Neural cell markers and their applications to neurology

Modulatory role of neurosteroidogenesis in the spinal cord during peripheral nerve injury-induced chronic pain

The brain and spinal cord (SC) are both targeted by various hormones, including steroid hormones. However, investigations of the modulatory role of hormones on neurobiological functions usually focus only on the brain. The SC received little attention although this structure pivotally controls motor and sensory functions. Here, we critically reviewed key data showing that the process of neurosteroid biosynthesis or neurosteroidogenesis occurring in the SC plays a pivotal role in the modulation of peripheral nerve injury-induced chronic pain (PNICP) or neuropathic pain. Indeed, several active steroidogenic enzymes expressed in the SC produce endogenous neurosteroids that interact with receptors of neurotransmitters controlling pain. The spinal neurosteroidogenesis is differentially regulated during PNICP condition and its blockade modifies painful sensations. The paper suggests that future investigations aiming to develop effective strategies against PNICP or neuropathic pain must integrate in a gender or sex dependent manner the regulatory effects exerted by spinal neurosteroidogenesis.

Uveal Spindle Cell Tumor of Blue-Eyed Dogs: An Immunohistochemical Study

Immunohistochemical techniques were used to investigate the origin of a spindle cell tumor in the anterior uveal tract of dogs and the influence of ultraviolet radiation on the development of this tumor. Thirteen tumors were identified from the 4,007 canine ocular samples examined at the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin between 1978 and 2005. Siberian Husky and Siberian Husky mix dogs were overrepresented (10/13 dogs, overall median age 10 years). Light microscopic evaluation (all dogs) and electron microscopy (2 dogs) were performed. Immunohistochemical staining included alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), vimentin, S-100, desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Melan A, microphthalmic transcription factor (MITF-1), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), laminin, gadd45, p53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), anti-UVssDNA (antibody for detection of (6–4)-dipyrimidine photoproducts), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). All tumors occurred in the iris with or without ciliary body involvement and were composed of spindle cells arranged in fascicles and whorls (variable Antoni A and B behavior). All tumors were positive when immunostained for vimentin and S-100. Nine of 13 tumors exhibited GFAP immunopositivity. All tumors were negative for SMA, desmin, Melan A, and MITF-1. Tumors were variably positive for PGP 9.5, laminin, gadd45, p53, PCNA, anti-UVssDNA, and TERT. Electron microscopy revealed intermittent basal laminae between cells. These tumors are morphologically and immunohistochemically most consistent with schwannoma. The relationship between spindle cell tumors of the anterior uvea of dogs, altered neural crest, blue iris color, and ultraviolet radiation has not yet been fully elucidated.

Steroids, spinal cord and pain sensation

During the whole life, the nervous system is continuously submitted to the actions of different categories of hormones, including steroids. Therefore, the interactions between hormonal compounds and neural tissues are subjected to intense investigations. While a majority of studies focus on the brain, the spinal cord (SC) has received little attention, although this structure is also an important part of the central nervous system, controlling motor and sensory functions. To point out the importance of interactions between hormones and the SC in the regulation of neurobiological activities, we recapitulated and discussed herein various key data, revealing that the pivotal role played by the SC in nociception and pain modulation, directly depends on the SC ability to metabolize and synthesize steroidal molecules. The paper suggests that future investigations aiming to develop effective strategies against chronic pain, must integrate regulatory effects exerted by hormonal steroids on the SC activity, as well as the actions of endogenous neurosteroids locally synthesized in spinal neural networks.

TRPV1 receptors are involved in protein nitration and Müller cell reaction in the acutely axotomized rat retina

We report here the protein expression of TRPV1 receptor in axotomized rat retinas and its possible participation in mechanisms involved in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Adult rats were subjected to unilateral, intraorbital axotomy of the optic nerve, and the retinal tissue was removed for further processing. TRPV1 total protein expression decreased progressively after optic nerve transection, reaching 66.2% of control values 21 days after axotomy. The number of cells labeled for TRPV1 in the remnant GCL decreased after 21 days post-lesion (to 63%). Fluoro-Jade B staining demonstrated that the activation of TRPV1 in acutely-lesioned eyes elicited more intense neuronal degeneration in the GCL and in the inner nuclear layer than in sham-operated retinas. A single intraocular injection of capsazepine (100 μM), a TRPV1 antagonist, 5 days after optic nerve lesion, decreased the number of GFAP-expressing Müller cells (72.5% of control values) and also decreased protein nitration in the retinal vitreal margin (75.7% of control values), but did not affect lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, retinal explants were treated with capsaicin (100 μM), and remarkable protein nitration was then present, which was reduced by blockers of the constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthases (7-NI and aminoguanidine, respectively). TRPV1 activation also increased GFAP expression, which was reverted by both TRPV1 antagonism with capsazepine and by 7-NI and aminoguanidine. Given that Müller cells do not express TRPV1, we suppose that the increased GFAP expression in these cells might be elicited by TRPV1 activation and by its indirect effect upon nitric oxide overproduction and peroxynitrite formation. We incubated Fluorogold pre-labeled retinal explants in the presence of capsazepine (1 μM) during 48 h. The numbers of surviving RGCs stained with fluorogold and the numbers of apoptotic cells in the GCL detected with TUNEL were similar in lesioned and control retinas. We conclude that TRPV1 receptor expression decreased after optic nerve injury due to death of TRPV1-containing cells. Furthermore, these data indicate that TRPV1 might be involved in intrinsic protein nitration and Müller cell reaction observed after optic nerve injury.

