Intracellular distinction between peroxidase and catalase in exocrine cells of rat lacrimal gland: a biochemical and cytochemical study

Oxidative Stress in the Protection and Injury of the Lacrimal Gland and the Ocular Surface: are There Perspectives for Therapeutics?

Oxidative stress (OS) is a major disruption in the physiology of the lacrimal functional unit (LFU). Antioxidant enzymes have dual protective activities: antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Peroxidases have been indistinctly used as markers of the secretory activity of the LFU and implicated in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease (DED), even though they comprise a large family of enzymes that includes lactoperoxidase (LPO) and glutathione peroxidase (GPO), among others. Assays to measure and correlate OS with other local LFU phenomena have methodological limitations. Studies implicate molecules and reactions involved in OS as markers of homeostasis, and other studies identify them as part of the physiopathology of diseases. Despite these conflicting concepts and observations, it is clear that OS is influential in the development of DED. Moreover, many antioxidant strategies have been proposed for its treatment, including calorie restriction to nutritional supplementation. This review offers a critical analysis of the biological mechanisms, diagnostic outcomes, drug use, dietary supplements, and life habits that implicate the influence of OS on DED.

5-Aminolevulinic Acid and 24-Epibrassinolide Improve the Drought Stress Resilience and Productivity of Banana Plants

Plant growth, development, and productivity are adversely affected under drought conditions. Previous findings indicated that 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) play an important role in the plant response to adverse environmental conditions. This study demonstrated the role of ALA and EBL on oxidative stress and photosynthetic capacity of drought-stressed 'Williams' banana grown under the Egyptian semi-arid conditions. Exogenous application of either ALA or EBL at concentrations of 15, 30, and 45 mg·L-1 significantly restored plant photosynthetic activity and increased productivity under reduced irrigation; this was equivalent to 75% of the plant's total water requirements. Both compounds significantly reduced drought-induced oxidative damages by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase 'SOD', catalase 'CAT', and peroxidase 'POD') and preserving chloroplast structure. Lipid peroxidation, electrolyte loss and free non-radical H2O2 formation in the chloroplast were noticeably reduced compared to the control, but chlorophyll content and photosynthetic oxygen evolution were increased. Nutrient uptake, auxin and cytokinin levels were also improved with the reduced abscisic acid levels. The results indicated that ALA and EBL could reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and maintain the stability of the chloroplast membrane structure under drought stress. This study suggests that the use of ALA or EBL at 30 mg·L-1 can promote the growth, productivity and fruit quality of drought-stressed banana plants.

Zinc Oxide and Silicone Nanoparticles to Improve the Resistance Mechanism and Annual Productivity of Salt-Stressed Mango Trees

Limited findings have been reported on using nanomaterials to improve tree fruit growth, development, and productivity under various stress conditions. To assess the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) like nano-zinc oxide (nZnO) and nano-silicon (nSi) on mango tree growth, yield, and fruit quality under salinity conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted using twelve treatments; three replicates each. Foliar spray of nZnO (50, 100, and 150 mg/L), nSi (150 and 300 mg/L), their combinations, and distilled water as a control was applied at full bloom and one month after of salt-stressed “Ewais” mango trees. Trees positively responded to different levels of nZnO and nSi. Plant growth, nutrients uptake, and carbon assimilation have improved with all treatments, except the higher concentration of nSi. Plant response to stress conditions was represented by a high level of proline content with all treatments, but changes in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes were positively related to the lower and medium concentrations of NPs. Flower malformation has significantly decreased, and the annual fruit yield and physiochemical characteristics have improved with all treatments. It could be recommended that a combination of 100 mg/L nZnO and 150 mg/L nSi improves mango tree resistance, annual crop load, and fruit quality under salinity conditions.

Regulation and physiological role of silicon in alleviating drought stress of mango

Improvement of drought stress of mango plants requires intensive research that focuses on physiological processes. In three successive seasons (2014, 2015and 2016) field experiments with four different strains of mango were subjected to two water regimes. The growth and physiological parameters of possible relevance for drought stress tolerances in mango were investigated. Yield and its components were also evaluated. The data showed that all growth and physiological parameters were increased under K₂SiO₃ (Si) supplement and were followed by the interaction treatment (Si treatment and its combination with drought stress) compared to that of the controlled condition. Drought stress decreased the concentration of auxins (IAA), gibberellins (GA) and cytokinins (CK) in the three mango cultivars leaves, whereas, it increased the concentration of abscisic acid (ABA). On the contrary, IAA, GA, and CK (promoters) endogenous levels were improved by supplementing Si, in contrary ABA was decreased. Drought stress increased the activity of peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the leaves of all mango cultivars grown during three experimental seasons. However, Si supplementation reduced the levels of all these antioxidative enzymes, especially the concentration of SOD when compared to that of control leaves. Fruit quality was improved in three successive seasons when Si was applied. Our results clearly show that the increment in drought tolerance was associated with an increase in antioxidative enzyme activity, allowing mango plants to cope better with drought stress. Si possesses an efficient system for scavenging reactive oxygen species, which protects the plant against destructive oxidative reactions, thereby improving the ability of the mango trees to withstand environmental stress in arid regions.

