Quantification of the histochemical reaction for alkaline phosphatase activity using the indoxyl-tetranitro BT method

Characterisation of ACP5 missense mutations encoding tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase associated with spondyloenchondrodysplasia

Biallelic mutations in ACP5, encoding tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), have recently been identified to cause the inherited immuno-osseous disorder, spondyloenchondrodysplasia (SPENCD). This study was undertaken to characterize the eight reported missense mutations in ACP5 associated with SPENCD on TRACP expression. ACP5 mutant genes were synthesized, transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells and stably expressing cell lines were established. TRACP expression was assessed by cytochemical and immuno-cytochemical staining with a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Analysis of wild (WT) type and eight mutant stable cell lines indicated that all mutants lacked stainable enzyme activity. All ACP5 mutant constructs were translated into intact proteins by HEK-293 cells. The mutant TRACP proteins displayed variable immune reactivity patterns, and all drastically reduced enzymatic activity, revealing that there is no gross inhibition of TRACP biosynthesis by the mutations. But they likely interfere with folding thereby impairing enzyme function. TRACP exists as two isoforms. TRACP 5a is a less active monomeric enzyme (35kD), with the intact loop peptide and TRACP 5b is proteolytically cleaved highly active enzyme encompassing two subunits (23 kD and 16 kD) held together by disulfide bonds. None of the mutant proteins were proteolytically processed into isoform 5b intracellularly, and only three mutants were secreted in significant amounts into the culture medium as intact isoform 5a-like proteins. Analysis of antibody reactivity patterns revealed that T89I and M264K mutant proteins retained some native conformation, whereas all others were in “denatured” or “unfolded” forms. Western blot analysis with intracellular and secreted TRACP proteins also revealed similar observations indicating that mutant T89I is amply secreted as inactive protein. All mutant proteins were attacked by Endo-H sensitive glycans and none could be activated by proteolytic cleavage in vitro. In conclusion, determining the structure-function relationship of the SPENCD mutations in TRACP will expand our understanding of basic mechanisms underlying immune responsiveness and its involvement in dysregulated bone metabolism.

Functional and Morphological Characterization of Small and Large Steroidogenic Luteal Cells From Domestic Cats Before and During Culture

The current study aimed to isolate, culture and characterize small (SLC) and large (LLC) steroidogenic cells from the corpora lutea (CL) of non-pregnant domestic cats. Isolation of feline SLC was based on an enzymatic digestion of luteal tissue, whereas LLC were obtained by mechanical disruption of CL. To assess function of both cell types, progesterone secretion and mRNA expression of selected genes involved in steroid and prostaglandin synthesis were measured, as well as relative transcript abundance of hormone receptors and anti-oxidative enzymes, before and during culture. The cells were cultured for 3 or 5 days without gonadotropins. Isolated feline SLC and LLC had different sizes (12 ± 3 μm vs. 34 ± 5 μm, respectively), morphologies (amount of lipid droplets) and behaved differently in culture. SLC attached and proliferated or spread quickly, but lost their steroidogenic function during culture (significant decrease in progesterone secretion and expression of steroidogenic genes). The expression of receptors for gonadotropins and prolactin also decreased. Prostaglandin synthase (PTGS2) decreased steadily over time, whereas mRNA expression of PGE2 synthase (PGES) increased. The gene expression of anti-oxidative enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), also increased during culture, but not of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). In comparison to SLC, LLC did not attach to culture plates, secreted more progesterone per inoculated cells and maintained steroidogenic function during culture. Expression of prostaglandin synthases (PTGS2 and PGES) was almost non-detectable. The gene expression of hormone receptors for prostaglandin F2 alpha (PTGFR), gonadotropins (LHCHR and FSHR), and prolactin (PRLR), as well as of anti-oxidative enzymes (GPX4, SOD1), increased over time. To conclude, we successfully isolated and cultured different types of feline steroidogenic luteal cells and comprehensively characterized both isolated cell types. This knowledge can be used to better understand the CL lifecycle in felines more broadly, and the established cell cultures will provide a foundation for future studies on luteolytic and luteotrophic factors in the domestic cat, and for comparison with other feline species, particularly lynx.

Response of renal parenchyma and interstitium of Rana snk. esculenta to environmental pollution

The mesonephroi of two groups of Rana esculenta collected from two rice fields near Pavia, one relatively unpolluted and one polluted, were morphologically and histochemically investigated. Light and electron microscopy analyses were performed and certain enzyme activities studied (succinic dehydrogenase, SDH, alkaline phosphatase, AlkPase, acid phosphatase, AcPase, catalase, CAT, and NOS-related nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase, NOS/NADPHd). The expression of the inducible NOS (iNOS) was evaluated through immunohistochemistry. In the renal parenchyma of the polluted group some structural modifications, mainly in the glomeruli and the proximal tubule epithelium, were observed. Peritubular inflammatory foci in most polluted samples were often found to be in combination with parasitic cysts. However, no necrotic processes were found in the renal parenchyma. Compared to controls, the histochemical studies on contaminated frogs evidenced an increase of the AcPase, NOS and CAT activities, and of the iNOS immunoexpression as well. All the results showed a good correspondence between the biomarkers responses and the environmental stress conditions. Overall, we can state that studying the sub-lethal effects of contamination in amphibians naturally exposed to toxicants has shown to be significant for the assessment of site-specific risk and potential hazards behind the phenomenon of progressive amphibian decline.

Altered alkaline phosphatase activity in obese Zucker rats liver respect to lean Zucker and Wistar rats discussed in terms of all putative roles ascribed to the enzyme

Biliary complications often lead to acute and chronic liver injury after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Bile composition and secretion depend on the integrated action of all the components of the biliary tree, starting from hepatocytes. Fatty livers are often discarded as grafts for OLT, since they are extremely vulnerable to conventional cold storage (CS). However, the insufficiency of donors has stimulated research to improve the usage of such marginal organs as well as grafts. Our group has recently developed a machine perfusion system at subnormothermic temperature (20°C; MP20) that allows a marked improvement in preservation of fatty and even of normal rat livers as compared with CS. We sought to evaluate the response of the biliary tree of fatty liver to MP20, and a suitable marker was essential to this purpose. Alkaline phosphatase (AlkP, EC 3.1.3.1), frequently used as marker of membrane transport in hepatocytes and bile ducts, was our first choice. Since no histochemical data were available on AlkP distribution and activity in fatty liver, we have first settled to investigate AlkP activity in the steatotic liver of fatty Zucker rats (fa/fa), using as controls lean Zucker (fa/+) and normal Wistar rats. The AlkP reaction in Wistar rats was in accordance with the existing data and, in particular, was present in bile canaliculi of hepatocytes in the periportal region and midzone, in the canals of Hering and in small bile ducts but not in large bile ducts. In lean ZR liver the AlkP reaction in Hering canals and small bile ducts was similar to Wistar rat liver but hepatocytes had lower canalicular activity and besides presented moderate basolateral reaction. The difference between lean Zucker and Wistar rats, both phenotypically normal animals, could be related to the fact that lean Zucker rats are genotypically heterozygous for a recessive mutated allele. In fatty liver, the activity in ductules and small bile ducts was unchanged, but most hepatocytes were devoid of AlkP activity with the exception of clusters of macrosteatotic hepatocytes in the mid-zone, where the reaction was intense in basolateral domains and in distorted canaliculi, a typical pattern of cholestasis. The interpretation of these data was hindered by the fact that the physiological role of AlkP is still under debate. In the present study, the various functions proposed for the role of the enzyme in bile canaliculi and in cholangiocytes are reviewed. Independently of the AlkP role, our data suggest that AlkP does not seem to be a reliable marker to study the initial step of bile production during OLT of fatty livers, but may still be used to investigate the behaviour of bile ductules and small bile ducts.