Endogenous steroid production in the spinal cord and potential involvement in neuropathic pain modulation

It has recently been demonstrated that the spinal cord (SC) is an active production center of neuroactive steroids including pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone and allopregnanolone. Indeed, anatomical, cellular and biochemical investigations have shown that the SC dorsal horn (DH), a pivotal structure in nociception, contains various active steroidogenic enzymes such as cytochrome P450side-chain-cleavage, cytochrome P450c17, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 5alpha-reductase and 3alpha-hydroxysteroid oxido-reductase. Reviewed here are several data obtained with in vitro and vivo experiments showing that endogenous steroids synthesized in the SC are involved in the modulation of nociceptive mechanisms. Various approaches were used as the real-time polymerase chain reaction after reverse transcription to determine the effects of neuropathic pain on the expression of genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes in the DH. Combination of the pulse-chase technique with high performance liquid chromatography and continuous flow scintillation detection allowed investigations of the impact of noxious signals on the activity of steroid-producing enzymes in the SC in vitro. Radioimmunological analyses of spinal tissue extracts contributed to determine the link between the painful state and endogenous steroid secretion in the SC in vivo. Finally, the physiological relevance of the modification of endogenous steroid formation in the SC during painful situation was discussed.

Molecular and neurochemical evidence for the biosynthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone in the adult rat spinal cord

Various studies have indicated that exogenous dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) modulates several mechanisms in the CNS of rodents. As adult rodent glands do not secrete significant amounts of DHEA, its role as endogenous modulator of the CNS remains possible only if DHEA is produced by nerve cells. Therefore, the last decade has been marked by diverse unsuccessful investigations aiming to demonstrate the activity of cytochrome P450c17 (P450c17), the key DHEA-synthesizing enzyme, in adult rodent CNS. Here, we combined molecular, anatomical, cellular and neurochemical approaches to provide the first demonstration of the existence of P450c17 and bioactivity in adult rat spinal cord (SC). Real-time RT-PCR revealed P450c17 gene expression in all SC segments. Western blot analyses allowed identification of a specific P450c17 protein in the SC and immunohistochemical studies localized P450c17 in neurones and glial cells. Pulse-chase experiments combined with HPLC and radioactive steroid detection showed that SC slices converted [3H]pregnenolone into [3H]DHEA, a conversion markedly reduced by ketoconazole, a P450c17 inhibitor. Kinetics studies revealed accumulation of [3H]DHEA newly synthesized by SC slices in the incubation medium as its amount declined slowly. This first cellular mapping of an active P450c17 in adult rodent SC suggests that endogenous DHEA synthesized in spinal neural networks may control various spinally-mediated activities.

Anatomical and cellular localization of neuroactive 5?/3?-reduced steroid-synthesizing enzymes in the spinal cord

The complementary activities of 5 alpha-reductase (5 alpha-R) and 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 alpha-HSD) are crucial for the synthesis of neuroactive 5 alpha/3 alpha-reduced steroids, such as 3 alpha-androstanediol, allopregnanolone, and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, which control several important neurophysiological mechanisms through allosteric modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. Immunocytochemical localization of 3 alpha-HSD in the central nervous system (CNS) has never been determined. The presence and activity of 5 alpha-R have been investigated in the CNS, but only the brain was considered; the spinal cord (SC) received little attention, although this structure is crucial for many sensorimotor activities. We have determined the first cellular distribution of 5 alpha-reductase type 1 (5 alpha-R1) and type 2 (5 alpha-R2) and 3 alpha-HSD immunoreactivities in adult rat SC. 5 alpha-R1 immunostaining was detected mainly in the white matter (Wm). In contrast, intense 5 alpha-R2 labeling was observed in dorsal (DH) and ventral horns of gray matter (Gm). 3 alpha-HSD immunoreactivity was largely distributed in the Wm and Gm, but the highest density was found in sensory areas of the DH. Double-labeling experiments combined with confocal analysis revealed that, in the Wm, 5 alpha-R1 was localized in glial cells, whereas 35% of 5 alpha-R2 and 3 alpha-HSD immunoreactivities were found in neurons. In the DH, 60% of 5 alpha-R2 immunostaining colocalized with oligodendrocyte, 25% with neuron, and 15% with astrocyte markers. Similarly, 45% of 3 alpha-HSD immunoreactivity was found in oligodendrocytes, 35% in neurons, and 20% in astrocytes. These results are the first demonstrating that oligodendrocytes and neurons of the SC possess the key enzymatic complex for synthesizing potent neuroactive steroids that may control spinal sensorimotor processes.

