suggested.
Ultrastructural localization of Na,K-ATPase in the gerbil cochlea.
Authors: Nakazawa K , Spicer S S , Schulte B A
Published: April 2011

The transport enzyme Na,K-ATPase has been localized to several different cell types within the inner ear by enzyme cytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. Although these histochemical procedures have provided a fairly consistent pattern of the enzyme's distribution, the precise location of Na,K-ATPase in the cell membrane of some polarized and non-polarized cell types remains uncertain. We addressed this problem in the gerbil cochlea using electron microscopic immunogold cytochemistry. The results confirmed prior ultrastructural localization of Na,K-ATPase along the basolateral plasma membrane of strial marginal and outer sulcus epithelial cells but differed from a previous report in failing to detect the enzyme at the surface of strial intermediate cells. The findings also concurred with and extended previous work in showing immunogold labeling along the entire cell membrane of non-polarized Type II fibrocytes in the inferior portion of the spiral ligament and of subpopulations of fibrocytes in the suprastrial and supralimbal regions. Our observations agreed further with light microscopic immunostaining in displaying uniform gold labeling for Na,K-ATPase in the neurilemma of Type I spiral ganglion neurons, even though these cells are completely ensheathed by myelin. Surprisingly, the enzyme was detectable in the neurilemma of afferent but not that of efferent nerve processes beneath hair cells.
Co-expression of vimentin and 19S-thyroglobulin in follicular cells located in the C-cell complex of dog thyroid gland.
Authors: Kameda Y
Published: April 2011

The localization of vimentin, an intermediate filament protein, in the dog thyroid cells was examined by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody against vimentin and polyclonal anti-19S-thyroglobulin and anti-calcitonin antibodies. In the dog thyroid gland, C-cells are usually distributed as large cell groups in an interfollicular location. In addition, C-cell complexes that are special C-cell clusters associated with other epithelial elements and cysts are frequently located around the parathyroid gland IV. The C-cell complexes are remnants of embryonic ultimobranchial bodies and retain fetal characteristics for long periods. Follicular cells in various stages of differentiation are observed in the C-cell complexes and large C-cell groups of postnatal dogs: (a) cell masses not yet organized into follicles, (b) primitive and small follicles storing colloid, and (c) small follicles without colloid storage. The immature follicular cells in the C-cell complexes and large C-cell groups express immunoreactivity for vimentin in addition to 19S-thyroglobulin. When the follicular cells stored considerable amounts of colloid in the follicular lumina, vimentin immunoreactivity disappeared from them. Typical thyroid follicles showed no immunoreactivity for vimentin. In dog fetuses in which follicular cells were arranged in cell clusters or were vigorously forming follicles, no immunoreactivity for vimentin was observed in the thyroid parenchyma. These results indicate that vimentin is specifically expressed in the immature follicular cells derived from the ultimobranchial anlage. The vimentin filaments may participate in increased cellular activities in the cells, i.e., thyroglobulin synthesis and folliculogenesis.
Elastic lamina growth in the developing mouse aorta.
Authors: Davis E C
Published: April 2011

The growth and development of elastic laminae in the mouse aortic media were investigated by light and electron microscopic autoradiography after a single SC injection of L-[3,4-3H]-valine. Because of the remarkable stability of elastin, radiolabel incorporated into the elastic laminae during early stages of aortic development can be identified in the mature vessel. Light microscopic autoradiographs of aortae from mice injected with radiolabeled valine at 3, 14, or 21 days of postnatal age and sacrificed at 4 months of age showed silver grains evenly distributed around the circumference of the vessel, suggesting uniform elastic lamina growth. Electron microscopic autoradiographs of aortae from mice injected at 3 and 14 days' postnatal age and killed at 4 months of age showed the elastin initially deposited at 3 days to be in the center of the lamina, whereas the elastin deposited at 14 days remained peripherally located. These observations suggest that elastin deposited early in development does not undergo any significant redistribution during growth of the vessel. Because the aorta continues to increase in diameter after the elastic laminae are essentially complete, the fenestrations in the laminae were investigated as possible sites of further expansion of the laminae. In aortae from mice injected at 3 days and sacrificed at 4 days of postnatal age, the edges of the elastic lamina that border on fenestrations showed a large number of silver grains. Regions of the elastic lamina at some distance from the fenestration, however, appeared to be associated with fewer grains. Results from this study not only present unique observations of elastin deposition in developing elastic laminae but also provide evidence that the fenestrations in the elastic laminae may play a role in their continued expansion during later stages of aortic development.
Immunohistological detection of gap junctions in human lymphoid tissue: connexin43 in follicular dendritic and lymphoendothelial cells.
Authors: Krenács T , Rosendaal M
Published: April 2011

