Pattern of activity of nucleolus organizers during spermatogenesis in mammals as analyzed by silver-staining

Argentic staining reveals changes in cerebellar tissue organisation by prenatal glucocorticoid administration in rats

It was almost 150 years ago that Golgi revolutionised histology with silver-based stains. Major advances in knowledge of the nervous system became possible because of silver impregnations. Silver staining combined with classical histological staining, cytochemistry methods, and electron microscopy is useful for studying mechanisms and components at subcellular, cellular, and tissue levels. Despite the advantages of silver staining, its use has decreased over time. The aim of this work was to use argentic staining to study the cerebellar effects of controversial prenatal glucocorticoid (GC) therapy. At postnatal day 12 (P12), the cerebellum of corticosterone (CC)-treated rats impregnated with AgNOR staining exhibited diminished thickness of the external granule layer (EGL) and irregular Purkinje cell arrangement. There was a greater number of nucleoli and nucleolar organiser regions (NORs) in 24% of Purkinje cells. Cerebellar granule neuron progenitor (CGNP) cells of the EGL showed a decrease in cellular density (confirmed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA] immunolocalization) and NORs. At postnatal day 6 (P6), the Golgi-Kopsch technique allowed us to observe disturbances in the distribution pattern of CGNP cells (during proliferation, migration, and differentiation) and premature growth of the Bergmann glia. Our findings reveal disturbances in the cerebellar development program with early cellular and tissue changes.

Nucleolus structural integrity during the first meiotic prophase in rat spermatocytes

A typical nucleolus structure is shaped by three components. A meshwork of fine fibers forming the fibrillar center (FC) is surrounded by densely packed fibers forming the dense fibrillar component (DFC). Meanwhile, wrapping the FC and DFC is the granular component (GC). During the mitotic prophase, the nucleolus undergoes disassembling of its components. On the contrary, throughout the first meiotic prophase that occurs in the cells of the germ line, small nucleoli are assembled into one nucleolus by the end of the prophase. These nucleoli are transcriptionally active, suggesting that they are fully functional. Electron microscopy analysis has suggested that these nucleoli display their three main components but a typical organization has not been observed. Here, by immunolabeling and electron microscopy, we show that the nucleolus has its three main components. The GC is interlaced with the DFC and is not as well defined as previously thought during leptotene and zygotene stage.

Evolution and meiotic organization of heteromorphic sex chromosomes

The evolution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes has occurred independently many times in different lineages. The differentiation of sex chromosomes leads to dramatic changes in sequence composition and function and guides the evolutionary trajectory and utilization of genes in pivotal sex determination and reproduction roles. In addition, meiotic recombination and pairing mechanisms are key in orchestrating the resultant impact, retention and maintenance of heteromorphic sex chromosomes, as the resulting exposure of unpaired DNA at meiosis triggers ancient repair and checkpoint pathways. In this review, we summarize the different ways in which sex chromosome systems are organized at meiosis, how pairing is affected, and differences in unpaired DNA responses. We hypothesize that lineage specific differences in meiotic organization is not only a consequence of sex chromosome evolution, but that the establishment of epigenetic changes on sex chromosomes contributes toward their evolutionary conservation.

Chromosome Mapping of 18S Ribosomal RNA Genes in Eleven Hypostomus Species (Siluriformes, Loricariidae): Diversity Analysis of the Sites

We investigated the chromosomal distribution of 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) in different populations of 11 species of Hypostomus collected in important Brazilian basins, namely South Atlantic, Upper Paraná, and Paraguay applying the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Hypostomus cochliodon, Hypostomus commersoni, Hypostomus hermanni, Hypostomus regani, Hypostomus albopunctatus, Hypostomus paulinus, Hypostomus aff. paulinus, Hypostomus iheringii, and Hypostomus mutucae presented multiple 18S rDNA sites while Hypostomus strigaticeps and Hypostomus nigromaculatus exhibited a single pair of chromosomes with 18S rDNA sites. The studied species presented variations in the number and position of these sites. The results accomplished were similar to those obtained by the analysis of AgNORs, revealing the same interspecific variability. Each species exhibited distinctive patterns of AgNOR and 18S rDNA distribution, which can be considered cytogenetic markers in each species of the genus and help improve the discussions on the phylogeny of the group.

