bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA synthesis in preovulatory mouse oocytes.
Authors: Rodman T C , Bachvarova R
Published: May 2004

RNA synthesis, previously shown to take place during oocyte growth, has been demonstrated throughout the growth-quiescent period preceding ovulation of the mouse oocyte. In the final 7-day preovulatory period, the level of incorporation of (5,6-3H)uridine into ovulated oocytes decreased as the interval between exposure to precursor and ovulation decreased; significant incorporation was detectable within 2 days before ovulation. Analysis of the frequency and density of label in ovarian oocytes at successive stages of meiosis in relation to the interval between adminstration of labeled precursor and collection of oocytes revealed that RNA synthesis continues up to within 2 h before GVBD.
Peroxidase uptake by photoreceptor terminals of the skate retina.
Authors: Ripps H , Shakib M , MacDonald E D
Published: May 2004

The photoreceptors of dark-adapted skate retinas bathed in a Ringer solution containing horseradish peroxidase (HRP) incorporate the tracer into membrane-bound compartments within the synaptic terminal of the cell; after 1 or 2 h of incubation, approx. 10-38% of the synaptic vesicles were labeled. The receptors appeared to be functioning normally throughout the incubation period, since electrical potentials of normal amplitude could be elicited in response to dimphotic stimuli. However, it was possible to block the uptake of peroxidase by a regimen of light adaptation that effectively suppressed light-induced activity in the electroretinogram. If, during incubation with peroxidase, retinas were exposed at 10-min intervals to an intense 1-ms flash from a xenon discharge tube, the receptor terminals were almost completely devoid of peroxidase; fewer than 2% of the vesicles were labeled. The suppression of HRP uptake could also be achieved in dark-adapted retinas by adding magnesium to the bathing solution, suggesting that calcium is necessary for transmitter release from vesicles in the receptor terminals. These findings are consistent with the view that vertebrate photoreceptors discharge a neurotransmitter in darkness, and that light decreases the release of this substance. It seems likely that the incorporation of peroxidase into vesicles of physiologically active receptor terminals reflects a mechanism for the retrieval of vesicle membrane after exocytosis.
Conjugation in Tetrahymena pyriformis. The effect of polylysine, concanavalin A, and bivalent metals on the conjugation process.
Authors: Ofer L , Levkovitz H , Loyter A
Published: May 2004

The polycation polylysine, at different degrees of polymerization, was found to cause a marked inhibition of the conjugation process. Inhibition of conjugation by polylysine was highly dependent on the molecular weight of the polymer. When polylysine of a mol wt of 1,250 (degree of polymerization=6) was used, a concentration of 1.6 X 10(-5) M was required for a complete inhibition of conjugation, while only 2 X 10(-7) M of polylysine of a mol wt of 71,000 (degree of polymerization=340) was needed for the same effect. Polyaspartic acid prevented the inhibition of conjugation by polylysein. Chelators of bivalent metals such as O-phenanthroline (10(-3) M), EDTA (10(-3) M), and EGTA (5 X 10(-3) M) strongly inhibit the conjugation process in Tetrahymena pyriformis. The inhibition was partially prevented when bivalent metals such as Zn++, Fe++, and Ca++ were added together with the chelators. The lectin concanavalin A (25 mug/ml) completely prevented the conjugation process, while other lectins, such as phytohemagglutinin (500 mug/ml), soybean agglutinin (75 mug/ml) and wheat germ agglutinin (250 mug/ml) had no effect. Inhibition of conjugation by concanavalin A is completely reversible by 40 mM of alpha-methyl-D-mannoside.
Ecto-ganglioside-sialidase activity of herpes simplex virus-transformed hamster embryo fibroblasts.
Authors: Schengrund C L , Rosenberg A , Repman M A
Published: May 2004

Cellular location of ganglioside-sialidase activity was determined in confluent hamster embryo fibroblasts transformed with herpes simplex virus type 2. Approximately equal specific activities of ganglioside-sialidase activity were found to be associated with the crude lysosomal and crude plasma membrane fractions isolated from whole cell homogenates. Whole transformed cells hydrolyzed exogenous ganglioside substrate, suggesting a partial location of the cellular sialidase on the outer surface of the plasma membrane of these cells. Intact cells were treated with the diazonium salt of sulfanilic acid, a nonpenetrating reagent inhibitory to ecto-enzymes (DePierre, J.W., and M. L. Karnovsky. 1974. J. Biol. Chem. 249:7111-7120). Cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase activity was not inhibited by this treatment, and mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity was inhibited only 10%, indicating that intracellular enzymes were not affected. 5'-Nucleotidase activity was diminished 90%, and sialidase very rapidly lost 40% of its exogenously directed activity. These results show that, in herpes simplex virus-transformed fibroblasts, ganglioside-sialidase is both a lysosomal and a plasma membrane enzyme. The plasma membrane sialidase is capable of acting on endogenous plasma membrane sialolipids and also functions in the cultured transformed cell as an ecto-enzyme which can attack exogenous substrates.
Effect of colchicine on rat mast cells.
Authors: Lagunoff D , Chi E Y
Published: May 2004

