Embryonic geniculate ganglion neurons in culture have neurotrophin-specific electrophysiological properties

Geniculate ganglion neurons provide a major source of innervation to mammalian taste organs, including taste buds in the soft palate and in fungiform papillae on the anterior two thirds of the tongue. In and around the fungiform papillae, before taste buds form, neurotrophin mRNAs are expressed in selective spatial and temporal patterns. We hypothesized that neurotrophins would affect electrophysiological properties in embryonic geniculate neurons. Ganglia were explanted from rats at gestational day 16, when growing neurites have entered the papilla core, and maintained in culture with added brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 4 (NT4), nerve growth factor (NGF) or neurotrophin 3 (NT3). Neuron survival with BDNF or NT4 was about 80%, whereas with NGF or NT3 less than 15% of neurons survived over 6 days in culture. Whole cell recordings from neurons in ganglion explants with each neurotrophin condition demonstrated distinctive neurophysiological properties related to specific neurotrophins. Geniculate neurons cultured with either BDNF or NT4 had similar passive-membrane and action potential properties, but these characteristics were significantly different from those of neurons cultured with NGF or NT3. NGF-maintained neurons had features of increased excitability including a higher resting membrane potential and a lower current threshold for the action potential. About 70% of neurons produced repetitive action potentials at threshold. Furthermore, compared with neurons cultured with other neurotrophins, a decreased proportion had an inflection on the falling phase of the action potential. NT3-maintained neurons had action potentials that were of relatively large amplitude and short duration, with steep rising and falling slopes. In addition, about 20% responded with a repetitive train of action potentials at threshold. In contrast, with BDNF or NT4 repetitive action potential trains were not observed. The data demonstrate different neurophysiological properties in developing geniculate ganglion neurons maintained with specific neurotrophins. Therefore, we suggest that neurotrophins might influence acquisition of distinctive neurophysiological properties in embryonic geniculate neurons that are fundamental to the formation of peripheral taste circuits and a functioning taste system.

Expression of the inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir2.1 in native bovine corneal endothelial cells

PURPOSE

To determine the presence of Kir2.1 channels in native bovine corneal endothelial (BCE) cells and assess their contribution to the resting membrane potential.

METHODS

RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of Kir2.1 mRNA and protein in native BCE cells. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to characterize Kir2.1 currents in freshly isolated, single BCE cells, as well as in BCE cell clusters. The contribution of Kir2.1 channels to the membrane potential (V(m)) was assessed by whole-cell recording in the zero-current clamp mode in the absence and presence of Ba(2+).

RESULTS

RT-PCR analysis confirmed that Kir2.1 was expressed in the native BCE cells. Western blot analysis with native BCE cell protein and a polyclonal anti-Kir2.1 antibody revealed a approximately 60-kDa band that was blocked by the corresponding synthetic Kir2.1 peptide. Both single BCE cells and BCE cell clusters exhibited an inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir) current that was dependent on the extracellular K(+) concentration. The Kir current was blocked by external Ba(2+) or Cs(+) in a voltage- and concentration-dependent manner. In 5 mM K(+) Ringer's, the V(m) of cell clusters averaged -40.0 +/- 4.1 mV (n = 14) and in 140 mM K(+) Ringer's it depolarized to -7.4 +/- 1.8 mV. Application of Ba(2+) in 5 mM K(+) Ringer's produced a concentration-dependent depolarization of V(m), with 10 mM Ba(2+) depolarizing V(m) from -53.4 +/- 4.8 mV to -27.8 +/- 6.3 mV (n = 6).

CONCLUSIONS

Native BCE cells express functional Kir2.1 channels that help determine the membrane potential and probably also play a role in transendothelial transport.

Cyclopamine and jervine in embryonic rat tongue cultures demonstrate a role for Shh signaling in taste papilla development and patterning: fungiform papillae double in number and form in novel locations in dorsal lingual epithelium

From time of embryonic emergence, the gustatory papilla types on the mammalian tongue have stereotypic anterior and posterior tongue locations. Furthermore, on anterior tongue, the fungiform papillae are patterned in rows. Among the many molecules that have potential roles in regulating papilla location and pattern, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) has been localized within early tongue and developing papillae. We used an embryonic, tongue organ culture system that retains temporal, spatial, and molecular characteristics of in vivo taste papilla morphogenesis and patterning to study the role of Shh in taste papilla development. Tongues from gestational day 14 rat embryos, when papillae are just beginning to emerge on dorsal tongue, were maintained in organ culture for 2 days. The steroidal alkaloids, cyclopamine and jervine, that specifically disrupt the Shh signaling pathway, or a Shh-blocking antibody were added to the standard culture medium. Controls included tongues cultured in the standard medium alone, and with addition of solanidine, an alkaloid that resembles cyclopamine structurally but that does not disrupt Shh signaling. In cultures with cyclopamine, jervine, or blocking antibody, fungiform papilla numbers doubled on the dorsal tongue with a distribution that essentially eliminated inter-papilla regions, compared with tongues in standard medium or solanidine. In addition, fungiform papillae developed on posterior oral tongue, just in front of and beside the single circumvallate papilla, regions where fungiform papillae do not typically develop. The Shh protein was in all fungiform papillae in embryonic tongues, and tongue cultures with standard medium or cyclopamine, and was conspicuously localized in the basement membrane region of the papillae. Ptc protein had a similar distribution to Shh, although the immunoproduct was more diffuse. Fungiform papillae did not develop on pharyngeal or ventral tongue in cyclopamine and jervine cultures, or in the tongue midline furrow, nor was development of the single circumvallate papilla altered. The results demonstrate a prominent role for Shh in fungiform papilla induction and patterning and indicate differences in morphogenetic control of fungiform and circumvallate papilla development and numbers. Furthermore, a previously unknown, broad competence of dorsal lingual epithelium to form fungiform papillae on both anterior and posterior oral tongue is revealed.

