Immunoglobulins within human small-intestinal Paneth cells

Restorative Proctocolectomy with Ileo-anal Reservoir, a Histopathological, Histochemical, and Electron Microscopic Study

This study was conducted to investigate the nature of colonic metaplasia in ileo-anal pouches and incidence/frequency of pouchitis in the same. Biopsy specimens from 8 patients with functioning ileal pouches were studied using routine histology, mucin histochemistry and electron microscopy, over a 2 - year period. All 8 patients had villous abnormalities in the form of blunting of villi and sub total or partial villous atrophy. 6 patients had an increase in the goblet cell population and Paneth cell hyperplasia. These changes were supported by electron microscopic findings of a decrease in number and flattening of ileal type microvilli and their transformed morphologic resemblance to colonic type microvilli. All the ileal pouches also had acquired colorectal type sulphomucin, when sections stained with Alcian-blue and High Iron Diamine - Alcian blue, were studied. However, no case of pouchitis as defined in literature, was found in this study.

Expression of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor mRNA and protein in human paneth cells: Paneth cells participate in acquired immunity

OBJECTIVE

Paneth cells are important effectors of intestinal innate immunity. It has been generally accepted that Paneth cells do not participate in the synthesis of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) or the secretion of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the small intestine. However, we have previously shown that pIgR is specifically localized in Paneth cells of the rat small intestine. We therefore investigated the possibility that pIgR is also localized in human Paneth cells.

METHODS

Double-labeled fluorescent immunohistochemistry and double-labeled fluorescent in situ hybridization were used to determine RNA and protein expression in normal human small intestine.

RESULTS

Both pIgR mRNA and protein were colocalized with lysozyme in normal human Paneth cells. Furthermore, IgA was colocalized with lysozyme in the secretory granules of human Paneth cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate that pIgR and IgA are colocalized in the secretory granules of human Paneth cells. These findings suggest that, in addition to their well-recognized role in innate immunity, Paneth cells are involved in IgA-mediated acquired immunity in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, these results add to accumulating evidence that Paneth cells participate in intestinal inflammation.

Immunocytochemical localization of secretory component in Paneth cell secretory granules-rat Paneth cells participate in acquired immunity

With the marker of Paneth cells-lysozyme, secretory component (SC) immunoreactivity was demonstrated exclusively in Paneth cells of rat small intestine. The other types of epithelial cells (columnar, goblet, endocrine) were negative. On electron microscopic level, many SC-positive colloidal gold particles were found in rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, basal membrane and secretory granules of Paneth cells. These results suggest that SC is not a component of ingested immune complex, but a membrane receptor on Paneth cell. It may function as receptor for polymeric IgA and mediate its transport across the mucosal epithelium. Thus, Paneth cells are responsible for SC synthesis and participate in IgA-mediated acquired immunity in rat small intestine.

Paneth Cell Carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater

We describe a Paneth cell carcinoma arising within the ampulla of Vater in a 64-year-old man. The phenotype of virtually all neoplastic cells was consistent with that of Paneth cells, based on routine morphology and their strong positive immunostaining for lysozyme. Additional widespread positive immunostaining for carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 19.9 supports a totipotential cell as the origin of such neoplastic cells. This case, therefore, represents a true Paneth cell carcinoma, as opposed to inclusion of occasional neoplastic Paneth cells into a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. This pattern of differentiation is rare, and predictions regarding its ultimate biological behavior and malignant potential must be guarded.

Identification of xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase as a rat Paneth cell zinc-binding protein

Paneth cells are zinc-containing cells localized in small intestinal crypts, but their function has not been fully elucidated. Previously, we showed that an intravenous injection of diphenylthiocarbazone (dithizone), a zinc chelator, induced selective killing of Paneth cells, and purified a zinc-binding protein in Paneth cells. In the present study, we further characterized one of these proteins, named zinc-binding protein of Paneth cells (ZBPP)-1. Partial amino acid sequences of ZBPP-1 showed identity with rat xanthine dehydrogenase (XD)/xanthine oxidase (XO). Anti-rat XD antibody (Ab) recognized ZBPP-1, and conversely anti ZBPP-1 Ab recognized 85 kDa fragment of rat XD in Western blotting. Messenger RNA and protein levels of XD were consistent with our previous data on the fluctuation of Paneth cell population after dithizone injection. Thus, ZBPP-1 is an 85 kDa fragment of XD/XO in Paneth cells. XD/XO in Paneth cells may play important roles in intestinal function.

