Effect of phenobarbital on intralobular expression of CYP2B1/2 in livers of rats: difference in the expression between single and repetitive administrations

Phenobarbital (PB) was shown to induce the major PB-inducible cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms, CYP2B1/2, in perivenular hepatocytes by a single injection, and in midzonal and periportal hepatocytes in addition to perivenular hepatocytes by injections of the same dosage once a day for 3 days in rat livers. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the spread of enzyme induction to midzonal and periportal hepatocytes is caused by the increase in total dose of the drug by repetitive injections or by the repetitive injections of the drug themselves. Male adult rats were administered PB by a single injection (80 mg/kg) or repetitive injections (20 mg/kg once a day for 4 days; a total dose of 80 mg/kg), and the molar content of CYP2B1/2 was measured by quantitative immunohistochemistry in the cytoplasm of perivenular, midzonal, and periportal hepatocytes. In addition, the molar content of total CYP in the cytoplasm was measured by microphotometry, and the expression of CYP2B2 mRNA was examined by in situ hybridization. When animals received the single injection, the isoforms and CYP2B2 mRNA increased markedly in perivenular hepatocytes, increased somewhat in midzonal hepatocytes, and remained unchanged in periportal hepatocytes. If animals received the repetitive injections, however, although the isoforms and the mRNA increased markedly in perivenular hepatocytes, they also increased markedly in midzonal hepatocytes and somewhat in periportal hepatocytes. These findings demonstrated that the enlargement of the sublobular area in which induction of the isoforms occurred was caused by the repetitive injections of PB themselves.

Cell biology of cytochrome P-450 in the liver

Cytochromes P-450 (P-450) are members of a multigene superfamily of hemoproteins consisting the microsomal monooxygenase system with NADPH P-450 reductase (reductase) and/or reducing equivalents. Expression of many P-450 isoforms in hepatocytes is shown to be regulated at the level of transcription through interaction between cis-acting elements in the genes and DNA-binding (transacting) factors. Some isoforms of the CYP1A, 2B, 2E, and 3A subfamilies are regulated at the posttranscriptional level. For the topology of P-450 and reductase molecules in ER membrane of hepatocytes, models from stopped flow analysis and electron spin resonance are proposed. The densities of total P-450 and reductase molecules are revealed to be high enough to support the cluster model, suggesting that about ten P-450 molecules form an aggregate and surround one reductase molecule, and therefore the two enzymes form large micelles. ER proliferation after PB administration, which had been correlated with increase in P-450 level, is shown to be probably independent of the increase in P-450 level. There are considerable discrepancies among results reported on sublobular expression of various P-450 isoforms. Causes of the discrepancies are likely to be differences in experimental conditions of histochemical detection carried out and/or in species, strain, and/or sex.

Lymph node metastases identified with mediastinoscopy in a patient with superficial carcinoma of the esophagus

Superficial esophageal cancers limited to the lamina propria are not associated with lymph node metastases. Mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy was planned in a patient with widespread superficial cancer of the midthoracic esophagus. Sampling of the upper mediastinal lymph nodes revealed metastases. The operation was converted to a transthoracic esophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy. Histopathologic examination of the resection specimen showed three metastatic lymph nodes, despite local invasion limited to the lamina propria. This is the first report of a patient with superficial esophageal cancer and lymph node metastases.

Rifampicin suppresses hepatic CYP2E1 expression and minimizes DNA injury caused by carbon tetrachloride in perivenular hepatocytes of mice

BACKGROUND

Rifampicin has been shown to increase during activities of serum transaminases and to decrease in cytochrome P-450-mediated monooxygenase activities in livers of mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Although these findings suggest that rifampicin prevents hepatocyte damage caused by CCl4, detailed information on the protective effects is not available.

METHODS

We injected first rifampicin and then CCl4 into mice and examined denaturation and fragmentation of hepatocyte DNA by in situ nick translation, in situ end labeling, and in situ hybridization. Furthermore, expressions of p53, a cytoplasmic marker for apoptosis, and bcl2, an anticell death factor, were examined immunohistochemically. In addition, a major ethanol-inducible P-450 isoform in liver homogenates or microsomes, CYP2E1, was examined by Western blotting, because the enzyme metabolizes CCl4 and forms free radicals to injure perivenular hepatocytes in which the enzyme is restrictedly expressed.

RESULTS

Rifampicin prevented the denaturation and fragmentation of DNA caused by CCl4 in perivenular hepatocytes except for those located within two or three cell layers surrounding the central venule. Furthermore, CYP2E1 decreased in liver homogenates or microsomes from rifampicin-treated animals. It is therefore likely that rifampicin suppresses expression of CYP2E1 and protects CCl4-mediated DNA damage of hepatocytes by inhibiting formation of free radicals. In addition, perivenular hepatocytes except for those surrounding the venule showed negative immunoreaction for p53 and bcl2 in rifampicin+CCl4-treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

The drug did not alter the mechanism of cell death from necrosis to apoptosis and did not promote recovery of hepatocytes from CCl4-mediated damage.

Effect of 3-methylcholanthrene administration on expression of cytochrome P-450 isoforms induced by phenobarbital in rat hepatocytes

The effects of an inducer on expression of cytochrome P-450 (P-450) isoforms induced antecedently by another inducer are unknown. Thus, we examined the amount of phenobarbital (PB)-inducible P-450 isoforms (P-450 2B1/2B2) in hepatocytes from rats injected first with PB and then with 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) (PB+MC-treated animals) by quantitative immunohistochemistry. In addition, expression of P-450 2B2 mRNA was examined by in situ hybridization. In PB-treated animals, P-450 2B1/2B2 content increased in perivenular and midzonal hepatocytes. In PB+MC-treated animals, however, the PB-induced increase in 2B1/2B2 content was suppressed in perivenular hepatocytes but promoted in midzonal hepatocytes. The hybridization signal for P-450 2B2 mRNA appeared almost exclusively in perivenular hepatocytes after 24 hr of PB injection and disappeared after 48 hr of injection. In PB+MC-treated animals, however, strong hybridization signal was observed in midzonal and perivenular hepatocytes after 48 hr of PB injection. The promotion of the increase in P-450 2B1/2B2 content in midzonal hepatocytes in PB+MC-treated animals probably corresponds to the strong hybridization signal, whereas there appeared to be a divergence between the intensity of the signal and the content in perivenular hepatocytes. The results indicate that MC administration drastically influences the pattern of expression of P-450 isoforms induced by PB in perivenular and midzonal hepatocytes.

