Multiple localizations of adenylate cyclase in rat hippocampus. A histochemical study

Microscopical localization on adenylate cyclase: a historical review of methodologies

The histochemistry technique for localizing adenylate cyclase has been developed over the past two decades. Early efforts were directed at overcoming the criticism of the lead capture technique, the inhibition of the enzyme by fixation, and problems associated with the substrate. The introduction of alternative metal ions, strontium and cerium, offered solutions to the criticism of the lead capture technique. The inhibition of the enzyme by the various fixation methods used has been rarely overcome satisfactorily and the use of non-fixed material during incubation is one of the alternatives that has been suggested. The introduction of adenylate (beta-gamma-methylene) diphosphate as an alternative substrate offers a solution to the problems associated with commercially available adenylyl imidodiphosphate. Although no standard medium or method has been accepted by all researchers, the histochemical technique still has a place in the arsenal of the modern cell biologist. The technique localizes the active enzyme, as opposed to the protein, active and nonactive, by immunocytochemistry and the precursors of the protein by in situ hybridization methods.

Towards a standard method to demonstrate adenylate cyclase activity at the electron microscopical level

The ventral epidermis of the frog Rana fuscigula is a typical tight epithelium which acts as a functional syncytium in the active transepithelial transport of sodium ions. Transport across this epithelium is regulated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). This study was undertaken to formulate an optimal protocol for the localization, within this epithelium, of adenylate cyclase; the enzyme involved in cAMP synthesis. The ventral epithelium of R. fuscigula was collagenase treated and processed using five different fixation/incubation protocols. The components of a basal incubating medium were modified by changing the localizing agent, adding adenylate cyclase stimulators and inhibitors of other enzymes. Control incubations undertaken included a) leaving the substrate out, b) prior heat inactivation of the enzyme, c) specific blockers and d) incubation for alkaline phosphatase as an alternative enzyme. The samples were then processed for electron microscopy. Localization of adenylate cyclase was best obtained, when fixing the tissue after incubation for 30 min at 37 degrees C. The medium that gave the best and most consistent localization contained magnesium chloride; as a required ion, theophylline, dithiothreitol, ouabain, levamisole; as enzyme inhibitors, forskolin; as a stimulator of adenylate cyclase, lead nitrate; as the capture agent and column purified adenylyl imidodiphosphate; as the substrate.

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase activity in rat olfactory cells

Adenylate cyclase activity was demonstrated in the cilia, dendritic knob and axon of rat olfactory cells by using a strontium-based cytochemical method. The activity in the cilia and the dendritic knob was enhanced by non-hydrolyzable GTP (guanosine triphosphate) analogues and forskolin, and inhibited by Ca2+, all in agreement with biochemical reports of the odorant-sensitive adenylate cyclase. The results support the hypothesis of cyclic AMP working as a second messenger in olfactory transduction and imply that the transduction sites exist not only in the olfactory cilia but also in the dendritic knob. Enzymatic activity was also observed in the olfactory dendritic shaft by treating the tissue with 0.0002% Triton X-100, although the properties and role of the enzyme in this region are uncertain. The detergent inhibited the enzymatic activity in the cilia and the dendritic knob.

Second messenger enzymes in glial cells: a cytochemical point of view

Knowledge about second messenger metabolizing enzymes in neuroglia is still rather fragmentary. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to localize adenylate cyclase, guanylate cyclase, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and protein kinase A in glial cells of the rat hippocampus and cerebellum. Enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the enzymes at the light and electron microscopic level. Astroglial cells were found to contain all 4 enzymes. Especially the microvascular glial cell processes were reactive. Oligodendroglial cells were only stained for adenylate cyclase acticity. Intracellularly, microtubules and intracellular membranes were frequently stained. The results point to the regulation of glial cell metabolism and of transport processes by cyclic nucleotides.

Ultracytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase and guanylate cyclase in crushed peripheral nerves

Cellular and subcellular distribution of adenylate cyclase (AC) and guanylate cyclase (GC) activities in crushed peripheral nerves during regeneration were studied at the electron microscope level. In unlesioned nerves, no AC reaction product could be evidenced, whereas GC was detectable on the plasma membranes of Schwann cells, myelinated and nonmyelinated fibers, and within nonmyelinated axons. At 24 hours after the crush, AC reaction product was found within axonal segments proximal to the zone of the crush in association with mitochondria. At this stage, macrophage-like cells, which probably are transformed Schwann cells, polymorphonuclear leucocytes, and endothelial cells displaying an intense AC reaction product could be detected. On the other hand, at 24 hours after the crush, GC was no longer detectable, except on occasional unlesioned nerve fibers. At 48 hours after the lesion, AC reaction product was no longer detectable within axons, and all AC positivity was associated with plasma membranes of non-neuronal cells, including transformed Schwann cells, occasional macrophages, polymorphonuclear leucocytes, fibroblasts, and elongated cells. As to GC, images similar to those obtained at 24 hours were observed until 48 hours after the crush. From the 7th to the 28th postlesion day, AC activity was localized exclusively to the plasma membranes of fibroblasts and elongated cells. Transformed Schwann cells were no longer detectable, whereas normal Schwann cells and regenerating axons could be seen, and these showed no AC reaction product in analogy to the absence of AC reaction product of unlesioned nerves. During the same period, GC again was detectable on regenerating fibers with the same subcellular localization as that of unlesioned nerves. The present results strongly suggest that starting from the second postcrush day, cells invading the lesioned zone and transformed Schwann cells, all taking part in the formation of the new perineurial tissue, display a high AC activity, which should be taken into account when measuring cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels under these conditions. Also, our data suggest that GC is involved primarily in regeneration processes that occur in crushed peripheral nerves. Thus, the pattern of AC distribution in peripheral unlesioned and lesioned nerves appears to be exactly the opposite of the GC localization examined under similar experimental conditions insofar as nervous fibers are concerned.

Attempts for light microscopical demonstration of guanylate cyclase activity in rat cerebellum

Guanylate cyclase in rat cerebellum was investigated on the light microscopical level with guanylyl imidodiphosphate as substrate. Several attempts for activation of enzymatic activity and delimitation to other enzymes were made by sodium azide, aminophylline, sodium fluoride and dithioerythrole. The localization was similar but less strong compared to adenylate cyclase (Poeggel and Luppa 1984) and differs in behaviour to the above mentioned substances. Nucleotide pyrophosphatases seem to play an unimportant role in guanylyl imidodiphosphate conversion, while alkaline phosphatase is possibly of more importance. A light microscopical demonstration of guanylate cyclase by its enzymatic activity must be considered with caution. Main reasons are the low activity and therefore the great importance of interfering enzymes with high activities.

Ultrahistochemical localization of adenylate cyclase activity in the electric organ of Torpedo marmorata

The lead pyrophosphate precipitation technique was used to visualize adenylate cyclase activity with the electron microscope in unfixed electric organ and synaptosomes of Torpedo marmorata, with special attention to presynaptic membranes. Specificity of the deposition of reaction product was ensured by using 5'-adenylyl imidodiphosphate as substrate and 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate and sodium fluoride as activators. Under suitable conditions a reaction product was deposited on the Schwann cell, on presynaptic vesicles, on the inner side of membranes of cisternae and on glycogen granules of the presynaptic region of the endplate. In some cases, a precipitate was also found on postsynaptic membranes of the synaptic cleft and on mitochondria. In isolated synaptosomes localization of the reaction product was identical with that of minced tissue. However, most strikingly, on presynaptic membranes no precipitate was ever found, neither in pieces of electric organ nor in isolated synaptosomes. Furthermore, the extended membrane system of the postsynaptic region of the electroplax remained always free of lead pyrophosphate precipitate.