The gut's role in metabolism, mucosal barrier function, and gut immunology

The gastrointestinal tract functions not only to absorb nutrients, it also plays an important immunologic role during health and critical illness. Under experimental and certain clinical conditions, stimulating the gut attentuates the stress response and avoids mucosal atrophy and increases permeability. Gut stimulation prevents atrophy of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, the body's major defender of moist mucosal surfaces. A better understanding of gut function and improved nutrient delivery has clinical implications in the treatment of critically ill patients.

Detection of deoxyribonuclease I along the secretory pathway in Paneth cells of human small intestine

The expression and distribution of deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) in human duodenum, jejunum and ileum were examined by DNase I activity assay and the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemical ultrastructural analyses. High levels of DNase I were detected in the cytoplasm of Paneth cells in human small intestine. A tissue homogenate fraction rich in Paneth cells showed strong DNase I-specific enzymatic activity. Immunofluorescence analysis using several specific anti-human DNase I antibodies showed very strong immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of every Paneth cell. In situ hybridization demonstrated high levels of DNase I mRNA in Paneth cells. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed gold particles localized along the secretory pathway, with the exocrine secretory granules mostly labeled. Our findings strongly suggest that Paneth cells synthesize and secrete DNase I into the intestinal lumen.

Fine structural and histochemical study of equine Paneth cells

Ultrastructure, lysozyme and glycoconjugate activity in duodenal Paneth cells were observed concurrently in the horse. Paneth cells were seen to uniformly line the base of the equine intestinal glands. The round secretory granules have centrally located electron densities with peripherally located electron lucent halos. Histochemically, the peripheral halo layer was positively stained for carbohydrates by the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver protein-physical development (PA-TCH-SP-PD) method and the entire granules reacted positively to the WGA. The central core area reacted with anti-lysozyme. We identified a young (Type I) and an old (Type II) cell population in the same crypt, but we suggest that the observed populations are variations of the same cell type with the varied appearance due to aging of the secretory granules.

Localization of immunoreactive secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in intestinal mucosa

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is the dominant protease inhibitor in the mucus secretions of the repiratory and genital tracts, and local production seems likely, as immunoreactive SLPI has been found in the corresponding mucosa. To our knowledge, SLPI has not been previously demonstrated in intestinal epithelia or secretions. In an earlier study, however, we found surprisingly high levels of SLPI in peritonitis exudate from patients with gastrointestinal perforations. This study extends these observations by demonstrating the presence of immunoreactive SLPI in intestinal mucosa. In the small intestine, SLPI was present in Paneth cells and in scattered mucosa cells of goblet-type. In normal mucosa of the large bowel, SLPI was also found in scattered cells of goblet-type in the epithelium. In addition, immunoreactive SLPI was frequently found in colonic adenomas. The findings in this study raise several interesting questions on the possible role of SLPI in the gut epithelial defense against inflammatory assaults.

Carbamylcholine- and catecholamine-induced intracellular calcium dynamics of epithelial cells in mouse ileal crypts

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The intestinal epithelium is composed of various cells, and the enteric nervous system, which controls the epithelial functions, has different neurotransmitters and/or modulators. The aim of this study was to show whether the responses of intestinal epithelial cells to different neurotransmitters are elicited throughout the entire epithelium or are restricted to a certain cell.

METHODS

The spatiotemporal dynamics of cytosolic calcium ion ([Ca2+]c) were measured by digital imaging analysis in isolated crypts of mouse ileum loaded with [1-[2-(5'-carboxyoxazol-2'-yl)-6-amino-benzofuran-5- oxy]-2-(2'-amino-5'-methylphenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid] pentakis (acetoxylmethyl) ester. Thereafter, the crypt cells were identified morphologically.

