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A cryo-fixation protocol to study the structure of the synaptonemal complex. Chromosome Res 2022; 30:385-400. [PMID: 35486207 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-022-09689-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variability in sexually reproducing organisms results from an exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. The genetic exchange mechanism is dependent on the synaptonemal complex (SC), a protein structure localized between the homologous chromosomes. The current structural models of the mammalian SC are based on electron microscopy, superresolution, and expansion microscopy studies using chemical fixatives and sample dehydration of gonads, which are methodologies known to produce structural artifacts. To further analyze the structure of the SC, without chemical fixation, we have adapted a cryo-fixation method for electron microscopy where pachytene cells are isolated from mouse testis by FACS, followed by cryo-fixation, cryo-substitution, and electron tomography. In parallel, we performed conventional chemical fixation and electron tomography on mouse seminiferous tubules to compare the SC structure obtained with the two fixation methods. We found several differences in the structure and organization of the SC in cryo-fixed samples when compared to chemically preserved samples. We found the central region of the SC to be wider and the transverse filaments to be more densely packed in the central region of the SC.
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Pang J, Zhao X, Deng F, Tsuchiya D, Malloy S, Parmely T, Xie T, Wang Y. A freeze-substitution approach with solvent-based glyoxal fixative to prevent distortion of ocular structures. J Histotechnol 2022; 45:172-181. [DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2022.2111744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Pang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas, MO, USA
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, Minhang, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas, MO, USA
| | - Fengyan Deng
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas, MO, USA
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas, MO, USA
| | - Seth Malloy
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas, MO, USA
| | - Tari Parmely
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas, MO, USA
| | - Ting Xie
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas, MO, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas, Kansas, KS, USA
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yongfu Wang
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas, MO, USA
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Schauflinger M, Bergner T, Neusser G, Kranz C, Read C. Potassium permanganate is an excellent alternative to osmium tetroxide in freeze-substitution. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 157:481-489. [PMID: 34984524 PMCID: PMC9001235 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-02070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
High-pressure freezing followed by freeze-substitution is a valuable method for ultrastructural analyses of resin-embedded biological samples. The visualization of lipid membranes is one of the most critical aspects of any ultrastructural study and can be especially challenging in high-pressure frozen specimens. Historically, osmium tetroxide has been the preferred fixative and staining agent for lipid-containing structures in freeze-substitution solutions. However, osmium tetroxide is not only a rare and expensive material, but also volatile and toxic. Here, we introduce the use of a combination of potassium permanganate, uranyl acetate, and water in acetone as complementing reagents during the freeze-substitution process. This mix imparts an intense en bloc stain to cellular ultrastructure and membranes, which makes poststaining superfluous and is well suited for block-face imaging. Thus, potassium permanganate can effectively replace osmium tetroxide in the freeze-substitution solution without sacrificing the quality of ultrastructural preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schauflinger
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 2, 35037, Marburg, Germany. .,Electron Microscopy Core Facility, University of Missouri, 1600 East Rollins Street, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Tim Bergner
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gregor Neusser
- FIB Center UUlm, Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christine Kranz
- FIB Center UUlm, Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Clarissa Read
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.,Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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4
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Flechsler J, Heimerl T, Pickl C, Rachel R, Stierhof YD, Klingl A. 2D and 3D immunogold localization on (epoxy) ultrathin sections with and without osmium tetroxide. Microsc Res Tech 2020; 83:691-705. [PMID: 32057162 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
For nearly 50 years immunogold labeling on ultrathin sections has been successfully used for protein localization in laboratories worldwide. In theory and in practice, this method has undergone continual improvement over time. In this study, we carefully analyzed circulating protocols for postembedding labeling to find out if they are still valid under modern laboratory conditions, and in addition, we tested unconventional protocols. For this, we investigated immunolabeling of Epon-embedded cells, immunolabeling of cells treated with osmium, and the binding behavior of differently sized gold particles. Here we show that (in contrast to widespread belief) immunolabeling of Epon-embedded cells and of cells treated with osmium tetroxide is actually working. Furthermore, we established a "speed protocol" for immunolabeling by reducing antibody incubation times. Finally, we present our results on three-dimensional immunogold labeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Flechsler