We investigated the expression of gap junction connexins26, -32, and -43 in normal, reactive, and diseased human lymphoid tissue with single and double immunolabeling and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In all tissues, connexin43 positivity was detected in follicular dendritic cells positive for CD21 and CD35 antigens, around lymphoendothelial cells moderately positive for Factor VIII, CD31 and cathepsin-D antigens; and somewhat in vascular endothelia including high endothelial venules strongly positive for Factor VIII and CD31 antigens. The ultrastructural hallmark of gap junctions, pentalaminar structures with appropriate spacing, was found in follicular dendritic cell processes. Connexin43 was also detected between smooth muscle and stromal cells of the gut, in capsular fibroblasts, and in tonsil epithelium. Neither connexin32 nor -26 was revealed, except for connexin26 in the tonsil epithelium. In follicular dendritic cells, connexin43 co-localized closely with the desmosomal proteins desmoplakin and desmoglein, suggesting that cell adherence has a role in gap junction formation. Most connexin43 was observed in sinus lining cells of lymph nodes involved in malignancies and in follicular dendritic cells in the light zone of germinal centers where maturing but still proliferating lymphocytes are situated. In the light of their distribution, gap junctions may play a part in regulating the growth of germinal centers and in integrating activating or controlling signals in follicular dendritic and sinus lining cell networks. Because connexin43 is the connexin of stromal cells, finding it in follicular dendritic cells in consistent with the proposal that these cells originate from resident stromal cells.
Immunocytochemical study of the degradation of elastic fibers in a living extracellular matrix.
Authors: Morris S M , Stone P J
Published: April 2011

We used ultrastructural and immunocytochemical technique to follow the movement of human neutrophil elastase (HNE) and porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) through a living extracellular matrix produced by cultured smooth muscle cells and to compare the effect of the two elastases on elastic fibers in situ. Although both enzymes solubilize elastin purified from these cultures at similar rates, PPE solubilized 11.5 times more elastin from the intact cultures than did HNE. The difference in the rate of elastin solubilization from the cultures parallels the degree of elastic fiber degradation and the emphysema-inducing potency of the two elastases when they are instilled into animal lungs. Immunohistochemical studies employing antibodies to HNE and PPE revealed that PPE penetrates the smooth muscle cell cultures more readily than does HNE. Because the amount of elastin in these cultures increases with increasing distance from the free surface, the lesser amounts of elastin solubilized by HNE may be partly due to poor penetration of HNE into the living extracellular matrix, resulting in limited access to elastin substrate. Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical studies indicated, however, that even when HNE does have access to elastin substrate, it is less efficient than PPE at penetrating and degrading individual elastic fibers.
Localization of transglutaminase in human lenses.
Authors: Hidasi V , Adány R , Muszbek L
Published: April 2011

Transglutaminase activity has been detected in the lenses of laboratory animals and in human cataracts. However, its distribution in the lens tissue has not been investigated. Using a monoclonal antibody against tissue transglutaminase, we showed by Western blotting and immunoabsorption that transglutaminase of normal human lens is immunologically related to tissue transglutaminase but has a slightly higher M(r) than the latter enzyme. Using monoclonal or polyclonal antibody against tissue transglutaminase, lens transglutaminase was localized to the epithelial cell layer on the anterior lens surface and to a thin stripe between the capsule and the peripheral cortex on the posterior surface. Lens fibers were not stained with the antibodies. Factor XIII, another transglutaminase, could not be detected in the lens tissue. The localization of transglutaminase in the lens suggests that lens transglutaminase is synthesized in the epithelial cells and secreted into the virtual space between the capsule and the peripheral cortex spreading all around the lens substance.
Changes of MAP2 phosphorylation during brain development.
Authors: Riederer B M , Draberova E , Viklicky V , Draber P
Published: April 2011

