大鼠视网膜中HAP1的免疫组织化学定位及不同光照条件对HAP1表达的影响

目的探讨亨廷顿蛋白相关蛋白1(huntingtin associated protein 1, HAP1)是否存在于视网膜内及是否与视觉有关.方法对正常大鼠眼球壁用ABC法进行免疫组织化学染色,观察HAP1在视网膜中的定位;用半定量免疫印迹方法(Western blotting)检测不同光照条件对大鼠视网膜中HAP1表达的影响.结果 HAP1较广泛地分布在大鼠视网膜各层,但以内核层及外核层中免疫反应较强,阳性反应产物主要定位在节细胞层和内核层/外核层中部分细胞胞体内;其余各层中,HAP1免疫反应较弱,阳性产物呈弥散分布,未见明显的阳性胞体.在连续处于黑暗环境中72小时大鼠视网膜中,HAP1表达较常规光照动物明显减少,而连续光照72h大鼠视网膜内HAP1表达无明显变化.结论 HAP1在视网膜中的存在及不同光照条件对视网膜HAP1表达的影响表明,HAP1可能与视觉活动有关.     

提前接受光照对小鼠视网膜TH和bFGF表达的影响

目的在通过手术使小鼠提前睁眼接受光照,并成功诱发近视的基础上,进一步研究TH和bFGF在视网膜中的表达变化,以探讨早产近视的发病机理.方法实验用新生第4d的C57BL/6J小鼠,通过手术分离单侧上、下眼睑,使之提前睁眼并接受正常光照,在第14d检查两眼屈光力,应用RT-PCR和免疫组化方法,检测视网膜中bFGF和TH的表达.结果提前接受光照能诱导形成-9.77±0.09D的相对近视.RT-PCR结果显示提前光照小鼠视网膜TH和bFGFmRNA含量明显减少(t值分别为4.316和12.189,P<0.01).免疫组织化学显示TH免疫阳性反应主要分布在节细胞层、内网层和内核层,bFGF免疫阳性反应主要分布在内网层及其两侧的部分节细胞和内核层细胞,另在内网层和视锥视杆层也有微弱表达.免疫组织化学染色显示提前光照小鼠视网膜中TH和bFGF的表达量明显下降.结论研究表明新生小鼠提前光照后,其视网膜TH和bFGF的表达都明显下降,提示TH和bFGF与早产近视的形成有密切关系.     

昼夜节律的改变对视网膜感光视蛋白melanopsin表达的影响

目的 研究昼夜节律的改变对视网膜感光视蛋白melanopsin表达的影响.方法 出生14 d (P14)C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为实验组和正常对照组,实验组每天给予24 h持续光照,对照组模拟正常昼夜节律每天给予12 h光照、12 h黑暗环境,运用免疫荧光染色结合RT-PCR技术,分别检测实验组和对照组小鼠在光照1周后和8周后视网膜感光视蛋白melanopsin的表达情况.结果 免疫荧光染色结果显示感光视蛋白melanopsin主要位于视网膜神经节细胞层,少部分位于内核层.小鼠光照1周后melanopsin阳性细胞的表达数目实验组少于对照组;RT-PCR结果示小鼠光照1周和8周时melanopsin的mRNA含量实验组均少于各自的对照组,两者具有统计学意义(P＜0.01).结论 持续光照可以减少视网膜感光视蛋白melanopsin的表达,提示melanopsin阳性神经节细胞为光敏感性细胞,其表达可能对维持正常的昼夜节律有重要作用.     

