Differential expression of 2':3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase in cultured central, peripheral, and extraneural cells

Retina and Brain Display Early and Differential Molecular and Cellular Changes in the 3xTg-AD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

The concept 'the retina as a window to the brain' has been increasingly explored in Alzheimer´s disease (AD) in recent years, since some patients present visual alterations before the first symptoms of dementia. The retina is an extension of the brain and can be assessed by noninvasive methods. However, assessing the retina for AD diagnosis is still a matter of debate. Using the triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD; males), this study was undertaken to investigate whether the retina and brain (hippocampus and cortex) undergo similar molecular and cellular changes during the early stages (4 and 8 months) of the pathology, and if the retina can anticipate the alterations occurring in the brain. We assessed amyloid-beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) levels, barrier integrity, cell death, neurotransmitter levels, and glial changes. Overall, the retina, hippocampus, and cortex of 3xTg-AD are not significantly affected at these early stages. However, we detected a few differential changes in the retina and brain regions, and particularly a different profile in microglia branching in the retina and hippocampus, only at 4 months, where the number and length of the processes decreased in the retina and increased in the hippocampus. In summary, at the early stages of pathology, the retina, hippocampus, and cortex are not significantly affected but already present some molecular and cellular alterations. The retina did not mirror the changes detected in the brain, and these observations should be taking into account when using the retina as a potential diagnostic tool for AD.

Isolation of Peroxisomes from Mouse Brain Using a Continuous Nycodenz Gradient: A Comparison to the Isolation of Liver and Kidney Peroxisomes

In the central nervous system (CNS) peroxisomes are present in all cell types, namely neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial cells. Brain peroxisomes are smaller in size compared to peroxisomes from other tissues and are therefore referred to as microperoxisomes. We have established a purification procedure to isolate highly purified peroxisomes from the central nervous system that are well separated from the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and are free of myelin contamination. The major difficulty in purification of brain peroxisomes compared to peroxisomes from liver or kidney is the presence of large amounts of myelin in the CNS, which results in contamination of the subcellular fractions. Hence, the crucial step of the isolation procedure is the elimination of myelin by the use of a sucrose gradient, since without the elimination of myelin no significant enrichment of purified peroxisomes can be achieved. Another difficulty is that in brain tissue the abundance of peroxisomes decreases significantly during postnatal development. We provide a detailed protocol for the isolation of peroxisomes from mouse central nervous system as well as a protocol for the isolation of peroxisomes from the liver and kidney using a continuous Nycodenz gradient.

In vivo labeling of peroxisomes by photoconvertible mEos2 in myelinating glia of mice

Mutations of several genes encoding peroxisomal proteins have been associated with human diseases. Some of these display specific white matter abnormalities in the brain, although the affected proteins are ubiquitously expressed. To better understand the etiology of peroxisomal myelin diseases, we aimed to label these organelles in vivo and in a cell type specific fashion. We had previously shown that in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells numerous peroxisomes reside in the cytoplasmic channels of "non-compacted" myelin. These organelles are smaller and biochemically distinct from non-myelin peroxisomes. Targeting peroxisomal functions in various cell types of the brain has demonstrated that oligodendroglial peroxisomes are specifically important for long-term integrity of the CNS. To visualize myelin peroxisomes in intact cells and tissues by live imaging, we have generated a novel line of transgenic mice for the expression of fluorescently tagged peroxisomes specifically in myelinating glia. This was achieved by modifying the gene for a photoconvertible mEos2 with a peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1) and generating a fusion gene with the myelin-specific Cnp1 promoter. In the brain of resulting transgenic mice, peroxisomes are selectively labeled in oligodendrocytes. In this novel genetic tool, photoconversion of single peroxisomes from green to red fluorescence can be used to monitor the fate of single organelles and to determine the dynamics of PTS1-mediated protein import in the context of myelin diseases that affect peroxisomal functions.