Qualitative cytological criteria for the validation of enzyme histochemical techniques

Qualitative cytological criteria are concerned with the 'precision' of a histochemical reaction and form part of the general criteria for the validation of enzyme histochemical techniques. Three major problem areas are considered: (a) the general artifacts which interfere with the 'clean' appearance of the tissue sections; (b) the exact intracellular localization of the final reaction product and its relationship to specific subcellular compartments; (c) the problem of diffusion of enzymes or reaction products, or both, from their primary subcellular sites. Each of these points is discussed and illustrated by a few examples and the conclusion is drawn that by careful consideration of various criteria the enzyme cytochemical techniques can provide 'quantitative' information comparable to biochemical measurements of enzyme activity in tissue homogenates. In the example of localization of catalase with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine it is demonstrated that biochemical enzyme assays corrrelate closely with quantitative morphometric data obtained from cytochemical preparations through an automatic image analyser system.

Expression and regulation of antioxidant enzymes in the developing limb support a function of ROS in interdigital cell death

Vertebrate limb development is a well-studied model of apoptosis; however, little is known about the intracellular molecules involved in activating the cell death machinery. We have shown that high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are present in the interdigital 'necrotic' tissue of mouse autopod, and that antioxidants can reduce cell death. Here, we determined the expression pattern of several antioxidant enzymes in order to establish their role in defining the areas with high ROS levels. We found that the genes encoding the superoxide dismutases and catalase are expressed in autopod, but they are downregulated in the interdigital regions at the time ROS levels increased and cell death was first detected. The possible role of superoxide and/or peroxide in activating cell death is supported by the protective effect of a superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic. Interestingly, we found that peroxidase activity and glutathione peroxidase-4 gene (Gpx4) expression were restricted to the non-apoptotic tissue (e.g., digits) of the developing autopod. Induction of cell death with retinoic acid caused an increase in ROS and decrease in peroxidase activity. Even more inhibition of glutathione peroxidase activity leads to cell death in the digits, suggesting that a decrease in antioxidant activity, likely due to Gpx4, caused an increase in ROS levels, thus triggering apoptosis.

A review of morphological techniques for detection of peroxisomal (and mitochondrial) proteins and their corresponding mRNAs during ontogenesis in mice: application to the PEX5-knockout mouse with Zellweger syndrome

In the era of application of molecular biological gene-targeting technology for the generation of knockout mouse models to study human genetic diseases, the availability of highly sensitive and reliable methods for the morphological characterization of the specific phenotypes of these mice is of great importance. In the first part of this report, the role of morphological techniques for studying the biology and pathology of peroxisomes is reviewed, and the techniques established in our laboratories for the localization of peroxisomal proteins and corresponding mRNAs in fetal and newborn mice are presented and discussed in the context of the international literature. In the second part, the literature on the ontogenetic development of the peroxisomal compartment in mice, with special emphasis on liver and intestine is reviewed and compared with our own data reported recently. In addition, some recent data on the pathological alterations in the liver of the PEX5(-/-) mouse with a peroxisomal biogenesis defect are briefly discussed. Finally, the methods developed during these studies for the localization of mitochondrial proteins (respiratory chain complexes and MnSOD) are presented and their advantages and pitfalls discussed. With the help of these techniques, it is now possible to identify and distinguish unequivocally peroxisomes from mitochondria, two classes of cell organelles giving by light microscopy a punctate staining pattern in microscopical immunohistochemical preparations of paraffin-embedded mouse tissues.

Interaction of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP) and conventional autonomic agonists in rat submandibular salivary peroxidase release in vitro

Our previous immunohistochemical studies reveal that several neuropeptides, such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, innervate the major salivary glands of the mouse, rat and human. The aim of the study was to clarify their interactions by measuring their effects alone or with conventional autonomic agonists (carbachol, phenylephrine and isoproterenol) on peroxidase secretion of incubated submandibular gland slices. Calcitonin gene-related peptide evoked significant increase in peroxidase activity of the secretion only when used at 10(-5) M concentration, while substance P evoked significant, dose-dependent increase at much lower concentrations (10(-10) M). Adrenergic and cholinergic agonists enhanced peroxidase activity. Interestingly, substance P inhibited both phenylephrine and isoproterenol induced increase in peroxidase activity. Calcitonin gene-related peptide did not affect the inhibition caused by substance P. Our results demonstrate that in the salivary gland tissue substance P alone or in conjunction with adrenergic agonists result in opposing secretory responses with the doses used in vitro. Conversely, the response mediated by adrenergic receptors may be critically affected by simultaneous occupation of substance P receptors.