Rapid combined light and electron microscopy on large frozen biological samples

The use of large unfixed frozen tissue samples (10 x 10 x 5 mm(3)) for combined light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) is described. First, cryostat sections are applied for various LM histochemical approaches including in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and metabolic mapping (enzyme histochemistry). When EM inspection is needed, the tissue blocks that were used for cryostat sectioning and are stored at -80 degrees C, are then fixed at 4 degrees C with glutaraldehyde/paraformaldehyde and prepared for EM according to standard procedures. Ultrastructurally, most morphological aspects of normal and pathological tissue are retained whereas cryostat sectioning at -25 degrees C does not have serious damaging effects on the ultrastructure. This approach allows simple and rapid combined LM and EM of relatively large tissue specimens with acceptable ultrastructure. Its use is demonstrated with the elucidation of transdifferentiated mouse stromal elements in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma explants grown subcutaneously in nude mice. Combined LM and EM analysis revealed that these elements resemble cartilage showing enchondral mineralization and aberrant muscle fibres with characteristics of skeletal muscle cells.

Exposure to heptachlor: evaluation of the effects on the larval and adult epidermis of Rana kl. esculenta

Widely used in the past against termites and soil insects, the chlorinated insecticide heptachlor (H) is a toxic contaminant which represents a risk for both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Like many organochlorine pesticides, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide (HE), with oxidation products synthesized by many plant and animal species, degrade slowly since many of the derived compounds are persistent. This increases the status of heptachlor as a hazardous pollutant. In the present experimental study we exposed specimens of Rana kl. esculenta, from the tadpole stage through to their complete metamorphosis, to three different concentrations of heptachlor (4, 40 and 400 ppb). Mortality and HE bioaccumulation were evaluated on all the experimental groups. Since amphibian integument directly interacts with the environmental constituents (water, air and soil), we investigated the toxic effects on the ventral epidermis of both tadpole and adult samples by employing such histo-cytopathological biomarkers as ultrastructural morphology, certain enzyme activities (acid and alkaline phosphatases, AcPase, and AlkPase; succinic dehydrogenase, SDH; alpha-naphtyl butyrate esterase, ANBE; nitric oxide synthase/NADPH diaphorase, NOS/NADPHd). Also, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the different conditions were evaluated. The results obtained were of ecological relevance, in particular as regards the effects of this environmental toxicant on the samples of tadpole epidermis. Severe morphological alterations were observed in the larval epidermal cells (apical and skein cells), whereas the cell epidermis (keratinocytes and mitochondria-rich cells) of the adult survivors showed changes in enzyme activities, particularly those involved in the protective response to xenobiotic injury. In general, morpho-histochemical studies, analysis of HE bioaccumulation and mortality showed a relation to the H doses employed.

Morphofunctional evidence of changes in principal and mitochondria-rich cells in the epidermis of the frog Rana kl. esculenta living in a polluted habitat

The epidermis of vertebrates is the body's principal barrier against environment and its possible contaminants. The presence of keratins, as well as specific detoxifying molecules or enzyme activities, in the various epidermis layers is believed to be involved in providing protection from harmful environmental influences. Anuran integument is poorly hornified and thus permeable to some endogenous and exogenous compounds and thus serves as a good bioindicator of overall environmental conditions. In the present investigation, we studied the epidermis of Rana kl. esculenta adult specimens collected at two different rice fields, relatively unpolluted and heavily polluted, respectively. Environmental pollution was assayed by chemical analysis performed on both sediments and animals. We evaluated the structural aspects of the epidermis at both light and electron microscopy levels and the pattern of keratinization by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we studied the activities of some enzymes (acid and alkaline phosphatase, nitric oxide synthase-related nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, catalase, nonspecific esterases, and succinic dehydrogenase) involved mainly in membrane transport, xenobiotics, and oxidative metabolism. Compared with controls, in polluted animals we found the following results: (1) an increase in pollutant levels (i.e., cadmium, mercury, and lead); (2) less keratinized superficial cells in the epidermis; and (3) changes in most enzyme activities in keratinocytes and mitochondria-rich cells (particularly glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and esterases, both important to counteract oxidative and toxic stress). Taken as a whole, the present data indicate the morphofunctional plasticity of the frog epidermis in response to environmental contamination.

Alkaline phosphatase–immunoglobulin conjugate binds to lipids in vitro, independent of antibody selectivity

At present, alkaline phosphatase (AP) conjugates are major workhorses of immunological detection. However, APs are membrane bound enzymes, and therefore have the potential to interact with lipids. Using TLC overlay, we screened AP-conjugated immunoglobulins (IgGs), and AP-conjugated streptavidin, for their ability to bind sphingolipids and phospholipids non-specifically. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated IgG was tested as a negative control. AP-conjugates bound to all sphingolipids and phospholipids assayed, whereas no HRP-IgG binding was observed. AP conjugate-lipid binding could be reduced by pretreatment of chromatograms with polyisobutylmethacrylate. Addition of Tween 20 also abolished AP-lipid binding, except to lactosyl ceramide, suggesting a degree of specificity. This study serves to prevent spurious interpretation of AP-conjugate based binding assays, be they against purified lipids/lipid mixtures or tissue samples from which lipids have not been removed.

Effects of environmental pollution on the liver parenchymal cells and Kupffer-melanomacrophagic cells of the frog Rana esculenta

In vertebrates, the biotransformation processes of xenobiotics are performed mainly by the liver which involves both hepatocytes and Kupffer-melanomacrophagic cells through enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the liver of Rana esculenta adult frogs collected at two sample rice fields, one heavily polluted and one relatively unpolluted. Water pollution was determined by chemical analysis on tadpoles. The specific activities of some enzymes (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), acid and alkaline phosphatases (AcPase and AlkPase), succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), and catalase) were studied in the liver of adult frogs to identify the possible changes induced by contamination in the metabolic processes which depend on the function of the liver. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also evaluated through histochemical techniques. In the polluted samples, hepatocytes showed variations in the activity of G6PDH, AlkPase, and SDH and a moderate to intense ROS expression. Prominent changes were observed in Kupffer cells (KCs) and melanomacrophages (MMPs), both showing intense reactivity for AcPase and catalase and variations in melanin content and distribution. Results thus indicate a general adaptive response of liver parenchyma to environmental pollution. The possible role of both KCs and MMPs as scavengers of foreign substances is discussed.

The bone lining cell: its role in cleaning Howship's lacunae and initiating bone formation

In this study we investigated the role of bone lining cells in the coordination of bone resorption and formation. Ultrastructural analysis of mouse long bones and calvariae revealed that bone lining cells enwrap and subsequently digest collagen fibrils protruding from Howship's lacunae that are left by osteoclasts. By using selective proteinase inhibitors we show that this digestion depends on matrix metalloproteinases and, to some extent, on serine proteinases. Autoradiography revealed that after the bone lining cells have finished cleaning, they deposit a thin layer of a collagenous matrix along the Howship's lacuna, in close association with an osteopontin-rich cement line. Collagenous matrix deposition was detected only in completely cleaned pits. In bone from pycnodysostotic patients and cathepsin K-deficient mice, conditions in which osteoclastic bone matrix digestion is greatly inhibited, bone matrix leftovers proved to be degraded by bone lining cells, thus indicating that the bone lining cell "rescues" bone remodeling in these anomalies. We conclude that removal of bone collagen left by osteoclasts in Howship's lacunae is an obligatory step in the link between bone resorption and formation, and that bone lining cells and matrix metalloproteinases are essential in this process.