Distinctive neurophysiological properties of embryonic trigeminal and geniculate neurons in culture

Neurons in trigeminal and geniculate ganglia extend neurites that share contiguous target tissue fields in the fungiform papillae and taste buds of the mammalian tongue and thereby have principal roles in lingual somatosensation and gustation. Although functional differentiation of these neurons is central to formation of lingual sensory circuits, there is little known about electrophysiological properties of developing trigeminal and geniculate ganglia or the extrinsic factors that might regulate neural development. We used whole cell recordings from embryonic day 16 rat ganglia, maintained in culture as explants for 3-10 days with neurotrophin support to characterize basic properties of trigeminal and geniculate neurons over time in vitro and in comparison to each other. Each ganglion was cultured with the neurotrophin that supports maximal neuron survival and that would be encountered by growing neurites at highest concentration in target fields. Resting membrane potential and time constant did not alter over days in culture, whereas membrane resistance decreased and capacitance increased in association with small increases in trigeminal and geniculate soma size. Small gradual differences in action potential properties were observed for both ganglion types, including an increase in threshold current to elicit an action potential and a decrease in duration and increase in rise and fall slopes so that action potentials became shorter and sharper with time in culture. Using a period of 5-8 days in culture when neural properties are generally stable, we compared trigeminal and geniculate ganglia and revealed major differences between these embryonic ganglia in passive membrane and action potential characteristics. Geniculate neurons had lower resting membrane potential and higher input resistance and smaller, shorter, and sharper action potentials with lower thresholds than trigeminal neurons. Whereas all trigeminal neurons produced a single action potential at threshold depolarization, 35% of geniculate neurons fired repetitively. Furthermore, all trigeminal neurons produced TTX-resistant action potentials, but geniculate action potentials were abolished in the presence of low concentrations of TTX. Both trigeminal and geniculate neurons had inflections on the falling phase of the action potential that were reduced in the presence of various pharmacological blockers of calcium channel activation. Use of nifedipine, omega-conotoxin-MVIIA and GVIA, and omega-agatoxin-TK indicated that currents through L-, N-, and P/Q- type calcium channels participate in the action potential inflection in embryonic trigeminal and geniculate neurons. The data on passive membrane, action potential, and ion channel characteristics demonstrate clear differences between trigeminal and geniculate ganglion neurons at an embryonic stage when target tissues are innervated but receptor organs have not developed or are still immature. Therefore these electrophysiological distinctions between embryonic ganglia are present before neural activity from differentiated receptive fields can influence functional phenotype.

Hyaluronan enters keratinocytes by a novel endocytic route for catabolism

Hyaluronan synthesized in the epidermis has an exceptionally short half-life, indicative of its catabolism by epidermal keratinocytes. An intracellular pool of endogenously synthesized hyaluronan, from 1 to 20 fg/cell, inversely related to cell density, was observed in cultured rat epidermal keratinocytes. More than 80% of the intracellular hyaluronan was small (<90 kDa). Approximately 25% of newly synthesized hyaluronan was endocytosed by the keratinocytes and had a half-life of 2-3 h. A biotinylated aggrecan G(1) domain/link protein probe demonstrated hyaluronan in small vesicles of approximately 100 nm diameter close to the plasma membrane, and in large vesicles and multivesicular bodies up to 1300 nm diameter around the nucleus. Hyaluronan did not co-localize with markers of lysosomes. However, inhibition of lysosomal acidification with NH(4)Cl or chloroquine, or treating the cells with the hyaluronidase inhibitor apigenin increased intracellular hyaluronan staining, suggesting that it resided in prelysosomal endosomes. Competitive displacement of hyaluronan from surface receptors using hyaluronan decasaccharides, resulted in a rapid disappearance of this endosomal hyaluronan (t(12) approximately 5 min), indicating its transitory nature. The ultrastructure of the hyaluronan-containing vesicles, co-localization with marker proteins for different vesicle types, and application of specific uptake inhibitors demonstrated that the formation of hyaluronan-containing vesicles did not involve clathrin-coated pits or caveolae. Treatment of rat epidermal keratinocytes with the OX50 monoclonal antibody against the hyaluronan receptor CD44 increased endosomal hyaluronan. However, no CD44-hyaluronan co-localization was observed intracellularly unless endosomal trafficking was retarded by monensin, or cultivation at 20 degrees C, suggesting CD44 recycling. Rat epidermal keratinocytes thus internalize a large proportion of their newly synthesized hyaluronan into non-clathrin-coated endosomes in a receptor mediated way, and rapidly transport it to slower degradation in the endosomal/lysosomal system.