Localization of xenobiotic-responsive element binding protein in rat hepatocyte nuclei after methylcholanthrene administration as revealed by in situ Southwestern hybridization

Xenobiotic-responsive element binding protein (XRE-BP), a heterodimer of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and its nuclear translocator (Arnt), regulates the transcription of cytochrome P-450 1A1 gene (CYP1A1) through XRE in response to xenobiotic inducers. For a better understanding of the regulatory mechanism of CYP1A1 through XRE, localization of XRE-BP was examined in liver sections or isolated hepatocyte nuclei from control and 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)-treated rats by in situ Southwestern hybridization, using synthetic XRE as a probe, and was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and electron microscopy. Gel mobility shift assay and competitive binding assay showed specificity of the synthetic XRE probe. XRE-BP was exclusively localized in hepatocyte nuclei in liver sections from animals 3 hr after MC injection, whereas the protein was absent in hepatocyte cytoplasm in MC-treated animals and in hepatocyte nuclei and cytoplasm in control animals. In isolated hepatocyte nuclei, XRE-BP began to accumulate in the central region between 0.5 and 3 hr, showed a peak between 3 and 6 hr, decreased gradually between 6 and 72 hr, and disappeared at 72 hr after MC injection. The protein was scarce in peripheral and nucleolar regions of the nucleus. Therefore, XRE-BP is formed in the nuclei of hepatocytes after MC stimulation. In addition, XRE-BP was found in isolated hepatocyte nuclei from control animals after preincubation with cytoplasmic lysate from MC-treated animals, although the protein was absent in the nuclei before the preincubation. These findings strongly suggest that AhR translocates from hepatocyte cytoplasm to the nucleus and forms XRE-BP in the nucleus after MC stimulation.

Culture of stromal cells derived from medullary cavity of human long bone in the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2, or ipriflavone

We previously showed that stromal cells derived from bone marrow specimens formed at the fracture site of human long bone differentiated during culture to polygonal cells and spindle cells, and polygonal cells, but not spindle cells, produced calcified matrix. To clarify the origin of polygonal and/or spindle cells, and factors necessary for differentiation of marrow stromal cells to osteogenic cells, we cultured stromal cells derived from the normal (unfractured) medullary cavity (SCN) as well as stromal cells from the medullary cavity distant from the fracture site (SCF). After 3 weeks of primary culture and 2 days of secondary culture, the cells were cultured in medium containing 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD), recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP), or ipriflavone (IF) for 3 weeks. For biochemical analysis, cells reaching confluence after 3 weeks of secondary culture were cultured with one of the factors for 3 days. Some of SCF cultured with VD or IF were transformed to polygonal cells, and showed high alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity and high osteocalcin and insoluble calcium production. Cloned polygonal cells from the SCF formed nodules and aggregates consisting of calcium. Other SCF cultured with VD or IF and SCF cultured with BMP were spindle shaped. Some spindle-shaped cells from SCF cultured with BMP or IF revealed high ALPase activity and high osteocalcin production, comparable with the spindle cells from the fracture site. However, spindle-shaped cells from SCF cultured with VD and other spindle-shaped cells from SCF cultured with BMP or IF showed low ALPase activity and low osteocalcin production. The results show that SCF probably contain at least three subpopulations: (a) cells that differentiate to polygonal cells by the influence of VD or IF; (b) cells that differentiate to the spindle cells by the influence of BMP or IF; and (c) cells that are not transformed by the influence of VD, BMP, or IF.

Determination of accuracy of quantitative immunohistochemical results with an antigen-immobilized filter model system

To determine accuracy of quantitative immunohistochemical results, serially diluted liver cell lysates from methylcholanthrene (MC)-treated rats containing cytochrome P-450 (P-450) 1A were immobilized on nitrocellulose (NC) filters and stained by the indirect immunoperoxidase method under saturation conditions. The stained filters were processed for image analysis and the relationship between the resulting immunostaining intensity due to P-450 1A and the antigen amount immobilized on the filters was examined. The relationship examined in the filters fitted with an exponential curve. Thus, the intensity due to P-450 1A is not simply proportional to the antigen amount. Subsequently, immunostaining intensity due to P-450 1A was measured in sections from control and methylcholanthrene (MC)-treated rats by image analysis with an image processor, and the antigen content in cell lysates from control and MC-treated animals was measured immunochemically by quantitative single radial immunodiffusion. Although immunochemically measured P-450 1A content in the lysates increased markedly (26 times), average staining intensity in sections increased slightly (2-3 times) after MC injection. However, when the exponential curve obtained from the filter binding assay was used as a standard curve to convert staining intensity in sections to molar content of P-450 1A, the resulting content was compatible with the immunochemical content. The divergence between the increase in immunochemically measured P-450 1A content and that in immunostaining intensity in sections after MC injection is therefore attributed primarily to the curvilinear relationship between the intensity and the content.

Immunohistochemical localization of type II and type I collagens in articular cartilage of the femoral head of dexamethasone-treated rats

The immunohistochemical localization of type II and type I collagens was examined in the articular cartilage of the femoral head of growing rats injected systemically with 5 mg kg-1 dexamethasone for 2 weeks every other day. The intensities of immunostaining for type II collagen, measured by microphotometry, was highest in the flattened cell layer and high in the hypertrophic cell layer, moderate in the proliferative cell and transitional cell layers and low in the superficial layer. After dexamethasone administration, the intensities decreased markedly in the flattened cell layer and slightly in the hypertrophic cell layer, although the decreases in other layers were negligible. The staining intensities for type I collagen were highest in the flattened cell layer, low in the superficial and transitional cell layers and very low in the proliferative and hypertrophic cell layers. After dexamethasone administration, the intensities increased markedly in the flattened cell layer and slightly in the superficial and proliferative cell layers, but did not change in the transitional and hypertrophic cell layers. Thus, dexamethasone administration caused a decrease in type II collagen and an increase in type I collagen in the matrix of the surface portion of articular cartilage. The composition of isoforms of collagen in the matrix changed after the steroid administration. The results strongly that the shift in collagen composition from type II to type I predominance is a cause of the degeneration of the articular cartilage after glucocorticoid administration.