In the mast cell, a well-developed array of microtubules is centered around the centrioles. Complete loss of microtubules is observed when mast cells are treated with 10(-5) M colchicine for 4 h at 37 degrees C. The loss of ultrastructurally evident microtubules is associated with a marked change in the shape of mast cells from spheroids to highly irregular, frequently elongated forms with eccentric nuclei. In colchicine-treated cells the association of nucleus, Golgi apparatus, and centrioles is also lost. Mast cells exposed to 10(-5) M colchicine for 4 h at 37 degrees C retain 80% of their capacity to release histamine when stimulated by polymyxin B. Exocytosis is evident in stimulated cells pretreated with colchicine and lacking identifiable microtubules. When the conditions of exposure of mast cells to colchicine are varied with respect to the concentration of colchicine, the length of exposure, and the temperature of exposure, dissociation between deformation of cell shape and inhibition of histamine secretion is observed. These observations indicate that microtubules are not essential for mast cell histamine release and bring into question the assumption that the inhibitory effect of colchicine on mast cell secretion depends on interference with microtubule integrity.
Initiation of brain tubulin assembly by a high molecular weight flagellar protein factor.
Authors: Bloodgood R A , Rosenbaum J L
Published: May 2004

A protein factor found within the flagella of Chlamydomonas and sea urchin sperm is capable of stimulating the initiation of calf and chick brain tubulin dimer assembly in vitro.
Ribosome biosynthesis in Tetrahymena pyriformis. Regulation in response to nutritional changes.
Authors: Hallberg R L , Bruns P J
Published: May 2004

Ribosome contents of growing and 12-h-starved Tetrahymena pyriformis (strain B) were compared. These studies indicate that (a) starved cells contain 74% of the ribosomes found in growing cells, (b) growing cells devote 20% of their protein synthetic activity to ribosomal protein production, and (c) less than 3% of the protein synthesized in starved cells is ribosomal protein. Ribosome metabolism was also studied in starved cells which had been refed. For the first 1.5 h after refeeding, there is no change in ribosome number per cell. Between 1.5 and 2 h, there is an abrupt increase in rate of ribosome accumulation but little change in rate of cell division. By 3.5 h, the number of ribosomes per cell has increased to that found in growing cells. At this time, the culture begins to grow exponentially at a normal rate. During the first 2 h after refeeding, cells devote 30-40% of their protein synthetic activity to ribosomal protein production. We estimate that the rate of ribosomal protein synthesis per cell increases at least 80-fold during the first 1-1.5 h after refeeding, reaching the level found in exponentially growing cells. This occurs before any detectable change in ribosome number per cell. The transit time for the incorporation of these newly synthesized proteins into ribosomes is from 1 to 2 h during early refeeding, whereas in exponentially growing cells it is less than 30 min. The relationship between ribosomal protein synthesis and ribosome accumulation is discussed.
The effect of antidynein 1 serum on the movement of reactivated sea urchin sperm.
Authors: Gibbons B H , Ogawa K , Gibbons I R
Published: May 2004

Rabbit antiserum prepared against an ATPase-containing tryptic fragment of dynein by Ogawa and Mohri (J. Biol. Chem. 250: 6476-6483) specifically inhibited the ATPase activity of dynein 1 and not that of dynein 2. Varying amounts of this antidynein 1 serum were added to demembranated sperm while they were swimming in reactivating solution containing 1 mM ATP. The sperm continued to form regularly propagated flagellar bending waves, but the beat frequency decreased gradually with time, the greater part of the change occurring in the first 15 min. The beat frequency after 1 h was a function of the amount of antiserum used, and could be as low as 1 Hz. The waveforms of the treated sperm resembled those of normal reactivated sperm except that the bend angles of both the principal and reverse bends were larger in the proximal portion of flagellum. The ATPase activity and corresponding beat frequency of sperm which had been pretreated with varying amounts of antidynein 1 serum for 15 min at 0 degrees C and then diluted were both decreased as a function of the amount of antiserum added, the ATPase activity of homogenized, nonmotile sperm also decreased upon pretreatment with antiserum, but the percentage decrease was less than for motile sperm. For moderate to low concentrations of antiserum, the rates of reaction with motile and with rigor sperm were almost identical. The overall results suggest that antidynein 1 inhibits the functioning of the dynein arms, probably by blocking the ATPase sites of the dynein 1.
Role of the septate junction in the regulation of paracellular transepithelial flow.
Authors: Lord B A , DiBona D R
Published: May 2004

A comparison of the distribution of septate junctions in invertebrate epithelia and tight junctions in vertebrate systems suggests that these structures may be functionally analogous. This proposition is supported by the internal design of each junction which constitutes a serial arrangement of structures crossing the intercellular space between cells to effectively provide resistance to the paracellular flow of water and small molecules. We have tested the validity of such an analogy by examining whether the osmotic sensitivity of the septate junctions of planarian epidermis follow the rather striking pattern observed for the junctions of very tight vertebrate epithelia (e.g. toad urinary bladder). It has been found that the septate junctions in this system respond in similar fashion to their vertebrate counterparts, blistering with accumulated fluid when the medium outside the epidermis is made hypertonic with small, water-soluble molecules. We conclude that the two types of junction probably are functionally analogous and that, in each case, this rectified structural response to transepithelial osmotic gradients may be indicative of the role of such structures in the transport function of epithelia.
Characterization of the nuclear envelope, pore complexes, and dense lamina of mouse liver nuclei by high resolution scanning electron microscopy.
Authors: Kirschner R H , Rusli M , Martin T E
Published: May 2004