A quantitative histochemical study of alkaline phosphatase activity in isolated rat duodenal epithelial cells

A simple separation method enabling the quantification of alkaline phosphatase activity in unfixed, isolated, individual, duodenal epithelial cells has been presented. The activity of intestinal brush border-bound alkaline phosphatase has been demonstrated using naphthol AS-BI phosphate as a substrate and hexazotized New Fuchsin as a simultaneous coupling agent. The amount of final reaction product, as measured cytophotometrically, increases linearly with incubation time (up to 10 min) and with substrate concentration (up to 0.4 mM). Maximum enzyme activity was obtained at pH 8.9. Variation of the substrate concentration revealed the kinetic parameters for naphthol AS-BI phosphate as Km = 0.17 i 0.015 and Vmax = 13.9 +/- 1.38. The specificity of the enzyme reaction was confirmed by the complete inhibition of the enzyme activity in the presence of L-cysteine (10 mm) and 80% inhibition with L-phenylalanine (30 mM). Comparison of alkaline phosphatase activity in 8-microm cryostat sections (beginning at the tip and proceeding to the cryptal part) along the villus axis, with the activity of individual cells obtained by successive separation, revealed similar values of the percentage quotient derived from the entire activities in these two different methods. This suggests that the presented separation procedure gives rise to isolation of the respective cells from the corresponding areas of the villus. Finally, the isolated cells can be used as a valuable tool for the quantitative analysis of alkaline phosphatase activity along the length of the villus.

Tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in the locus coeruleus of depression-model rats and rats exposed to short-and long-term forced walking stress

Abnormal brain noradrenergic function is thought to cause depressive illnesses which are sometimes manifested or aggravated under stressful conditions. To investigate the effect of chronic stress on noradrenaline (NA) synthesis in the brain we used in situ hybridization to examine the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA in the locus coeruleus (LC) of "depression-model rats" that exhibit reduced activity following exposure to long-term (14 days) forced walking stress (FWS). We also examined TH mRNA expression in rats stressed for 30 minutes, 3 hours and 1, 2 (short-term), 6 or 12 (long-term) days. The expression of TH mRNA increased markedly following 1 to 12 days of FWS, but not in rats exposed to FWS for 30 minutes or 3 hours. The expression also increased significantly in the depression-model rats, but not in the "spontaneous recovery rats" whose activity was restored after long-term stress. Our results suggest that NA synthesis remains high in the FWS-induced depression-model rats because of the high levels of TH mRNA expression in the LC. Our results also suggest that FWS is initially a mild stress but gradually becomes a severe form of unadaptable stress as reflected by delayed but persistent increases in TH mRNA expression.

Kinetic parameters of lactate dehydrogenase in liver and gastrocnemius determined by three quantitative histochemical methods

We determined the Michaelis constant (K(m)) and maximal velocity (Vmax) of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in periportal hepatocytes and skeletal muscle fibers by three different histochemical assay methods. Unfixed sections of mouse liver and gastrocnemius were incubated at 37C either on substrate (L-lactate)-containing agarose gel films or in aqueous assay media with and without 18% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a tissue protectant. The absorbances of the formazan final reaction products were continuously measured at 584 nm in the cytoplasm of individual cells as a function of incubation time, using an image analysis system. The kinetic parameters of purified rabbit skeletal muscle LDH incorporated into polyacrylamide gel sections were similarly determined. The intrinsic initial velocities (vi) of LDH, corrected for "nothing dehydrogenase," were determined as described in the previous article. The Km and Vmax were calculated from Hanes plots of s/vi on L-lactate concentration (s). The Km values obtained with three assay methods were similar and in the range of 21.1-21.9 mM for pure LDH, 8.62-13.5 mM for LDH in mouse periportal hepatocytes, and 13.3-17.9 mM for LDH in mouse skeletal muscle fibers. The Vmax values determined on agarose gel substrate films and in aqueous assay media without PVA were in good agreement but were 53-65% lower when 18% PVA was included in the medium. These results indicate that catalytic center activity kcat of LDH is retarded by the high viscosity of PVA media because PVA hardly inhibited the enzyme. The K(m) values of LDH determined histochemically in skeletal muscle fibers and periportal hepatocytes were respectively three to five times and two to three times higher than those determined biochemically. These differences may be due to interactions of LDH with intracellular components.

Degradable bisphosphonate-alkaline phosphatase-complexed hydroxyapatite implants in vitro

Degradable hydroxyapatite (HA) implants complexed with the resorption inhibiting agent bisphosphonate (PCP) and the mineralizing agent alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can theoretically maintain alveolar bone mass directly after extraction of teeth. The present in vitro study investigated the surface properties of PCP-ALP-complexed HA implants in relation to the requirements of implant behavior and action. Adsorbed PCP (pH 3.49) resulted in a flattening and broadening of the phosphate peaks and the formation of carbonate peaks in the HA pattern of the implant indicating a chemical alteration of the HA surface. Adsorption of ALP onto PCP-altered HA surfaces was 26% lower than onto HA implant blank surfaces. PCP-ALP-complexed HA implants released the PCP and ALP steadily and continuously over observation periods of, respectively, 75 and 14 days. During these observation periods, the ceramic grains of the HA implant became smaller and intergrain boundaries became broader. These morphologic characteristics suggested preconditioning of the HA implant surface for future bonding and degradation in vivo. Individual grains were no longer bonded to other grains and detached from the implant which had become rounded in shape. From in vitro mice experiments we found that PCP concentrations between 10(-4) and 10(-3) M resulted in 45Ca-release from the bone HA. Our calculations showed, however, that only a total concentration of 1.4 x 10(-4) M PCP was gradually released over the whole observation period. In another experiment, it appeared that a PCP concentration in solution < 10(-3) M did not reduce ALP activity. It is concluded that release of PCP by the PCP-ALP-complexed implants is maintained at levels in the range to impair osteoclast bone resorption but not high enough to block osteoblast activity. The amount of ALP released can lead to induction of bone formation onto implant surfaces. pH-induced alterations in the microstructure and chemistry of the HA surface allow for controlled degradation of the HA implants in vitro. A PCP-ALP-complexed HA implant acting as temporary scaffolding for alveolar bone growth enhancement, mineralization, and maintenance seems to be a reasonable concept for preservation of the edentulous alveolus.

Early effects of high doses of retinol (vitamin A) on the in situ cellular metabolism in rat liver

Understanding of the possible toxicity associated with hypervitaminosis A becomes increasingly important in view of the popularity of vitamin A supplementation. Hypervitaminosis A for many years may eventually lead to hepatocellular damage. In the present study, rats were treated for 7 days with high doses of retinol to study the early effects on the metabolism of different types of liver cells using (enzyme) histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Excessive intake of vitamin A activates Kupffer cells and induces accumulation of lipid droplets in fat-storing cells as well as proliferation of these cells. Moreover, it affects the metabolic heterogeneity in the liver lobules, but does not lead to apparent cell damage. Based on the changes in marker enzymes for different metabolic processes, it is concluded that the capacity for breakdown of purines, the antioxidant capacity, the potential for phagocytosis and the regulation of ammonia levels were largely decreased. Increased alkaline phosphatase activity in hepatocytes pointed to an activated process of transport of retinol esters over the bile canalicular membrane. The possible causes of these metabolic changes have been described in the discussion.

Regulation of protein secretion into bile: studies in mice with a disrupted mdr2 p-glycoprotein gene

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Protein is secreted into bile via several independent pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these pathways are influenced by secretion of biliary lipid.