Mitotic and Meiotic Behavior of B Chromosomes in Crenicichla lepidota: New Report in the Family Cichlidae

B chromosomes are additional genetic elements to the standard complement. They display distinctive features and have been found in 15% of eukaryote species. In this study, we analyzed 4 populations of Crenicichla lepidota from hydrographic system of Laguna dos Patos/RS (Brazil). All specimens showed 2n = 48 with 6m + 42st - a, FN = 54, with a secondary constriction on the first pair of the complement. Among the 18 samples analyzed, 6 individuals belonging to the Gasômetro and Saco da Alemoa populations presented 1-3 small-sized heterochromatic B chromosomes, with intra- and interindividual variation. Simple AgNORs coincident with 18S rDNA and CMA3 positive/DAPI negative sites were present in all populations. The extra chromosomes did not exhibit any 18S rDNA sites. The meiotic analyses showed heteropycnotic regions in leptotene and zygotene stages, which may be related to the presence of B chromosomes. During pachytene were found 24 bivalents and 1 spatially separated, as well as during metaphases I and diplotene, indicating that there is no association between B chromosomes and those of the A complement. During diakinesis, an unusual meiotic configuration was observed, revealing a proximity between the bivalent and chromosome B (univalent), that might be the result of a heterochromatin affinity between these chromosomes. In anaphase I, late migration of B chromosomes was detected. The low frequency of B chromosomes in the Cichlidae family and in Crenicichla suggests its recent origin in this group and may be ascribable to animal exposure to deleterious effects under certain environmental conditions. Moreover, this is the first report in C. lepidota.

Activity patterns of nucleolar organizer region during spermatogenesis of different curimatid species (Characiformes: Curimatidae)

The nucleolus is an important nuclear structure where transcription of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) takes place. During mitotic division, the nucleolus passes through different processes that inactivate rDNA transcription; in meiosis, its reassembly takes place during telophase II. The objective of this study was to identify the activity patterns and localization of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) during meiotic division in fish species of the family Curimatidae. For this analysis, the meiotic division in five curimatid species was studied using silver nitrate impregnation, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and base-specific fluorochrome staining. Silver nitrate staining indicated the presence of a nucleolus in interphase nuclei, one chromosome pair in the spermatogonial metaphases, and one bivalent at the pachytene stage. No Ag-NORs were identified for cells at the diplotene, diakinesis, metaphase I, or metaphase II stages; however, FISH confirmed the presence of Ag-NORs in the nuclei, in spermatogonia, and at the pachytene phase. FISH identified this region during the other stages of meiosis, as did fluorochrome CMA3 staining, which revealed fluorescent marks corresponding to NORs during all stages of meiosis analyzed. The gene activity and localization of this ribosomal sequence during the different stages involved will also be discussed.

Spermatogenesis of riffle bugs, Rhagovelia whitei and Rhagovelia sp (Veliidae), and backswimmers Martarega sp (Notonectidae)

We examined the course of spermatogenesis and the meiotic chromosome complements in aquatic species of true bugs, Heteroptera. The chromosome complement of the Veliidae species was 2n = 39 (38A + X0) and 23 (22A + X0) in Rhagovelia whitei and Rhagovelia sp, respectively, and in the species of the Notonectidae (Martarega sp) it was 26 (22A + 2m + XY); all collected from the region of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. An impressive characteristic of the first analysis was the size of the cells belonging to Martarega sp, which were six times larger than the same cells in Pentatomidae and twice as large as the cells in aquatic Heteroptera (Gerridae). Regarding spermatogenesis, all the species analyzed showed the same pattern: holocentric chromosomes and elongated spermatids with the chromatin distributed evenly along the head. The family Veliidae showed several bodies impregnated with silver nitrate at prophase, while the family Notonectidae displayed only one. The cells of Notonectidae also showed an evident and round body until the end of prophase I and in the family Veliidae the silver-impregnated bodies were disorganized, where the only region visualized was possibly that of the NOR. In metaphase, silver-stained regions were found at the periphery of all chromosomes in Veliidae and at the periphery of some chromosomes in Notonectidae. The spermatids of Veliidae showed a less silver-impregnated vesicle, while Notonectidae showed silver staining only in part of the nuclear membrane. Therefore, families of Heteroptera have some differences and features that can help identify and classify these species.