Current cytochemical techniques for the investigation of peroxisomes. A review

The past decade has witnessed unprecedented progress in elucidation of the complex problems of the biogenesis of peroxisomes and related human disorders, with further deepening of our understanding of the metabolic role of this ubiquitous cell organelle. There have been many recent reviews on biochemical and molecular biological aspects of peroxisomes, with the morphology and cytochemistry receiving little attention. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art cytochemical techniques available for investigation of peroxisomes. After a brief introduction into the use of the 3,3'-diaminobenzidine method for localization of catalase, which is still most commonly used for identification of peroxisomes, the cerium technique for detection of peroxisomal oxidases is discussed. The influence of the buffer used in the incubation medium on the ultrastructural pattern obtained in rat liver peroxisomes in conjunction with the localization of urate oxidase in their crystalline cores is discussed, particularly since Tris-maleate buffer inhibits the enzyme activity. In immunocytochemistry, quantitation of immunogold labeling by automatic image analysis enables quantitative assessment of alterations of proteins in the matrix of peroxisomes. This provides a highly sensitive approach for analysis of peroxisomal responses to metabolic alterations or to xenobiotics. The recent evidence suggesting the involvement of ER in the biogenesis of "preperoxisomes" is mentioned and the potential role of preembedding immunocytochemistry for identification of ER-derived early peroxisomes is emphasized. The use of GFP expressed with a peroxisomal targeting signal for the investigation of peroxisomes in living cells is briefly discussed. Finally, the application of in situ hybridization for detection of peroxisomal mRNAs is reviewed, with emphasis on a recent protocol using perfusion-fixation, paraffin embedding, and digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probes, which provides a highly sensitive method for detection of both high- and low-abundance mRNAs encoding peroxisomal proteins. (J Histochem Cytochem 47:1219-1232, 1999)

Cytochemical detection of endogenous peroxidase in the acinar cells of the hamster submandibular gland

The presence of endogenous peroxidase activity in the hamster submandibular gland was investigated cytochemically by light and electron microscopy using diaminobenzidine methods. After fixation of tissue with 2% paraformaldehyde-2.5% glutaraldehyde and incubation in a DAB reaction medium containing 0.01% H2O2, the peroxidase reaction product was localized in the nuclear envelope, the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, secretory granules and the Golgi apparatus in both the acinar and granular duct cells of the submandibular gland. This is in contrast to earlier investigators who failed to detect peroxidase activity in acinar cells of the hamster submandibular gland and reported that peroxidase is localized only in the granular duct cells. The discrepancy may be caused by differences in experimental procedures. It is suggested that fixation of tissue with a high concentration of glutaraldehyde and incubation in a DAB reaction medium containing a high concentration of H2O2 inhibits the peroxidase activity of acinar cells in the hamster submandibular gland.

Isolation and characterization of a peroxidase from the airway

Sheep airway mucus can potently scavenge hydrogen peroxide, an important mediator of airway inflammation. Here, the scavenging activity was identified as a peroxidase produced by goblet cells of the airway epithelium and secreted into the airway lumen. Ovine airway peroxidase activity was purified approximately 100-fold from airway lavage fluid in two steps, using cation exchange and lectin affinity chromatography, yielding an apparently homogeneous 82-kD glycoprotein. Ovine airway peroxidase represented about 1% of the total protein in airway mucus and thus was an abundant enzyme in airway secretions. The absorbance spectrum of the purified peroxidase showed a major peak at 412 nm indicative of a hemoprotein. The ratio of A412/A280 of the purified enzyme was 0.86. The absorption spectrum of ovine airway peroxidase, its ability to oxidize halides, its sensitivity to inhibitors and its apparent molecular mass on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels showed that airway peroxidase was similar to lactoperoxidase but distinguished from myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase as well as from glutathione peroxidases. Based on these observations, ovine airway peroxidase is a newly isolated and abundant enzyme of airway mucus which may function to control reactive oxygen species in the airway and to prevent infection by catalyzing the formation of biocidal compounds.

In situ heterogeneity of peroxisomal oxidase activities: an update

Oxidases are a widespread group of enzymes. They are present in numerous organisms and organs and in various tissues, cells, and subcellular compartments, such as mitochondria. An important source of oxidases, which is investigated and discussed in this study, are the (micro)peroxisomes. Oxidases share the ability to reduce molecular oxygen during oxidation of their substrate, yielding an oxidized product and hydrogen peroxide. Besides the hydrogen peroxide-catabolizing enzyme catalase, peroxisomes contain one or more hydrogen peroxide-generating oxidases, which participate in different metabolic pathways. During the last four decades, various methods have been developed and elaborated for the histochemical localization of the activities of these oxidases. These methods are based either on the reduction of soluble electron acceptors by oxidase activity or on the capture of hydrogen peroxide. Both methods yield a coloured and/or electron dense precipitate. The most reliable technique in peroxisomal oxidase histochemistry is the cerium salt capture method. This method is based on the direct capture of hydrogen peroxide by cerium ions to form a fine crystalline, insoluble, electron dense reaction product, cerium perhydroxide, which can be visualized for light microscopy with diaminobenzidine. With the use of this technique, it became clear that oxidase activities not only vary between different organisms, organs, and tissues, but that heterogeneity also exists between different cells and within cells, i.e. between individual peroxisomes. A literature review, and recent studies performed in our laboratory, show that peroxisomes are highly differentiated organelles with respect to the presence of active enzymes. This study gives an overview of the in situ distribution and heterogeneity of peroxisomal enzyme activities as detected by histochemical assays of the activities of catalase, and the peroxisomal oxidases D-amino acid oxidase, L-alpha-hydroxy acid oxidase, polyamine oxidase and uric acid oxidase.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its effects on protein release in vitro in the developing submandibular gland of the rat