METHODS

Protein secretion and biliary lipid output were studied in wild-type mice (+/+), heterozygotes (+/-), and homozygotes (-/-) for mdr2 gene disruption. Biliary lipid and protein output were varied by infusion with taurocholate (TC) and tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC).

RESULTS

Exocytosis and transcytosis were unaltered in (-/-) mice. Infusion with TC strongly induced secretion of alkaline phosphatase in (-/-) mice but had little effect in (+/-) and (+/+) mice. Infusion with TUDC had little effect on alkaline phosphatase output. In contrast, both TUDC and TC strongly stimulated secretion of aminopeptidase N and lysosomal enzymes in (+/+) mice but had no effect in (-/-) animals. Aminopeptidase N secretion correlated with phospholipid output, but only at high flux. At low flux, aminopeptidase N was secreted independently from both phospholipid and bile salts.

CONCLUSIONS

The canalicular membrane enzymes alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidase N are secreted via separate pathways. Part of alkaline phosphatase output is controlled by bile salt hydrophobicity, whereas at high lipid flux, aminopeptidase N secretion seems to be coupled to phospholipid output. Lysosomal enzymes follow the latter pathway.

Alkaline phosphatase activity in the periodontal ligament and gingiva of the rat molar: its relation to cementum formation

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a glycoprotein thought to be involved in processes leading to mineral formation in tissues like bone and cementum. In the rat molar periodontium, several regions are associated with the formation of cementum (periodontal ligament, inner part of the gingiva), whereas other areas are not (e.g., the outer part of the gingiva just beneath the outer oral epithelium). In an attempt to establish how the spatial distribution of ALP activity relates to cementum formation, we assessed the activity of the enzyme quantitatively in the periodontium of the rat maxillary molars, by using the indoxyl-tetrazolium salt method. It appeared that the distribution of enzyme activity in the ligament was heterogeneous, indicating local variations in the phosphate household. Highest activity was found in areas related to mineralization, adjacent to the alveolar bone and cementum. Enzyme activity was higher adjacent to cellular cementum than to acellular cementum. With respect to acellular cementum, a highly significant positive correlation was found between ALP activity and cementum thickness, which indicates a close relationship between local phosphate production and cementum formation rate. An interesting observation in the connective tissue of the gingiva mesial to the first molar was a sharp demarcation between an ALP-positive inner part, adjacent to the tooth, and an ALP-negative outer part, underneath the outer oral epithelium. In the interdental gingiva, the entire connective tissue proved positive for the enzyme, suggesting that this region consists of the combined inner gingival parts of two adjacent teeth.

Qualitative and quantitative detection of alkaline phosphatase coupled to an oligonucleotide probe for somatostatin mRNA after in situ hybridization using unfixed rat brain tissue

In situ hybridization (ISH) of somatostatin (SOM) mRNA was carried out on sections of rat brain using an alkaline phosphatase (AP) coupled oligonucleotide probe. Different hybridization and AP development conditions were tested for qualitative and quantitative detection of target mRNA on sections of unfixed tissue. Hybridization signal intensities after 24 h of hybridization were high. Comparison with adjacent formaldehyde-fixed tissue sections and hybridization for various lengths of time (2-42 h) indicated that in unfixed tissue retention of SOM mRNA was at least as high as after fixation, and that the mRNA was not degraded during hybridization. The use of tetranitroblue instead of nitroblue tetrazolium chloride in the AP detection medium provided a superior signal-to-noise ratio, and medium stability was improved for quantitative studies on unfixed sections by adding 10% polyvinyl alcohol at pH 8.5. Microphotometric measurements of mean optical densities (MOD) of the formazan reaction product in a defined area within individual neurons of the lateral central amygdaloid nucleus showed a linear increase over the first 23 h of AP reaction time. The mean MOD values per neuron were comparably high in various equally thick sections of the nucleus and increased with section thickness in a linear manner. The findings indicate that the ISH and detection reagents penetrate the entire section and that there is a linear relationship between the amount of AP reaction product measured and the amount of mRNA present in the measured area. Thus, ISH using an AP-coupled oligonucleotide on sections of unfixed tissue appears suitable for quantitative mRNA detection.

A quantitative method to measure alkaline phosphatase activities in individual leukocytes by image analysis

Leucocyte alkaline phosphatase (L-ALP) is well known as leukemia marker, but recent results suggest its usefulness for the diagnosis of several diseases. The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative method to measure alkaline phosphatase activities in individual leukocytes by image analysis. We studied the reaction rate of L-ALP in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes by a microscope attached to a TV camera and a computerized image analyzer. The optical density (OD) measured was standardized by grey filters with known absorbance. We measured IOD for individual cells after a set incubation time by end-point measurements. Studies of kinetic parameters of L-ALP were performed by single-point measurements in the linear phase of the reaction and at increasing substrate concentrations. Cellular IOD increased proportionally with incubation time up to 10 min. The mean KM(mM) and Vmax(delta IOD/min) values were 0.70 +/- 0.11 and 1.76 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- SE, n = 5) respectively. Our findings are comparable to previous results using a polyvynil alcohol method in microphotometry analysis. The image analysis of cellular L-ALP activity appears a valuable tool for quantitative studies.

Quantification in immunohistochemistry: the measurement of the ratios of collagen types I and II

Quantitative techniques in immunohistochemistry are needed, but they are rarely applied because of doubtful reproducibility. We have developed a method for the detection of collagen types I and III in situ. The method applied was a two-step immuno-alkaline phosphatase technique with visualization of the end-product with Fast Red. The staining intensity was measured with a microdensitometer and the results expressed as ratios. The method yielded results that were unaffected by variations in tissue section thickness but which were proportionally related to time and antigen concentrations. Leiomyoma tissue, with a ratio of collagen types I and III of approximately 1.0, was used to establish the appropriate dilutions of the antibodies, thus assuring identical optical densities. By having the leiomyoma tissue sections incubated together with the heart tissue specimens, leiomyoma tissue was also helpful in correcting deviations from the 1.0 ratio. Accurate measurements of collagen type I/III ratios in normal human heart specimens were obtained with the present quantitative immunohistochemical technique.

Biotin carboxylases in mitochondria and the cytosol from skeletal and cardiac muscle as detected by avidin binding

Biotin carboxylases in mammalian cells are regulatory enzymes in lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis. In this study, endogenous biotin in skeletal and cardiac muscle was detected using avidin conjugated with alkaline phosphatase and applied in high concentrations to muscle sections. The avidin binding was subsequently visualized by histochemical demonstration of the alkaline phosphatase activity. All cardiac muscle cells showed high affinity for avidin with only the nuclei and the intercalated discs remaining unstained. In skeletal muscle a diffuse reaction could be detected in the sarcoplasm of the muscle fibres. A granular reaction was noted in the same fibres that showed activity for succinic dehydrogenase. The specificity of the coloured reaction product in the muscle sections was investigated and is suggested to be caused by avidin binding to biotin moieties in mitochondria and the cytosol. Mitochondrial and cytosolic preparations of skeletal muscle were electrophoresed in sodium dodecyl sulphate gels. After blotting and incubation with conjugated avidin, two bands with molecular weights of 75 kDa and 130 kDa respectively were evident in the mitochondrial preparation. It is suggested that the 75-kDa band represents comigration of the biotin-containing subunits of propionyl-CoA carboxylase and methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. The 130-kDa band may represent the biotin-containing pyruvate carboxylase. In the cytosolic preparation a 270-kDa band was stained in blots that had been incubated with conjugated avidin; this band is suggested to represent acetyl-CoA carboxylase. A 190-kDa cytosolic band might be a cleavage product of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. We propose that using alkaline phosphatase-conjugated avidin it is possible to detect the mitochondrial and cytosolic biotin-dependent carboxylases in striated muscle.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus transcripts in chemically or immunologically-activated cells and in a null cell-line (HLN-STL-C) by in situ hybridization with alkaline phosphatase-linked oligonucleotide probes