Quantitative analysis of endoplasmic reticulum and cytochrome P-450 in hepatocytes from rats injected with methylcholanthrene

To examine whether the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) proliferates in hepatocytes from animals treated with methylcholanthrene (MC) frequently used as an inducer for the enzymes of the microsomal mono-oxygenase system, we estimated the area of (smooth and rough) ER per unit cytoplasmic volume by morphometry in periportal, midzonal and perivenular hepatocytes from rats injected with 25 mg/kg MC once a day for 3 days. In addition, immunostaining intensity of major MC-inducible cytochrome P-450 (P-450) forms (1A1/1A2) and total P-450 content in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes in the three zones were measured by microphotometry to ascertain whether P-450 is sufficiently induced in each sublobular zone by the administration. In spite of significant increase in the staining intensity of P-450 1A1/1A2 and amount of total P-450, the proliferation of SER (and RER) did not occur in the three-zone hepatocytes from rats injected with MC. In perivenular hepatocytes, constitutive forms of P-450 other than 1A1/1A2 decreased (to 10%) instead of marked increase in P-450 1A1/1A2 (about 20 times), while the constitutive forms decreased to 50% in midzonal hepatocytes and remained unchanged in periportal hepatocytes after MC administration. In addition, the present results show divergence between biochemical and immumohistochemical results previously reported on MC-inducible P-450 after MC administration to be due primarily to a curvilinear relationship between content and intensity.

Relationship between immunostaining intensity and antigen content in sections

We studied the relationship between staining intensity of immunohistochemical reaction and antigen content in sections. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and albumin in sections cut from livers of newborn, 5-, 10-, 20-, and 60-day-old rats were examined as examples. First, we compared average immunostaining intensity (sum of specific absorbance in pixel/number of pixels) measured by image processing (IP), with antigen content measured by immunochemical assay to determine whether the intensity is proportional to antigen content. The intensity of AFP was proportional to the antigen content, whereas that of albumin was not. Subsequently, the antigen preservation test was carried out to determine whether the intensity was decreased by fixation and, if so, which type of decrease (proportional or disproportionate) occurred. Thereafter, antigen content in the same portion in the same immunostained section was measured by the microphotometric (MP) method followed by the IP method, because the MP method gives a low average antigen content when a decrease in antibody binding occurs in sections, whereas the average antigen content measured by the IP method is unchanged. The intensity of AFP decreased primarily by a proportional decrease in antigenicity during fixation. However, the intensity of albumin decreased not only by a proportional decrease during fixation but also by a disproportionate reduction in antibody binding during immunostaining or before fixation. The results indicate that AFP content in sections is measurable by quantitative immunohistochemical methods, whereas albumin content is not.

Peri- and postnatal changes in reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-cytochrome P-450 reductase content in hepatocytes of rats

To study the process of the expression of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4) in the liver during development, the amount of enzyme in the cytoplasm of periportal and perivenular hepatocytes in sections cut from livers of male rats was measured during peri- and postnatal growth by quantitative immunohistochemistry with a video image processor. In livers of 19-day-old foetuses, the reductase content in the cytoplasm of periportal and perivenular hepatocytes was 0.16 microM and 0.20 microM, respectively. From the 19th day of gestation to 5 days after birth, the enzyme content increased markedly in the cytoplasm of periportal (288%) and perivenular hepatocytes (301%). Subsequently, the content in the cytoplasm of periportal hepatocytes increased slightly (46%) from 5 to 20 days of age, remained unchanged from 20 to 45 days of age, and increased slightly (15%) from 45 to 90 days of age. However, the content in the cytoplasm of perivenular hepatocytes increased progressively (125%) between 5 and 90 days of age. Thus, the amount of cytochrome P-450 reductase increases markedly in periportal and perivenular hepatocytes during the perinatal period, and subsequently the enzyme content increases gradually in periportal hepatocytes and progressively in perivenular hepatocytes. The present results also suggest that the divergence between cytochrome P-450 expression and the cytochrome P-450-dependent drug metabolic activity in hepatocytes during the perinatal period, found in previous studies, can be attributed to a low cytochrome P-450 reductase density in the membrane of endoplasmic reticulum of periportal and perivenular hepatocytes.

Preparation of liposomes that mimic the membrane of endoplasmic reticulum of rat hepatocytes

To examine the interaction between biomembranes and membrane-bound proteins, large unilamellar liposomes have been required. In the present study, we prepared liposomes from a mixture of phospholipids having a phospholipid composition similar to that in the endoplasmic reticula (microsomes) of rat hepatocytes by eight different methods. The resulting liposomes were examined by a combination of the freeze-fracture-replica procedure with biochemical methods. The freeze-thawing method of Pick (1981) gave the best results; large unilamellar liposomes that mimic the membrane of endoplasmic reticulum were obtained. Liposomes made by this method are thus suitable for analysis of the interaction between the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and membrane-bound proteins.

Endoplasmic reticulum proliferates without an increase in cytochrome P-450 in hepatocytes of mice treated with phenobarbital and cobalt chloride

To determine whether endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proliferation in hepatocytes after phenobarbital (PB) administration relates closely to cytochrome P-450 (P-450) increase, we have measured the amount of total P-450 per unit cytoplasmic volume (P-450 content) by microphotometry and estimated the area of ER per unit cytoplasmic volume (ER area) by morphometry in periportal, midzonal, and perivenular hepatocytes of mice injected daily with PB (100 mg/kg), or with PB (100 mg/kg) plus cobalt chloride (50 mg/kg) for three days. After injection of PB, the P-450 content and ER area increased in hepatocytes of the three sublobular zones. In mice treated with PB plus cobalt chloride, however, the ER area increased, but the P-450 content decreased or remained unchanged in hepatocytes of the three zones. We conclude that cobalt chloride inhibits the increase in total P-450 but has no effect on the proliferation of ER of hepatocytes in mice treated with PB, indicating a dissociation of ER proliferation and P-450 increase after administration of PB.

