Immunocytochemical localization of the vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein in chick duodenum

Acute interactions between intestinal sugar and calcium transport in vitro

Fructose consumption by Americans has increased markedly, whereas Ca(2+) intake has decreased below recommended levels. Because fructose metabolism decreases enterocyte ATP concentrations, we tested the hypothesis that luminal fructose acutely reduces active, diet-inducible Ca(2+) transport in the small intestine. We confirmed that the decrease in ATP concentrations was indeed greater in fructose- compared with glucose-incubated mucosal homogenates from wild-type and was prevented in fructose-incubated homogenates from ketohexokinase (KHK)(-/-) mice. We then induced active Ca(2+) transport by chronically feeding wild-type, fructose transporter glucose transporter 5 (GLUT5)(-/-), as well as KHK(-/-) mice a low Ca(2+) diet and measured transepithelial Ca(2+) transport in everted duodenal sacs incubated in solutions containing glucose, fructose, or their nonmetabolizable analogs. The diet-induced increase in active Ca(2+) transport was proportional to dramatic increases in expression of the Ca(2+)-selective channel transient receptor potential vanilloid family calcium channel 6 as well as of the Ca(2+)-binding protein 9k (CaBP9k) but not that of the voltage-dependent L-type channel Ca(v)1.3. Crypt-villus distribution of CaBP9k seems heterogeneous, but low Ca(2+) diets induce expression in more cells. In contrast, KHK distribution is homogeneous, suggesting that fructose metabolism can occur in all enterocytes. Diet-induced Ca(2+) transport was not enhanced by addition of the enterocyte fuel glutamine and was always greater in sacs of wild-type, GLUT5(-/-), and KHK(-/-) mice incubated with fructose or nonmetabolizable sugars than those incubated with glucose. Thus duodenal Ca(2+) transport is not affected by fructose and enterocyte ATP concentrations but instead may decrease with glucose metabolism, as Ca(2+) transport remains high with 3-O-methylglucose that is also transported by sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 but cannot be metabolized.

Mechanisms and regulation of epithelial Ca2+ absorption in health and disease

Ca2+ is essential for numerous physiological functions in our bodies. Therefore, its homeostasis is finely maintained through the coordination of intestinal absorption, renal reabsorption, and bone resorption. The Ca2+-selective epithelial channels TRPV5 and TRPV6 have been identified, and their physiological roles have been revealed: TRPV5 is important in final renal Ca2+ reabsorption, and TRPV6 has a key role in intestinal Ca2+ absorption. The TRPV5 knockout mice exhibit renal leak hypercalciuria and accordingly upregulate their intestinal TRPV6 expression to compensate for their negative Ca2+ balance. In contrast, despite their severe negative Ca2+ balance, TRPV6-null mice do not display any compensatory mechanism, thus resulting in secondary hyperparathyroidism. These results indicate that the genes for TRPV5 and TRPV6 are differentially regulated in human diseases associated with disturbed Ca2+ balance such as hypercalciuria, osteoporosis, and vitamin D-resistant rickets.

Cytoplasmic, but not nuclear, expression of the neuronal nuclei (NeuN) antibody is an exclusive feature of Dogiel type II neurons in the guinea-pig gastrointestinal tract

This study aimed to reveal if NeuN, a neuronal nuclei (NeuN) antibody, is a selective marker of intrinsic primary afferent neurons (IPANs) in the guinea-pig gastrointestinal tract as previously hypothesised. The NeuN immunoreactivity was found in the enteric nervous system with exception of the esophagus. Two groups of NeuN-expressing neurons were observed: neurons with immunostained nuclei and cytoplasm (NeuN(NC)) and neurons only expressing immunoreactivity in their nuclei (NeuN(N)). The NeuN(N)-immunoreactive neurons were found in the myenteric plexus of the stomach and the colon. In the stomach, none of the NeuN(N)-expressing neurons, of which 55+/-3% co-expressed calbindin, had a Dogiel type I or II morphology. The NeuN(N)-positive neurons of the colon, which did not express calbindin, did not resemble a Dogiel type II morphology either, but were small-sized neurons. The NeuN(NC)-immunoreactive neurons were observed in both the small and large intestine. These neurons were smooth-contoured and bigger-sized, resembling a Dogiel type II morphology. Some of these neurons co-expressed calbindin. The present data reveal the existence of two populations of Dogiel type II neurons, exhibiting NeuN(NC)+/calbindin+ or NeuN(NC)+/calbindin- immunoreactivity, in the intestine. Assuming that all IPANs exhibit a Dogiel type II morphology, we conclude that the cytoplasmic expression of NeuN is an exclusive feature of IPANs.

Calbindin distribution in male, female and lactating rat pituitary

Calcium binding proteins such as calbindin and calretinin have been studied in the pituitary gland, but information on them is still incomplete. To investigate the localization, distribution and role of calbindin in the pituitary, several antibodies to calbindin and to other pituitary markers, such as calretinin and tyrosine-hydroxylase, have been used in male, female and lactating rats. Calbindin has not been localised to a specific endocrine cell population unlike calretinin in the thyrotrophs. There was occasional localization in somatotrophs, thyrotrophs and luteotrophs, but not in corticotrophs or lactotrophs. However, there are sex differences in the expression of this protein as the number of calbindin-immunoreactive cells is higher in the male than in the female pituitary. Furthermore, the number of calbindin containing cells, not lactotrophs, increases in lactating rats and decreases after removal of the pups. It is concluded that calbindin expression may be altered by physiological and endocrine events such lactation, even though it is still unclear why the protein is not related to a specific cell type. The simultaneous use of monoclonal and polyclonal antisera to calbindin revealed that the rabbit antibody recognizes nuclear and cytoplasmic calbindin, while the monoclonal one binds only to the cytoplasmic calbindin. The suggestion is that calbindin may have a secondary role that is not simply to bind calcium.

