Matrilysin is expressed by lipid-laden macrophages at sites of potential rupture in atherosclerotic lesions and localizes to areas of versican deposition, a proteoglycan substrate for the enzyme

Certain matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are expressed within the fibrous areas surrounding acellular lipid cores of atherosclerotic plaques, suggesting that these proteinases degrade matrix proteins within these areas and weaken the structural integrity of the lesion. We report that matrilysin and macrophage metalloelastase, two broad-acting MMPs, were expressed in human atherosclerotic lesions in carotid endarterectomy samples (n = 18) but were not expressed in normal arteries (n = 7). In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed prominent expression of matrilysin in cells confined to the border between acellular lipid cores and overlying fibrous areas, a distribution distinct from other MMPs found in similar lesions. Metalloelastase was expressed in these same border areas. Matrilysin was present in lipid-laden macrophages, identified by staining with anti-CD-68 antibody. Furthermore, endarterectomy tissue in organ culture released matrilysin. Staining for versican demonstrated that this vascular proteoglycan was present at sites of matrilysin expression. Biochemical studies showed that matrilysin degraded versican much more efficiently than other MMPs present in atherosclerotic lesions. Our findings suggest that matrilysin, specifically expressed in atherosclerotic lesions, could cleave structural proteoglycans and other matrix components, potentially leading to separation of caps and shoulders from lipid cores.

A chondroitin sulfate/keratan sulfate proteoglycan, PG-1000, forms complexes which are concentrated in the reticular laminae of electric organ basement membranes

Previously, we identified PG-1000 as part of a disulfide-linked complex of two large proteoglycans (PG-1000 and the beta component) and three smaller proteins purified from the extracellular matrix of elasmobranch electric organ (Iwata and Carlson, 1991, J. Biol. Chem. 266: 323-333). PG-1000 is a chondroitin sulfate/keratan sulfate proteoglycan with a molecular mass of about 1.2 x 16(6) daltons. When visualized in the electron microscope, PG-1000 has the typical "bottle-brush" appearance expected for a proteoglycan with an average total length of about 345 nm and about 20 chains of approximately 110 nm (Carlson and Wight, 1987, J. Cell Biol. 105: 3075-3086). Using immunocytochemical methods, we now demonstrate that PG-1000 is a component of the interstitial extracellular matrix of the electric organ. PG-1000 immunoreactivity is found throughout the interstitial matrix, but it is highly concentrated in that region of the matrix immediately adjacent to the basal lamina, the reticular lamina. The reticular and basal laminae together form the basement membrane. PG-1000 immunoreactivity is especially apparent on basal laminae that surround nerve fibers and nerve terminals. When the disulfide-linked PG-1000 complexes are purified and examined in the electron microscope following rotary shadowing, they appear as bottle-brush structures which are often attached at a central region and radiate like spokes of a wheel. These aggregates contain two to six proteoglycan monomers. We hypothesize that the PG-1000 complexes are disulfide-stabilized parts of an extended network of linked proteoglycans in the reticular lamina.

Distinct rat aortic smooth muscle cells differ in versican/PG-M expression

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) with distinct phenotypes are present in blood vessels, and distinct culture types appear when SMCs are maintained in vitro. For example, cultured SMCs from rat adult media grow as bipolar cells, which differ in gene expression from the predominantly cobblestone-shaped SMCs from rat pup aortas and rat neointimas that we call pi SMCs. Since proteoglycans are present at different concentrations in the normal intima and media and are elevated in atherosclerotic plaque, we sought to determine whether pi and adult medial SMC types synthesize different or unique proteoglycans that are characteristic of each phenotype. [35S]sulfate-labeled proteoglycans were purified by ion-exchange chromatography. An adult medial SMC line synthesized a large proteoglycan (0.2 Kav on Sepharose CL-2B) that was not detectable in a pi SMC line. Digestion of this proteoglycan with chondroitin ABC lyase revealed three core glycoproteins of 330, 370, and 450 kD. By Western blot analysis, the two smallest of these reacted with two antibodies to the human fibroblast proteoglycan versican. RNAs hybridizing to versican probes were found only in adult medial-type SMCs, including an adult medial type clone from pup aorta, by Northern blot analysis. Both SMC types synthesize RNAs that hybridize to probes for other proteoglycans, such as perlecan, biglycan, and decorin. We conclude that rat pi SMC cultures, unlike monkey, human, and rat adult medial SMC cultures, express little or no versican. This difference in expression may be responsible for the different morphologies and growth properties of the two cell types.

Distribution of hyaluronan during extracellular matrix remodeling in human restenotic arteries and balloon-injured rat carotid arteries

BACKGROUND

The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) is present in developing tissues and healing wounds and forms a loose, hydrated extracellular matrix (ECM) that promotes processes such as cell migration. To investigate the potential contribution of HA to the pathogenesis of restenosis, we studied (1) human lesions obtained by directional atherectomy and (2) experimentally induced neointima formation in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A biotinylated proteoglycan fragment that binds specifically to HA was used to stain atherectomy specimens from 29 human restenotic lesions (mean restenosis interval, 6.0+/-4.4 months) and 8 human primary lesions. The loose myxoid ECM typical of human restenotic arteries demonstrated intense, diffuse staining for HA. The intensity was inversely related to the density of immunostaining for collagen types I and III and was lowest in hypocellular primary atherosclerotic plaque. Among 24 rat carotid arteries retrieved 3, 7, 14, 28, 42, or 56 days after balloon injury and immunostained as well for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, staining for HA in the neointima reached a maximum 7 days after balloon injury and was associated with the presence of proliferating, PCNA-positive smooth muscle cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyaluronan is a characteristic constituent of the loose myxoid ECM in human restenotic arteries and of the neointima in experimentally injured arteries. The presence of hyaluronan may be a marker for an initial phase of the extracellular matrix remodeling that occurs during the development of a fibroproliferative lesion and could facilitate biological processes such as cell migration.

The extracellular matrix and atherosclerosis

The vascular extracellular matrix is a collection of vastly different macromolecules organized by entanglement and cross-linking into a biomechanically active polymer that imparts regional tensile strength, viscoelasticity, and compressibility to the atherosclerotic lesion. Each component of the extracellular matrix possesses unique structural properties that determine its separate roles during atherogenesis. Not only does this matrix provide the architectural framework that influences the structural integrity of the lesion, but it also provides the milieu for vascular cells and participates in the adhesive, proliferative, and migratory events that characterize lesion development. The fact that different components of the extracellular matrix selectively bind plasma proteins, growth factors, cytokines, and enzymes implicate these molecules in the regulation of key metabolic events in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque. The extracellular matrix can no longer be thought of as simply an inert structural mass, but rather as a collection of molecules that possesses the capacity to 'instruct' and 'transduce the information' that 'drives' events central to the atherogenic process. A more thorough understanding of the nature and properties of the vascular extracellular matrix and the factors that regulate its accumulation would seem to be a reasonable goal if progress is to be made towards alleviating this disease.

