Transient increase in insulin-like growth factor I immunoreactivity in rat peripheral nerves exposed to vibrations

Hind legs of adult rats were exposed to vibrations (81 Hz; amplitude 0.50 mm peak to peak) for 4 h during two consecutive days. The sciatic, tibial and plantar nerves were isolated and processed for immunohistochemical demonstration of IGF-I (insulin-like growth factor I; somatomedin C) immunoreactivity at different time intervals after the vibration exposure. In sham-exposed rats the axons in peripheral nerves showed no or faint IGF-I immunoreactivity while most Schwann cells were negative. Exposure of the hind legs to vibrations induced increased IGF-I immunoreactivity in the Schwann cells, demonstrable at the end of the exposure period and reaching maximal intensity 2-3 days after vibration exposure. Several distended axons similarly showed increased staining. The IGF-I immunoreactivity decreased after 7-10 days to almost the level in the control nerves. The most extensive changes were observed in the plantar nerves. The tibial nerves similarly expressed strongly increased IGF-I immunoreactivity in their Schwann cells. The sciatic nerve showed, however, only slightly to moderately increased staining. Cells in the epineurium of the plantar and, to a limited extent, of the tibial nerves expressed concomitantly increased IGF-I immunoreactivity. We conclude that the transiently increased IGF-I immunoreactivity in peripheral nerves reflects reactive changes caused by vibrations and most prominently expressed by the Schwann cells.

Transiently increased insulin-like growth factor I immunoreactivity in tendons after vibration trauma. An immunohistochemical study on rats

The hind limbs of anaesthetized rats were exposed to vibration trauma (81 Hz; amplitude peak to peak 0.50 mm) for 4 hours during 2 consecutive days. The animals were examined in groups of 4 immediately after the last exposure, and after 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 days. The Achilles tendons and the tendons of the anterior tibialis muscles were sampled and processed to demonstrate IGF-I immunoreactivity. In the normal Achilles tendon and in the tendon of the anterior tibial muscle, slight IGF-I immunoreactivity was seen in many of the long slender fibroblasts between the collagen bundles. A strong increase in the IGF-I immunoreactivity appeared in the anterior tibialis muscle tendon 3 days after the last vibration exposure. In addition, the tendon fibroblasts became hypertrophic. A similar but less striking increase in IGF-I immunoreactivity appeared in the Achilles tendon. The peak intensity and frequency of stained cells were achieved after 7 days for both tendons. The intensity then levelled off, and was normalized after 28 days. It is concluded that acute exposure to vibrations induces reactive changes in fibroblasts in tendons, which may reflect a change to a more active synthesising state, as a response to the vibration trauma. The transiently altered expression of IGF-I immunoreactivity forms a link in a chain of events regulating the functional activity level of fibroblasts in response to a trauma.

Nasal mucosal changes in children with frequent infections

Children with frequent recurrent respiratory tract infections and constant mucopurulent secretion from the nose were thoroughly examined, including bacteriologic and immunologic analyses. Biopsy specimens from the nasal mucosa were investigated by light and electron microscopy. Eight different histopathologic factors were distinguished and evaluated in relation to the continual nasal discharge. The mucus production was increased, due to an increased number of goblet cells or submucosal glands. The mucus transport was impaired owing to a decreased number of ciliated cells or different deficiencies in the structure of the cilia. The secretion of periciliary fluid was altered due to dysfunction of microvilli-equipped cells and the availability of tissue fluid due to vascular changes. Leakage of tissue fluid partly reflects deficiencies in the epithelial lining. Purulent discharge was observed from microabscesses. Reactive changes in the nasal mucosa are described and discussed in relation to treatment schedules aimed at reducing short- and long-term discomfort and complications.

Regenerating endothelial cells express insulin-like growth factor-I immunoreactivity after arterial injury

In the present study the expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I; somatomedin C) immunoreactivity was examined in endothelial cells during repair after injury to the intima in the femoral artery of adult rats. Two types of injury were examined: (1) endothelial denudation induced by the use of a catheter, and (2) vessel compression by short-term ligation. In untreated rats, arterial endothelial cells showed no or, only infrequently, low IGF-I immunoreactivity in their cytoplasm. Endothelial cells at the border to the denuded area showed increased IGF-I immunoreactivity one day after injury to the intima of the femoral artery. Thrombocytes and fibrin deposits as well as vital endothelial cells, covered by clots, were immunonegative. The maximal intensity of IGF-I immunoreactivity was reached within 3 days after insult. The IGF-I immunoreactivity in the endothelial cells remained elevated for at least 4 weeks, compared to the controls. Intimal thickenings appeared within a week after injury and many cells in these thickenings showed intense IGF-I immunoreactivity as did the covering endothelial cells. Smooth muscle cells in the media were generally immunonegative during control conditions and after endothelial denudation. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) showed, similarly to their matched controls (WKY), approximately the same patterns of IGF-I immunoreactivity in their endothelial cells both under normal conditions and after injury. It is concluded that IGF-I is likely to be involved in the repair of the intima in injured arteries.

