Distribution of cell surface saccharides on pancreatic cells. II. Lectin-labeling patterns on mature guinea pig and rat pancreatic cells

Ligand-bound thyroid hormone receptor contributes to reprogramming of pancreatic acinar cells into insulin-producing cells

One goal of diabetic regenerative medicine is to instructively convert mature pancreatic exocrine cells into insulin-producing cells. We recently reported that ligand-bound thyroid hormone receptor α (TRα) plays a critical role in expansion of the β-cell mass during postnatal development. Here, we used an adenovirus vector that expresses TRα driven by the amylase 2 promoter (AdAmy2TRα) to induce the reprogramming of pancreatic acinar cells into insulin-producing cells. Treatment with l-3,5,3-triiodothyronine increases the association of TRα with the p85α subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), leading to the phosphorylation and activation of Akt and the expression of Pdx1, Ngn3, and MafA in purified acinar cells. Analyses performed with the lectin-associated cell lineage tracing system and the Cre/loxP-based direct cell lineage tracing system indicate that newly synthesized insulin-producing cells originate from elastase-expressing pancreatic acinar cells. Insulin-containing secretory granules were identified in these cells by electron microscopy. The inhibition of p85α expression by siRNA or the inhibition of PI3K by LY294002 prevents the expression of Pdx1, Ngn3, and MafA and the reprogramming to insulin-producing cells. In immunodeficient mice with streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia, treatment with AdAmy2TRα leads to the reprogramming of pancreatic acinar cells to insulin-producing cells in vivo. Our findings suggest that ligand-bound TRα plays a critical role in β-cell regeneration during postnatal development via activation of PI3K signaling.

Notch signaling as gatekeeper of rat acinar-to-beta-cell conversion in vitro

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Exocrine acinar cells in the pancreas are highly differentiated cells that retain a remarkable degree of plasticity. After isolation and an initial phase of dedifferentiation in vitro, rodent acinar cells can convert to endocrine beta-cells when cultured in the presence of appropriate factors. The mechanisms regulating this phenotypic conversion are largely unknown.

METHODS

Using rat acinar cell cultures, we studied the role of Notch signaling in a model of acinar-to-beta-cell conversion.

RESULTS

We report a novel lectin-based cell labeling method to demonstrate the acinar origin of newly formed insulin-expressing beta-cells. This method allows for specific tracing of the acinar cells. We demonstrate that growth factor-induced conversion of adult acinar cells to beta-cells is negatively regulated by Notch1 signaling. Activated Notch1 signaling prevents the reexpression of the proendocrine transcription factor Neurogenin-3, the key regulator of endocrine development in the embryonic pancreas. Interfering with Notch1 signaling allows modulating the acinar cell susceptibility to the differentiation-inducing factors. Its inhibition significantly improves beta-cell neoformation with approximately 30% of acinar cells that convert to beta-cells. The newly formed beta-cells mature when transplanted ectopically and are capable of restoring normal blood glycemia in diabetic recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

We report for the first time an efficient way to reprogram one third of the acinar cells to beta-cells by adult cell type conversion. This could find application in cell replacement therapy of type 1 diabetes, provided that it can be translated from rodent to human models.

Inhibition of allospecific response in pancreatic islet transplantation: the glycan approach

Host resistance has precluded clinical islet transplantation from becoming a consistent therapy for type I diabetic patients, mainly due to both specific and nonspecific processes. O-glycosylated proteins have a primary role in immunologic synapses. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a putative immunomodulatory effect of the cleavage of these molecules on islet allotransplantation.

METHODS

Murine islets were treated with O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase. Three endpoints were studied: (1) proliferation in allogeneic mixed islet mononuclear cell reactions using treated and control irradiated islets as stimulator cells of mononuclear cells; (2) expression of IA-d on monocytes using 48-hour transplants of treated versus control mouse islets into subcutaneous capsules; (3) posttransplant graft function in an in vivo model of islet allotransplantation. Treated and control islets were transplanted in diabetic mice treated daily with cyclosporine. Glycemia was monitored to determine diabetes reversion.

RESULTS

The allogeneic proliferative response was maximal when allogeneic mononuclear cells were mixed with control islets; it was significantly decreased with treated islets. Mean proliferative inhibition rate of treated vs. control was 62%. IA-d expression on monocytes was maximal in control islets. Reversion was significantly different for treated versus control islets with its duration varied from 3 to 7 days.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that treatment of islets with O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase may modulate allogeneic immunologic reactions.

Lysosomal storage disease caused by Sida carpinifolia poisoning in goats

A neurologic disease characterized by ataxia, hypermetria, hyperesthesia, and muscle tremors of the head and neck was observed for 2 years in a flock of 28 Anglo-Nubian and Saanen goats on a farm with 5 ha of pasture. Six newborns died during the first week of life, and five abortions were recorded. The predominant plant in the pasture was Sida carpinifolia. The disease was reproduced experimentally in two goats by administration of this plant. Three goats with spontaneous disease and the two experimental animals were euthanatized and necropsied. No significant gross lesions were observed. Fragments of several organs, including the central nervous system, were processed for histopathology. Small fragments of the cerebellar cortex, liver, and pancreas of two spontaneously poisoned goats and two experimentally poisoned goats were processed for electron microscopy. Multiple cytoplasm vacuoles in hepatocytes, acinar pancreatic cells, and neurons, especially Purkinje cells, were the most striking microscopic lesions in the five animals. Ultrastructural changes included membrane-bound vacuoles in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, acinar pancreatic cells, Purkinje cells, and the small neurons of the granular cell layer of the cerebellum. Paraffin-embedded sections of the cerebellum and pancreas were submitted for lectin histochemical analysis. The vacuoles in different cerebellar and acinar pancreatic cells reacted strongly to the following lectins: Concanavalia ensiformis, Triticum vulgaris, and succinylated Triticum vulgaris. The pattern of staining, analyzed in Purkinje cells and acinar pancreatic cells coincides with results reported for both swainsonine toxicosis and inherited mannosidosis.