- Plant Development and Electron Microscopy, Department of Biology I, Munchen, Germany
| | - Thomas Heimerl
- LOEWE Centre for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Pickl
- Plant Development and Electron Microscopy, Department of Biology I, Munchen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Rachel
- Institute of Microbiology and Centre for Electron Microscopy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - York-Dieter Stierhof
- Microscopy, Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Klingl
- Plant Development and Electron Microscopy, Department of Biology I, Munchen, Germany
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5
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Leonel ECR, Corral A, Risco R, Camboni A, Taboga SR, Kilbride P, Vazquez M, Morris J, Dolmans MM, Amorim CA. Stepped vitrification technique for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20008. [PMID: 31882972 PMCID: PMC6934833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56585-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The advantage of stepped vitrification (SV) is avoiding ice crystal nucleation, while decreasing the toxic effects of high cryoprotectant concentrations. We aimed to test this method for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Ovarian cortex was taken from 7 fertile adult women. Samples were subjected to an SV protocol performed in an automatic freezer, which allowed sample transfer to ever higher concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the temperature was reduced. Histological evaluation of the vitrified-warmed tissue showed large numbers of degenerated follicles after 24 hours of in vitro culture. We therefore evaluated DMSO perfusion rates by X-ray computed tomography, ice crystal formation by freeze-substitution, and cell toxicity by transmission electron microscopy, seeking possible reasons why follicles degenerated. Although cryoprotectant perfusion was considered normal and no ice crystals were formed in the tissue, ultrastructural analysis detected typical signs of DMSO toxicity, such as mitochondria degeneration, alterations in chromatin condensation, cell vacuolization and extracellular matrix swelling in both stromal and follicular cells. The findings indicated that the method failed to preserve follicles due to the high concentrations of DMSO used. However, adaptations can be made to avoid toxicity to follicles caused by elevated levels of cryoprotectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Cristina Rivas Leonel
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.,Departament of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Ariadna Corral
- Centro Nacional de Aceleradores (CNA), University of Seville, Calle Thomas Alva Edison 7, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Ramon Risco
- Centro Nacional de Aceleradores (CNA), University of Seville, Calle Thomas Alva Edison 7, 41092, Seville, Spain.,Engineering School of Sevilla, University of Seville, Camino Descubrimientos S/N, Isla Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Alessandra Camboni
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.,Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Departament of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, Jardim Nazareth, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Peter Kilbride
- General Electric Healthcare, Sovereign House, Vision Park, Cambridge, CB24 9BY, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Vazquez
- Engineering School of Sevilla, University of Seville, Camino Descubrimientos S/N, Isla Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain.,General Electric Healthcare, Sovereign House, Vision Park, Cambridge, CB24 9BY, United Kingdom
| | - John Morris
- General Electric Healthcare, Sovereign House, Vision Park, Cambridge, CB24 9BY, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.,Gynecology and Andrology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
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Transmission Immunoelectron Microscopy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1-Infected Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons Sectioned in Growth Plane. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 2060:355-364. [PMID: 31617190 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9814-2_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Transmission immunoelectron microscopy allows for the ultrastructural detection and localization of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) particles and viral proteins within the infected cell and their relation to the cell cytoskeleton, cellular proteins, vesicles, membranes, and organelles. For the successful application of immunoelectron microscopy, preservation of cell ultrastructure and of epitope antigenicity is essential during sample preparation. This chapter describes the use of chemical fixation followed by rapid cooling of HSV-1 infected sensory neurons in the presence of sucrose as a cryoprotectant to achieve optimal preservation of cell morphology and the use of freeze substitution and resin polymerization at low temperatures for preservation of protein antigenicity. In order to examine HSV-1 infection in the specialized compartments of the neurons (cell body, axons, and growth cones), neurons cultured on plastic coverslips are flat embedded prior to resin polymerization. Overall, this method allows for the ultrathin sectioning and immunogold labeling of the neurons and their axons in growth plane.