Six putative IQ motifs of the recombinant chicken intestinal brush border myosin I are involved in calmodulin binding

Chicken brush border myosin I has up to six IQ sequence motifs at which it may bind calmodulin. To determine the relative contributions of these motifs to calmodulin binding, fusion deletion fragments were expressed in Escherichia coli and their ability to bind calmodulin was assessed by the gel overlay technique. The first three N-terminal IQ sites showed strong binding with calmodulin. Surprisingly, the last three incomplete IQ motifs also contributed substantial calmodulin binding. The first and fourth IQ sites bound calmodulin but tended to reduce binding in combination with other sites. The data indicate that interactions among all six IQ motifs contribute to the ability of myosin I to bind calmodulin.

Immunocytochemical and In situ hybridization studies of the distribution of calbindin D9k in the bovine placenta throughout pregnancy

The fetus must transport considerable and increasing amounts of calcium across the placental trophoblast epithelium to support growth and development and bone formation. Active calcium transport across epithelia has been shown to correlate with calbindin D9k or 28k content. This study examined the distribution of calbindin D9k (9CBP) protein and mRNA during pregnancy in the bovine placenta to determine its possible role in calcium transport in this system. The immunocytochemical results show 9CBP in an increasing percentage of interplacentomal uninucleate trophoblast cells until, at term, all show a level at least eight times that of any other placental cell. There is a similar, although smaller, rise in their 9CBP mRNA content. The mature interplacentomal binucleate cell ( approximately 5% of the total) contains no 9CBP at any stage of pregnancy. In interplacentomal uterine epithelium, 9CBP protein and mRNA decrease to zero in late pregnancy but the glands maintain constant low levels throughout. In the placentome trophoblast, uninucleate cells show insignificant amounts but binucleate cells (15-20% of the total trophoblast cells) contain considerable levels of both 9CBP protein and mRNA, as do all the uninucleate uterine epithelial cells. The placentomal binucleate cells show peak values at mid-pregnancy; the placentomal uterine epithelium shows only small changes in levels in the second half of pregnancy. Increase in fetal calcium demand in the second half of pregnancy therefore correlates with a major increase in 9CBP only in the interplacentomal trophoblast, as we have also shown in the sheep and goat, indicating an important role for this region in active calcium transport by the ruminant placenta. The 9CBP is distributed uniformly in the cytosol and nucleoplasm, supporting a role in facilitated diffusion of calcium through the cell rather than a vesicular shuttle system.

Protein gene product 9.5-like and calbindin-like immunoreactivity in the nasal respiratory mucosa of perinatal humans

BACKGROUND

Protein gene product 9.5 (PGP) and calbindin-D28k (calbindin) are neuroendocrine markers that have been localized to neuroendocrine cells in the developing tracheobronchial epithelium. Neuroendocrine cells may play some role in the development of the tracheobronchial epithelium. Little is known about the development of the nasal respiratory epithelium (RE).

METHODS

Nasal respiratory mucosa from fetal and newborn humans was examined to determine immunoreactivity for PGP and calbindin.

RESULTS

At all stages studied, cells of different morphologies displayed PGP-like immunoreactivity (-LI) and calbindin-LI. Columnar immunoreactive cells for both markers predominated, but labeled cells of different shapes were also observed. Most labeled columnar cells were in the RE at its border with olfactory epithelium (OE); a few similarly labeled columnar cells also appeared in this OE. In the lamina propria, PGP-LI was also seen in numerous thin branching fibers. Some of these branches penetrated into the epithelium, where fiber varicosities appeared to contact cells, some of which also exhibited PGP-LI.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that during development the human nasal RE contains different cell types, as illustrated by the assortment of epithelial cells displaying PGP-LI and calbindin-LI among unlabeled cells. Because PGP and calbindin immunoreactivities were found within neuroendocrine cells in previous studies, the present results indicate that the developing human nasal RE also may support a number of neuroendocrine cells. Furthermore, at least some of these cells may form synaptic contacts with nerve fibers from outside the epithelium.

Developmental expression of calcitriol receptors, 9-kilodalton calcium-binding protein, and calcidiol 24-hydroxylase in human intestine

Human intestinal mucosa consists of highly active epithelial cells in continual renewal and differentiation processes located at different portions of the villi. The crypt contains abundant replicating cells which, upon reaching the villus tip, acquire their fully differentiated state. Besides its well recognized role in bone cell homeostasis, calcitriol has been attributed a role in cellular differentiation and proliferation in normal leukocytes and myeloid leukemia cells. We have previously documented the presence and the distribution of specific calcitriol receptors in the cells of the small and large intestine from 13-20-wk-old human fetuses and that calcitriol was able to promote human intestinal epithelium proliferation or differentiation, in organ culture, depending upon fetal age. We now show that, whereas transcripts for calcitriol receptors are abundant from duodenum to colon, those for the 9-kD calcium-binding protein are present mainly in the duodenum and the jejunum and to a lesser extent in the ileum and the colon. Transcripts for 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-24-hydroxylase could not be detected in any of the intestine segments despite a prolonged exposition of the gels. Immunofluorescence staining for the 9-kD calcium-binding protein was exclusively observed in the epithelial cells of the small intestine and colon, the subepithelial layers being always negative. The 9-kD calcium-binding protein distribution along the crypt-villus axis appeared as a gradient, increasing from the developing crypt to the tip of the villus in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Based on the present observations and on the fact that calcitriol promotes human fetal proliferation and differentiation, the presence of transcripts for calcitriol receptors and 9-kD calcium-binding protein in the intestinal cell opens interesting possibilities as of their role in the in utero human gut development and the control of colorectal cancers.

Calbindin28kDa and calbindin30kDa (calretinin) are substantially localised in the particulate fraction of rat brain

Calbindin28kDa is implicated in cytosolic calcium transport and calciprotection functions, principally as a mobile calcium buffer. Using immunoblotting, we have found that 36% of total calbindin28kDa is in the particulate fraction of rat brain. Particulate calbindin28kDa was located both within and outside organelles and required detergent for solubilisation. Equivalent observations were made for calbindin30kDa, 27% of which was insoluble. These findings indicate that a substantial proportion of calbindin does not function as a mobile calcium buffer, and perhaps instead has a calcium signalling role through target ligands in the insoluble cellular fraction.