Wheatgerm agglutinin-mediated toxicity in pancreatic cancer cells

Lectin binding specificities for carbohydrate allow phenotypic and functional characterization of membrane-associated glycoproteins expressed on cancer cells. This analysis examined wheatgerm agglutinin binding to pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and the resulting toxicity. Membrane preparations of nine human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were studied for lectin binding using wheatgerm agglutinin (WGA), concanavalin A (ConA) and phytohaemagglutinin-L (PHA-L) in a lectin blot analysis. Cell proliferation in vitro was measured by thymidine incorporation in the absence or presence of lectins at various concentrations. Sialic acid binding lectins or succinyl-WGA (succWGA) served as controls. WGA toxicity was tested after swainsonine or neuraminidase pretreatment. Binding and uptake of fluorescein-labelled lectins was studied under fluorescence microscopy. All pancreatic cell lines displayed high WGA membrane binding, primarily to sialic acid residues. Other lectins were bound with weak to moderate intensity only. Lectin toxicity corresponded to membrane binding intensity, and was profound in case of WGA (ID50 at 2.5-5 microg ml(-1)). WGA exposure induced chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation and DNA release consistent with apoptosis. Important steps for WGA toxicity included binding to sialic acid on swainsonine-sensitive carbohydrate and lectin internalization. There was rapid cellular uptake and subsequent nuclear relocalization of WGA. In contradistinction to the other lectins studied, WGA proved highly toxic to human pancreatic carcinoma cells in vitro. WGA binding to sialic acid residues of N-linked carbohydrate, cellular uptake and subsequent affinity to N-acetyl glucosamine appear to be necessary steps. Further analysis of this mechanism of profound toxicity may provide insight relevant to the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Glycoconjugate saccharidic moieties of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas in the chick embryo, newborn and adult

A battery of horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins (PNA, SBA, DBA, WGA, ConA, LTA and UEAI) was used to study the distribution of glycoconjugate sugar residues in the exocrine and endocrine pancreas of chick embryos, 1-day-old chicks and adult animals. During the period of incubation considered here, the time of appearance and changes in the oligosaccharides were noted in the acinar cells, in the endocrine cells of the "light islets" and in the capillary endothelial cells. In the developing exocrine pancreas, the basolateral surface of the acinar cells reacted with PNA, WGA, LTA and ConA for the entire period of incubation while SBA, WGA, LTA and ConA reactivity was detected in the apical plasma membrane. Zymogen granule membrane reacted with PNA, WGA and LTA from the 12th day onward, while ConA reactivity was detectable from the 7th day onward. Owing to its early appearance, alpha-D-mannose, revealed by ConA lectin, might in some way contribute to the maturation of the zymogen granule. In the 1-day-old chick and in the adult the cellular surface reacted with WGA and ConA. The zymogen granule membrane reacted with PNA, WGA and ConA in the 1-day-old chick. In the adult, WGA and ConA reactivity was observed in the zymogen granule membrane, whereas at this site PNA reactivity was revealed only after neuraminidase digestion. The hypothesis formulated by others that granule membrane lectin reactivity is equal to the apical membrane reactivity, owing to exocytotic processes, is not consistent with our results in the chick embryos, the 1-day-old chick and the adults. The surface and the granules of the islet beta cells in different periods of incubation reacted with WGA, SBA and, after neuraminidase treatment, with PNA. The same reactivity was seen also in 1-day-old chick while in the adult the granules of the beta cells also reacted with ConA. These findings show the achievement of an almost adult-like state of glycosylation of the glycoconjugates in the beta cells at an early stages of development.

Fluorescence microscopic studies and flow cytometric measurements of lectin and hormone binding to isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells

The binding of fluorescence-labelled lectins and a fluorescence-marked hormone to the cell surface of isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells was studied by light microscopy and flow cytometric measurements. The pancreatic acinar cells were prepared by collagenase digestion. The fluorescence of cells was studied after binding of FITC-labelled WGA or UEA I as well as of FITC-marked pancreocymin/cholecystokinin (CCK-FITC) in a fluorescence microscope or FACScan. The strong binding of lectins was inhibited by preabsorption with the specific sugars. In comparison to the lectins the binding of CCK-FITC was low. There were two populations of acinar cells with different CCK-FITC binding capacity as detected by flow cytometry. The CCK-FITC cell surface fluorescence was significantly decreased by preincubation with unmarked hormone as well as with the non-labelled lectins. The inhibition of CCK-FITC binding by lectins is discussed in respect to a possible competition of the lectins and CCK for the CCK receptor.

Lectin binding studies with FITC-marked WGA and UEA I and flowcytometric measurements on isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells

Lectin binding to the glycocalyx of isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells was studied by flowcytometric measurements. The pancreatic exocrine cells were prepared after collagenase digestion and cleaned in a density gradient. The fluorescence of cells was measured in a FACScan after binding of FITC marked WGA or UEA I. The binding of lectins was inhibited by preabsorption of WGA-FITC with N-acetyl-glucosamine, sialic acid or chitinous and by preabsorption of UEA-FITC with alpha-L-fucose, respectively. Furthermore, we were able to measure a decreased WGA-FITC and UEA-FITC binding after a short preincubation of isolated cells with the peptide hormone cholecystokinin and its agonists (caerulein, pentagastrin).

Light and electron microscopic studies of lectin binding to the glycocalyx of rat pancreatic cells. II. Light microscopic changes after induction of an olive-oil pancreatitis

Using a battery of 7 horseradish peroxidase marked lectins (WGA, RCA I, PHA, LCA, PNA, UEA I, LPA) or 2 unmarked lectins (Con A, VAA I) and HRP-marked antibodies, the binding to acinar cells with a postembedding technique on semithin sections of rat pancreatic tissue after olive-oil pancreatitis was studied light microscopically. The lectin binding of the normal healthy rat pancreatic tissue (Jonas et al. 1991) changed remarkably. Whereas the apical glycocalyx of acinar cells with the strong binding of WGA, RCA I, and PHA remained unchanged within the first 10 min of damage, the basolateral cell surface lost the typical specific binding of UEA I within the initial phase of pancreatitis just 2 min after injection of olive-oil. Con A and VAA I were found to be very reactive with the necrotic cells 60 min after administration of oil. The results were discussed in relation to the possible functions of the 2 main domains of the pancreatic acinar cell glycocalyx.

