Enzymatic activity in the M band

Revisiting staining of biological samples for electron microscopy: perspectives for recent research

This review revisits essential staining protocols for electron microscopy focussing on the visualization of active sites, i.e. enzymes, metabolites or proteins, in cells and tissues, which have been developed 50 to 60 years ago, however, never were established as standard protocols being used in electron microscopy in a routine fashion. These approaches offer numerous possibilities to expand the knowledge of cellular function and specifically address the localization of active compounds of these systems. It is our conviction, that many of these techniques are still useful, in particular when applied in conjunction with correlative light and electron microscopy. Revisiting specialized classical electron microscopy staining protocols for use in correlative microscopy is particularly promising, as some of these protocols were originally developed as staining methods for light microscopy. To account for this history, rather than summarizing the most recent achievements in literature, we instead first provide an overview of techniques that have been used in the past. While some of these techniques have been successfully implemented into modern microscopy techniques during recent years already, more possibilities are yet to be re-discovered and provide exciting new perspectives for their future use.

INNERVATION OF THE FIBRILLAR FLIGHT MUSCLE OF AN INSECT: TENEBRIO MOLITOR (COLEOPTERA)

The structure of peripheral nerves, and the organization of the myoneural junctions in flight muscle fibers of a beetle is described. The uniaxonal presynaptic nerve branches display the "tunicated" structure reported in the case of other insect nerves and the relationship between the axon and the lemnoblast folds is discussed. The synapsing nerve terminal shows many similarities with that of central and peripheral junctions of other insects and of vertebrates (e.g., the intra-axonal synaptic vesicles) but certain important differences have been noted between this region in Tenebrio flight muscle and in other insect muscles. Firstly, the axon discards the lemnoblast before the junction is established and the axon effects a circumferential synapse with the plasma membrane of the fiber, which alone shows the increased thickness often observed in both pre- and postsynaptic elements. Secondly, in addition to the synaptic vesicles within the axon are present, in the immediately adjacent sarcoplasm, great numbers of larger postsynaptic vesicles which, it is tentatively suggested, may represent the sites of storage of the enzymatic destroyer of the activating substance similarly quantized within the intra-axonal vesicles. The spatial relationship between the peripherally located junctions and the portion of the fiber plasma membrane internalized as circumtracheolar sheaths is considered, and the possible significance of this with respect to impulse conduction is discussed briefly.

Cnidarian chemical neurotransmission, an updated overview

The ultrastructural, histochemical, immunocytochemical, biochemical, molecular, behavioral and physiological evidence for non-peptidergic and peptidergic chemical neurotransmission in the Anthozoa, Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa and Cubozoa is surveyed. With the possible exception of data for the catecholamines and peptides in some animals, the set of cumulative data - the evidence from all methodologies - is incomplete. Taken together, the evidence from all experimental approaches suggests that both classical fast (acetylcholine, glutamate, GABA, glycine) and slow (catecholamines and serotonin) transmitters, as well as neuropeptides, are involved in cnidarian neurotransmission. Ultrastructural evidence for peptidergic, serotonergic, and catecholaminergic synaptic localization is available, but the presence of clear and dense-cored synaptic vesicles also suggests both fast and slow classical transmission. Immunocytochemical studies, in general, reveal a continuous, non-localized distribution of neuropeptides, suggesting a neuromodulatory role for them. Immunocytochemical and biochemical studies indicate the presence of glutamate, GABA, serotonin, catecholamines (and/or their receptors), RFamides, nitric oxide and eicosanoids in cnidarian neurons and tissues. Gene sequences for peptidergic preprohormones have been reported; putative gene homologies to receptor proteins for vertebrate transmitters have been found in Hydra. Behavioral and physiological studies implicate classical transmitters, neuropeptides, eicosanoids and nitric oxide in the coordination of the neuroeffector systems.