Nucleolar cycle and chromatoid body formation: is there a relationship between these two processes during spermatogenesis of Dendropsophus minutus (Amphibia, Anura)?

The goals of this study were to monitor the nucleolar material distribution during Dendropsophus minutus spermatogenesis using cytological and cytochemical techniques and ultrastructural analysis, as well as to compare the nucleolar material distribution to the formation of the chromatoid body (CB) in the germ epithelium of this amphibian species. Nucleolar fragmentation occurred during the pachytene of prophase I and nucleolus reorganization occurred in the early spermatid nucleus. The area of the spermatogonia nucleolus was significantly larger than that of the earlier spermatid nucleolus. Ultrastructural analysis showed an accumulation of nuages in the spermatogonia cytoplasm, which form the CB before nucleolar fragmentation. The CB was observed in association with mitochondrial clusters in the cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes, as well as in those of earlier spermatids. In conclusion, the nucleolus seems to be related to CB formation during spermatogenesis of D. minutus, because, at the moment of nucleolus fragmentation in the primary spermatocytes, the CB area reaches a considerable size and is able to execute its important functions during spermatogenesis. The reorganized nucleolus of the earlier spermatids has a smaller area due to several factors, among them the probable migration of nucleolar fragments from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and plays a part in the CB chemical composition.

Ultrastructural analysis of the nucleolar aspects at spermiogenesis in triatomines (Heteroptera, Triatominae)

In this study the ultrastructural technique was used to analyze seminiferous tubule cells of the triatomine species Panstrongylus megistus, Rhodnius pallescens and Triatoma infestans. The data obtained provided evidence of the phenomenon known as persistence of the nucleolar material in initial spermatids at early differentiation. Our results confirmed the presence of the nucleolus and its products during spermiogenesis up to the formation of the axoneme and during spermatid elongation in all three species studied, similar to the process that takes place during cell division. In early spermatids, the nucleoli had a reticulate appearance and a well defined nucleolonema in P. megistus; showed a clear distinction between the fibrillar and the granular component in T. infestans; and had a compact aspect in R. pallescens. In this study, ultrastructural analyses at spermiogenesis indicated that these nucleolar products may represent RNP complexes that will probably be needed at early spermiogenesis when important changes such as chromatin condensation and acrosome and flagellum formation take place. Therefore, it was concluded from the ultrastructural analysis that the triatomine nucleolus does not totally disappear but remains as corpuscles that gather to form the next nucleolar cycle that in the case of meiosis, will be completed if fertilization occurs and a zygote is formed.

Variation in size of Ag-NORs and fluorescent rDNA in situ hybridization signals in six breeds of domestic pig

Variation of the size of silver-stained nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) of chromosomes 10 and 8 was studied in pigs of six breeds (Sus scrofa L.). The silver deposits were quantified by image analysis and the results were normalized for each Ag-NOR chromosome. In general, normalized values for chromosomes 10 were higher than those for chromosomes 8, suggesting that the NOR activity of chromosomes 10 is dominant as compared to that of chromosomes 8. However, high values for chromosomes 8 were found in the Meishan breed and in some Piétrain pigs, indicating a high transcriptional activity of the rRNA genes on these chromosomes. In some pigs, the relative quantities of rDNA in chromosomes 10 and 8 were investigated by fluorescent in situ hybridization and the results were compared with those of the silver staining procedure. It is concluded that Ag-NOR sizes on chromosomes 10 are relatively well correlated to the number of rRNA genes, whereas the absence or the small size of Ag-NORs on chromosomes 8, often observed in pigs, is the result of low NOR activity rather than of absence of rDNA.

Unusually high amount of inactive ribosomal DNA in the grasshopper Stauroderus scalaris

Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to determine the chromosomal location of the ribosomal DNA cistrons in spermatocytes of two populations of the grasshopper Stauroderus scalaris. The results showed that paracentromeric C-bands, which in this species constitute about 50% of the total chromatin, contain substantial amounts of rDNA in all chromosomes. However, silver impregnation showed the presence of a single active nucleolus organizing region (NOR) in chromosome 3 of primary spermatocytes, indicating an extremely high amount of silent rDNA across the whole genome of this species in the two geographically distant populations analysed. The significance of such an unusual phenomenon is discussed.