Lectin histochemical investigations of fetal cultivated pancreatic tissue

The terminal glycoproteins of fetal, cultivated (7-12 days), and adult nondiabetic and diabetic pancreatic tissues (Balb c, C3h mice) were investigated by lectin histology (peanut-, phytohemagglutinin, wheat germ agglutinin, Ulex europeus I, concanavalin A and Ricinus communis agglutinin, PaP method +/- neuraminidase). Anti-insulin and -glucagon were used to identify islet cells. S-100 antibody showed dendritic reticulum cells, anti-IAK proved MHC II antigens (C3h). Cultured tissue was partly incubated with anti-IAK and complement for lysis of MHC II antigens. On the 19th gestational day fetal pancreatic tissue did not bind peanut agglutinin, Phytohemagglutinin, or wheat germ agglutinin, whereas concanavalin A and Ricinus communis were weakly bound. Terminal fucose residues were not expressed by C3h fetal islet cells in contrast to Balb c. Following neuraminidase digestion peanut agglutinin and phytohemagglutinin were strongly bound, indicating sialic acid-substituted terminal glycoproteins. Cultivated tissue (Day 7) bound all investigated lectins (except Ulex europeus I in C3h mice), indicating maturation of islet cells. In spite of the peak of insulin concentration in the medium we observed a faint binding of anti-insulin and investigated lectins following 12 days of cultivation. This indicates a disorder of terminal glycoprotein synthesis at this point. There was no difference in lectin binding patterns of adult nondiabetic islet cells compared to the cultivated tissue (7 days), but no Ulex europaeus I binding of the adult Balb c mice was observed. S-100 binding decreased during the cultivation period as dendritic reticulum cells became destroyed by cultivation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Purification and characterization of the apical plasma membrane of the rat pancreatic acinar cell

A method is described for the rapid purification of the apical plasma membrane from the rat pancreatic acinar cell. It makes use of wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography to selectively bind vesicles with N-acetyl glucosamine present at their surface. Particular conditions (150 mM NaCl) had then to be used to keep membrane vesicles in the coveted orientation, i.e. as right-side-out vesicles. Due to its specific apical location in many epithelial cells, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase was chosen to monitor the purification procedure. The final fraction was enriched in gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase by a factor of 75 relative to the homogenate. Na,K-ATPase, a strict basolateral membrane marker, was not detectable in the fraction. No membranes originating from other compartments, more particularly expected from zymogen granules, or from other cell types, did contaminate the preparation. As expected for an epithelial cell apical plasmalemma, lipid composition showed a very high ratio of glycolipids (37.5%). The absence of membrane-bound GP-2, and the exceptionally high specific activity of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase suggest that the apical membrane would not be made up by the exocytosis of secretory granule, but instead by the fusion of specialized secretory vesicles very likely originating from the constitutive secretory pathway. In conclusion, this report describes a method of obtaining a fraction highly enriched in the secretory apex of the pancreatic exocrine cell that would be directly involved in exocytosis with zymogen granules and also in local anion transport.

Lectin reactivity of murine fibrosarcoma lines with a different metastatic potential

Lectins are suitable tools for investigating the glycoconjugate characteristics of metastatic cells. In the present study, we investigated whether there were differences between high metastatic T3 cells and a low metastatic isolate in their reactivities to several lectins specific for galactosyl and sialyl groups. Analysis of reactivity of the two cell lines to wheat germ agglutinin revealed a complex pattern. In fact, T3 cells had high-affinity, neuraminidase-resistant as well as low-affinity, neuraminidase-sensitive receptors. Instead, the low metastatic isolate showed only high-affinity receptors, both neuraminidase-resistant and neuraminidase-sensitive The two cell lines reacted similarly to galactose-specific lectins. These findings indicate that sialyl groups, rather than galactosyl groups, affect the metastatic behavior of our cell system.

Light and electron microscopic studies of lectin binding on the glycocalyx of rat pancreatic cells. I. Normal tissue and isolated cells

Lectin binding of the glycocalyx of pancreatic tissue sections as well as of isolated pancreatic acini and acinar cells was studied of healthy wistar rats by light and electron microscopy. For light microscopy, we used FITC (WGA, RCAI, LCA) or peroxidase marked (WGA, RCAI, PNA, PHA, LCA, UEAI, LPA) as well as unmarked lectins (Con A, VAA I). Gold marked lectins were used for electron microscopy (WGA, RCAI, LCA, HPA, PNA, VAAI-B). Intact acinar cells in pancreatic tissue sections and isolated acini showed a strong binding of WGA, RACI, and HPA on the apical cell surface, whereas VAAI, UEAI, LCA, and Con A reacted strongly with the basolateral glycocalyx, but not with the apical surface. The 2 main domains of the glycocalyx of pancreatic cells showed their specific lectin binding so long as the junctional complexes between the cells are intact. The polarity of the cell surface of pancreatic acinar cells is discussed in regard to the possible function of the 2 domains.

Glycoconjugate pattern of membranes in the acinar cell of the rat pancreas

Lectin-binding studies were performed at the ultrastructural level to characterize glycoconjugate patterns on membrane systems in pancreatic acinar cells of the rat. Five lectins reacting with different sugar moieties were applied to ultrathin frozen sections: concanavalin A (ConA): glucose, mannose; wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA): N-acetylglucosamine, sialic acid; Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA I): galactose; Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA I): L-fucose; soybean agglutinin (SBA): N-acetylgalactosamine). Binding sites of lectins were visualized either by direct conjugation to colloidal gold or by the use of a three-step procedure involving additional immune reactions. The rough endoplasmic reticulum and the nuclear envelope of acinar cells was selectively labelled for ConA. The membranes of the Golgi apparatus bound all lectins applied with an increasing intensity proceeding from the cis- to the trans-Golgi area for SBA, UEA I and WGA. In contrast RCA I selectively labelled the trans-Golgi cisternae. The membranes of condensing vacuoles and zymogen granules were labelled for all lectins used although the density of the label differed between the lectins. In contrast the content of zymogen granules failed to bind SBA and WGA. Lysosomal bodies (membranes and content) revealed binding sites for all lectins used. The plasma membranes were heavily labelled by all lectins except for SBA which showed only a weak binding to the lateral and the apical plasma membrane. These results are in accordance to current biochemical knowledge of the successive steps in the glycosylation of membrane proteins. It could be demonstrated, that the cryo-section technique is suitable for the fine structural localisation of surface glycoconjugates of plasma membranes and internal membranes in pancreatic acinar cells using plant lectins.

Histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of tubular complexes in human acute pancreatitis

The morphologic characteristics of ductlike tubular complexes were studied in human acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic specimens were obtained from 10 patients who were operated on for acute pancreatitis. Immunocytochemistry for pancreatic enzymes, keratin, actin, and carcinoembryonic antigen were combined with lectin-binding studies and ultrastructural investigations. Irrespective of clinical onset and duration of pancreatitis, tubular complexes situated in the vicinity of fat necrosis were observed in all patients. Intermediate forms of ductlike structures were characterized by widening of acinar lumina, decreased height of acinar cells, and large autophagic vacuoles. These structures bound all of the lectins employed and retained their immunoreactivity to secretory proteins. Typical tubular complexes were composed of low cuboidal or flattened cells surrounding a large acinar lumen. They revealed a loss for pancreatic enzymes, a reduced lectin-binding for L-fucose and N-acetylgalactosamine, and an increase for cytoskeletal proteins (keratin, actin). It is concluded that tubular complexes in human acute pancreatitis represent degenerating acinar cells which lost their secretory and membrane characteristics.