Expression of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase in the amoeboid microglial cells in the developing rat brain

Expression of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) in amoeboid microglial cells (AMC) in developing rat brain from prenatal day 18 (E18) to postnatal day 10 (P10) was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy both in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Furthermore, real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to determine the expression of CNPase at mRNA level in cultured microglial cells in control conditions and following lipopolysaccharide stimulation. CNPase immunoreactive amoeboid microglia occurred in large numbers in the corpus callosum, subventricular zone and cavum septum pellucidum at P0 but were progressively reduced with age and were undetectable at P14. By immunoelectron microscopy, immunoreaction product was associated primarily with the plasma membrane, filopodial projections and mitochondria in AMC. Real time-PCR analysis revealed that CNPase mRNA was expressed by cultured amoeboid microglia and was significantly up-regulated in microglial activation induced in vitro by lipopolysaccharide. The functional role of CNPase in AMC remains speculative. Given its expression in AMC transiently occurring in the perinatal brain and that it is markedly elevated in activated microglia, it is suggested that the enzyme may be linked to the major functions of the cell type such as release of chemokines and cytokines. In relation to this, CNPase may play a key role associated with transportation of cytoplasmic materials.

Activation of myelin genes during transdifferentiation from melanoma to glial cell phenotype

Induction of myelin genes occurs around birth in the last stage of Schwann cells differentiation and is reactivated in case of nerve injury. Previous studies showed that activation of the gp130 receptor system, using as ligand interleukin-6 fused to its soluble receptor (IL6RIL6), causes induction of myelin genes such as myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin protein zero (Po) in embryonic dorsal root ganglia Schwann cells. We also reported that in murine melanoma B16/F10.9 cells, IL6RIL6 causes a shut-off of melanogenesis mediated by a down-regulation of the paired-homeodomain factor Pax3. The present work demonstrates that these IL6RIL6-treated F10.9 cells undergo transdifferentiation to a myelinating glial phenotype characterized by induction of the transcriptional activities of both Po and MBP promoters and accumulation of myelin gene products. For both Po and MBP promoters, a repression by Pax3 and stimulation by Sox10 can be demonstrated. Because after IL6RIL6-treatment, Pax3 disappears from the F10.9 cells (as it does in mature myelinating Schwann cells) whereas the level of Sox10 rather increases, we modulated the relative level of these factors and show their involvement in the induction of myelin gene expression by IL6RIL6. In addition, however, we show that a C/G-rich CACC box in the Po promoter is required for activation by IL6RIL6, as well as by ectopic Sox10, and identify a Kruppel-type zinc finger factor acting through this CACC box, which stimulates Po promoter activity.

Disruption of Cnp1 uncouples oligodendroglial functions in axonal support and myelination

Myelination of axons by oligodendrocytes enables rapid impulse propagation in the central nervous system. But long-term interactions between axons and their myelin sheaths are poorly understood. Here we show that Cnp1, which encodes 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in oligodendrocytes, is essential for axonal survival but not for myelin assembly. In the absence of glial cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, mice developed axonal swellings and neurodegeneration throughout the brain, leading to hydrocephalus and premature death. But, in contrast to previously studied myelin mutants, the ultrastructure, periodicity and physical stability of myelin were not altered in these mice. Genetically, the chief function of glia in supporting axonal integrity can thus be completely uncoupled from its function in maintaining compact myelin. Oligodendrocyte dysfunction, such as that in multiple sclerosis lesions, may suffice to cause secondary axonal loss.

Identification of a novel population of muscle stem cells in mice: potential for muscle regeneration

Three populations of myogenic cells were isolated from normal mouse skeletal muscle based on their adhesion characteristics and proliferation behaviors. Although two of these populations displayed satellite cell characteristics, a third population of long-time proliferating cells expressing hematopoietic stem cell markers was also identified. This third population comprises cells that retain their phenotype for more than 30 passages with normal karyotype and can differentiate into muscle, neural, and endothelial lineages both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast to the other two populations of myogenic cells, the transplantation of the long-time proliferating cells improved the efficiency of muscle regeneration and dystrophin delivery to dystrophic muscle. The long-time proliferating cells' ability to proliferate in vivo for an extended period of time, combined with their strong capacity for self-renewal, their multipotent differentiation, and their immune-privileged behavior, reveals, at least in part, the basis for the improvement of cell transplantation. Our results suggest that this novel population of muscle-derived stem cells will significantly improve muscle cell-mediated therapies.

