Distribution of connective tissue proteins in chick muscle spindles as revealed by monoclonal antibodies: a unique distribution of brachionectin/tenascin

Molecular characterization of the intact mouse muscle spindle using a multi-omics approach

The proprioceptive system is essential for the control of coordinated movement, posture, and skeletal integrity. The sense of proprioception is produced in the brain using peripheral sensory input from receptors such as the muscle spindle, which detects changes in the length of skeletal muscles. Despite its importance, the molecular composition of the muscle spindle is largely unknown. In this study, we generated comprehensive transcriptomic and proteomic datasets of the entire muscle spindle isolated from the murine deep masseter muscle. We then associated differentially expressed genes with the various tissues composing the spindle using bioinformatic analysis. Immunostaining verified these predictions, thus establishing new markers for the different spindle tissues. Utilizing these markers, we identified the differentiation stages the spindle capsule cells undergo during development. Together, these findings provide comprehensive molecular characterization of the intact spindle as well as new tools to study its development and function in health and disease.

Periostin Is Required for the Maintenance of Muscle Fibers during Muscle Regeneration

Skeletal muscle regeneration is a well-organized process that requires remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we revealed the protective role of periostin, a matricellular protein that binds to several ECM proteins during muscle regeneration. In intact muscle, periostin was localized at the neuromuscular junction, muscle spindle, and myotendinous junction, which are connection sites between muscle fibers and nerves or tendons. During muscle regeneration, periostin exhibited robustly increased expression and localization at the interstitial space. Periostin-null mice showed decreased muscle weight due to the loss of muscle fibers during repeated muscle regeneration. Cultured muscle progenitor cells from periostin-null mice showed no deficiencies in their proliferation, differentiation, and the expression of Pax7, MyoD, and myogenin, suggesting that the loss of muscle fibers in periostin-null mice was not due to the impaired function of muscle stem/progenitor cells. Periostin-null mice displayed a decreased number of CD31-positive blood vessels during muscle regeneration, suggesting that the decreased nutritional supply from blood vessels was the cause of muscle fiber loss in periostin-null mice. These results highlight the novel role of periostin in maintaining muscle mass during muscle regeneration.

Age determination of brain contusions

In 104 individuals who had sustained traumatic brain injury, the course of traumatically induced morphological changes was investigated immunohistochemically during the first 30 weeks after the trauma. Regarding the inflammatory cell reaction in human cortical contusions, CD15-labeled granulocytes were detectable within 10 minutes following brain injury, whereas significantly increased numbers of nuclear leukocytes occurred after a postinfliction interval of at least 1.1 days (leukocyte common antigen), 2 days (CD3), or 3.7 days (UCHL-1), respectively. A positive nuclear staining for the proliferation marker MIB-1 by cerebral macrophages could be observed as early as 3 days after the injury and regularly in cases with a survival between 7 and 11 days. Injury-induced glial staining reactions could be demonstrated, at the earliest, after a postinfliction interval of 3 hours for α1-antichymotrypsin, 22 hours for vimentin, 1 day for glial fibrillary acidic protein, and 7 days for tenascin. Regarding the vascular response to brain injury, a significantly increased immunoreactivity could be detected in cortical contusions with a wound age of at least 3 hours for factor VIII, 1.6 days for tenascin, and 6.8 days for thrombomodulin, whereas the immunostaining for laminin and type IV collagen was regularly whereas the immunostaining for laminin and type IV collagen was regularly positive even in the vascular endothelium of ininjured brain tissue.

TGF-β1and TNF-α are involved in the transcription of type I collagen α2gene in soleus muscle atrophied by mechanical unloading

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of hindlimb suspension (HS) on the expressions of COL1A2 (type I collagen α2chain) mRNA and its regulatory factors, transforming growth factors (TGF)-β1, -β2, and -β3, phosphorylated Smad3, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in rat hindlimb muscles. Forty-eight male Wistar rats (age, 5 wk) were randomly assigned to HS for 1, 3, 7, and 14 days and control ( n = 6 for each). During the exposure to HS, COL1A2 mRNA expression decreased in the soleus muscle at day 3 and recovered to control level at day 7. The content of TNF-α, one of the negative regulatory factors for COL1A2, increased from day 3 until day 14. On the other hand, the contents of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, and Smad3, positive regulatory factors for COL1A2, increased at day 7. The in situ hybridization for COL1A2 and the immunohistochemistry of TGF-β1and TNF-α revealed their expressions around nerve-related tissues, including muscle spindles and connective tissue sheath. The results indicate that the transcriptional activity of COL1A2 in the soleus muscle initially decreases in response to unloading through an increase in TNF-α production; thereafter, it returns toward normal level through the activated TGF-β/Smad pathway.