RESULTS

Carbamylcholine elicited [Ca2+]c dynamics in Paneth cells, showing a biphasic increase, but neither cholecystokinin octapeptide nor nicotine had any effect on the [Ca2+]c of the crypt cells including the Paneth cells. Adrenaline and noradrenaline, but not isoproterenol, induced a transient elevation of [Ca2+]c of some enterochromaffin cells. Increases in the [Ca2+]c of most crypt cells were elicited by thapsigargin. Propagation of a [Ca2+]c wave in the crypts was not evident.

CONCLUSIONS

Increases in [Ca2+]c can be induced by carbamylcholine in Paneth cells and catecholamines in some enterochromaffin cells. The digital imaging analysis showed the heterogeneity of the responses of intestinal crypt cells to different transmitters.

Ultrastructural localization of tumour necrosis factor-alpha

The application of an antibody against tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) to thin sections of plastic-embedded mouse tissue has identified sites of TNF activity in normal and endotoxin-treated C3N/HeN mice. Prior to endotoxin treatment, TNF was observed in the secretory granules of the antibacterial Paneth cell and one type of crypt endocrine cell. Four hours after endotoxin treatment, these two types of intestinal cell were found to have degranulated. In addition, endotoxin treatment resulted in the appearance of TNF in the secretory granules of all eosinophils, neutrophils and monocytes in the bone marrow, spleen, lung and the proximal intestine. TNF was also observed in the internal elastic lamina (IEL) of arterioles. These results suggest that the process of TNF induction specifically targets the immune system and the vasculature. An invasive stimulus, such as circulating endotoxin, can provoke the immune cells to be armed with TNF. That same stimulus may cause arteriole smooth muscle cells to secrete TNF. TNF secretion in the presence of arteriole smooth muscle cells may play a role in the adjustment of arteriole tone. In the venules, TNF may be responsible for platelet and neutrophil accumulation which leads to embolism formation.

Bethanechol and a G-protein activator, NaF/AlCl3, induce secretory response in Paneth cells of mouse intestine

Paneth cells located at the bottom of intestinal crypts may play a role in controlling the bacterial milieu of the intestine. Using morphometry to clarify the secretory mechanism of the Paneth cells, we studied the ultrastructural changes in mouse Paneth cells produced following intra-arterial perfusion with Hanks' balanced salt solution containing a cholinergic muscarinic secretagogue (bethanechol), a neuroblocking agent (tetrodotoxin), or a G-protein activator (NAF/AlCl3). Bethanechol (2 x 10(-4) mol/l) induced Paneth-cell secretion. Many Paneth cells massively exocytosed their secretory material into the crypt lumen; the enhanced secretion caused degranulation and vacuole formation. However, tetrodotoxin (2 x 10(-6) mol/l) did not prevent the bethanechol-enhanced secretion by the Paneth cells. NaF (1 x 10(-2) mol/l) and AlCl3 (1 x 10(-5) mol/l) induced massive exocytosis of the Paneth cells; the exocytotic figures were similar to those observed in mice stimulated by bethanechol. G-protein activation was followed by a sequence of intracellular events, resulting in exocytosis.

Ultrastructure of Paneth cells in the intestine of various mammals

Paneth cells in the following species were observed under an electron microscope: human, rhesus monkey, hare, guinea pig, rat, nude rat, mouse, golden hamster, and insect feeder bat. Secretory granules containing homogeneous electron-dense materials were observed in the Paneth cells of humans, monkeys, hares, guinea pigs, and bats; mouse Paneth-cell granules were bipartite (central core and peripheral halo), and the Paneth cells in rats and golden hamsters had secretory granules showing various electron densities. In humans, monkeys, and bats, immature granules near the Golgi apparatus sometimes showed bipartite substructure. The number and size of secretory granules were also diverse among various animal species. Some lysosome-like bodies were commonly observed in peri- or supranuclear regions, though the size and shape of the bodies differed from cell to cell. In apical cytoplasm, small clear vesicles (100-200 nm diameter) were more-or-less observed in all species examined, and it was especially note that rat Paneth cells contained many clear vesicles. Small dense-cored vesicles (150-200 nm diameter) were rare. It is unlikely that the various ultrastructural features of Paneth cells correlate with the phylogenetical classification.