Distribution of lectin-binding sites in oxyntic and chief cells of isolated rabbit gastric glands

The distribution of lectin-binding sites in oxyntic and chief cells of isolated rabbit gastric glands was determined with seven fluoresceinated lectins, to ascertain which lectins might best be used in the biochemical characterization of cell membranes and glycoproteins of these two cell types. Oxyntic cell canaliculi were labeled by wheat germ, Helix pomatia, and peanut lectins, suggesting a predominance of N-acetylhexosamines. Tubulovesicles were heavily stained by wheat germ, Helix pomatia, and Ricinus communis I lectins, indicative of N-acetylhexosamine- and galactose-containing glycoconjugates. Diffuse oxyntic cell cytoplasmic staining was observed with the mannose-binding lectin concanavalin A. This lectin, along with wheat germ, soybean, Helix pomatia, and Ricinus communis I lectins, bound to oxyntic cell basolateral membranes, indicating mannose, N-acetylhexosamine, and galactose residues. Chief cell apical membranes were labeled with peanut, Ricinus communis I, Helix pomatia, and Ulex europaeus lectins, suggesting a predominance of N-acetylhexosamine, galactose, and fucose residues. None of the lectins demonstrated any significant affinity for chief cell cytoplasm or basolateral membrane. Ulex europaeus agglutinin-binding sites were additionally concentrated in lateral intercellular spaces. The results of this study indicate that the range of utility of isolated rabbit gastric glands can be expanded to include histochemical work. In addition, the data suggest the applicability of lectin affinity chromatography in the isolation and characterization of oxyntic and chief cell membranes and glycoproteins.

Differing lectin-binding patterns of malignant melanoma and nevocellular and Spitz nevi

The lectin-binding patterns of primary malignant melanoma, nevocellular nevus, and Spitz nevus were studied on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections using a series of biotinylated lectins--concanavalin A (ConA), Ricinus communis agglutinin-1 (RCA1), dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), soybean agglutinin (SBA), maclura pomifera agglutinin (MPA), peanut agglutinin (PNA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and Ulex europeus agglutinin-1(UEA1)--and employing the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. In nevocellular and Spitz nevi, all of the nevus cells were positively stained with ConA and RCA1. No positive staining was observed, however, with the other lectins and no change in binding patterns occurred following neuraminidase pretreatment. In malignant melanoma, all of the melanoma cells were positively stained with ConA and RCA1, and some were also stained with MPA, PNA, and WGA. In addition, DBA, SBA, MPA, PNA, and WGA labeled all of the melanoma cells after neuraminidase pretreatment. No positive staining was observed with UEA1 despite neuraminidase pretreatment. The present results showed that malignant melanoma and nevocellular and Spitz nevi have different lectin-binding patterns and different responses to neuraminidase pretreatment. We, therefore, believe that the lectin staining on paraffin-embedded sections can be a useful probe for the differentiation of these diseases.

Modulation of carbohydrate residues in regenerative nodules and neoplasms of canine and feline pancreas

The glycoconjugates of regenerative acinar cells, acinic cell carcinomas, islet cell tumors, and normal canine and feline pancreas were studied. The authors used biotinylated lectins as probes and avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex as visualant to identify and to compare the distribution of carbohydrate residues on paraffin sections from 74 cases. The findings demonstrate a difference in the staining pattern between normal acinar, islet, and ductal cells in each species and small differences in the staining pattern between the species. It is shown that in nodules of regenerative acinar cells and acinic cell carcinomas there is an increased staining intensity with Concanavalia ensiformis agglutinin, Ricinus communis agglutinin-I, and wheat germ agglutinin. The pattern of lectin staining in regenerative cells and malignant acinar cells reflects the degree of cellular differentiation. Intensive apical staining characterizes a higher degree of differentiation, while dispersed staining is a major feature of poor differentiation. These findings suggest that malignant transformation of pancreatic acinar cells is associated with enhanced expression of glycoconjugates, which resembles that seen in a normal immature acinar cells.

Lectin binding sites in Paramecium tetraurelia cells. I. Labeling analysis predominantly of secretory components

Though all three lectins tested (ConA, RCA II, WGA) bound to the entire cell membrane, none bound selectively to the docking site of secretory organelles (trichocysts); the same results were achieved with FITC-conjugates, or, on the EM level, with peroxidase- or gold-labeling. Only WGA triggered the release of trichocysts and none of the lectins tested inhibited AED-induced synchronous exocytosis. When exocytosis was triggered synchronously in the presence of any of these three lectins (FITC-conjugates), the resulting ghosts trapped the FITC-lectins and the cell surface was immediately afterwards studded with regularly spaced dots (corresponding to the ghosts located on the regularly spaced exocytosis sites). These disappeared within about 10 min from the cell surface (thus reflecting ghost internalization with a half life of 3 min) and fluorescent label was then found in approximately 6-10 vacuoles, which are several microns in diameter, stain for acid phosphatase and, on the EM level, contain numerous membrane fragments (otherwise not found in this form in digesting vacuoles). We conclude that synchronous massive exocytosis involves lysosomal breakdown rather than reutilization of internalized trichocyst membranes and that these contain lectin binding sites (given the fact free fluorescent probes did not efficiently stain ghosts). Trichocyst contents were analyzed for their lectin binding capacity in situ and on polyacrylamide gels. RCA II yielded intense staining (particularly of "tips"), while ConA (fluorescence concentrated over "bodies") and WGA yielded less staining of trichocyst contents on the light and electron microscopic level. Only ConA- and WGA-staining was inhibitable by an excess of specific sugars, while RCA II binding was not. ConA binding was also confirmed on polyacrylamide gels which also allowed us to assess the rather low degree of glycosylation (approximately 1% by comparison with known glycoprotein standards) of the main trichocyst proteins contained in their expandable "matrix". Since RCA II binding could be due to its own glycosylation residues we looked for an endogenous lectin. The conjecture was substantiated by the binding of FITC-lactose-albumin (inhibitable by a mixture of glucose-galactose). This preliminary new finding may be important for the elucidation of trichocyst function.