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7
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Ali F, Wharton DA. Intracellular freezing in the infective juveniles of Steinernema feltiae: an entomopathogenic nematode. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94179. [PMID: 24769523 PMCID: PMC4000207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Taking advantage of their optical transparency, we clearly observed the third stage infective juveniles (IJs) of Steinernema feltiae freezing under a cryo-stage microscope. The IJs froze when the water surrounding them froze at -2°C and below. However, they avoid inoculative freezing at -1°C, suggesting cryoprotective dehydration. Freezing was evident as a sudden darkening and cessation of IJs' movement. Freeze substitution and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the IJs of S. feltiae freeze intracellularly. Ice crystals were found in every compartment of the body. IJs frozen at high sub-zero temperatures (-1 and -3°C) survived and had small ice crystals. Those frozen at -10°C had large ice crystals and did not survive. However, the pattern of ice formation was not well-controlled and individual nematodes frozen at -3°C had both small and large ice crystals. IJs frozen by plunging directly into liquid nitrogen had small ice crystals, but did not survive. This study thus presents the evidence that S. feltiae is only the second freeze tolerant animal, after the Antarctic nematode Panagrolaimus davidi, shown to withstand extensive intracellular freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farman Ali
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David A. Wharton
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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McDonald KL. Out with the old and in with the new: rapid specimen preparation procedures for electron microscopy of sectioned biological material. PROTOPLASMA 2014; 251:429-448. [PMID: 24258967 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-013-0575-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This article presents the best current practices for preparation of biological samples for examination as thin sections in an electron microscope. The historical development of fixation, dehydration, and embedding procedures for biological materials are reviewed for both conventional and low temperature methods. Conventional procedures for processing cells and tissues are usually done over days and often produce distortions, extractions, and other artifacts that are not acceptable for today's structural biology standards. High-pressure freezing and freeze substitution can minimize some of these artifacts. New methods that reduce the times for freeze substitution and resin embedding to a few hours are discussed as well as a new rapid room temperature method for preparing cells for on-section immunolabeling without the use of aldehyde fixatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent L McDonald
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of California, 26 Giannini Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA,
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Bai Y, Wu B, Terada N, Saitoh Y, Ohno N, Saitoh S, Ohno S. Immunohistochemical analysis of various serum proteins in living mouse thymus with "in vivo cryotechnique". Med Mol Morphol 2012; 45:129-39. [PMID: 23001295 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-011-0549-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
It has been difficult to clarify the precise localizations of soluble serum proteins in thymic tissues of living animals with conventional immersion- or perfusion-fixation followed by alcohol dehydration owing to ischemia and anoxia. In this study, "in vivo cryotechnique" (IVCT) followed by freeze-substitution fixation was performed to examine the thymic structures of living mice and immunolocalizations of intrinsic or extrinsic serum proteins, which were albumin, immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), IgA, and IgM, as well as intravenously injected bovine serum albumin (BSA). Mouse albumin was more clearly immunolocalized in blood vessels and interstitial matrices of the thymic cortex than in tissues prepared by the conventional methods. The immunoreactivities of albumin and IgG1 were stronger than those of IgA and IgM in the interstitium of subcapsular cortex. The injected BSA was time-dependently immunolocalized in blood vessels and the interstitium of corticomedullary areas at 3.5 h after its injection, and then gradually diffused into the interstitium of the whole cortex at 6 h and 12 h. Thus, IVCT revealed definite immunolocalizations of serum albumin and IgG1 in the interstitium of thymus of living mice, indicating different accessibility of serum proteins from the corticomedullary areas, not from the subcapsular cortex of living animals, depending on various molecular sizes and concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Bai