Dynamic changes in insulin-like growth factor I immunoreactivity correlate to repair events in rat ear after freeze-thaw injury

The distribution of the trophic peptide insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in the rat ear was mapped after freeze-thaw injury. Immunocytochemical methods and antisera specific to human IGF-I were used. In the ear of normal adult rats scattered basal epidermal cells and a few cells in the underlying connective tissue and elastic cartilage expressed IGF-I immunoreactivity. Within 1 day after injury and reaching maximum in 3 days, all epidermal cells became stained as did invading macrophages and some of the other inflammatory cells. Concomitantly, there were hypertrophic changes. The staining leveled off after 1-2 weeks. Perichondrial cells became IGF-I immunoreactive in increasing frequency during the first week, reached maximal intensity and frequency in 2 weeks, and remained stained for at least 4 weeks. New cartilage was formed concomitantly on both sides of the old one. It is proposed that IGF-I is a substance of general importance for cell maintenance and tissue repair.

Intraneural edema following exposure to vibration

Peripheral neuropathy represents a well-known complication from long-term exposure to vibration. In the present study an experimental model is presented with the purpose of analyzing the formation of intraneural edema following vibration exposure. Vibration (82 Hz, peak-to-peak amplitude 0.21 mm) was induced in the hind limb of rats by the use of vibrating electric motors during 4 h/d for 5 d. Tracer techniques (with albumin Evans blue and horseradish peroxidase) were used to study the permeability of intraneural microvessels after the vibration exposure on day 5. It was found that the vibration trauma in this model induced epineurial edema in the sciatic nerve. It is hypothesized that the formation of intraneural edema may be an important pathophysiological factor in the occurrence of vibration-induced neuropathy.

Peripheral high-energy missile hits cause pressure changes and damage to the nervous system: experimental studies on pigs

The aim of the present study was to investigate pressure changes and possible damage to the central and peripheral nervous system induced by a high-energy missile striking a peripheral extremity. Anesthetized pigs were shot with a high-velocity missile (1,500 ms-1) in their left thigh. Transducers placed in the abdomen and brain recorded short-lasting bursts (1.0 to 1.5 ms) of oscillating pressure waves of high frequency. The amplitude of the pressure waves within the brain was about 125 KPa, and in the abdomen about 270 KPa, with a mean value of transferred energy from the missile of about 700 joules. Concomitantly, there were one or two apneic periods with a duration of a few seconds during the first minute after the shot. No significant changes in the heart rate, blood pressure, or other circulatory parameters were detected. Minor blood-brain and blood-nerve barrier damage occurred. It is concluded that the pressure waves caused by hits of peripheral parts of the body by high-energy missiles may be of such a large magnitude that distant damage to nervous tissue may result.

Regenerating skeletal muscle cells express insulin-like growth factor I

The expression of the trophic peptide insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I; somatomedin C) was investigated in the regenerating soleus muscle of mice after injury by the snake venom taipoxin. No specific IGF-I immunoreactivity was observed in muscle cells during control conditions. Within 2 days after taipoxin injection, IGF-I immunoreactivity could be demonstrated in activated satellite cells. Myoblasts and myotubes expressed high IGF-I immunoreactivity. The IGF-I immunoreactivity was strictly cytoplasmatic and obviously associated with polyribosomes. No vesicular or membraneous IGF-I immunoreactivity could be demonstrated. It is concluded that IGF-I is synthesized in myogenic cells during skeletal muscle regeneration. It is suggested that IGF-I exerts its effects on skeletal muscle mainly by autocrine mechanisms.

Protection of renal cells against free radical damage in vitro. A morphologic and functional study on human and rabbit kidney cells

The morphologic and functional effects of free radicals on renal cells in vitro were investigated, as well as the possibility of avoiding them by pretreatment with scavenger enzymes or a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. Cultured human kidney cells, incubated together with a free radical-generating system, with and without protective agents, were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. The vimentin filament structure of the incubated cells was visualized by immunofluorescence. The membrane function was studied in human kidney cells by using a dye exclusion test and in rabbit kidney slices by determination of the sodium-potassium pump activity. Exposure of the cells to free radicals caused rapid development of severe morphologic lesions, including extensive cytoskeletal disorganization. After pretreatment, only a few cells had similar, although less severe, lesions. The results of the dye exclusion test and indirect evaluation of the sodium-potassium pump activity did not indicate any major damage to the cell membranes after exposure to free radicals.