Development of an apical plasma membrane domain and tight junctions during histogenesis of the mammalian pancreas

The role of tight junctions (zonula occludens) in the formation of apical plasma membrane (PM) domains was investigated in the embryonic rat pancreas. In the present study, lectin-rhodamine (WGA-TRITC and RCAII-TRITC) and lectin-gold (WGA-Au and RCAII-Au) conjugates were used to monitor apical PM domain formation and freeze-fracture analysis was used to monitor tight junction formation in the pancreatic epithelium of embryonic, neonatal, and adult rats. Fluorescent and TEM analysis of WGA and RCAII binding indicated that an apical PM domain is formed as early as Day 13 of gestation in the pancreatic epithelium. While apical WGA binding remained into adult life, RCAII binding was lost by 1 day after birth. In contrast, tight junctions were not observed until Day 14 of gestation. At this time, tight junctions were found to be incomplete in formation and typically consisted of linear arrays of IMPs or discontinuous arrays of sealing strands (focal adherens). Continuous tight junctions were not completely formed until Day 15 of gestation. Continued development of tight junctions during gestation was characterized by (1) an increase in the number of sealing strands and (2) a more parallel arrangement of sealing strands within each junctional complex. By 8 weeks after birth, tight junctions were more loosely organized and contained fewer sealing strands as compared to that observed in the fetus. These results suggest that lateral diffusion of apical PM glycoconjugates may be restricted even in the absence of complete tight junctional complexes during development of the rat pancreas.

Differences in density and distribution of surface glycoconjugates between normal and dystrophic mouse Schwann cells detected by statistical analyses of lectin-ferritin binding

Cultures of Schwann cells and neurons from dorsal root ganglia of normal (C57bl/6J +/+) and dystrophic (C57bl/6J dy2j/dy2j) mice were labeled with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA-I) conjugated to ferritin. Statistical methods were used to compare the regional densities and distribution characteristics of lectin binding in these two types of Schwann cells, which differ in their capacities to ensheath and myelinate axons in vivo and in cultures. Regional variations in lectin binding densities and distributions were observed in both types of Schwann cells. WGA-ferritin was bound at lower densities in dystrophic mouse Schwann cells than in corresponding regions of normal cells. In both normal and dystrophic cells, WGA-ferritin was distributed at greater densities on the free surfaces of Schwann cells than on the substrate-associated surfaces. WGA-ferritin was clustered in all regions of both normal and dystrophic mouse cells. RCA-ferritin densities did not differ significantly between corresponding regions of normal and dystrophic mouse Schwann cells. However, in normal mouse Schwann cells, the density of RCA-ferritin was significantly greater in the thinner, peripheral processes of Schwann cells than in thicker perinuclear regions of the cells. Differences in the degree of RCA-ferritin clustering were also detected between normal and dystrophic Schwann cells. These results indicate that regional differences in the density and distributions of cell surface glycoconjugates occur in Schwann cells of normal and dystrophic mice.

Differential binding of conA and WGA on the cell surface, the role of sialic acid in their expression and the increased activity of sialidase after cis-Platin treatment

It is reported that concanavalin A (conA) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) have a differential binding pattern on normal mouse spleen lymphocytes and the surface of Dalton's lymphoma cells. It is suggested that sialic acid on the cell surface controls the expression of lectin binding sites. Further, it has been observed that the increased release of sialic acid from cell surfaces after cis-dichlorodiammine platinum (II) (cis-Platin) treatment is due to the increased activity of sialidase.

Lectin labeling of sprouting neurons

Ferritin conjugates of various lectins were used to determine the densities of surface carbohydrates on nerve growth cones produced by different classes of neuron. These neurons, from superior cervical and dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, olfactory bulb, and cerebellum of the fetal rat, were grown as explant cultures, labeled with the probes, and then processed for quantitative electron microscopic analysis. It has been observed that each type of growth cone carries a characteristic set of lectin receptors on its surface, a "surface carbohydrate signature." Neurons derived from the neural tube generally exhibit lower levels of lectin binding sites on their growth cones compared with those derived from the neural crest. However, after neuraminidase treatment, lectin labeling is consistently dense for all growth cone types. These findings suggest (i) that neurons are programmed, possibly at the time of neurulation, to generate high- or low-sialic-acid patterns of surface carbohydrates on their growth cones according to their origin, and (ii) that the specific glycoconjugate pattern found for each type of neuron may be involved in selective cell-cell interactions during nervous system development.

Light microscopic detection of sugar residues in glycoconjugates of salivary glands and the pancreas with lectin-horseradish peroxidase conjugates. II. Rat

Salivary glands and pancreases from male rats were stained with a battery of ten different lectin-horseradish peroxidase conjugates. Qualitative and quantitative differences were observed in the content of terminal sugar residues in stored secretory glycoproteins in parenchymal cells of glands having a similar histological structure. Heterogeneity in the content of secretory glycoconjugates was also found between cells in the same exocrine glands, which were previously thought to be identical on the basis of classical morphological and histochemical staining studies. Similar differences were observed in the structure of glycoconjugates associated with the apical surface of epithelial cells lining glandular excretory ducts. Intercalated ducts presented a gland specific staining pattern different from that of the glandular secretory cell population, whereas striated duct and interlobular duct epithelial cells stained similarly in all major rat exocrine glands. A comparison of lectin binding patterns in identical histological sites in the mouse, reported in a companion paper, is provided, and the similarities and differences between these two rodent species are discussed. In addition to providing valuable information concerning the localization and structure of tissue complex carbohydrates, a comparison of staining in the same tissue sites with labelled lectins reported biochemically to have similar binding specificity has revealed interesting differences in the binding specificity of these macromolecules.

Diabetic pregnancy. Changes in lectin binding to the surface of rat lung alveolar epithelial cells

The binding of the lectins concanavalin A (Con A) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) to the luminal surface of lung alveolar epithelial cells was compared in normal rats and rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and their offspring. Lung tissue was lavaged, then fixed in situ with 3% glutaraldehyde. Buffer-rinsed slices of lung were incubated in Con A, WGA, or various control media. Lectin binding sites were visualized by the use of the peroxidase method. Normal neonates and those that were the results of diabetic pregnancies showed a hexose-specific Con A and WGA binding pattern qualitatively similar to that of normal and diabetic adults, respectively. In the normal animals, Con A binding sites were masked by sialic acid residues and were removable with alpha-mannosidase after neuraminidase treatment. In the diabetic adults and their offspring, one the other hand, Con A binding sites were readily accessible and were totally removed only by sequential treatment with alpha-mannosidase and alpha-glucosidase. WGA binding was essentially eliminated with neuraminidase in all animals except in the neonates from diabetic pregnancies, where N-acetyl-glucosaminidase was also required. The effects of maternal diabetes were reversible and occurred about Day 7 postpartum in the neonate. The effects were also reversible following insulin replacement in the diabetic adult.