We have used high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the nuclear envelope components of isolated mouse liver nuclei. The surfaces of intact nuclei are covered by closely packed ribosomes which are distinguishable by SEM from nuclear pore complexes. After removal of nuclear membranes with the nonionic detergent Triton X-100, the pore complexes remain attached to an underlying, peripheral nuclear lamina, as described by others. The surface of this dense lamina is composed of particulate granules, 75-150 A in diameter, which are contiguous over the entire periphery. We did not observe the pore-to-pore fibril network suggested by other investigators, but such a structure might be the framework upon which the dense lamina is formed. Morphometric analysis of pores and pore complexes shows their size, structure, and density to be similar to that of other mammalian cells. In addition, several types of pore complex-associated structures, not previously reported by other electron microscope (EM) techniques, are observed by SEM. Our studies suggest that the major role of the dense lamina is associated with the distribution, stability, and perhaps, biogenesis of nuclear pore complexes. Treatment of isolated nuclei with a combination of Triton X-100 and sodium deoxycholate removes membranes, dense lamina, and nuclear pore complexes. The resulting "chromatin nuclei" retain their integrity despite the absence of any limiting peripheral structures.
Resolution in electron microscope autoradiography. III. Iodine-125, the effect of heavy metal staining, and a reassessment of critical parameters.
Authors: Salpeter M M , Fertuck H C , Salpeter E E
Published: May 2004

Resolution for 125I-labeled specimens under electron microscope (EM) autoradiographic conditions was assessed experimentally. With this isotope the size of the silver halide crystal was the most important resolution-limiting factor. Heavy metal staining such as is routinely used in preparing animal tissues for EM autoradiography produced an improvement in resolution of approximately 15-20%. For a 500-1,000-A biological tissue section fixed with OsO4 and stained with uranyl acetate, we obtained resolution (half distance, HD) values of approximately 800 +/- 120 A using Ilford L4 emulsion and 500 +/- 70 A using a Kodak NTE-type emulsion. General aspects of resolution-limiting factors and comparison with 3H and 14C values are discussed.
Rotary replication for freeze-etching.
Authors: Margaritis L H , Elgsaeter A , Branton D
Published: May 2004

Rotary replication has been adapted to freeze-etching and evaluated using T4 polyheads, erythrocyte ghosts, and chloroplast membranes. Conventional electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and optical diffraction and filtering indicate that platinum-carbon rotary replication renders radially symmetrical contrast and 25 A resolution to freeze-etched specimens so as to clarify subunit structure not normally evident in unidirectional shadow replicas.
Structural and biochemical aspects of cell motility in amebas of Dictyostelium discoideum.
Authors: Eckert B S , Warren R H , Rubin R W
Published: May 2004

Amebas of Dictyostelium discoideum contain both microfilaments and microtubules. Microfilaments, found primarily in a cortical filament network, aggregate into bundles when glycerinated cells contract in response to Mg-ATP. These cortical filaments bind heavy meromyosin. Microtubules are sparse in amebas before aggregation. Colchicine, griseofulvin, or cold treatments do not affect cell motility or cell shape. Saltatory movement of cytoplasmic particles is inhibited by these treatments and the particles subsequently accumulate in the posterior of the cell. Cell motility rate changes as Dicytostelium amebas go through different stages of the life cycle. Quantitation of cellular actin by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis shows that the quantity of cellular actin changes during the life cycle. These changes in actin are directly correlated with changes in motility rate. Addition of cyclic AMP to Dictyostelium cultures at the end of the feeding stage prevents a decline in motility rate during the preaggregation stage. Cyclic AMP also modifies the change in actin content of the cells during preaggregation.
The absence of centrioles from spindle poles of rat kangaroo (PtK2) cells undergoing meiotic-like reduction division in vitro.
Authors: Brenner S , Branch A , Meredith S , Berns M W
Published: May 2004

Light and electron microscopy were used to study somatic cell reduction division occurring spontaneously in tetraploid populations of rat kangaroo Potorous tridactylis (PtK2) cells in vitro. Light microscopy coupled with time-lapse photography documented the pattern of reduction division which includes an anaphase-like movement of double chromatid chromosomes to opposite spindle poles followed by the organization of two separate metaphase plates and synchronous anaphase division to form four poles and four daughter nuclei. The resulting daughter cells were isolated and cloned, showing their viability, and karyotyped to determine their ploidy. Ultrastructural analysis of cells undergoing reduction consistently revealed two duplexes of centrioles (one at each of two spindle poles) and two spindle poles in each cell that lacked centrioles but with microtubules terminating in a pericentriolar-like cloud of material. These results suggest that the centriole is not essential for spindle pole formation and division and implicate the could region as a necessary component of the spindle apparatus.
Mitogen-stimulated glucose transport in thymocytes. Possible role of Ca++ and antagonism by adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate.
Authors: Whitesell R R , Johnson R A , Tarpley H L , Regen D M
Published: May 2004