Purification of brain peroxisomes and localization of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase

At least three different subcellular compartments, including peroxisomes, are involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Because proper CNS development depends on de novo cholesterol biosynthesis, peroxisomes must play a critical functional role in this process. Surprisingly, no information is available on the peroxisomal isoprenoid/cholesterol biosynthesis pathway in normal brain tissue or on the compartmentalization of isoprene metabolism in the CNS. This has been due mainly to the lack of a well-defined isolation procedure for brain tissue, and also to the presence of myelin in brain tissue, which results in significant contamination of subcellular fractions. As a first step in characterizing the peroxisomal isoprenoid pathway in the CNS, we have established a purification procedure to isolate peroxisomes and other cellular organelles from the brain stem, cerebellum and spinal cord of the mouse brain. We demonstrate by use of marker enzymes and immunoblotting with antibodies against organelle specific proteins that the isolated peroxisomes are highly purified and well separated from the ER and mitochondria, and are free of myelin contamination. The isolated peroxisomal fraction was purified at least 40-fold over the original homogenate. In addition, we show by analytical subcellular fractionation and immunoelectron microscopy that HMG-CoA reductase protein and activity are localized both in the ER and peroxisomes in the CNS.

Origin of oligodendrocytes within the human spinal cord

To determine the time and site of origin of the oligodendrocyte lineage in the developing human spinal cord, we have examined tissues from 45 to 83 d postconception (dpc) using sets of probes and antibodies recognizing oligodendrocyte-specific glycolipids, transcripts, and proteins. We found that two clusters of oligodendrocyte precursors appear on or before 45 dpc on each side of the cord ventral ependyma above the floor plate. These precursors express glycolipids recognized by the O4 and Rmab antibodies, platelet-derived growth factor alpha-receptor, myelin basic protein (MBP), and 2', 3'-cyclic nucleotide 3' phosphodiesterase as well as MBP and proteolipid transcripts. Expression of the morphogen sonic hedgehog was detected in the floor plate at 45 dpc and decreased at 58 dpc. During this period, oligodendrocyte precursors emerged in the ventral and lateral region of the forming white matter, a process occurring first in cervical and later in lumbar cord. The majority of O4(+) cells express the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and their pattern of dispersion suggests that these cells progressively populate the lateral and dorsal cord regions. Oligodendrocytes expressing galactocerebroside appeared at 53 dpc and did not express PCNA. Oligodendrocyte precursors were detected in dorsal cord regions at 74 dpc and at 83 dpc when myelination started in the ventral roots. Thus, oligodendrocyte precursors expressing myelin transcripts and proteins emerge in the ventral region of the embryonic cord several weeks before myelination.

Purification of peroxisomes and subcellular distribution of enzyme activities for activation and oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids in rat brain

Brain contains high amounts of very-long-chain (VLC) fatty acids (> C22). Since mitochondria from liver and skin fibroblasts lack lignoceroyl-CoA ligase, in liver and skin fibroblasts fatty acids are exclusively oxidized in peroxisomes. Findings by Poulos and associates [9] suggested that contrary to liver and cultured skin fibroblasts brain mitochondria contain lignoceroyl-CoA ligase and can oxidize lignoceric acid. The present study was undertaken to develop a procedure for the isolation of subcellular organelles of higher purity from brain and to get a better understanding of the subcellular localization of the oxidation of VLC fatty acids in brain. The enzyme activities for activation and oxidation of palmitic and lignoceric acids were determined in peroxisomes, mitochondria, microsomes and a myelin fraction from rat brain and peroxisomes, mitochondria and microsomes purified from rat liver. Like in liver, brain lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity in microsomes and peroxisomes was approx. 9 times higher than in mitochondria. In addition to palmitoyl-CoA ligase the antibodies against palmitoyl-CoA ligase inhibited the residual mitochondrial lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity, meaning that lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity in mitochondria was derived from palmitoyl-CoA ligase. Accordingly, in peroxisomes lignoceric acid was oxidized at 7 times higher rate than in mitochondria. Mitochondria were able to oxidize lignoceric acid efficiently when supplemented with lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity from microsomes or myelin. These results show that in brain lignoceric acid is oxidized in peroxisomes and that lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity is localized in peroxisomes and microsomes, but not in mitochondria. Peroxisomes and microsomes contain both lignoceroyl-CoA and palmitoyl-CoA ligases. Similar to peroxisomes and microsomes, the antibodies against palmitoyl-CoA ligase inhibited only the palmitoyl-CoA ligase activity in myelin but not the lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity. These results suggest that in addition to palmitoyl-CoA ligase, myelin also contains lignoceroyl-CoA ligase.