Differential binding of vascular cell-derived proteoglycans (perlecan, biglycan, decorin, and versican) to the beta-amyloid protein of Alzheimer's disease

Previous studies have demonstrated the immunolocalization of perlecan, a specific heparan sulfate proteoglycan, to the beta-amyloid protein (A beta)-containing amyloid deposits within the walls of blood vessels (i.e., congophilic angiopathy) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. In the present investigation, the differential binding of previously characterized endothelial cell (EC)- and smooth muscle cell (SMC)-derived PGs to A beta was examined to determine whether the accumulation of A beta in cerebrovascular amyloid deposits may be due to its interactions with perlecan. Pretreatment of AA amyloidotic splenic and liver tissue sections with synthetic A beta (1-28) produced strong immunoreactivity with A beta antibodies at tissue sites enriched in perlecan which was partially removed by pretreatment with heparitinase, but not by chondroitin ABC lyase. [35S]-Sulfate labeled proteoglycans (PGs) derived from cultured ECs and SMCs bound to affinity columns containing A beta (1-28) or (1-40), with virtually no binding to A beta (40-1) (reverse peptide), beta-amyloid precursor protein (410-429), or bovine serum albumin. Characterization of EC and SMC PGs bound to A beta (1-28) revealed strong binding by perlecan, weak binding by decorin and biglycan, two dermatan sulfate proteoglycans, and lack of binding by versican/PG-M, a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. Binding of 125I-labeled perlecan to A beta (1-28) was strongly inhibited by isolated perlecan and to a lesser extent by heparin, but not by chondroitin-6-sulfate or unsulfated dextran sulfate. Heparitinase treatment decreased, but did not eliminate the binding of 125I-labeled perlecan to A beta (1-28). Scatchard analysis of the interaction of A beta (1-28)- and EC-derived perlecan in solid-phase assays indicated high-affinity (Kd = 8.3 x 10(-11) M) and lower-affinity (Kd = 4.2 x 10(-8) M) binding sites, with approximately 1 mol of perlecan binding 1.8 mol of A beta. A significant decrease in binding of EC-derived perlecan to A beta (1-28) was observed when a sequence within the putative heparin-binding motif of A beta (His13His14Gln15Lys16) was replaced by the uncharged peptide sequence, Gly13Gly14Gln15Gly16, indicating a perlecan binding site on A beta near the postulated alpha-secretase site (at Lys-16). Overall, the results indicate that specific vascular cell-derived PGs differentially interact with A beta, and that the interactions of highest affinity occur between A beta and binding sites on both the core protein and glycosaminoglycan chains of perlecan.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Fibronectin attachment is permissive for IL-1 mediated gene regulation

This study examines the effect of cell-matrix interaction on IL-1 induced gene regulation. In fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells attached to fibronectin, IL-1 caused a pronounced reduction in proteoglycan synthesis, while no reduction occurred in cells plated on bare plastic. Further, fibronectin attachment was permissive for IL-1 mediated suppression of both versican and collagen mRNA levels, initially noted after 4-6 h of IL-1 incubation. Attachment to vitronectin was less potent in influencing regulation, and collagen had no effect, suggesting specificity of the matrix modulation of the IL-1 induced response. Similar fibronectin induced dependence was demonstrated for IL-1 regulation of IL-6 gene expression, supporting the notion of a general effect of fibronectin receptor engagement on IL-1 induced signal transduction.

Migration of bovine aortic smooth muscle cells after wounding injury. The role of hyaluronan and RHAMM

The migration of smooth muscle cells is a critical event in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. We have investigated the role of hyaluronan (HA) and the hyaluronan receptor RHAMM in the migration of adult bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (BASMC). Cultured BASMC migrated from the leading edge of a single scratch wound with increased velocity between 1 and 24 h. Polyclonal anti-RHAMM antisera that block HA binding with this receptor abolished smooth muscle cell migration following injury. HA stimulated the random locomotion of BASMC and its association with the cell monolayer increased following wounding injury. Immunoblot analysis of wounded monolayers demonstrated a novel RHAMM protein isoform that appeared within one hour after injury. At the time of increased cell motility after wounding, FACS analysis demonstrated an increase in the membrane localization in approximately 25% of the cell population. Confocal microscopy of injured monolayers confirmed that membrane expression of this receptor was limited to cells at the wound edge. Collectively, these data demonstrate that RHAMM is necessary for the migration of smooth muscle cells and that expression and distribution of this receptor is tightly regulated following wounding of BASMC monolayers.

Organized type I collagen influences endothelial patterns during "spontaneous angiogenesis in vitro": planar cultures as models of vascular development

Selected strains of vascular endothelial cells, grown as confluent monolayers on tissue culture plastic, generate flat networks of cellular cords that resemble beds of capillaries--a phenomenon referred to as "spontaneous angiogenesis in vitro". We have studied spontaneous angiogenic activity by a clonal population (clone A) of bovine aortic endothelial cells to identify processes that mediate the development of cellular networks. Confluent cultures of clone A endothelial cells synthesized type I collagen, a portion of which was incorporated into narrow, extracellular cables that formed a planar network beneath the cellular monolayer. The collagenous cables acted as a template for the development of cellular networks: flattened, polygonal cells of the monolayer that were in direct contact with the cables acquired spindle shapes, associated to form cellular cords, and became elevated above the monolayer. Networks of cables and cellular cords did not form in a strain of bovine aortic endothelial cells that did not synthesize type I collagen, or when traction forces generated by clone A endothelial cells were inhibited with cytochalasin D. In a model of cable development, tension applied by a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells reorganized a sheetlike substrate of malleable type I collagen into a network of cables via the formation and radial enlargement of perforations through the collagen sheet. Our results point to a general involvement of extracellular matrix templates in two-dimensional (planar) models of vascular development in vitro. For several reasons, planar models simulate invasive angiogenesis poorly. In contrast, planar models might offer insights into the growth and development of planar vascular systems in vivo.

Characterization of proteoglycans synthesized by murine embryonal carcinoma cells (P19) reveals increased expression of perlecan (heparan sulfate proteoglycan) during neuronal differentiation

Proteoglycans (PGs) incorporated into cell layer and secreted into media were characterized during retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation of cultured P19 murine embryonal carcinoma cells. Heparan sulfate significantly increased (P < 0.01) in cell layer following neuronal differentiation of P19 cells by 3.9-fold. CL-4B gel chromatography revealed the major PGs present in cell layer of stem cells eluted as a broad peak with a Kav = 0.65, and was susceptible to chondroitin ABC lyase. The chondroitin ABC lyase resistant material eluted as a broad peak between Kav = 0.40 and Kav = 0.60, and was only partially digested with heparitinase/heparinase (with resistant material eluting at Kav = 0.70). Therefore, the cell layer of stem cells contained primarily chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) PGs, with lesser amounts of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). This was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The CS/DS PGs in the cell layer of stem cells had an apparent M(r) of approximately > 200 kDa, and the HSPGs had an apparent M(r) of approximately 140-230 kDa. In contrast, the major PGs in the cell layer of neurons consisted primarily of HSPGs, with only a minor proportion of CS/DS PGs. Furthermore, both gel filtration chromatography and SDS-PAGE analysis revealed a larger HSPG in the cell layer of neurons (Kav = 0.3-0.6 on CL-4B following chondroitin ABC lyase digestion; M(r) 170 kDa- > 400 kDa on SDS-PAGE) in comparison to stem cells (Kav = 0.4-0.6 on CL-4B following chondroitin ABC lyase digestion; M(r) 140-230 kDa on SDS-PAGE). Likewise, the major PGs secreted into media of stem cells consisted almost exclusively of CS/DS PGs, with lesser amounts of HSPGs, whereas an increase in HSPGs in the media of neurons was apparent. Western, Northern, and immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that mRNA transcript and protein levels for a specific HSPG (i.e., perlecan) markedly increased in cell layer following P19 neuronal differentiation. Perlecan core protein was identified by Western blot analysis using specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, as a large HSPG with a core protein of apparent M(r) approximately 370-400 kDa, and was observed primarily in extracts from neurons. Northern blot analysis with a cDNA to perlecan revealed a significant (P < 0.01) 12.7-fold increase in expression of perlecan in neurons (day 9) in comparison to stem cells. The increase in perlecan message during P19 neuronal differentiation was concomitant with a significant (P < 0.01) 26.3-fold increase in message for beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta PP).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Smooth muscle cell expression of extracellular matrix genes after arterial injury

Accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) after arterial injury is an important event in the development of intimal thickening and is modulated by heparin. To investigate the regulation of matrix protein expression, we have analyzed messenger RNA levels by Northern blotting for various ECM proteins in the rat carotid artery balloon injury model. RNA was extracted from normal arteries and from intima-medial preparations at 2 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after balloon injury of arteries in animals receiving either saline or heparin infusion. Transcripts for the heparan sulfate proteoglycans perlecan, syndecan, and ryudocan; the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan versican; the dermatan sulfate proteoglycan biglycan; type I procollagen; and tropoelastin all were increased on Northern blots beginning at 1 week after injury. By in situ hybridization, the transcripts for elastin nd biglycan were primarily localized to smooth muscle cells in the intima and were diminished by heparin in proportion to the decrease in intimal mass. Other matrix genes (perlecan, ryudocan) were expressed in the intima and media and were not affected by heparin. The results support the conclusion that ECM gene expression is a relatively late event in the response of the carotid artery, and that some of the genes are expressed only in the intima whereas others are expressed in both the intima and media.

