THE FINE STRUCTURAL LOCALIZATION OF ENDOGENOUS AND EXOGENOUS PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY IN KUPFFER CELLS OF RAT LIVER

Endogenous peroxidase activity has been demonstrated in sections of rat liver fixed briefly by glutaraldehyde perfusion and incubated in Graham and Karnovsky's medium for cytochemical demonstration of peroxidase activity (29). In 25–40% of sinusoidal cells, an electron-opaque reaction product is localized in segments of the endoplasmic reticulum, including the perinuclear cisternae, a few Golgi vesicles and saccules and in some large membrane-bounded granules. This staining is abolished after prolonged fixation or boiling of tissue sections in glutaraldehyde, and in the absence of H₂O₂ or DAB from the incubation medium. Furthermore, the reaction is inhibited completely by sodium azide and high concentrations of H₂O₂, and partially by KCN and aminotriazole. Among the different cells in hepatic sinusoids, the nonphagocytic "fat-storing" cells (39) are always peroxidase negative, whereas the lining cells in process of erythrophagocytosis are consistently peroxidase positive. The possible biological significance of endogenous peroxidase in Kupffer cells is discussed. In addition, the uptake of exogenous horseradish peroxidase by Kupffer cells has been investigated. The exogenous tracer protein, which in contrast to endogenous peroxidase of Kupffer cells is not inhibited by prolonged aldehyde fixation, is taken up by micropinocytosis and remains confined to the lysosomal system of Kupffer cells. The significance of these observations in respect to some recent studies suggesting localization of exogenous peroxidases in the endoplasmic reticulum of Kupffer cells and peritoneal macrophages (22, 23) is briefly discussed.     

Peroxidase uptake by photoreceptor terminals of the skate retina

The photoreceptors of dark-adapted skate retinas bathed in a Ringer solution containing horseradish peroxidase (HRP) incorporate the tracer into membrane-bound compartments within the synaptic terminal of the cell; after 1 or 2 h of incubation, approx. 10-38% of the synaptic vesicles were labeled. The receptors appeared to be functioning normally throughout the incubation period, since electrical potentials of normal amplitude could be elicited in response to dimphotic stimuli. However, it was possible to block the uptake of peroxidase by a regimen of light adaptation that effectively suppressed light-induced activity in the electroretinogram. If, during incubation with peroxidase, retinas were exposed at 10-min intervals to an intense 1-ms flash from a xenon discharge tube, the receptor terminals were almost completely devoid of peroxidase; fewer than 2% of the vesicles were labeled. The suppression of HRP uptake could also be achieved in dark-adapted retinas by adding magnesium to the bathing solution, suggesting that calcium is necessary for transmitter release from vesicles in the receptor terminals. These findings are consistent with the view that vertebrate photoreceptors discharge a neurotransmitter in darkness, and that light decreases the release of this substance. It seems likely that the incorporation of peroxidase into vesicles of physiologically active receptor terminals reflects a mechanism for the retrieval of vesicle membrane after exocytosis.     

Damage to the high-affinity γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake system in mouse brain by horseradish peroxidase (HRP)