Effects of melatonin and light on porphyrin synthesis in the bovine retina, pigment epithelium and choroid

The quantity of porphyrin synthesized in the presence of 10(-3) M delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is several times higher in the bovine pigment epithelium than in the retina. Synthesis in the retina was found to be increased by illumination, whereas synthesis in the pigment epithelium was decreased if the whole anatomical unit (retina-pigment epithelium-choroid) was cultivated together. The quantity of porphyrin synthesized in the presence of 10(-3) M ALA or 10(-6) M melatonin was different when the pigment epithelium and retina were separated. The combination 10(-3) M ALA with 10(-6) M melatonin inhibited retinal porphyrin synthesis after green light adaptation, while in the pigment epithelium green light adaptation induced porphyrin synthesis. It is postulated that the light-sensitive porphyrin-haeme synthesis of the retina-pigment epithelium-choroid functional unit may serve and modulate the synthesis of guanylate cyclase for cGMP.

beta-Amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer's disease in cultured bovine oligodendrocytes

The production of beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta APP) in cultured oligodendrocytes isolated from adult bovine brains was examined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Immunostaining of oligodendrocytes with antibodies specific for the carboxy terminus of beta APP demonstrated positive immunoreactivity of oligodendroglial cytoplasm. Immunoblot analysis of cellular extracts detected two distinct bands with estimated molecular weight of 118 and 105 kDa. The amount of these beta APP subspecies increased considerably in response to their attachment to the poly-L-lysine substratum.

Autoimmune inflammation of astrocyte transplants

Astrocytes have been shown to be capable of serving as antigen-presenting cells and as targets for encephalitogenic cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The role of astrocytes in central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune inflammation is unclear. To study this further, we transplanted astrocyte aggregates into the anterior eye chamber of the mouse. The astrocytic nature of these transplants was confirmed by immunohistochemical detection of glial fibrillary acidic protein and the inability to detect oligodendrocyte or microglial markers. When mice bearing transplants were induced to develop experimental allergic encephalomyelitis by either passive or active protocols, the astrocyte transplants developed a perivascular inflammatory response similar to that seen in the host CNS during the course of the encephalomyelitis. The data suggest that astrocytes could serve as targets for the autoimmune attack of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and support the possibility that the pathogenesis of this disease may involve an autoimmune reaction against a site other than the myelin sheath.

2',3'cyclic nucleotide-3'-phosphodiesterase in peripheral nerve myelin is phosphorylated by a phorbol ester-sensitive protein kinase

2',3' cyclic nucleotide-3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) is phosphorylated in the peripheral nervous system after immunoprecipitation of myelin proteins radiolabeled in vivo, in nerve slices and in a cell-free system. Only radiolabeled phosphoserine was detected after partial acid hydrolysis of immunoprecipitated CNP. Two major phosphopeptides were resolved by two dimensional electrophoresis-chromatography after digestion with trypsin of CNP phosphorylated in the nerve slices. Phosphorylation of CNP was not stimulated a) by forskolin in the nerve slices and b) after incubation of purified nerve myelin with cAMP. However, CNP phosphorylation was increased after incubation of PNS myelin with catalytic unit of protein kinase A. Phosphorylation of the central nervous system myelin CNP was dramatically stimulated by cAMP. These results suggest that PKA may be absent from peripheral nerve myelin or CNP may not be accessible to this enzyme in the PNS. Incubation of nerve slices with phorbol 12 myristate-13-acetate caused a marked increase in the phosphorylation of CNP. These results provide strong evidence that CNP is phosphorylated in the PNS and its phosphorylation in vivo is in all probability regulated by protein kinase C.