Cellular distribution and bioactivity of the key steroidogenic enzyme, cytochrome P450side chain cleavage, in sensory neural pathways

Neurosteroids are steroids produced within the nervous system. Based on behavioural responses evoked in animals by synthetic steroid injections, several studies suggested neurosteroid involvement in important neurophysiological processes. These observations should be correlated only to neuroactive effects of the injected steroids. Neurosteroids mostly control the CNS activity through allosteric modulation of neurotransmitter receptors within concentration ranges used by neurotransmitters themselves. Therefore, neurosteroid production within pathways controlling a neurophysiological process is necessary to consider neurosteroid involvement in that process. Because of the increasing speculation about pain modulation by neurosteroids based on pharmacological observations, we decided to clarify the situation by investigating neurosteroidogenesis occurrence in sensory pathways, particularly in nociceptive structures. We studied the presence and activity of cytochrome P450side chain cleavage (P450scc) in rat pain pathways. P450scc-immunoreactive cells were localized in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), spinal cord (SC) dorsal horn, nociceptive supraspinal nuclei (SSN) and somatosensory cortex. Incubation of DRG, SSN or SC tissue homogenates with [3H]cholesterol yielded the formation of radioactive metabolites including [3H]pregnenolone of which the synthesis was reduced in presence of aminogluthetimide, a P450scc inhibitor. These first neuroanatomical and neurochemical results demonstrate the occurrence of neurosteroidogenesis in nociceptive pathways and strongly suggest that neurosteroids may control pain mechanisms.

Studies on the cell tropism of Listeria monocytogenes in ovine fetal brain cell cultures

The uptake of Listeria monocytogenes by cells in primary dissociated brain cell cultures prepared from ovine fetuses at approximately 50 to 60 days of gestation was studied using a sequential double immunofluorescence technique with antibodies against cell type-specific markers and the bacterial pathogen. Cell cultures were inoculated with bacteria at day 4, 8, and 15 in vitro. Listeria monocytogenes was predominately internalized by CD68-positive macrophages, followed by astrocytes, fibronectin-expressing cells, and neurons. An uptake of the bacterium by galactocerebroside (GC)-positive oligodendrocytes, which were first detected at day 15 in vitro, did not occur. Although a tropism for neurons was not observed, the susceptibility of neurons for infection with Listeria monocytogenes is in accordance with the supposed intraaxonal migration of the bacterium in the pathogenesis of focal brain stem encephalitis. The pattern of the infection rates of ovine brain cell types was similar to that shown in murine fetal brain cell cultures, indicating that there is no species-specific brain cell tropism of the bacterium.

Infection of murine fetal brain cell cultures with Listeria monocytogenes

The uptake of Listeria monocytogenes by different brain cells was studied in primary dissociated brain cell cultures derived from murine fetuses. In respect to the supposed intraaxonal migration of Listeria monocytogenes in the pathogenesis of listeric focal brain stem encephalitis, it was examined whether the bacterium was internalized by neurons. Infection rates of distinct cell types were determined by double immunofluorescence with antibodies against cell type-specific markers and the bacterial pathogen. Because of the changing composition of the cultures and time-dependent expression of the oligodendrocyte marker galactocerebroside (GC), infections were carried out on day 4, 6, 8, and 15 in vitro. Listeria monocytogenes was detected predominantly within macrophages. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and fibronectin-expressing cells were infected to a lesser extent. The lowest rates of infection were observed in neurons. A tropism of Listeria monocytogenes for neurons was not detected in vitro.

Peripheral neuropathy associated with monoclonal IgM anti-Pr2 cold agglutinins

A patient with a chronic, large fibre sensory neuropathy had an immunoglobulin M lambda monoclonal paraprotein reactive at titres in excess of 1/10(5) with NeuNAc(alpha 2-8)NeuNAc(alpha 2-3)Gal configured disialosyl groups present on the gangliosides GD1b, GT1b, GQ1b, and GD3. The paraprotein showed weaker reactivity with GD1a, GM3, and LM1 but no reactivity with GM2, GM1, or asialo-GM1. In addition, the paraprotein had cold agglutinating activity with anti-Pr2 specificity, Pr2 being an antigenic determinant on membrane glycoproteins or glycolipids in erythrocytes or both. A large fibre sensory neuropathy with monoclonal anti-disialosyl antibodies is an increasingly recognised form of paraproteinaemic neuropathy.