Regional differences in the distribution of the proteoglycans biglycan and decorin in the extracellular matrix of atherosclerotic and restenotic human coronary arteries

Proteoglycans are important constituents of blood vessels and accumulate in various forms of vascular disease. Little is known concerning the proteoglycan composition of restenotic lesions formed after angioplasty and whether the proteoglycan composition of these lesions differs from that of primary atherosclerosis. Accordingly, we sought to characterize the distribution of two proteoglycans, biglycan and decorin, in primary atherosclerotic and restenotic lesions of human coronary arteries. Restenosis (n = 37) and primary (n = 11) lesions obtained from 48 patients by directional atherectomy of human coronary arteries were stained with antibodies against biglycan and decorin. To further characterize the extracellular matrix of restenotic tissues, we studied the co-distribution of these proteoglycans with collagen types I, III, and IV. The loose fibroproliferative tissue seen predominantly in restenosis lesions consistently stained positively for biglycan in patterns of deposition ranging from disseminated to homogeneous. The density and intensity of biglycan staining was correlated with the density of collagen type I and III fiber networks, both of which were observed to interweave among the loose fibroproliferative tissue. The compact connective tissue of primary atherosclerotic plaque was characterized by strong biglycan staining which co-localized with intense collagen type I and III staining. Only basement membrane-like structures rich in collagen type IV demonstrated negative biglycan staining. In contrast, loose fibroproliferative tissue exhibited no significant staining for decorin. Strong immunostaining for decorin, however, was found in primary atherosclerotic plaque. There are thus regional differences in the distribution of extracellular matrix proteoglycans of restenotic and primary human atherosclerotic lesions; these observations suggest that differences established for the biological roles of biglycan and decorin in other organ systems may extend as well to pathologically altered human coronary arteries.

Identification of the proteoglycan versican in aorta and smooth muscle cells by DNA sequence analysis, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry

Versican is a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) initially identified in cultured human fibroblasts. Previous studies have shown that there is a versican-like molecule in cultured monkey smooth muscle cells. In this study, we have cloned and sequenced the large CSPG from cultured monkey smooth muscle cells, fetal and juvenile monkey aorta, and human fetal aorta. The cDNA sequence from human fetal aorta is completely homologous to the human fibroblast versican. We obtained 2.5 kb of cDNA sequence from monkey aortic RNA and cultured monkey smooth muscle cell RNA. This sequence covers three distinct domains of versican (hyaluronic acid binding domain, glycosaminoglycan attachment domain and protein binding domain) and demonstrates over 90% homology to the human versican sequence. In situ hybridization histochemistry indicates that the versican RNA transcript is located in the epithelium throughout the tunica media of the aorta. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry also confirm the presence of versican in human and monkey aorta.

Degradation of endothelial cell matrix heparan sulfate proteoglycan by elastase and the myeloperoxidase-H2O2-chloride system

The degradation of the heparan sulfate proteoglycans of subendothelial matrix by neutrophil elastase and the myeloperoxidase-H2O2-chloride system added separately, sequentially, or together at pH 4.5 to 7.5 was determined by the release of lower molecular weight 35S-labeled material. Elastase alone and the myeloperoxidase system alone caused degradation, and when 4-hour exposure to elastase was followed by 15 minutes of exposure to the myeloperoxidase system, the effect was greater than additive. A greater than additive effect was not observed when elastase followed the myeloperoxidase system or the two were added together. Chloride (or sulfate) alone increased the release of 35S-labeled material from elastase-treated matrix, although the effect of 0.1 M chloride was not as great as that observed when an equivalent concentration of chloride was combined with myeloperoxidase and H2O2. The release of these systems at sites of adherence of neutrophils to glomerular basement membrane may contribute to neutrophil-associated proteinuria.

Interleukin-1 beta regulation of fibroblast proteoglycan synthesis involves a decrease in versican steady-state mRNA levels

This study investigates the effects of interleukin (IL)-1 beta on proteoglycan metabolism by fibroblasts surrounded by endogenous extracellular matrix. In both three-dimensional matrix cultures and long-term monolayer cultures IL-1 beta caused a significant decrease in synthesis and deposition of sulphated proteoglycans, but had no effect on release of deposited material. The decrease in synthesis became successively more pronounced, and corresponded to 40-60% of the control after 72 h incubation. The reduction was almost totally accounted for by an effect on the chondroitin ABC-lyase-sensitive proteoglycans. Gel electrophoresis showed a significant decrease in a high-molecular-mass chondroitin ABC-lyase-sensitive proteoglycan after incubation with IL-1 beta. Northern-blot analyses of total RNA revealed a pronounced decrease in the steady-state mRNA levels of versican, the large chondroitin sulphate, with levels corresponding to 10-30% of controls. In comparison, the steady-state mRNA level for decorin, the major sulphated proteoglycan synthesized by the cells, was only slightly affected. The prominent decrease in synthesis of sulphated proteoglycans induced in long-term fibroblast cultures, including the pronounced decrease in versican steady-state mRNA levels, is likely to have a significant effect on the structure of the extracellular matrix. Induction of this type of change may constitute a significant mechanism whereby IL-1 beta can affect the properties of connective tissue during inflammation and wound healing.

A brain extracellular matrix proteoglycan forms aggregates with hyaluronan

Unlike many tissues, the adult central nervous system extracellular matrix (ECM) has few known components. Previously, we characterized a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, pgT1, from adult rat brain which has the properties of a general brain ECM component and is immunologically distinct from aggrecan and versican (Iwata, M., and Carlson, S.S. (1993) J. Neurosci. 13, 195-207). In this study we demonstrate that pgT1 binds hyaluronan with relatively high affinity. The pgT1 preparation isolated from rat brain aggregates in non-denaturing conditions. This aggregation is abolished by incubation of pgT1 with Streptomyces hyaluronidase. Examination of these aggregates by electron microscope reveals a structure in which an average of 18 subunits arise laterally from opposite sides of an elongated 350-nm filament. These pgT1 aggregates resemble the proteoglycan aggregates in cartilage which are composed of aggrecan and hyaluronan. Using affinity coelectrophoresis, we measure a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.9 +/- 0.2 nM for the interaction of pgT1 and hyaluronan. These new findings, combined with the general distribution of pgT1 in brain, suggest that pgT1/hyaluronan aggregates are an extended general structure of the brain extracellular matrix network.

Platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta 1 differentially affect the synthesis of biglycan and decorin by monkey arterial smooth muscle cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), two growth-regulatory peptides with opposite effects on arterial smooth muscle cell (ASMC) proliferation, were examined for their influence on the synthesis of two small chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans (CS/DS PGs) called biglycan and decorin. Quiescent ASMCs treated with either PDGF or TGF-beta 1 for 24 hours increased [35S]sulfate incorporation into biglycan 3.3- and 2.9-fold, respectively, whereas the incorporation of [35S]sulfate into decorin was not significantly affected. Treatment with TGF-beta 1 but not PDGF more than doubled the steady-state level of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts hybridizing to a complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding biglycan. Both growth factors had little or no effect on steady-state levels of mRNA transcripts hybridizing to a decorin cDNA. Incorporation of [35S]sulfate into biglycan glycosaminoglycan (GAG) was maximal by 12 to 18 hours after either PDGF or TGF-beta 1 addition. Both PDGF and TGF-beta 1 increased the molecular sizes of biglycan and decorin. This increase was a result of the synthesis of longer GAG chains substituted on the core proteins of both PGs. PDGF but not TGF-beta 1 led to an increase of more than twofold in the ratio of 6'- to 4'-sulfated disaccharides in these newly synthesized GAG chains. These results indicate that PDGF and TGF-beta 1 have specific but different effects on the synthesis of small CS/DS PGs by monkey ASMCs in culture.