The plant lectin, concanavalin A (Con-A), and the ionophore, A-23187 (specific for divalent cations), stimulated glucose transport in rat thymocytes. Con-A stimulation developed more slowly and was somewhat less extensive than that of stimulation developed more slowly and was somewhat less extensive than that of A-23187. Both responses showed saturation dose dependencies. The two responses were poorly additive, suggesting that A-23187 may saturate regulatory processes shared by the two stimulatory mechanisms. Doses of methylisobutylxanthine (MIX) and prostaglandin E2 which raised adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cAMP) levels in these cells also antagonized the Con-A stimulation of glucose transport but did not inhibit basal glucose transport or the A-23187 stimulation. Dibutyryl-cAMP and 8-bromo-cAMP also natagonized Con-A stimulation without inhibiting basal glucose transport. MIX antagonized high Con-A doses about as strongly as it did low Con-A doses, suggesting that MIX did not compete in the Con-A binding step or other process saturable by Con-A. [3H-A1Con-A binding was not affected by MIX. The stimulatory effects of Con-A and A-23187 were reduced by reduction of Ca++ in the medium. Both Con-A and A-23187 enhanced 45Ca++ influx and cellular Ca++ content. The A-23187 dose, which was saturating for glucose transport stimulation, enhanced Ca++ influx and cellular Ca++ content more than did the Con-A dose which was saturating for glucose transport stimulation. The dose fo MIX which specifically antagonized Con-A stimulation of glucose transport proved also to reduce Ca++ influx and cellular Ca++ in the presence of Con-A but not in the presence of A-23187. Thus, glucose transport correlates rather well with cellular Ca++. These results are compatible with the view that Ca++ in a cellular compartment can promote glucose transport, the Con-A's enhancement of Ca++ entry contributes to its stimulation of glucose transport, and the MIX antagonized Con-A action at least partly by reducing Ca++ entry. The action of MIX is apparently mediated by cAMP.
Galactosyl transferase of a Golgi fraction from cultured neoplastic mast cells.
Authors: Freilich L S , Lewis R G , Reppucci A C , Silbert J E
Published: May 2004

Suspension cultures of neoplastic mouse mast cells were used to obtain large quantities of a homogeneous cell population as starting material for cell fractionation. A Golgi fraction was prepared by slight modification of established techniques and identified by electron microscopy. Assay of galactosyl transferase activity using ovalbumin, desialylated degalactosylated orosomucoid, and N-acetylglucosamine as galactose acceptors showed that the Golgi fraction was enriched in specific activity over the homogenate. The Golgi galactosyl transferase was examined in detail. Acceptor concentrations for optimal galactose incorporation were determined, and substrate inhibition effects were shown with higher concentrations of all three acceptors. Manganese was shown to be necessary for galactose incorporation. A higher concentration of manganese afforded some protection from substrate inhibition by acceptors, but at the same time was itself inhibitory. All three acceptors competed with one another for galactose incorporation, indicating that a single enzyme catalyzed the transfer of galactose for all acceptors.
Freeze-fracture studies of the developing cell surface. I. The plasmalemma of the corneal fibroblast.
Authors: Hasty D L , Hay E D
Published: May 2004

The freeze-fracture technique was used to study changes in the corneal fibroblast cell membrane during morphogenesis in chick embryos. Fibroblasts migrate into the acellular primary corneal stroma on day 6 of embryogenesis, moving between the orthogonal layers of collagen fibrils which serve as their substratum. Morphometric analysis of the intramembrane particles (IMP) reveals their concentration on the P face to decrease from 756 to 534/mum2 from day 6 to day 14. After day 14, fibroblast migration and cell division cease and the stroma condenses due to dehydration, so that by day 18 all of the layers of fibroblasts are extremely flattened and the cornea has taken on its mature, transparent form. The cell membranes of the terminally differentiated, highly compacted fibroblasts are rich in IMP (1,300/MUM2, P face). In seeking to relate the particle increase to cell differentiation, we analyzed synthetic events taking place at this time, but no correlation, we analyzed synthetic events taking place at this time, but no correlation with 25SO4 or proline-3H incorporation was found. The event which seems best correlated with the doubling of P face particles between days 15 and 18 is the dehydration and condensation of the stroma, an event which is associated with cessation of both cell division and migration. Thyroxine stimulates premature condensation of the stroma, whereas thiouracil delays condensation, but neither of these treatments affects IMP concentration. Interestingly, IMP concentration on the filopodia of migrating fibroblasts is similar to that on the cell bodies, suggesting that the new membrane has the same composition as the pre-existing membrane. Observations are also presented on tight and gap junctions between fibroblasts and on the relation of extracellular matrix to the outer etched surface of the fibroblast plasmalemma.
Ultrastructural study of spontaneous bone marrow rosette-forming cells.
Authors: Nabarra B , Charreire J , Cavellier J F , Bach J F
Published: May 2004

Mouse bone marrow contains spontaneous rosette-forming cells (RFC) which include more than 70% T-cell precursors, as assessed by their transformation into theta-positive cells after incubation with thymic hormone. Such spontaneous RFC, examined in C57B1/6 mouse bone marrow by electron and scanning electron microscopy, have consistently been shown to be small, inactive mouse lymphocytes when macrophages have been eliminated by cell preincubation. These data suggest that thymic hormone target cells include small quiescent lymphocytes.
Internalization of lectins in neuronal GERL.
Authors: Gonatas N K , Kim S U , Stieber A , Avrameas S
Published: May 2004