The microtubule-associated protein MAP2 is essential for development of early neuronal morphology and maintenance of adult neuronal morphology. Several splice variants exist, MAP2a-d, with a lack of MAP2a in cat brain. MAP2 is widely used as a neuronal marker. In this study we compared five monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against MAP2. They show differences in the immunocytochemical distribution of MAP2 isoforms during development of the visual cortex and cerebellum of the cat. Local and temporal differences were seen with MAb AP18, an antibody directed against a phosphorylation-dependent epitope near the N-terminal end. In large pyramidal dendrites in visual cortex, the AP18 epitope remained in parts immunoreactive after treatment with alkaline phosphatase. Three MAbs, AP14, MT-01, and MT-02, recognized the central region of the MAP2b molecule, which is not present in MAP2c and 2d, and reacted with phosphorylation-independent epitopes. During the first postnatal week the immunostaining in cerebellum differed between antibodies in that some cellular elements in external and internal granular layers and Purkinje cells were stained to various degrees, whereas at later stages staining patterns were similar. At early stages, antibody MT-02 stained cell bodies and dendrites in cerebral cortex and cerebellum. With progressing maturation, immunoreactivity became restricted to distal parts of apical dendrites of pyramidal cells and was absent from perikarya and finer proximal dendrites in cortex. MT-02 did not stain MAP2 in cerebellum of adult animals. This study demonstrates that the immunocytochemical detection of MAP2 depends on modifications such as phosphorylation and conformational changes of the molecule, and that MAP2 staining patterns differ between MAbs. Phosphorylation and specific conformations in the molecule may be essential for modulating function and molecular stability of MAP2, and monoclonal antibodies against such sites may provide tools for studying the functional role of modifications.
Odontoblast processes in dentin revealed by fluorescent Di-I.
Authors: Byers M R , Sugaya A
Published: April 2011

There has been controversy about the length and structure of the odontoblast process within dentin since the earliest histologic studies of teeth. Our objective was to use the fluorescent carbocyanine dye Di-I combined with a new gelatin embedment procedure and confocal microscopy to determine the structure and extent of odontoblast processes in developing and mature rat teeth, injured rat molars, reparative dentin, and adult monkey teeth. We found that odontoblast processes do not extend into outer dentin or to the dentin-enamel junction except during early stages of development. Those in innervated regions of crown are long and straight, whereas those in roots are extensively branched and shorter. Cavity injury to crown dentin caused odontoblast fragments to be aspirated into outer dentin. In reparative dentin the odontoblast processes were branched and similar to those in roots. We used photoconversion and electron microscopy to show that Di-I fills the entire odontoblast after gelatin embedment, including the cytoplasm. This is a different type of carbocyanine staining from any previously reported, and it also stains other cells in adjacent hard tissues such as bone and cementum. The Di-I-gelatin method is a new way to use carbocyanine dyes. It has enabled us to solve a long-standing controversy about the histology of teeth, and it should be useful for many other studies of cell structure.
Probing for the bradykinin B2 receptor in rat kidney by anti-peptide and anti-ligand antibodies.
Authors: Figueroa C D , Gonzalez C B , Grigoriev S , Abd Alla S A , Haasemann M , Jarnagin K , Müller-Esterl W
Published: April 2011

The kallikrein-kinin system is involved in the inflammatory process, in blood pressure regulation, and in renal homeostasis. The presence of kallikreins, kininogens, and kinins in renal tissues and fluids is well established; however, the occurrence and distribution of the bradykinin (B2) receptor in the kidney are unknown. Using chemically cross-linked conjugates of bovine serum albumin and the B2 agonist bradykinin or the potent B2 antagonist HOE140, followed by antibodies to the respective ligand and the peroxidase-anti-peroxidase system, we were able to detect the B2 receptor. The receptor has been found in straight portions of the proximal tubules, in distal straight tubules, in connecting tubules, and in collecting ducts of rat kidney. The staining patterns produced by the ligand conjugate-antiligand approach are in agreement with those obtained by conventional autoradiography using [125I]-Tyr0-bradykinin. Immunocytochemical localization of B2 receptor by antipeptide antibodies to the receptor confirmed these findings and demonstrated the presence of B2 receptor in the basal infoldings and luminal membranes of the tubule cells, and in smooth muscle cells of the cortical radial artery and of afferent arterioles. Co-localization of the B2 receptor with kallikrein and kininogens in connecting tubule cell and collecting duct cell layers, respectively, provides a structural basis for the hypothesized physiological functions of the kallikrein-kinin system in the kidney.
Immunocytochemical distribution of the calcium-binding protein p9Ka in normal rat tissues: variation in the cellular location in different tissues.
Authors: Gibbs F E , Barraclough R , Platt-Higgins A , Rudland P S , Wilkinson M C , Parry E W
Published: April 2011