胚胎大鼠视网膜超微结构与Nestin表达的增龄变化

目的研究在体视网膜祖细胞分布及分化发育规律. 方法运用透射电镜观察E18(E:胚胎)视网膜超微结构,采用免疫组化了解Nestin在不同发育时期视网膜的表达变化.结果 E18视网膜超微结构:①在神经母细胞层中、外侧,大多数细胞核浆比例大,核呈纺锤形或椭圆形,染色较深,常染色质细小,异染色质少,胞质内含丰富核糖体及少量线粒体.②在近巩膜侧的神经母细胞层可见有丝分裂细胞.2. Nestin表达丰富的部位主要集中在E16和E18的神经母细胞层;P4和P7(P:出生后)发育期内网层和神经纤维层,但在P21,Nestin在视网膜包括睫状体边缘区均呈阴性.结论 1.E18视网膜祖细胞主要位于神经母细胞层.2. Nestin阳性细胞产生视网膜细胞的顺序是先产生节细胞,感光细胞和内核层细胞次之,最后为米勒细胞.     

桃树体不同部位果实着色差异及其与环境因子的关系研究

为探讨树体冠层不同部位桃果实着色机制差异及其与环境因子的关系,以晚熟桃品种‘霞晖8号’为试材,研究了果实3个典型发育时期(硬核期、膨大期、成熟期)树体冠层上部、中部外围、中部内膛和下部的温度、光照环境因子变化动态,并就其对果皮色泽、色素含量的影响及与果实着色相关的基因表达特点进行解析。结果表明:(1)与冠层下部果实相比,‘霞晖8号’冠层上部、中部外围和中部内膛成熟果实果皮a~*/b~*(红色饱和度/黄色饱和度)显著较高。(2)冠层下部成熟果实的果皮花色素苷含量最低而叶绿素含量最高,且与其他部位间差异显著。(3)果实不同发育时期花色素苷合成相关基因的表达量差异表明,果皮花色素苷合成是多基因协同调控的过程。(4)果实转色前,低光照强度抑制了花色素苷合成相关基因的表达,其中对UFGT、DFR、CHS基因的调控作用最明显;果实成熟期,与高光照条件相比,低光照条件下果皮花色素苷合成相关基因上调表达。研究认为,树体冠层不同部位光照条件差异可能是导致果实着色差异的主要环境因素之一,它通过调节与果皮花色素苷积累相关的基因表达水平控制果皮的着色。     

低温胁迫下不同光照条件对锦熟黄杨抗氧化酶活性的影响

研究了锦熟黄杨（Buxus sempervirens L.）在低温胁迫下不同光照条件（12 h光照/12 h黑暗、24 h全光、24 h全黑）对其抗氧化酶活性的影响,结果表明：低温不同光照条件下细胞膜透性和丙二醛含量均高于对照（20℃ 12 h光照/12 h黑暗）,细胞膜透性和丙二醛含量在5℃ 24 h光照条件下最大;低温胁迫下SOD活性高于对照,并在5℃ 24 h光照条件下达到最高值;CAT的活性仍维持较高水平,5℃ 12 h光照/12 h黑暗显著高于对照及其它处理;在低温有光照条件下,POD活性升高,黑暗条件下POD活性低于对照。低温胁迫下POD、SOD和CAT的活性均呈上升趋势,可能是植株具有较强抗性的原因。     

玉米幼苗叶片保护酶活性的昼夜变化

人为控制环境下,对玉米幼苗叶片中电解质外渗率、MDA含量以及保护酶活性的昼夜变化同步进行了测定。结果表明：叶片电解质外渗率的昼夜变化呈现双峰曲线,分别在光照4 h和光照后黑暗4 h达到峰值;叶片中MDA含量表现为单峰的波形曲线,黑暗开始的4 h内最高;随着光照时间的延长,SOD酶、POD酶和CAT酶活性均表现出不同程度的降低,但均在16：00（光照8 h）至20：00（光照12 h）之间达到一昼夜内的最低点。随着光照后黑暗时间的延长,各保护酶活性均增加,但增加的速率不同,至次日8：00所有保护酶活性均接近光照前水平。光照和黑暗条件下,各保护酶活性差异极显著。保护酶活性的昼夜变化与叶片中的可溶性蛋白质含量并无显著的相关关系。     