Distinctive spatiotemporal expression patterns for neurotrophins develop in gustatory papillae and lingual tissues in embryonic tongue organ cultures

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) mRNAs are expressed in the developing rat tongue and taste organs in specific spatiotemporal patterns. BDNF mRNA is present in the early lingual gustatory papilla epithelium, from which taste buds eventually arise, prior to the arrival of gustatory nerve fibers at the epithelium, whereas NT-3 initially distributes in the mesenchyme. However, a direct test for neural dependence of neurotrophin expression on the presence of innervation in tongue has not been made, nor is it known whether the patterns of neurotrophin expression can be replicated in an in vitro system. Therefore, we used a tongue organ culture model that supports taste papilla formation while eliminating the influence from sensory nerve fibers, to study neurotrophin mRNAs in lingual tissues. Rat tongue cultures were begun at embryonic day 13 or 14 (E13, E14), and BDNF, NT-3, nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) mRNAs were studied at 0, 2, 3 and 6 days in culture. BDNF transcripts were localized in the gustatory epithelium of both developing fungiform and circumvallate papillae after 2 or 3 days in culture, and NT-3 transcripts were in the subepithelial mesenchyme. The neurotrophin distributions were comparable to those in vivo at E13-E16. In 6-day tongue cultures, however, BDNF transcripts in anterior tongue were not restricted to fungiform papillae but were more widespread in the lingual epithelium, while the circumvallate trench epithelium exhibited restricted BDNF labeling. The NT-3 expression pattern shifted in 6-day organ cultures in a manner comparable to that in the embryo in vivo, and was expressed in the lingual epithelium as well as mesenchyme. NGF mRNA expression was subepithelial throughout 6 days in cultures. NT-4 mRNA was not detected. The neurotrophin mRNA distributions demonstrate that temporospatial localization of neurotrophins observed during development in vivo is retained in the embryonic tongue organ culture system. Furthermore, initial neurotrophin expression in the developing lingual epithelium, mesenchyme, and/or taste papillae is not dependent on intact sensory innervation. We suggest that patterns of lingual neurotrophin mRNA expression are controlled by the influence of local tissue interactions within the tongue at early developmental stages. However, the eventual loss of restricted BDNF mRNA localization from fungiform papillae in anterior tongue suggests that sensory innervation may be important for restricting the localized expression of neurotrophins at later developmental stages, and for maintaining the unique phenotypes of gustatory papillae.

Molecular cloning and expression of an inwardly rectifying K(+) channel from bovine corneal endothelial cells

PURPOSE

To determine the presence of a putative inwardly rectifying K(+) channel in bovine corneal endothelial (BCE) cells and to characterize its molecular and electrophysiological properties.

METHODS

An RT-PCR strategy was used to clone an IRK1 channel sequence from BCE mRNA. Northern blot analysis was used to confirm expression of this sequence in cultured BCE cells. Two-electrode voltage-clamp and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were used to characterize the cloned channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes and the native channels in cultured BCE cells, respectively.

RESULTS

A full-length (1284 bp) coding sequence that shares 99.7% nucleotide sequence and 100% amino acid sequence identity to bovine lens IRK1 (Kir2.1) was cloned. The authors designate this sequence BCE IRK1 or BCIRK1. Northern blot analysis indicated that BCIRK1 mRNA is expressed in cultured BCE cells with two major transcripts of 7.5 and 5.5 kb. BCIRK1 cDNA was subcloned into the vector, pcDNA3.1(-), and cRNA transcribed from the BCIRK1 cDNA clone was injected into Xenopus oocytes. Two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings from injected oocytes revealed inwardly rectifying K(+) currents that were blocked by external Ba(2+) and Cs(+) in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from dissociated cultured BCE cells revealed strongly inwardly rectifying K(+) currents with similar properties.

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal endothelial cells express IRK1 (Kir2.1) inwardly rectifying K(+) channels. Consistent with the properties of IRK1 channels, BCIRK1 is likely involved in regulating membrane potential and possibly other cellular functions in corneal endothelial cells.

A preformed basal lamina alters the metabolism and distribution of hyaluronan in epidermal keratinocyte "organotypic" cultures grown on collagen matrices

A rat epidermal keratinocyte (REK) line which exhibits histodifferentiation nearly identical to the native epidermis when cultured at an air-liquid interface was used to study the metabolism of hyaluronan, the major intercellular macromolecule present in basal and spinous cell layers. Two different support matrices were used: reconstituted collagen fibrils with and without a covering basal lamina previously deposited by canine kidney cells. REKs formed a stratified squamous, keratinized epithelium on both support matrices. Hyaluronan and its receptor, CD44, colocalized in the basal and spinous layers similar to their distribution in the native epidermis. Most (approximately 75%) of the hyaluronan was retained in the epithelium when a basal lamina was present while most (approximately 80%) diffused out of the epithelium in its absence. While REKs on the two matrices synthesized hyaluronan at essentially the same rate, catabolism of this macromolecule was much higher in the epithelium on the basal lamina (half-life approximately 1 day, similar to its half-life in native human epidermis). The formation of a true epidermal compartment in culture bounded by the cornified layer on the surface and the basal lamina subjacent to the basal cells provides a good model within which to study epidermal metabolism.

NaK-ATPase pump sites in cultured bovine corneal endothelium of varying cell density at confluence

PURPOSE

The driving force for ion and water flow necessary for efficient deturgesence of the corneal stroma resides in the ouabain-sensitive sodium (Na) pump of corneal endothelial cells. Using a cell culture model of corneal endothelial cell hypertrophy, the authors examined the expression of Na pumps at the cell surface to see how this central element of the endothelial pump changed as corneal endothelial cell density decreased to a level associated with corneal decompensation in vivo.