Presynaptic nerve terminals when depolarized are sensitive to morphological and functional alteration by horseradish peroxidase. Mouse brain slices, 0.1 mm, depolarized by a K⁺-HEPES buffer and exposed to horseradish peroxidase exhibited alterations in both synaptic vesicle membrane structure and in high-affinity [¹⁴C]γ-aminobutyric acid uptake. The post stimulatory retrieval of synaptic vesicles from the nerve terminal plasma membrane in the presence of horseradish peroxidase resulted in a decrease in the synaptic vesicle population with a concurrent increase in non-synaptic vesicle membrane structures. High-affinity [¹⁴C]γ-aminobutyric acid uptake into 0.1-mm slices of mouse cerebral cortex and ponsmedulla-spinal cord was inhibited by 31% and 24%, respectively, after incubation for 60 min in K⁺-HEPES buffer containing horseradish peroxidase. Superoxide dismutase protected both the synaptic vesicle membrane and the high-affinity uptake system from the deleterious effects of horseradish peroxidase, pointing to the possible involvement of superoxide anion radicals in the horseradish peroxidase-related effects. These horseradish peroxidase induced alterations appear to be directed towards the exposed synaptic vesicle membrane, since non-stimulated brain slices exposed to horseradish peroxidase do not exhibit a reduction in either high- or low-affinity [¹⁴C]γ-aminobutyric acid uptake. Low-affinity uptake of [¹⁴C]γ-aminobutyric acid and [¹⁴C]α-aminoisobutyric acid into cortical slices was not affected after incubation in K⁺-HEPES with horseradish peroxidase. Low-affinity uptake, however, is reduced by the high-K⁺/Na⁺-free stimulatory incubation prior to uptake. It appears, thus, that high- and low-affinity uptake are distinct and different systems, with the high-affinity transport system structurally associated with synaptic vesicle membrane.     

A perfusion method of incubation to demonstrate horseradish peroxidase in bone

Summary A perfusion method of incubation to show horseradish peroxidase in the bone of young mice is presented. After perfusion fixation, the incubation medium is perfused from the descending aorta into the entire lower half of the animal. From the vessels there is good penetration of the medium into all tissues. This allows the preparation of any one perfused bone to ground-, semithin-, and ultrathin sections.Differences in peroxidase distribution in the entire bone suggest regional differences in vascular supply.The tracer enzyme diffuses freely from the vessels into the extracellular fluid of bone. 3 min after injection, peroxidase is found between all bone lining cells and in osteocyte lacunae.     

The inhibition of peroxidase and indole-3-acetic acid oxidase activity by British Anti-Lewisite

British Anti-Lewisite (BAL) binds to horseradish peroxidase in a manner which results in inhibition of both peroxidatic and oxidative functions of the enzyme. BAL competes with hydrogen peroxide for binding on peroxidase, and the inhibition of peroxidatic activity is irreversible. Solutions of purified horseradish peroxidase and individually resolved peroxidase isozymes show a gradual loss of peroxidatic activity with time when incubated with BAL. In these same treatments, however, the inhibition of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) oxidase activity is immediate. With increasing amounts of enzyme in the incubation mixture, IAA oxidase activity is not completely inhibited and is observed following a lag period in the assay which shortens with longer incubation times. Peroxidase activity during this same time interval shows a lag period which increases with longer incubation times. Lowering the pH removed the lag period for oxidase activity, but did not change the pattern of peroxidase activity. These results suggest that the sites for the oxidation of indole-3-acetic acid and for peroxidatic activity may not be identical in horseradish peroxidase isozymes.     

Studies on Auxin Protectors: XI. Inhibition of Peroxidase-Catalyzed Oxidation of Glutathione by Auxin Protectors and o-Dihydroxyphenols

Commercial horseradish peroxidase, when supplemented with dichlorophenol and either manganese or hydrogen peroxide, will rapidly oxidize glutathione. This peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of glutathione is completely inhibited by the presence of auxin protectors. Three auxin protectors and three o-dihydroxyphenols were tested; all inhibited the oxidation. Glutathione oxidation by horseradish peroxidase in the presence of dichlorophenol and Mn is also completely inhibited by catalase, implying that the presence of Mn allows the horseradish peroxidase to reduce oxygen to H₂O₂, then to use the H₂O₂ as an electron acceptor in the oxidation of glutathione. Catalase, added 2 minutes after the glutathione oxidation had begun, completely inhibited further oxidation but did not restore any gluthathione oxidation intermediates. In contrast, the addition of auxin protectors, or o-dihydroxyphenols, not only inhibited further oxidation of gluthathione by horseradish peroxidase (+ dichlorophenol + Mn), but also caused a reappearance of glutathione as if these antioxidants reduced a glutathione oxidation intermediate. However, when gluthathione was oxidized by horseradish peroxidase in the presence of dichlorophenol and H₂O₂ (rather than Mn), then the inhibition of further oxidation by auxin protectors or o-dihydroxyphenols was preceded by a brief period of greatly accelerated oxidation. The data provide further evidence that auxin protectors are cellular redox regulators. It is proposed that the monophenol-diphenol-peroxidase system is intimately associated with the metabolic switches that determine whether a cell divides or differentiates.     