Indirect immunohistochemical methods were used to study presence and number of CGRP-immunoreactive (CGRP-IR) nerve fibers in the submandibular gland and ganglion cells of the superior cervical, submandibular and trigeminal ganglia of the developing rat. The effect of CGRP on peroxidase and total protein release was also studied in the developing postnatal submandibular glands of 1, 5, 12 and 30-day-old, as well as adult rats by in vitro methods. The possible costimulation of CGRP with SP, NKA or carbachol on 5-day-old and adult rats was also tested. The stimulatory effects of these compounds were compared to the basic release of peroxidase and total amount of proteins from submandibular gland fragments in incubation solution. CGRP-IR nerve fibers were found in relatively high number during post-natal development, mainly around blood vessels and ducts. Some CGRP-IR nerve fibers were also detected around acini. The number of these fibers was quite low and remained constant during the post-natal development. The number of CGRP-IR trigeminal ganglion cells was higher on the 5th and 12th post-natal day than later in development and in adult animals. At the same time, superior cervical- and submandibular ganglion cells were non-reactive for CGRP, suggesting trigeminal origin of CGRP-IR nerve fibers during the development in the submandibular gland. In the secretory studies, CGRP per se stimulated both peroxidase and total protein release in the submandibular gland most effectively on 5th and 12th post-natal days, while there was no clear secretory response in the adult glands. In the 5-day-old submandibular gland CGRP in combination with SP, NKA or carbachol clearly enhanced the total protein secretory response when compared with the release caused by these substances alone. However, in the adult submandibular gland, the combinations did not enhance total protein release more than any of the substances alone. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the presence of a more dense CGRP-IR innervation during the early postnatal period in the developing submandibular gland is accompanied with an increased responsiveness of the secretory elements to CGRP.

Electron microscopic study of endogenous peroxidase activity in human liver macrophages

We evaluated the conditions of fixation for ultrastructurally demonstrating the endogenous peroxidase (PO) activity of macrophages in biopsied human liver. The application of microwaving and immersion fixation with tannic acid and aldehydes allowed excellent visualization of PO activity in the nuclear envelope (NE), rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), and cytoplasmic granules (CG), with good preservation of cellular ultrastructures. The macrophages with PO activity showed one of the following five patterns of PO localization: positive in both the NE and rER but negative in the CG (type 1); negative in both the NE and rER but positive in the CG (type 2); negative in the NE but positive in both the rER and CG (type 3); positive in all three (type 4); PO negative (type 5). The type 1 cells resembled typical Kupffer cells, type 2 cells monocytes, and type 3 and 4 cells the exudate-resident macrophages considered to be a transitional form between exudate and resident macrophages. Type 5 cells may also be a transitional form between the exudate and resident macrophage, or an end-stage macrophage derived from exudate macrophages which have lost their PO activity. Tannic-acid-aldehyde immersion fixation with microwaving may be a useful method in the study of the PO activities of macrophages in biopsied human liver specimens.

Frog cones as well as Müller cells have peroxisomes

We have localized D-amino acid oxidase in peroxisomes of frog retina using cerium procedures on tissue fixed in mixtures containing lower concentrations of glutaraldehyde than we had previously used in our cytochemical studies of this enzyme. We find the Müller cells of these preparations contain a more striking population of peroxisomes than had previously been thought: the D-amino acid oxidase-containing bodies are especially concentrated near the outer limiting membrane, but appreciable numbers are also found in the outer plexiform layer and near the inner limiting membrane. In addition, we find peroxisomes to be present in frog cone photoreceptors, particularly in zones near the ellipsoid. To our knowledge peroxisomes have not been described hitherto in vertebrate photoreceptors. Possible roles for the peroxisomes of the neural retina include participation in the metabolism of lipids (e.g. those of the cones' oil droplets, or of the outer segment) and involvement in oxidation of transmitter-related amino acids and of other small molecules.

Subcellular localization of superoxide dismutases, glutathione peroxidase and catalase in developing rat cerebral cortex

The levels of copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activity have been assessed in a nuclear fraction (NF), a mitochondrial fraction (MF) and a non-mitochondrial, non-nuclear fraction (NMNNF) isolated from developing rat cerebral cortex. The NF showed increasing CuZn and MnSOD activities and static, low activities of GSH-Px and CAT during development. The MF had increased levels of MnSOD and GSH-Px activities and a rapid decrease in CAT activity associated with development. Histochemical methods have localized greater CAT activity in mitochondria isolated from 2-day-old rat brain when compared to 77-day-old animals. Development was associated with increasing CuZnSOD activity, a decrease in CAT activity and, after an initial fall at 19 days, increasing GSH-Px activity in the NMNNF. Measurable activity of MnSOD were found in the NMNNF and appeared to be static during the time period assessed. A distinct ontogenetic pattern of oxidative enzyme activities and subcellular locations is associated with development in rat cerebral cortex.

Isolation and cytochemical characterization of globule leukocytes from rat tracheal epithelium