Somatic and intramuscular distribution of muscle spindles and their relation to muscular angiotypes

The distribution pattern of muscle spindles in the skeletal musculature has been reviewed in a large number of muscles (using the literature data especially from cat and man), and the relation of spindle content to muscle mass was quantitatively examined in 36 cat and 140 human muscles. In both species, the number of spindles increases with increasing muscle mass in a power law fashion of the form y=bx+a, whereby y denotes the logarithm of spindle content within a muscle, and x is the logarithm of muscle mass. For the cat, slope b and intercept a were estimated as 0.39 and 1.53, and for man as 0.48 and 1.33, respectively. The results show that the spindle content of a muscle may be related to its mass, confirming a similar analysis made previously by Banks and Stacey (Mechano receptors, Plenum Press, New York, 1988, pp. 263-269) in a different data set. With regard to the histological profile of muscle fibers, (as it is already well documented by many groups) muscle spindles tend to be located in deeper muscle regions where oxidative fibers predominate, and are far scarcer in superficial and flat muscle regions where glycolytic fibers predominate. These discrete muscle regions differ also in the properties of the vessel tree supplying them, for which the term oxidative and glycolytic "angiotype" has been used. The results from these three aspects of analysis (relation to muscle mass, relation to muscle regions with high oxidative index and relation to muscle regions with dense vascular supply) were combined with histological findings showing that spindles may be in systematic anatomical contact to intramuscular vessels. Based on these data a hypothesis is proposed according to which, both the number and intramuscular placement of muscle spindles are related to the oxidative angiotype supplying the muscle territories rich in oxidative fibers. The hypothesis is discussed.

Distribution of tenascin-C and -X and expression of tenascin-C and X mRNA in the postnatal rat tongue

Different distributions of tenascin-C and -X are found in various organs. However, the role of the tenascin family in the process of formation in the papillae epithelium during development is poorly understood. In order to find more information an tenascin-C and -X distributions during tongue development, immunohistocheminical studies have been carried out to demonstrate these distributions. The number of PCNA positive cells gradually increased from 5- to 15-days, and decreased on 21-days in the intercellular space of the epithelal layer in the postnatal development of rat tongue (150 specimens of Wistar male rats (0-, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 21-days). The reaction of tenascin-C was found mainly in the intercellular space of the epithelial layer on contrast to that of tenascin-X which was mainly found an the epithelial layer under a confocal laser scanning microscope. The level of mRNA of tenascin-C (600bp) and tenascin-X (588bp) gradually decreased from 5-days using RT-PCR methods. The different distribution of these extracellular matrices and weakly-regulated expressions may be related to the replication process of the epithelium in the tongue during development.

Neuregulin induces the expression of transcription factors and myosin heavy chains typical of muscle spindles in cultured human muscle

Neuregulin (NRG) (also known as ARIA, GGF, and other names) is a heparin sulfate proteoglycan secreted into the neuromuscular junction by innervating motor and sensory neurons. An integral part of synapse formation, we have analyzed NRG-induced changes in gene expression over 48 h in primary human myotubes. We show that in addition to increasing the expression of acetylcholine receptors on the myotube surface, NRG treatment results in a transient increase of several members of the early growth response (Egr) family of transcription factors. Three Egrs, Egr1, -2, and -3, are induced within the first hour of NRG treatment, with Egr1 and -3 RNA levels showing the most significant increases of approximately 9- and 16-fold, respectively. Also noted was a corresponding increase in protein levels for both of these transcription factors. Previous literature indicates that Egr3 expression is required for the formation of muscle spindle fibers, sensory organs that are distinct from skeletal muscle contractile fibers. At the molecular level, muscle spindle fibers express a unique subset of myosin heavy chains. Two isoforms of the myosin heavy chain, the slow development and neonatal, were found to be increased in our myotube cultures after 48 h of treatment with NRG. Taken together, these results indicate that not only can NRG induce the expression of a transcription factor key to spindle fiber development (Egr3), but that a portion of this developmental process can be replicated in vitro.