The ultrastructure of cardiac desnosomes in the toad and their relationship to the intercalated disc

The fine structure of desmosomes and intercalated discs in the toad heart is discussed. A definite relationship between the dense components of these structures and the dense region of the Z band is demonstrated. The dense region of the Z band characteristically widens at its approach to the plasma membrane, and often terminates beneath it in a distinct discoidal plaque. Cardiac desmosomes appear to be structures which result from the intimate apposition of plaques of Z band material. These desmosomes retain the Z band function as sites of attachment for myofilaments. The suggestion is made that rotation of a desmosome through 90° and splitting of filaments from the adjacent sarcomere could result in the formation of a simple step-like intercalated disc. Intermediate stages in this process are illustrated. Complex discs present in the toad probably represent the alignment of groups of simple discs produced by contractile forces. Possible physiologic functions of the disc and desmosome are discussed. Other morphologic features of toad cardiac cells include a distinct amorphous outer coat to the sarcolemma, a prominent N band, and a granular sarcoplasm with poorly developed reticulum.

The fine structural localization of acetylcholinesterase at the myoneural junction

A study of the cytochemical localization of acetylcholiriesterase activity, combining histochemistry with electron microscopy, showed that the final product of the reaction, which was deposited at or near enzyme sites, occurred at four places in the myoneural junction. These included: plasma membrane of the muscle covering the junctional folds, the primary and secondary synaptic clefts, parts of the plasma membrane covering the axon terminal, and vesicular structures in the terminal axoplasm. No reaction occurred in the presence of 10^-4 eserine or DFP, whereas 10^-5 DFP inhibited the reaction at all sites except in the vesicles of the terminal axon. These findings are discussed with reference to the histochemical method used and to the occurrence of esterolytic activity in the vesicles, as well as to some of the current hypotheses concerning the relationship of the site of acetylcholinesterase and synaptic transmission.

Cytochemistry and electron microscopy. The preservation of cellular ultrastructure and enzymatic activity by aldehyde fixation

The aldehydes introduced in this paper and the more appropriate concentrations for their general use as fixatives are: 4 to 6.5 per cent glutaraldehyde, 4 per cent glyoxal, 12.5 per cent hydroxyadipaldehyde, 10 per cent crotonaldehyde, 5 per cent pyruvic aldehyde, 10 per cent acetaldehyde, and 5 per cent methacrolein. These were prepared as cacodylate- or phosphate-buffered solutions (0.1 to 0.2 M, pH 6.5 to 7.6) that, with the exception of glutaraldehyde, contained sucrose (0.22 to 0.55 M). After fixation of from 0.5 hour to 24 hours, the blocks were stored in cold (4°C) buffer (0.1 M) plus sucrose (0.22 M). This material was used for enzyme histochemistry, for electron microscopy (both with and without a second fixation with 1 or 2 per cent osmium tetroxide) after Epon embedding, and for the combination of the two techniques. After fixation in aldehyde, membranous differentiations of the cell were not apparent and the nuclear structure differed from that commonly observed with osmium tetroxide. A postfixation in osmium tetroxide, even after long periods of storage, developed an image that—notable in the case of glutaraldehyde—was largely indistinguishable from that of tissues fixed under optimal conditions with osmium tetroxide alone. Aliesterase, acetylcholinesterase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, 5-nucleotidase, adenosine triphosphatase, and DPNH and TPNH diaphorase activities were demonstrable histochemically after most of the fixatives. Cytochrome oxidase, succinic dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphatase were retained after hydroxyaldipaldehyde and, to a lesser extent, after glyoxal fixation. The final product of the activity of several of the above-mentioned enzymes was localized in relation to the fine structure. For this purpose the double fixation procedure was used, selecting in each case the appropriate aldehyde.

Ultrastructural cytochemistry. Enzyme and acid hydrolysis of nucleic acids and protein