METHODS

3H-ouabain binding to NaK-ATPase at saturating conditions was used to quantitate the number of Na pump sites on cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells as the confluent density decreased from approximately 2750 cells/mm2 to approximately 275 cells/mm2.

RESULTS

The mean number of Na pump sites per cell at confluence (1.92 +/- 0.07 x 10(6)) did not change as the cell density decreased 2.7-fold from 2763 cells/mm2 to 1000 cells/mm2. However, pump site expression doubled to approximately 4 x 10(6) sites/cell as the cell density decreased from 1000 cells/mm2 to 275 cells/mm2. Despite the incremental increase in Na pump site expression that occurred as the cells hypertrophied below a density of 1000/mm2 to achieve confluence, this increase was insufficient to prevent a decrease in Na pump site density of the intact monolayer, expressed as pump sites/mm2.

CONCLUSION

The confluent cell density of cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells can be varied from that found in the normal native cornea to that associated with corneal decompensation. In confluent cultures with cell densities ranging from 2750 cells/mm2 to 1000 cells/mm2, the number of pump sites per cell remains relatively unchanged. Below cell densities of 1000 cells/mm2, the number of pump sites per cell progressively increases. The increased Na pump site abundance in markedly hypertrophied endothelial cells cannot adequately compensate for the progressive reduction in the number of transporting cells per unit area within the intact monolayer. Even when considered with the decrease in the size of the paracellular ion conductive pathway that is a consequence of progressive endothelial hypertrophy, the overall pumping capacity of the intact endothelial monolayer declines.

Biosynthesis of proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid by rat oral epithelial cells (keratinocytes) in vitro

Biosynthesis of complex carbohydrates, including sulfated glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid (HA), and proteoglycans (PGs), synthesized by rat oral epithelial cells (keratinocytes) in culture were studied by metabolic labeling protocols using [35S]sulfate and [3H]glucosamine in combination with differential enzymatic digestion and analytical gel filtration. The epithelial cells synthesized a major sulfated glycoprotein species with an apparent molecular size approximately 50 kDa, which accounted for approximately 46% of the total 35S incorporation. HA was a relatively minor component of 3H-labeled macromolecules (approximately 4% of the total 3H incorporation), and almost all of it was secreted into the medium. PGs accounted for approximately half of the 35S incorporation, of which about 30% was secreted into the medium and the remainder associated with the cell layer. The majority of PGs (75% of the secreted and 97% of the cell-associated) contained heparan sulfate (HS) and had an apparent molecular weight of approximately 150,000. Cell-associated HSPGs had a core protein of approximately 70 kDa with HS chains of approximately 64 kDa, while HSPG in the medium had a core protein of approximately 50 kDa with HS chains of the same average size as those of the cell-associated HSPG. Of the total cell-associated HSPGs, glycosylphosphatidyl inositol-anchored forms, plasma membrane intercalated forms and those associated with basolateral pericellular matrix accounted for approximately 3%, 56% and approximately 4% of the total, respectively. Approximately one third of the cell-associated HSPGs were intracellular components most likely generated through intracellular degradation processes following endocytosis. Cell surface HSPGs synthesized by keratinocytes may be involved in some biological roles such as the regulation of normal epithelial turnover and defense mechanisms involving interactions with various oral pathogens.

Differential expression of cell surface sialoglycoconjugates on wild-type and cultured Ehrlich tumor cells as revealed by quantitative lectin-gold ultrastructural cytochemistry

Three variants of the classical Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cell have been studied by quantitative, sialic acid-specific, lectin-gold ultrastructural cytochemistry. Electron microscopic examination revealed pronounced differences in the surface morphology of the three cell variants. The wild-type Ehrlich cells (EAT-wt), grown in the peritoneal cavity of mice, exhibited a smooth surface profile. A variant form selected for growth as monolayer on basement membrane (EAT-c) showed a complex surface profile with numerous microvilli. The third variant (EAT-c/m), the cultured cells reinoculated into mice and passaged 20-25 times as ascites, presented a smooth surface profile similar to the EAT-wt cells. Quantitative single as well as double lectin-gold labeling revealed significant differences in the nature of cell surface sialoglycoproteins. The most significant finding was the presence of cell surface Neu5Ac alpha 2-6Gal residues as detected with the Sambucus nigra lectin on EAT-c and EAT-c/m cells, whereas EAT-wt cells contained little or none of such carbohydrate sequences. On the contrary, labeling by Maackia amurensis lectin, which recognizes the Neu5Ac alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc sequence, was intense on all three Ehrlich cell variants; it was 20-60 times greater than alpha-2,6-linked sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates. Specific cell surface lectin binding combined with morphologic study appears to have identified a small subpopulation of cells within the ascites tumor that are capable of attaching to and growing on a basement membrane.