Crystalloid lysozyme inclusions in Paneth cells of vitamin A-deficient rats

The effect of vitamin A-deficiency on jejunal Paneth cells in rats was investigated. Crystalloid particles were observed in secretion granules of Paneth cells from 6 out of 8 rats with vitamin A-deficiency. The particles were similar to those found in Paneth cells under other experimental conditions. Using an immuno-electron-microscopic technique we demonstrated a clear lysozyme immunoreactivity of these particles. In 2 vitamin A-deficient rats tubular structures have been detected in addition to the crystalloid particles. Crystalloid particles or tubular structures were not detectable in a control group of 8 vitamin A-supplemented rats. The morphological alterations of Paneth cells may be correlated to an impaired local immunity of the intestine during vitamin A-deficiency.

Fibrillary cytoplasmic inclusions in neoplastic Paneth cells

Paneth cell differentiation was investigated in two colorectal carcinomas. Ultrastructural study showed a range of granules and, in one case, fibrillary cytoplasmic inclusions. Similar inclusions in normal Paneth cells have been associated with zinc deficiency. However, there was no clinical evidence of abnormal zinc metabolism in this patient, nor were inclusions seen in adjacent non-neoplastic Paneth cells. It is speculated that these fibrillary inclusions might reflect an intrinsic zinc-related metabolic defect in the tumour cells.

Crypt base columnar cells in ileum of BDF1 male mice--their numbers and some features of their proliferation

Some features of the proliferative cells at the bottom of the ileal crypts in BDF1 mice have been studied in relation to the distribution of Paneth cells (PC) in an attempt to clarify the nature and function of these crypt base columnar cells (BCC) and to elucidate some aspects of the role of the microenvironment created by the PC. Longitudinal sections of crypts have shown that the ratio of PC to the BCC, which are scattered amongst the PC, is 2.7:1 in sections or approximately 29 PC and 9 BCC per whole crypt, i.e., a ratio of 3.2:1. The labelling index of BCC is about 35%, which is comparable to that of mid-crypt columnar cells. Although the BCC do become labeled, it is concluded that they cannot create vertical pairs or runs of several adjacent BCC since this would seriously disturb the distribution of Paneth cells. Only in dividing crypts are such runs (consisting of 3 to 5 cells) observed. The ability of BCC to synthesize DNA is not dependent on their position in the Paneth cell zone. In 95% of the crypts, the highest Paneth cell is below the 7th cell position from the bottom of the crypt, and the positions of the highest PC on either side of a given crypt are similar. The secreted granules or the cytoplasm of PC specifically bind pokeweed lectin, and this can be used for identification. Tracer doses of 3HTdR (37 kBq/gm body weight) result in the histological death of some BCC, and these damaged cells are evenly distributed throughout the Paneth cell zone. These tracer doses are somewhat selectively incorporated into BCC, i.e., the BCC have a higher grain count in autoradiographs, probably because they possess more thymidine kinase enzyme activity. This ability is very sensitive to the withdrawal of food, because 24 hr of fasting abolished the observed gradient in the intensity of labelling, which is very well correlated with the distribution of BCC. Regeneration of the crypts following cytotoxic exposure to Ara-C is initiated at the base of the crypt and hence may involve the BCC with possible help from the Paneth cells. The latter are insensitive to cytotoxic (S phase specific) agents and may help in the regeneration by preserving the architecture of the base of the crypt.

Effects of cholecystokinin and carbamylcholine on Paneth cell secretion in mice: a comparison with pancreatic acinar cells

To confirm whether the Paneth cells of mice (ICR, male, 10-12 weeks old) have the same secretory response to hormonal and cholinergic stimulation as do pancreatic acinar cells, ultrastructural changes of Paneth cells and pancreatic acinar cells 1 hr after administration of various doses of cholecystokinin (octapeptide, CCK-8) and carbamylcholine were morphometrically assessed. After maximal (1.5 micrograms/kg intraperitoneally [i.p.]) and supramaximal (15 micrograms/kg, i.p.) stimulation by CCK-8, pancreatic acinar cells showed, respectively, degranulation or disturbance of secretion (e.g., an increase in lysosome-like bodies, aggregation of zymogen granules). The Paneth cells, however, were almost unchanged in the parameters examined. After carbamylcholine injection (1,000 micrograms/kg, subcutaneously [s.c.]), both pancreatic acinar cells and Paneth cells showed degranulation. Paneth cells sometimes developed large vacuoles, probably formed after massive exocytosis; such vacuoles were not observed in pancreatic acinar cells. It is suggested that Paneth cells and pancreatic acinar cells have different secretory responses. Paneth cell secretion, which possibly plays a role in controlling the intestinal bacterial milieu, may be stimulated by cholinergic rather than hormonal mechanisms.