Cytofluorometric quantification of somatopetally transported FITC-labelled lectins: enhanced uptake of concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin from the periphery in regenerating facial nerve

Cytofluorometric quantification of the accumulation of somatopetally transported fluoroisothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and Concanavalin A (Con A) were performed on sections of the mouse facial nucleus. The lectins were injected bilaterally in the snout region of six-week-old mice eleven days after one of the facial nerves had been crushed. Analysis of variance revealed a significantly higher uptake of both WGA and Con A in the regenerating than in the control nerve. WGA appeared to be taken up to a higher degree than Con A, both in normal and regenerating nerve. After application of the two lectins to the facial nerve immediately after injury, at the site of crushing, both WGA and Con A were taken up and transported to nerve cell bodies of the facial nucleus. The observed difference in uptake between WGA and Con A from injured axons was even more pronounced than that found in intact axons. No accumulation of fluorescent material was seen in the cell bodies of the facial nucleus after injection of four other lectins (dolichos biflorus agglutinin, peanut agglutinin, ulex europeus 1 agglutinin, soybean agglutinin) either into the snout or the area of the nerve crush.

Subsets of epidermal Langerhans cells as defined by lectin binding profiles

In this study we characterize the cell surface glycoconjugate moieties of strain 2 guinea pig epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) in single cell suspension by using a battery of 17 fluorescent lectins. All LC displayed binding sites for concanavalin A, succinylated concanavalin A, Lens culinaris agglutinin, Pisum sativum agglutinin, wheat germ agglutinin, succinylated wheat germ agglutinin, Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin I, Ricinus communis agglutinin I, Phaseolus vulgaris E agglutinin, and Phaseolus vulgaris L agglutinin, but failed to bind Sophora japonica agglutinin (SJA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), and Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA I). Neuraminidase pretreatment rendered LC reactive for SJA, but not for DBA and UEA I. The binding profiles of certain lectins point to the existence of LC subpopulations in that Griffonia simplicifolia I-B4 isolectin, peanut agglutinin (PNA), Helix pomatia agglutinin, and soybean agglutinin bound to only 80% (range 70-90%) of Ia-positive epidermal cells; binding sites for these lectins on primarily unreactive Ia-positive cells were unmasked when epidermal cells were treated with neuraminidase prior to lectin labeling. Ultrastructural PNA labeling studies revealed that the vast majority of Birbeck granule-containing LC displayed PNA binding sites, whereas indeterminate cells were consistently PNA-negative. Identification of carbohydrate configurations expressed on LC surfaces by lectin binding may provide a clue for the elucidation of the mechanisms of established LC functions and possibly the discovery of as yet unknown properties of this cell type.

Characterization of bovine pancreatic ductal cells isolated by a perfusion-digestion technique

Bovine pancreatic ductal cells isolated by perfusing an enzyme solution into the lumen of the main duct were obtained as sheets of cells. Morphologic features of these cells were those of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. These cells also contained alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff positive material and bound lectins, and they stained for keratin in the same manner as intact ductal epithelium. In culture, the plating efficiency was high (13.6%) as determined by DNA content before and after 24 h plating, perhaps due to the gentle isolation technique and the isolation of sheets of cells rather than a single cell. Cell doubling time was 34.4 h in Eagle's minimal essential medium with 10% heat inactivated fetal bovine serum and antibodies, and over 95% of the cells incorporated [3H]thymidine during a 6 h labeling period after 4 d in primary culture. Isolated cells grew best in medium CMRL 1066 with 10% heat inactivated fetal bovine serum as determined by measuring DNA content.

Tissue culture of guinea-pig gall-bladder epithelium

Tissue culture of gall-bladder was attempted in the following media: Dulbecco, Eagle's minimum essential medium, NCTC 135, medium 199 and Ham's F12. Growth occurred in all of them for up to 2 weeks assessed by light microscopy. No enhancement of growth was induced by collagenase trypsin insulin or hydrocortisone. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that new cells colonised the free surface of the explant. Transmission electron microscopy showed good preservation of the original tall epithelial cells for the period of study. The new migrating cells were flatter, but retained the morphological features of the columnar cells. Secretory granules were absent after 1 day in culture but increased amounts of glycogen and lipid began to appear in the epithelium.

Identical lectin binding patterns of human melanocytes and melanoma cells in vitro

Cell surface glycoconjugate patterns of human epidermal cells and of melanoma cells (MC) in primary culture derived from 11 primary and metastatic melanomas were investigated using fluorescent and horseradish peroxidase conjugated lectins for visualization at the light and electron microscopic level. The lectin labeling profiles of human melanocytes (M) and MC were found to be identical. According to their binding patterns, the lectins tested were grouped into three categories: (1) lectins binding to both keratinocytes (K) and M/MC, irrespective of neuraminidase pretreatment (concanavalin-A, wheatgerm agglutinin, succinylated wheatgerm agglutinin); (2) lectins binding to K but not to M/MC, irrespective of neuraminidase pretreatment (Ulex europaeus agglutinin I); (3) lectins binding to K, but to M/MC only after neuraminidase pretreatment (soybean, Helix pomatia, and peanut agglutinins). Untreated M were reactive for soybean and peanut agglutinins only at contact sites with K. Since the lectins from soybean, Helix, and peanut bind specifically to D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues, we conclude that these particular glycoconjugates are normally masked by sialic acid on M/MC surfaces and can be unmasked by neuraminidase. These features, which have been previously observed in guinea pig M, appear to be interspecies surface markers of melanocytic cells which remain unaltered in the course of malignant transformation.