Wild-type and cultured Ehrlich ascites tumour cells differ in tumorigenicity, lectin binding patterns and binding to basement membranes

Three different variants of the Ehrlich ascites tumour (EAT) cell were derived and the lectin surface reactivities, as well as the malignant characteristics of each variant, were studied. Wild-type cells (EAT-wt) were selected for growth on basement membranes and tissue culture plastic to give EAT-c cells. The EAT-c were passaged in mice by i.p. injection, giving rise to a third variant (EAT-c/m). Each of these three cell variants was characterized for: (i) specific lectin agglutinability patterns; (ii) the ability to produce ascites tumours in mice; (iii) the ability to produce solid tumours; and (iv) the attachment to and growth on basement membranes and purified extracellular matrix molecules. Analysis of the total protein and carbohydrate content of each cell line showed that there was an increase in the glycosylation of the EAT-c cells compared to EAT-wt cells. After repeated passage of the EAT-c/m cells in mice, the glycosylation level of the EAT-c/m cells returned to that of the EAT-wt cell line. In addition, the EAT-c cells displayed an increase in the number of terminal non-reducing sugars which could indicate either an increase degree of branching or the presence of additional N- and/or O-linked oligosaccharide chains of the cellular glycoproteins. This phenotype was retained by the EAT-c/m cells which had been passaged repeatedly in mice. The most significant increase was in the content of sialic acid-containing glycoproteins found in the EAT-c cells. The sialic acid-binding lectin Maackia amurensis leukoagglutinin (MAL) agglutinated all three EAT cell variants, while the sialic acid-binding Sambucus nigra (elderberry bark) lectin (SNA) agglutinated only the EAT-c and early-passage EAT-c/m cells. These findings indicate the presence of alpha 2,3-linked sialic acid on all three variants, but only the cultured cells and early-passage EAT-c/m cells possess the Neu5Ac alpha 2,6 linkage. The EAT-c cells attached avidly to wells coated with either laminin or fibronectin, as well as extracellular matrix produced by cultured bovine endothelial cells, but the EAT-wt and EAT-c/m cells did not. Paradoxically, the EAT-c cells were incapable of producing solid tumours when injected into a basement membrane-rich skeletal muscle bed, whereas the EAT-wt and EAT-c/m cells produced rapidly growing tumours when injected into the same environment. Lectin agglutination patterns established that ascitic tumour cells within the peritoneal cavity were derived from injected EAT-c cells.

Agonist-induced Ca2+ mobilization in cultured bovine and human corneal endothelial cells

We investigated the possibility that cultured corneal endothelial cells express receptors that are coupled to the phosphoinositide cycle/intracellular Ca2+ signaling pathway. Agonist-stimulated changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in single bovine and human corneal endothelial cells (BCEC and HCEC, respectively) derived from confluent cultures were measured by microspectrofluorimetry using the Ca(2+)-sensitive probe, fura-2. Total inositol phosphates accumulated during a 30 min incubation in the presence or absence of agonists was determined in Li+ containing medium with cells pre-labelled for 48 hrs with 10 microCi/ml 3H-myoinositol. Histamine (HA), ADP and ATP induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i. Subsequently, [Ca2+]i decreased to either a stable, agonist-dependent sustained elevation, or fell back to baseline to begin oscillatory fluctuations. The initial rise in [Ca2+]i was insensitive to removal of extracellular calcium (Ca2+o), whereas the stable elevations in [Ca2+]i and the [Ca2+]i oscillations required Ca2+o. In contrast, bradykinin (BK) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) elicited an initial rise in [Ca2+]i that returned to prestimulatory levels within 2 min despite the continued presence of agonist. The Ca(2+)-mobilizing agonists carbachol, phenylephrine, adenosine and substance P were all ineffective in elevating [Ca2+]i. Histamine-induced Ca2+ mobilization was inhibited by the H1-receptor antagonist triprolidine, but triprolidine had no effect on either BK or ATP stimulation of Ca2+ mobilization. In BCEC, 100 microM HA significantly increased total inositol phosphate accumulation (18.8-fold over unstimulated controls) and was 90% inhibited by 0.5 microM triprolidine. BK and ATP also significantly increased formation of inositol phosphates in BCEC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Histamine H1 receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling in cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells

The corneal endothelium pumps ions and water from the stroma to the aqueous humor, maintaining corneal transparency. This report investigates the possibility that cultured corneal endothelial cells express neurohormonal Ca2+ signaling pathways employed by other epithelia to regulate transport or other cellular functions. Agonist-stimulated changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in single bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCEC) derived from confluent cultures were measured by microspectrofluorimetry using the Ca(2+)-sensitive probe, fura 2. Mean resting [Ca2+]i in BCEC was 46 +/- 2 nM (n = 124). The muscarinic cholinergic agonist, carbachol, did not mobilize Ca2+, whereas histamine induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i to initial peak levels of 549 +/- 22 nM (n = 46) at maximally stimulating doses. The initial rise in [Ca2+]i in response to histamine was dose dependent, with a minimum effective dose of 50 nM, EC50 = 0.84 mumol/l, and a maximum effective dose of 10 mumol/l. [Ca2+]i decreased from the initial peak, but then stabilized to form an agonist-dependent sustained elevation or abruptly fell back to baseline to begin oscillatory fluctuations. The initial peak was insensitive to removal of extracellular calcium (Ca2+o), whereas subsequent elevations in [Ca2+]i or sustained [Ca2+]i oscillations required Ca2+o. The amplitude of the oscillations in [Ca2+]i increased with an increase in [histamine]. However, frequency was independent of [histamine] (mean = 0.62 spikes min-1 +/- 0.06, n = 33). Histamine-induced Ca2+ mobilization was inhibited by the H1 receptor antagonist triprolidine, but was unaffected by ranitidine (H2 antagonist) or thioperamide (H3 antagonist).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction of minoxidil with pigment in cells of the hair follicle: an example of binding without apparent biological effects

To identify minoxidil target cells in hair follicles we followed the uptake of radiolabeled drug in mouse vibrissae follicles both in vitro and in vivo. Autoradiography showed that both 3H-minoxidil and 3H-minoxidil sulfate accumulated in the differentiating epithelial matrix cells superior to the dermal papilla, a distribution similar to that of pigment. Minoxidil localized in melanocytes, melanocyte processes, and areas of greater melanin concentrations within the epithelial cells. Although uptake of minoxidil was significantly less in unpigmented follicles, the drug stimulated proliferation and differentiation of both pigmented and unpigmented follicles. Labeled minoxidil bound to Sepia melanin and was displaced with unlabeled minoxidil and other electron donor drugs. This interaction with melanin acts as a targeting mechanism of minoxidil to pigmented hair follicles but has no apparent functional significance in hair growth. This work illustrates how measurement of drugs in hair may be biased by pigmentation.