Distribution of tenascin-c and -X in rat TMJ development

In the neonatal and postnatal development of rat TMJ, tenascin-C and -X were detected in the muscle, bone matrix, connective tissue around the bone, and blood vessel of rats at E18 (18-days old embryo), 0-, and 5-days postnatal. The reaction of tenascin-X was also found in the connective tissue around the mandibular condyle. The mRNA of tenascin-C (600 bp) and -X (588 bp) was also detected in the developmental muscle with the level of tenascin-C mRNA moderately decreased during development. Therefore, tenascin-C and -X may have different effects on the connective tissue during development of TMJ.

Reloading of atrophied rat soleus muscle induces tenascin-C expression around damaged muscle fibers

The hypothesis was tested that mechanical loading, induced by hindlimb suspension and subsequent reloading, affects expression of the basement membrane components tenascin-C and fibronectin in the belly portion of rat soleus muscle. One day of reloading, but not the previous 14 days of hindlimb suspension, led to ectopic accumulation of tenascin-C and an increase of fibronectin in the endomysium of a proportion (8 and 15%) of muscle fibers. Large increases of tenascin-C (40-fold) and fibronectin (7-fold) mRNA within 1 day of reloading indicates the involvement of pretranslational mechanisms in tenascin-C and fibronectin accumulation. The endomysial accumulation of tenascin-C was maintained up to 14 days of reloading and was strongly associated with centrally nucleated fibers. The observations demonstrate that an unaccustomed increase of rat soleus muscle loading causes modification of the basement membrane of damaged muscle fibers through ectopic endomysial expression of tenascin-C.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural localization of MP78/70 (betaig-h3) in extracellular matrix of developing and mature bovine tissues

MP78/70 is a matrix protein, with 78-kD and 70-kD isoforms, which was initially identified in bovine tissue extracts designed to solubilize elastin-associated microfibrils. Peptide analysis has shown that MP78/70 is closely related to the human protein, betaig-h3. In the present study an antibody raised to a synthetic betaig-h3 peptide was shown specifically to identify MP78/70 in purified form and in bovine tissue extracts. This is consistent with MP78/70 and betaig-h3 being the bovine and human forms, respectively, of the same protein. The antibody was further affinity-purified on MP78/70 bound to Sepharose and used to localize the protein in a range of bovine tissues. Immunofluorescence showed that MP78/70 was localized to collagen fibers in tissues such as developing nuchal ligament, aorta and lung, and mature cornea; to reticular fibers in fetal spleen; and to capsule and tubule basement membranes in developing kidney. No general localization to elastic fibers was observed. The staining pattern in most tissues more closely resembled that of Type VI collagen, which occurs as collagen fiber-associated microfibrils, than that of fibrillin-1, a component of elastin-associated microfibrils. However, MP78/70 appeared to be less widely distributed than Type VI collagen. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that MP78/70 was predominantly found in loose association with collagen fibers in most tissues examined and was also located on the surface of the capsule basement membrane in developing kidney. Double labeling experiments indicated that MP78/70 is co-distributed with Type VI collagen microfibrils located in these regions. In some elastic tissues significant immunolabel was detected in regions of interface between collagen fibers and fibrillin-containing microfibrils of adjacent elastic fibers, and at the outer margins of the latter structures. Overall, the evidence points to MP78/70 having a bridging function, perhaps in association with Type VI collagen microfibrils, linking or stabilizing the interaction between interstitial collagen fibrils and other matrix structures, including some basement membranes and elastin-associated microfibrils.

Microfibril-associated glycoprotein-1 (MAGP-1) binds to the pepsin-resistant domain of the alpha3(VI) chain of type VI collagen