We report a simple procedure for the detection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) by in situ DNA-RNA hybridization with an alkaline phosphatase-linked oligonucleotide probe. EBV-producing cell lines P3HR-1 and Akata were treated with phorbol ester and n-butyrate, and anti-human IgG, respectively. This treatment resulted in highly increased populations of cells with EBV transcripts of the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) and envelop glycoprotein gp350/220, but not of EBV-encoded small nuclear RNAs (EBERs). Synthesis of the LMP1 protein, which was encoded by the induced mRNA, was mostly dependent on viral DNA synthesis, as shown by double or single labeling for in situ DNA-DNA hybridization with the oligo-nucleotide probe, and immunoperoxidase staining with a monoclonal antibody against LMP1. In situ hybridization of the null cell line HLN-STL-C established from an adult T-cell leukemia patient showed that 100% of the cells contained both EBERs and LMP1 mRNA and about 0.1% of the cells contained gp350/220 mRNA, indicating that a few of the null cells which carried the EBV genome spontaneously entered the late EBV replication cycle.

Quantitative aspects of enzyme histochemistry on sections of freeze-substituted glycol methacrylate-embedded rat liver

Freeze-substituted rat liver embedded in glycol methacrylate (GMA) has been used to demonstrate the activities of several enzymes. The following enzymes could be detected in GMA-sections by the indicated histochemical procedure(s): 5'-nucleotidase (lead salt, cerium-diaminobenzidine), alkaline phosphatase (indoxyl-tetrazolium salt), catalase (diaminobenzidine), acid phosphatase (diazonium salt), lactate dehydrogenase (tetrazolium salt) and glutamate dehydrogenase (tetrazolium salt). The activities of all these enzymes were dramatically decreased compared with the activities demonstrated in unfixed cryostat sections, with the exception of catalase. The activities of the following enzymes could not be detected in GMA-sections: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (tetrazolium salt), xanthine oxidoreductase (tetrazolium salt), D-amino acid oxidase (cerium-diaminobenzidine-cobalt-hydrogen peroxide) and glucose-6-phosphatase (cerium-diaminobenzidine). The possible role of restricted penetration of reagents into the resin was studied by measuring cytophotometrically the enzyme activities in GMA-sections of 3 and 6 microns in thickness. For all the enzymes that could be detected, the 6 microns:3 microns ratio varied from 1.4 to 2.7. An eventual retarded penetration of reagents into the resin was investigated by measuring cytophotometrically the amount of final reaction product during incubation for acid phosphatase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities. In both cases linear relationships without a lag phase were found for the specific enzyme activities with incubation time. Chemical denaturation of proteins or masking of active sites in proteins due to embedding in the resin monomer may be considered to be the main cause of decreased enzyme activities.

A quantitative enzyme histochemical analysis of the distribution of alkaline phosphatase activity in the periodontal ligament of the rat incisor

The spatial distribution of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was examined in the periodontal ligament of the continuously growing rat incisor. With the indoxyl-tetrazolium salt method, enzyme activity was demonstrated in undecalcified cryosections, and the amount of reaction product was quantified. ALP activity appeared to be distributed heterogeneously. Its highest activity was found in the bone-related compartment of the ligament. In the tooth-related compartment and the supracrestal extension of the ligament, enzyme activity was significantly lower, but still higher than in the lamina propria of the gingiva. In the part of the ligament bordering the cementum, highest activity was found in the apical region just occlusal to Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, where formation of acellular cementum begins. From there toward the incisal edge, the activity of the enzyme gradually decreased. It is suggested that differences among the various parts of the periodontal ligament are related to local variations in phosphate metabolism and cementum deposition.

Experimentally induced colon cancer metastases in rat liver increase the proliferation rate and capacity for purine catabolism in liver cells

Metastases in rat liver were generated experimentally by intraportal injection of colon cancer cells to investigate the effects of cancerous growth on the metabolism of surrounding liver tissue. Maximum activities (capacity) of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase, xanthine oxidoreductase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase and adenosine triphosphatase have been determined. Two types of metastases were found, a small type surrounded by stroma and a larger type in direct contact with hepatocytes. Both types affected the adjacent tissue in a similar way suggesting that the interactions were not mediated by stroma. High capacity of the degradation pathway of extracellular purines released from dead cells of either tumours or host tissue was found in stroma and sinusoidal cells. Metastases induced both an increase in the number of Kupffer cells and proliferation of hepatocytes. The distribution pattern in the liver lobulus of most enzymes investigated did not change distinctly. However, activity of alkaline phosphatase, succinate dehydrogenase and phosphogluconate dehydrogenase was increased in hepatocytes directly surrounding metastases. These data imply that the overall metabolic zonation in liver lobuli is not dramatically disturbed by the presence of cancer cells despite the fact that various metabolic processes in liver cells are affected.

Reversibility of cholestatic changes following experimental common bile duct obstruction: fact or fantasy?

In 36 male Wistar rats extrahepatic cholestasis was induced by ligation and transsection of the common bile duct. After 1, 2 and 3 weeks of cholestasis the bile flow was restored by means of a Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy. Plasma levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, GOT and clotting factor X were measured weekly. Liver biopsies were taken at the time of restored bile flow as well as 3 and 8 weeks thereafter. Histochemical reaction for lactate dehydrogenase activity and Sirius Red F3BA staining were used as measure for functional liver parenchyma and collagen, respectively. Acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase activities as well as the glycogen content were demonstrated in cryostat sections of the same biopsies. After 1, 2 and 3 weeks of common bile duct obstruction, levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and GOT significantly increased, whereas levels of clotting factor X decreased. RBF resulted in normalization of all these levels to control range. The volume density of functional parenchyma was found to be reduced to 90%, 73% and 64% of the control values following 1, 2 and 3 weeks of common bile duct obstruction respectively, returning to 96%, 94% and 88% at 8 weeks, respectively, after restored bile flow. The collagen content increased significantly during cholestasis up to 5-fold after 3 weeks of common bile duct obstruction. After restored bile flow, a slight decrease of collagen was measured in some animals but in none of the three groups a return to normal values appeared. Cholestasis induced an alteration in localization and/or activity of the three enzymes analyzed as well as a depletion of glycogen stores. All changes in activity and distribution pattern of the three enzymes, as well as the glycogen depletion during common bile duct obstruction normalised after restored bile flow was performed. However, the longer common bile duct obstruction had existed, the longer period was needed for full recovery. In conclusion, even after 3 weeks of common bile duct obstruction the parenchyma/stroma relationship grossly normalized after restored bile flow with an almost complete restoration of the parenchyma and a concomitant recovery of liver function. However, collagen once formed, did not disappear but remained as more condensed septa, which apparently did not interfere with normal function.