小蓬种子萌发特性和幼苗分布格局研究

对小蓬(Nanophyton erinaceum)种子萌发特性和小蓬幼苗分布格局进行了调查研究。结果表明,小蓬在20℃条件下的发芽效果最好;小蓬种子的发芽不需要光照,但是全光照情况下发芽速度比在黑暗条件下快;在变温条件下,小蓬种子的发芽率有所提高,其中以15℃和10℃变温条件下的发芽效果最佳;不同坡向种群种子发芽率和千粒重存在明显差异,表明不同种群种子是异质的;通过调查发现小蓬主要在靠近母株一定范围内依靠种子进行自然更新。     

光照对大豆幼苗组织中异黄酮含量和分布的影响

利用高效液相色谱（ＨＰＬＣ）测定了不同光照处理的大豆（Ｇｌｙｃｉｎｅｍａｘ（Ｌ．）Ｍｅｒｒｉ．）幼苗不同组织的异黄酮类含量。子叶中最高,叶片和根部相对较少。子叶的异黄酮以大豆甙和染料木甙及其丙二酰基结合体为主,且在光照条件下,异黄酮含量随光照时间的增加而显著升高;相反,黑暗中的异黄酮含量随苗龄的增加呈下降趋势;当子叶由黑暗转为光照处理以后,异黄酮含量同样随光照时间的增加而升高。在叶片和根部异黄酮含量和种类也因光照条件的不同而有很大差异。光照条件下,叶片中以染料木甙及其丙二酰结合体和黄酮芦丁为主,且随时间增加呈上升趋势;黑暗中的黄化叶片,则以大豆甙和丙二酰结合体为主,但随时间的变化不明显。在幼苗根部,黑暗条件下几乎检测不出异黄酮的存在;光照条件下,则可检测到５种异黄酮,其中以大豆甙元及其衍生物占主要部分。实验证实了光照对大豆异黄酮的积累有明显的促进作用     

脊髓源性神经干细胞分化过程的免疫组织化学研究

目的探讨脊髓源性神经干细胞在分化过程中的生长特点及意义.方法采用细胞培养和免疫组织化学技术,观察了β-catenin和GAP-43在神经干细胞分化过程中,不同时间段的表达.结果分化1d时,β-catenin主要在细胞质和细胞核上有表达.到分化第4d时,β-catenin的表达变弱,到第7d时,β-catenin表达阴性.GAP-43在分化1d时,在细胞浆内有广泛的表达,到4d时反应增强,且在突起中的表达很明显.到第7d时GAP-43反应消失.结论在神经干细胞分化为神经细胞的过程中,β-catenin联合 GAP-43引导早期的突起生长,到分化第7d时这种突起生长停止,神经干细胞分化为成熟的神经细胞.     

Developmental study of the expression of B50/GAP-43 in rat retina

B50/GAP-43 has been implicated in neural plasticity, development, and regeneration. Several studies of axonally transported proteins in the optic nerve have shown that this protein is synthesized by developing and regenerating retinal ganglion cells in mammals, amphibians, and fish. However, previous studies using immunohistochemistry to localize B50/GAP-43 in retina have shown that this protein is found in the inner plexiform layer in adults. Since the inner plexiform layer contains the processes of amacrine cells, ganglion cells, and bipolar cells to determine which cells in the retina express B50/GAP-43, we have now used in situ hybridization to localize the mRNA that codes for this protein in the developing rat retina. We have found that B50/GAP-43 is expressed primarily by cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer as early as embryonic day 15, and until 3 weeks postnatal. Some cells in the inner nuclear layer, possibly a subclass of amacrine cells, also express B50/GAP-43 protein and mRNA; however, the other retinal neurons–bipolar cells, photoreceptors, and horizontal cells express little, if any, B50/GAP-43 at any stage in their development. Early in development, the protein appears in the somata and axons of ganglion cells, while later in development, B50/GAP-43 becomes concentrated in the inner plexiform layer, where it continues to be expressed in adult animals. These results are discussed in terms of previous proposals as to the functions of this molecule. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Alterations in growth-associated protein (GAP-43) expression in lower urinary tract pathways following chronic spinal cord injury