Calbindin28kDa and calmodulin are hyperabundant in rat dental enamel cells. Identification of the protein phosphatase calcineurin as a principal calmodulin target and of a secretion-related role for calbindin28kDa

Enamel cells are likely to experience heavy demands for intracellular calcium homeostasis during the secretion and hypermineralization of dental enamel. Here, the two major high-affinity calcium-binding proteins in rat enamel epithelium were identified as calbindin28kDa and calmodulin, using a microscale approach. Both proteins were hyperabundant, totalling up to 2% of the soluble protein and surpassing the amounts in cerebellum, the benchmark tissue. Calbindin28kDa and calmodulin accounted for 26% of the total calcium-binding capacity in enamel cell cytosol, under near physiological conditions. Numerous calmodulin-binding proteins were detected with an overlay assay, indicating that calmodulin has multiple major targets in enamel cells. The calcium/calmodulin-regulated protein phosphatase, calcineurin, was identified as a principal calmodulin target constituting 0.1% of the soluble protein. Calmodulin and calcineurin were expressed constitutively, implying continued heavy usage of calcium/calmodulin-based and phosphorylation-based signalling events throughout enamel cell development. Calbindin28kDa, in contrast, was expressed at fourfold higher levels in secretion-phase cells than during the calcium-intensive hypermineralization phase, unexpectedly pointing to an important role associated with secretion. Supporting this notion, immunoblots revealed that 33% of total (SDS-soluble) calbindin28kDa was in the particulate fraction and predominantly associated with the Triton-insoluble cytoskeleton. Solubilisation of cytoskeletal calbindin28kDa required high concentrations of NaCl or urea, indicating the existence of a high-affinity target ligand. The unusual abundance of calmodulin, calbindin28kDa and calcineurin demonstrated here provides the first molecular evidence that enamal cells possess a strong capability for intracellular calcium homeostasis. Since none of these proteins was up-regulated during enamel hypermineralization, it appears that other calcium-binding proteins are primarily involved in the putative transcellular passage of calcium.

Distribution of OMP-, PGP 9.5- and CaBP-like immunoreactive chemoreceptor neurons in the developing human olfactory epithelium

We have examined the distribution of olfactory marker protein (OMP), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and calcium-binding protein D-28k (CaBP) in the olfactory epithelium of mid- to late fetal and newborn humans using immunocytochemistry. Olfactory chemoreceptor neurons (ORNs) in a 24-week-old female fetus, a 31-week-old male fetus and a newborn male were examined. OMP-like immunoreactivity (-LI) and PGP 9.5-LI were distributed throughout ORNs at all ages. CaBP-like immunoreactivity, however, was found only in clustered or isolated fetal ORNs; in the newborn, CaBP-LI was seen only in isolated ORNs sparsely distributed throughout the OE. These findings demonstrate that human ORNs express OMP-LI nearly 4 weeks earlier in development than previously reported. PGP 9.5-LI is coincidentally abundant within these cells, suggesting it may have an important role in mature ORNs. Because the number of ORNs expressing CaBP-LI decreases during perinatal development, CaBP may be important in intracellular calcium regulation during ORN growth and maturation in the developing OE.

Calbindin-like immunoreactivity in epithelial cells of the newborn and adult human vomeronasal organ

The vomeronasal organs (VNOs) of two humans, a male neonate and a female adult, were examined for immunolocalization of calbindin-D28k (calbindin) which has been immunolocalized to VNO receptor cells in other mammals. The present study demonstrates that epithelial cells within the VNOs of both subjects expressed calbindin-like immunoreactivity. These results suggest that human VNO epithelial cells of both genders express calbindin during development and in the adult.

Immunogold localization of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-specific cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase in dog heart

Adenosine has a major regulatory function in the heart and many tissues. Our previous work showed that a cytosolic (not a membrane, as previously hypothesized) 5'-nucleotidase from dog heart has the kinetic properties consistent with it being the enzyme responsible for adenosine formation from adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) in response to hypoxia or ischemia. In the present study, we evaluated the spatial distribution of AMP-specific cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase in dog heart using electron microscopic immunogold localization. Polyclonal antibodies raised against purified cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase recognized the 43-kd subunit of the enzyme on Western blots of both purified enzyme and the soluble fraction of dog heart homogenates but did not react with proteins extracted from the membrane fraction. Purified cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase and 5'-nucleotidase activity present in the soluble fraction of heart homogenates were inhibited by anti-cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase, but the membrane fraction was not. The monospecific antibodies against the cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase were used for electron microscopic immunogold localization of cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase in dog heart tissue sections. Cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase was found in the cytoplasm of red blood cells, cardiac myocytes, and endothelium; the plasma membrane and interstitium were devoid of gold label. These results are the first to document the presence cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase in specific cell types in the heart and demonstrate the potential for these cell types to produce adenosine via cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase.