Proteoglycan biosynthesis by human corneas from patients with types 1 and 2 macular corneal dystrophy

Corneal buttons were obtained from patients with types 1 and 2 macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) and from control patients with Fuchs' dystrophy or keratoconus. Buttons were incubated for 20 h in the presence of [3H]glucosamine or [2-3H]mannose. Radiolabeled proteoglycans and lactosaminoglycan-glycoproteins (L-GPs) were purified using chromatography on Q-Sepharose, Superose 6, and octyl-Sepharose. They were identified using chondroitinase ABC, keratanase or endo-beta-galactosidase digestion, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or Superose 6 chromatography. This study confirms previous reports that type 1 MCD corneas synthesize a normal dermatan sulfate-proteoglycan (DS-PG) and an abnormal keratan sulfate-proteoglycan (KS-PG). The data indicate that typ 1 MCD corneas synthesize L-GP instead of KS-PG. This L-GP has a core protein of similar hydrophobicity (elution from octyl-Sepharose) and nearly similar mass (42 kDa) as the core protein of the KS-PG. It has identical glycoconjugates as those of the KS-PG except that they lack sulfate. Thus, type 1 MCD fails to synthesize keratan sulfate as a result of a defect in a sulfotransferase specific for sulfating lactosaminoglycans. Further, proteoglycans synthesized by a cornea from a patient with type 2 MCD were studied. This cornea synthesized a normal ratio of KS-PG to DS-PG although net synthesis of proteoglycans was approximately 30% below normal. The KS-PG appeared normal whereas the DS-PG had dermatan sulfate chains that were approximately 40% shorter than normal.

Evidence for autoregulation of cell division and cell transit in keratinocytes grown on collagen at an air-liquid interface

Oral and epidermal rat keratinocytes when cultured on a matrix of type I collagen fibrils at the interface between the gaseous and liquid phases of a culture form a highly ordered stratified squamous epithelium. Autoradiographic studies of cells labeled by tritiated thymidine indicate that the keratinocytes are capable of autoregulating cell division. Early confluent cultures exhibit 51% of basal cells labeled, a percentage that decreases to 18% when a full differentiated stratified squamous epithelium is formed. Such a decrease in labeling occurs in cultures where the mitotically active basal cells have unimpeded access to culture medium supplied from below and when no cell type other than the keratinocyte is present in the culture. Additionally, the transit of keratinocytes from the basal cell layer through other viable cell strata to the layer of terminally differentiated cells can be followed by tracking cells labeled with tritiated thymidine. In cultures of oral keratinocytes, cells move from the basal cell layer to the cornified layer at a maximum rate of 7 days, while virtually all labeled cells (91%) are localized in the terminally differentiated cell layer 14 days following labeling. Keratinocyte cultures grown in culture at an air-liquid interface exhibit tissue organization that closely resembles the native, parent tissue. Such cultures can be useful in studying the effects of pharmacologic mediators of cell division and cell transit.

Culture and growth characteristics of chondrocytes encapsulated in alginate beads

Methodology is described for the culture of avian and mammalian chondrocytes in ionotrophically gelled "semi-solid" and "hollow" alginate beads. Chondrocytes grown in "semi-solid" gels exhibited a spherical shape as opposed to a fibroblastic morphology observed in monolayer culture. In the "semi-solid" beads, the cells grew as small clumps and as large aggregates. The aggregates were round or elliptical in appearance and surrounded by a dense Alcian Blue positive halo. Preliminary studies with collagen and chitosan matrixes encapsulated in "hollow" beads suggest that cell growth and morphology are profoundly influenced by the composition of the cellular environment. Chondrocyte structure and function in the "semi-solid" and "hollow" beads were partially characterized by light microscopy, histochemical and biochemical means. The encapsulation methodology is readily applicable for the culture of chondrocytes in single beads, in multiwell dishes, or mass culture.

Changes in aqueous immunoglobulin and albumin levels following penetrating keratoplasty

The feline model of induced rejection of corneal allografts was employed to define the changes in the concentrations of immunoglobulins and albumin in the anterior chamber prior to, and concomitant with the rejection of the transplanted cornea. Fourteen animals received unilateral exchange corneal allografts. Aqueous humor obtained by anterior chamber paracentesis at regular intervals prior to and following the performance of the penetrating keratoplasties was analyzed for IgG, IgM and albumin concentrations using the micro enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Two patterns of anterior chamber protein modulation were observed. Eight of the animals demonstrated a biphasic pattern in which both immunoglobulin and albumin concentrations were elevated two- to five-fold above presurgical values 14 days postkeratoplasty, returning to preoperative values by day 42. Three to 5 weeks after corneal rejection was induced increases in protein concentrations were observed that correlated with the appearance of clinical signs of rejection. A second, monophasic pattern of anterior chamber protein modulation following keratoplasty was observed in four of the animals. It was distinguishable from the biphasic pattern in that levels did not return to baseline values after the initial rise following keratoplasty until the rejection process was completed. The monophasic response was found to be characteristic of more rapid and vigorous corneal rejection. Examination of albumin to immunoglobulin ratios suggested that all changes in protein levels following keratoplasty were a result of increased influx of serum proteins into the anterior chamber, rather than due to local immunoglobulin synthesis.