Alterations in nonhuman primate (M. nemestrina) lung proteoglycans during normal development and acute hyaline membrane disease

Proteoglycans (PGs) and lung hyaluronan (HA) are important components of the lung matrix both during normal development and in response to injury. We combined morphologic and biochemical techniques to study changes in PG and HA in a developmental series of Macaca nemestrina lungs ranging from 62% gestation to 3 mo post-term (n = 16), in adult lungs (n = 6), and from prematurely delivered, mechanically ventilated monkeys with hyaline membrane disease (HMD) (n = 7). Three groups of cuprolinic blue-positive (CuB) precipitates, identified by size, location, and susceptibility to enzyme digestion were found in lungs from all animals. Immature alveolar interstitium is characterized by loosely woven collagen bundles and an abundance of large (100 to 200 nm) stained filaments representing chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). As maturation proceeds, the interstitial matrix appears increasingly organized, with large collagen bundles associated with 20 nm CuB-stained deposits (dermatan sulfate proteoglycans, DSPGs), and fewer large CSPGs. Fetal alveolar basement membrane contains CuB-stained heparin sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) (10 nm) scattered throughout. Lung matrix from animals with HMD appeared to have a disruption of the collagen-DSPG relationship, in addition to an enrichment in large CSPG. Complementary biochemical analysis of lung PGs and HA was done. Minced lung parenchyma was cultured with [3H]-glucosamine and [35S]-sulfate for 24 h; PGs and HA were extracted and analyzed. While PG synthesis during development tended to be highest at 80% gestation, animals with HMD showed greatly increased synthesis, approximately 2.5-fold higher than comparable fetal animals. In the developmental series, [3H]-glucosamine incorporation into HA was maximal at term, falling abruptly thereafter. HMD animals, however, showed a 2.3-fold increase over controls in net HA synthesis. Extracted PGs were separated according to buoyant density by dissociative cesium chloride density gradient ultracentrifugation. Two peaks of 35S-labeled PGs were separated from each density gradient fraction by chromatography on Sepharose CL-4B. A large CSPG was the principal PG eluting in the voiding volume, while the second broad peak (K(av) = 0.42) contained a mixed population of CSPG, DSPG, and HSPGs, the proportions of which varied with age. Both ultrastructural and biochemical analyses indicate that production of a large, high buoyant density CSPG predominates in fetal lung tissue, and diminishes with developmental age. Synthesis of large CSPG is greatly increased in lung explants from prematurely delivered animals with HMD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Partial characterization of proteoglycans synthesized by human gingival epithelial cells in culture

Proteoglycans (PGs) were extracted from the [35S]-sulfate labelled medium and cell layer of proliferating human gingival epithelial cells and analyzed by ion exchange and molecular sieve chromatography, and by SDS-PAGE. The majority of the incorporated radioactivity secreted into the medium eluted from a DEAE Sephacel ion exchange column as a single peak at 0.44 M NaCl with a small shoulder at 0.52 M NaCl. This material, when chromatographed on Sepharose CL-6B contained two species--a quantitatively major peak at K(av) = 0.30 (M(r) congruent to 235,000 on SDS-PAGE) and a quantitatively minor peak at K(av) = 0.39. The major peak was sensitive to alkaline borohydride, shifting to K(av) = 0.45, and nitrous acid degradation, indicating the presence of heparan sulfate PG with glycosaminoglycan chains with M(r) congruent to 26,000. The minor peak is chondroitin/dermatan sulfate PG with glycosaminoglycan chains of M(r) = 22,200 as indicated by sensitivity to alkaline borohydride (shifting to K(av) = 0.48) and chondroitin ABC lyase digestion. The [35S]-sulfate labelled material from the cell layer eluted in a broad peak between 0-0.50 M NaCl from DEAE Sephacel. Chromatography of this material on Sepharose CL-6B revealed the presence of three peaks at K(av) = 0.20, 0.31, and 0.75. The largest peak (K(av) = 0.20 and M(r) congruent to 245,000 on SDS-PAGE) shifted elution position to K(av) = 0.50 after alkaline borohydride treatment and was completely sensitive to nitrous acid degradation. These results indicate that this peak contains heparan sulfate PG with glycosaminoglycan chains of M(r) congruent to 20,000. Two peaks containing [35S]-sulfate labelled glycosaminoglycan chains were detected by chromatography of the cell layer extract over Sepharose CL-6B with K(av)S = 0.42 (M(r) congruent to 30,500) and 0.75 (M(r) congruent to 5300). The larger peak was predominantly chondroitin/dermatan glycosaminoglycan as indicated by susceptibility to chondroitin ABC lyase while the chains at K(av) = 0.75 were predominantly heparan sulfate with 83% susceptibility to nitrous acid. These results indicate that cultured human gingival epithelial cells synthesize and secrete principally heparan sulfate PGs with small amounts of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate PGs. This work will serve as a basis for future studies designed to examine those factors involved in regulation of PG synthesis by these cells.

Expression of decorin by sprouting bovine aortic endothelial cells exhibiting angiogenesis in vitro

In our recent studies, we have demonstrated that monolayer cultures of bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells that do not express type I collagen also fail to express and synthesize decorin, a small chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycan that interacts with type I collagen and regulates collagen fibrillogenesis in vitro. However, BAE cells exhibiting a spontaneous sprouting phenotype and a predisposition toward the formation of cords and tube-like structures (an in vitro model for angiogenesis) initiate the synthesis of type I collagen during their morphological transition from a polygonal monolayer to an angiogenic phenotype. In the present study, we examined whether BAE cells also initiate the synthesis of the proteoglycan decorin during this morphological transition. We show by Northern blot analysis and by immunochemical methods that BAE cell cultures containing sprouting cells and cords, but not monolayer cultures of these cells, express and synthesize decorin (M(r) approximately 100,000). We also show that type I collagen expression by BAE cell cultures is initiated concomitantly. However, the localization of decorin and type I collagen in cord and tube-forming BAE cell cultures is not completely identical. Type I collagen is detected only in sprouting BAE cells and in endothelial cords, whereas decorin is also apparent in BAE cells surrounding the cords and tubes. Our results indicate that the synthesis of decorin as well as type I collagen is associated with endothelial cord and tube formation in vitro.

The role of proteoglycans in cell adhesion, migration and proliferation

Proteoglycans comprise a part of the extracellular matrix that participates in the molecular events that regulate cell adhesion, migration and proliferation. Their structural diversity and tissue distribution suggest a functional versatility not generally encountered for other extracellular matrix components. This versatility is mainly dictated by their molecular interactions and their ability to regulate the activity of key molecules involved in several biological events. This molecular cooperativity either promotes or inhibits cell adhesion, migration and proliferation. A growing number of studies indicate that proteoglycans can play a direct role in these cellular events by functioning either as receptors or as ligands for molecules that are required for these events to occur. Such studies support a role for proteoglycans as important effectors of cellular processes that constitute the basis of development and disease.

Altered proteoglycan synthesis via the false acceptor pathway can be dissociated from beta-D-xyloside inhibition of proliferation

beta-D-Xylosides have been used to perturb proteoglycan (PG) synthesis to elucidate the function of PGs in a number of cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation. This study was designed to examine whether specific xylosides affect the proliferation of several different cell types and, if so, whether this effect is dependent on altered PG synthesis via the false acceptor pathway. Both methylumbelliferyl beta-D-xylopyranoside and p-nitrophenyl beta-D-xylopyranoside (PNP beta-xyloside) inhibit cell proliferation and modulate PG synthesis; however, the alpha form of PNP xyloside which does not perturb PG synthesis inhibits the proliferation of cultured cells on a molar basis equally as well as the beta form. Conversely, beta-methyl xylopyranoside stimulates the synthesis of free glycosaminoglycan chains equally as well as PNP beta-xyloside and yet has no measurable effect on cell proliferation at comparable doses, indicating that cells can grow normally while experiencing disruption of their proteoglycan metabolism. At doses ranging from 0.5 to 5 mM, PNP beta-xyloside arrests cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle at the same time point as serum starvation. It also delays the exist of cycling cells from the S phase. This treatment is not cytotoxic and is rapidly reversed by the replacement of PNP beta-xyloside containing medium with control medium. Dimethyl sulfoxide, the most commonly used solvent for beta-xyloside in proteoglycan studies, potentiates the inhibitory effect of PNP beta-xyloside on cell proliferation. These results indicate that the perturbation of PG synthesis via the false acceptor pathway can be uncoupled from control of cell proliferation.