Selective extraction of specific cell components by enzyme or acid hydrolysis is possible from ultrathin sections for electron microscopy and parallel 2 µ sections for light microscopy of tissues fixed in formalin and embedded in a water-soluble polyepoxide, product X133/2097. Normal rat tissues fixed 15 minutes in formalin at 3°C are more rapidly digested by proteinases than those fixed for the same length of time at 20°C. Trypsin selectively attacks the nuclear chromatin and the ribonucleoprotein particles of the ergastroplasm, whereas mitochondria and zymogen granules resist tryptic digestion. Pepsin rapidly attacks the mitochondria and zymogen granules. The ergastoplasm and nucleus at first resist peptic digestion, but in time the entire cytoplasm and interchromatinic portion of the nucleus are attacked. Ribonuclease abolishes cytoplasmic basophilia in 2 µ sections, but parallel ultra-thin sections, stained with uranyl acetate and examined in the electron microscope, show no change in the ribonucleoprotein particles of the ergastoplasm. Desoxyribonuclease alone had no effect, but after pretreatment of the sections with pepsin or hydrochloric acid, desoxyribonuclease specifically attacked the nuclear chromatin. Nucleic acid-containing structures in the sections are gradually disintegrated by perchloric acid or hydrochloric acid.

CHOLINESTERASE IN DENERVATED END PLATES AND MUSCLE FIBRES

Parallel studies were made of cholinesterase activities and localizations in denervated rat and rabbit gastrocnemius muscle. Koelle's histochemical reaction was used for demonstrating the localization of cholinesterases. Enzyme activities in whole sliced muscle were measured by electrometric titration. The Cartesian ampulla-diver technique was used for cholinesterase activity determinations in end plate regions or in small pieces of the muscle fibre itself. No changes in the activity of cholinesterases (ChE) were found in the whole denervated muscle which would account for its chemical supersensitivity. The ChE distribution pattern was changed so that the end plate region became less active in the denervated muscle than in the normal one. The decrease in ChE activity in the end plates seems to be largely compensated for by an increase of this enzyme elsewhere in the muscle. A possible connection between the spatial spread of cholinesterase activity and the enlargement of the acetylcholine-sensitive surface is discussed.

THE LOCALIZATION OF CHOLINESTERASE ACTIVITY IN RAT CARDIAC MUSCLE BY ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

A method has been developed for localizing sites of cholinesterase activity in rat cardiac muscle by electron microscopy. The method utilizes thiocholine esters as substrates, and is believed to be dependent on the reduction of ferricyanide to ferrocyanide by thiocholine released by enzymatic activity. The ferrocyanide thus formed is captured by copper to form fine, electron-opaque deposits of copper ferrocyanide, which sharply delineate sites of enzymatic activity at the ultrastructural level. Cholinesterase activity in formalin-fixed heart muscle was localized: (a) in longitudinal elements of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but not in the T, or transverse, elements; and (b) in the A band, with virtually no activity noted in the M band, or in the H zone. The I band was also negative. No activity was detected in the sarcolemma, or in invaginations of the sarcolemma at the level of the Z band. The perinuclear element of the sarcoplasmic (endoplasmic) reticulum was frequently strongly positive. Activity at all sites was completely abolished by omitting the substrates, or by inhibition with eserine 10(-4)M and diisopropylfluorophosphate 10(-5)M. Eserine 10(-5)M completely inhibited reaction in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and virtually abolished that in the A band. These observations, together with the use of the relatively specific substrates and suitable controls to eliminate non-enzymatic staining, indicate that cholinesterase activity was being demonstrated. The activity in rat heart against different substrates was that of non-specific cholinesterases, in accordance with biochemical data. The activity in the A band was considered to be probably due to myosincholinesterase. It is proposed that the localization of cholinesterases in myocardium at the ultrastructural level should be taken into account in considering the possible functions of these myocardial enzymes, and it is hoped that knowledge of their localization will open up new avenues of approach in considering their physiological role in myocardium, which at present is not definitely known.

Motor-end-plate and nerve distribution in a histochemically compartmentalized pennate muscle in the cat

Previous investigations in this laboratory have shown the flexor carpi radialis muscle (FCR) of the cat to be compartmentalized with regard to the distribution of muscle fiber types. This study was undertaken to determine whether each compartment of the FCR had a distinct motor innervation band, or whether there was only one innervation band, as has been reported previously for other muscles. In order to assess variation in motor innervation banding patterns, the innervation bands were correlated with the muscle-tendon architecture. Each compartment of the FCR possessed a distinct innervation band. In addition, it was observed that the nerve to the FCR divided into a number of separate intramuscular branches which were distributed to the different histological compartments. It is possible that muscle fibers innervated by a single intramuscular nerve branch, and possessing a discrete innervation band, are locally organized within subdivisions of the FCR. It is hypothesized that the compartmental organization of the FCR would allow discrete regions of the muscle to function independently when performing different motor tasks.