Conjugates of ricin agglutinin and phytohemagglutinin with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were used for a cytochemical study of internalization of their plasma membrane "receptors" in cultured isolated mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. Labeling of cells with lectin-HRP was done at 4 degrees C, and internalization was performed at 37 degrees C in a culture medium free of lectin-HRP. 15-20 min after incubation at 37 degrees C, lectin-HRP receptor complexes were seen in vesicles or tubules located near the plasma membrane. After 1-3 h at 37 degrees C, lectin-HRP-receptor complexes accumulated in vesicles and tubules corresponding to acid phosphatase-rich vesicles and tubules (GERL) at the trans aspect of the Golgi apparatus. A few coated vesicles and probably some dense bodies contained HRP after 3-6 h of incubation at 37 degrees C. Soluble HRP was not endocytosed under the conditions of this experiment or when it was present in the incubation medium at 37 degrees C. Internalization of lectin-HRP-receptor conjugates was decreased or inhibited by mitochondrial respiration inhibitors but not by cytochalasin B or colchicine. These studies indicate that lectin-labeled plasma membrane moieties of neurons are endocytosed primarily in elements of GERL.
Demonstration of Balbiani ring RNA sequences in polysomes.
Authors: Wieslander L , Daneholt B
Published: May 2004

A polysome extract from salivary glands of C. tentans was sedimented in a 15-60% sucrose gradient. Fractions from the heavy polysome region (1,000-2,000S) and fractions from the light polysome region (200-1,000S) were pooled separately, and the long-term labeled RNA was released by Sarkosyl/pronase and analysed by in situ hybridization. The results showed that BR 1 and BR 2 sequences were present in the heavy and the light polysome regions of the sucrose gradient. From control experiments with EDTA-treated extracts, it was concluded that most of the recorded BR 1 and BR 2 sequences were in fact located in polysomes. The finding that BR products enter polysomes suggests that they act as messenger RNA molecules. This study therefore strongly supports the concept that chromosome puffs represent active genes.
Disappearance of afferent and efferent nerve terminals in the inner ear of the chick embryo after chronic treatment with beta-bungarotoxin.
Authors: Hirokawa N
Published: May 2004

Beta-Bungarotoxin(beta-BT) was applied to chick embryos at 3-day intervals beginning on the 4th day of incubation to see the effect of chronically and massively applied beta-BT, and to investigate the hair cell-nerve relationship in the developing inner ear by electron microscopy. On the 10th day of incubation, nerve terminals had achieved contact with differentiating hair cells, but the acoustico-vestibular ganglion cells of treated animals were decreased in number to one-third of those of the control. By the 14th day, most of the ganglion cells degenerated and disappeared, and only a few nerve terminals were seen in the neuroepithelium. At this time, most of the hair cells lacked synaptic contacts with nerve terminals; but their presynaptic specialization remained intact and they showed evidence of continuing differentiation. On the 17th day, the acoustico-vestibular ganglion cells were completely absent. All the hair cells were devoid of afferent and efferent innervation but were fully differentiated on the 21st day. Beta-BT was found to have a similar destructive effect on cultured spinal ganglion cells. The present study shows that beta-BT kills acoustico-vestibular and spinal nerve cells when applied chronically and massively during development. Furthermore, the differentiation of hair cells proceeds normally, and their presynaptic specializations are maintained when nerve terminals are absent during later developmental stages.
Defects in the cartilaginous growth plates of brachymorphic mice.
Authors: Orkin R W , Williams B R , Cranley R E , Poppke D C , Brown K S
Published: May 2004

Homozygous brachymorphic (bm/bm) mice are characterized by disproportionately short stature. Newborn bm/bm epiphyseal cartilages are shorter than normal although the cells in the different zones of growth are relatively well organized. The extracellular matrix reacts poorly with stains specific for sulfated glycosaminoglycans. The ultrastructural appearance of the cartilage matrix indicates normal collagen fibrils; however, proteoglycan aggregate granules are smaller than normal and are present in reduced numbers, particularly in the columnar and hypertrophic zones of the growth plate. In addition, a prominent network of fine filaments, which are extractable in 4 M guanidine hydrochloride, are present in the bm/bm cartilage matrix. These findings suggest that a defect affecting the proteoglycan component of cartilage occurs in bm/bm mice.
Release of spectrin-free vesicles from human erythrocytes during ATP depletion: 1. characterization of spectrin-free vesicles
Authors: Lutz HU , Liu SC , Palek J
Published: May 2004

Human erythrocytes incubated without glucose at 37 degrees C (in vitro aging) release spectrin-free vesicles after 12 or more hours. The release of vesicles is dependent upon ATP depletion. If the endogenous level of ATP is maintained, vesicle release is completely inhibited up to 54 h. Vesicle release is independent of hemolysis because in vitro aged cells and cells that maintain their ATP levels lose identical amounts of hemoglobin up to 45 h.