IGF-I expression in blood vessels varies with vascular load

The present study was designed to investigate if the immunoreactivity of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I, somatomedin C) in blood vessels was changed in relation to the vascular load in adult rats. Occlusion of the right femoral artery resulted within 24 h in a strongly increased IGF-I immunoreactivity in the media of the contralateral, left, femoral artery and a significant decrease in the IGF-I expression in the right femoral artery distal to the occlusion. The increased labelling of the smooth muscle cells persisted for at least 21 days. Inactivity of the right hind limb, secondarily to an ischaemic insult, likewise induced a significant increase in IGF-I immunoreactivity, within 24 h, in the femoral vessels of the undamaged, contralateral left hind limb. It is concluded that IGF-I immunoreactivity varies with the dynamic load in the vascular walls. It is proposed that IGF-I may serve as a parahormone exerting its effect by paracrine and/or autocrine mechanisms, taking part in regulating the structural adaption of blood vessels in response to stress.

Rapid axoplasmic transport of insulin-like growth factor I in the sciatic nerve of adult rats

Somatomedin C (Sm-C; insulin-like growth factor I; IGF-I) is a polypeptide (Mr 7649), often dependent on growth hormone (GH), with trophic effects on several different tissues. Monospecific IGF-I antisera were used to investigate its localization in the sciatic nerve and corresponding nerve cells, as well as its possible axoplasmic transport in the adult rat. IGF-I-like immunoreactivity was demonstrated in anterior horn motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and in spinal- and autonomic ganglion nerve cells. Faint IGF-I immunoreactivity was under normal conditions observed in axons of the sciatic nerve and in the Schwann cells. Using crush technique, accumulation of IGF-I immunoreactivity was seen in dilated axons within 2 h, both proximal and distal to the crush. However, only a small fraction of the anterogradely transported IGF-I immunoreactive material could be demonstrated to be transported in retrograde direction. Colchicine injected proximal to a crush prevented accumulation of IGF-I immunoreactivity proximal to the crush, but not distal to it. IGF-I-immunoreactive material is synthesized in the cell bodies of peripheral sensory and motor nerve cells. It is transported at rapid rates in the axoplasm of the sciatic nerve of adult rats both in anterograde and retrograde directions. We propose that axonally transported IGF-I may be released and exert trophic influence on innervated cells, tissues and organs.

Satellite cells express the trophic factor IGF-I in regenerating skeletal muscle

The expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I, somatomedin C) was studied in regenerating skeletal muscle. Irreversible damage to skeletal muscle cells was induced in the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) of adult rats by ischaemia, preceded by glycogen depletion, and the regeneration process was studied for periods up to 14 days after injury. The IGF-I was demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence. Immunoreactivity against ribonucleotide reductase (RR) was used as a marker for DNA synthesis, that is, cell proliferation. Increased IGF-I immunoreactivity could be demonstrated within 24 h after injury in satellite cells, intramuscular nerves and in blood vessels. The IGF-I immunoreactivity remained virtually unchanged in the contralateral, undamaged EDL. An increasing number of satellite cells, expressing high IGF-I immunoreactivity, could be demonstrated in the injured EDL, and within 72 h myoblasts, expressing high IGF-I and RR immunoreactivity, were formed. Small immature muscle cells, displaying high IGF-I immunoreactivity, were observed 4 days after injury. Increased IGF-I immunoreactivity was still obvious in the regenerated muscle cells 14 days after injury while RR immunoreactivity was seen only in scattered satellite cells. It is concluded that IGF-I may act as a trophic factor during regeneration of skeletal muscle after injury.

Ultrastructural and histochemical changes in ileal reservoir mucosa after long-term exposure to urine. A study in patients with continent urostomy (Kock pouch)

Mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained from ileal reservoirs used for urinary collection in patients with continent urostomy. Shortly after construction of the reservoir there was a reduction in villous height and an increase in crypt depth. After 2 to 3 years of observation, avillous areas were noted in the reservoir mucosa, mixed with islets of villous mucosa. Specimens from the avillous areas showed a marked decrease in height of superficially located enterocytes, with loss of microvilli and a reduction in cell organelles. The histochemically demonstrable activity of oxidative enzymes was significantly reduced in the epithelial cells. There was an increase in the number of goblet cells and autonomic nerve fibres in the crypt layer. The constant exposure to urine led to significant alterations of the ileal mucosa resulting in avillous areas mixed with villous remnants in which many of the intestinal characteristics both structurally and functionally disappear.