Infection of ovine fetal brain cell cultures with cytopathogenic and non-cytopathogenic bovine viral diarrhoea virus

The in vitro cell tropism of non-cytopathogenic (ncp) and cytopathogenic (cp) bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) was studied in primary dissociated brain cell cultures derived from ovine fetuses of different gestational ages. The cell types infected were identified by double immunofluorescence using antibodies against BVDV and cell type-specific markers. In cultures infected with ncp BVDV viral antigen was present in neurofilament (NF 200 kDa)-positive neurons, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes and fibronectin-expressing cells. Estimation of the percentages of individual cell types infected with ncp BVDV indicated a tropism for NF 200-positive neurons. In cultures infected with cp BVD virus cytopathic changes were observed beginning at 40 hours post infection. Viral antigen was present in vacuolated NF 200-, GFAP- and fibronectin-positive cells. In comparison with non-infected control cultures a considerable reduction of the number of the different cell types was seen.

Developmental appearance, antigenic profile, and proliferation of glial cells of the human embryonic spinal cord: an immunocytochemical study using dissociated cultured cells

We have investigated the time of appearance of the earliest differentiating glial cell types of human spinal cord using a panel of antigenic markers to identify them in cultures from 6- to 9-week-old human embryos. Immunolabeling performed at 14 h in vitro with the O4 mAb, an early oligodendrocyte marker, showed the presence of oligodendrocytes during the 7th week of age. At 8 weeks only a few of the O4+ cells expressed galactocerebroside (GalC), a marker of more differentiated oligodendrocytes. All the O4+ and GalC+ cells were vimentin+ and some of the GalC+ cells were A2B5+, GD3+ and SSEA-1+. During the first week in vitro many of the O4+ cells exhibiting a more immature, bi- or tri-polar morphology incorporated [3H]thymidine into their nuclei. Cells expressing the astrocyte-specific marker GFAP could be first observed at 8 weeks; almost all of these GFAP+ cells, which should correspond to radial glia on the basis of the current literature, were vimentin+, A2B5+, GD3+, and SSEA-1+. At 2 days in vitro incorporation of [3H]thymidine could be shown in a small fraction of these cells. The finding that radial glia and oligodendrocytes expressed similar antigenic features and the additional observation that a small, but consistent fraction of the cells were simultaneously labeled by O4 and anti-GFAP antibodies support the hypothesis that, in the human spinal cord, radial glial cells can give rise to both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes; in this respect, radial glial cells may be similar to the A2B5+, GD3+, vimentin+ bipotential glial progenitors previously identified in cultures from developing rat CNS, which also express A2B5, GD3, and vimentin.

Infratentorial ependymomas of childhood. Correlation between histological features, immunohistological phenotype, silver nucleolar organizer region staining values and post-operative survival in 16 cases

We have examined pathological criteria in 16 cases of infratentorial ependymomas of childhood using a conventional histological approach, with immunohistochemistry and silver nucleolar organizer region staining (AgNORs). We have found that some of these criteria are of prognostic value. The following histological features were evaluated in each case: cellular density, cellular or nuclear pleiomorphism, mitosis, focal necrosis, endothelial proliferation and complete loss of differentiation. The expression of the following antigens was also studied: epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), human natural killer (HNK1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin. Only three histological criteria have been retained as indicative of bad prognosis, i.e., high mitotic index, a large amount of necrosis and complete loss of differentiation. These criteria distinguish ependymomas from anaplastic ependymomas. GFAP was expressed in all tumors while other antigens were more variable. In addition tumors expressing large amounts of GFAP were statistically associated with a better prognosis. Increased vimentin expression associated with a decrease of GFAP immunoreactivity correlated with anaplasia and short survival. EMA was not directly correlated with postoperative survival but may be considered as a further prognostic factor. Finally AgNORs values were not statistically correlated with postoperative survival.

Neurobiology of human oligodendrocytes in culture

Enriched populations of oligodendrocytes were isolated from adult human brains of 3-15 hours postmortem using the trypsinin digestion-Percoll density gradient method and were cultured for an extended period of time up to 6 months. Cell type specific antigens that were expressed by oligodendrocytes were galactocerebroside, myelin basic protein, proteolipid protein, 2'3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase and myelin-associated glycoprotein. In addition, HLA-A,B,C and HLA-DR, respectively, Class I and Class II antigens of the major histocompatibility complex, were demonstrated on oligodendrocytes. Three classes of gangliosides, GM1, GM4, and GD3, were also demonstrated on oligodendrocytes, while GM1 and GM4 gangliosides were detected on the surface of astrocytes. The presence of "transitional" or "bipotential" glial cells that were derived from oligodendrocytes and that expressed both oligodendroglial and astrocytic phenotypes was demonstrated. Treatment of the cells by cyclic AMP and its derivatives reversed this dual phenotypic expression back to the oligodendroglial trait. Electron microscopic examination of oligodendrocytes indicated that they were capable of synthesizing and assembling myelin sheaths in culture in the absence of any neuronal signal input.