93 percent of all membrane particles released constitute a uniform population of spheres with a diameter of 185 +/- 23nm. These vesicles are of slightly varying densities due to varying contents of hemoglobin. Vesicles contain half the amount of membrane protein that is found in intact membranes when referred to the content of phospholipids phosphorus. This is primarily due to the absence of spectrin. However, their content of protein component III, glycophorin, and cholesterol remains the same as in intact membranes. Thus, the major integral membrane proteins are present in vesicles in similar quantities were surface area as in cells except for the enzyme acetylcholinesterase that is enriched up to twofold. The phospholipids composition of these vesicles is representative of the intact membrane except that the amount of phosphatidic acid is 10-fold higher and the amount of phosphatidylethanolamine is slightly lower than in erythrocytes. These results suggest a selective release of membrane domains that lack peripheral membrane proteins and are enriched in acetylcholinesterase. This release of spectrin-free vesicles from cells aged in vitro could represent an acceleration of the physiological aging process.
Immunological and biochemical studies of collagen type transition during in vitro chondrogenesis of chick limb mesodermal cells
Authors: Von Der Mark K , Von Der Mark H
Published: May 2004

This work describes an approach to monitor chondrogenesis of stage-24 chick limb mesodermal cells in vitro by analyzing the onset of type II collagen synthesis with carboxymethyl-cellulose chromatography, immunofluorescence, and radioimmunoassay. This procedure allowed specific and quantitative determination of chondrocytes in the presence of fibroblasts and myoblasts, both of which synthesize type I collagen. Chondrogenesis was studied in high-density cell preparations on tissue culture plastic dishes and on agar base. It was found that stage-24 limb mesenchymal cells initially synthesized only type I collagen. With the onset of chondrogenesis, a gradual transition to type II collagen synthesis was observed. In cell aggregates formed over agar, type II collagen synthesis started after 1 day in culture and reached levels of 80-90 percent of the total collagen synthesis at 6-8 days. At that time, the cells in the center of the aggregates had acquired the typical chondrocyte phenotype and stained only with type II collagen antibodies, whereas the peripheral cells had developed into a "perichondrium" and stained with type I and type II collagen antibodies. On plastic dishes plated with 5 X 10(6) cells per 35mm dish, cartilage nodules developed after 4-6 days, but the type II collagen synthesis only reached levels of 10-20 percent of the total collagen. The majority of the cells differentiated into fibroblasts and myoblasts and synthesized type I collagen. These studies demonstrate that analysis of cell specific types of collagen provides a useful method for detailing the specific events in the differentiation of mesenchymal cells in vitro.
Nexus of frog ventricle.
Authors: Kensler R W , Brink P , Dewey M M
Published: May 2004

Here were demonstrate in Rana pipiens ventricle a nexus with very unusual morphology. This tissue has been reported previously to lack nexuses. The nexus appears in thin sections of ventricle, fixed in aldehyde and OsO4 or permanganate as a series of punctate membrane appositions regularly alternating with regions of membrane separation. The junctional width at membrane appositions, as determined by microdensitometry and optical measurements, is 15-17 nm, and the width of the electron-translucent region between the junctional membranes is 1.8 nm. These values correspond closely to similar measurements of the more typical nexues in frog liver. Along the nexus the mean distance between punctate appositions is 74.5 nm. Freeze-cleave replicas of the nexuses between myocardial cells show particles 10.4 nm in diameter arranged in arrays of up to nine linked circles or partial circles on the PF-face and similar arrays of pits of shallow grooves on the EF-face. The mean diameter of the circles on both membrane fracture faces is 76.7 nm comparsion of the thin-sectioned and freeze-cleaved nexuses demonstrates an excellent correspondence between the spacing of membrane appositions along the junction and the diameters of the freeze-cleaved circles of particles and pits or grooves.
Physiological regulation of total tubulin and polymerized tubulin in tissues.
Authors: Pipeleers D G , Pipeleers-Marichal M A , Kipnis D M
Published: May 2004

Polymerized and depolymerized forms of tubulin were measured in rat and mouse liver, rat islets, human lymphocytes, and platelets. The percent of the total tubulin present in the polymerized form varied from 30.3 +/- 1.5% in the liver of the fed rat to 89.2 +/- 0.2% in human platelets. Fasting decreased the total tubulin and to a greater extent the polymerized form of tubulin in both rat and mouse liver. Glucose feeding increased the polymerized tubulin without affecting the total tubulin content in rat liver. Phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes exhibited at least a three-fold increase in total tubulin (expressed in terms of DNA content), which during the initial 48 h of incubation was accounted for in toto by an increase in polymerized tubulin. It is suggested that the lectin not only accelerates tubulin synthesis but also stimulated the polymerization process. Storage of platelets at 4 degrees C for 6 days resulted in a marked decrease in total tubulin and an even greater reduction in the polymerized form. It is concluded that both the total tubulin content and its degree of polymerization can be modulated independently by a wide variety of physiological factors.
Elemental distribution in striated muscle and the effects of hypertonicity: Electron probe analysis of cryo sections
Authors: Somlyo AV , Shuman H , Somlyo AP
Published: May 2004

A method of rapid freezing in supercooled Freon 22 (monochlorodifluoromethane) followed by cryoultramicrotomy is described and shown to yield ultrathin sections in which both the cellular ultrastructure and the distribution of diffusible ions across the cell membrane are preserved and intracellular compartmentalization of diffusabler ions can be quantitated. Quantitative electron probe analysis (Shuman, H., A.V. Somlyo, and A.P. Somlyo. 1976. Ultramicros. 1:317-339.) of freeze-dried ultrathin cryto sections was found to provide a valid measure of the composition of cells and cellular organelles and was used to determine the ionic composition of the in situ terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), the distribution of CI in skeletal muscle, and the effects of hypertonic solutions on the subcellular composition if striated muscle.