Biochemical analysis of secretory proteins synthesized by normal rat pancreas and by pancreatic acinar tumor cells

We have examined the secretogogue responsiveness and the pattern of secretory proteins produced by a transplantable rat pancreatic acinar cell tumor. Dispersed tumor cells were found to discharge secretory proteins in vitro when incubated with hormones that act on four different classes of receptors: carbamylcholine, caerulein, secretin-vasoactive intestinal peptide, and bombesin. With all hormones tested, maximal discharge from tumor cells was only about one-half that of control pancreatic lobules, but occurred at the same dose optima except for secretin, whose dose optimum was 10-fold higher. Biochemical analysis of secretory proteins discharged by the tumor cells was carried out by crossed immunoelectrophoresis and by two-dimensional isoelectric focusing-SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. To establish a baseline for comparison, secretory proteins from normal rat pancreas were identified according to enzymatic activity and correlated with migration position on two-dimensional gels. Our results indicate that a group of basic polypeptides including proelastase, basic trypsinogen, basic chymotrypsinogen, and ribonuclease, two out of three forms of procarboxypeptidase B, and the major lipase species were greatly reduced or absent in tumor cell secretion. In contrast, the amount of acidic chymotrypsinogen was notably increased compared with normal acinar cells. Although the acinar tumor cells are highly differentiated cytologically and express functional receptors for several classes of pancreatic secretagogues, they show quantitative and qualitative differences when compared with normal pancreas with regard to their production of secretory proteins.

Concanavalin A binding and cytodifferentiation in pancreatic acinar carcinoma of rat

The binding of concanavalin A to the plasmalemma of acinar carcinoma cells was characterized by electron microscopy utilizing horseradish peroxidase. Heavy labeling due to specific concanavalin A binding was detected on the plasmalemma of undifferentiated carcinoma cells lacking zymogen maturation, neoplastic cells of intermediate differentiation with only occasional zymogen granules, and highly differentiated acinar carcinoma cells containing numerous cytoplasmic zymogen granules. The plasmalemma of acinar carcinoma cells was also compared to the normal pancreatic acinar cell plasmalemma by measurement of specific 125I-labeled concanavalin A binding. Although only about one-third of pancreatic acinar carcinoma cells demonstrate mature zymogen differentiation, the acinar carcinoma had a full complement of normal plasmalemma receptors for 125I-labeled concanavalin A. It is concluded that, unlike normal pancreas, the presence of concanavalin A receptors on the plasmalemma of acinar carcinoma cells is not a specific membrane marker for differentiated cells containing zymogen granules.

Differentiated microdomains on the luminal surface of capillary endothelium: distribution of lectin receptors

Lectins conjugated with either peroxidase or ferritin were used to detect specific monosaccharide residues on the luminal front of he fenestrated endothelium in the capillaries of murine pancreas and intestinal mucosa. The lectins tested recognize, if accessible, the following residues: alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminyl (soybean lectin), beta-D-galactosyl (peanut agglutinin [PA] and Ricinus communis agglutinin-120 [RCA]), beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl and sialyl residues (wheat germ agglutinin [WGA]), alpha-L-fucosyl (lotus tetragonolobus lectin), and alpha-D-glucosyl and beta-D-mannosyl (concanavalin A [ConA]). Thi labeled lectins were introduced by perfusion in situ after thoroughly flushing with phosphate-buffered saline the microvascular beds under investigation. Specimens were fixed by perfusion, and subsequently processed for peroxidase detection and electron microscopy. Control experiments included perfusion with: (a) unlabeled lectin before lectin conjugate; (b) labeled lectin together with the cognate hapten sugar, and (c) horseradish peroxidase or ferritin alone. Binding sites were found to be relatively homogeneously distributed on the plasmalemma proper, except for Lotus tetragonolobus lectin and Con A, which frequently bound in patches. Plasmalemmal vesicles, transendothelial channels, and their associated diaphragms were particularly rich in residues recognized by RCA and PA (beta-D-galactosyl residues) and by WGA (beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl residues). Receptors for all lectins tested appeared to be absent or considerably less concentrated on fenestral diaphragms. The results reported here extend and complement previous findings on the existence of microdomains generated by the preferential distribution of chemically different anionic sites (Simionescu et al., 1981, J. Cell Biol., 9:605-613 and 614-621).

Receptors for a cytotoxic lectin, abrin and their role in cell intoxication

The nature of binding of abrin to Chinese hamster ovary cells was examined in relation to the ensuing intoxication of the treated cells. Approx. 20% of [125I] abrin bound to CHO cells at 37 degree C was found to be resistant to the addition or presence of 0.1 M lactose. The extent of lactose-resistant binding depended inversely upon the temperature of incubation. Among various proteins, lectins and sugars, only non-labeled abrin could strongly inhibit the lactose-resistant binding of [125I] abrin. Lactose-resistant binding could lead to an inhibition of cellular protein synthesis and to a loss of cell viability. Abrin molecules bound at the lactose-sensitive and lactose-resistant binding sites apparently have an equal probability of being internalized by CHO cells. Binding of approx. 3.10(3) abrin molecules per CHO cell was required to elicit 50% loss of cell viability regardless of whether the binding occurs in the presence or absence of lactose. The result of a cross-linking experiment suggested that a membrane protein with an Mr of about 45 000 may be responsible for the lactose-resistant binding of abrin.

Fucosylated protein of retinal cone photoreceptor outer segments: morphological and biochemical analyses

Cone outer segments (OS) of the goldfish retina are diffusely labeled after intravitreal injection of [(3)H]fucose while rod OS remain unlabeled. By electron microscopic radioautography, the OS of red- and blue-sensitive cones are heavily labeled while green- sensitive cone OS are lightly labeled. The time-course and pattern of OS labeling in all cone types from 30 min to 24 h resemble that of incorporation of other sugars into rhodopsin in rod OS. The nature of the cone OS-specific fucosylated component(s) was examined using biochemical techniques. Cone OS were prelabeled by intravitreal injection of [(3)H]fucose 24 h before sacrifice. Photoreceptor OS were isolated using a discontinuous sucrose density gradient and it was verified by electron microscopic radioautography that the only source of radioactivity in the preparations was cone OS. The different cone types could be recognized by the heaviness of labeling, characteristic membrane spacing, and 'staining' of green cone OS in vitro with horseradish peroxidase. After acid hydrolysis of prelabeled photoreceptor membranes, 90 percent of the counts were in the neutral sugar fraction which was analyzed by thin-layer chromatography. Approximately 70 percent of the radioactivity co-chromatographed with authentic fucose. SDS-PAGE/fluorography of prelabeled photoreceptor membranes revealed a single radioactive component that was lightly stained with coomassie blue and showed an apparent molecular weight of 33,000. This cone-derived band was separated from unlabeled rod opsin which was well stained and showed an apparent mol wt of 38,000. Isoelectric focusing under denaturing conditions produced two major and one minor band of radioactivity with isoelectric points of 8.2, 8.6, and 8.8 respectively. No radioactivity was found in association with a stained band corresponding in isoelectric point to that of bovine opsin (pl, 6.2). The fucosylated component was readily digested by pronase, indicating its protein nature. Washing of the isolated OS with isotonic and hypotonic buffers failed to extract major amounts of the radioactivity, suggesting that the fucosylated component is an integral membrane protein. The presence of a fucosylated protein thus represents a major difference between cone and rod OS in the goldfish and has enabled us to identify cone OS in preparations of isolated photoreceptor membranes and to demonstrate the separation of a cone-derived glycoprotein from rod opsin.