Prenatal diagnosis of a familial interchromosomal insertion of Y chromosome heterochromatin

An apparently unbalanced karyotype containing an abnormal chromosome 11 was identified in a 16-week female fetus by analysis of cultured amniocytes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a chromosome 11 paint identified the presence of an insertion in band 11q24. Parental karyotyping documented an unbalanced karyotype with the same der(11) chromosome in the phenotypically normal father. CBG-banding and FISH identified the insertion to be Yq12 heterochromatin: 46,XY, der(11)ins(11;Y)(q24;q12q12).ish der(11) (wcp11+,DYZ1+). The same der(11) chromosome was also found in the phenotypically normal paternal grandmother, demonstrating this additional Y chromosomal material did not affect normal female sexual development or fertility. The parents elected to continue the pregnancy and a normal girl was born at term, further confirming that this rare familial variant has no clinical significance. This case illustrates the importance of family studies, appropriate banding, and FISH analyses to accurately characterize apparent chromosomal abnormalities.

Extractions reveal specific argentophilic proteins in rat and bull sperm heads

BACKGROUND

Silver-stainability (argentophilia) of cytoplasmic structures occurring in spermatids have been localized into the organizing perinuclear theca, but the biochemical nature and structural associations of these proteins with the cytoskeletal and membranous elements are unresolved and, therefore, were the aim of the present study.

METHODS

Light and electron microscopic analysis of the silver-stainability in the rat spermatids and spermatozoa was carried out in the intact testis tissue and epididymal spermatozoa and after their chemical and mechanical extraction. Correlation of argentophilia with specific proteins of rat and bovine spermatids and spermatozoa was investigated using a recently developed technique for silver nitrate staining of proteins on nitrocellulose.

RESULTS

Sequential formation of the silver-stainable domains seemed to proceed from the argentophilic acrosomal ring. Various extractions indicated that argentophilia in the spermatids and spermatozoa was mainly associated with the perinuclear theca and to some extent to the plasma membrane. Hyamine-soluble extract from spermatozoa of rat and bull revealed only a single argentophilic protein of 130 kDa. Hyamine and SDS-soluble extracts of rat testis tissue contained an additional group of argentophilic polypeptides of lower molecular weight (115, 94, 36, 23, and 21 kDa).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction in the number of argentophilic proteins appears to be involved in a series of changes in the cyto-architecture of developing spermatids. Tentative cytoskeletal nature of argentophilic proteins remains to be identified. Nevertheless, they may have important physical relations with the higher-order organization of the sperm head cytoskeleton and overlying membranes.

Inverted and satellited Y chromosome in the orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)

An inverted and satellited Y chromosome of almost acrocentric appearance was detected in seven of 14 male orangutans. In the remaining seven animals a submetacentric Y chromosome without NORs occurred. The high frequency with which the satellited Y chromosomes were associated with acrocentric autosomes and the positive AgNO3-staining of their satellite stalks clearly indicate the active state of the NOR on the Y chromosomes. DNA fingerprinting in two orangutan families showed that the inverted and satellited Y chromosomes in carrier orangutan males do not interfere with normal fertility. Within our sample of male orangutans studied, the inverted and satellited Y chromosome is restricted to Sumatran animals; all Bornean specimens possessed the submetacentric Y chromosome. The question arises whether these two kinds of Y chromosome differ constitutively between the Pongo pygmaeus subpopulations.