There was no evidence of sequestered CI in the terminal cisternae of resting muscles, although calcium (66mmol/kg dry wt +/- 4.6 SE) was detected. The values of [C1](i) determined with small (50-100 nm) diameter probes over cytoplasm excluding organelles over nuclei or terminal cisternae were not significantly different. Mitochondria partially excluded C1, with a cytoplasmic/ mitochondrial Ci ratio of 2.4 +/- 0.88 SD.

The elemental concentrations (mmol/kg dry wt +/- SD) of muscle fibers measured with 0.5-9-μm diameter electron probes in normal frog striated muscle were: P, 302 +/- 4.3; S, 189 +/- 2.9;C1, 24 +/- 1.1;K, 404 +/- 4.3, and Mg, 39 +/- 2.1. It is concluded that: (a) in normal muscle the "excess CI" measured with previous bulk chemical analyses and flux studies is not compartmentalized in the SR or in other cellular organelles, and (b) the cytoplasmic C1 in low [K](0) solutions exceeds that predicted by a passive electrochemical distribution.

Hypertonic 2.2 X NaCl, 2.5 X sucrose, or 2.2 X Na isethionate produced: (a) swollen vacuoles, frequently paired, adjacent to the Z lines and containing significantly higher than cytoplasmic concentrations of Na and Cl or S (isethionate), but no detectable Ca, and (b) granules of Ca, Mg, and P = approximately (6 Ca + 1 Mg)/6P in the longitudinal SR. It is concluded that hypertonicity produces compartmentalized domains of extracellular solutes within the muscle fibers and translocates Ca into the longitudinal tubules.
The contractile basis of amoeboid movement: V. The control of gelation, solation, and contraction in extracts from dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Condeelis JS , Taylor DL
Published: May 2004

Motile extracts have been prepared from Dictyostelium discoideum by homogenization and differential centrifugation at 4 degrees C in a stabilization solution (60). These extracts gelled on warming to 25 degrees Celsius and contracted in response to micromolar Ca++ or a pH in excess of 7.0. Optimal gelation occurred in a solution containing 2.5 mM ethylene glycol-bis (β-aminoethyl ether)N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate (EGTA), 2.5 mM piperazine-N-N'-bis [2-ethane sulfonic acid] (PIPES), 1 mM MgC1(2), 1 mM ATP, and 20 mM KCI at ph 7.0 (relaxation solution), while micromolar levels of Ca++ inhibited gelation. Conditions that solated the gel elicited contraction of extracts containing myosin. This was true regardless of whether chemical (micromolar Ca++, pH >7.0, cytochalasin B, elevated concentrations of KCI, MgC1(2), and sucrose) or physical (pressure, mechanical stress, and cold) means were used to induce solation. Myosin was definitely required for contraction. During Ca++-or pH-elicited contraction: (a) actin, myosin, and a 95,000-dalton polypeptide were concentrated in the contracted extract; (b) the gelation activity was recovered in the material sqeezed out the contracting extract;(c) electron microscopy demonstrated that the number of free, recognizable F-actin filaments increased; (d) the actomyosin MgATPase activity was stimulated by 4- to 10-fold. In the absense of myosin the Dictyostelium extract did not contract, while gelation proceeded normally. During solation of the gel in the absense of myosin: (a) electron microscopy demonstrated that the number of free, recognizable F- actin filaments increased; (b) solation-dependent contraction of the extract and the Ca++-stimulated MgATPase activity were reconstituted by adding puried Dictyostelium myosin. Actin purified from the Dictyostelium extract did not gel (at 2 mg/ml), while low concentrations of actin (0.7-2 mg/ml) that contained several contaminating components underwent rapid Ca++ regulated gelation.

These results indicated : (a) gelation in Dictyostelium extracts involves a specific Ca++-sensitive interaction between actin and several other components; (b) myosin is an absolute requirement for contraction of the extract; (c) actin-myosin interactions capable of producing force for movement are prevented in the gel, while solation of the gel by either physical or chemical means results in the release of F-actin capable of interaction with myosin and subsequent contraction. The effectiveness of physical agents in producting contraction suggests that the regulation of contraction by the gel is structural in nature.
The identification of two intra-axonally transported polypeptides resembling myosin in some respects in the rabbit visual system.
Authors: Willard M
Published: May 2004

Two polypeptides (M1 and M2) which co-sediment with F-actin in an ATP-reversible way have been detected in extracts of tissue from the rabbit visual system. Both polypeptides resemble skeletal muscle myosin in their ATP-sensitive co-sedimentation with actin, while they resemble the heavy chain of myosin and the lighter polypeptide of erythrocyte spectrin in their electrophoretic mobilities. (The estimated molecular weights are: MI congruent to 195,000; myosin congruent 200,000; M2 and spectrin congruent to 220,000). M1 and M2 were labeled in the cell bodies of the retinal ganglion cells with a radioactive amino acid and subsequently recovered in tissues (optic nerve, optic tract, lateral geniculate nucleus, and superior colliculus) containing segments of the retinal ganglion cell axons. The temporal sequence of labeling M1 and M2 in these tissues indicated that both polypeptides were synthesized in the cell bodies of retinal ganglion cells and subsequently transported down their axons at different maximum velocities. The estimated velocities were: M1, 4-8 mm per day; and M2, 2-4 mm per day.
Macrophage deformability and phagocytosis
Authors: Mazur MT , JR Williamson
Published: May 2004