Globule leukocytes, dispersed throughout the respiratory epithelium as single cells, were isolated from rat trachea and were enriched by centrifugation on a discontinuous Percoll gradient. The isolation and enrichment procedure yields a cell fraction containing 75% globule leukocytes. The cell viability, as assessed by trypan blue exclusion, was at least 98%. Cells were maintained in short-term culture without apparent loss of viability and enzyme activity. The isolated globule leukocytes seem not to express significant levels of cytotoxicity against 51Cr-labeled YAC-1 target cells. In fixed cytocentrifuge smears, globule leukocytes appear as more or less rounded to oval cells with a low nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio and with a mostly eccentrically located nucleus. Characteristic intracytoplasmic granules are stained with toluidine blue, alcian blue, and May-Grünwald-Giemsa stains. The applied cytochemical methods demonstrate that tracheal globule leukocytes are stained for alpha naphthyl acetate esterase and naphthol-AS-D-chloroacetate esterase, but not for alpha naphthyl butyrate esterase, N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine-B-naphthyl esterase, and endogenous peroxidase. Isolated rat peritoneal cells were used as positive control cells for the cytochemical reactions. The obtained cytochemical profile of tracheal globule leukocytes is compared to the known cytochemical profile of intestinal globule leukocytes and large granular lymphocytes. The cytochemical dissimilarities between tracheal and intestinal globule leukocytes may suggest that both kinds of globule leukocytes represent a different form of the same cell type or even different cell types. The cytochemical pattern of tracheal globule leukocytes is closely related to that of large granular lymphocytes, which have been postulated as a possible source for globule leukocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytochemical expression of epidermal peroxidase and cytochrome oxidase activities in pathological skin conditions of man

The cytochemical expression of epidermal peroxidase and cytochrome oxidase activity was recently well documented in normal human skin. We report here its expression in basal and squamous cell carcinomas, actinic keratoses, psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheic keratoses, and autosomal dominant ichthyosis vulgaris. The two enzyme activities were evaluated using the diaminobenzidine method. If present, the two enzymes were always localized in the same organelles as in normal epidermis: endogenous peroxidase in the nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum, and cytochrome oxidase in mitochondria. In basal and squamous carcinomas, actinic keratoses and psoriasis, the keratinocytes lost their peroxidase activity, but maintained their cytochrome oxidase activity. In seborrheic keratoses, allergic contact dermatitis and ichthyosis vulgaris, the cytochrome oxidase activity was greatly reduced or abolished in keratinocytes, Langerhans' cells, and melanocytes, whereas the peroxidase activity was present as in normal epidermis. These results indicate that the two peroxidatic enzymes studied are not interrelated and alternatively suppressed by different cellular dysfunctions.

Peroxidase activity in the epithelium of the digestive tract of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana

Peroxidase activity was examined cytochemically in the mucosal epithelium along the length of the digestive tract from the esophagus through the large intestine during the development of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana. In the tadpole of this species, cells with peroxidase activity were found abundantly in the esophagus, stomach, and large intestine; and the types of such cells differed according to the region: ciliated cells and mucous cells in the esophagus; ciliated cells in the stomach; and brush cells, absorptive cells, and goblet cells in the large intestine, respectively. After metamorphosis, however, peroxidase activity was observed exclusively in absorptive cells and goblet cells in the large intestine. Peroxidase activity was commonly demonstrated in apical vesicles or granules, to some degree in rough endoplasmic reticulum, and in some elements of the Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, reaction product was also found in mucus covering the luminal surface of such epithelial cells. These findings indicate that peroxidase-positive cells, which may have the ability to synthesize peroxidase as a secretory product, were distributed mainly in three regions of the digestive tract in tadpoles (esophagus, stomach, and large intestine), but were centered in one specific region, the large intestine, after metamorphosis. Concomitantly, the variety of types of peroxidase-positive cells decreased during metamorphosis. Our results indicate that some of the peroxidase in the digestive tract may have a secretory origin and may play a role in the defense against microorganisms.

Lacrimal protein secretion: comparison of young and old rats

The in vitro protein secretory response of lacrimal glands from healthy 4- and 24-month-old F344 rats was measured. Tissue fragments were incubated in a 0.2 ml perifusion chamber and stimulated to secrete protein by a 4-min bolus of 0.01 mM carbachol. Fractions of the perifusate were collected and assayed for protein concentration and peroxidase activity. The response to carbachol was a well-defined peak of secreted protein that included peroxidase. The response was inhibited by 1.0 microM atropine. No differences were found between the responses of male and female glands. The peak of protein secretion by the young glands contained 263.9 +/- 71.8 micrograms g tissue-1 compared to 175.4 +/- 56.5 micrograms g tissue-1 for the old glands (P less than 0.005). While the mean activity of the secreted peroxidase was similar in the two age groups, the aged glands were significantly more variable in their response. The F344 rat may provide a useful model for studying the normal age-dependent changes that occur in lacrimal gland.

Effect of acetazolamide (Diamox) on tear secretion

The side effects of acetazolamide (Diamox) on lacrimation were measured in rats by means of the cotton-thread tear test. After a daily oral 1-mg dose (administered for five days), comparable to the dose used for adult humans on a drug-to-bodyweight basis, tear production remained unaffected but the lacrimal peroxidase secretion decreased by 60% of the baseline level. After withdrawal of acetazolamide the peroxidase secretion returned to the baseline level.

