Localization of peroxidase activity in tracheal epithelium

Beta-adrenoceptor control of peroxidase synthesis in nasal glands

Endogenous peroxidase activity was observed in the cisternae of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (r-ER), including the nuclear envelope, Golgi complex, and secretory granules of the cat's nasal glands. A single injection of propranolol resulted in a decrease of peroxidase-positive secretory granules, an increase of electron-lucent granules, and no change in the level of peroxidase activity in the r-ER and Golgi complex at either 5 or 9 hours after the injection. Continuous administration of propranolol over 7 hours led to the disappearance of peroxidase activity from the r-ER and secretory granules. These data would indicate that propranolol inhibits only the synthesis of peroxidase. Twenty minutes after a single injection of isoproterenol, the rate at which the granule content containing the peroxidase reaction product was discharged into the acinar lumen increased sharply. However, 60 minutes after the injection, the secretion rate of peroxidase-positive granules decreased. The same experiment then was repeated, but this time before the isoproterenol was injected, propranolol was administered to the cats. This time no change in peroxidase activity appeared in the acinar cells. It was concluded, therefore, that the stimulation of beta-receptors enhances the synthesis of peroxidase.

Peroxidase activity in rat tracheal epithelium and gland

Endogenous peroxidase activity in the upper tracheal epithelium and submucosal gland of specific pathogen-free rats was examined cytochemically using the DAB method in animals bred in a conventional room without special equipment for air filtration (conventional system), and those bred under a semibarriered system in which fresh air was filtered and controlled to flow in one way (semibarriered system). Peroxidase activity was consistently positive in the serous cells of the gland of all the rats in both groups. In 22 (71.0%) of the 31 rats in the conventional system, peroxidase activity was demonstrated also in ciliated cells, mucous cells, and goblet cells of the tracheal epithelium, and in mucous cells and duct cells of the tracheal submucosal gland. However, the activity was detected in these cells only in 2 (6.7%) of the 30 rats in the semibarriered system. Goblet cells were not observed in the latter group of rats. The fine localization of peroxidase activity was similar among the peroxidase positive cells, and was demonstrated in the cisternae of the nuclear envelope and rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, some parts of Golgi apparatus, secretory granules, and in some cases in the intraductal spaces of the gland. The present study indicated that environmental conditions markedly influence peroxidase activity in the upper tracheal epithelium and gland of rats.

Effect of propranolol on peroxidase in tracheal epithelial cells

Propranolol (beta-blocker) was administered to five guinea pigs in doses of 6 mg/day for ten days; five uninjected animals were used as controls. The first or second tracheal ring was cut in round slices. The number of overall epithelial cells facing the airway and the epithelial cells with peroxidase were counted. The mean percentage of peroxidase-positive cells to total epithelial cells was 49% in the control and 11% in animals after the administration of propranolol. This result apparently meant that the peroxidase activity was decreased by the administration of propranolol. The relationship between allergic diseases and the synthesis of peroxidase is discussed.