Immunohistochemical localization of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase in mouse exocrine and endocrine pancreas

Thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase (NADPH-oxidized thioredoxin oxidoreductase, E.C. 1.6.4.5) have been proposed to be involved in several thiol-dependent reduction-oxidation reactions in cells. Both proteins have been immunohistochemically demonstrated in the periphery of the cytoplasm and in cytoplasmic granules of acinar and islet cells in mouse pancreas. In animals fed ad libitum, the staining for thioredoxin was more intense in the exocrine acinar cells than in the islet cells, whereas that for thioredoxin reductase was more intense in the endocrine than in the exocrine pancreas. In the islets of fed mice all endocrine cell types showed about the same staining intensity for thioredoxin, while thioredoxin reductase was greatly enriched in the somatostatin-containing D cells. Starvation overnight caused an increased staining for both proteins in the acinar cells as well as in the islets. Under conditions of starvation, thioredoxin reductase, in contrast to thioredoxin, appeared to increase preferentially in the islet B cells, as compared with the D cells. Cysteamine treatment reduced the staining for somatostatin and for thioredoxin reductase in the D cells without any obvious effect on the other pancreatic cells. The results are compatible with a role for thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase in secretion.

Postischemic skeletal muscle injury: patterns of injury in relation to adequacy of reperfusion

Ischemia-induced skeletal muscle injury was studied in rats subjected to tourniquet hindlimb ischemia for 3, 4, or 5 hr. The extent of injury was evaluated morphologically after 5 or 20 hr of reperfusion by a dye exclusion test using Evans blue/albumin (EBA) and a histochemical stain for calcium, Alizarin red S (ARS). In addition, the distribution of Evans blue in the postischemic muscle served as a means for detecting areas of defect reperfusion--no reflow. The combination of EBA and ARS allowed easy and reproducible quantification of induced injury in adequately reperfused areas. In areas of no reflow none of the markers used were useful. Muscle cells in these areas appeared structurally well preserved even 20 hr after release of the tourniquet and no cytoplasmic calcium accumulation could be demonstrated in muscle cells by staining with ARS. In many of these areas, however, ARS-positive structures were found between muscle cells, distributed in a pattern corresponding to the capillary network. The nature of these structures, constituting a morphological correlate to the no-reflow phenomenon, is unclear. It is concluded that for the proper evaluation of postischemic skeletal muscle injury, a suitable marker allowing estimation of the adequacy of the reperfusion must be used.

Disturbed expression of ribonucleotide reductase and cytokeratin polypeptides in focal epithelial hyperplasia. An immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibodies

Four cases of focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) were studied immunohistochemically, using monoclonal antibodies against the M1 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase and different cytokeratin polypeptides. The FEH lesions showed, compared to normal oral mucosa, extensive alterations in their staining patterns. This included ectopic suprabasal M1 staining and the novel expression of cytokeratin polypeptides differing from those previously reported for other HPV infections. The results are discussed in relation to the causative agent, human papillomavirus, and its expression in focal epithelial hyperplasia.

An ultrastructural characterization of the interface between bone and sputtered titanium or stainless steel surfaces

Experimental implants of polycarbonate covered with a thin metallic layer were inserted in the rabbit tibial metaphysis. The implants had either a magnetron sputtered 316 L stainless steel or commercially pure titanium surface (or an evaporated commercially pure titanium surface). The aim of the experiment was to investigate the interfacial arrangements between bone and the coatings used. Three months after implant insertion, the animals were sacrificed and the intact interface between bone and metal analysed using ultrastructural techniques. In the case of stainless steel a coat of 1-2 cellular layers separating the bone from the metal was found. Inflammatory cells were abundant as well as a wide proteoglycan coat lacking collagen filaments. In the case of titanium there were no cells in the interface which consisted instead of a proteoglycan layer of about 200-400 A width. Bundles of collagen appeared at a minimum distance of 1000-2000 A from the metal surface. Calcium deposits were sometimes seen in direct contact (resolution level 30-50 A) with the titanium oxide. There were no ultrastructural differences in tissue reactions when magnetron sputtered titanium surfaces were compared with evaporated ones.