Absence of paravascular nerve projection and cross-innervation in interscapular brown adipose tissues of mice

To determine whether a paravascular nerve projection or cross-innervation exists in the interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT), the distribution of noradrenergic or peptidergic nerve fibers in intact or denervated interscapular BAT pads of mice was examined histochemically. Noradrenaline (NA) fibers were visualized by the glyoxylic acid condensation method, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) and substance P (SP) fibers were detected immunohistochemically. Numerous NA-positive fibers and a few NPY- or SP-positive fibers were observed around intralobular arterioles in intact BAT pads. Some NA-positive fibers and very few NPY- or SP-positive fibers were seen around interlobular arteries. NA- and NPY-positive fibers were also found around brown adipose cells in the parenchyme of BAT, whereas SP-positive fibers were absent around the cells. However, all sections cut from denervated BAT pads of unilaterally or bilaterally denervated animals showed a total absence of NA-, NPY- or SP-positive nerve fibers. Therefore, neither a paravascular projection of NA, NPY, and SP fibers to the BAT nor a cross-innervation of these nerve fibers between the left and right BAT pads exists in the mouse BAT.

Age-related changes in fibre number, fibre size, fibre type composition and adenosine triphosphatase activity in rat soleus muscle

To study the aging of muscle fibres in red skeletal muscle, fibre number, fibre diameter and fibre type composition in the soleus muscle of male rats of 3, 12 and 24 months old were examined. The total number of muscle fibres remained unchanged, while average diameter increased slightly with increasing age. The staining intensity of myosin adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in the fibres decreased with advancing age. Therefore, observation on the basis of myosin ATPase histochemistry alone is not adequate to study the aging of muscle fibres. In the muscles of 24 month-old animals, four fibre types were recognized; 1) many (52%) type I-O fibres showing weak ATPase and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) reactions with slight subsarcolemmal aggregates of diformazan (SAD); 2) some (33%) type M fibres showing weak ATPase and intense SDH reactions with marked SAD; 3) a few (12%) type O fibres showing weak ATPase and intense SDH reactions without SAD; and 4) very few (4%) type IIA fibres. Histochemical and morphometric results suggest that type I-O, type M and type O fibres are derived from type I, type I and type IIA fibres, respectively. Furthermore, no transitional fibres from type IIA to type I were observed. Therefore, age-related changes in fibre type composition in the muscle cannot be explained by the simple idea that most type IIA fibres are transformed into type I fibres.

Measurement of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase content in rat liver sections by quantitative immunohistochemistry with a video image processor

We have a quantitative light microscopic immunohistochemical method using video image processing. First, an antigen (NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase) content in homogenates of livers of rats was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Then frozen sections from rat livers were incubated with the anti-NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase antibody under saturation conditions by the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Subsequently, relative staining intensities in small portions and those in wide areas in the sections were measured with a video image processor. Finally, the resulting relative values obtained from the small portions were converted into absolute NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase contents using the results of enzyme immunoassay and the average relative staining intensity obtained from the wide areas in the sections. The reductase content in sections from rat livers measured by the image processing method coincided with the content measured by the microphotometric method using a nitrocellulose model system. The present image processing method is applicable to measurement of contents of antigens that can not be immobilized in model systems.

Significance of high glucose-6-phosphatase activity in rat oviduct epithelium

To study the origin of glucose in the oviduct fluid, we cytochemically examined glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activity in rat oviduct. The activity in the whole oviduct was also assayed biochemically. During proestrous, estrous, and metestrous phases, staining reaction for the activity was moderate in the epithelium of the caudal isthmus (CaI) and uterotubal junction (UJ), whereas it was weak in that of the ampulla (A) and cephalic isthmus (CeI). In the diestrous phase, staining reaction in the epithelium of CaI and UJ became strong although it remained weak in that of A and CeI. Reaction product for the activity was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope of all cell types in the epithelium. The amount of reaction product in secretory cells was small to moderate in CaI and UJ, and small in A and CeI during proestrus, estrus, and metestrus. In diestrous the amount became abundant in CaI and UJ and moderate in A and CeI. However, the amount in ciliated cells remained small in the four segments during the four phases. The biochemical activity in diestrous was greater than that in proestrus, estrus, or metestrus. This shows that the activity is high in secretory cells in the epithelium of CaI and UJ in the diestrous phase and suggests that the role of the high activity is to release glucose into the oviduct fluid for use by the embryo passing down the CaI and UJ to the uterus.

Culture of marrow stromal cells derived from bone marrow specimens formed at fracture site of human long bone

To study the process of the internal callus formation, we cultivated marrow stromal cells derived from bone marrow specimens formed at fracture sites of human long bone in alpha-modified Eagle's medium containing 10% fetal calf serum. After 2 weeks of culture, the cells formed two types of colonies; one consisted of spindle cells, and the other comprised of polygonal cells. The two types of colonies were separated and cultured further. The spindle and polygonal cells proliferated to confluence within 3 weeks and after 4 weeks, respectively, after the separation. Both the spindle and polygonal cells showed on the plasma membrane moderate intensity of staining reaction of alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity before the period of confluence and strong intensity during the period of confluence. Then, the spindle cells did not produce calcified matrix, but detached from the dish after 6-8 weeks of culture. In the colonies of polygonal cells, however, dense nodules were formed after 9 weeks of culture, which became visible to the naked eye as white aggregates after 11-12 weeks. Electron microscopic studies on the polygonal cells demonstrated matrix vesicles in the intercellular ground substance after 6 weeks of culture, and electron-dense needle-like crystals on the matrix vesicles after 8-10 weeks of culture. On the basis of infrared spectroscopic analysis, the aggregates were composed of hydroxyapatite. Thus, stromal cells derived from bone marrow specimens formed at fracture site of human long bone differentiated to spindle and polygonal cells containing high ALPase activity (a marker for osteogenic capacity) during culture, and the polygonal cells but not spindle cells produced the calcified matrix.