2',3'-cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase activity determined using an image analyzer detection system

The activity of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase (CNPase) was assayed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and an image analyzer detection system. The assay system was used to study a possible inhibitory effect by aminoguanidine on CNPase specific activity. One advantage of using a fixed-time HPTLC system over a real-time spectrophotometric system for an enzyme activity study was that apparent inhibition of the enzyme due to interference of the assay system (chromophore inhibition, etc.) was avoided. In addition, due to the increased accuracy of the image analyzer over conventional methods of TLC plate analysis, a rapid and more accurate measurement of HPTLC plates was possible which required only nanomole amounts of substrate. Also, a digital image of each plate analyzed was stored indefinitely in the computer's memory for future reference. The measurements of CNPase specific activity made using this system compared favorably to those found in recent literature.

Immunohistochemical localization of myelin basic protein and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase in flattened membrane expansions produced by cultured oligodendrocytes

Oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for myelin sheath formation in the central nervous system, were isolated from primary dissociated mixed glial cultures prepared from newborn mouse forebrain, and further cultured in a serum-free defined culture medium. Single and double indirect immunofluorescence using antibodies against the myelin glycolipids, galactocerebroside and sulfatide, and the myelin proteins, myelin basic protein and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase, was used to investigate the composition of the flat membrane extensions produced by some oligodendrocytes in culture. Galactocerebroside and sulfatide were both expressed on the external surface of the plasma membrane of oligodendrocyte cell bodies and processes and also the membrane expansions. Neither myelin basic protein nor 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase were expressed on the external surface of oligodendrocytes. Myelin basic protein could be localized to the cell body and the membrane expansions but not the major and fine processes. The localization of these myelin components suggests that the expansions have characteristics of the mature myelin membrane. 2',3'-Cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase was found to be localized in the cell body, and in total contrast to myelin basic protein, in the major processes and the fine interconnecting processes, but not the membrane expansions. In some of the cells 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase was present at the outer extremities of the flat membrane sheets, giving the appearance of an extending growth region. Our results thus clearly show that 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase is localized within oligodendrocytes in discrete regions of plasma membranes and suggest that this protein has a possible role in the early stages of myelin formation.

Cellular and subcellular distribution of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase and its mRNA in the rat central nervous system

The 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterases (CNPs) are closely related oligodendrocyte proteins whose in vivo function is unknown. To identify subcellular sites of CNP function, the distribution of CNP and CNP mRNA was determined in tissue sections from rats of various developmental ages. Our results indicate that CNP gene products were expressed exclusively by oligodendrocytes in the CNS. CNP mRNA was concentrated around oligodendrocyte perinuclear regions during all stages of myelination. Developmentally, initial detection of CNP mRNA closely paralleled initial detection of its translation products. In electron micrographs of immunostained ultrathin cryosections, CNP was associated with oligodendrocyte membranes during the earliest phase of axonal ensheathment. In more mature fibers, immunocytochemistry established that the CNPs are not major components of compact myelin but are concentrated within specific regions of the oligodendrocyte and myelin internode. These include (a) the plasma membrane of oligodendrocytes and their processes, (b) the periaxonal membrane and inner mesaxon, (c) the outer tongue process, (d) the paranodal myelin loops, and (e) the "incisure-like" membranes found in many larger CNS myelin sheaths. A cytoplasmic pool of CNP was also detected in oligodendrocyte perikarya and larger oligodendrocyte processes. CNP was also enriched in similar locations in myelinated fibers of the PNS.

Regulation of myelin P0 glycoprotein synthesis in cultured rat Schwann cells and continuous rat PNS cell lines

We studied the effects of agents that raise intracellular cyclic AMP on synthesis of myelin components by cultured neonatal rat sciatic nerve Schwann cells and by continuous PNS cell lines derived from the fusion of neonatal rat sciatic nerve Schwann cells with rat RN22 Schwannoma. Treatment with N6,2'-O-dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dibutyryl cyclic AMP) caused a fourfold increase in Schwann cell incorporation of 35SO4 into sulfogalactosylceramide (sulfatide), and elicited a 10- to 20-fold increase in such incorporation by the continuous PNS cell lines; a similar effect on PNS cell line sulfatide radiolabelling was obtained with forskolin. Cultured Schwann cells expressed barely detectable levels of myelin P0 glycoprotein (P0) mRNA and myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA. Treatment of the Schwann cells with axolemmal fragments or with dibutyryl cyclic AMP did not elicit a detectable increase in the levels of these mRNAs. The PNS cell lines constitutively expressed much higher levels of P0 mRNA than did the Schwann cells, and synthesized immunochemically demonstrable P0 glycoprotein, but did not express MBP. Treatment of the PNS cell lines with dibutyryl cyclic AMP markedly reduced expression of P0 mRNA and also diminished immunoreactive P0 glycoprotein. These PNS cell lines should prove useful for further studies of the control of Schwann cell differentiation.