The interactions of type VI collagen have been investigated, using solid phase binding assays, with two components of the fibrillin-containing microfibrils, the elastin-binding protein, MAGP-1 and its structural relative MAGP-2. Both native and pepsin-treated forms of type VI collagen specifically bound to MAGP-1 but not to MAGP-2. Pepsin type VI collagen was shown to block the binding of MAGP-1 to native type VI collagen indicating that the major MAGP-1-binding site was in the triple-helical region of the molecule. MAGP-1 was found not to bind to collagens I, III, and V. Affinity blotting of pepsin-treated type VI collagen showed that MAGP-1 binding was specific for the collagenous domain of the alpha3(VI) chain. Decorin and biglycan were found not to inhibit the interaction of pepsin-treated type VI collagen with MAGP-1, indicating that its binding site on the collagen is not close to that for the proteoglycans. Reduction and alkylation of disulfide bonds in MAGP-1 did not destroy its type VI collagen-binding properties, indicating that the binding site was likely to be in the cysteine-free, N-terminal domain of MAGP-1. Interestingly, the interaction of MAGP-1 with type VI collagen was inhibited by tropoelastin, suggesting that the binding sites for tropoelastin and type VI collagen may be in the same domain of MAGP-1. A peptide, corresponding to amino acids 29-38 of MAGP-1, was found to inhibit the interactions of MAGP-1 with type VI collagen and tropoelastin. The results suggest that the peptide may contain the binding sequences for both type VI collagen and tropoelastin, and thus that these two proteins may share the same binding site on MAGP-1. The interactions of MAGP-1 with type VI collagen and tropoelastin were both determined to be of moderately high affinity, with Kd values of 5.6 x 10(-7) M and 2.6 x 10(-7) M, respectively. The findings indicate that MAGP-1 may mediate a molecular interaction between type VI collagen microfibrils and fibrillin-containing microfibrils, structures which are often found in close proximity to each other in a wide range of extracellular matrices.

Extracellular matrix and transmembrane linkages at the termination of intrafusal fibers and the outer capsule in chicken muscle spindles

Attachments of intrafusal fibers and of the outer spindle capsule at the far polar region were examined by immunohistochemistry in serially sectioned chicken leg muscles. Patterns of distribution of connective tissues and intracellular filaments suggest that, in this segment of the muscle spindle, intrafusal fibers bind laterally with the capsule. Contrary to extrafusal fibers at myotendinous junctions, folded plasmalemmas at the ends of intrafusal fibers were rare. Thus, there was little end-to-end interlocking between intrafusal fibers and the extracellular matrix. The tapered contours of terminating intrafusal fibers resembled those of extrafusal fibers which end in fascicles without tendinous connections. At points where the distal portions of intrafusal fibers closely adjoined and overlapped extrafusal fibers, alpha-actinin, vinculin, filamin, talin, beta 1 integrin, spectrin, and dystrophin occurred with moderate to great frequency. It is generally accepted that these compounds are links in molecular chains that extend from the intracellular space across cell membranes to the extracellular matrix. Their location along substantial lengths of extrafusal fibers, distal capsule, and terminating intrafusal fibers suggests the presence of numerous transverse connections between elements of the terminal portion of the spindle and nonspindle tissues. Hence, it is likely that forces monitored by chicken spindles in muscles undergoing length changes are transferred from extrafusal fibers and extracellular matrix to the receptors in large part via lateral shear instead of by longitudinal tension.

Tenascin is present in human muscle spindles and neuromuscular junctions

We used immunocytochemistry to investigate the presence of tenascin, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein with very restricted tissue distribution, in human skeletal muscle. Tenascin was found in a short segment of the muscle spindle fibres, in the equatorial region where the sensory endings are found, and in the outer layers of the spindle capsule. Tenascin was also found in the neuromuscular junctions of the extrafusal fibres. The close spatial relationship between tenascin and both sensory and motor nerve endings shown here suggests that this glycoprotein is of functional importance in adult nerve-muscle contacts in human skeletal muscle.

Basal lamina development in chicken muscle spindles

The development of basal laminas was examined in immunohistochemical sections of chicken leg muscle spindles from embryonic day (E) 13 to 8 weeks postnatal. Fragments of basal laminas as seen with immunostaining for isoforms of laminin were already observed in E6 muscles. When clusters of intrafusal myotubes were first recognized at E13-14, they were surrounded by basal laminas which were incomplete both in terms of coverage and molecular composition. More mature basal lamina tubes individually enclosed young myofibers at E18. After afferents made contact with myotubes, synaptic portions of basal laminas at myosensory junctions reacted strongly with antibodies against s-laminin and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, while extrasynaptic portions were negative or reacted only weakly. At synaptic basal laminas of neuromuscular junctions heparin sulfate proteoglycan and s-laminin became prominent after E16. Contrary to the early presence of basal lamina proteins around intrafusal fibers, initial deposition of basal lamina proteins in the outer spindle capsule was not recognized until E17-18, and significant amounts were not detected until postnatal week 1. Unlike intrafusal basal laminas, capsular basal laminas developed no distinct specialized regions; however, molecular compositions of intrafusal and capsular basal laminas were similar.