Factors affecting the selection and use of tetrazolium salts as cytochemical indicators of microbial viability and activity

The reduction of four tetrazolium cations (TCs), nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), neotetrazolium (NT), methylthiazolyldiphenyltetrazolium (MTT) and iodonitrophenyltetrazolium (INT), by viable micro-organisms, immobilized on glass cover slips, was examined by light microscopy with a view to determining a systematic basis for applying these reagents as cytochemical indicators of microbial viability and activity. The potential value of histochemical information about TC reactions for developing their microbiological applications was also assessed. INT and MTT detected viable cells more readily than NBT and NT. In order to obtain cell-localized formazan, MTT required cobalt ions in the reaction mixture and INT reactions had to be assessed soon after mounting. In general, formazan deposition could be accelerated by the addition of glucose and an intermediate electron carrier (IEC) to the reaction mixture, although inhibitory effects of IECs were also detected. Cultures in exponential phase, in stationary phase and inhibited by chloramphenicol could be differentiated with MTT but not with INT. For some organisms, notably Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. TC reactions proved to be a relatively insensitive means of demonstrating viability. Two parameters used in selecting TCs for histochemical reactions, lipophilicity and reducibility appeared to be predictive for the relative sensitivity of these reagents as indicators of cell viability. The concepts of substantivity, a measure of non-specific interactions between reagents and staining substrates, and TC oxygen sensitivity, the effect of competition between oxygen and TCs for electrons, were found to be relevant to formazan deposition in live microbes. These findings support the use of TCs as cytochemical probes of microbial activity in defined settings and the use of histochemical knowledge to support further development of these techniques.

Kinetic analysis of lactate dehydrogenase in situ in mouse liver determined with a quantitative histochemical technique

The kinetics of lactate dehydrogenase in situ were studied in sections of unfixed liver of the male mouse using a quantitative histochemical technique. The sections were incubated on substrate-containing gel films. The absorbance of the final reaction products deposited in a single hepatocyte was measured continuously during the incubation as a function of incubation time using a scanning microdensitometer. The absorbance increased non-linearly during the first minute of incubation, but linearly for at least the next 3 min afterwards. The initial velocity (vi) of the dehydrogenase was calculated from two equations proposed previously by us, vi = 2.82 degrees A and vi = vi + 2 degrees A, where vi and degrees A are, respectively, the gradient and intercept of the linear regression line of absorbance on time for incubation times between 1 and 3 min. The dependence of vi on lactate concentration gave the following mean kinetic constants. For periportal hepatocytes, the apparent Km = 14 mM and Vmax = 80 mumoles hydrogen equivalents formed cm-3 hepatocyte cytoplasm min-1. For pericentral hepatocytes, Km = 12 mM and Vmax = 87 mumoles hydrogen equivalents cm-3 min-1. The Km values are very similar to those determined previously from biochemical assays. The concentrations of the enzyme in single hepatocytes calculated from the Vmax values are in good agreement with those obtained by another method. These data substantiate the validity of our equations.

Estimating the initial reaction velocity of a soluble dehydrogenase in situ

The initial reaction velocities (vi) of lactate dehydrogenase in single hepatocytes were determined, by microdensitometry or computer-assisted image analysis, in sections of unfixed mouse liver incubated at 37 degrees C on substrate-containing agarose gel films. They were found to fit the equations vi = 2.82 degrees A and vi = vi + 2 degrees A, where vi and degrees A are, respectively, the gradients (or steady-state linear velocities) and the intercepts on the absorbance axis of the linear regression lines of the absorbance (A) on incubation time plots for incubation times between 1 and 3 min. Both equations were independent of section thickness between 4 and 14 microns. The observed and calculated values of vi agreed within 11.5% (n = 71). The validity of the equations for vi was confirmed by showing that the calculated vi was proportional to the thickness of the section and hence the amount of enzyme present. Thus, vi can be determined from measurements of either degrees A alone or vi and degrees A.

Mineralization of dentinal collagen sheets complexed with alkaline phosphatase and integration with newly formed bone following subperiosteal implantation over osseous defects in rat calvaria

We addressed the question to what extent alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can induce mineralization of a collagenous matrix implanted subperiosteally, and how the graft interacts with the underlying bone. Bovine intestinal ALP was bound to sheets of guanidine-extracted, demineralized bovine dentin by using the crosslinking agent 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide.HCl. The complexes (with active enzyme) and control grafts (no enzyme) were implanted over osseous defects in opposite halves of rat calvaria. After time intervals varying from 3-12 weeks, the calvaria were processed for light and electron microscopic examination and histomorphometric analysis. The ALP-containing sheets (but not their controls) rapidly accumulated mineral crystals. As the complexes mineralized, osteoblasts appeared and formed a layer of bone in direct contact with the grafted material. The results indicate that ALP induced the deposition of mineral crystals, and strongly suggest that it is this mineral component which influenced the formation of bone.

Sensitive mRNA detection using unfixed tissue: combined radioactive and non-radioactive in situ hybridization histochemistry

In the present study some experimental parameters for in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH) have been analysed using 35S-labelled and alkaline phosphatase-conjugated probes, in order to develop a reproducible double-labelling procedure. We have compared the total exclusion of tissue fixation with tissue sections fixed by immersion in formalin. In addition, the effect of dithiothreitol was assessed both when combining radiolabelled and non-radioactive probes on a single tissue section and when the probes were used separately. Hybridization of unfixed tissue resulted in stronger specific labelling and lower background both for radiolabelled and alkaline phosphatase-conjugated probes. No loss in tissue preservation was seen at the light microscopic level after hybridization of unfixed tissue. High concentrations (200 mM) of dithiothreitol strongly suppressed background when using 35S-labelled probes, whereas in the non-radioactive procedure, alkaline phosphatase labelling could only be achieved with very low dithiothreitol concentrations (less than 1 mM). This incompatibility led to a protocol using unfixed tissue sections and a sequential hybridization procedure, with the radiolabelled probe and high concentrations of dithiothreitol in the first step and the alkaline phosphatase-conjugated probe without dithiothreitol in the second step.

Initial reaction kinetics of succinate dehydrogenase in mouse liver studied with a real-time image analyser system

The initial reaction kinetics of succinate dehydrogenase in situ were investigated in sections of mouse unfixed liver using an ARGUS-100 image analyser system. The sections were incubated on substrate-containing agarose gel films. Images of a section, illuminated with monochromatic light (584 nm), were captured with the image analyser in real time at intervals of 10 s during the incubation. The absorbances of selected hepatocytes in the successive images were determined as a function of time. In every cell, the absorbance increased nonlinearly after the first minute of incubation. The initial velocity of the dehydrogenase was calculated from the linear activities during the first 20 s of incubation. Hanes plots of the initial velocities and succinate concentration yielded the following mean kinetic constants. For periportal hepatocytes, the apparent Km = 1.2 +/- 0.8 mM and Vmax = 29 +/- 2 mumol hydrogen equivalents formed/cm3 hepatocyte cytoplasm per min. For pericentral hepatocytes, Km = 1.4 +/- 1.0 mM and Vmax = 21 +/- 2 mumol hydrogen equivalents/cm3 per min. The Km values are very similar to those determined previously from biochemical assays. These results, and the observed dependence of the initial velocity on the enzyme concentration, suggest that the technique reported here is valid for the histochemical assay of succinate dehydrogenase.

Alkaline phosphatase induces the mineralization of sheets of collagen implanted subcutaneously in the rat

To determine whether alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can cause the mineralization of collagenous matrices in vivo, bovine intestinal ALP was covalently bound to slices of guanidine-extracted demineralized bovine dentin (DDS). The preparations were implanted subcutaneously over the right half of the rat skull. Control slices not treated with the enzyme were implanted over the left half of the skull of the same animals. Specimens were harvested after periods varying from 1 to 4 wk. It was shown that ALP-coupled DDS rapidly accumulated hydroxyapatite crystals. 4 wk after implantation, the content of calcium and phosphate per microgram of hydroxyproline amounted up to 80 and 60%, respectively, of that found in normal bovine dentin. Our observations present direct evidence that ALP may play a crucial role in the induction of hydroxyapatite deposition in collagenous matrices in vivo.