Micromethod for the determination of 3-beta-HSD activity in cultured cells

A modified radioassay for the determination of the 3 beta-hydroxy-delta 5-steroid dehydrogenase (3-beta-HSD) is described. The assay is based on the conversion of [3H]pregnenolone to [3H]progesterone followed by a digitonin precipitation step. The method was applied to neurons, glial cells, C6 glioma cells and adrenal tumor cells in culture. Adrenal tumor cells and C6 glioma cells showed higher enzyme activity than primary cultures of astrocytes and neurons. Dependence of enzyme activity on pH, protein concentration and reaction time was demonstrated for C6 cells. A pH optimum was shown between 7.5 and 8.1, and the reaction was linear up to 2 h. beta-oestradiol inhibited 3-beta-HSD activity completely. The assay presented is fast, highly reproducible, and offers the possibility of studying 3-beta-HSD activity in differentiating cells in culture without preparation of microsomes or extraction of reaction products.

Immunological reactions induced by intracerebral transplantation: evidence that host microglia but not astroglia are the antigen-presenting cells

The immunological reactions to embryonic cerebellar xenografts (n = 16) and allografts (n = 8) in host rat brain were studied after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of survival and compared to a control group consisting of 10 rats with isografts. Indirect immunofluorescence was performed on fresh frozen brain sections using antibodies against antigen presenting cells (Ia/Ox-6+ cells) and T helper (W3/25+) cells. Massive infiltrations of both cell types were found within xenografts. Ia antigen was present in the walls of small vessels near the transplant as well as in the ventricles on supra- and subependymal cells. In host tissue surrounding the grafts, Ox-6+ immunoreactivity was also observed in a population of cells ranging from an irregular rod-like shape with short branching processes to more rounded cell bodies with retracted processes. The appearance of these cells was characteristic of microglia. These cells were GFAP-negative. These cellular reactions were associated with rejection of the grafts. In contrast, the allografts survived, but nevertheless cells expressing Ox-6+ and to a lesser extent W3/25+ immunoreactivity were found along the injection needle tract and in damaged host tissue surrounding the grafts. No Ox-6+ perivascular infiltrations were seen. Some staining was also found within the allografts, mainly associated with damaged tissue. Ox-6+ ramified cells were also observed. Both Ox-6+ and W3/25+ immunoreactivity decreased with the time of survival. Host and donor GFAP-positive astrocytes did not express Ox-6+ molecules, and therefore probably were not involved in presenting antigen to effector cells. The control isografts also survived very well, but nevertheless Ox-6+ and less widespread W3/25+ cells were present in surrounding injured host tissue. Ox-6+ perivascular infiltration was not found in the host brain of animals with isografts. Ox-6+ and W3/25+ immunoreactivities were present primarily in graft areas that appeared damaged, often closely associated with injured host tissue. These results indicate that the process of implantation of grafts and associated brain injury induces enhanced Ia/Ox-6+ immunoreactivity, primarily on microglia in brain parenchyma surrounding grafts, and suggest that host microglia may substantially contribute to the initiation of immune reactions against intracerebral grafts. Despite this predisposition to an immunological response, only in the case of xenografts did these reactions, with the addition of Ox-6+ perivascular cuffing and cell infiltrations within the grafts, lead ultimately to graft rejection.

Growth of human oligodendrocytes in vitro on extracellular matrix

Based on the successful use of a basement membrane-like extracellular matrix (ECM) as a physiological substrate for the growth of adult rat oligodendrocytes, we have applied the system to oligodendroglia of human origin. ECM is excreted and deposited on a culture dish by endothelia cells. Glial cells isolated from fresh human brains by a Percoll density gradient were maintained on ECM for several weeks in vitro. Cells identified as oligodendrocytes by anti-galactocerebroside (GalC) could be transferred and replated on ECM-coated plates. In one case, GalC-positive cells isolated from a biopsy of an 8-year old girl were able to incorporate [3H]thymidine as revealed by autoradiography. ECM can be used successfully for the growth and in vitro maintenance of human oligodendrocytes.

Varicella-zoster virus infection of human sensory neurons

Primary varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection of humans may result in latent infection of sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system. To examine the interaction of VZV with the sensory neuron we infected immunochemically defined human neurons with cell-associated VZV. Utilizing double-label immunofluorescence technology, a VZV-specific glycoprotein and a nonglycosylated phosphoprotein were detected in human fetus dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, as defined by the presence of the neuron-specific enolase isoenzyme and the A2B5 ganglioside antigen, respectively. In addition to VZV antigen expression, progressive virus-induced cytopathic damage (neuronal enlargement and nuclear granulation of a fraction of the neuron population) was evident. As determined by transmission electron microscopy, VZV-infected human fetus DRG neurons contained empty and complete nucleocapsids with numerous pleomorphic virus particles in the cytoplasm, often in association with vacuoles. Although virus-specific antigen expression, particle synthesis, and cytopathic effects were observed in the human neuron population, neurons were less susceptible to VZV-induced cytopathic damage than supporting nonneuronal cells, suggesting neuronal modulation of VZV infection in vitro. This system provides the first model to examine the neuron- and virus-specific gene(s) and gene product(s) pertinent to the interaction of VZV with the human neuron.