Nucleolar structure and synthetic activity during meiotic prophase and spermiogenesis in the rat

The ultrastructure of nucleoli was examined in developing rat spermatocytes and spermatids, with the help of serial sections. In addition, the radioautographic reaction of nucleoli as examined in rats sacrificed 1 hr after intratesticular injection of 3H(5')-uridine and taken as an index of the rate of synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Primary spermatocytes from preleptotene to zygotene have small nucleoli typically composed of fibrillar centers, a fibrillar component, and a granular component, within which are narrow interstitial spaces. During early and mid-pachytene, nucleoli enlarge to about nine times their initial size, with the fibrillar and granular components forming an extensive network of cords--a nucleolonema--within which are wide interstitial spaces. Meanwhile, there appear structures identical to the granular component but distinct from nucleoli; they are referred to as extranucleolar granular elements. Finally, from late pachytene to the first maturation division, nucleoli undergo condensation, as shown by contraction of fibrillar centers into small clumps, while fibrillar and granular components condense and segregate from each other, with a gradual decrease in interstitial spaces. In secondary spermatocytes, nucleoli are compact and rather small, while in young spermatids they are also compact and even smaller. Nucleoli disappear in elongating spermatids. In 3H-uridine radioautographs, nucleolar label is weak in young primary spermatocytes, increases progressively during early pachytene, is strong by the end of mid pachytene, but gradually decreases during late pachytene up to the first maturation division. In secondary spermatocytes and spermatids, there is no significant nucleolar label. In conclusion, rRNA synthesis by nucleoli is low in young spermatocytes. During pachytene, while nucleoli enlarge and form a lacy nucleolonema, rRNA synthesis increases gradually to a high level by the end of mid pachytene. However, during the condensation and segregation of nucleolar components occurring from late pachytene onward, the synthesis gradually decreases and disappears. The small, compact spermatids arising from the second maturation division do not synthesize rRNA.

Nucleolar structures in chromosome and SC preparations from human oocytes at first meiotic prophase

We describe a comparative study of the behavior of nucleolar structures and their relationship with nucleolar chromosomes and synaptonemal complexes at first meiotic prophase of human oocytes in an attempt to elucidate the nature of this cellular organization and to learn more about maternal nondisjunction. The number of main nucleoli varies along the different stages of prophase I and is usually low. It shows an increase from leptotene to pachytene and a decrease from pachytene to diplotene related to a decrease and an increase of main nucleoli volume, respectively. The methodology employed has enabled us to analyze in detail dark bodies, round bodies, dense bodies, and main nucleoli in chromosome or synaptonemal complex spreads. The relationship between nucleolar chromosomes or synaptonemal complexes and the nucleoli implies the existence, in a very reduced space, of chromosomal regions that contain homologous sequences and that are often unpaired. This situation may facilitate the production of heterologous pairing and chromosomal exchanges between nonhomologous chromosomes and finally result in aneuploidy. Thus, the situation explained above together with the differences between the oocyte and spermatocyte NOR cycles could be one of the reasons for the higher incidence of aneuploidies of maternal origin at meiosis I.

Paragonimus ohirai: identification of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) and silver nitrate staining pattern in spermatogenesis

The identification of nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) and the qualitative description of silver nitrate staining patterns in spermatogenesis of Paragonimus ohirai are herein reported. The NORs of P. ohirai are located on the short arm of chromosome 4 and are associated with a large amount of constitutive heterochromatin. Silver (Ag) staining was detected from the interphase stage until the prometaphase stage of mitosis in spermatogonial cells but was absent at metaphase. On the other hand, during meiosis Ag-staining of NORs occurred from prophase to the diplotene stage, then was absent from meiotic metaphase I to anaphase II and was again demonstrable in early spermatid nuclei. The appearance and disappearance of NOR during Paragonimus spermatogenesis is similar to that described for vertebrate species except during mitotic metaphase.

Evolutionary diversity of reverse (R) fluorescent chromosome bands in vertebrates

Mitotic chromosomes, interphase cell nuclei, and male meiosis of 41 species representing all vertebrate classes were analyzed with distamycin A/mithramycin counterstaining. The purpose of the study was to recognize differences and common characteristics in the reverse (R) fluorescent banding patterns in the chromosomes of vertebrate species at various stages of evolution. In contrast to the warm-blooded mammals and birds, the euchromatic segments in the chromosomes of most reptiles, amphibians, and fishes contain no multiple fluorescent R-bands. This is thought to be due to the absence of the long homogeneous regions (isochores) in the DNA of the cold-blooded vertebrates. Distamycin A/mithramycin banding specifically reveals the GC-rich constitutive heterochromatin in all vertebrates. In most of the vertebrate chromosomes examined, the heterochromatic regions have opposite staining properties with mithramycin and quinacrine. Mithramycin labels the nucleolus organizer regions very brightly in the karyotypes of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and birds, but not of mammals. The lack of mithramycin fluorescence at the nucleolus organizer regions of mammals is attributed to the relatively low level of redundancy of the GC-rich ribosomal DNA in their genomes. Studies on the various meiotic stages of the cold-blooded vertebrates show that the mithramycin labeling of the nucleolus organizers is independent of their state of activity. This can be confirmed by mithramycin fluorescence at the nucleoli of actinomycin-treated cells.