Localization of tenascin in human skin wounds--an immunohistochemical study

A total of 56 surgically treated human skin wounds with a wound age between 8h and 7 months were investigated. Tenascin was visualized by immunohistochemistry and appeared first in the wound area pericellularly around fibroblastic cells approximately 2 days after wounding. A network-like interstitial positive staining pattern was first detectable in 3-day-old skin wounds. In all wounds with an age of 5 days or more, intensive reactivity for tenascin could be observed in the lesional area (dermal-epidermal junction, wound edge, areas of bleeding). In wounds with an age of more than approximately 1.5 months no positive staining occurred in the scar tissue. In conclusion, for forensic purposes, positive staining for tenascin restricted to the pericellular area of fibroblastic cells indicates a wound age of at least 2 days. Network-like structures appear after approximately 3 days or more. Since tenascin seems to be regularly detectable in skin wounds older than 5 days, the lack of a positive reaction in a sufficient number of specimens indicates a wound age of less than 5 days. The lack of a positive reaction in the granulation tissue of wounds with advanced wound age indicates a survival time of more than about 1.5 months, but a positive staining in older wounds cannot be excluded.

Regional differences in organization of the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton at the equator of chicken intrafusal muscle fibres

Equatorial regions of chicken intrafusal fibres were examined with a panel of monoclonal antibodies against intracellular proteins and components of extracellular matrix to identify structural associations at points of contact between sensory terminals and intrafusal fibres, and at points which lacked them. One aspect of this study was to establish whether the known morphological differences between myosensory and neuromuscular junctions also extended to the molecular level. As viewed in cross-sections, myosensory junctions at the equator are restricted to approximately one-half of the intrafusal fibre circumference, a region referred to as the sensory sector. The diametrically opposite region which lacks sensory terminals is referred to as the non-sensory sector. The basal lamina over the sensory sector was positive for chondroitin sulphate, while that part which covered the non-sensory sector was negative. Staining for collagen type IV was very faint at the sensory sector and stronger at the non-sensory sector, but immunoreactivity for heparan sulphate proteoglycan and laminin was moderate to strong in all parts of the basal lamina. Within intrafusal fibres, filamin and alpha-actinin were largely limited to the sensory sector. The major feature of the non-sensory sector was a sharply delineated, narrow intrafibre crescent of vinculin, and colocalized with it, a crescent of talin. The plasmalemma of intrafusal fibres at the non-sensory sector reacted positively for the beta 1 subunit of the integrin family of receptors. Immunolocalization of these receptors was not observed to any significant extent in the sensory sector. Towards the end of the equator and the initial portion of the juxtaequator, chondroitin sulphate, vinculin and the other proteins came gradually to be distributed equally all the way round the intrafusal fibres. This changeover in distribution of connective tissue proteins and structural intracellular proteins parallels the decreasing number of contacts made by sensory terminals.

Sensory and motor innervation of bird intrafusal muscle fibers

1. Most bird muscle spindles are supplied by only one primary afferent. 2. Secondary afferents occur irregularly. 3. Sensory terminals are covered by a basal lamina and a collagenous sheath. 4. Two types of motor terminal are recognized which can be referred to specific types of intrafusal fiber. 5. The sensory and motor innervation of bird intrafusal fibers is less understood than that of mammalian intrafusal fibers.

The avian muscle spindle

The literature on the morphology and physiology of the avian muscle spindle is reviewed, with emphasis placed on the period from 1960 to 1991. Traits similar to or different from mammalian spindles are recognized. Apart from receptors with low intrafusal fiber counts, bird spindles contain two or three types of intrafusal fiber. Unlike that of mammals, the equatorial fiber structure in birds does not lend itself to classification into nuclear bag and nuclear chain types. Avian intrafusal fibers are separable into types based on differences in myosin heavy chain composition and motor innervation, but apportionment of these fiber types to individual spindles is more variable in birds than in mammals. There is morphological evidence in birds for the existence of both gamma and beta innervation; however, confirmation of these systems by physiological experiments is at best sketchy. A general lack of physiological data is currently the greatest drawback to a better understanding of how the avian receptor works, and what role it plays in sensorimotor integration.