Atropine inhibits the degranulation of Paneth cells in ex-germ-free mice

Previous studies have shown that the secretory products of Paneth cells contain antibacterial agents (lysozyme, IgA) that are affected by the bacterial milieu in the intestine. To investigate whether Paneth-cell secretion is controlled via cholinergic mechanisms, the ultrastructure of Paneth cells was studied in four animal groups: (1) germ-free (GF) control mice (Jcl: ICR [GN], male, 13 weeks old), (2) GF mice injected subcutaneously with atropine sulfate (200 mg/kg body weight, dissolved in physiological saline 20 mg/ml), (3) ex-GF mice inoculated with feces from specific-pathogen-free (SPF) mice, and (4) ex-GF mice injected with atropine and inoculated with feces from SPF mice. In ex-GF mice inoculated with feces, 70-90% of the Paneth cells showed fewer secretory granules than those from GF mice (p less than 0.01). Approximately 30% of the Paneth cells had a large vacuole (3-10 micron diameter) in the apical cytoplasm. Exocytosed electron-dense material from secretory granules was observed in a few crypt lumens. In ex-GF mice inoculated with feces and given atropine, about 90% of the Paneth cells contained numerous secretory granules, like those in GF control mice, but vacuolated Paneth cells and exocytotic figures were rare; thus the secretion of Paneth cells was blocked by atropine. It is therefore possible that the bacterial milieu in the intestine affects the secretory activity of Paneth cells via cholinergic mechanisms.

Effect of live and heat-killed bacteria on the secretory activity of Paneth cells in germ-free mice

Germ-free mice were given live or heat-killed facultative anaerobes, and the ultrastructure of ileal Paneth cells was quantitatively examined with special reference to secretory granules showing a bipartite substructure (central core and peripheral halo). After administering live or heat-killed bacteria, there was a decrease in the area occupied by the cores of secretory granules in Paneth cells, and exocytosed core material was observed in the crypt lumen. There were no changes in the area occupied by the halo of secretory granules. None of the examined Paneth cells phagocytosed bacteria. It is concluded that certain bacteria may affect the secretion of antibacterial agents contained in the secretory granules of Paneth cells.

Immunohistochemical observations of lysozyme in the Paneth cells of specific-pathogen-free and germ-free mice

The localization of lysozyme, which may function as an antibacterial agent, was immunohistochemically studied on the mouse Paneth cell secretory granules showing bipartite substructures (central core and peripheral halo). The lysozyme immunoreactivity was observed in the core, but not in the halo. Even in germ-free mice, Paneth cells have many secretory granules and their cores show lysozyme immunoreactivity. It seems likely that mice Paneth cells possess the ability to produce secretory granules containing lysozyme in disregard of the intestinal bacterial milieu.

The morphogenesis of the human Paneth cell. An immunocytochemical ultrastructural study

In human duodenal mucosa Paneth cells originate away from the base of crypts and migrate towards the base during maturation. The earliest cells in the Paneth cell lineage could be identified by labelling of lysozyme in the Golgi apparatus. Specific labelling for lysozyme was present in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, condensing vacuoles, granules and many lysosomes of mature Paneth cells. The maturation of the Paneth cell is accompanied by an increase in the content of lysozyme in the secretory granules and with senescence lysozyme diffuses into the cytoplasm.

Quantitative electron microscopic observations on Paneth cells of germfree and ex-germfree Wistar rats

Ultrastructural changes of Paneth cells of germfree (GF) rats which had been inoculated with bacteria-containing feces from conventionally-reared (SPF) rats were quantitatively examined. 12 and 24 h after inoculation, the Paneth cells showed a striking decrease in the number of secretory granules and the occurrence of large vacuoles. Phagosomes containing bacteria were not seen. After 4 days, the secretory granules reaccumulated and smooth-surfaced apical vesicles increased in number. It is discussed that the large vacuoles may be related to membrane-retrieval events following the massive extrusion of secretory granules whereas the apical vesicles appear to serve this function when exocytosis is not pronounced. In addition to the large secretory granules ca. 10% of Paneth cell profiles contained a few dense-cored vesicles measuring about 150 nm in diameter which resemble peptidergic neurosecretory granules.