Role of facilitated diffusion of calcium by calbindin in intestinal calcium absorption

Computer simulations of transcellular Ca2+ transport in enterocytes were carried out using the simulation program SPICE. The program incorporated a negative-feedback entry of Ca2+ at the brush-border membrane that was characterized by an inhibitor constant of 0.5 microM cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]). The basolateral Ca(2+)-ATPase was simulated by a four-step mechanism that resulted in Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a Michaelis constant of 0.24 microM [Ca2+]. The cytosolic diffusion of Ca2+ was simulated by dividing the cytosol into 10 slabs of equal width. Ca2+ binding to calbindin-D9K was simulated in each slab, and diffusion of free Ca2+, free calbindin, and Ca(2+)-laden calbindin was simulated between each slab. The cytosolic [Ca2+] of the simulated cells was regulated within the physiological range. Calbindin-D9K reduced the cytosolic [Ca2+] gradient, increased Ca2+ entry into the cell by removing the negative-feedback inhibition of Ca2+ entry, increased cytosolic Ca2+ flow, and increased the efflux of Ca2+ across the basolateral membrane by increasing the free [Ca2+] immediately adjacent to the pump. The enhancement of transcellular Ca2+ transport was nearly linearly dependent on calbindin-D9K concentration. The values of the dissociation constant (Kd) for calbindin-D9K were previously obtained experimentally in the presence and absence of KCl. Calbindin with the Kd obtained in the presence of KCl enhanced the simulated Ca2+ transport more than with the Kd obtained in the absence of KCl. This result suggests that the physiological Kd of calbindin is optimal for the enhancement of transcellular Ca2+ transport. The simulated Ca2+ flow was less than that predicted from the "near-equilibrium" analytic solution of the reaction-diffusion problem.

Quantitative immunogold ultracryomicrotome studies of the distribution of periimplantation proteins in the sheep

Several mammalian uterine and conceptus proteins are produced at specific stages of implantation. Ovine trophoblast protein-1 (OTP-1) is only synthesised in vitro by conceptus tissue from between 13 and 21 days of pregnancy (dpc). This immunogold ultracryosection study shows that, during this period, OTP-1 immunoreactivity is only found in the Golgi body of the trophectodermal cells. A second protein, of 14 kD molecular weight (14 K protein), has a more varied distribution being found in membrane-bounded crystals in uterine epithelium and trophectodermal cells, and distributed throughout the cytosol and nucleoplasm of the uterine epithelium. There are only trace amounts of the 14 K protein in the fetomaternal syncytium which replaces the uterine epithelium during implantation, and no crystals are found in the trophectoderm after cotyledonary villus formation is initiated at 24-25 dpc. The crystals containing 14 K protein persist throughout pregnancy in the intercotyledonary areas. The narrow time window of OTP-1 occurrence reinforces the suggestion that this represents an important developmental signal, whereas the distribution of the 14 K protein indicates a more general nutritive function.

Differential expression of calbindin-D 28 kDa in rat incisor ameloblasts throughout enamel development

Calbindin-D 28 kDa (CaBP 28 kDa), a vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein, has been associated with calcium handling by cells. We have investigated the expression of this protein in the rat incisor enamel organ, an epithelium interposed between a mineralizing matrix and connective tissue rich in blood vessels, by radioimmunoassay (RIA), Western blotting, and quantitative protein A-gold immunocytochemistry with antibodies to rat kidney CaBP 28 kDa. RIA of cytosolic extracts showed that enamel organs contained relatively high concentrations of CaBP 28 kDa (compared to kidney; see review by Christakos S., C. Gabrielides, and W.B. Rhoten 1989 Endocr. Rev., 10:3-25). Immunoblotting of proteins extracted from enamel organ strips revealed an intensely-stained band near 28 kDa throughout amelogenesis following ameloblast differentiation. Immunocytochemically, CaBP 28 kDa was localized exclusively within ameloblasts. The density of labelling increased from the presecretory stage to the secretory stage and fluctuated across the maturation stage in relation to ameloblast modulation. Ruffle-ended ameloblasts consistently showed the most intense immunoreaction. Gold particles were present throughout the cytoplasm and nuclei of ameloblasts but regions rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum or cell webs showed a higher immunolabelling. Some gold particles were also associated with the external face of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Multivesicular bodies in maturation stage ameloblasts were occasionally immunoreactive. These data suggest that the intracellular concentration of CaBP 28 kDa is regulated throughout amelogenesis reflecting a stage-specific control of calcium homeostasis in ameloblasts.

Developmental control over vitamin-D-induced calbindin gene expression during early differentiation of chicken jejunal enterocytes

In situ hybridization and immunocytochemical techniques have been used to examine the distribution of vitamin-D-induced calbindin mRNA and calbindin protein in enterocytes lining the crypts and villi of chicken small intestine. Basal villus enterocytes contained approximately twice as much calbindin but over three times as much calbindin mRNA compared to values found in basal crypt and upper villus enterocytes, all values being measured 2 days after vitamin D injection into D-deficient chickens. Virtually no calbindin mRNA was detected in tissues taken from control D-deficient birds. Direct proportionality found between calbindin mRNA and calbindin content in enterocytes of basal crypt, mid and upper villus suggests pre-translational control over calbindin synthesis. The implications of possible inefficient translation of calbindin mRNA in basal villus enterocytes are discussed. Present methods of analysis provide a novel way to study mechanisms controlling gene expression throughout the whole process of enterocyte differentiation.

Immunoreactive calbindin-D9K in bone matrix vesicle

This electron microscope study describes the subcellular occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive calbindin-D9K in the trabecular metaphyseal and compact cortical bone of normal rats, rachitic vitamin-D-deficient rats, and rachitic rats given 1,25-(OH)2D3. Undecalcified bones were embedded in Lowicryl K4M and calbindin-D9K antigenicity was detected by the protein A-gold method. Immunoreactive calbindin-D9K was localized in the cytoplasm and cell processes of osteoblasts and osteocytes. Immunoreactive calbindin-D9K was also found within matrix vesicles and calcifying matrix vesicles, where it lay over the needle-shaped crystallites, at the apparent site of initial crystal formation, but not along the whole crystallites. In fully mineralized bone it occurred at the same site, over the crystallites. Calibindin-D9K was vitamin-D-dependent in the osteoblasts and matrix vesicles, where its presence was correlated with the reappearance of crystallites in 1,25-(OH)2D3-treated vitamin-D-deficient rats. This suggests that immunoreactive calbindin-D9K is involved in mineral deposition in bone matrix vesicles. Abnormal intracellular calcification associated with calbindin-D9K antigenicity in the osteoblasts of 1,25-(OH)2D3-treated vitamin-D-deficient rats indicates that immunoreactive calbindin-D9K may also play a part in abnormal intracellular mineral deposition.