Quantitative analysis of smooth endoplasmic reticulum proliferation in periportal, midzonal and perivenular hepatocytes of mice after administration of phenobarbital

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) proliferation after phenobarbital (PB) administration has been described to occur predominantly in perivenular hepatocytes. We analyzed by quantitative electron microscopy changes in ER amounts in periportal, midzonal and perivenular hepatocytes from mice injected with 35, 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg of PB once a day for 3 days. The SER proliferated in midzonal hepatocytes in addition to perivenular hepatocytes even when low doses (35 or 50 mg/kg) were administered, and in hepatocytes of all three zones in case of high doses (100 or 150 mg/kg). Moreover, net proliferation of SER after administration of an amount of PB was not different in hepatocytes of any zones where the proliferation occurred, except animals injected with 100 mg/kg. The results suggest that there is no difference in SER producing capacity in hepatocytes of three zones when the cells have recognized the stimulation of PB.

Postnatal development and sublobular distribution of cytochrome P-450 in rat liver: a microphotometric study

To study the process of expression of cytochrome P-450 (P-450) in hepatocytes during development, we measured microphotometrically the P-450 content in periportal and perivenular hepatocytes of male rats during peri- and postnatal growth. From Day 19 of gestation to Day 5 after birth, P-450 content in both periportal and perivenular hepatocytes increased markedly (periportal 1046%; perivenular 819%). The content in periportal hepatocytes remained unchanged from 5 to 20 days of age, and increased slightly (24%) from 20 to 45 days of age. However, the content in perivenular hepatocytes increased progressively (105%) between 5 and 45 days of age. The difference in P-450 content became apparent between periportal and perivenular hepatocytes after 7 days of age. The content in periportal or perivenular hepatocytes reached the adult level at 45 days of age. Therefore, the perinatal period is the time at which a marked increase in P-450 occurs in hepatocytes throughout the liver lobule. The subsequent period before weaning is the time at which the sublobular heterogeneous distribution of P-450 appears. The period after weaning is the time at which a slight increase in P-450 content in periportal hepatocytes and a marked increase in the enzyme in perivenular hepatocytes takes place.

Densities of NADPH-ferrihemoprotein reductase and cytochrome P-450 molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane of rat hepatocytes

In hepatocytes, NADPH-ferrihemoprotein reductase (reductase) has been hypothesized to exist as aggregates or micelles in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. However, if the number of reductase molecules per unit area of ER is low, this hypothesis cannot explain how a few reductase molecules efficiently reduce many P-450 molecules. To test this hypothesis, we estimated the numbers of reductase and P-450 molecules per unit ER area (reductase and P-450 densities) by microphotometry of the two enzymes in conjunction with morphometry of ER in periportal, midzonal, and perivenular rat hepatocytes. The reductase density in periportal, midzonal, and perivenular hepatocytes (107-179 molecules/microns 2 of ER) was high enough to efficiently reduce all P-450 molecules in the ER, although the value in perivenular hepatocytes was lowest owing to the relatively greater amount of ER in this region. The pattern of sublobular gradient in the reductase density was similar to that in the P-450 density. Consequently, the molar ratio of P-450 to reductase in ER was similar (about 40:1) in hepatocytes regardless of their positions within the liver lobule.

Postnatal changes in sublobular distribution of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase in rat liver

Immunohistochemical distribution of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase (NADPH-ferrihaemoprotein reductase; EC 1.6.2.4.) in the liver lobule was examined during development of the rat. From the 19th day of gestation to 4 days after birth, the enzyme was distributed uniformly throughout the lobule. The immunostaining for the enzyme was weak before birth, and became slightly stronger after birth. A slightly uneven distribution of immunoreactivity, stronger in perivenular zones, appeared at 5 days after birth. Then, the staining intensity in perivenular zones became progressively stronger with age, except for a slight increase between 10 and 20 days of age. The intensity in periportal zones also increased gradually, although it remained weaker than that in perivenular zones. Around 30 days of age, the distribution of the immunostaining, stronger in perivenular than in periportal zones, was similar to that seen in the lobules of adult animals. Thus, heterogeneity among hepatocytes with respect to the enzyme content is not present in fetal and newborn rats but develops gradually during postnatal development; the postnatal growth of the liver is accompanied by a change in the pattern of the distribution of this enzyme within the lobule.

Quantitative analysis of rough endoplasmic reticulum in chondrocytes of articular and tracheal cartilage of rabbits following the systemic administration of hydrocortisone

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in chondrocytes was analysed stereologically in articular cartilage of knee joints and in tracheal cartilage of rabbits injected intramuscularly with 5 mg/kg hydrocortisone daily for 4 wk. In articular cartilage, RER area per unit cytoplasmic volume decreased in chondrocytes in all (superficial, middle and deep) zones, although the volume of glycogen deposits per unit cytoplasmic volume increased in the middle and deep zones. RER area per chondrocyte also decreased in the 3 zones without changes in average chondrocyte volume in the superficial and deep zones. Furthermore, the volume of glycogen deposits per chondrocyte did not alter in the 3 zones. These indicate a reduction of RER area in articular chondrocytes after hydrocortisone administration and suggest a decrease in the protein-synthesising capacity of these cells. In tracheal cartilage in which 2 zones were identifiable, RER area per unit cytoplasmic volume decreased in chondrocytes in both the superficial and main zones without changes in the volume of glycogen deposits per unit cytoplasmic volume. In addition, RER area per chondrocyte decreased in the main zone. The results suggest that the decrease in RER area in chondrocytes after corticosteroid administration is not specific to articular cartilage but is common to cartilage in various organs.

Relation between cytochrome P-450 increase and endoplasmic reticulum proliferation in hepatocytes of mice treated with phenobarbital: a microphotometric and morphometric study

To obtain detailed information on phenobarbital (PB)-induced cytochrome P-450 (P-450) increase and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proliferation in hepatocytes, we estimated microphotometrically the amount of P-450 per unit cytoplasmic volume and morphometrically the area of ER per unit cytoplasmic volume in hepatocytes adjacent to the portal area or central venule (1 periportal or 1 perivenular cells) and in the second and third layers from the portal area or central venule (2, 3 periportal or 2, 3 perivenular cells) from mice injected with 35, 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg PB once a day for 3 days. By dividing the P-450 amount by the ER area, the number of P-450 molecules per unit ER area was also calculated. In 1 and 2, 3 perivenular cells, except for 2, 3 perivenular cells after injection of 150 mg/kg PB, the amount of P-450 increased with ER proliferation and the number of P-450 molecules in ER remained unchanged after injection of 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg PB. In 2, 3 periportal cells, however, the P-450 amount and the number of P-450 molecules in ER increased markedly without or with some ER proliferation after injection of 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg PB; the P-450 increase appears to be generally independent of ER proliferation. The 1 periportal cells are probably exceptional hepatocytes that usually did not respond to PB stimulation.