Mast cells in oral lichen planus

Biopsies from lichen planus affected oral mucosa were compared with biopsies from healthy oral mucosa, in terms of the number of mast cells, their location and their morphological alteration at the light microscopic and electron microscopic level. In comparison with the normal oral mucosa an increased number of mast cells was found below the subepithelial infiltrate. This difference was statistically highly significant (p less than 0.001). In the deeper part of the infiltrate mast cells were found to contain granules which presented an altered morphology upon electron microscopic examination. These cells had many of the ultrastructural changes that have been reported for mast cells undergoing degranulation. The present morphological observations suggest that mast cells participate in the recruitment of lymphocytes to the subepithelial infiltrate.

Visualization of regenerating sciatic nerve fibres by neurofilament immunohistochemistry

Regeneration of injured sciatic nerve in rats was studied with an immunohistochemical technique visualizing neurofilaments in nerve fibres as well as S-100 protein in Schwann cells. Outgrowing axons with delicate sprouts could be demonstrated along pathways formed by Schwann cells. In contrast, axons which had stopped growing or were degenerating showed bulb-like swellings in their terminal parts. The use of immunohistochemical techniques offers advantages over conventional neurohistochemical staining methods, enabling more detailed observations of nerve regeneration mechanisms in animals.

Different cellular distribution of thioredoxin and subunit M1 of ribonucleotide reductase in rat tissues

The cellular distribution of thioredoxin and protein M1 of ribonucleotide reductase in adult rat tissues was investigated with immunohistochemical techniques using specific antisera. Tissues with high or low frequency of either mitotic or meiotic cell divisions were compared. Thioredoxin was demonstrated in many cells types that showed no detectable protein M1 of ribonucleotide reductase. A few cell types with protein M1 immunoreactivity also contained immunoreactive thioredoxin. However, in most cells no such co-localization could be demonstrated. This lack of correlation between cells containing subunit M1 of ribonucleotide reductase and the thioredoxin indicates that thioredoxin is not the physiologist hydrogen donor for ribonucleotide reductase in rat tissues and that the expression of two enzymes is differently regulated.

Evidence indicating trophic importance of IGF-I in regenerating peripheral nerves

The mechanisms influencing regeneration of peripheral nerves are incompletely known, but growth factors are supposed to play a key role. In the present study, we demonstrate, with the aid of immunohistochemical methods, that somatomedin C (Sm-C/insulin-like growth factor I/IGF-I) rapidly increased from low to high concentrations, reaching peak values in 2 weeks, in regenerating sciatic nerves of adult rats. In addition, IGF-I was demonstrated extracellularly, never observed in the control nerves. Reactive Schwann cells appeared to be the major source for IGF-synthesis. Higher concentrations were seen in tubulated nerves as compared to sutured ones. It is proposed that IGF-I exerts important growth supporting effects on regenerating peripheral nerves.

Experimental research on IGF-1

IGF-1 has been produced by recombinant DNA technology; the host cell is a yeast. Studies in hypophysectomized rats show that IGF-1 has little growth promoting effect unless given by infusion at high doses, and priming with bovine growth hormone did not produce any potentiation. In vitro studies reveal that IGF-1 cross-reacts with the insulin receptor on adipose cells. Immunohistochemical studies have revealed high IGF-1 immunoreactivity in proliferating and differentiating cells in the testes, lymphoid organs and pancreatic islets and particularly in regenerating nerves. Local application of IGF-1 may stimulate regeneration in damaged peripheral nerves. Key words:

Relation between alloxan-induced plasma membrane dysfunction and inhibition of insulin secretion in pancreatic B-cells in vivo

The acute effects of alloxan on plasma membrane function and insulin content of pancreatic B-cells were investigated in vivo. Rats received a single injection of alloxan, 75 mg/kg b.w. intravenously. The animals were sacrificed up to 24 h after treatment. The membrane damage was evaluated by a dye-exclusion test, demonstrating cells unable to exclude Evans blue/albumin (EBA) complexes. The insulin content was demonstrated by immunofluorescence. The alloxan injection resulted in a transient decrease in insulin content, later followed by a sustained increase, indicating inhibition of secretion. Increased levels of insulin were evident 50 min after alloxan treatment, and concomitantly an increasing number of injured, i.e. EBA-positive, cells could be demonstrated in the islets. Inhibition of insulin secretion appeared to precede inhibition of insulin synthesis as well as development of membrane dysfunction. It is suggested that the early inhibition of insulin secretion, induced by alloxan, is due to interference with cytoplasmic sulfhydryl and disulfide containing proteins.