New possibilities for bacterial cytochemistry: light microscopical demonstration of beta-galactosidase in unfixed immobilized bacteria

The possibility of applying light microscope cytochemical techniques in order to determine the identity and physiological state of microbes, particularly bacteria, has received little attention in recent years. The technical obstacles have perhaps been thought too great and the potential rewards too small. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the cytochemical approach to problems in microbiology, an indoxyl method was developed for the demonstration of beta-galactosidase activity in unfixed bacteria. Cells were immobilized on 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane-treated glass, permeabilized by air drying, then incubated in an indoxyl beta-D-galactopyranoside substrate plus a ferri-ferrocyanide reaction mix. Specific enzyme activity was demonstrated in Escherichia coli and a strain of Bacillus subtilis containing the LacZ gene. In the former, activity was inducible both before and after immobilization. These findings indicate that the basic prerequisites for light microscopical demonstration of bacterial intracellular activities, i.e. immobilization without disruption and reagent access without loss of localization, can now be fulfilled. Further development of this approach is desirable because it allows rapid demonstration of specific microbial activities without an intervening period of in vitro cultivation, thus avoiding the time delays and adaptive changes associated with propagation on laboratory media.

Lectin binding in skeletal muscle. Evaluation of alkaline phosphatase conjugated avidin staining procedures

Cryostat sections from rat gracilis muscles were incubated with different biotinylated lectins: Con A (Concanavilin A), WGA (Wheat germ agglutinin), SBA (soybean agglutinin), GS I and GS II (Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin), LCA (Lens culinaris agglutinin), PNA (peanut agglutinin) and PSA (Pisum sativum agglutinin). The sections were subsequently treated with alkaline phosphatase conjugated avidin. The lectin binding sites were visualized after incubation in substrate media containing: (1) 5-bromo-4-chloro indoxyl phosphate and Nitro Blue tetrazolium or copper sulphate; (2) naphthol AS-MX phosphate or naphthol AS-BI phosphate and various types of diazonium salts; (3) alpha-naphthylphosphate and Fast Blue BB; (4) beta-glycerophosphate according to the method of Gomori. The results obtained with the alkaline phosphatase methods were compared with those seen with a streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase procedure. Several chromogen protocols for visualizing alkaline phosphatase activity showed differences in the ability to detect lectin binding sites. A sarcoplasmic reaction was evident for Con A, GS II, WGA, LCA, and PSA after incubation in the indoxyl phosphate medium. Sarcoplasmic reaction for GS II was also noticed after incubation with naphthol AS-MX Fast Blue BB and beta-glycerophosphate. The latter substrate also gave rise to a sarcoplasmic Con A reaction. With the indoxylphosphate tetrazolium salt method some muscle fibres showed a very strong intracellular reaction after incubation with Con A and GS II while the staining intensity was weak in other fibres. The same muscle fibres were stained with PAS. No sarcoplasmic reactions were observed with either naphthol phosphate media or with the diaminobenzidine peroxidase methods. Further, the staining of the muscle fibre periphery, connective tissue, an capillaries was intensified using the indoxyl method. The indoxylphosphate-tetrazolium salt method seems to be suitable for future investigations of lectin binding sites in muscle sections.

The tetrazolium-formazan system: design and histochemistry

Our increasing knowledge about the chemistry and the correlations between chemical structure and histochemical properties of the tetrazolium/formazan system is resulting in: a better understanding of existing histochemical tetrazolium techniques; the selection of optimal tetrazolium salts for qualified use in histochemistry, cytochemistry and biochemistry; both qualitative and quantitative improvements in histochemical techniques for purposes demonstrating the activities of various dehydrogenating enzymes; an extended insight into the "state" of the tested biological object by means of tetrazolium indicators with special properties; and the combination of histochemical enzyme determination with further morphological techniques. This article has attempted to illustrate the progress in the use of the tetrazolium/formazan-system for histochemical purposes.

Recent progress in the use of the technique of non-radioactive in situ hybridization histochemistry: new tools for molecular neurobiology

Recent developments in DNA and oligonucleotide chemistry have made it possible to modify nucleotides and link quite complex molecules to the modified nucleotides. These advancements in DNA chemistry provide a number of possibilities for labelling oligonucleotide probes for DNA or RNA detection by non-radioactive methods. Over the years a number of non-radioactive detection systems for mRNA or chromosomal DNA have been developed. As reporter molecules, biotin, acetylaminofluorene, dinitrophenol, digoxigenin, sulfonized nucleotides, and mercury have been used and may be detected with a variety of high-affinity detectors, e.g. avidin (in the case of biotin) or antibodies specific to digoxigenin. These various 'indirect methods' of detection have used a number of chemical amplification procedures in attempts to improve their sensitivity. However, the sensitivity of these methods is often less than that of conventional radioactive methods. A sensitive non-radioactive technique would have a number of advantages over the complex and specialized radioactive in situ hybridization methods. In our laboratory we have recently found that simple enzyme-labelled probes provide excellent sensitivity (equivalent to that found with radioactive methods) and substantially improved cellular resolution. In this article, we describe the principle of the method and illustrate some applications of this novel non-radioactive in situ method.

Combined immunocytochemical staining and image analysis for the study of lymphocyte specificity and function in situ

Immunocytochemical staining methods were combined with computer-aided image analysis to quantitate relative intracytoplasmic and cell membrane products within single lymphoid cells. Lymphoid cells fixed to microscope slides were immunocytochemically stained and the densities of immunocytochemical stains for individual lymphoid cells were determined on video-camera-captured microscopic images to quantitate synthesized and fully assembled antibody molecules detected by an anti-idiotypic antibody. Similarly, expression of a lymphoid cell membrane molecule, Ly-1, was comparatively quantitated in individual lymphoid cells. Densitometric analysis of tissue sections was utilized to measure tissue areas and quantitate cell nuclei in tissues. Two-color immunocytochemical staining and sequential image analyzer-determined locations of individual cells in tissues allowed unambiguous identification of doubly stained cells in their native tissue environment. This analysis was applied to the in situ identification of antibody forming cells producing the CRIc idiotype of the BALB/c anti-arsonate response and a determination of the mu chain usage by those individual cells. Applications of combined immunocytochemistry and computerized image analysis to studies of in vivo immunologic functions are discussed.

Quantitative changes in acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase activity in rat liver after experimentally induced cholestasis

Acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase activities were analyzed cytophotometrically in cryostat sections of rat liver up to 8 weeks after ligation and transsection of the common bile duct. Ligation resulted in cholestasis and induced alterations in both localization and activity of the enzyme investigated. The cellular distribution but not the activity of acid phosphatase changed in liver parenchyma. In control liver, the final reaction product was localized as discrete granules in the bile canalicular region of hepatocytes. The final reaction product was precipitated more diffusely within the cytoplasm after induction of cholestasis, most probably due to increased fragility of lysosomal membranes. In control liver, alkaline phosphatase activity was low and localized in the bile canalicular plasma membranes only. The total parenchymal activity increased threefold after the induction of cholestasis and is considered to be a compensatory mechanism in order to enhance the excretion of bile salts from hepatocytes. 5'-Nucleotidase was present at the bile canalicular and sinusoidal surfaces of plasma membranes of hepatocytes in control liver; total activity in pericentral areas was significantly higher than in periportal areas. Induction of cholestasis resulted in higher total activity and redistribution of the activity over all three surfaces of the plasma membranes, whereas heterogeneity over the different zones of the acinus disappeared. The appearance of the enzyme at lateral plasma membranes is suggested to be related to the formation of new sites for bile salt transport out of the hepatocytes. With respect to all three enzymes studied, alterations of liver parenchymal cells due to a disturbed bile transport were already established during the first week of cholestasis.