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Histology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
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Application of "in vivo cryotechnique" to morphological and immunohistochemical analyses of living mouse subepicardial microcirculation under various pathological conditions. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2011; 20:304-17. [PMID: 22024992 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0b013e318225a2a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
"In vivo cryotechnique" (IVCT), which involves immediately cryofixing cells and tissues of living animals in situ, can display more native morphology in vivo and eliminate artificial changes in conventional preparations. However, the technical characteristics of IVCT are not known for the practical examination of subepicardial microcirculation of beating heart tissue. Histological sections of subepicardial area were prepared using IVCT and conventional fixation methods: quick freezing, immersion fixation, or perfusion fixation followed by alcohol dehydration, respectively from healthy mice. In addition, changes of erythrocyte shape, T-tubule, and microvasculature in mouse heart from a variety of models (acute increase of left ventricular afterload, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrest) were examined by IVCT. With IVCT, flowing erythrocytes, blood flow, microvasculature, and myocyte structure could be well preserved without artificial change of erythrocyte shape and translocation of serum proteins as displayed in conventional preparation samples. Furthermore, in various pathological models prepared by IVCT, T-tubules with albumin immuno-positive staining were arranged in a disorderly way and were decreased in volume in samples of acute increase of left ventricular afterload (IVCT-LAA). This was more evident in acute regional myocardial ischemia (IVCT-IC) and less evident in heart arrest (IVCT-HA). In addition, the leakage of serum proteins from microvasculature into myocyte was found only in IVCT-IC but not in IVCT-LAA and in IVCT-HA. In conclusion, IVCT is a new technique for examining morphology of subepicardial microcirculation without artifacts compared with conventional methods and is a more sensitive fixation technique in detecting pathological changes of the heart.
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12
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Differential distribution of blood-derived proteins in xenografted human adenocarcinoma tissues by in vivo cryotechnique and cryobiopsy. Med Mol Morphol 2011; 44:93-102. [PMID: 21717312 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-010-0512-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 04/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tumor behavior depends on the complex tumor interstitium and microenvironment, which influence transport of fluid and soluble molecules from blood vessels. The purpose of this study was to reveal how complex tumor tissues affect the immunodistribution of serum proteins and time-dependent translocation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from blood vessels, using relatively differentiated human adenocarcinoma produced by the xenografted A549 cell line. Histological architecture and immunodistribution of the serum proteins in adenocarcinomatous tissues were clearly detected by the in vivo cryotechnique and cryobiopsy. Both albumin and IgG1 were detected in blood vessels, connective tissues around the tumor mass, and the interstitium among tumor cell nests. IgM was mainly detected in blood vessels and connective tissues around the tumor mass but was not detected in the interstitium among the tumor cell nests. At 10 or 30 min after BSA injection, BSA was observed only in blood vessels, but 1 h after the injection, it was also detected in the interstitium and surrounding connective tissues of the tumor mass. The present findings showed topographic variation of molecular permeation in the adenocarcinomatous tumor mass. The interstitial tissues with augmented permeability of serum proteins would increase accessibility of tumor cells to blood-derived molecules.
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Shi L, Terada N, Saitoh Y, Saitoh S, Ohno S. Immunohistochemical distribution of serum proteins in living mouse heart with In vivo cryotechnique. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2011; 44:61-72. [PMID: 21614167 PMCID: PMC3096083 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.11007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo cryotechnique (IVCT), which immediately cryofixes target organs in situ, was used to clarify the morphological features of beating heart tissue of living mice. IVCT was performed for diastolic heart tissue under the condition of monitoring with electrocardiogram (ECG). Other mouse hearts were prepared with conventional perfusion-fixation (PF-DH) or immersion-fixation followed by dehydration (IM-DH), and quick-freezing of resected heart tissues (FQF). Immunolocalizations of albumin, immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), intravenously injected bovine serum albumin (BSA), and connexin 43 were examined after different intervals of BSA injection. In the case of IVCT, the exact stop time of beating mouse hearts was recorded by ECG, and open blood vessels with flowing erythrocytes were observed with less artificial tissue shrinkage than with conventional preparation methods. Both albumin and BSA were well preserved in intercalated discs and t-tubules of cardiomyocytes in addition to blood vessels and interstitial matrices. IgG1 was immunolocalized in interstitial matrices of heart tissues in addition to their blood vessels. At 4 hr after BSA injection, it was immunolocalized in the intercalated discs of cardiomyocytes and lost later at 8 hr. IVCT should prove to be more useful for the morphofunctional examination of dynamically changing heart tissue than conventional preparation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liye Shi
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Histology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University
| | - Nobuo Terada
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Histology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi
| | - Yurika Saitoh
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Histology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi
| | - Sei Saitoh
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Histology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi
| | - Shinichi Ohno
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Histology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi
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Abstract
For electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, the fixation procedure is always a compromise between good morphological preservation and retention of antigenicity. The choice of fixative depends on whether the immunogold labeling will be done before or after the samples are embedded and on how resistant the antigen is to fixation. For preembedding staining, it is possible to immunolabel the samples prior to fixation or after only a very mild fixation. Following immunolabeling, the samples can be refixed in a stronger fixative, such as 2% glutaraldehyde, to give good morphological preservation. Since it is not possible to refix the tissue after immunolabeling, for postembedding labeling, the composition of the initial fixative must be such that morphological detail and antigenicity are both preserved. While virtually any embedding resin may be used for immunogold staining, for postembedding methods, the resin can affect the immunostaining. In this chapter, methods are given for conventional fixation and microwave fixation as well as for embedding in various resins.
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Zhou H, Ohno N, Terada N, Saitoh S, Naito I, Ohno S. Permselectivity of blood follicle barriers in mouse ovaries of the mifepristone-induced polycystic ovary model revealed by in vivo cryotechnique. Reproduction 2008; 136:599-610. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential association of polycystic ovary (PCO) syndrome with hemodynamic changes, follicular microenvironment and the involvement of blood follicle barriers (BFB), a histopathological examination has been hampered by artifacts caused by conventional preparation methods. In this study, mouse ovaries of a mifepristone-induced PCO model were morphologically and immunohistochemically examined byin vivocryotechnique (IVCT), which prevents those technical artifacts. Ovarian specimens of PCO model mice were prepared by IVCT or the conventional perfusion fixation after s.c. injection of mifepristone. Their histology and immunolocalization of plasma proteins, including albumin (molecular mass, 69 kDa), immunoglobulin G (IgG, 150 kDa), inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (ITI, 220 kDa), fibrinogen (340 kDa), and IgM (900 kDa), were examined. In the PCO model, enlarged blood vessels with abundant blood flow were observed in addition to cystic follicles with degenerative membrana granulosa. The immunolocalization of albumin and IgM in the PCO model were similar to those in normal mice. Albumin immunolocalized in the blood vessels, interstitium or follicles, and IgM was mostly restricted within the blood vessels. In contrast, immunolocalization of IgG, ITI, and fibrinogen changed in the PCO model. Both IgG and ITI were clearly blocked by follicular basement membranes, and hardly observed in the membrana granulosa, though fibrinogen was mostly observed within blood vessels. These findings suggest that increased blood flow and enhanced selectivity of molecular permeation through the BFB are prominent features in the PCO ovaries, and changes in hemodynamic conditions and permselectivity of BFB are involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of PCO syndrome.