Immunohistochemical observations of immunoglobulin A in the Paneth cells of germ-free and formerly-germ-free rats

The localization of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) in Paneth cells was immunohistochemically studied in germ-free (Gf) and ex-Gf rats that had been injected with feces obtained from specific-pathogen-free (SPF) rats. In Gf as well as SPF rats, the secretory granules of Paneth cells and the brush borders of crypt cells exhibited IgA immunoreactivity. At 12 and 24 h after inoculation, it was found that, concomitant with the occurrence of considerable degranulation, the IgA immunoreactivity in Paneth cells disappeared, except of the margin of supranuclear vacuoles. In contrast, the IgA immunoreactivity of the crypt-cell brush borders was unchanged. Four days after inoculation, secretory granules exhibiting IgA immunoreactivity reaccumulated in Paneth cells. The present study suggests that Paneth cells regulate the bacterial milieu in the intestine by releasing secretory granules containing IgA into the crypt lumen.

Light microscopic morphometric analysis of rat ileal mucosa. I. Component quantitation of IgA-containing immunocytes

A light microscopic morphometric analysis of IgA-containing immunocytes within samples of ileal mucosa was performed. The following groups of rats were studied: (1) animals raised in a gnotobiotic environment (microbial reduction); (2) animals with iatrogenic self-filling intestinal blind loops (microbial proliferation); and (3) control animals (sham operation). The unlabeled antibody enzyme immunohistochemical localization technique was employed for the identification of intracellular IgA. Component quantitation involved use of a micrometer component quantitator. Numerical density of the immunocyte population was determined by component quantitation of individual and total immunocyte volumes and by application of the Floderus equation. The methodology employed provided a precise quantitative analysis of all mucosal components of normal and manipulated rat ileum. A statistically significant reduction in the volume percentage of IgA-containing immunocytes in association with both microbial reduction and microbial proliferation was observed. The volume percentage reduction of the IgA-containing immunocyte population associated with gnotobiosis may reflect decreased microbial antigenic stimulation, whereas that associated with microbial proliferation may reflect the presence of an increased population of immunocytes producing non-IgA immunoglobulins.

A quantitative morphometric analysis of rat ileal Thiry-Vella fistulae

Controversy exists regarding the mechanism and degree of mucosal alterations occurring in defunctionalized segments of intestine. This study compares the results of a quantitative analysis of mucosal components, including Paneth cells and immunocytes, between in-continuity and defunctionalized (Thiry-Vella) segments of rat ileum. The micrometer component quantitator was used for the light microscopic morphometric analysis. Intracellular lysozyme and IgA were identified employing the unlabeled antibody enzyme immunohistochemical staining technique. The vol% of the ileal mucosal components of animals from the control group and from the in-continuity segments of the experimental group were comparable. Analysis of the Thiry-Vella fistulae, however, revealed a statistically significant decrease in the vol% of columnar epithelial cells and increase in the vol% of lysozyme-containing Paneth cells and interstitium of the lamina propria. Since Thiry-Vella fistulae are neurovascularly intact, mucosal alterations imply a causal relationship to interaction with chyme. The data suggest that chyme has both a stimulatory (on the columnar epithelium) and suppressive (on the the Paneth cell population) effect. The vol% of IgA-containing Paneth cells and the percentage of the lamina propria represented by IgA-containing immunocytes were also substantially decreased. Normally secretory IgA is the immunoglobulin of highest concentration intraluminally and among immunocytes within the lamina propria, presumably in response to local antigenic stimulation. The presence of immunoglobulin within Paneth cells may reflect the phagocytosis of immunoglobulin complexed antigens. The data suggest that the degree of local antigenic stimulation is decreased in Thiry-Vella fistulae.

