Measurement of ceroid accumulation in macrophages by flow cytometry

Discrimination of human coronary artery atherosclerotic lipid-rich lesions by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy

Lesion composition plays a significant role in atherosclerotic lesion instability and rupture. Current clinical techniques cannot fully characterize lesion composition or accurately identify unstable lesions. This study investigates the use of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy for unstable atherosclerotic lesion diagnosis. The fluorescence of human coronary artery samples was induced with nitrogen laser and detected in the 360- to 510-nm wavelength range. The samples were sorted into 7 groups according to the AHA classification: normal wall and types I, II(a) (fatty streaks), III (preatheroma), IV (atheroma), V(a) (fibrous), and V(b) (calcified) lesions. Spectral intensities and time-dependent parameters [average lifetime tau(f); decay constants: tau(1) (fast-term), tau(2) (slow-term), A(1) (fast-term amplitude contribution)] derived from the time-resolved spectra of coronary samples were used for tissue characterization. We determined that a few intensity values at longer wavelengths (>430 nm) and time-dependent parameters at peak emission region (390 nm) discriminate between all types of arterial samples except between normal wall and type I lesions. The lipid-rich lesions (more unstable) can be discriminated from fibrous lesions (more stable) on the basis of time-dependent parameters (lifetime and fast-term decay). We inferred that features of lipid fluorescence are reflected on lipid-rich lesion emission. Our results demonstrate that analysis of the time-resolved spectra may be used to enhance the discrimination between different grades of atherosclerotic lesions and provide a means of discrimination between lipid-rich and fibrous lesions.

Protein glycation and fluorescent material in human atheroma

Samples of normal human aorta, atherosclerotic lesions and atheroma (necrotic 'gruel' from the interior of advanced lesions) were obtained at necropsy from subjects with no history of diabetes mellitus. Components of each were extracted by ethanol:diethylether (3:1) and, subsequently, by 10% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Both fractions, organic and aqueous (SDS), were assessed for their relative fluorescence (excitation: 350 nm/emission: 430 nm). The amount of early products of glycated protein was assessed by affinity chromatography in the SDS-soluble fraction. Age-matched plasma samples, obtained from non-diabetic individuals, were also examined. Material from atherosclerotic lesions appeared to exhibit an inverse correlation between protein glycation and fluorescent material which was best reflected within the organic extract. This was not the case for normal aorta. A linear correlation between fluorescent material in the organic extract and SDS extract existed in the normal aorta alone. The only age-dependent change was found in normal aorta in which there was an increase in SDS-soluble fluorescence with increasing age. In plasma samples alone, protein glycation and protein fluorescence appeared to be linearly correlated. The observations are discussed in the context of the possible contribution of protein glycation to atherogenesis.

A method for isolating human lung macrophages and observations of fluorescent phagocytes from the lungs of habitual cigarette smokers

We report the development of a simple, efficient, expedient, and inexpensive procedure for isolating a large and relatively pure population of macrophages (Mphi) from residual (i.e., non-tumor) lung tissue obtained from lung cancer patients undergoing either a lobectomy or pneumonectomy. The proposed technique was founded on observations by fluorescent microscopy of fresh, non-fixed, and non-stained human lung tissue. Examinations of 74 specimens from different patients revealed that most of the Mphi reside as non-adherent cells within the sponge-like lung stroma. Very few Mphi were observed in the lungs of nonsmokers. In contrast, many Mphi were visible in the lungs of habitual smokers. For most specimens from smokers, a few of the Mphi were present as randomly distributed single cells; the majority of the Mphi, however, were in clusters that ranged from a dozen to several hundred cells. The Mphi could be released readily by different mechanical techniques. In the procedure reported herein, pulmonary leukocytes (> 75% Mphi) were dislodged easily from lung tissue with the use of an inexpensive, hand-operated, tissue grinder. The grinder consisted of a glass mortar and Teflon pestle that provided sufficient clearance between the mortar and pestle so as to avert damaging the displaced leukocytes. The leukocytes were then segregated by centrifugation on a density gradient. Further purification was achieved by harvesting Mphi that had been allowed to adhere to serum-coated polystyrene culture dishes (> 90% Mphi). In most experiments, the Mphi yield (approximately 5 x 10(6) Mphi /gr of lung) and Mphi viability (> 85%) were good. A significant advantage of this technique is that it avoids jeopardizing the cells to the hazards associated with enzymes that have been used in techniques employed previously for isolating Mphi from the lung and other organs. Thus, the proposed method provides numerous lung Mphi for detailed studies of their morphology, phenotype, and function. Moreover, lung Mphi were cultured as non-adherent, single cells in a serum- and cytokine-free tissue culture medium for more than 6 weeks. Lung Mphi from habitual smokers displayed a high level of fluorescence that was readily apparent when viewed with a fluorescence microscope that had been configured with either a fluorescein or rhodamine filter. Serial sections of single, living Mphi obtained with the use of a confocal laser scanning microscope revealed that the fluorescence originated from cytoplasmic inclusions. Relative fluorescence intensity was measured by cytometry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)