Lectin binding to murine oral mucosa and skin

Carbohydrates on epithelial cell surfaces of oral mucosa and skin from various anatomical regions of C3H mice were demonstrated with fluoresceinated lectins. With an individual lectin, all tissues showed a similar pattern of binding: most lectins showed binding to the cell surfaces of all nucleated cell layers although that to basal cells was often weaker and was occasionally absent. The corneocytes did not typically bind lectins except that the follicular keratin of the tail showed a uniform and intense fluorescence with several lectins. Basement membrane bound all lectins. The results indicate that detectable changes occur in the cell-surface carbohydrate composition as cells differentiate but that cell-surface carbohydrates do not differ markedly from one region to the next. Lectin binding may provide a convenient method of detecting functional changes in normal cells and in cells which have undergone experimental or pathological changes.

Lectin receptors on cells isolated from the turtle retina

The presence of specific oligosaccharides on the surface of retinal cells was examined by incubating FITC-labeled lectins with cells dissociated from papain-treated turtle retinas. The pattern and intensity of binding was found to vary among the cells examined. With Con A, there was strong surface staining of both rods and cones, with an intense ring of fluorescence above the nucleus. The bipolar and ganglion cells also showed strong surface labeling. In Müller (glial) cells there was intense fluorescence in the apical, microvillous region. In contrast, the horizontal cells and their axons showed weak staining. When RCA-60, RCA-120, and WGA were incubated with photoreceptors, bipolar cells, or horizontal cells, little fluorescence was visible. However, all three lectins bound strongly to the Müller cells. In contrast, the Lotus lectin did not bind to any of the cells examined. In all the cases, lectin binding was inhibited by the appropriate haptene sugar. Further, prior treatment cells with neuraminidase did not alter lectin binding to any cell type. These results suggest differences in the distribution of lectin receptors among specific cell types, and particularly between neurons and glial cells in the vertebrate retina.

Lectin labeling of sprouting neurons. I. Regional distribution of surface glycoconjugates

Well-defined ferritin-conjugated lectins were used to map glycoconjugates on the surface of sprouting neurons from rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and spinal cord (SC). The cultured neurons were exposed to the markers and processed for electron microscopy, and the number of ferritin particles per unit area of plasmalemma was measured in three different regions: perikaryon, neuritic shaft, and growth cone. Three different binding patterns are observed for different lectin: equal receptor density throughout the plasmalemma of the growing neuron (e.g., Ricinus communis agglutinin I in SCG neurons), gradual decrease (e.g., wheat-germ agglutinin in SCG and SC neurons) and gradual increase (e.g., Ricinus communis agglutinin II in SC neurons) in the density of lectin receptors as one moves from the perikaryon to the growth cone. Furthermore, lectin receptor densities differ in the two types of neurons analyzed. We can conclude that the plasmalemma of the growth cone has biochemical properties different from those of the perikaryon, and that the neuron's structural polarity is expressed in its surface glycoconjugates. This phenomenon may be related to the growth cone's special functional properties and to the process of expansion of the plasma membrane.

Cell surface properties of normal, differentiating, and neoplastic pancreatic acinar cells

Acinar, centroacinar, and endocrine cells of the adult rat pancreas each exhibit distinctive cell-surface glycoconjugate patterns as detected by binding of a battery of lectin-ferritin conjugates. Acquisition of these unique glycoconjugate patterns appears to be developmentally regulated, as studies on embryonic rat pancreases at days 15, 17, and 19 of gestation indicate. Further, the three cell types appear to arise from a common stem cell(s) with surface glycoconjugate properties similar to those of the adult centroacinar cell. STudies on the cell-surface properties of a rat acinar cell tumor indicate that the neoplastic acinar cells are likely to be arrested at a developmental stage equivalent to acinar cells of the day 19 embryonic pancreas and are characterized by absence of detectable basal lamina. We hypothesize that pancreatic cancers may arise from the equivalent of the undifferentiated embryonic stem cell(s) and that the morphologic features of the tumor depend on the extent of cell differentiation, including expression of cell-surface glycoproteins and extracellular matrix, prior to neoplastic proliferation.

Transplantable pancreatic acinar carcinoma

Fragments of the nafenopin-induced pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma of rat have been examined in vitro for patterns of intracellular protein transport and carbamylcholine-induced protein discharge. Continuous incubation of the fragments with [3H]-leucine for 60 minutes resulted in labeling of rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi cisternae, and mature zymogen granules, revealed by electron microscope autoradiography. This result indicates transport of newly synthesized protein from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to mature zymogen granules in approximately 60 minutes. The secretagogue carbamylcholine induced the discharge of radioactive protein by carcinoma fragments pulse-chase labeled with [3H]-leucine. A maximal effective carbamylcholine concentration of 10(-5) M was determined. The acinar carcinoma resembles normal exocrine pancreas in the observed rate of intracellular protein transport and effective secretagogue concentration. However, the acinar carcinoma fragments demonstrated an apparent low rate of carbamylcholine-induced radioactive protein discharge as compared with normal pancreatic lobules or acinar cells. It is suggested that the apparent low rate of radioactive protein discharge reflects functional immaturity of the acinar carcinoma. Possible relationships of functional differentiation to the heterogeneous cytodifferentiation of the pancreatic acinar carcinoma are discussed.

Developmental changes in glycoproteins of the chick nervous system

Temporal changes have been noted previously in retinal glycoproteins that bind to wheat germ agglutinin by a technique in which the denatured glycoproteins are first separated according to size by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and are then localized on the gel using [125I]lectin. As reported here this technique will also detect differences between dorsal and ventral halves of the neural retina from 8-day chick embryos, and using other lectins will detect temporal changes in the glycoprotein pattern of the optic tectum. Some of the glycoproteins detected by wheat germ agglutinin in the neural retina appear to be represented on the surface of the retinal cells since: (a) the temporal changes in retinal glycoproteins can also be observed in a plasma membrane enriched fraction prepared from neural retina cells; and (b) antibodies prepared in mice against various size categories of wheat germ lectin binding glycoproteins bind to intact retinal cells.