Characterization of an oxygen-tolerant cell line derived from Chinese hamster ovary. Antioxygenic enzyme levels and ultrastructural morphometry of peroxisomes and mitochondria

To study the cellular defense mechanism against oxygen toxicity, an oxygen-tolerant cell line from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) was obtained by multistep adaptation to increased O2 levels. The hyperoxia-adapted (HA) cells were able to proliferate under an atmosphere of 99% O2/1% CO2, an O2 tension lethal to the parental (control) cells. When grown under normoxic conditions (20% O2/1% CO2/79% N2) the cells remained tolerant for at least 8 weeks, suggesting a genetic basis for the oxygen tolerance. Compared to the parental cells, the HA cells were irregularly shaped, had larger mitochondria, contained more lipid droplets and showed a reduced growth rate. Ultrastructural morphometry revealed a 1.8-fold (p less than 0.001) increase of the mitochondrial volume fraction in the HA cells, resulting from an increase in both number and average volume of the mitochondria. The volume fraction of peroxisomes was increased over two-fold in the HA cells, as appeared from a approximately 1.9-fold (p less than 0.001) increase in number and a 1.2-fold (p less than 0.025) increase in size. There was no evidence for ultrastructural damage in the HA cells. Specific activities of antioxygenic enzymes were considerably higher in the HA cells compared to controls: CuZn-superoxide dismutase, X 2.5; Mn-superoxide dismutase, X 2.1; catalase, X 4.0; glutathione peroxidase, X 1.9. Oxygen tolerance in CHO cells is therefore associated with increased levels of antioxygenic enzymes, confirming the proposed important role of these enzymes in the defense against oxygen toxicity.

Cotton-thread tear test: an experimental study for testing drugs suspected of side effects on lacrimation

We tested tear fluid production and lacrimal peroxidase secretion in rats without and with drug consumption with the cotton-thread tear test. Twelve frequently prescribed drugs in patients were given in recommended therapeutic and excessive doses to rats. Daily oral doses during five days of Sudafed Plus (chlorpheniramine/pseudoephedrine combination), promethazine, atropine, timolol, aspirin, diazepam and furosemide equivalent to the doses used for adult humans on a drug-to-body-weight basis or excessive doses, resulted in about 20-60% reduction of tearing. Changes in lacrimal peroxidase secretion were found after administration of atropine, aspirin, furosemide, indomethacine and pilocarpine. Generally, tear production and lacrimal peroxidase secretion returned to baseline levels after withdrawal of the drugs.

Peroxidase-positive endothelial cells in rat liver

Rat liver fixed by perfusion with low glutaraldehyde concentrations was incubated in diaminobenzidine-containing medium to stain for peroxidase. Endogenous peroxidatic activity was found not only in Kupffer cells but also in the endothelial cells lining the sinusoids and central veins. The reaction product was localized in the nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum. The peroxidatic activity in endothelial cells showed a concentration-dependent sensitivity to glutaraldehyde: in liver samples fixed with 0.25% glutaraldehyde, approx. 23% of the sinusoidal endothelial cells and 65% of central vein endothelium were peroxidase-positive; with 0.5% glutaraldehyde, only approx. 8% of the sinusoidal endothelial cells contained detectable amounts of the reaction product; with 1.5% glutaraldehyde all endothelial cells were consistently peroxidase-negative. No peroxidatic activity could be found in liver endothelial cells following isolation by centrifugal elutriation. Endothelial cell peroxidase may possibly be involved in defense responses of liver and/or, as a part of prostaglandin synthase system, in prostanoid production.

Endogenous peroxidase in the visceral endoderm of early mouse embryos

Endogenous peroxidase activity was demonstrated in early mouse embryos by means of the diaminobenzidine staining reaction. This enzyme was observed in visceral endoderm on the seventh to eighth day of gestation in vivo, but was no longer detected on the ninth day of development. In cell layers developing from blastocysts or isolated inner cell masses cultured for 96-144 h (developmental stage equivalent to 6-7.5-day-old embryos), diaminobenzidine product was also observed in visceral endodermal cells. Most of the endogenous peroxidase was localized inside or close to the numerous apical vacuoles in the endoderm. Ectoderm, mesoderm, ectoplacental cone, and trophoblast cells did not contain endogenous peroxidase.

A quantitative study of peroxidase activity in unfixed tissue sections of the guinea-pig thyroid gland

A technique for the cytochemical demonstration of peroxidase activity in unfixed guinea-pig thyroid tissue is described in this paper. The substrate 3,3'-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB) is oxidized by the peroxidase to form an insoluble reaction product. Optimal results were obtained after 20 min incubation at 37 degrees C in reaction medium containing 1.4 mM DAB (in 0.1 M Tris-HCl) and 0.15 mM hydrogen peroxide at pH 8.0. Peroxidase activity was seen in the thyroid follicle cells as a diffuse brown reaction product (which was more dense and granular in erythrocytes). The enzyme activity was quantified using a scanning-integrating microdensitometer, and the effects of two specific peroxidase inhibitors were evaluated. Both 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole and methimazole inhibited peroxidase activity in the follicle cells (enzyme activity was still seen in the erythrocytes), maximal inhibition occurring at 10 mM. Stimulation of peroxidase in the thyroid was observed in vivo (1 I.U. TSH administered every 8 h for two days), with the maximal stimulation occurring after 1 day.

Peroxidase secretion from rat lacrimal gland cells in vitro. I. Alpha-adrenergic stimulation in the absence of alpha-adrenoceptors

The identification of alpha-adrenergic receptors and subdivision into alpha 1- or alpha 2-subtypes were studied by measuring the specific binding of the radioligands [3H]-prazosin as well as [3H]-clonidine to membranes prepared from homogenized rat lacrimal glands. The absence of high-affinity binding for [3H]-prazosin as well as for [3H]-clonidine indicates that rat lacrimal glands do not possess a substantial amount of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors. The binding data correspond with the characterization by pharmacological means. Monolayers of lacrimocytes were incubated with various selective alpha 1-, alpha 2-, beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists or other substances, and peroxidase discharge was measured over a period of 1 hr. Among various substances only L-norepinephrine, L-phenylephrine, tyramine and ionophore A 23187 were stimulants of peroxidase secretion, whereas the adrenergic-stimulated secretory response was only suppressed by phentolamine.