Alterations in the expression of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) were examined in lower urinary tract micturition reflex pathways 6 or 8 weeks following complete spinal cord transection (~ T9). In control animals, expression of GAP-43 was present in specific regions of the gray matter in the rostral lumbar and caudal lumbosacral spinal cord, including: (1) the dorsal commissure; (2) the corticospinal tract; (3) the dorsal horn; and (4) the regions of the intermediolateral cell column (L1-L2) and the sacral parasympathetic nucleus (L6-S1); and (5) in the lateral collateral pathway of Lissauer in L6-S1 spinal segments. Densitometry analysis has demonstrated significant increases (p 0.001; 1.3-6.4-fold increase) in GAP-43-immunoreactivity (IR) in these regions of the rostral lumbar (L1-L2) and caudal lumbosacral (L6-S1) spinal cord 6 weeks following spinal cord injury. Changes in GAP-43-IR were restricted to the L1-L2 and L6-S1 segments that are involved in lower urinary tract reflexes. Changes in GAP-43-IR were not observed at the L5 segmental level except for an increase in GAP-43-IR in the superficial, dorsal horn at 6 weeks post-injury. In all segments examined, GAP-43-IR was decreased (2-5-fold) in the corticospinal tract (dorsal division) 6 and 8 weeks following spinal cord injury. Eight weeks following spinal cord injury, changes in GAP-43-IR had returned to control levels except for the persistence of increased GAP-43-IR in the region of the sacral parasympathetic nucleus and the lateral collateral pathway in the S1 spinal segment. Alterations in GAP-43-IR following chronic spinal cord injury may suggest a reorganization of bladder afferent projections and spinal elements involved in urinary bladder reflexes consistent with alterations in urinary bladder function (hyperreflexia) observed in animals following spinal cord injury above the lumbosacral spinal cord.     

Alterations in growth-associated protein (GAP-43) expression in lower urinary tract pathways following chronic spinal cord injury

Alterations in the expression of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) were examined in lower urinary tract micturition reflex pathways 6 or 8 weeks following complete spinal cord transection (approximately T9). In control animals, expression of GAP-43 was present in specific regions of the gray matter in the rostral lumbar and caudal lumbosacral spinal cord, including: (1) the dorsal commissure; (2) the corticospinal tract; (3) the dorsal horn; and (4) the regions of the intermediolateral cell column (L1-L2) and the sacral parasympathetic nucleus (L6-S1); and (5) in the lateral collateral pathway of Lissauer in L6-S1 spinal segments. Densitometry analysis has demonstrated significant increases (p < or =0.001; 1.3-6.4-fold increase) in GAP-43-immunoreactivity (IR) in these regions of the rostral lumbar (L1-L2) and caudal lumbosacral (L6-S1) spinal cord 6 weeks following spinal cord injury. Changes in GAP-43-IR were restricted to the L1-L2 and L6-S1 segments that are involved in lower urinary tract reflexes. Changes in GAP-43-IR were not observed at the L5 segmental level except for an increase in GAP-43-IR in the superficial, dorsal horn at 6 weeks post-injury. In all segments examined, GAP-43-IR was decreased (2-5-fold) in the corticospinal tract (dorsal division) 6 and 8 weeks following spinal cord injury. Eight weeks following spinal cord injury, changes in GAP-43-IR had returned to control levels except for the persistence of increased GAP-43-IR in the region of the sacral parasympathetic nucleus and the lateral collateral pathway in the S1 spinal segment. Alterations in GAP-43-IR following chronic spinal cord injury may suggest a reorganization of bladder afferent projections and spinal elements involved in urinary bladder reflexes consistent with alterations in urinary bladder function (hyperreflexia) observed in animals following spinal cord injury above the lumbosacral spinal cord.     