Selective uptake of neuroactive amino acids by both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes in primary dissociated culture: a possible role for oligodendrocytes in neurotransmitter metabolism

CNS glia may be involved in the modulation of neuronal excitability through their capacity to accumulate and metabolize neuroactive amino acids. To investigate the possible role of oligodendrocytes in amino acid neurotransmitter metabolism, we have used light microscopic autoradiography, following the uptake of 3H-labelled amino acids by dissociated cultures of neonatal mouse brain, characterized immunocytochemically using cell-type specific markers. Oligodendrocytes, recognized by their characteristic galactocerebroside membrane staining, rapidly accumulated [3H] gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), becoming intensely labelled over cell body and processes after short incubations. In contrast, oligodendrocytes became only lightly labelled with [3H]L-glutamate and aspartate, which preferentially labelled astrocytes. [3H]D-aspartate, a non-metabolized analogue of L-glutamate, was avidly accumulated by oligodendrocytes, labelling cell bodies and processes after short incubations, to a similar extent as GABA. Thus, oligodendrocytes possess a transport mechanism for these excitatory amino acids, but rapidly metabolize them and release the metabolites. Not only the GC-positive cells but also the GC-negative undifferentiated oligodendrocyte precursors accumulated both GABA and D-aspartate, suggesting that this may be a function expressed early in the differentiation of oligodendrocytes. Net uptake of [3H] beta-alanine and [3H]glycine by oligodendrocytes was not observed under any conditions tested. A small number of oligodendrocytes were labelled with [3H]taurine after longer incubations. The uptake of certain neuroactive amino acids is thus a property shared by astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, the latter acting in a protective fashion around neuronal perikarya and axons.

Calcineurin as a neuronal marker of human brain tumors

Calcineurin is one of the calmodulin binding proteins and a Ca2+-dependent and calmodulin-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphatase. We used antisera to the calcineurin as a cell-type-specific marker in order to identify neuronal cells in the rat brain and human neoplasms. In normal rat brain slices, basal ganglia were stained macroscopically, and other areas such as cerebral cortex, corpus callosum, cerebellar cortex, granular layer and pyramidal tract of the spinal cord were lightly identified as well. Under the light microscope, it was found that only the neuronal cells were stained, and astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells and vessels were not. Intracellular distribution of the staining showed various patterns and staining intensity of varying degree. Using the PAP method, localization of the calcineurin in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues were studied in 65 human intracranial neoplasms, and in 11 human extracranial neoplasms. The neuronal elements of neuroblastoma, ganglioglioma, ganglioneuroma and retinoblastoma were clearly stained. In contrast, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma, meningioma, neurinoma, pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, hemangioblastoma, hamartoma, lymphoma and mesenchymal tumor were all negative. Two cases out of 5 medulloblastomas were stained, but others were not. Although positive tumors disclosed various staining patterns and intensities, these results indicated that calcineurin could be a new neuronal marker in human brain tumors.

Schwann cell marker defined by a monoclonal antibody (224-58) with species cross-reactivity. II. Molecular characterization of the epitope

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) designated 224-58 (IgM-kappa) has been raised by fusion of Sp2/0-Ag14 mouse hybridoma cell line with spleen cells of a mouse immunized with human brain myelin. This mAb binds specifically to mouse, rat, and human Schwann cells membrane. Serological tests showed that mAb 224-58 reacted with total lipid extract, but not with total protein extract of human myelin. Combination of ELISA, complement fixation, and immunoautoradiographic detection on silica gel TLC allowed us to determine that mAb 224-58 reacted with sulfomonogalactolipids, namely 3'-sulfogalactosylceramide (SGC) and 3'-sulfogalactosyl 1-O-alkyl-ether 2-O-acylglycerol (seminolipid). The fine molecular structure of the epitope recognized by mAb 224-58 was established by studying the cross-reactivity of this mAb toward closely related sulfolipids and by comparing its reactivity after submitting either purified sulfolipids or total lipid extracts to various chemical and enzymatic treatments. The lipidic hapten-binding site to mAb 224-58 is dependent on (1) the sulfoester on carbon 3 of the galactose molecule, (2) the osidic bond, and (3) the carbonyl group of the fatty acid. Interestingly enough, neither the amide bond and the long-chain base nor the OH group of the fatty acid belongs to the antigenic determinant recognized by mAb 224-58.

Normal and malignant neural cells: a comprehensive survey of human and murine nervous system markers

Tumor-associated neural markers are finding increased application in diagnostic histopathology and in the development of brain tumor therapy. The major cell-type-specific markers and monoclonal antibodies that identify murine and human neural cells are reviewed in this study. Monoclonal antibodies, raised against fetal and adult neural tissue, neuroectodermal tumor tissue, or cell line immunogens which recognize epitopes on brain tumors are comprehensively described including antigens common to the nervous, hematopoietic, and immune systems. The clinical application of neural cell markers and monoclonal antibodies for the diagnosis, localization, and treatment of neuroectodermal tumors is reviewed.