Growth of stratified squamous epithelium on reconstituted extracellular matrices: long-term culture

Oral keratinocytes grown at an air-liquid interface on stabilized matrices of collagen or a basement membrane exhibit a pattern of tissue organization more similar to the parent tissue than the same cells cultured conventionally. An orderly sequence of cell migration and differentiation is maintained, and the full complement of terminally differentiated cells is retained on the surface of the culture for up to 65 days following subculture. The pattern of histodifferentiation of cultured stratified squamous epithelium differs according to the matrix upon which it is grown. Pliant, fine meshed gels of type III collagen are corrugated by the cultured keratinocytes with adjustments occurring in the various suprabasal cell strata that result in the retention of a flat stratum corneum. Such pliant gels can be stabilized by pouring a supporting underlayer of coarse type I guinea pig collagen. Keratinocytes grown directly on the irregular surface of guinea pig type I collagen migrate into spaces between collagen fibrillar bundles and aberrantly keratinize 20-30 days following subculture. Keratinocytes grown on a basement membrane do not aberrantly keratinize, suggesting that contact with a basement membrane may suppress signals for keratinocyte differentiation. Keratinocytes also form hemidesmosomes opposite a basement membrane but not opposite collagen fibrils. The keratin pattern of oral keratinocytes cultured in different configurations does not change; a finding that indicates that a greater degree of tissue organization does not automatically result in the synthesis of keratins more characteristic of upper cell strata or cornified cells in the native tissue.

The growth and structure of human oral keratinocytes in culture

Human keratinocytes derived from explants of cheek (buccal) mucosa grow vigorously in culture and can be subcultivated twice. The structure of the oral keratinocytes in vitro is the same in primary cultures and subcultures. The cells stratify, are characterized by well-developed tonofibrillar-desmosomal complexes, and rarely exhibit signs of terminal differentiation. Unique features of the culture system that favor keratinocyte growth are: incubation at 34 degrees C, inclusion of 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide in the culture medium, and initiating subcultures as 5.0 mm colonies containing 100,000/20 microliter of medium. One primary culture can yield 6 first-passage subcultures, which subsequently achieve confluence in 10-12 days. Such cultures are a useful source of human keratinocytes that stratify but generally do not undergo terminal differentiation.

Effect of 1% sodium hyaluronate (Healon) on a nonregenerating (feline) corneal endothelium

A series of experiments were performed to investigate the effect of 1% sodium hyaluronate (Healon) on the nonregenerating corneal endothelium of the cat. Aqueous humor replacement with 1% sodium hyaluronate resulted in mild, transient elevations of intraocular pressure compared to eyes that were injected with balanced salt solution. Sodium hyaluronate 1% protected the feline endothelium against cell loss incurred by contact with hyaluronate-coated intraocular lenses compared to endothelial contact with lenses that were not coated with sodium hyaluronate. The use of intraoperative 1% sodium hyaluronate, however, did not protect against endothelial cell loss incurred by penetrating keratoplasty or prevent subsequent skin graft-induced corneal homograft rejections. Homograft rejections were milder, however, in some eyes that received grafts coated with 1% sodium hyaluronate. Image analysis of photographs of trypan blue- and alizarin red-stained corneal buttons after trephining, stretching of Descemet's membrane, rubbing against iris-lens preparations, or immediately after penetrating keratoplasty demonstrated that the stretching of the posterior cornea is an important cause of endothelial damage that would not be protected against by a viscoelastic coating.

Postnatal development of corneal endothelium

Comparison specular micrographs of infant and adult corneas from cats, cows, dogs, rabbits, and humans demonstrate that a large decrease in central endothelial cell density occurs during maturation of the cornea. Central endothelial cell counts of developing cat, dog, and rabbit corneas decrease rapidly during the first months of life. This rapid decline in endothelial cell density correlates with growth of the cornea to the adult size. Central endothelial cell counts of adult cat, cow, deer, dog, pig, rabbit, and human corneas are similar (2500 cells/mm2) despite a wide variation in corneal size. Comparison of observed endothelial cell counts with two hypothetical situations, one of unrestricted endothelial mitosis and the other of only endothelial hypertrophy, indicates that hypertrophy of individual cells is primarily responsible for achieving the adult cell density of 2500 cells/mm2 for these species. This observation is true for species that have a high adult endothelial mitotic capacity (rabbit) as well as those that do not (cat). The human cornea is a special case because the decline in central endothelial cell density indicates that a large apparent corneal endothelial cell loss (approximately 45%) occurs early in postnatal development.