Increased expression of beta-amyloid protein precursor and microtubule-associated protein tau during the differentiation of murine embryonal carcinoma cells

Expression of the genes encoding the beta/A4 amyloid protein precursor (APP) and microtubule-associated protein tau was studied in an embryonal carcinoma cell line (P19) that differentiates in vitro into cholinergic neurons after treatment with retinoic acid. Expression of APP increased 34- (mRNA) and 50-fold (protein) during neuronal differentiation; APP-695 accounted for most of this increase. These remarkable increases in APP expression coincided with a proliferation of neuronal processes and with an increase in content of tau mRNA. Moreover, subsequent decreases in the levels of APP and tau mRNA coincided with the onset of the degeneration of the neuronal processes. Immunocytochemical staining suggested that greater than 85% of the P19-derived neurons are cholinergic and that APP is present in the neuronal processes and cell bodies. These results suggest that APP may play an important role in construction of neuronal networks and neuronal differentiation and also indicate that this embryonal carcinoma cell line provides an ideal model system to investigate biological functions of APP and the roles of APP and tau protein in development of Alzheimer's disease in cholinergic neurons.

Differential transport kinetics of chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate proteoglycan by monkey aorta smooth muscle cells

Pulse-chase studies were performed to study the kinetics of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) and dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (DSPG) transport in monkey aorta smooth muscle cells. During a short pulse (5 min) with [35S]Na2SO4 (500 microCi/ml), the cells synthesized 59% DSPG, 38% CSPG, and 3% heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Both DSPG and CSPG were transported out of the cell very rapidly after sulfate incorporation. At various chase times, proteoglycans (PGs) were isolated from four cellular compartments: (a) medium, (b) total cell lysate, (c) intracellular pool, and (d) extracellular pool. The PGs from the different pools were analyzed by Sepharose CL-2B column chromatography. The data of intracellular DSPG loss fitted a double exponential decay model: approximately 90% was secreted quickly with a t1/2 of 7 min, and the remaining 10% had a dramatically slower rate of secretion (t1/2 of 130 min). DSPG was rapidly secreted into the medium without prior accumulation in the extracellular matrix. In contrast, the loss of intracellular CSPG fitted a single exponential decay model with a t1/2 of 8 min; however, there was a significant accumulation of CSPG in the extracellular matrix compartment before release into the medium, resulting in a relatively slower secretion of CSPG into the medium (t1/2 of about 31 min). This delay in CSPG secretion into the medium is probably due to aggregation in the extracellular matrix, since addition of short hyaluronan oligomers (8-14 oligosaccharides) to the medium during the chase increased the rate of CSPG being secreted into the medium. We concluded that in aortic smooth muscle cell cultures, CSPG and DSPG are secreted via two distinct pathways through the cellular compartments.

Peripheral distribution of dermatan sulfate proteoglycans (decorin) in amyloid-containing plaques and their presence in neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's disease

We used a polyclonal antibody and a mixture of three monoclonal antibodies (MAb), all recognizing the protein core of the small dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (DSPG) (known as PG-II or decorin) derived from human skin fibroblasts, to immunolocalize this molecule in the characteristic lesions in Alzheimer's brain. All antibodies demonstrated positive decorin immunostaining in both the amyloid deposits of neuritic plaques (NPs) and the filamentous structures within neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Unlike heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), which tend to be evenly distributed throughout NPs containing amyloid fibrils, decorin was primarily localized to the periphery of the spherically shaped amyloid plaques and to the edges of amyloid fibril bundles within the plaque periphery. Decorin was also immunolocalized to the paired helical and straight filaments within NFTs and to collagen fibrils surrounding blood vessels. The unusual distribution of decorin confined to the periphery of amyloid plaques in AD brain suggests that this particular PG may play an important role in the development of the amyloid plaque.

Modulation of proteoglycan metabolism by human fibroblasts maintained in an endogenous three-dimensional matrix

This report describes synthesis and degradation of proteoglycans by human gingival fibroblasts growing in an endogenous three-dimensional matrix. Cells grown in the matrix cultures demonstrated a high rate of proteoglycan synthesis, varying between 2 and 4 times that of cells maintained in monolayer cultures. In addition, the relative amount deposited into the cell layer was increased in the matrix cultures, constituting 70% to 90% of the synthesized material during the first 24 h. Comparable levels for the monolayer cultures were 30% to 60%. The majority of the 35S-sulfate-labeled material in both matrix (80%) and monolayer (62%) cultures was susceptible to chondroitin ABC-lyase digestion. The major product was a low Mr (120,000) proteoglycan which could be immunoprecipitated by an antibody against PGII (decorin). In addition, the cells synthesized two chondroitin ABC-lyase-sensitive proteoglycans, one with Mr greater than 400,000, one with an apparent Mr of 250,000, as well as two heparan sulfate proteoglycans with Mr greater than 250,000. The low Mr dermatan sulfate, decorin, was also the major component deposited in the three-dimensional matrix, constituting about 60% of the total sulfate incorporation. In contrast, fibroblasts in monolayer cultures deposited only a small amount (13%) of decorin (PGII) in the cell layer, and the major proteoglycan in this compartment was heparin sulfate. The rate of release of the newly deposited proteoglycans was the same in the two culture conditions, although material released from the three-dimensional matrix cultures contained small Mr components indicating a higher degree of degradation. These studies show differences in proteoglycan metabolism by gingival fibroblasts grown in an endogenous matrix and in monolayer cultures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan synthesized by monkey arterial smooth muscle cells in vitro

A monoclonal antibody against arterial smooth muscle cell chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan has been developed. Incubation of [35S]-methionine labeled proteoglycans with MAb 941 quantitatively immunoprecipitated all the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) synthesized by these cells. Digestion of the immunoprecipitate with chondroitin AC lyase revealed one major protein band (Mr 420,000) and two minor bands (Mr 509,000 and 390,000) on SDS-PAGE that are composed of very similar peptides when analyzed by limited peptide digestion by S. aureus V8 protease. Additional studies demonstrated that this monoclonal antibody recognized an epitope on the chondroitin sulfate chains. However, only a minor subpopulation (5-12%) of the alkaline-borohydride released glycosaminoglycan chains was immunoprecipitated and this subset of chains was slightly larger than the non-immunoprecipitated chains. High pressure liquid chromatography analysis of the disaccharides generated from the immunoprecipitated glycosaminoglycan chains demonstrated that these chains were enriched in chondroitin-6-sulfate relative to chondroitin-4-sulfate (2:1) while that of the non-immunoprecipitated chains had a ratio of 1:1. These studies indicate that at least two distinct pools of chondroitin sulfate chains are present on all the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan synthesized by arterial smooth muscle cells: a major population (89-95%) containing 6-sulfate and 4-sulfate in relatively equal proportion and a minor population (5-12%) which is hydrodynamically larger with a 6-sulfate to 4-sulfate ratio of 2:1.

Differential expression of small chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans, PG-I/biglycan and PG-II/decorin, by vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells in culture

Cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle (BASM) and endothelial (BAE) cells, like articular chondrocytes, synthesize two populations of small chondroitin/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) proteoglycans (PGs) of similar size as PG-I/biglycan and PG-II/decorin. However, Northern blot analyses demonstrated that BAE cells express detectable amounts of mRNA transcripts only for PG-I/biglycan, whereas BASM cells and articular chondrocytes express mRNA transcripts for both PG-I/biglycan and PG-II/decorin. Endothelial cells from human umbilical vein also expressed detectable amounts of mRNA transcripts only for PG-I/biglycan, and not PG-II/decorin. Antiserum raised against bovine PG-II/decorin immunoprecipitated an apparent single PG species with relative molecular mass (Mr) of approximately 120,000-180,000 from BASM cell and articular chondrocyte cultures but failed to immunoprecipitate an equivalent PG species from BAE cell cultures, consistent with the results from Northern blot analysis. In contrast, immunoprecipitations by antisera to PG-I/biglycan indicated that cultured endothelial cells synthesize two forms of PG-I/biglycan with Mr values slightly larger than 200,000 and 120,000-140,000. It is likely, based on the magnitude of the size difference, that these two forms of PG-I/biglycan differ in the number of glycosaminoglycan chains. Additionally, BASM but not BAE cells were found to express detectable amounts of mRNA transcripts for type I collagen. The above results indicate that the two main cell types of the vascular wall, endothelial and smooth muscle cells, express different sets of small interstitial CS/DS PGs and that the synthesis of PG-II/decorin by these cells correlates with the expression of type I collagen, a collagen known to interact specifically with this PG. These differences in the expression of extracellular matrix molecules may be important in regulating the cell type-specific functions of endothelial and smooth muscle cells within the vascular tissue.