Axon contacts and acetylcholinesterase activity on chicken intrafusal muscle fiber types identified by their myosin heavy chain composition

Muscle spindles of 8-week old chicken tibialis anterior muscles were examined to determine if specific intrafusal fiber types were also characterized by differences in motor innervation. Incubation with a monoclonal antibody against myosin heavy chains permitted the identification of strongly reactive, moderately reactive and unreactive intrafusal fibers. The innervation of each fiber type was evaluated in silver-impregnated sections, and in sections incubated with a monoclonal antibody against acetylcholinesterase. There was no acetylcholinesterase activity at the midequator of any fiber. At the juxtaequator and at the pole strongly reactive fibers typically exhibited fewer axon contacts and less acetylcholinesterase activity than unreactive and moderately reactive fibers. Differences were also recognized at neuromuscular junctions in the size and shape of acetylcholinesterase-positive sites. At the juxtaequator and at the pole strongly reactive fibers and moderately reactive fibers displayed significantly more small, dot-like acetylcholinesterase sites than unreactive fibers. On the contrary, the greatest number of larger, stout sites was found on unreactive fibers and the least number on strongly reactive fibers. Moderately reactive fibers took an intermediate position. The results indicate that myosin heavy chain-based chicken intrafusal fiber types are also set apart by differences in innervation.

Muscle spindle ultrastructure revealed by conventional and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy

Muscle spindles in the tenuissimus muscle of mature golden Syrian hamsters were examined by conventional and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). For conventional SEM, entire muscles were first fixed in 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde. Spindles were then isolated with a dissecting microscope under darkfield illumination and postfixed in 1.0% OsO4. Some spindles were treated with 8 N HCl at 60 degrees C to clearly expose intrafusal fiber surfaces once the outer capsular sheath was mechanically disrupted. Preparation for HRSEM included aldehyde/osmium fixation and freeze-cleavage in liquid N2. The cytosol and certain cellular elements were also selectively extracted by immersion in 0.1% OsO4 for varying time intervals. In these preparations, the capsular sleeve showed a multilayered pattern of vesicle-laden cells with variant surface topography in different regions, including filopodia and small bristle-like surface-projections. An interlacing three-dimensional network of collagen fibrils intervened between the capsular lamellae. Within the spindles, sensory and fusimotor nerve endings closely adhered to the outer surfaces of intrafusal fibers. Sensory nerve terminals were enveloped by a prominent external lamina, and those that were cleaved open contained a plethora of elongated mitochondria that ran parallel with the longitudinal axis, along with vesicles, axoplasmic filaments, and lysosomes. Multiple adhesion sites between the sensory nerve membrane and the underlying sarcolemma of the intrafusal fiber were also observed in select regions. Fusimotor nerve endings were covered externally by processes of Schwann cells and their axoplasm was filled with a multitude of cellular organelles and synaptic vesicles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The human placenta: a model for tenascin expression

Tenascin is a large glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix. Previous reports have demonstrated that it is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal interfaces and is expressed during embryonic and tumour development, wound healing, cell proliferation and it may be involved in immunomodulation. The human placenta shows numerous features related to these aspects. We have investigated the presence of tenascin in the human placenta throughout pregnancy by immunohistochemistry. We used monoclonal (mAb) and polyclonal (pAb) antibodies to tenascin, a mAb to fibrin, a pAb to fibrinogen, and the mAb Ki-67 as proliferation marker. Tenascin was highly expressed in the mesenchymal villi which are considered the basis of growth and differentiation of the villous trees. Moreover, fibrinoid deposits at the surfaces of the villous trees were always separated from the fetal stroma by tenascin. The stroma of villi encased in fibrinoid was also positive for tenascin. This glycoprotein was also expressed in the villous stroma directly apposed to cell islands and cell columns. In the proximal portions of both epithelial structures, cytotrophoblast was Ki-67 positive. These data show that tenascin is expressed during the development of the placenta, particularly in the mesenchymal villi, cell islands and cell columns. These structures are considered to be the proliferating units of the villous trees. Tenascin underlying fibrinoid deposits suggests that it also participates in repair mechanisms. Thus, in the human placenta tenascin expression can be correlated with villous growth, cell proliferation, and fibrinoid deposition. Its role in immunoprotection of fetal tissues in areas where syncytiotrophoblast as barrier is missing or damaged is discussed.