Rhythms of glycerophospholipid synthesis in retinal inner nuclear layer cells

The present study demonstrates that the biosynthesis of phospholipids in the inner nuclear layer cells of the chicken retina displays daily rhythms under constant illumination conditions. The vertebrate retina contains circadian oscillators and photoreceptors (PRCs) that temporally regulate its own physiology and synchronize the whole organism to the daily environmental changes. We have previously reported that chicken photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) present significant daily variations in their phospholipid biosynthesis under constant illumination conditions. Herein, we demonstrate that cell preparations highly enriched in inner nuclear layer cells also exhibit a circadian-regulated phospholipid labeling after the in vivo administration of [(32)P]phosphate or [(3)H]glycerol both in animals maintained under constant darkness or light for at least 48h. In constant darkness, there was a significant incorporation of both precursors into phospholipids with the highest levels of labeling around midday and dusk. In constant light, the labeling of (32)P-phospholipids was also significantly higher during the day and early night whereas the incorporation of [(3)H]glycerol into phospholipids, that indicates de novo biosynthesis, was greater during the day but probably reflecting a higher precursor availability at those phases. We also measured the in vitro activity of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase and diacylglycerol lipase in preparations obtained from the dark condition. The two enzymes exhibited the highest activity levels late in the day. When we assessed the in vitro incorporation of [(14)C]oleate into different lysophospholipids from samples collected at different phases in constant darkness, reaction catalyzed by lysophospholipid acyltransferases II, labeling showed a complex pattern of daily activity. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the biosynthesis of phospholipids in cells of the chicken retinal inner nuclear layer exhibits a daily rhythmicity under constant illumination conditions, which is controlled by a circadian clock.     

Retinal alterations induced by continuous light in immature rats

Immature albino rats were exposed to continuous illumination for 5-93 days and the light induced ultrastructural and electroretinographic changes were studied. Another group was exposed to continuous light for 7-9 days and then kept in complete darkness, or in cyclic light-dark up to 90 days. By comparison with the results obtained in adult animals, lesions appeared faster in the immature group. Tubular transformation of rods, phagocytosis of altered outer and inner segments with resulting changes in retinal organization, synaptic degeneration in the outer plexiform layer, and cell lysis of some photoreceptor cell perikarya are described. ERG recovery, following the period of darkness or cyclic light-dark was only partial, the amplitude of the "b" wave reached only 50-60% of the control preillumination values. However, the fine structure of the recovered outer segments was similar to that found in normal retinae.     

Phosphorylation-site mutagenesis of the growth-associated protein GAP- 43 modulates its effects on cell spreading and morphology

The 43-kD growth-associated protein (GAP-43) is a major protein kinase C (PKC) substrate of axonal growth cones, developing nerve terminals, regenerating axons, and adult central nervous system areas associated with plasticity. It is a cytosolic protein associated with the cortical cytoskeleton and the plasmalemma. Membrane association of GAP-43 is mediated by palmitoylation at Cys3Cys4. In vitro and in vivo, phosphorylation by PKC exclusively involves Ser41 of mammalian GAP-43 (corresponding to Ser42 in the chick protein). To identify aspects of GAP-43 function, we analyzed the actions of wild-type, membrane- association, and phosphorylation-site mutants of GAP-43 in nonneuronal cell lines. The GAP-43 constructs were introduced in L6 and COS-7 cells by transient transfection. Like the endogenous protein in neurons and their growth cones, GAP-43 in nonneuronal cells associated with the cell periphery. GAP-43 accumulated in the pseudopods of spreading cells and appeared to interact with cortical actin-containing filaments. Spreading L6 cells expressing high levels of recombinant protein displayed a characteristic F-actin labeling pattern consisting of prominent radial arrays of peripheral actin filaments. GAP-43 had dramatic effects on local surface morphology. Characteristic features of GAP-43-expressing cells were irregular cell outlines with prominent and numerous filopodia. The effects of GAP-43 on cell morphology required association with the cell membrane, since GAP-43(Ala3Ala4), a mutant that failed to associate with the cell cortex, had no morphogenetic activity. Two GAP-43 phosphorylation mutants (Ser42 to Ala42 preventing and Ser42 to Asp42 mimicking phosphorylation by PKC) modulated the effects of GAP-43 in opposite ways. Cells expressing GAP- 43(Asp42) spread extensively and displayed large and irregular membranous extensions with little filopodia, whereas GAP-43(Ala42) produced small, poorly spreading cells with numerous short filopodia. Therefore, GAP-43 influences cell surface behavior and phosphorylation modulates its activity. The presence of GAP-43 in growing axons and developing nerve termini may affect the behavior of their actin- containing cortical cytoskeleton in a regulatable manner.     