Subcellular co-localization and co-variations of two vitamin D-dependent proteins in rat ameloblasts

The immunocytochemical patterns of calbindin-D9k (CaBP 9k) and calbindin-D28k (CaBP 28k) were compared by light and electron microscopy throughout amelogenesis. Labelling on serial sections and co-localization of CaBPs confirmed that the two proteins were restricted to a single cell type, the ameloblasts. Their quantity increased during presecretion, was stable during secretion and alternately high and low during the cyclic modulation of ameloblasts which occurs during maturation. Ruffle-ended ameloblasts contained the highest apparent concentration. Investigations with several fixatives indicated that the CaBPs were present in the cytosol and the nucleus, although there were slight differences with various fixatives by light microscopy. Their concentrations in these compartments varied in parallel throughout amelogenesis. However, mitochondria contained only immunoreactive CaBP 9k. While the distribution of CaBP 9k in zones containing Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum was similar, CaBP 28k concentration has, in another paper, been shown to be higher near the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Localization of the heme-binding protein in the cytoplasm and of a heme-binding protein-like immunoreactive protein in the nucleus of rat liver parenchymal cells: immunocytochemical evidence of the subcellular distribution corroborated by radioimmunoassay and immunoblotting

The abundant heme-binding protein of the liver, probably identical with Z-protein or liver fatty acid-binding protein, has an apparent molecular weight of 14,000 Da and is presumably involved in the intracellular transport of a variety of compounds. The cellular and subcellular distribution of HBP in the liver was studied in adult male and female rats by postembedding immunocytochemistry using the protein A-gold technique. By light microscopic examination heme-binding protein is present exclusively in parenchymal cells and not found in the sinusoidal lining cells or other cells in portal tracts. Immunoreactivity for heme-binding protein is uniformly strong throughout the liver lobule in female rats but is markedly reduced in the pericentral region in male animals. By immunoelectron microscopy heme-binding protein immunoreactivity is localized in cytoplasm and nuclear matrix. The mitochondria and peroxisomes and the secretory apparatus are free of the label. In nuclei, gold labeling is confined to the interchromatin region (euchromatin) and nucleoli; condensed chromatin (heterochromatin) and nucleolus-associated chromatin are negative. The subcellular localization was substantiated by radioimmunoassay and immunoblotting of nuclear and cytosolic fractions. Immunoblotting shows that the heme-binding protein-like immunoreactive protein in the nucleus has a slightly larger molecular weight than that in the cytoplasm.

Immunomicroscopic localization of the 10,000 molecular weight calcium-binding protein in the human enterocyte

The cellular localization of the 10,000 molecular weight calcium-binding protein (CaBP or Calbindin-D) in the small intestinal epithelium of man was investigated by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy (immunogold staining). Indirect immunofluorescence on frozen sections showed intracellular staining in the enterocyte. The fluorescence was evenly distributed and no significant differences were observed between crypt and villus cells. No staining was found in goblet cells or in the submucosa. Correspondingly, immunogold labeled antibodies were scattered over the cytoplasm of the enterocyte. The terminal region appeared to be the most intensely decorated and the brush border region showed labeling above the background level. No labeling was associated with intracellular membranes or the basolateral membrane.

Calbindin 28 kDa in endocrine cells of known or putative calcium-regulating function. Thyro-parathyroid C cells, gastric ECL cells, intestinal secretin and enteroglucagon cells, pancreatic glucagon, insulin and PP cells, adrenal medullary NA cells and some pituitary (TSH?) cells

The distribution of calbindin in some endocrine glands (thyroid, parathyroid, ultimobranchial body, pituitary and adrenals) and in the diffuse endocrine cells of the gut and pancreas has been investigated immunohistochemically using an antiserum raised against the 28 kDa calbindin from chicken duodenum. The identity of calbindin-immunoreactive cells in a number of avian and mammalian species was ascertained by comparison with hormone-reactive cells in consecutive sections or by double immunostaining of the same section with both calbindin and hormone antibodies. Calcitonin-producing C cells of the mammalian and avian thyroid, parathyroid or ultimobranchial body, PP, glucagon and insulin cells of the mammalian and avian pancreas, enteroglucagon cells of the avian intestine, secretin cells of the mammalian duodenum, histamine-producing ECL cells of the mammalian stomach, as well as noradrenaline-producing cells of the adrenal medulla and some (TSH?) cells of the adenohypophysis were among the calbindin-immunoreactive cells. Although some species variability has been observed in the intensity and distribution of the immunoreactivity, especially in the pancreas and the gut, a role for calbindin in the mechanisms of calcium-mediated endocrine cell stimulation or of intracellular and extracellular calcium homeostasis is suggested.

Ultrastructure and synaptic relationships of calbindin-reactive, Dogiel type II neurons, in myenteric ganglia of guinea-pig small intestine

Immunoreactivity for calbindin D 28K was localized ultrastructurally in nerve cell bodies and nerve fibres in myenteric ganglia of the guinea-pig small intestine. Reactive cell bodies had a characteristic ultrastructure: the cytoplasm contained many elongate, electron-dense mitochondria, numerous secondary lysosomes that were peripherally located, peripheral stacks of rough endoplasmic reticulum and dispersed Golgi apparatus. The cells were generally larger than other myenteric neurons and had mainly smooth outlines. The cytoplasmic features of these neurons were shared by a small group of immunonegative cells, but the majority of negative cells had clearly different ultrastructural appearances. Of 310 cells from 16 ganglia that were systematically examined, 38% were immunoreactive for calbindin, 10% were unreactive but similar in ultrastructure to the calbindin-reactive neurons and 51% were unreactive and dissimilar in the appearance of their cytoplasmic organelles. Immunoreactive varicosities with synaptic specializations were found on most unreactive neurons, but were markedly less frequent on the calbindin-immunoreactive cell bodies. Non-reactive presynaptic fibres were also more common on non-reactive neurons than on the calbindin-positive cell bodies. Numerous reactive varicosities, some showing synaptic specializations, were found adjacent to other fibres in the neuropil. Light microscopic studies show calbindin immunoreactive neurons to have Dogiel type-II morphology. Thus the present work links distinguishing ultrastructural features to a specific nerve cell type recognized by light microscopy in the enteric ganglia for the first time.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of calbindin-D 28K (CABP28K) in the spinal cord motoneurons of teleost fish