Contraction properties and functional morphology of the avian stapedius muscle

The influence of the stapedius muscle contraction on middle ear volume and acoustic impedance was investigated in the chicken, Gallus gallus. The time course of twitch responses to electrical stimulation (measured as volume and impedance changes) was found to be largely independent of the stimulus voltage, having a contraction time of 22 ms and a half-relaxation time of 22 ms. The stapedius muscle was therefore characterized as a fast twitch muscle. Slow contraction properties were also revealed: A summation of responses to repetitive stimulation beginning at 2.5 Hz and a slow decline to baseline were seen in volume and impedance change recordings. The morphological characteristics were consonant with that of a homogeneously fast muscle: Only fibres with high ATPase activity were identified and no fibres with "en grappe" or multiple innervation were observed. The slow characteristics were suggested to be due to visco-elastic elements in the middle ear. The chicken stapedius muscle is suggested to be analogous to both the stapedius and the tensor tympani of mammals.

Electron-microscopic, cytochemical and biochemical studies of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activity in muscle of dystrophic mice

We have studied extrajunctional muscle of control and dystrophic mice by electron microscopic-cytochemistry and radiometric assay. We have found both a soluble and particulate AChE activity, which is similar proportionally in control and dystrophic muscle. The particulate AChE activity is probably due to the enzyme localized in the sarcotubular system. These sites are more numerous in muscle adjacent to the motor end-plant than in distally located extrajunctional muscle, and are increased markedly in the dystrophic mouse. Myoblasts and small muscle fibers in the dystrophic mouse also have AChE activity in the reticulum similar to fetal muscle. The soluble AChE activity identified radiometrically may represent those sites exhibiting random cytochemical end-product, such as some muscle nuclei, satellite cells, myogenic mononuclear cells in the connective tissue, and degenerating axonal boutons no longer associated with junctional folds of muscle. Enzyme activity is present in degenerating fibers, but it is randomly dispersed in the sarcoplasm rather than membrane-bound. AChE activity has not been found in debris of completely necrotic muscle. BuChE activity is higher and the number of BuChE-active sites in the sarcotubular system adjacent to the motor end-plates is greater in dystrophic muscle than in control muscle.

Cytochemical electron microscopic localization o esterase activity in Lactobacillus casei

Enzymes capable of hydrolyzing thiolacetic acid in two strains of Lactobacillus casei were localized by the formation of electron-opaque PbS deposits in vivo in the presence of Pb(NO(3))(2). By electron microscopy, the deposition of PbS appeared primarily at the plasma membrane and at the outer surface of the cell wall.

Development of the neuromuscular junction. I. Cytological and cytochemical studies on the neuromuscular junction of differentiating muscle in the regenerating limb of the newt Triturus

Development of the neuromuscular junction on differentiating muscle was investigated in the regenerating limb of the newt Triturus. Motor end-plate formation begins when vesicle-filled axon terminations approach differentiating muscle cells that have reached the stage of a multinucleate cell containing myofibrils. Slight ridges or elevations occur on the muscle surface, and there is an increase in density of the cytoplasm immediately beneath the plasma membrane of the elevation. The axon becomes more closely approximated to the muscle cell and comes to lie in a shallow depression or gutter on the surface of the muscle. The surface ridges increase in length and constrict at their bases to form junctional folds. In the axon terminal, focal accumulations of vesicles are found where the axon contour projects slightly opposite the secondary synaptic clefts. Cholinesterase activity in the developing junctions was demonstrated by the thiolacetic acid-lead nitrate method. Enzymatic activity is not found on intercellular nerve fibers or the muscle surface prior to close approximation of axon endings and muscle. Eserine- and DFP-sensitive activity appears concurrently with morphological differentiation. Activity occurs in membranous tubulovesicles in the sarcoplasm subjacent to the neuromuscular junction and in association with the sarcolemma. The largest reaction deposits occur at the tips of the emerging junctional folds. Smaller and less numerous localizations occur on the axon membrane and within the axoplasm. It is concluded from these studies that the nerve endings have an inductive effect on both the morphological and chemical specializations of the neuromuscular junction.