Plasticity in cultured carotid body chemoreceptors: Environmental modulation of GAP-43 and neurofilament

In this study we use dissociated cell cultures of the rat carotid body to investigate the adaptive capabilities of endogenous oxygen chemoreceptors, following chronic stimulation by various environmental factors. These oxygen chemoreceptors are catecholamine-containing glomus cells, which derive from the neural crest and resemble adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. Using double-label immunofluorescence, we found that chronic exposure of carotid body cultures to hypoxia (2% to 10% oxygen) caused a significant fraction of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) glomus cells to acquire detectable immunoreactivity for growth-associated protein gap-43. The effect was dose-dependent and peaked around an oxygen tension of 6%, where approximately 30% of glomus cells were GAP-43 positive. Treatment with agents that elevate intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) (i.e., dibutyryl cAMP or forskolin) also markedly stimulated GAP-43 expression. Since hypoxia is known to increase cAMP levels in glomus cells, it is possible that the effect of hypoxia on GAP-43 expression was mediated, at least in part, by a cAMP-dependent pathway. Unlike hypoxia, however, cAMP analogs also stimulated neurofilament (NF 68 or NF 160 kD) expression and neurite outgrowth in glomus cells, and these properties were enhanced by retinoic acid. Nerve growth factor, which promotes neuronal differentiation in related crest-derived endocrine cells, and dibutyryl cGMP were ineffective. Thus, it appears that postnatal glomus cells are plastic and can express neuronal traits in vitro. However, since hypoxia stimulated GAP-43 expression, without promoting neurite outgrowth, it appears that the two processes can be uncoupled. We suggest that stimulation of GAP-43 by hypoxia may be important for other physiological processes, e.g., enhancing neurotransmitter release or sensitization of G-protein–coupled receptor transduction. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Molecular analysis of the function of the neuronal growth-associated protein GAP-43 by genetic intervention

GAP-43 is a presynaptic membrane phosphoprotein that has been implicated in both the development and the modulation of neural connections. The availability of cDNA clones for GAP-43 makes it possible to examine with greater precision its role in neuronal outgrowth and physiology. We used Northern blots and in situ hybridization with GAP-43 antisense RNA probes to show that GAP-43 is expressed selectively in associative regions of the adult brain. Immunocytochemical analyses showed alterations in the pattern of GAP-43 expression in the hippocampus during reactive synaptogenesis following lesions of the perforant pathway. Genetic intervention methodology was used to analyze the molecular nature of GAP-43 involvement in synaptic plasticity. GAP-43-transfected PC12 cells displayed an enhanced response to nerve growth factor, suggesting that GAP-43 may be directly involved in neurite extension and in the modulation of the neuronal response to extrinsic trophic factors. Studies of PC12 cell transfectants, in which the synthesis of GAP-43 was blocked by expression of GAP-43 antisense RNA, showed that evoked dopamine release was significantly attenuated in these cells. The use of gene transfer into neurons with the HSV-1 vector is presented as a method of analyzing the interaction of GAP-43 with signal transduction systems during neurotransmitter release.