The distribution and localization of the calcium-binding protein, calbindin-D 28K (CaBP28K), in the spinal cord motoneurons of larvae of the teleost fish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus (Gymnotidae) and Pollimyrus isidori (Mormyridae), and in the adult goldfish, Carassius auratus (Cyprinidae), were determined by means of immunohistochemistry. Sections of whole larvae and goldfish spinal cord were reacted with a polyclonal antibody to rat renal CaBP28K. CaBP28K was located by the PAP technique (Sternberger). It was found in the soma, dendrites, axons and axon terminals of spinal motoneurons but not in those of electromotoneurons of Apteronotus leptorhynchus, whereas it occurred in both motoneurons and electromotoneurons of the larval electric organ of Pollimyrus isidori. In these species CaBP28K was also present in the electromotoneuron axon terminals that make synaptic contacts with the pedicles of the electrocytes. In adult Carassius auratus, CaBP28K was found in the soma, dendrites and axons of certain spinal motoneurons. The results indicate that, in teleosts, the motoneurons containing CaBP28K may represent a well-defined population within the spinal cord; the role of this protein in these cells remains to be determined.

Ultrastructural localization of the 9-kilodalton vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein in the murine intraplacental yolk sac

The calcium-binding protein (CaBP) calbindin has been implicated in the molecular mechanism of placental calcium transfer. Previous light microscopic studies have identified CaBP in visceral (but not parietal) endodermal cells of the yolk sac with the most intense immunocytochemical signal observed in the intraplacental yolk sac. In the present studies, electron microscopy was used to study the localization of CaBP in placenta. Placentas of 17-day pregnant mice were fixed by perfusion in 0.5% glutaraldehyde, embedded in low-temperature Lowicryl K4M, and examined in thin section for specific labeling with a polyclonal antiserum. Antibody to CaBP was localized by using protein A-gold particles which were quantified for subcellular compartmentation by using a Videoplan computer system. A high signal for CaBP was found in the visceral endodermal cells of the intraplacental yolk sac. In these cells, gold particles indicating the location of CaBP were observed over 1) the cytoplasmic matrix where the average number of gold particles per micron 2 was 33; 2) the microvilli (17/micron 2); 3) the mitochondria (17/micron 2); and 4) the nucleus (43/micron 2). Sections from antigen-absorbed controls, by contrast, showed few gold particles: cytosol, 2/micron 2; microvilli, 5/micron 2; mitochondria, 5/micron 2; and nucleus, 4/micron 2. Electron-lucent profiles of the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum contained no particles in the controls and a low particle count (4/micron 2) in the stained sections. Parietal endodermal cells of the intraplacental yolk sac showed a relatively low signal for CaBP compared with the visceral endodermal cells (5 particles/micron 2 vs. 39).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Localization of 28 kDa calbindin in human odontoblasts

The presence of 28 kDa calbindin in human odontoblasts was studied by use of specific antibodies raised against chick duodenal 28 kDa calbindin, in immunofluorescence, immuno-peroxidase, and electron-microscopic labelling experiments. The calbindin-like protein was detected mainly in the cytoplasm of odontoblast cell bodies, in their processes and occasionally in their nuclei. Correspondingly, at the ultrastructural level, immunoreactive material was associated with the cytosol, microfilaments and cilia. These findings suggest that human odontoblasts express a 28 kDa vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein, unlike those of rats and mice in which ameloblasts are the only cells immunoreactive for the protein.

Co-localization of erythrocyte Ca++-Mg++ ATPase and vitamin D-dependent 28-kDa-calcium binding protein

We have previously shown that the human kidney distal convoluted tubule (DCT) contains epitopes of the human erythrocyte Ca++-Mg++ ATPase pump (J Clin Invest 80: 1225-1231, 1987). To determine whether vitamin D-dependent 28-kilodalton-calcium binding protein (28kDa-CaBP)and Ca++-Mg++ ATPase are present in the same cells of the human kidney, kidney tissue was examined for immunoreactivity with antibodies directed against these proteins. Double-label immunohistochemistry showed that a majority of the distal convoluted tubules contain epitopes to both of these proteins. portions of the distal nephron which were positive for 28kDa-CaBP did not show anti-Ca++-Mg++ ATPase antibody binding. All other portions of the nephron were negative for both proteins. Western blot analysis of kidney homogenates by 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), showed binding of an anti-Ca++-Mg ATPase monoclonal antibody to a major band of Mr = 140,000. Western blots of kidney homogenates by 10% SDS-PAGE also showed binding of an anti-28kDa-CaBP polyclonal antibody to a protein band at Mr = 28,000. Incubation of parallel blots from the same 10% gel with 45CaCl2 demonstrated that the Mr = 28,000 band binds calcium. This work demonstrates, for the first time, that epitopes of vitamin D-inducible 28kDa-CaBp and human erythrocyte Ca++-Mg++ ATPase pump are present in the same cells of the human kidney. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that 28kDa-CaBP binds calcium in a manner analogous to calmodulin, a known regulator of the erythrocyte Ca++-Mg ATPase pump (J Biol Chem, 1987).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Epithelial and neuronal calbindin in avian intestine. An immunohistochemical study

It is well known that calbindin immunoreactivity is highly concentrated in the duodenal absorptive cells of young birds. We have shown that in the adult intestine of three avian species, calbindin content is much more variable. In addition to absorptive cells, we have detected throughout the gut of both sexes of the domestic fowl and in the large intestine of the Japanese quail a second type of calbindin-positive epithelial cell which has the shape of a typical endocrine cell. These cells were particularly abundant in the large intestine, in contrast to the usual distribution of endocrine cells along the gut. Calbindin was also detected in the nervous system of the intestine. Calbindin-positive nerve fibres were rare in the duodenum and ileum, numerous in plexuses and nerve processes in both muscular layers and lamina propria of the large intestine in domestic fowl and Japanese quail. In the mallard, nerve fibres were rarely calbindin positive while definitively positive for VIP. Calbindin of the peripheral nervous system of the domestic fowl and Japanese quail comigrates with the duodenal calbindin (27,000 dalton) in SDS gel electrophoresis.