Localization of NORs in spermatogonial metaphase chromosomes of six species of grasshoppers

The silver staining technique was employed to locate Nucleolar Organiser Regions (NORs) in six species of grasshoppers viz. Aiolopus thalassinus F. (Tryxalinae); Oeodaleus abruptus Thunb., Gastrimargus transversus Thunb., Heteropternis respondens Walk. (Oedipodinae); Parahieroglyphus biliniatus Bol. and Spathosternum prasiniferum Walk. (Catantopinae). Usually the NORs were located on the larger elements of the chromosomal complement. However, in O. abruptus NORs were found on autosomes S8 and S9. The salient observations were: (1) NORs were seen in only a few of the several spermatogonial metaphases examined; (2) Active NORs were mostly located either on one chromatid of the homologues or on the homologue depicting heteromorphism; (3) NORs showed either proximal, subproximal or interstitial locations. However, in O. abruptus and P. bilineatus NORs were located at two positions. Distribution of NORs in different species and their probable role in tracing the evolutionary pathways in Acridoidea are discussed.

Cytogenetic studies on Cervus elaphus. II. Synaptonemal complexes and NOR activity during spermatogenesis

The activity of the nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) in various stages of spermatogenesis of the red deer was studied with the silver staining technique. The Ag-stainability of the NORs, an indicator of the transcriptional activity of the r-RNA genes, is present during the meiotic prophase until pachytene and is absent during the remainder of the meiotic prophase, to reappear during the first stages of spermiogenesis and then disappear again during the elongation phase of the spermatids. The development and behaviour of synaptonemal complexes (SCs) of primary spermatocytes were also studied with the silver staining technique under the light microscope. The organization of SC is similar to that of other mammalian species. The pairing behaviour of the axes of the sex chromosomes is described.

Intracellular localization of argyrophilic proteins in the maturing oocyte, fertilized egg, and spermatozoa of the starfish, Asterina pectinifera

Changes in intracellular localization of argyrophilic proteins visualized as silver-stained particles by nuclear organizer region (NOR)-silver staining were investigated in starfish oocyte maturation. The silver-stained particles were localized in the germinal vesicle and nucleolus of immature oocytes and dispersed into the cytoplasm at the time of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). In the mature egg cytoplasm, silver-stained particles were distributed on yolk-like granules with diameters of 0.3-1.0 microns. In spermatozoa, silver-stained particles were detected heavily in the acrosome and centrosomes but few were detected in the nucleus, whereas they were present in the male pronucleus of fertilized eggs. The silver-stained particles were removed by pretreatment of eggs with protease but not with nuclease. These results indicate that argyrophilic proteins disperse to the egg cytoplasm during GVBD and might be incorporated to the male pronucleus from the egg cytoplasm in fertilization. The morphological changes from chromosomes through chromosome vesicles to female pronucleus were also observed with light microscopy after NOR-silver staining.

Relative position of constitutive heterochromatin and of nucleolar structures during mouse spermiogenesis

In this study, the selective fluorochrome staining of constitutive heterochromatin and a specific ultrastructural silver-staining of nucleolar material (i.e., the nucleolus organizing regions) were undertaken to be used as indicators for the chromosomal arrangement during mouse spermiogenesis. Since in mice all somatic chromosomes are telocentric and the constitutive heterochromatin and nucleolar organizing regions are closely associated to the centromeres, this combination of techniques provided for the first time ultrastructural evidence 1) for the dispersion of the constitutive heterochromatic chromocentre and a centrifugal migration to the postacrosomal portion of the nuclear envelope where constitutive heterochromatin seems to mediate the assembling of microtubules in the so-called manchette. As elongation continues, the constitutive heterochromatin migrates back into central position and forms the "focous of earlier condensing chromatin", which initiates further chromatin condensation. 2) The fate of the nucleolus during spermiogenesis could also be further clarified: The nucleolus is first associated with the chromocentre, but starts to disintegrate during elongation phase. However, argyrophilic remnants are still visible in the centre of the nucleus, pointing to an ongoing transcriptional activity. When they final disappear, they leave behind "nuclear vacuoles" in the dense chromatin mass of the mature sperm nucleus.