Measurement of NADPH-ferrihemoprotein reductase content in sections of liver

We developed a method for measuring the content of NADPH-ferrihemoprotein reductase in sections of liver. First, reductase in sections of rat liver was detected with the indirect immunoperoxidase reaction. Subsequently, specific absorbances were measured in the stained sections by microphotometry. Then, the resulting specific absorbances were converted into the reductase content in the sections using an apparent extinction coefficient obtained from a nitrocellulose binding assay. The average of the reductase content in hepatocytes in periportal, intermediate, and perivenous zones thus measured was consistent with the value in liver homogenates estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Therefore, the present method gave accurate measurement of the reductase content in the sections. Perivenous hepatocytes contained 1.5 times as much reductase (1.15 nmol/g liver, mean for five animals) as that in periportal hepatocytes (0.74 nmol/g liver). The reductase content in hepatocytes in the intermediate zone (0.93 nmol/g liver) was intermediate between values of the periportal and perivenous hepatocytes.

High glucose-6-phosphatase activity in non-pigmented epithelial cells of rabbit ciliary body

For study of the origin of glucose in the aqueous humor, glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and hexokinase activities, and glycogen, were cytochemically examined in the ciliary body (CB) of rabbit. G6Pase activity was also assayed biochemically. The staining reaction for G6Pase activity was strong in the non-pigmented epithelium (NPE) in the pars plana and tips of ciliary processes in the region containing large ciliary pockets within the pars plicata. NPE cells contained abundant reaction product for G6Pase activity in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope. However, NPE in other regions of the CB and pigmented epithelium (PE) of CB, and other areas surrounding the anterior and (PE) of CB, and other areas surrounding the anterior and posterior chambers, showed weak or no G6Pase staining reaction. Biochemical G6Pase activity in the whole ciliary body was relatively high. Both NPE and PE in the pars plana and the tips showed strong staining reaction for hexokinase activity but no staining for glycogen. Furthermore, NPE cells in the tips bore large aggregates of smooth ER and many Golgi apparati. These suggest that the high G6Pase activity in NPE cells in the pars plana and the tips is related to glucose release into the aqueous humor.

An improved microphotometry system for measurement of cytochrome P-450 in hepatocyte cytoplasm

To measure cytochrome P-450 (P-450) content in hepatocyte cytoplasm, we developed a dual monochromator-equipped microphotometry system (KWSP-1). Simultaneous measurements of absorbance at 450 and 490 nm with narrow band width (0.5 nm) and small spot size (2 microns) were accomplished by this system. Corresponding fields in serial sections could be easily and rapidly identified under the Nomarski imaging mode of KWSP-1. Photometric accuracy and repeatability of wavelength setting of KWSP-1 were also satisfactory for measurement of P-450. With this system, it is thus possible to measure the extinction of P-450 from many small measuring areas and to precisely determine P-450 content in the cytoplasm of rat hepatocytes. A microphotometric method was developed using cuvette slides and two serial 10-microns thick sections (mapping method). The intracellular distribution of P-450 in individual hepatocytes could be visualized by the mapping method with KWSP-1. However, this method was not applicable to tissue sections containing hemoglobin larger than 4 microM.

Scented Envelopment and ERP Basis Waves

It has been reported that a brief presentation of odorous stimulus has some effects on Event-related brain potentials (ERPs). In this present study, effects of continuous presentation of odorous stimulus (scented environment) were studies with special references to ERP basis waves which associated to cognitive function. Contingent negative variation (CNV) was recorded before and after continuous presentation of 0.2g lemon oil. ERP basis waves were extracted by Multivariate analysis of single trial CNVs, and it is shown that the ERP basis waves of CNV contained a number of positive components after S1 and S2 of the conventional CNV paradigm. These positive components corresponded from the view point of their latency and topographic characteristics to the late positive complex. In the scented environment by the lemon oil, Sl +350p basis wave, which is a positive basis wave developed 350msec after S1, and S2 +350p, a positive basis wave 350msec after S2, decreased their amplitude significantly and S2 +650p, the second positive basis wave after S2, was also decreased in its amplitude. On the contrary to this, there noted increased amplitude of S1 +500p and S2 +500p in the scented environment. According to the report after the experiment, the odor of lemon oil induced tranquil and hedonic feeling among the subjects and they felt rather relaxed in the scented environment. The effects on the ERP basis waves are thought to be explained along this line of affective changes in the subjects.

Microphotometric analysis of cytochrome P-450 in periportal, midzonal, and perivenular hepatocytes of mice treated with phenobarbital

To obtain detailed information on the increase of cytochrome P-450 (P-450) content in periportal, midzonal, and perivenular hepatocytes after phenobarbital (PB) administration, and to study the mechanism of increased P-450 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), we estimated microphotometrically the P-450 content and morphometrically the area of ER in hepatocytes of three zones from mice injected with 35, 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg of PB for 3 days. The amount of P-450 per unit cytoplasmic volume and the number of P-450 molecules per unit ER area (P-450 number) were increased by injection of 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg, and the ER area per unit cytoplasmic volume was increased by injection of 100 or 150 mg/kg, in hepatocytes from all three zones. Thus, the amount of P-450 in hepatocytes appeared in general to increase multiplicatively by simultaneous increases in both the P-450 number and the ER area. Furthermore, we could recognize two general types of relationship in the P-450 number and ER area between the patterns of change and the increasing doses: (a) increase in the P-450 number without ER proliferation (active type) in periportal and perivenular hepatocytes after injection of low doses; and (b) increase in ER proliferation without increase in the P-450 number (passive type) in hepatocytes of all three zones after injection of high doses.