Jejunal crypt cell abnormalities associated with methotrexate treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Jejunal mucosal crypts were examined in jejunal biopsies from eight children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who had recently received methotrexate treatment. By comparison with biopsies from children under investigation for suspected malabsorption crypt mitosis was significantly reduced and showed a negative correlation with the dose of methotrexate given prior to biopsy. The three major cell types were studied under light and transmission electron microscopy. Gut endocrine cells were unaffected by therapy and immature crypt enterocytes showed only patchy degenerative abnormalities. By contrast a number of Paneth cells showed striking structural alterations with vacuolar dilatation of the cytoplasm. The extent of this correlated with the time since methotrexate treatment rather than its dose and may have been a functional response rather than of a toxic nature.

Light microscopic morphometric analysis of rat ileal mucosa: II. Component quantitation of Paneth cells

A quantitative light microscopic morphometric analysis of lysozyme- and IgA-containing Paneth cells within the ileal mucosa of physiologically manipulated and control (sham operation) animals was performed. The experimental groups of rats included animals raised in a gnotobiotic environment (microbial reduction) and animals with ileal self-filling blind (microbial proliferation) and Thiry-Vella (intestinal discontinuity) loops. The unlabeled antibody enzyme immunohistochemical localization technique was employed for the identification of intracellular lysozyme and IgA. Component quantitation was performed by use of a micrometer component quantitator. Marked Paneth cell hyperplasia was noted in association with gnotobiosis and with the Thiry-Vella fistula. This observation quantitatively confirms previous subjective impressions of increased Paneth cell differentiation in association with those physiologic states. Since the neurovascular component of the Thiry-Vella fistula is intact, the normal intraluminal succus entericus would appear to be involved in modulation of Paneth cell differentiation. The recognition of Paneth cell hyperplasia in association with the Thiry-Vella fistula suggests that this may be a useful experimental model for an evaluation of the life cycle and functional characteristics of this cell population. The results also revealed that no significant change in the volume percentage of Paneth cells and a decreased volume percentage of Paneth cells containing IgA occurred in association with the self-filling blind loop. A decreased volume percentage of IgA-containing immunocytes in association with the blind loop has previously been reported. The data are most consistent with the interpretation that the Paneth cell and immunocyte response to antigenic stimulation are interrelated and that the Paneth cell population has a restricted latitude of response to microbial proliferation.

Lysozyme in human gastric carcinoma: a retrospective immunohistochemical study

A total of 171 gastric carcinomas comprising 69 advanced cancers and 102 early cancers were examined immunohistochemically for lysozyme. Tumour cells containing lysozyme were detected in 65 cases or 38% of the 171 gastric cancer cases. The incidence of these cells did not differ remarkably by histological type and infiltrative growth of gastric carcinoma. Of the foregoing 65 cases, two well-differentiated adenocarcinomas and three signet ring cell carcinomas had numerous lysozyme-containing tumour cells, 13 had many argentaffin or argyrophil cells, and 40 had various amounts of several types of mucin. In addition, tumour cells containing both lysozyme and mucin could be identified. No correlation could be observed between lysozyme immunoreactivity in the tumour cells and cellular infiltration of granulocytes or macrophages around the tumour. The lysozyme appeared to be produced by tumour cells. The two year survival rates indicate a tendency for advanced gastric cancers containing lysozyme to have a poor prognosis.

Lysozyme in neoplastic Paneth cells of a jejunal adenocarcinoma

This is the first reported case in which neoplastic cells not of granulocytic or monocytic origin have been shown to contain lysozyme. A highly differentiated metastasizing adenocarcinoma of the jejunum is presented. Areas of the tumour contained cells resembling Paneth cells, that is, they contained cytoplasmic granules with 1) stained red with Masson's trichrome and 2) were shown to contain lysozyme by an immunoperoxidase technique. No argentaffin cells could be identified within the tumour. Staining of mucosubstance revealed large intestine-type sulfated glycoproteins in the tumour tissue. The presence of lysozyme-containing neoplastic Paneth cells suggests that the tumor: 1) originated from the mucosal crypts, and 2) had a high degree of cellular differentiation.