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Ohno N, Terada N, Bai Y, Saitoh S, Nakazawa T, Nakamura N, Naito I, Fujii Y, Katoh R, Ohno S. Application of cryobiopsy to morphological and immunohistochemical analyses of xenografted human lung cancer tissues and functional blood vessels. Cancer 2008; 113:1068-79. [PMID: 18623380 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.23701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of tissue specimens obtained with common immersion-fixation followed by dehydration (IMDH) is affected by artifacts, which hinder precise evaluation of the histology and microenvironment of tumor tissues. The technical characteristics of cryobiopsy and in vivo cryotechnique (IVCT) where target organs are directly cryofixed in vivo are still unknown in practical examinations of tumor histopathology and microenvironment. METHODS Three lines of human lung cancer cells were subcutaneously injected to the dorsal flank of nude mice, and paraffin sections and cryosections of produced tumors were prepared with cryobiopsy, IVCT, the quick-freezing of the fresh resected tumor tissues, or IMDH. Histological comparison among different methods was conducted, and immunolocalization of immunoglobulin M (IgM), intravenously injected bovine serum albumin (BSA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were examined. RESULTS With both the cryobiopsy and IVCT, cellular morphology and open blood vessels with flowing erythrocytes could be observed without artificial shrinkage, and the volume of blood vessels was not affected by a vascular collapse, which was observed after tissue-resection. In addition, with cryobiopsy and IVCT, IgM was well preserved in functional vessels with blood flow, which could be observed with injected BSA, and the volume of IgM-immunopositive blood vessels was significantly associated with the expression of VEGF. CONCLUSIONS Cryobiopsy could be useful for histological examination of human tumors without morphological artifacts associated with IMDH. Furthermore, it allows direct examination of functional blood vessels and related signaling molecules, thereby providing a better evaluation of the human tumor microenvironment for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Ohno
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Histology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
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Ohno N, Terada N, Saitoh S, Ohno S. Extracellular space in mouse cerebellar cortex revealed by in vivo cryotechnique. J Comp Neurol 2007; 505:292-301. [PMID: 17879272 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Conventional methods of preparing tissue specimens for morphological investigation of the central nervous system suffer from inevitable artifacts caused by anoxia during the processing. In the present study we performed ultrastructural analyses of mouse cerebellar cortex using the in vivo cryotechnique (IVCr), which minimizes ischemic artifacts of target organs through direct cryofixation in vivo. In molecular and Purkinje cell layers of the mouse cerebellum prepared with IVCr, considerably large extracellular spaces (ECS) were detected among cellular profiles and synaptic clefts. The ECS obtained with IVCr without ischemia were larger than those obtained with IVCr after 8-minute ischemia or a conventional quick-freezing method with fresh resected tissues (FQF), but did not decrease with IVCr after 30-second ischemia. By contrast, the parallel fibers observed with IVCr without ischemia were slightly smaller than those after 30-second ischemia, and significantly smaller than those prepared with IVCr after 8-minute ischemia or FQF. ECS were frequently preserved around synaptic clefts, although the rest were totally or partially enclosed with closely apposed glial processes. The estimated sizes of the ECS around synaptic clefts did not differ between the opened and enclosed synapses, suggesting that the opened synapses might be temporarily surrounded by glial sheaths dynamically extending or retracting throughout the perisynaptic ECS. These findings indicate IVCr to be useful for some morphological analyses of ECS in the central nervous system. The appreciable ECS around synapses would allow morphological and functional changes of neuronal and glial cells dynamically involved in synaptic remodeling or signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Ohno
- Department of Anatomy, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo-city, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
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Zhou H, Ohno N, Terada N, Saitoh S, Fujii Y, Ohno S. Involvement of follicular basement membrane and vascular endothelium in blood–follicle barrier formation of mice revealed by ‘in vivo cryotechnique’. Reproduction 2007; 134:307-17. [PMID: 17660240 DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The molecular sieve with size- and charge selectivity in ovarian follicles, the so-called blood–follicle barrier (BFB), was examined during follicular development under physiological conditions to reveal ovarian structures responsible for the BFB by using our ‘in vivocryotechnique’ (IVCT). Mouse ovary specimens were prepared with different methods including IVCT, immersion, or perfusion chemical fixation and quick-freezing following resection or perfusion. Their paraffin sections or cryosections were stained with hematoxylin–eosin or immunostained for serum proteins with different molecular weights: albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 heavy chain, inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (IαI), fibrinogen, and IgM. Their immunoreactivity was better preserved with IVCT. The immunostaining for albumin was clearly observed in blood vessels, interstitium, and developing follicles, but that of IgG1, IαI, or fibrinogen was significantly decreased inside the follicles. IgM was immunohistochemically decreased throughout the interstitium outside blood vessels. The immunoreactivities of IgG1 and IgM, as compared with albumin, were clearly changed along follicular basement membranes and around vascular endothelial cells respectively. These findings indicate that BFB functions throughout follicular development, and the follicular basement membrane and the vascular endothelium could play some significant roles in the permselectivity for such soluble proteins with intermediate and high molecular weight respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo-City, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