Ultrastructural demonstration of endogeneous peroxidase activity in mammalian epidermis

With the diaminobenzidine method, endogenous peroxidase activity was demonstrated in the nuclear envelope and in the endoplasmic reticulum of non-keratinized keratinocytes and Langerhans cells of the epidermis of the newborn mouse, adult guinea pig and man. In the guinea pig all non-keratinized layers of keratinocytes showed this enzyme activity, whereas in the two other species examined peroxidase activity was limited to the suprabasal layers. The most pronounced activity was found in the Langerhans cells. The melanocytes were negative. With the same method, cytochrome c/cytochrome oxidase activity could be localized in the mitochondria of all epidermal cells of mouse and man, but not in the guinea pig.

Toxic effect of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes on Chlamydia trachomatis

The effect of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) on Chlamydia trachomatis was studied. Both trachoma (B/TW-5/OT) and lymphogranuloma venereum (L2/434/Bu) biotypes were rapidly inactivated by exposure to human PMNs. A decrease of 3 to 3.5 logs in viable count was observed after 60 min of incubation at a chlamydia-to-PMN ratio of 1:10. Both chlamydial biotypes were also rapidly inactivated by the cell-free myeloperoxidase-H2O2-halide system. A decrease in infectivity titer of 4 to 5 logs for TW-5 and complete inactivation of 434 were seen after 30 min of incubation. The microbicidal effect was prevented by the deletion of each component of the system or by the addition of the peroxidase inhibitors cyanide or azide. PMNs from myeloperoxidase-deficient patients inactivated chlamydiae normally, whereas PMNs from patients with chronic granulomatous disease, although strongly chlamydicidal, were less effective than normal PMNs in the activation of TW-5 (2-log drop in viable organisms versus a 3 to 3.5-log drop). The chlamydicidal activity of PMNs from patients with chronic granulomatous disease and normal PMNs were comparable against the 434 biotype. These studies suggest that the myeloperoxidase system, or indeed oxygen-dependent antimicrobial systems, are not essential for the chlamydicidal activity of PMNs.

Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in the swim bladder of the physoclistous fish, Opsanus tau L

The antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were measured in the rete mirabile and gas gland epithelium area of the swim bladder of the toadfish Opsanus tau. When the concentration of enzyme in the swim bladder was compared with the concentration in other organs (kidney, heart, gills) of the same fish, the swim bladder was found to have the highest concentration of superoxide dismutase but relatively low levels of glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Cytochemical assay for the peroxidatic activity of catalase confirmed that virtually no catalase is present in epithelial cells of the gas gland. A similar assay for peroxidase revealed a cyanide-sensitive peroxidase in the multilamellar bodies of these cells. Most of the catalase and peroxidase in the rete mirabile appears to be confined to the granules of neutrophils and the cytoplasm of erythrocytes. Enzyme activity in the neutrophils is not inhibited by 10(-1) M KCN. Cyanide does not appear to inhibit the peroxidase activity in erythrocytes but has little effect on catalase in these cells.

Ultrastructural demonstration of endogenous peroxidatic activity in mammalian arterial wall

Endogenous peroxidatic activity has been demonstrated at the ultrastructural level in large arteries of rabbit and rat using diaminobenzidine. The reaction was positive in endothelial cells of both species and also in the smooth muscle cells of rat arteries. The reaction product was localized in the nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum of the reactive cells. Since the enzymatic activity was extremely sensitive to fixation, best visualization was obtained in unfixed, directly incubated tissues in which additional mitochondrial staining occurred due to the activity of endogenous cytochrome c/cytochrome oxidase system. The peroxidatic activity was partially sensitive to cyanide and could be completely abolished by azide and aminotriazole. It has been suggested that the observed endogenous peroxidatic activity of the arterial wall components reflects the activity of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase and, indirectly, production of prostacyclin (PGI2).

Selective cytochemical localization of peroxidase, cytochrome oxidase and catalase in rat liver with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine

In rat liver, three different enzymes with peroxidatic activity are demonstrated with modifications of the DAB-technique: peroxidase in the endoplasmic reticulum of Kupffer cells, catalase in peroxisomes and cytochrome oxidase in mitochondria. The major problem of the DAB-methods is their limited specificity so that often in tissues incubated for one enzyme the other two proteins are also stained simultaneously. We have studied the conditions for selective staining of each of these three enzymes in rat liver fixed either by perfusion with glutaraldehyde or by immersion in a modified Karnovsky's glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde fixative. The observations indicate that in perfusion fixed material selective staining can be obtained by reduction of the incubation time (5 min) and the use of optimal conditions for each enzyme. In livers fixed by immersion the distribution of the staining is patchy and irregular and usually longer incubation times (15-30 min) are required. Selective staining of peroxidase in Kupffer cells was obtained by brief incubation at room temperature in a medium containing 2.5 mM DAB in cacodylte buffer pH 6.5 and 0.02% H2O2. The exclusive staining for cytochrome oxidase in cristae of mitochondria was achieved after short incubation in 2.5 mM DAB in phosphate buffer pH 7.2 containing 0.05% cytochrome c. For selective demonstration of catalase in peroxisomes the tissue was incubated in 5 mM DAB in Teorell-Stenhagen (or glycine-NaOH) buffer at pH 10.5 and 0.15% H2O2. The prolongation of the incubation time in peroxidase medium caused marked staining of both mitochondria and peroxisomes. In the cytochrome oxidase medium longer incubations led to slight staining of peroxisomes. The catalase medium was quite selective for this enzyme so that even after incubation for 120 min only peroxisomes stained.