Ontogenesis of 28 kDa vitamin D-induced calcium-binding protein in human kidney

The kidney distribution of 28 kDa vitamin D-induced calcium binding protein (CaBP) was studied in 15 fetuses (11 to 33 weeks old), six children and adults (12 days to 32 years old) by immunocytochemistry using a specific antibody to rat renal 28 kDa CaBP. Similar results were obtained on frozen and fixed tissues. Kidneys from one adult and three fetuses were studied by immunoelectronmicroscopy for antigen localization at the subcellular level using the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. The 28 kDa CaBP was present in all kidneys from the eleventh week of gestation. At that stage, all deep parts of collecting ducts were homogeneously stained and a few distal tubules located in the deep cortex were intensely labeled. No labeling was observed in the early stage of nephron differentiation (S-body). 28 kDa CaBP distribution changed with kidney maturation. There was a progressive reduction of the deep part of collecting duct labeling and a concomitant increase in the number and intensity of stained distal tubular cells. At the ultrastructural level, 28 kDa CaBP was observed in the cytosol and the nuclear euchromatin. Our study demonstrates the early cellular synthesis of 28 kDa CaBP and its transient expression by deep collecting duct cells during early fetal life, at a time when only a few distal convoluted tubular cells synthetize it.

Selective localization of calcium-binding protein in human brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord

The 28,000-Da vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein, CaBP, which is induced by one hormonally active form of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, was localized by immunocytochemistry in the human brainstem, cerebellum and cervical segment of the spinal cord. Positive structures (neurons and their processes) were restricted to some well-defined motor and sensory pathways. In motor regions, the highest density of immunoreactive sites was found in the Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellar cortex, and CaBP-positive neurons were also found in the reticular formation and the inferior olivary nucleus. In sensory pathways, positive neurons were mainly localized in structures associated with protopathic thermalgesia (pain and temperature), as well as in the solitary nucleus and parabrachial nucleus of the taste pathway.

Ultrastructural localization of brain 'vitamin D-dependent' calcium binding proteins

Rat brain vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein (D-CaBP) was assessed for vitamin D dependency, calcium binding and ultrastructural localization within neurons. No evidence of vitamin D dependency could be derived from the experiments on vitamin D-deficient rats. A 95% pure extract of the 27-kDa brain D-CaBP was shown to bind 45Ca on nitrocellulose membrane after sodium dodecyl sulphate-electrophoresis, specifically on the 27-kDa CaBP band. Immunogold staining with electron microscopy allowed detection of D-CaBP into Purkinje cells and climbing fibers of the cerebellum. The immunoreactivity was found to be hyaloplasmic and never membrane-bound. It was present in neuronal soma, neurites and postsynaptic as well as presynaptic terminals. These findings rule out D-CaBP as a possible neurotransmitter and bring further support to the hypothesis that the protein functions as a cytosolic calcium buffer. Immunohistochemical detection of D-CaBP is proposed as a means for morphologic detection of neurons with high calcium metabolism.

Intracellular localization of rotaviral proteins

The differential distribution of two SA 11 rotaviral capsid antigens in thin sections of infected cells was examined using antibody-coated colloidal gold electron-dense particles as specific post-embedding immunocyto-chemical labels. The treatment of thin sections of conventionally fixed and embedded tissue specimens with sodium metaperiodate allowed specific localization of the antigens in tunicamycin-treated, infected CV-1 cells. Both protein antigens were investigated with specific anti-rotavirus hyper-immune sera and with specific monoclonal antibodies. These studies showed that the major outer capsid glycoprotein, gp34, of SA11 rotavirus particles was mainly located within the cisternae and along the membranes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The antigen of the major inner capsid protein, p42, was identified attached to enveloped virus particles, and even more obviously, on laminar crystalline structures in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the infected cells.

Post-embedding cytochemistry with gold-labelled reagents: a review

The detection of antigens and glycoconjugates with the protein A-gold and the lectin-gold techniques, respectively, is reviewed. Special attention is directed to the necessary conditions for fixation and embedding as well as to the staining procedures of tissue sections for light and electron microscopy.

Evidence for the presence of Calbindin-D 28K (CaBP-28K) in the tibial growth cartilages of rats

The distribution of the vitamin-D dependent calcium-binding protein (Calbindin-D 28K) (CaBP-28K) in the tibial growth plate cartilage of the rat has been studied immunohistochemically using an antibody raised against rat renal CaBP-28K. The protein was detected mainly in the nuclei of chondrocytes and occasionally in the juxtanuclear cytoplasm. The distribution was not uniform throughout the growth plate, but concentrated in the proliferatively active chondrocytes of the resting and proliferative zones. These findings raise the possibility that CaBP-28K may be involved in the mitotic activity of the chondrocytes, acting as a regulator of the proliferative process, perhaps via intranuclear calcium.