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Ohno N, Terada N, Ohno S. Histochemical analyses of living mouse liver under different hemodynamic conditions by "in vivo cryotechnique". Histochem Cell Biol 2006; 126:389-98. [PMID: 16601970 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-006-0173-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2006] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Although the morphology and molecular distribution in animal liver tissues have been examined using conventional preparation methods, the findings are always affected by the technical artifacts caused by perfusion-fixation and tissue-resection. Using "in vivo cryotechnique" (IVCT), we have examined living mouse livers with histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses. In samples prepared by IVCT, widely open sinusoids with many flowing erythrocytes were observed under normal blood circulation, and their collapse or blood congestion was seen in ischemic or heart-arrested mice. In contrast, the sinusoidal cavities were artificially dilated by perfusion-fixation, and collapsed by immersion-fixation and quick-freezing (QF) methods of resected tissues. The immunoreactivity of serum albumin and immunoglobulin G and intensity of periodic acid-Schiff-staining in hepatocytes were well preserved with the QF method and IVCT. Furthermore, following tissue resection, serum proteins were rapidly translocated into hepatocytes as demonstrated by immunoreactions on QF tissues frozen 1 or 5 min after resection. Translocation was not observed in IVCT samples, indicating that IVCT could be useful to examine cell membrane permeability of hepatocytes under different pathological conditions. Both dynamic morphology and immunodistribution of soluble components in living mouse livers, reflecting their physiological and pathological states, can be precisely examined by IVCT with higher time-resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Ohno
- Department of Anatomy, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo-city, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
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Ohno N, Terada N, Murata SI, Katoh R, Ohno S. Application of cryotechniques with freeze-substitution for the immunohistochemical demonstration of intranuclear pCREB and chromosome territory. J Histochem Cytochem 2005; 53:55-62. [PMID: 15637338 DOI: 10.1177/002215540505300107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intranuclear localization of signal molecules and chromosome territories has become more attractive in relation to postgenomic analyses of cellular functions. Cryotechniques and freeze-substitution (CrT-FS) have been generally used for electron microscopic observation to obtain better ultrastructure and immunoreactivity. To investigate benefits of applying the CrT-FS method to immunostaining of intranuclear signal molecules and FISH for chromosome territories, we performed an immunohistochemical study of phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element binding protein (pCREB) in mouse cerebellar tissues and a FISH study of chromosome 18 territory in human thyroid tissues using various cryotechniques. The immunoreactivity of pCREB was more clearly detected without antigen retrieval treatment on sections prepared by the CrT-FS method than those prepared by the conventional dehydration method. In the FISH study, more definite probe labeling of the chromosome territory could be obtained on paraffin sections by the CrT-FS method without microwave treatment, although such labeling was not clear even with microwave treatment on sections prepared by the routine dehydration method. The CrT-FS preserved relatively native morphology by preventing shrinkage of nuclei, and produced better immunoreactivity. Because the reduction of routine pretreatments in the present study might reveal more native morphology, the CrT-FS method would be a useful technique for intranuclear immunostaining and FISH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Ohno
- Dept. of Anatomy, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Tamaho, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
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Wharton DA, Downes MF, Goodall G, Marshall CJ. Freezing and cryoprotective dehydration in an Antarctic nematode (Panagrolaimus davidi) visualised using a freeze substitution technique. Cryobiology 2005; 50:21-8. [PMID: 15710366 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2004.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2004] [Revised: 09/21/2004] [Accepted: 09/22/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The pattern of ice formation during the freezing of Panagrolaimus davidi, an Antarctic nematode that can survive intracellular ice formation, was visualised using a freeze substitution technique and transmission electron microscopy. Nematodes plunged directly into liquid nitrogen had small ice crystals throughout their tissues, including nuclei and organelles, but did not survive. Those frozen at high subzero temperatures showed three patterns of ice formation: no ice, extracellular ice, and intracellular ice. Nematodes subjected to a slow-freezing regime (at -1 degrees C) had mainly extracellular ice (70.4%), with the bulk of the ice in the pseudocoel. Some (24.8%) had no ice within their bodies, due to cryoprotective dehydration. Nematodes subjected to a fast-freezing regime (at -4 degrees C) had intracellular (54%) and extracellular (42%) ice. Intracellular ice was confined to the cytoplasm of cells, with organelles in the spaces in between ice crystals. The survival of nematodes subjected to the fast-freezing regime (53%) was less than those subjected to the slow-freezing regime (92%).