A temporal and ultrastructural relationship between heparan sulfate proteoglycans and AA amyloid in experimental amyloidosis

Previous histochemical studies have suggested a close temporal relationship between the deposition of highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and amyloid during experimental AA amyloidosis. In the present investigation, we extended these initial observations by using specific immunocytochemical probes to analyze the temporal and ultrastructural relationship between heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) accumulation and amyloid deposition in a mouse model of AA amyloidosis. Antibodies against the basement membrane-derived HSPG (either protein core or GAG chains) demonstrated a virtually concurrent deposition of HSPGs and amyloid in specific tissue sites regardless of the organ involved (spleen or liver) or the induction protocol used (amyloid enhancing factor + silver nitrate, or daily azocasein injections). Polyclonal antibodies to AA amyloid protein and amyloid P component also demonstrated co-localization to sites of HSPG deposition in amyloid sites, whereas no positive immunostaining was observed in these locales with a polyclonal antibody to the protein core of a dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (known as "decorin"). Immunogold labeling of HSPGs (either protein core or GAG chains) in amyloidotic mouse spleen or liver revealed specific localization of HSPGs to amyloid fibrils. In the liver, heparan sulfate GAGs were also immunolocalized to the lysosomal compartment of hepatocytes and/or Kupffer cells adjacent to sites of amyloid deposition, suggesting that these cells are involved in HSPG production and/or degradation. The close temporal and ultrastructural relationship between HSPGs and AA amyloid further implies an important role for HSPGs during the initial stages of AA amyloidosis.

Effects of platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta 1 on the synthesis of a large versican-like chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan by arterial smooth muscle cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) increase [35S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycan (PG) by monkey arterial smooth muscle cells but have opposite effects on cell proliferation. The combination of these two growth regulatory peptides has an additive effect on PG synthesis but no effects on cell proliferation. The time course of sulfate incorporation after stimulation indicates that both growth factors cause maximal incorporation of sulfate into glycosaminoglycan chains by 12-18 h. The PG that is most affected is a large CSPG (Mr approximately 1.2 x 10(6)) which can be immunoprecipitated by an antibody against versican, a large CSPG synthesized by human skin fibroblasts. The hydrodynamic size of this molecule increases after PDGF and TGF-beta 1 stimulation, but the size of the core glycoprotein (Mr approximately 450,000) remains the same. Treatment with either growth factor leads to an increase in the amount of core glycoprotein for this PG. This increase correlates with an increase in the steady state level of mRNA identified by hybridization to a cDNA encoding versican. The two growth factors also increase the glycosaminoglycan chain length of this PG accounting for the greater hydrodynamic size of the molecule after stimulation. In contrast, PDGF and not TGF-beta 1 changes the composition of the glycosaminoglycan chains attached to this PG by doubling the ratio of chondroitin 6-sulfate to chondroitin 4-sulfate. These results indicate that although both of these growth factors increase the net synthesis of a large versican like CSPG, they differ in their effects on the structure of the glycosaminoglycan chains. These post-translational modifications may relate to the growth state of the cells.

Immunolocalization of heparan sulfate proteoglycans to the prion protein amyloid plaques of Gerstmann-Straussler syndrome, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and scrapie

Previous histochemical studies have demonstrated highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) localized to the amyloid plaques in the brains of humans and animals with prion diseases (Snow et al., Acta Neuropathol 77:337, 1989). However, the identity of the specific class of proteoglycan/GAG present was not known. The current investigation used immunocytochemical techniques to identify and localize heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in human cases of Gerstmann-Straussler syndrome and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, as well as in experimental scrapie of hamsters. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to either the protein core or GAG moiety of the basement membrane-derived HSPG were utilized. The results demonstrate that both the protein core and the GAG chains of HSPGs are immunolocalized to the prion protein amyloid plaques in each of these diseases. HSPG immunostaining was also evident in these tissues in blood vessels, choroid plexus, myelinated axons, and in the cytoplasm of certain neuronal and astrocytic populations, particularly those in close proximity to the amyloid plaques. Additionally, in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Gerstmann-Straussler syndrome cerebellum, positive immunostaining for heparan sulfate GAGs was observed within the cell bodies of Purkinje cells. The specific accumulation of HSPGs in the amyloid deposits of both the prion diseases and Alzheimer's disease (Snow et al., Am J Pathol 133:456, 1988), suggests that a common mechanism involving HSPGs may occur in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis in each of these diseases.

Early accumulation of heparan sulfate in neurons and in the beta-amyloid protein-containing lesions of Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome

A monoclonal antibody (HK-249) that recognizes a glucosamine sulfate alpha 1----4 glucuronic acid-containing determinant in heparan sulfate (HS) chains of a basement membrane-derived heparan sulfate proteoglycan identified and immunolocalized HS specifically to the amyloid deposits in neuritic plaques (NPs), congophilic angiopathy (CA), as well as in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and non-tangle-bearing neurons in the brains of Alzheimer's and Down's syndrome (DS) patients. Ultrastructural immunohistochemistry demonstrated that HS within neurons of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain was localized to lipofuscin granules, an aging pigment previously shown also to contain beta-amyloid protein (BAP). Heparan sulfate also was localized to neurite-containing, nonfibrillar 'primitive' plaques that also demonstrated positive BAP immunoreactivity in both AD and DS brains. Antibodies to laminin, fibronectin, and a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan failed to show positive immunostaining of the HS-containing sites described above. Analysis of DS patients at different ages revealed that HS accumulated within neurons of the hippocampus and amygdala as early as 1 day after birth. Young age-matched controls did not demonstrate similar positive HS immunoreactivity in neurons, whereas positive immunostaining for HS was observed in other regions thought to normally contain HS. The earliest deposition of BAP was first observed as 'amorphous' or 'diffuse' cortical deposits in DS brain in patients aged 18 and 24 years before the accumulation of fibrillar amyloid (observed in DS patients who are 35 years and older). These cortical deposits also contained positive HS immunoreactivity, implying that HS accumulation in conjunction with the BAP is an early event that ultimately may contribute to the early age-related accumulation (ie, as early as 35 years of age in DS) of NPs, NFTs, and/or CA. Furthermore the colocalization of HS and BAP in a number of specific locales in AD and DS brain indicates a possible interaction between these two macromolecules that may be important in lesion development in these two diseases.

Structural changes in the aging submucosa: new morphologic criteria for the evaluation of the unstable human bladder

Biopsies from continent human bladders, ranging in age from six weeks to 95 years, were examined ultrastructurally to establish the organization of the submucosa. The submucosa was found to have a distinct organizational pattern. Collagen fibers are bound into fascicles with arborizing intercollagenous channels. These channels form an intricate network throughout the submucosa. With age, the fascicles separate into individual fibers and there is a commensurate widening of the intercollagenous channels. This process is accelerated in obstruction. As aging occurs, the channels progressively fill with an electron-dense fine particulate matter of unknown origin. The collagen reorganization and accumulation of extracellular matrix particles is thought to alter the permeability and compliance of the submucosa and to encroach upon the neurovascular bundle. A baseline set of morphologic criteria describing the natural history of the continent aged bladder is offered as a framework for future group identification in the incontinent patient.