Expression of the novel extracellular matrix component tenascin in normal and diseased human liver. An immunohistochemical study

The novel extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin was studied immunohistochemically in normal and fibrotic human liver. Its localization was compared to that of laminin, fibronectin and collagen type IV. In the normal liver, a weak staining for tenascin was detected along sinusoids, while portal tracts were negative. In both alcoholic and cholestatic liver disease and acute and chronic hepatitis, sinusoidal immunoreactivity for tenascin was variably increased as compared to the normal liver. Most striking, however, was the preferential accumulation of tenascin at connective tissue-parenchymal interfaces between proliferating ductules and in areas of piecemeal necrosis. As compared to laminin, fibronectin and collagen type IV, tenascin has the most restricted distribution. Our findings indicate that tenascin is a component of the extracellular matrix of the human liver. Its preferential expression at connective tissue-parenchymal interfaces in fibrosing areas in contrast to its absence from mature fibrous septa suggest a transient role in early matrix organization.

Connective-tissue macromolecules in Golgi chicken tendon organs and at their interface with muscle fibers and adjoining tendinous structures

Tendon organs from leg and forearm muscles of white leghorn chickens were examined with a library of monoclonal antibodies to determine the composition of their connective-tissue framework and the types of connective-tissue macromolecules that occur at the sites where muscle fibers attach to the receptors. The capsules of the tendon organs were positive for connective-tissue macromolecules typical of basal lamina (collagen type IV, laminin, and heparin sulfate proteoglycan) and for tenascin, collagen types III and VI, and fibronectin. Connective-tissue bundles in the lumen of a receptor reacted primarily with antibodies against collagen type I and 4-chondroitin sulfate. The narrow partitions that divide each lumen into compartments stained for collagen type III. Toward its tendinous end, a receptor made few contacts with muscle fibers. Instead, the capsule and the collagenous bundles blended gradually with the intermuscular portions of tendons. At the muscular end, the connections were more complex. Muscle fibers that attached in series to tendon organs split to produce basal lamina-covered, finger-like extensions, which were separated from each other by fissures. Tongues of connective tissue containing tenascin, collagen types I and VI, and fibronectin extended into the fissures. Distally the tongues were continuous with the tenascin in the capsule and just internal to the capsule, fibronectin and basal lamina macromolecules in the capsule, and collagen type I in the collagenous bundles. The uninterrupted presence of these macromolecules around terminating muscle fibers and in the capsule and/or the intraluminal collagen bundles suggests that muscle fibers that attach in series at the muscular end exert a force during muscular contraction on the intraluminal collagen bundles and on the receptor capsule.

Arrangement of cytoskeletal filaments at the equator of chicken intrafusal muscle fibers

The organization of the cytoskeleton at the equator of chicken intrafusal fibers was examined with immunofluorescence light microscopy, using monoclonal antibodies against myosin heavy chains, desmin, actin and tropomyosin. Actin was localized in the cytosol and in equatorial nuclei, while myosin heavy chains, desmin and tropomyosin were only observed in the cytosol. Although all four proteins were present at the equator and at the pole, the fluorescence produced after incubation with the different antibodies varied considerably between the two regions. Staining at the pole was in the form of striations, but at the equator it was non-striated and more uniform. The observed fluorescent patterns suggest that at the equator filaments are assembled into looser arrays than in the sarcomeres of the pole. A flexible cytoskeleton at the equator would be an appropriate substrate for distorting the affixed sensory endings during an applied stress.

Tenascin distribution in basal cell carcinomas

The distribution of tenascin, an extracellular matrix protein highly expressed in the stroma around sites of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction during morphogenesis and in malignant neoplasms, was assessed in cryostat sections of 17 basal cell carcinomas using a polyclonal antibody. There was marked staining of the vascularized stroma around neoplastic islands, usually as an intense, well-defined band, but being more widespread and diffuse in sclerosing, infiltrative areas. Apparently enhanced staining was seen in tumours showing retraction artefact, which may be related to the observation that tenascin interferes with the cell binding function of fibronectin. Reduced staining was seen in areas showing evidence of tumour regression. Tenascin is an important component of the epithelial-mesenchymal interactive process and further studies on its distribution in benign and malignant skin tumours are required.