Automatic determination of labeling density in protein A-gold immunocytochemical preparations using an image analyzer. Application to peroxisomal enzymes

The application of an automatic image analyzer (TAS, Leitz, Wetzlar) for determination of labeling density in protein A-gold labeled sections is described. Electron micrographs of rat liver labeled with 12 nm gold particles for peroxisomal enzymes are placed on the macrounit of TAS and the images of peroxisomes on TAS-monitor are contoured with a light pen. The instrument measures the surface of the contoured areas. Based on their gray level, the gold particles over the peroxisome are detected automatically and counted and the labeling density for each peroxisome is calculated.

Identification of intestinal cells responsive to calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol)

The location of intestinal cells taken from the base of the crypt to the tip of the villus responsive to calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) and the distribution of [3H]calcitriol within the intestinal epithelium has been determined in vitamin D-deficient rats. The calcitriol responses examined were CaBP (Ca2+-binding protein) levels as measured by immunodiffusion and alkaline phosphatase levels as determined cytochemically. Calcitriol had no effect on villus structure or on enterocyte kinetics. This made it possible to compare levels of CaBP and alkaline phosphatase activity in enterocytes at different ages in rats at known times after hormone injection. Cells from both the crypt and villus synthesized CaBP in response to calcitriol. Alkaline phosphatase activity was not detectable in crypt cells, although a pool of precursor was produced in these cells in response to calcitriol. Enzyme activity was increased in all villus cells in response to calcitriol, but the quantitative description of this effect was very different from that found for calcitriol effects on CaBP synthesis. Calcitriol injected into vitamin D-deficient rats was detected, within 2h, in all cells of the crypt and villus. Most of the binding was to sites having a high affinity for the injected hormone.

Pancreatic vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein: biochemical properties and response to vitamin D

The biochemical properties of a chick pancreatic calcium binding protein (CaBP) and its response to vitamin D status and dietary calcium and phosphorus levels were studied and compared with the known vitamin D-dependent CaBPs present in the chick intestine and kidney. Pancreatic CaBP is homologous to the intestinal CaBP on the basis of immunological cross-reactivity, molecular size (28,200 Da), and charge properties (chromatographic mobility on DEAE-Sephadex in the presence of either EDTA or Ca2+). Pancreatic levels of CaBP respond to changes in vitamin D status and dietary Ca and P level in a fashion similar to the intestinal CaBP. Thus, in the absence of dietary vitamin D, both pancreatic and intestinal CaBPs were essentially undetectable, while in the presence of dietary vitamin D, a low dietary P (0.05%) elevated the pancreatic and intestinal CaBP 1.5X and 1.6X, respectively, compared to the CaBP levels present with normal dietary Ca and P (1.0%, 1.0%). The tissue levels of pancreatic CaBP (6-10 ng/mg protein) are about 0.2% of the intestine (5000 ng/mg protein) and 1% of the kidney CaBP (700 ng/mg protein). However, when corrections are made for the CaBP distribution in the tissues and expressed as CaBP concentration per CaBP-containing cells, the pancreatic CaBP level was 30% of the intestine and 10% of the kidney. Collectively, these results suggest that the chick pancreatic vitamin D-dependent CaBP is a homologous protein to the intestinal CaBP, both with regards to its relative cellular concentration as well as in its response to changing dietary levels of Ca and P.

Immunohistochemical mapping of calcium-binding protein immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system

A complete mapping of immunoreactive sites for vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein (CaBP) was performed on serial sections from the rat central nervous system. CaBP immunoreactivity was found in the perikarya, dendrites and axons of some neurons from the limbic system, from many neurosecretory nuclei, from most sensory nuclei and from the cerebral and cerebellar cortex. In contrast, no CaBP antigenic sites were detectable in the motoneurons of the spinal cord and in those of the cranial nerve nuclei, nor in the neurons from the cerebellar nuclei. A quantitative evaluation revealed a great variability in the number of CaBP-immunoreactive neurons among different areas of the central nervous system. Positive cells represented less than 1% of the neurons in the frontal cortex, whereas 74% of the Purkinje cells from the cerebellar cortex showed immunoreactive staining for CaBP. In addition, 45% of the ependymal cells of the telencephalic ventricles were positive. These data show that CaBP is widely distributed in neurons and ependymal cells from the rat central nervous system although it is more concentrated in some specific areas.

Rat duodenal calcium-binding protein messenger RNA: induction by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

To extend our previous observations on the regulation of CaBP biosynthesis by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, we have studied the specific mRNA encoding this protein in vitamin D-deficient and in vitamin D-repleted rats as well as the rate of its induction after a single injection of 1,25(OH)2D3 to vitamin D-deficient animals. The CaBP-mRNA was quantified by translation in a cell-free reticulocyte lysate system. CaBP-mRNA activity and cytoplasmic CaBP (measured by radioimmunoassay), dramatically decreased in rats previously fed a vitamin D-free diet for 5 weeks but neither parameter was zero. In vitamin D-deficient rats, a single injection of 1,25(OH)2D3 led to an increase in CaBP-mRNA activity within 2 h. This CaBP-mRNA activity peaked at about 4-6 h and thereafter declined to low value by 48 h, and the changes in mRNA activity always preceded the changes in cytosolic CaBP concentration. These results indicate that the induction of CaBP biosynthesis results from a 1,25(OH)2D3-induced increase in the levels of total cellular CaBP-mRNA activity and are, therefore, consistent with a transcriptional regulation of CaBP biosynthesis by 1,25(OH)2D3. This study also shows that the production of many other proteins seem to be under the control of vitamin D3.

The preparation of protein A-gold complexes with 3 nm and 15nm gold particles and their use in labelling multiple antigens on ultra-thin sections

The preparation of a protein A-gold complex (pAg3) using 3 nm gold particles and its application for labelling of intracellular antigens on thin sections is reported. The 3 nm gold particle is the smallest metal particle currently available for cytochemistry and permits a higher resolution of the pAg technique. Furthermore, it can be used in double labelling experiments in conjunction with a pAg complex prepared from 15nm gold particles. For double labelling, the pAg3 complex must be used for staining of the first antigen since otherwise a non-specific co-labelling of the two pAg complexes results.