Neuronal regulation of substrate cycle between glucose 6-phosphate and glucose in brown adipose tissues of cold-exposed mice

The increase in both glucose 6-phosphatase and hexokinase activities in brown adipose tissues of cold-exposed mice probably relates to thermogenesis by the substrate cycle between glucose 6-phosphate and glucose (Watanabe et al.: Anatomical Record 219:39-44, 1987). To clarify the factors causing the simultaneous increase, we examined biochemically the effects of uni- or bilateral surgical denervation of brown adipose tissues, of adrenalectomy, or of streptozotocin injection on the increase in the two activities in the tissues of cold-exposed mice. Further, the effects of denervation on the increase were also examined histochemically. The simultaneous increase in the two activities was inhibited in the denervated tissues of cold-exposed animals in biochemical and histochemical experiments. However, the increase in the activities was not inhibited in the tissues of animals exposed to cold after adrenalectomy or streptozotocin injection. The results suggest strongly that the activation of the substrate cycle in brown adipose tissues of cold-exposed mice is caused by a transmitter released from sympathetic nerve endings, probably norepinephrine.

Fine structure and function of hepatocytes during development

This paper reviews the fine structure and function of hepatocytes during fetal and postnatal development. Bile canaliculi develop to a mature appearance during perinatal and early postnatal periods, while bile secretory function is immature at birth and develops during the postnatal period. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is prominent and remains unchanged in amount during development, and the Golgi complex is large from early stages of fetal life. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) appears shortly before birth and increases in quantity to the adult level after birth. In mouse hepatocytes, Sv (area per unit cytoplasmic volume) of SER increases in perivenular cells between 1 and 10 days of age, although it remains low in periportal cells. Similarly, Sv of total ER increases in both periportal and perivenular cells between 1 and 5 days of age and then becomes greater in perivenular than periportal cells. This suggests that the postnatal increase in the drug-metabolizing capacity occurs predominantly in perivenular hepatocytes. SER proliferates after phenobarbital (PB) administration in both perivenular and periportal cells in 3-, 5-, and 10-day-old mice, and predominantly in perivenular cells in 20-day-old and adult mice. Thus the conspicuous proliferation of SER in perivenular hepatocytes after PB administration, characteristic of adult liver, becomes manifest during postnatal development. In mouse hepatocytes, Vv (volume per unit cytoplasmic volume) of mitochondrial matrix and peroxisomes and Sv of mitochondrial inner membrane and cristae increase in both periportal and perivenular cells between birth and 10 days of age. Then, Vv of mitochondrial matrix remains unchanged in periportal cells but decreases in perivenular cells. In general, the process of postnatal hepatocyte differentiation appears to include several phases of development; cell organelles develop during the early postnatal period, subsequently the cells undergo both functional and structural heterogeneity, and the late postnatal period after weaning is the time for a marked increase in cell size.

A new microphotometric method for measurement of cytochrome P-450 in sections of liver

We developed a new microphotometric method for measuring the amounts of cytochrome P-450 (P-450) in fresh frozen sections of liver. Four serial frozen sections cut from the liver were separately incubated in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 8.0) alone, in buffer containing sodium dithionite, in buffer saturated with carbon monoxide (CO), and in buffer saturated with CO and containing sodium dithionite. The difference between absorbance at 450 nm and that at 490 nm was measured in these sections with a simple microphotometer system. This method yielded precise amounts of P-450 in sections by measuring the true extinction of P-450 and by minimizing the effect of contaminating hemoproteins. Livers of adult rats contained large amounts of P-450, which was greater in perivenular hepatocytes than in periportal hepatocytes. In livers of newborn rats, however, small amounts of the enzyme were distributed evenly throughout the lobule.

Glucagon receptors in endothelial and Kupffer cells of mouse liver

To determine whether hepatic sinusoidal cells contain glucagon receptors and, if so, to study the significance of the receptors in the cells, binding of [125I]-glucagon to nonparenchymal cells (mainly endothelial cells and Kupffer cells) isolated from mouse liver was examined by quantitative autoradiography and biochemical methods. Furthermore, the pathway of intracellular transport of colloidal gold-labeled glucagon (AuG) was examined in vivo. Autoradiographic and biochemical results demonstrated many glucagon receptors in both endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, and more receptors being present in endothelial cells than in Kupffer cells. In vivo, endothelial cells internalized AuG particles into coated vesicles via coated pits and transported the particles to endosomes, lysosomes, and abluminal plasma membrane. Therefore, receptor-mediated transcytosis of AuG occurs in endothelial cells. The number of particles present on the abluminal plasma membrane was constant if the amount of injected AuG increased. Therefore, the magnitude of receptor-mediated transcytosis of AuG appears to be regulated by endothelial cells. Kupffer cells internalized the ligand into cytoplasmic tubular structures via plasma membrane invaginations and transported the ligand exclusively to endosomes and lysosomes, suggesting that the ligand is degraded by Kupffer cells.

Inhibitory effect of phenobarbital on peroxisome biogenesis in mouse hepatocytes

Peroxisomes in hepatocytes from mice administered 35, 50, or 100 mg/kg of phenobarbital (PB) were analyzed by quantitative electron microscopy. In perivenular hepatocytes, the volume of peroxisomes per unit cytoplasmic volume decreased to 78 or 57% of that of control animals by administration of 50 or 100 mg/kg. Their average volume also decreased to 78 or 64% of that in control animals in animals injected with 35 or 50 mg/kg. Further, cytochemical catalase activity appeared decreased in peroxisomes of hepatocytes of this zone after administration of 50 or 100 mg/kg. These suggest an inhibitory action of PB administration of biogenesis of peroxisomes in perivenular hepatocytes. In periportal hepatocytes, however, the volume density, average volume, and cytochemical catalase activity of peroxisomes did not change by administration of any doses of PB. Thus, PB administration appears to produce no inhibitory effect on the peroxisome biogenesis in periportal hepatocytes. On the other hand, the number of peroxisomes per unit cytoplasmic volume increased in both periportal and perivenular hepatocytes in animals injected with 50 mg/kg, although it returned to the level of control animals by injection of 100 mg/kg. The inhibitory effect of PB on the peroxisome neogenesis in perivenular hepatocytes may be related to the marked smooth endoplasmic reticulum proliferation by administration of this drug.