Location of the integrin complex and extracellular matrix molecules at the chicken myotendinous junction

The distribution of several extracellular matrix macromolecules was investigated at the myotendinous junction of adult chicken gastrocnemius muscle. Localization using monoclonal antibodies specific for 3 basal lamina components (type IV collagen, laminin, and a basement membrane form of heparan sulfate proteoglycan) showed strong fluorescent staining of the myotendinous junction for heparan sulfate proteoglycan and laminin, but not for type IV collagen. In addition, a strong fluorescent stain was observed at the myotendinous junction using a monoclonal antibody against the beta subunit of the chicken integrin complex (antibody JG 22). Neither fibronectin nor tenascin were concentrated at the myotendinous junction, but instead were present in a fibrillar staining pattern throughout the connective tissue which was closely associated with the myotendinous junction. Tenascin also gave bright fluorescent staining of tendon, but no detectable staining of the perimysium or endomysium. Type I collagen was observed throughout the tendon and in the perimysium, but only faintly in the endomysium. In contrast, type III collagen was present brightly in the endomysium and in the perimysium, but could not be detected in the tendon except when associated with blood vessels and in the epitendineum, which stained intensely. Type VI collagen was found throughout the tendon and in all connective tissue partitions of skeletal muscle. The results indicate that one or more molecules of the integrin family may play an important role in the attachment of muscle to the tendon. This interaction does not appear to involve extensive binding to fibronectin or tenascin, but may involve laminin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan.

Tenascin/hexabrachion in human skin: biochemical identification and localization by light and electron microscopy

Tenascin/hexabrachion is a large glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix. Previous reports have demonstrated that tenascin is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal interfaces during embryogenesis and is prominent in the matrix of many tumors. However, the distribution of tenascin is more restricted in adult tissues. We have found tenascin to be present in normal human skin in a distribution distinct from other matrix proteins. Immunohistochemical studies showed staining of the papillary dermis immediately beneath the basal lamina. Examination of skin that had been split within the lamina lucida of the basement membrane suggested a localization of tenascin beneath the lamina lucida. In addition, there was finely localized staining within the walls of blood vessels and in the smooth muscle bundles of the arrectori pilorem. Very prominent staining was seen around the cuboidal cells that formed the basal layer of sweat gland ducts. The sweat glands themselves did not stain. The distribution of tenascin in the papillary dermis was studied at high resolution by immunoelectron microscopy. Staining was concentrated in small amorphous patches scattered amongst the collagen fibers beneath the basal lamina. These patches were not associated with cell structures, collagen, or elastic fibers. Tenascin could be partially extracted from the papillary dermis by urea, guanidine hydrochloride, or high pH solution. The extracted protein showed a 320-kD subunit similar to that purified from fibroblast or glioma cell cultures. We have developed a sensitive ELISA assay that can quantitate tenascin at concentrations as low as 5 ng/ml. Tests on extracts of the papillary dermis showed tenascin constituted about 0.02-0.05% of the protein extracted.

Contours and distribution of sites that react with antiacetylcholinesterase in chicken intrafusal fibers

Serial cross and longitudinal sections of intrafusal fibers from the intracapsular portions of chicken tibialis anterior muscle spindles were incubated with a monoclonal antibody specific for chicken acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and examined by immunofluorescence for the presence of the enzyme on presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes of neuromuscular junctions. The midequatorial sensory region which lacks organized sarcomeres was negative, but immediately distal to it faintly staining regions of AchE localization were observed on intrafusal fibers. In cross sections at the juxtaequator, the outlines of areas that were positive for AchE were either thin and crescentlike or thick and compact. The distribution of both types of localization continued into the polar region. Toward the more distal polar region, the intensity of sites on the postsynaptic membrane that reacted with the anti-AchE progressively increased. In longitudinal sections, AchE localization was largely limited to two configurations. One was elongate, while the other was more round or oval and often also smaller. Both types might occur on the same, or on different, intrafusal fibers. Examination of silver-impregnated sections revealed the presence of platelike and of traillike axon terminals. The variety of shapes observed on presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes warrants further study to determine whether chicken muscle spindles are innervated by more than one type of motor neuron.