Neuroimmunology of gangliosides in human neurons and glial cells in culture

Gangliosides (sialic-acid-bearing glycolipids) have received attention in recent years because of their role in cell recognition phenomena, synaptic transmission, memory generation, and nerve regeneration in the fields of neurosciences. It is suggested that each brain region or each neural cell type may contain a specific and characteristic set of gangliosides. We have investigated the immunocytochemical localization of several classes of gangliosides that include GM1, GM4, GD3, and GQ gangliosides on the cell surface of various cell types found in human neural cell cultures with antibodies specific for these gangliosides. Cell cultures were obtained from adult human brains and fetal human dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord and cultured in vitro for the period up to 6 months and utilized for the ganglioside immunocytochemistry. It was demonstrated that GM1 ganglioside was present in all galactocerebroside-positive oligodendrocytes and most of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes (80%), most of neurofilament-positive neurons (80%), 50-70% of Schwann cells, and 5-10% of fibronectin-positive fibroblasts; GM4 ganglioside could be detected in all oligodendrocytes, 80% of astrocytes, and 50% of Schwann cells, while no staining was found in neurons or fibroblasts; GD3 ganglioside was present in all oligodendrocytes and 5-10% of astrocytes but not in neurons, Schwann cells, or fibroblasts; and all of fetal CNS neurons and approximately 80-90% of fetal dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and a small percentage of astrocytes (10-20% in fetal and less than 1% in adult astrocytes) was labeled by A2B5 antibody which is specific for GQ ganglioside, while this antibody did not stain cell surface of oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, or fibroblasts. Three classes of gangliosides, GM1, GM4, and GD3 were found to be definite components of fetal and adult human oligodendroglial plasma membrane, while GM1 and GM4 gangliosides were detected on the surface of most astrocytes. Only a minor population of astrocytes from both fetal and adult human CNS contained GD3 and GQ gangliosides. Two classes of gangliosides, GM1 and GQ, were detected on the surface of fetal human neurons. More than half of fetal Schwann cells reacted to GM1 and GM4 antibodies but did not to GD3 or GQ antibodies. We recognized the presence of a specific and characteristic set of gangliosides on the cell surface of different human neural cell types and these findings should facilitate further investigation of the precise biological activity of these gangliosides.

Cellular distribution of 04 antigen and galactocerebroside in primary cultures of human foetal spinal cord

The distribution of cell-surface 04 antigen and galactocerebroside (GC) was examined by dual-label indirect immunofluorescence assays on live primary cultures of human spinal cord cells dissociated from 8-12 week-old foetal tissue. Oligodendrocytes expressing GC on their surface were present in the cultures at early time points, and all GC-positive cells were found to also express cell-surface 04 antigen. The 04 antigen was found additionally on a further population of GC-negative cells in the spinal cord cultures, which did not react with antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and were distinct from neuronal cells and cell processes which stained with anti-neurofilament antibody. Previous studies in mouse neural cell cultures have shown that 04 antigen-positive cells are direct precursors to GC-bearing oligodendrocytes (Schachner et al. 1982). In the human spinal cord cultures, a rapid decline in the number of cells expressing GC and/or the 04 antigen to a value below 1% was observed during the first 3 days in vitro. The present studies indicate that synthesis of GC occurs in the human spinal cord many weeks before myelination commences in vivo and that GC-negative oligodendrocyte precursors are present simultaneously with more mature GC-positive cells. In addition, it would appear that complex humoral or cellular ingredients may be required for the long-term in vitro maintenance of viable human foetal oligodendrocytes.

Immune responses to myelin antigens in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is considered to be a putative immunopathologic disease and there has been considerable effort over the years to prove an autoimmune etiology for it. To date, the evidence is all indirect and there is no proof of either antibody and/or cell-mediated hypersensitivity to any single identifiable CNS constituent whether a constituent of normal CNS or specific to the CNS of MS patients.

Uptake of [3H]GABA by oligodendrocytes in dissociated brain cell culture: a combined autoradiographic and immunocytochemical study