Morphological differences between secretory cells of wet and dry types of human ceruminous glands

Morphological differences between secretory cells of the wet and dry types of human ceruminous glands were examined. The heights of secretory cells varied from tall and medium to low in both wet- and dry-type glands. The two gland types differed in morphologic features of the tall cells and the cells of medium height. The Golgi apparatus was well developed in the tall cells and fairly well developed in the cells of medium height in the wet-type gland, whereas it was generally small in the corresponding cells of the dry type. Light granules were abundant in the tall cells and in the cells of medium height in the wet-type gland, whereas light granules were rare in these cells in the dry-type gland. Furthermore, the light granules in the wet-type gland cells were observed in close relation to a well-developed Golgi apparatus, and sometimes showed a morphologic appearance suggesting exocytosis. Apical protrusions, probably related to apocrine secretion, were generally large and round and bore "microvilli and light granules" or "very few microvilli and no light granules" in the tall cells of the wet-type gland. However, the protrusions of the tall cells of the dry-type gland were generally large and slender and possessed no microvilli and no granules. The protrusions were not observed in the cells of medium height or in low cells in either type of gland. The results show that eccrine secretion characterizes the wet-type gland, but it is not clearly evident in the dry-type gland. This differences may be related to differences in composition between the wet and dry cerumens.

High glucose-6-phosphatase activity in osteoblasts in the metaphysis of femur of growing rats

Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activity was examined cytochemically in the metaphysis of femurs of 3- and 7-day-old rats. G6Pase and hexokinase activities were also examined biochemically in the femur and tibia of 3-day-old animals. The reaction product for G6Pase activity was seen in the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope of all cell types composing the metaphysis. The amount of the reaction product was abundant in osteoblasts, moderate in osteocytes, and moderate to scarce in osteoclasts and capillary endothelial cells. Biochemical G6Pase activity in the bones was higher than that in the brain, submandibular gland, or pancreas of the animals. Hexokinase activity in the bones was not different from that in the submandibular gland, pancreas, or kidney. The activity ratio of G6Pase and hexokinase in the bones (0.603) was greater than that in the submandibular gland, pancreas, or brain and smaller than that in the kidney. Possible physiological significances of the higher G6Pase activity in osteoblasts are discussed.

Glucose 6-phosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase activities in chondrocytes in epiphyseal cartilage of growing rats

Glycogen, glycogen phosphorylase, and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activities were examined cytochemically in chondrocytes of femoral epiphyseal cartilages and cartilaginous ribs of 3- and 7-day-old rats. G6Pase activity was also examined biochemically. Glycogen was abundant in chondrocytes of the reserve zone, while it became scarce in the cells of the proliferative zone. From the upper part (adjoining the proliferative zone) to the lower part of the hypertrophic zone, glycogen accumulated in chondrocytes and decreased in the cells of the degenerative zone. Inversely, glycogen phosphorylase a and G6Pase activities were relatively high in chondrocytes of the proliferative zone and upper hypertrophic zone and were low in the cells of the reserve zone, lower hypertrophic zone, and degenerative zone. The reaction product for G6Pase was present in the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope of all types of chondrocytes composing the cartilages, although the amounts of reaction product varied with the cell types in parallel with the histochemical results. Biochemical G6Pase activity was higher in epiphyseal cartilages than in cartilaginous ribs. The possible mechanism and significance of the accumulation and decrease of glycogen in chondrocytes of the epiphyseal cartilage were discussed.

Significance of increase in glucose 6-phosphatase activity in brown adipose cells of cold-exposed and starved mice

Cytochemical and biochemical glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activity was examined in brown adipose tissues of normal, cold-exposed, or starved mice. In addition, G6Pase activity in white adipose tissue and hexokinase activity in brown and white adipose tissues were biochemically measured. In normal animals, the reaction product for G6Pase activity was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope of brown adipose cells. The amount of the reaction product increased in cold-exposed or starved animals. Biochemical G6Pase activity (259.7 +/- 48.5 ng Pi/min/mg protein) in brown adipose tissues of normal animals was higher when the value was compared with values of other organs. Biochemical G6Pase and hexokinase activities increased rapidly in brown adipose tissues of cold-exposed animals, and a close relation was found between activities of the two enzymes. In brown adipose tissues of animals starved for 3 days, biochemical G6Pase activity increased, but hexokinase activity did not change. In white adipose tissues of normal, cold-exposed, or starved animals, G6Pase activity was very low, although the enzyme activity increased slightly in animals starved for 3 days. The results show that the high G6Pase activity in brown adipose cells probably relates to thermogenesis in cold-exposed animals and may be concerned with glucose release into the blood in starved animals.

Physiological role of skeletal muscle glycogen in starved mice

To study the physiological role of skeletal muscle glycogen in starved animals, effects of starvation on glycogen and glycogen phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.1.) activity were studied in muscle fibers (morphologic study) and in whole muscles (biochemical study) of the rectus femoris muscle of mouse. Glycogen content in the liver of the starved animals was also measured. PAS reaction, strong in muscle fibers of fed animals, became weak predominantly in type IIB fibers after 2 days and almost disappeared after 4 days of starvation. Glycogen particles, numerous in the sarcoplasm between myofibrils of muscle fibers, decreased markedly predominantly in type IIB fibers after 2 days and almost disappeared after 4 days. Phosphorylase a activity, undetected in fibers of fed mice, appeared weak in type IIB fibers and very weak in type IIA fibers after 2 days and became moderate in type IIB fibers and weak in type IIA fibers after 4 days. Muscle glycogen content did not differ by 16 hours from the values of corresponding fed animals. However, liver glycogen content had already decreased after 8 hours and markedly so after 12 hours. The results support our hypothesis-"skeletal muscle glycogen is used for maintaining the blood glucose level in starved mice" (Hirose et al.: Anat. Rec., 216:133-138, 1986)-and show that type IIB fibers play a main role in maintaining the glucose level and that muscle glycogen is utilized after depletion of liver glycogen.