The nuclear skeleton and the spatial arrangement of chromosomes in the interphase nucleus of vertebrate somatic cells

The topologic distribution of interphase chromosomes established by using various cytologic methods and data concerning the DNA-nuclear skeleton interactions in isolated nuclear fractions were reviewed and discussed. Comparison of these different data clearly showed that the position of chromosomes observed in situ is in agreement with the results obtained from isolated nuclear fractions, indicating that all DNA molecules are bound to the peripheral nuclear skeleton. Moreover, the in situ position of the rDNA near the nuclear envelope can be correlated with the existence of a nucleolar skeleton connected to the peripheral nuclear skeleton. Taking into account the discrepant results regarding the actual existence of an internal nuclear skeleton, we attempted to analyze how the various nuclear skeletal structures described in the literature can be involved in both the distribution of chromosomes and in their chromatin organization. As many questions are still unanswered, we considered the modes of investigation that seem to be the most promising.

Influence of both coculture and BrdU on NOR activity of mouse, rat and human cells

The coculture of mouse PG19 cells with human MGC cells can significantly suppress nucleolar organizer region (NORs) activity of both PG19 and MGC cells. 5'-bormodeoxyuridine (BrdU) can also significantly suppress the NOR activity of rat RC cells, human MGC and Hela cells, and mouse PG19 cells: i.e. the average number of Ag-NORs and the number of chromosomes bearing Ag-NORs per cell decrease significantly. The degree of the suppression increases with increase in both BrdU concentration in the culture medium and BrdU treatment time. The suppressed NOR activity of the PG19 cells can gradually be restored when the BrdU-treated cells are transferred into BrdU-free medium for 50 h. In PG19 cells deoxycytidine (dC) can reverse the suppression of NOR activity caused by BrdU. Coculture plus BrdU treatment suppress the NOR activity of PG19 cells more severely than BrdU treatment alone. In coculture medium containing 30 μg BrdU/ml, dC can also reverse the suppression of the NOR activity of PG19 cells but not that of the MGC cells. The degree of the reversion in the coculture plus BrdU treatment is significantly lower than that found with BrdU-treatment alone.

On the origin of nuclear vacuoles in spermatozoa a fine structural and cytochemical study in mice

Morphological and cytochemical changes in nucleoli of spermatids of the mouse during spermiogenesis were examined. Thus, it could be shown that the nucleolar derivatives of the elongation-phase, clusters of coiled fibers that are bordered with spheroidal bodies, show comparable chemical properties as the precursor structure, the fibrillar component, which is known for its transcriptional activity. With progressing development, these nucleolar derivatives continually decrease in size and density, preserving their chemical properties. They persist far beyond into the maturation-phase and will decrease at the time chromatin condensation appears finished. There only remain the spaces in which they formerly existed, now called nuclear vacuoles. A possible function of nuclear vacuoles with respect to chromatin decondensation during the process of fertilization is mentioned.

Intercellular NOR-Ag-variability in man. II. Search for determining factors, clonal analysis

Intercellular, nonartifactual variability of nucleolar organizer region (NOR)-Ag-staining was studied in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes, skin and embryonic fibroblasts. No differences in number and character of variable NORs and intensity of their staining were observed between lymphocytes stimulated to proliferate with phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen, as well as lymphocytes of first- and second division. The number of NOR associations per cell and the number of associated chromosomes per association were also similar. In a given individual these criteria were similar in lymphocytes and fibroblasts. In all nine clones derived from three independent parental fibroblast cultures the intercellular NOR-Ag-variability was similar to that observed in a given parental cell line. A significant decrease in the number of metaphases containing NOR associations was observed in second-division lymphocytes compared with first-division ones, as well as in skin fibroblasts compared with lymphocytes.