Ileal Paneth cells and IgA system in rats with severe zinc deficiency: an immunohistochemical and morphological study

Morphological abnormalities in Paneth cells occur in patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica, a hereditary disease associated with zinc deficiency; furthermore, rat Paneth cells contain large amounts of zinc. This study was conducted to assess the effect of severe zinc deficiency in Sprague-Dawley rats on various parameters of Paneth cells. Morphology at both the light microscopical and ultrastructural levels, Paneth cell numbers per crypt and the intracellular distribution of lysozyme were not altered by zinc deficiency. A weak correlation (r = +0.38, P = 0.05) was noted between ileal zinc concentration and numbers of IgA-containing Paneth cells per crypt. These findings indicate that the morphological abnormalities noted in human Paneth cells in patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica cannot be reproduced by experimental severe zinc deficiency in rats. Furthermore, these generally negative findings suggest that the severe diarrhoea often associated with zinc deficiency is not attributable to abnormalities induced in Paneth cells by zinc deficiency.

Identification of neoplastic Paneth cells in an adenocarcinoma of the stomach using lysozyme as a marker, and electron microscopy

A large number of cells containing large eosinophilic granules in their supranuclear cytoplasm was observed in a well differentiated adenocarcinoma of the stomach and its metastases. These cells were identified as Paneth cells by electron microscopy and by their content of lysozyme. Lysozyme-immunoreactivity was well preserved after fixation of tumor tissue in liquid formaldehyde followed by postfixation in osmium tetroxide. Immunoreactivity at immunoelectron microscopy was confined to the large osmiophilic secretory granules. We conclude that morphologically and biochemically differentiated Paneth cells occasionally occur in neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.

Relationships between immunoglobulins and the intestinal epithelium

The intestinal epithelium is intimately associated with immunoglobulins. This association may begin in neonatal life with the ingestion of large quantities of immunoglobulins in breast fluids. These ingested immunoglobulins probably have a local protective action in the intestinal lumen. In some mammalian species a large portion of the maternal immunoglobulins is translocated intact across the intestinal epithelium into the circulation, providing additional immunological protection. In rodents, the transepithelial translocation of IgG from breast fluids is initiated and critically dependent upon receptors on enterocyte surface membranes for the Fc region of IgG. Close epithelial-immunoglobulin relationships continue throughout life with the transfer of various classes of immunoglobulins across the epithelium into the intestinal fluids. In man and other mammalian species, IgA and IgM are selectively transported through enterocytes, principally in the crypts of intestinal glands. This transfer may involve binding of polymeric forms of these immunoglobulins to receptors on the abluminal surfaces of the enterocytes. The secretory component, a glycoprotein synthesized by enterocytes, may be such a receptor. IgE and IgG enter the gut lumen by mechanisms that are not defined but seem to be distinct from those involved in the translocation of IgA and IgM. Secreted antibodies in intestinal fluids and mucus bathe the luminal surfaces of intestinal epithelial cells but appear not to be firmly bound to their apical plasma membranes or glycocalyces. The intimate association of immunoglobulins with intestinal epithelial cells illustrates the close relationships that exist between the gut and lymphoid cells and their products. These relationships suggest the possibility that the gut epithelium is affected by a large variety of immunological reactions in health and disease; these possibilities, which have been explored only minimally, warrant much attention in the future. Studies on the binding, uptake, and intracellular transport of immunoglobulins by enterocytes could contribute much to the understanding of receptors for immunoglobulins on many other types of cells, such as lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, and the lining cells of placental or yolk sac membranes.

Morphological study of the Paneth cell. Paneth cells in intestinal metaplasia of the stomach and duodenum of man

The Peneth cells in intestinal metaplasia of stomach and the duodenum in human subjects were studied ultrastructurally, and the fine structures of these cells were compared. Paneth cells showed the ultrastructure of serozymogenic cells and secreted their secretory granules by merocrine process. The rod or tubular dense bodies were observed in the apical region of some Paneth cells. The structures may have some relation to the secretion of the secretory granules. The secretory granules with less dense layer in the periphery, which had never been described in the Paneth cell of man, were also observed. Morphologically intermediate cells between Paneth cell and goblet cell were found. Some of the Paneth cells might be phagocytized by undifferentiated crypt cells. The Paneth cells in intestinal metaplasia were fundamentally the same as those in duodenum at least in morphology. Difference between them was that Paneth cells with many phagolysosomes in the lower cytoplasm were observed more frequently in the duodenum than in intestinal metaplasia of the stomach. The physiological functions of the Paneth cell have been discussed.