The influence of several metabolic inhibitors and pharmacologic agents on macrophage deformation (induced by fluid shear stress) was examined in relationship to changes in ATP content and phagocytosis of latex beads. Two relatively specific inhibitors of glycolysis (iodoacetate [IA], and sodium fluoride [NaF]) and a sulfhydryl-binding agent (N-ethylmaleimide [NEM] markedly inhibited phagocytosis and reduced cell deformability. A microtubule-disrupting agent (vinblastine) and a highly specific inhibitor of glycolysis (2-deoxyglucose) markedly inhibited phagocytosis without influencing cell deformability. An organomercurial sulfhydryl binding agent p-chloromercuribenzene (PCMBS) and a microfilament-disrupting agent (cytochalasin B) inhibited phagocytosis and increased cell deformability. The effects of these agents on phagocytosis and cell deformability bore no consistent relationship to alterations in cellular content of ATP.

The observation that 2-deoxyglucose, the most specific inhibitor of glycolysis examined, reduced ATP content to levels far lower (15 percent of control values) than those achieved by any other agent examined and inhibited phagocytosis without altering cell deformability, suggests that alterations in cell deformability induced by NaF, IA, NEM, PCMBS, and cytochalasin B are not due to inhibition of glycolysis per se, but instead result from direct or indirect effects of these agents on cell constituents, possibly contractile proteins, which are determinants of cell deformability.

The finding that cytochalasin B, NEM, PCMBS, and IA interfere with phagocytosis and alter cell deformability, together with evidence that these agents interact with isolated actin and myosin, suggests that contractile proteins are important both in phagocytosis and as determinants of cell deformability.

The observation that vinblastine, colchicines, and heavy water (D(2)O) did not alter cell deformability, even though vinblastine caused formation of intracellular crystals of microtubular protein, indicates that microtubules are not major determinants of cell deformability.

The observations that beads adhered normally to surfaces of cytochalasin B- and of PCMBS-treated cells and that shear-stress induced deformation was increased whereas phagocytosis was markedly inhibited, suggest that deformation of cells around beads associated with ingestion depends on some form of cellular (contractile?) activity, whereas deformation of cells by fluid shear stress is a passive phenomenon.
Ultrastructural study of GERL in beige mouse alveolar macrophages.
Authors: Essner E , Haimes H
Published: May 2004

Alveolar macrophages of the beige mouse mutant have a system of smooth-surfaced elements with the hallmarks of GERL. GERL also appears to produce residual bodies, and both organelles show cytochemically demonstrable acid phosphatase activity. When cells are exposed to colloidal silver, the tracer is endocytosed via pinocytic vacuoles to GERL.
Interference with thyroid histogenesis by inhibitors of collagen synthesis.
Authors: Hilfer S R , Pakstis G L
Published: May 2004

Histogenesis of thyroid follicles in the chick embryo begins with a penetration by cells of the mesenchymal capsule into a solid epithelial primordium. Before penetration occurs, slits containing fibrillar material form between the epithelial cells. The fibrillar material is an epithelial cell product as shown by its formation within channels that form in cultures of isolated epithelial primordia. The drugs L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (LACA) and alpha, alpha'-dipyridyl, which interfere with collagen synthesis, prevent the formation of fibrils in cultured epithelial primordia and in cultures of whole thyroids. Furthermore, mesenchymal cells do not invade when whole thyroid primordia are cultured in the presence of either drug. The effects of alpha, alpha'-dipyridyl are reversed by washing out the drug; the effects of LACA are reversed by incubation with equimolar or greater amounts of L-proline added to the medium along with the drug. The results are interpreted to mean that the fibrillar material is collagen of epithelial origin, that the collagen in some way plays a role in mesenchymal penetration of the epithelial primordium, and that the epithelium is responsible for the pattern of lobulation within the developing gland.
Cell shape changes and the mechanism of inversion in Volvox.
Authors: Viamontes G I , Kirk D L
Published: May 2004

Inversion is a dominant aspect of morphogenesis in Volvox. In this process, the hollow, spheroidal Volvox embryo turns inside-out through a small opening called the phialopore to bring flagella from its inner to its outer surface. Analyses of intact, sectioned, and fragmented embryos by light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy, suggest that shape changes preprogrammed into the cells cause inversion. First, cells throughout the embryo change from pear to spindle shape, which causes the embryo to contract and the phialopore to open. Then cells adjacent to the phialopore become flask-shaped, with long, thin stalks at their outer ends. Simultaneously, the cytoplasmic bridges joining all adjacent cells migrate from the midpoint of the cells to the stalk tips. Together, these changes cause the lips of cells at the phialopore margin to curl outward. Now cells progressively more distal to the phialopore become flask-shaped while the more proximal cells become columnar, causing the lips to curl progressively further over the surface of the embryo until the latter has turned completely inside-out. Fine structural analysis reveals a peripheral cytoskeleton of microtubules that is apparently involved in cellular elongation. Cell clusters isolated before inversion undergo a similar program of shape changes; this suggests that the changes in cellular shape are the cause rather than an effect of the inversion process.