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Wharton
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Terada N, Ohno N, Li Z, Fujii Y, Baba T, Ohno S. Detection of injected fluorescence-conjugated IgG in living mouse organs using “in vivo cryotechnique” with freeze-substitution. Microsc Res Tech 2005; 66:173-8. [PMID: 15889425 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In this experiment, we performed the "in vivo cryotechnique" in tandem with fluorescence microscopy. The fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin (IgG) antibody (FITC-IgG) was directly injected into mouse livers or kidneys, which were then frozen in vivo by pouring an isopentane-propane mixture (-193 degrees C) cooled in liquid nitrogen over these living organs. The organs were subsequently freeze-substituted in acetone containing paraformaldehyde at about -80 degrees C, then gradually brought up to a room temperature, infiltrated with 30% sucrose and refrozen. Some well-frozen areas 300-400 mum below the frozen tissue surface were cryocut into several slices. The slices were observed under the fluorescence microscope. By examining the distribution of FITC-IgG in the frozen livers, some aspects of functional blood circulation in the liver, such as the concept of the liver lobule, were reconfirmed. This also confirmed that the blood flow in the liver after the FITC-IgG injection was normal. The subsequent preparation of the specimens with immunohistochemistry, using the tetramethylrhodamine (TRITC)-conjugated anti-mouse IgG antibody, allowed us to visualize the localizations of both the original mouse IgG and the injected goat IgG in the cryosections with different color images. The experimental protocol presented demonstrates the in situ localization of the various proteins labeled with fluorescent probes, and it can, in conjunction with immunohistochemistry, localize proteins in cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuo Terada
- Department of Anatomy, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Tamaho, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan.
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Ohno N, Terada N, Ohno S. Advanced Application of the In Vivo Cryotechnique to Immunohistochemistry for Animal Organs. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2004. [DOI: 10.1267/ahc.37.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Ohno
- Department of Anatomy, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi
| | - Nobuo Terada
- Department of Anatomy, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi
| | - Shinichi Ohno
- Department of Anatomy, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi
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Noguchi K, Shiurba R, Higashinakagawa T. Nuclear translocation of mouse polycomb m33 protein in regenerating liver. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002; 291:508-15. [PMID: 11855817 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2002.6480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunoblots probed with an antibody to M33 protein, a homolog of Drosophila Polycomb, revealed that most M33 in adult mouse liver had a higher electrophoretic mobility than that in F9 embryonal carcinoma cells. High-mobility 60-kDa M33 localized in the cytoplasmic fraction of liver homogenates, and two less abundant 66- and 70-kDa species were detected in the nuclear fraction. Immunocytochemistry of freeze-substituted tissues showed a punctate pattern of immunofluorescence in the cytoplasm of hepatic parenchymal cells. Nuclear M33 isoforms treated with alkaline phosphatase had increased mobilities corresponding to cytoplasmic M33. In partially hepatectomized mice, nuclear M33 isoforms appeared after 48 h, near the time of maximum DNA synthesis as measured by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. By 60 h, most M33 was in the form of these low-mobility species, and the pattern of immunofluorescence suggested the existence of chromatin-bound and free states of the protein in the nucleus. Thereafter, high-mobility 60-kDa M33 reappeared. The data are consistent with a phosphorylation-associated translocation mechanism that is a cell cycle-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kousei Noguchi
- Department of Biology, School of Education, Waseda University, 1-6-1 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 169-8050, Japan
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