Direct microculture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for studying neural cells: oligodendrocytes

Oligodendrocyte development has been studied in a standardized primary microculture system initiated from day 20-21 fetal rat brain using a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) carried out directly on fixed cells (direct microculture ELISA). A highly reproducible dissociation procedure is described that allows careful control of the number of cells seeded per culture. At a seeding density of 1 x 10(5) cells/culture, up to 250 oligodendrocyte-generating microcultures consisting of 10-12% oligodendrocytes can be prepared from a single fetal rat brain, thereby permitting the simultaneous assay of multiple developmental parameters in sibling cultures. The validity of this method for quantifying myelinogenesis was established by comparing the results obtained by direct microculture ELISA with immunocytochemical counting of cells in parallel cultures. As few as 200 oligodendrocytes could be detected using a biotinylated anti-Ig and an avidin-urease conjugate detection system; CNP immunoreactivity measured by ELISA was linearly proportional to the number of immunolabeled cells between 6 and 34 days in culture; the developmental time courses of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase (CNP) and myelin basic protein (MBP) expression determined by the two methods were very similar. Finally, cell suspensions were seeded at increasing dilution to determine the number of cells required to generate cultures that tested positive for oligodendrocytes by ELISA. As few as 9,000 cells were sufficient, predicting a minimum of 8,000 oligoprogenitors per 20-21 day fetal rat brain. The application of direct microculture ELISA for studying oligodendrocyte population size and myelinogenesis is discussed.

Monoclonal antibody production to human and bovine 2':3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase): high-specificity recognition in whole brain acetone powders and conservation of sequence between CNP1 and CNP2

Monoclonal antibodies against human and bovine 2':3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) were generated by fusing FOX-NY myeloma cells with spleen cells from RBF/Dn mice previously immunized with the purified brain antigens. The enzyme isolated from bovine brain was quite basic, with an isoelectric point of 9.71 and both the bovine and human enzymes consisted of a closely spaced doublet at approximately 44 and 46 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Six monoclonals were were identified as strongly recognizing the enzyme on both ELISA plates and on immunoblots of whole brain protein. Four monoclonals very weakly cross-reacted with guinea pig myelin basic protein. In contrast with two previous reports, some of our monoclonal antibodies did immunostain 2 or 3 protein bands in peripheral nerve, two bands closely corresponding to those immunostained in central nervous system (CNS) myelin, the Wolfgram protein fraction and in acetone powders of whole brain. Each of the 6 monoclonals reacting strongly on immunoblots recognized the enzyme in from 2 to 5 of the species examined (human, bovine, rat, mouse and rabbit). In addition, all 6 monoclonals that immunostained the enzyme in whole brain, myelin and Wolfgram protein immunoblots recognized both CNP1 (44 kDa) and CNP2 (46 kDa). The two closely spaced protein bands observed on SDS-PAGE and previously stained on immunoblots of CNS CNPase using polyvalent rabbit anti-bovine CNPase antisera, and now different monoclonal antibodies, appear to be immunologically related and to contain highly conserved sequences.

Defective biosynthesis of proteolipid protein in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease

The brain of an 18-year-old patient with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease was examined by standard neuropathological and biochemical methods and by immunocytochemical and immunochemical techniques. Analysis revealed a lack of myelin-specific lipids, but showed a residual immunoreactivity for myelin basic protein, myelin-associated glycoprotein, and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide-3'-phosphodiesterase. Examination by immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed an absence of proteolipid apoprotein (lipophilin). The peripheral nervous system was normal. Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease in humans shares many neuropathological and biochemical features with X-linked mutations in animals, e.g., the jimpy mouse and myelin-deficient rat. The specificity of this protein deficiency in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease gains additional support from the recent mapping of the lipophilin gene to the human X chromosome.