Ultrastructural and functional variations in the spermatid nucleolus during spermiogenesis in the mouse

The localization, structure, and activity of the nucleolus-organizers (NORs) were studied during spermiogenesis in the mouse by light and electron microscopy procedures including NOR-silver-staining and actinomycin D treatment. After the two meiotic divisions the NORs resume their activity during the Golgi phase of spermatid differentiation (steps 1-3), and the nucleolus displays a specific 'padlock' structure containing the fibrillar components of an active nucleolus. This activity drops during the cap phase (steps 4-7) during which the nucleolus undergoes a segregation process of its components. No nucleolar structure is visible during the acrosomal and maturation phases of spermatid differentiation.

Ultrastructural observations on nucleolar changes during mouse spermiogenesis

When applying a new silver staining technique on developing mouse spermatids, it could be shown that strong argyrophilia in the "padlock" like nucleolus of very early spermatids is confined to its fibrillar and granular component, whereas the fibrillar centre is devoid of silver. During further steps the granular component disappears together with the fibrillar centre. The last remaining nucleolar part, the silver positive fibrillar component disintegrates at the beginning of nuclear elongation. Instead of it clusters of coiled fibers bordered with granules of approximately 40-60 nm in diameter, both silver positive, appear in the nucleoplasm. As chromatin condensation proceeds, these silver positive structures, now intimately attached to the centrally occurring focus of condensing chromatin decrease more and more in size and density. In later stages accumulations of silver positive material will appear in the posterior region of the nucleus, will leave it, and stays as silver positive "juxtanuclear body" in the nuclear pocket formed by the redundant nuclear envelope. As spermatid development continues, the "juxtanuclear body" disappears together with the nuclear pocket. The small silver positive fibrous clusters disintegrate too so that the mature sperm only contains the space in which they formerly existed, now called "nuclear vacuole". A possible connection between silver staining pattern and RNA synthesis is discussed.

Chronobiological studies on the nucleolus

Chronobiological studies on the nucleolus were performed, using stereological analysis at the electron microscopic level, on different cell types in permanent interphasic state, in rats submitted to various lighting regimen. During the dark span (12L/12D): (1) in sympathetic neurons of superior cervical ganglion circadian changes in nucleolar organization were characterized by an increase in volumes of the nucleolus and each of its components, namely, fibrillar centres, dense fibrillar, granular and vacuolar components; (2) concerning the fibrillar centres, regarded as the interphasic counterpart of nucleolar organizing regions (NORs), the most striking fact, only observed in sympathetic neurons, is the occurrence of a single large-type fibrillar centre, accompanied by small-type fibrillar centres which are present throughout the 24-hr period; (3) the overall increase in volume of fibrillar centres was shown to correspond to a marked drop in the number (up to 4 fold) of small-type fibrillar centres, the unit volume of which (0.01 mum3) remaining unchanged over the 24-hr period and to an increase in size of a large-type fibrillar centre, the volume of which is 100 fold greater than the latter and (4) cytochemical studies showed that the Ag-NOR proteins exhibit a marked increase in amount, suggesting a circadian rhythmicity of these nucleolar proteins. These results, discussed in the light of our current understanding of the nucleolus, briefly summarized in this paper, suggest that the circadian rhythm of the nucleolus and of its components is correlated with circadian rhythms in both transcriptional activity and processing of preribosomes. Analogies between sympathetic neurons and the two other cell types studied, namely, chromaffin cells of adrenal medulla and vagal sensory neurons of nodose ganglion, led to the conclusion that rhythmicity is a fundamental characteristic of the nuclear structure devoted to ribosome biogenesis. Attention is focused on the superior cervical ganglion in which amplitude of nucleolar rhythms are greater and in which fibrillar centres exhibit a particular pattern. These results are discussed with regard to the role played by this sympathetic paravertebral ganglion which is known to regulate circadian rhythmic activities of the rat pineal gland. The persistence of these nucleolar rhythms in continuous lighting, as demonstrated in sympathetic superior cervical ganglion neurons, provide evidence that they are endogenously generated. The intrinsic factors underlying these rhythms in morpho-functional organization of the nucleolus are yet unknown.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)