Menadiol diphosphate, a new substrate for non-specific alkaline phosphatase in histochemistry and immunohistochemistry

Menadiol diphosphate was introduced as a new substrate for nonspecific alkaline phosphatase, following a search for new and less expensive substrates, which give a more sensitive response and are easily synthesized in the laboratory. Menadiol released by phosphatase action can be assayed by its reduction of tetrazolium salts, or it can be coupled with diazonium salts; alternatively, the phosphate can be trapped by metal ions. The synthesis and purification of menadiol diphosphate are described, and it was shown to be sufficiently stable for qualitative and semiquantitative histochemistry, as well as for the immunohistochemistry of enzymes and cytoskeletal proteins with nonspecific alkaline phosphatase as the enzyme label. For qualitative as well as semiquantitative histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, the best results were obtained by applying the method with nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) to acetone-chloroform pretreated cryostat sections. Tetranitro-blue tetrazolium (TNBT), benzothiazolylphthalhydrazidyl tetrazolium (BSPT) and various diazonium salts were less suitable. Fast Blue BB and VB produced satisfactory results. Ce3+ ions and the DAB-Ni-H2O2 procedure yielded better results than Ca2+ ions in the Co-(NH4)2S visualization method. The NBT method with menadiol diphosphate is superior to existing methods employing azo, azoindoxyl or tetrazolium salts and to metal precipitation methods. The Ce3+ technique and the NBT/menadiol diphosphate method give similar results, and appear to be of equal value. In qualitative histochemistry and immunohistochemistry the NBT/menadiol diphosphate method resulted in higher quantities of precisely localized stain. Semiquantitative histochemistry with minimal incubation revealed more favorable kinetics for the menadiol diphosphate method, especially when using NBT.

Pitfalls in the light microscopical detection of NADH oxidase

NADH oxidase activity has been detected at the ultrastructural level using cerium ions to trap H2O2 generated by the enzyme (via intermediate reactive oxygen species). In an attempt to localize NADH oxidase activity at the light microscope level using the cerium-diaminobenzidine (DAB)-nickel-H2O2, the cerium-DAB-cobalt-H2O2 or the cerium-alkaline lead procedures, the distribution patterns of the revealed enzyme were found to be identical to those for non-specific alkaline phosphatase and especially 5'-nucleotidase activity. With the cerium-DAB-cobalt-H2O2 visualization procedure, the distribution pattern of the final reaction product was similar to that obtained with the other two techniques but much less final reaction product was formed. Incubations for NADH oxidase activity performed in the presence of exogenous catalase or in the absence of catalase or peroxidase inhibitors did not affect the staining intensity, whereas inhibitors of 5'-nucleotidase (EDTA) and non-specific alkaline phosphatase (levamisole) always did. Therefore, phosphatases contribute to the formation of the final reaction product. Since NADH initially cannot be hydrolysed by either of these two phosphatases, then presumably nucleotide pyrophosphatase (E.C.3.6.1.9) cleaves NADH into 5'-AMP and nicotinamide mononucleotide in a first step. Both nucleotides can be hydrolysed further by the two monophosphatases. These then generate cerium phosphate which is detected by the DAB-nickel-H2O2, DAB-cobalt-H2O2 or lead visualization methods.

Developmental expression of adenosine deaminase in the upper alimentary tract of mice

The distribution and localization of adenosine deaminase (ADA) was studied during postnatal development of the alimentary tract in mice. There was detectable enzyme activity in all organs examined, but a range of more than 10,000 fold in the relative levels of specific activity was observed among adult tissues. A comprehensive survey of multiple adult tissues revealed that the highest levels of ADA occur in the upper alimentary tract (tongue, esophagus, forestomach, proximal small intestine). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that ADA was predominantly localized to the epithelial lining of the alimentary mucosa: the keratinized squamous epithelium that lines the forestomach, esophagus, and surface of the tongue; and the simple columnar epithelium of the proximal small intestine (duodenum, proximal jejunum). Biochemical analysis revealed that ADA was one of the most abundant proteins of these mucosal tissue layers, accounting for 5%-20% of the total soluble protein. Tissue-specific differences in ADA activity correlated both with levels of immunoreactive protein and RNA abundance. The level of ADA activity in the upper alimentary tissues was subject to pronounced developmental control, being low at birth and achieving very high levels within the first few weeks of postnatal life. The appearance in development of ADA-immunoreactivity coincided with maturation of the mucosal epithelium. These results suggest that ADA is subject to strong cell-specific developmental regulation during functional differentiation of certain foregut derivatives in mice.

Cytophotometric analysis of reaction rates of succinate and lactate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver, heart muscle and tracheal epithelium

Reaction rates of succinate and lactate dehydrogenase activity in cryostat sections of rat liver, tracheal epithelium and heart muscle were monitored by continuous measurement of formazan formation by cytophotometry at room temperature. Incubation media contained polyvinyl alcohol as tissue protectant and Tetranitro BT as final electron acceptor. Control media lacked either substrate or substrate and coenzyme. Controls were also performed by adding malonate (a competitive inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase), pyruvate (a non-competitive inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase), oxalate (a competitive inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase) or N-ethylmaleimide (a blocker of SH groups). A specific malonate-sensitive linear test minus control response for succinate dehydrogenase activity was obtained in liver (1.6 mumol H2cm-3 min-1) and tracheal epithelium (0.8 mumol H2cm-3 min-1) but not in heart muscle. All variations in the incubation conditions tested did not result in a linear test minus control response in the latter tissue. Because the reaction was sensitive to malonate, it was concluded that the initial reaction rate was the specific rate of succinate dehydrogenase activity in heart muscle (9.1 mumol H2 cm-3 min-1). Test minus control reactions for lactate dehydrogenase activity were distinctly non-linear for all tissues tested. This appeared to be due to product inhibition by pyruvate generated during the reaction and therefore it was concluded that the appropriate control reaction was the test reaction in the presence of 20 mM pyruvate. The initial rate of the test minus this control was the true rate of lactate dehydrogenase activity. The lactate dehydrogenase activity thus found in liver parenchyma was 5.0 mumol of H2 generated per cm3 liver tissue per min.

Enzyme cytochemistry of unfixed leukocytes and bone marrow cells using polyvinyl alcohol for the diagnosis of leukemia

Cytochemical methods for the demonstration of enzyme activities in blood and bone marrow cells were systematically improved by the addition of an inert polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), to the incubation medium and by using optimized reaction media. The methods investigated were tetrazolium salt methods for lactate, glucose-6-phosphate, succinate and glutamate dehydrogenase, the indoxyl-tetrazolium salt method for alkaline phosphatase, the diaminobenzidine method for peroxidase, and diazonium salt methods for chloroacetate esterase, beta-glucosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase, and dipeptidylpeptidase II and IV. PVA in the media preserved the morphology of cells very well and prevented leakage of large molecules such as enzymes from the cells. Therefore, fixation or long periods of air-drying prior to incubation leading to substantial loss of enzyme activity could be avoided. A brief period of drying (2 min at 37 degrees C) of the cell preparations just before the incubation was sufficient for making the cells permeable. Localization of enzyme activities was very precise and precipitation of the final reaction product was confined to sites which are known to contain the enzyme under study (granules, mitochondria, lysosomes). These advantages advocate the use of PVA in haematological enzyme cytochemistry and especially for diagnosis of leukemia.