The family of S-100-related proteins consists of a number of small potential calcium-binding proteins of unknown function. Elevated expression of one of these proteins, p9Ka, or of its mRNA, correlates with the metastatic potential of cultured mammary epithelial cells from rat or mouse. Over-expression of p9Ka by transfection of benign rat mammary epithelial tumor cells with the gene for p9Ka induces the metastatic phenotype. At present there is little information on the occurrence of p9Ka in normal rat tissues. A specific antiserum immunocytochemically detects p9Ka intracellularly in most normal adult rat tissues studied, including smooth muscle, brown adipose tissue, and liver. In other tissues, p9Ka is localized specifically to some absorptive and keratinized epithelia, the acid-secreting parietal cells of the stomach, the neuronal cells within plexuses of the autonomic nervous system, and a proportion of cells of the immune system in spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and blood. p9Ka is found widely in both arteries and veins, particularly in the smooth muscle and in the endothelium of smaller veins. In mammary gland, the pattern of staining suggests that p9Ka is extracellularly located in a region surrounding the ducts.
In situ localization of ribosomal RNAs is a reliable reference for hybridizable RNA in tissue sections.
Authors: Yoshii A , Koji T , Ohsawa N , Nakane P K
Published: April 2011

Assessments of RNA integrity and its hybridizability are essential for successful implementation of in situ hybridization (ISH) for mRNA or viral RNA, particularly when paraffin-embedded specimens from surgical, biopsy, and autopsy cases are used. In this study, we examined the suitability of ISH of 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) for this purpose. Oligo-DNA with nucleotide sequences complementary to a well-conserved segment of 28S rRNA with auxiliary adenine-thymine-thymine (ATT) repeats at the 3' and 5' ends was synthesized. The oligo-DNA was made antigenic by converting the adjacent thymines to T-T dimers by UV irradiation and was used as a probe for ISH of 28S rRNA. The T-T dimers were detected by enzyme immunohistochemistry. When the results of ISH rRNA staining and that of total RNA staining by methyl green/pyronin Y were compared for various types of sections prepared from rat and human tissues, the staining intensities of total RNA did not always match those of ISH rRNA staining. In paraffin sections of formalin-fixed tissues, the degree of proteinase digestion influenced the ISH rRNA staining intensity, whereas it had no effect on the total RNA staining intensity. The intensities of ISH rRNA staining agreed well with those of various types of mRNA staining by ISH in 10 cases of paraffin-embedded pathological specimens. We therefore believe that ISH rRNA staining is a convenient parameter for evaluation of levels of hybridizable RNAs in tissue sections.
Immunocytochemical localization of platelet-type arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase in mouse blood cells.
Authors: Nakamura M , Ueda N , Kishimoto K , Yoshimoto T , Yamamoto S , Ishimura K
Published: April 2011

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase is an enzyme that oxygenates the 12 position of arachidonic acid to produce its 12-hydroperoxy derivative. We were interested in the tissue distribution and subcellular localization of the platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase, which is distinguished from the leukocyte type by several criteria. Antiserum was raised in rabbits against purified recombinant arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase of human platelets. When mouse bone marrow cells and lung were immunostained and observed by light and electron microscopy, the positively stained cells were platelets, megakaryocytes, and eosinophils. 12-Lipoxygenase was localized in the cytoplasm of platelets but was hardly detectable in the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles. The enzyme was found in the cytoplasm of immature megakaryocytes with kidney-shaped nuclei and a few profiles of demarcation membranes, as well as in the mature form with well-developed demarcation membranes. These results indicated the expression of 12-lipoxygenase at an early stage in the course of megakaryocytopoiesis.