The fine structure of motor endplate morphogenesis

The fine structure of the developing neuromuscular junction of rat intercostal muscle has been studied from 16 days in utero to 10 days postpartum. At 16 days, neuromuscular relations consist of close membrane apposition between clusters of axons and groups of myotubes. Focal electron-opaque membrane specializations more intimately connect axon and myotube membranes to each other. What relation these focal contacts bear to future motor endplates is undetermined. The presence of a group of axons lying within a depression in a myotube wall and local thickening of myotube membranes with some overlying basal lamina indicates primitive motor endplate differentiation. At 18 days, large myotubes surrounded by new generations of small muscle cells occur in groups. Clusters of terminal axon sprouts mutually innervate large myotubes and adjacent small muscle cells within the groups. Nerve is separated from muscle plasma membranes by synaptic gaps partially filled by basal lamina. The plasma membranes of large myotubes, where innervated, simulate postsynaptic membranes. At birth, intercostal muscle is composed of separate myofibers. Soleplate nuclei arise coincident with the peripheral migration of myofiber nuclei. A possible source of soleplate nuclei from lateral fusion of small cells' neighboring areas of innervation is suspected but not proven. Adjacent large and small myofibers are mutually innervated by terminal axon networks contained within single Schwann cells. Primary and secondary synaptic clefts are rudimentary. By 10 days, some differentiating motor endplates simulate endplates of mature muscle. Processes of Schwann cells cover primary synaptic clefts. Axon sprouts lie within the primary clefts and are separated from each other. Specific neural control over individual myofibers may occur after neural processes are segregated in this manner.

The ultrastructure of the cat myocardium. I. Ventricular papillary muscle

The ultrastructure of cat papillary muscle was studied with respect to the organization of the contractile material, the structure of the organelles, and the cell junctions. The morphological changes during prolonged work in vitro and some effects of fixation were assessed. The myofilaments are associated in a single coherent bundle extending throughout the fiber cross-section. The absence of discrete "myofibrils" in well preserved cardiac muscle is emphasized. The abundant mitochondria confined in clefts among the myofilaments often have slender prolongations, possibly related to changes in their number or their distribution as energy sources within the contractile mass. The large T tubules that penetrate ventricular cardiac muscle fibers at successive I bands are arranged in rows and are lined with a layer of protein-polysaccharide. Longitudinal connections between T tubules are common. The simple plexiform sarcoplasmic reticulum is continuous across the Z lines, and no circumferential "Z tubules" were identified. Specialized contacts between the reticulum and the sarcolemma are established on the T tubules and the cell periphery via subsarcolemmal saccules or cisterns. At cell junctions, a 20 A gap can be demonstrated between the apposed membranes in those areas commonly interpreted as sites of membrane fusion. In papillary muscles worked in vitro without added substrate, there is a marked depletion of both glycogen and lipid. No morphological evidence for preferential use of glycogen was found.

Electron microscope radioautography as a quantitative tool in enzyme cytochemistry. II. The distribution of DFP-reactive sties at motor endplates of a vertebrate twitch muscle

The distribution of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP)-sensitive enzyme sites at the neuromuscular junction was determined quantitatively by electron microscope radioautography after incubation of muscle fragments in DFP-(3)H. Most of the sensitive sites were located in the subneural apparatus at a concentration of 90,000 sites per micro(3) of cleft tissue or 12,000 sites per micro(2) of postjunctional membrane surface area. A considerable concentration is also present in the teloglial cap. It has previously been demonstrated (Rogers et al., 1966) that one-third of the DFP-sensitive sites at the endplate can be reactivated by pyridine-2-aldoxime methiodide (2-PAM)-a compound which selectively reactivates phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase. In the present study, it was found that this ratio of 1:2 holds also on a fine-structural level. Muscle mast cells were found to have a heavy concentration of bound DFP.

Fine structure of the muscular wall of rat pulmonary veins

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