Uptake of [3H]GABA by dissociated mixed cell cultures of fetal mouse brain was studied using light microscopic autoradiography. Major cell types in the cultures were identified and quantified by immunocytochemical localization of reliable cell type-specific antigenic markers. In 12 days in vitro (DIV) cultures [3H]GABA uptake was predominantly into neurons and oligodendrocytes, whilst at 28 DIV the only surface cells labeled were oligodendrocytes. This was confirmed by complement-dependent antibody-mediated cytotoxicity against galactocerebroside-positive oligodendrocytes. There was a moderate labeling of almost all flat cells, the majority of which were glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes. Heavily labeled astrocytes were only occasionally observed. Oligodendrocytes accumulated [3H]GABA more rapidly than astrocytes but slower than neurons. Oligodendroglial labeling was predominantly over the cell body, whereas neuronal labeling was more uniformly distributed over cell body and processes. The uptake was inhibited by diaminobutyric acid (DABA) and nipecotic acid, but not by beta-alanine, and thus had similar characteristics to neuronal rather than astroglial uptake. Oligodendrocytes did not accumulate [3H]beta-alanine, which labeled only astrocytes. Oligodendroglial [3H]GABA uptake was Na+-dependent and sensitive to ouabain, but was only slightly enhanced by aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), whereas astroglial uptake was not sensitive to ouabain but was markedly enhanced by AOAA. The results indicate that oligodendrocytes, in addition to astrocytes, may also be involved in the modification of neuronal function by the uptake and inactivation of neuroactive substances.

Immunocytochemical characterisation of cell cultures grown from dissociated 1-2-day post-natal rat cerebral tissue. A developmental study

A range of cell-specific markers have been employed with immunocytochemical methods to characterise and quantitate the cell types present in mixed brain cell cultures derived from dissociated 1-2-day post-natal rat cerebral hemispheres and grown in the presence of FCS. Protoplasmic astrocytes (GFAP+, A2B5-) were the major cell type to develop in culture, a confluent monolayer forming in 5-8 days. A population of smaller round cells of oligodendrocyte-like morphology appeared on this astrocyte layer. Greater than 70% of these smaller cells were GC- and thus were not oligodendrocytes. The GC- cells were A2B5+ and, in early cultures, may therefore be progenitor glial cells. Examination of GFAP and A2B5 co-expression by these smaller cells was difficult due to the dense underlying GFAP+ astrocyte layer. In less dense areas of older cultures these smaller cells with processes were GFAP+ and A2B5+: these are Type 2, fibrous astrocytes. GC+ oligodendrocytes, comprising 5-10% of the total identified cell population, were initially distributed over the astrocyte monolayer; in older cultures (after about 8 days) GC+ cells were observed in clumps over places where NF+ cells were identifiable. Such GC+ cells mostly became MBP+. Neurones accounted for about 6% of the identifiable cells in early cultures but a lower percentage in older cultures. Minor populations of ependymal cells and macrophages were present; cells displaying fibronectin, fibroblasts, were rarely identified. Use of horse serum in place of FCS gave lower yields of GC+ cells in cultures, slowed down astrocyte development, and resulted in the formation of trunks of GFAP+ cells throughout cultures. Other sera gave lower numbers of GC+ cells.

Parvalbumin, a neuronal protein in brain cell cultures

Dissociated brain cell cultures were derived from 14-day-old embryonic as well as from newborn mice. The cells were grown in a medium containing 10% fetal calf serum. Indirect immunofluorescence was performed using antisera directed against the Ca2+-binding protein parvalbumin (Mr 12,000). In embryonic cultures a large proportion of cells was intensely stained by antiparvalbumin . In double-labelling experiments involving the simultaneous application of antisera against parvalbumin and the neuron-specific enolase, the enolase-containing cells were also parvalbumin-positive and both antisera revealed identical intracellular staining patterns. Conversely, almost no parvalbumin- and enolase-positive cells were present in cultures derived from newborn mice. However, in these cultures many cells were immunoreactive toward the myelin basic protein, an accepted marker for oligodendrocytes. The presence of parvalbumin within the embryonic brain cell cultures was confirmed by analyses of the culture extracts (4 mM EDTA, pH 7.5) by HPLC on reverse-phase supports, two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and immunoblotting. The present study suggests that in mouse brain cell cultures, parvalbumin is localized in neurons.

Enhanced growth and morphological differentiation of isolated adult rat oligodendrocytes in vitro: use of a naturally produced extracellular matrix

Attachment, growth and morphological differentiation of isolated adult rat oligodendrocytes cultured on a naturally produced basement membrane-like extracellular matrix (ECM) occurred much faster than on poly-L-lysine (PLL) coated tissue culture dishes. In each individual trial the cells cultured on ECM exhibited, within 3-5 days in culture, a massive outgrowth of long and branched cytoplasmic processes. Outgrowth to such an extent, using PLL or plastic tissue culture dishes, was not observed even after 2 weeks in culture. The successful high plating efficiency, rapid growth and network formation as well as its resemblance to the in vivo environment of cells make this naturally produced substrate a superior substitute for PLL and therefore more attractive for studying the behavior and function of oligodendrocytes in vitro.

Invited review. Nervous system antigens

Some of the better characterized proteins (markers) of the nervous system are described. The availability of specific antibodies to these markers has allowed the localization and assay of the proteins in tissue and biological fluids. There is some evidence that autosensitization may occur. Clinical application of these markers includes the evaluation and prognostic significance after stroke and head injury. The diagnostic histopathological use of the markers in the investigation of various tumours is summarized.