Heparin modulates the composition of the extracellular matrix domain surrounding arterial smooth muscle cells

Heparin and related molecules influence vascular wall structure by their ability to inhibit smooth muscle cell (smc) proliferation and migration. However, little is known as to whether heparin has an effect on the extracellular matrix. In the present study, the effect of heparin on the content and regional distribution of elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans (PGs) in blood vessels following experimental injury was determined. Two groups of rats were subjected to left common carotid balloon injury and were infused with either 0.9% saline or heparin in a saline solution, for 2 weeks. Using a new morphometric method of analysis, the authors determined changes in volumes of elastin, collagen, and PGs contained within an 'extracellular matrix domain (ECM domain),' the average envelope of connective tissue surrounding each smc. Heparin treatment inhibited intimal thickening and decreased the elastin content in the ECM domain in the upper and lower arterial intima. Collagen also was found to be significantly decreased 5.0-fold and 7.6-fold in the ECM domains of upper and lower intima, respectively, of heparin-treated animals. The decrease in both elastin and collagen was balanced by a significant increase in amorphous and filamentous electron-dense material. Heparin also caused a significant 1.8-fold and 1.9-fold increase in the PG content in the ECM domain in the upper and lower intima, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis, using antibodies to elastin and PG subclasses, supported the morphometric observations. This study has shown that heparin administered in vivo can alter the accumulation and distribution of each of the major vascular ECM components in a specific and differential manner.

New insights into idiopathic infantile arterial calcinosis. Three patient reports

We describe the occurrence of idiopathic infantile arterial calcinosis in three newborn siblings. Unusual features in this disease include ultrasonographic prenatal diagnosis in the second two siblings and ultrastructural studies of the third patient that might shed light on the pathophysiologic characteristics of this disease. Ruthenium-red staining for proteoglycans showed a clearly abnormal structure for the granules in areas of calcification. The granules appeared disorganized, with loss of their normal honeycomb interconnections. They also varied in size and density. In addition, matrix vesicles that might serve as nucleation sites for crystalline calcium phosphate were observed in zones of calcification.

Intimal fibromuscular hyperplasia at the venous anastomosis of PTFE grafts in hemodialysis patients. Clinical, immunocytochemical, light and electron microscopic assessment

Failure of arteriovenous communications used for chronic hemodialysis was studied during sequential 5-year periods after placement of either endogenous Brescia-Cimino (B-C) fistulas (50 patients) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Gore-Tex) grafts (66 patients). Venous stenosis near the anastomosis was the reason for failure in 45% of PTFE grafts compared with 16% of B-C fistulas (p less than 0.001). Failure occurred, on average, 16 months after PTFE graft placement compared with 22 for B-C fistulas (p = NS). Proximal vein segments removed from five failed and two functioning PTFE graft communications were studied using light and electron microscopy and immunocytochemical techniques. All venous segments removed during surgical shunt repair exhibited a marked intimal hyperplasia. The intimal cellular component was almost exclusively smooth muscle. Accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets was not seen. Foam cells as well as extracellular lipid deposits were absent; macrophages and lymphocytes were absent from the zone of proliferation. Ultrastructural examination revealed a large proportion of extracellular matrix surrounding smooth muscle cells in the neointima. Collagen and elastin were present in the extracellular matrix, in greatest concentration deeper in the intima. Closer to the lumen, most of the extracellular volume consisted of proteoglycan. Hemosiderin was absent from the lesions as were consistent signs of luminal and intimal fibrin. Uniform intimal gradients of actin, collagen, and proteoglycan suggest that this is a steadily progressive, rather than episodic, proliferative response. These clinical and histologic observations and an analysis of hemodynamic stresses support the postulate that upstream release of platelet-derived growth factor, and possibly, shear-induced intimal injury stimulate this response. This myointimal proliferative process provides a readily accessible model of fibromuscular hyperplasia in humans; its understanding may lead to effective methods for its prevention and may provide clues to the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis.

Proteoglycans and vascular cell proliferation

The relationships that exist between proliferative states and proteoglycan (PG) synthesis have been examined in monkey aortic smooth muscle cells in culture. These cells were made quiescent in medium containing low serum (0.1%) and stimulated to divide by addition of either nanogram quantities or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or medium containing 5% serum. Incorporation of [35S]sulfate into PG was increased during the first 24 h of growth stimulation, and this increase appeared to be principally in the large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). Furthermore, addition of p-nitrophenyl beta-D-xyloside, which perturbs PG metabolism, inhibits cells from proliferating, suggesting that PG may be involved in facilitating cell division. Inhibition of cell proliferation by heparin and/or TGF-beta also causes elevated levels of 35S-sulfate incorporation into PG by these cells. These studies indicate that proteoglycan metabolism is modulated as a function of the growth of arterial smooth muscle cells; however, it is still uncertain whether PG play a direct or indirect role in the control of cell growth.

Proteoglycans in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other amyloidoses

Proteoglycans and the amyloid P component are two constituents of amyloid that appear to be present regardless of the type of amyloid protein deposited, the extent of amyloid deposition and the tissue or organ involved. This article reviews the literature concerning proteoglycans and/or glycosaminoglycans in amyloidosis and describes recent studies which demonstrate their localization to the characteristic lesions of Alzheimer's disease and the amyloid plaques containing PrP protein in the prion diseases. Additionally, the possible interaction of proteoglycans with various amyloidogenic proteins, including the beta-amyloid protein in Alzheimer's disease is discussed. It is postulated that proteoglycans localized to a number of different amyloids play a common role in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis. Some of these hypothesized roles include 1) inducing amyloidogenic precursor proteins to form amyloid fibrils containing a predominant beta-pleated sheet structure, 2) influencing amyloid deposition to occur at specific anatomical sites within tissues and/or 3) aiding in prevention of amyloid degradation once amyloid has formed.

Endothelial adherence under shear stress is dependent upon microfilament reorganization

In response to externally applied shear stress, cultured endothelial monolayers develop prominent, axially-aligned, microfilamentous bundles, termed "stress fibers" (Dewey: Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 106:31-35, 1984; Franke et al.: Nature 81:570-580, 1984; Franke et al.: Klin. Wochenschr 64:989-992, 1986; Wechezak et al.: Laboratory Investigation 53:639-647, 1985). It is unclear, however, whether similar stress fibers develop in noncontiguous endothelial cells and whether these structures are necessary for adherence of individual cells under shear stress. It also is unknown what alterations occur in microtubules, intermediate filaments, and focal contacts as a consequence of shear stress. In this study, endothelial cells, free of intercellular contact, were exposed to 93 dynes/cm2 for 2 hr. With the aid of specific labeling probes and interference reflection microscopy, the distributional patterns of microfilaments, microtubules, intermediate filaments, and focal contacts were examined. Following shear stress, microfilament bundles and their associated focal contacts were concentrated in the proximal (relative to flow direction) cell regions. In contrast, microtubules were distributed uniformly within cell contours. Intermediate filaments displayed only an occasional tendency for accumulation at proximal edges. When cells were shear-tested in the presence of cytochalasin B to inhibit microfilament assembly, considerable cell loss occurred. Following inhibition of tubulin polymerization, no increase was observed in the percentage of cells lost due to shear over nontreated controls. Nocodazole-treated cells, however, were characterized by prominent stress fibers throughout the cell. These results indicate that stress fiber and focal contact reorganization represent major responses in isolated endothelial cells exposed to shear stress and that these cytoskeletal structures are necessary for adherence.

Cell biology of arterial proteoglycans

Although proteoglycans constitute a minor component of vascular tissue, these molecules have been shown to influence a number of arterial properties such as viscoelasticity, permeability, lipid metabolism, hemostasis, and thrombosis. A hallmark of early and late atherosclerosis is the accumulation of proteoglycans in the intimal lesions. Yet, it is not clear why this accumulation occurs. This article reviews the classes of proteoglycans synthesized by the two major cell types of the arterial wall--the endothelial and smooth muscle cell. Detailed consideration is then given to the modulation of proteoglycan metabolism and the role that proteoglycans play in a number of cellular events such as adhesion, migration, and proliferation--important processes in both the development and the pathogenesis of blood vessels. Last, the involvement of proteoglycans in two critical vascular wall processes--hemostasis and lipid metabolism--is reviewed, because these events pertain to atherogenesis. This review emphasizes the importance of proteoglycans in regulating several key events in normal and pathophysiological processes in the vascular tissue.