Cytochemical detection of catalase with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine. A quantitative reinvestigation of the optimal conditions

The influence of various parameters of fixation and incubation upon the oxidation of DAB by catalase have been analyzed. Crystalline beef liver catalase was fixed with different concentrations of glutaraldehyde and peroxidatic activity was determined spectrophotometrically using DAB as hydrogen donor. Although aldehyde fixation appeared to be important in elicitation of the peroxidatic activity of catalase, the final pigment production after 60 min incubation was optimal with the lowest concentration of glutaraldehyde (1%), after the shortest fixation period (30 min), and at the lowest temperature (5 degrees C) tested. Similarly cytochemical studies with rat kidney sections incubated for 10 min confirmed that the staining of peroxisomes in proximal tubules was strongest after the "mildest" fixation conditions. The pH and the temperature of incubation were closely interrelated, so that at room temperature (25 degrees C) the maximal pigment production was obtained at pH 10.5, but incubation at 45 degrees C gave the strongest staining at pH 8.5. The production of pigment increased with higher DAB concentrations which required larger amounts of H2O2 in the incubation medium. Cytochemical studies on renal peroxisomes were in agreement with these biochemical findings. The observations indicate that there are several options for the localization of catalase depending on the fixation and incubation conditions. Hence, these conditions should be selected according to the tissue and the purpose of the study. Examples for such selective applications are presented.

Specificity of cytochemical procedures for localising peroxidase activity in the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Cytochemical evidence is reported for substantiating the view that when lightly-fixed skeletal muscle is incubated in a diaminobenzidine-H2O2 medium at pH 5, the resulting enhanced electron opacity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum is more likely to be due to a peroxidatic activity therein rather than to a non-enzymic binding reaction. The reticulum staining is absent in incubated sections of overfixed or boiled tissue; or if hydrogen peroxide is omitted from the incubation medium; or if aminotriazole is included in the medium.

Endogenous peroxidase in mast cells localized with a semipermeable membrane technique

Hamster mast cells have been found to give strong peroxidatic reactions at pH 5, 7.5 and 10 when sections of skeletal muscle are incubated for 2.5 h in the dark at room temperature on semipermeable membranes covering a gelled incubation medium consisting of 0.01% hydrogen peroxide, 5.5mM diaminobenzidine and 1.36% agar dissolved in Universal buffer. The technique is very efficient: with it, all mast cells react in marked contrast to the negative reaction they usually give with conventional techniques. The peroxidatic reactions are abolished if tissues are perfused beforehand with either aminotriazole or KCN but not if these inhibitors are incorporated in the gelled incubation medium. This and other evidence suggests that the mast cell reactions are not due to either catalase or haemoglobin adsorbed onto mast cell granules from lysed red blood cells. Skeletal muscle fibres do not exhibit any visible peroxidase activity with the membrane technique.

Catalase in salivary gland striated and excretory duct cells. III. Immunocytochemical demonstration with fluorescein and peroxidase-labelled antibodies

There has been disagreement as to the identity of the enzyme responsible for the peroxidate activity in luminal epithelial cells of distal ducts of salivary glands; both peroxidase and catalase could be responsible. Our immunocytochemical investigations using anti-catalase antibodies demonstrate that there are high levels of catalase in these cells in the mouse submandibular gland confirming previous enzyme histochemical studies from this laboratory. Since only relatively small amounts of lactoperoxidase are observed in ductal cells by conventional histochemistry or immunocytochemistry, there can be little doubt that the majority of the peroxidatic activity in striated and excretory duct luminal epithelial cells is due to catalase.

Catalases and peroxidases histochemical detection; techniques suitable to discriminate these enzymes

By using the benzidine reaction, on filter paper strips loaded with catalases, peroxidases, porphyrins, haemic iron compounds and iron salts, it was possible to establish 2 histochemical techniques able to detect and discriminate catalases and peroxidases. Spot test analytical studies show that only peroxidases oxidize benzidine in presence of a 0.0015 M H2O2 final concentration into the incubation medium. If a 0.0035 M H2O2 final concentration is used both peroxidases and haemic iron were able to oxidize benzidine. At a 0.01 M H2O2 final concentration the oxidative property of catalases become apparent and therefore at this H2O2 concentration either peroxidases or haemic iron, as well as catalases could be detected. By increasing the H2O2 concentration into the incubation medium, when a 4M concentration was chosen to detect histochemically catalases without any peroxidases interference. Using 0.0015 M and 4 M H2O2 final concentrations into the incubation medium it is possible to discriminate histochemically catalases and peroxidases. Several inhibitors of catalases and peroxidases were used as an attempt to try a specific inhibition of only one of these enzymes. It was demonstrated that the use of inhibitors does not help the histochemical discrimination between catalases and peroxidases.