Variation in basement membrane topography in human thick skin

Samples of human plantar and palmar skin were excised and incubated in 20 mM EDTA after which the epidermis was gently separated from the dermis with the plane of separation occurring in the lamina lucida. Scanning electron microscopic examination of the dermal component revealed the classically described series of regularly spaced grooves and papillae that characterize the epidermal-dermal junction in thick skin. Primary dermal grooves exhibited evenly spaced tunnels that were originally occupied by sweat gland ducts. The basement membrane (basal lamina) in the primary grooves was relatively smooth but did exhibit a flattened, reticulated pattern at high magnifications. The basement membrane of secondary dermal grooves and papillae was in the form of numerous, elevated microridges off of which septae arose at roughly right angles. The surface appearance of the basement membrane in these areas was that of a honeycomb owing to the numerous compartments and recesses formed by the ridges and septae. Degradation of the basement membrane by trypsin demonstrated that the foundation for the highly folded and compartmentalized basement membrane was composed of dermal collagen fibrils, 60-70 nm in diameter, that were arranged in a series of variably sized, interconnected collagen bundles or walls. Epidermal basal cells extended cytoplasmic (foot) processes into two or more compartments, formed by the ridges and septae, which considerably amplified the basement membrane surface available for epidermal attachment. Scanning electron microscopic studies of the epidermal-dermal junction confirm the variable surface character of this interface previously reported by others using sectioned material.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence for corneal endothelial cell hypertrophy during postnatal growth of the cat cornea

Endothelial cell counts made from specular micrographs of 1-month-old kitten and adult cat corneas demonstrate that a progressive increase in endothelial cell size and a reduced endothelial cell density occurs during the postnatal development of the cat cornea. In addition to confirming the difference in cell size, scanning electron micrographs show that kitten endothelial cells are much more pleomorphic than those of the adult. When the number of corneal endothelial cells/mm2 and the size of the whole cornea are calculated for the kitten and adult, hypertrophy rather than mitosis appears to be the principal mechanism responsible for maintaining a confluent endothelial cell monolayer during the postnatal development of the feline cornea. Hypertrophy also appears to play a role in establishing the adult corneal endothelial cell population of the rabbit when the previously published data of others are treated in a similar manner to those of the kitten and adult cat. Thus, endothelial cell hypertrophy plays a role in establishing an "adult" endothelial cell monolayer in species that have a widely divergent corneal endothelial cell mitotic capacity.

The behavior of subcultivated stratified squamous epithelial cells on reconstituted extracellular matrices: initial interactions

Stratified squamous epithelial cells derived from the ventral surface of the rat tongue interact with matrices composed of hydrated dermal collagens (types I and III) and with a bovine basement membrane in distinctly different ways. When compared with the behavior of the cells on the basement membrane, the attachment and subsequent migration of the cells on the collagens were inefficient and slow. The resultant epithelial colonies did, however, stratify and differentiate more rapidly than those formed on the membrane. The fibrillar meshwork of the type III collagen gel provided better initial support for the cells than did the gel of type I collagen in which the fibrils were arranged as coarse aggregates. The physical characteristics of the type III gel also allowed the cells to condense the surface resulting in even better epithelial support. The basement membrane encouraged rapid epithelial coverage of large areas by promoting cell attachment and migration. This important property indicates that epithelial discontinuities can be rapidly repaired, providing the cells can migrate along a preexistent basement membrane. The use of such defined extracellular matrices in culture can provide important insight into the function and structural organization of subepithelial connective tissues and basement membranes.

Penetrating keratoplasty in the cat. A clinically applicable model

A series of 28 consecutive penetrating keratoplasties were performed on adult cats. Donor corneas (n = 14) were maintained in culture medium for 14--24 hours prior to transplantation. Rotational autografts (n = 7) were used to control for cell loss caused by culture maintenance as well as for the effects of surgery. Additional homografts (n = 7) were transplanted following removal of the corneal endothelium to study the extent of host corneal endothelial cell regeneration. Pre- and post-operative endothelial cell counts of the homografts made from specular micrographs demonstrated an average cell loss of 30% one month following surgery. A similar 30% average cell loss was present in the rotational autografts. Clinically, both homografts and autografts remained clear and were near normal in thickness. Homografts lacking endothelium exhibited persistent, severe edema that correlated with the inability of the host corneal endothelium to resurface the graft. Clinical and morphologic evidence of mild homograft rejection as observed in 15% of the animals that received normal homografts. Corneal endothelial cell loss following penetrating keratoplasty in the cat approximates that observed following the same procedure in the human. Additionally, regenerative capacity of the corneal endothelium in the cat, like that of the human, is limited. These features suggest that this cooperative, hardy animal is an excellent model in which to study many aspects of corneal transplantation that have direct application to the treatment of human corneal disease.

Complications associated with bovine corneal endothelial cell-lined homografts in the cat

Cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells were subcultured onto feline corneas from which the native endothelium had been mechanically removed, and transplanted into cats via penetrating keratoplasty. Although the transplants remained thin and clear in the immediate postoperative period, correlative clinical and morphologic analysis disclosed evidence of a host response directed against the heterologous endothelium by the ninth postoperative day. Eyes with rotational autografts or transplanted homografts did not disclose evidence of a similar host response.

A hot wire device for cutting tissue culture flasks

A small hot wire device for cutting plastic culture was can be constructed of steel rod, brass screws, nichrome wire and acrylic plastic sheeting and tubing. The nichrome wire is heated using a variable power transformer. Four sequential cuts are made in the culture flask bottom and the bottom separated from the remainder of the flask. Cultures can be stained, air-dried and cover slips affixed with PVP or epoxy resin. This method of cutting culture ware avoids the formation of small bits of polystyrene generated by rotating discs or saws.

Ultrastructure and histochemistry of the submandibular gland of the European hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus L. II. Intercalated ducts and granular striated ducts

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