Cationic dyes reveal proteoglycans structurally integrated within the characteristic lesions of Alzheimer's disease

The cationic dyes ruthenium red (RR) and cuprolinic blue (CB) were used to preserve proteoglycans (PGs) for visualization at the ultrastructural level in brain tissue from seven cases of Alzheimer's disease (obtained at autopsy within 3-4 h after death). PGs were visualized as RR-positive granules specifically localized to the amyloid fibrils in neuritic plaques. In neurofibrillary tangles, RR granules were localized to the paired helical filaments and straight filaments usually at a consistent periodicity of 40-70 nm. CB, known to preserve PGs as short punctate filaments, also demonstrated PGs specifically localized to the amyloid fibrils in neuritic plaques and in association with paired helical filaments and straight filaments in neurofibrillary tangles. Persistent staining with CB at magnesium chloride concentrations of 0.3 and 0.7 M in the neuritic plaques suggested the presence of highly sulfated PGs, whereas abolishment of CB staining at 0.7 M magnesium chloride in the neurofibrillary tangles implied that different PGs and/or glycosaminoglycans were present in the neurofibrillary tangles. The specific ultrastructural localization of PGs to the characteristic lesions in Alzheimer's disease suggests that PGs are part of a complex structural network with amyloid fibrils in neuritic plaques and the filamentous structures present in neurofibrillary tangles.

Isolation and characterization of dermatan sulfate proteoglycans synthesized by cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells

Three glucuronic acid-rich dermatan sulfate proteoglycans (DS-PGs) have been isolated by chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques from cultures of bovine aortic endothelial cells and characterized structurally. The smallest of the DS-PGs (DS-II) has an apparent Mr of approximately 100,000 and glycosaminoglycan chains of Mr approximately 29,000. Core glycoprotein samples prepared by chondroitin ABC lyase digestion run as doublets of Mr = 45,000 and 48,000 on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A decrease in core size is apparent after N-glycanase digestion, or when DS-PG is isolated from tunicamycin-treated cultures, providing evidence that the core protein is N-glycosylated. Isolated DS-II shows evidence of self-association when subjected to liquid chromatography under conditions of reduced ionic strength, but not during sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In addition, DS-II, but not other endothelial cell DS-PG subclasses, is bound by an antibody against human skin fibroblast DS-PG, indicating that this DS-PG belongs to a family of widely distributed small DS-PGs, previously isolated from various connective tissues. A slightly larger (Mr approximately 220,000) DS-PG (DS-I) can be separated from DS-II by preparative electrophoresis. Despite similarities in core size and extent of N-glycosylation between DS-I and DS-II, DS-I shows only limited ability to self-associate, and does not interact with the anti-fibroblast DS-PG antibody. DS-I glycosaminoglycan chains are also smaller (Mr approximately 18,000) than those from DS-II, similar in size to the chains borne by the DS-PG subclass of largest size (high molecular weight (HMW)-DS). HMW-DS, which predominated in cell layer extracts, runs with a Kav of 0.45 on Sepharose CL-2B and is estimated to have an Mr greater than 700,000. Reduction and alkylation of HMW-DS indicates that it forms disulfide-bonded aggregates with other matrical proteins within the cell layer. HMW-DS displayed multiple protein cores (Mr greater than 200,000) upon chondroitin ABC lyase treatment. Despite some similarity in size to the family of large, aggregating chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and DS-PGs, immunological evidence suggests that it lacks a hyaluronic acid binding region.

Colloidal gold immunostaining on deplasticized ultra-thin sections

We localized tissue antigens on ultra-thin sections by deplasticizing the sections while on the grid, incubating in primary antiserum followed by immunoglobulin-conjugated colloidal gold, and ultimately re-embedding in dilute Epon. This procedure permitted ultrastructural localization of tissue antigens that were previously masked by the embedding plastic surrounding tissue components. In addition, replacement of the plastic matrix on the thin section after immunostaining prevented development of the drying artifacts that occur in unsupported tissue sections. Optimal preservation of components in the tissue sections was achieved despite extensive steps involved in plastic removal and immunostaining. This method may be useful in situations where the number of exposed epitopes on the surface of a thin section is low. The procedure also allows the use of antisera at greater dilutions and provides enhanced immunostaining specificity with low background.

Arterial chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan: localization with a monoclonal antibody

We generated a monoclonal antibody (Mab) against a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) isolated from bovine aorta. This Mab (941) immunoprecipitates a CSPG synthesized by cultured monkey arterial smooth muscle cells. The immunoprecipitated CSPG is totally susceptible to chondroitinase ABC digestion and possesses a core glycoprotein of Mr approximately 400-500 KD. By use of immunofluorescence light microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy, the PG recognized by this Mab was shown to be deposited in the extracellular matrix of monkey arterial smooth muscle cell cultures in clusters which were not part of other fibrous matrix components and not associated with the cell's plasma membrane. With similar immunolocalization techniques, the CSPG antigen was found enriched in the intima and present in the medial portions of normal blood vessels, as well as in the interstitial matrix of thickened intimal lesions of atherosclerotic vessels. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that this CSPG was confined principally to the space within the extracellular matrix not occupied by other matrix components, such as collagen and elastic fibers. These results indicate that this particular proteoglycan has a specific but restricted distribution in the extracellular matrix of arterial tissue.

Cell-free translation of mRNA encoding an arterial smooth muscle cell proteoglycan core protein

The size and immunological reactivity of the primary gene products of a small non-aggregating dermatan sulfate proteoglycan from bovine and monkey arterial smooth muscle cells were examined after cell-free translation of mRNA. Antisera against the dermatan sulfate proteoglycans from bovine articular cartilage, DSPG II [Rosenberg et al. J. Biol. Chem. 260, 6304 (1985)] and human skin fibroblasts [Glossl et al. J. Biol. Chem. 259, 14144 (1984)] were used to show that the unmodified smooth muscle precursor core protein was immunologically related to both the cartilage and fibroblast core proteins. The size of the precursor core proteins within each species was identical regardless of the tissue source. Comparison of the precursor core proteins synthesized by primate and bovine cells revealed that the bovine core proteins were approximately 1500 Da larger than the primate core proteins as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A similar size difference was observed when the mature core proteins of monkey smooth muscle cells and bovine articular chondrocytes were compared after removal of the glycosaminoglycan chains. These results indicate that arterial smooth muscle cells synthesize a dermatan sulfate proteoglycan whose core protein is similar to, if not the same as, the cartilage and fibroblast dermatan sulfate proteoglycan core proteins. These core proteins may be encoded by the same gene that has diverged in size during speciation.

Structural characterization of heparan sulfate proteoglycan subclasses isolated from bovine aortic endothelial cell cultures

Labeled heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) were isolated from wounded and confluent cultures of bovine aortic endothelial cells by nondegradative extraction with 4 M guanidine hydrochloride and detergent. HSPG were separated from more highly charged chondroitin or dermatan sulfate proteoglycans by ion-exchange chromatography, and subclasses of different hydrodynamic size were isolated by gel filtration. Three major subclasses of HSPG were characterized structurally with respect to the presence and relative size of protein core, the presence and amount of nonsulfated oligosaccharide, and size and structure of heparan sulfate (HS) chains. The largest (600-800-kDa) HSPG subclass (I), isolated from cell layers and media of confluent cultures, bears 38-kDa HS chains on an apparently heterogeneous class of relatively large glycoprotein cores. HSPG II (150-200 kDa), isolated from cell layer or media, has 22-kDa HS chains and smaller core glycoproteins (less than 50 kDa). HSPG III, the subclass of smallest hydrodynamic size, has 13-kDa HS chains and a glycopeptide core of less than 15 kDa. All subclasses bear varying proportions of non-sulfated oligosaccharides of similar sizes. Comparisons of HS chain structure indicated that the different subclasses have similar proportions (49-55%) of N-sulfate, with both O-sulfate and highly N-sulfated blocks of disaccharide distributed similarly along HS chains. In addition, HS chains from subclasses II and III contain sequences that are insensitive to periodate oxidation or heparitinase digestion, suggesting that they contain increased proportions of iduronate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)