Enzymatic enhancement of the catalytic rate of sulfhydryl oxidase

The rate of oxidation of glutathione by solubilized sulfhydryl oxidase was significantly enhanced in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (donor:hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.7). This enhancement was proportional to the amount of active peroxidase in the assay, but could not be attributed solely to the oxidation of glutathione catalyzed by the peroxidase. A change in the Soret region of the horseradish peroxidase spectrum was observed when both glutathione and peroxidase were present. Moreover, addition of glutathione to a sulfhydryl oxidase/horseradish peroxidase mixture resulted in a rapid shift of the absorbance maximum from 403 nm to 417 nm. This shift indicates the oxidation of horseradish peroxidase. Spectra for three isozyme preparations of horseradish peroxidase, two acidic and one basic, all underwent this red-shift in the presence of sulfhydryl oxidase and glutathione. Cysteine and N-acetylcysteine could replace glutathione. Addition of catalase had no effect on the oxidation of peroxidase, indicating that the peroxide involved in the reaction was not derived from that released into the bulk solution by sulfhydryl oxidase-catalyzed thiol oxidation. Further evidence for a direct transfer of the hydrogen peroxide moiety was obtained by addition of glutaraldehyde to a sulfhydryl oxidase/horseradish peroxidase/N-acetylcysteine mixture. Size exclusion chromatography revealed the formation of a high-molecular-weight species with peroxidase activity, which was completely resolved from native horseradish peroxidase. Formation of this species was absolutely dependent on the presence of both the cysteine-containing substrate and sulfhydryl oxidase. The observed enhancement of sulfhydryl oxidase catalytic activity by the addition of horseradish peroxidase supports a bi uni ping-pong mechanism proposed previously for sulfhydryl oxidase.     

Inactivation of lignin peroxidase by phenylhydrazine and sodium azide

Lignin peroxidase (LiP) is rapidly inactivated in a concentration-dependent manner by H2O2 and either phenylhydrazine or sodium azide. Full inactivation of isozyme 2b (H8) requires approximately 50 eq of phenylhydrazine or 80 eq of sodium azide. Anaerobic incubation of isozyme 2b with [14C]phenylhydrazine and H2O2 results in 77% loss of catalytic activity and covalent binding of 0.45 mol radiolabel/mol of enzyme. Comparable but not identical results are obtained with an isozyme mixture. A lag period is observed before the peroxidative activity can be measured when an aliquot of an incubation with sodium azide is diluted into the mixture used to assay residual catalytic activity. This lag is associated with reversible accumulation of a catalytically inert species with a Compound III-like spectrum. No meso-phenyl, iron-phenyl, or N-phenyl adducts are formed with phenylhydrazine but a low yield of what appears to be delta-meso-azidoheme is obtained with sodium azide. LiP is thus less susceptible to meso heme additions and more susceptible to oxidative heme degradation than horseradish peroxidase. The data suggest that the active of LiP resembles the closed structure of horseradish peroxidase more than it does the open structure of the globins, catalase, chloroperoxidase, or cytochrome P450.     

Inhibition and inactivation of horseradish peroxidase by thiourea

The kinetics of horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7)-catalyzed oxidation of o-dianisidine by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of thiourea were studied. At the first, fast step of this process thiourea acts as a competitive reversible inhibitor with respect to o-dianisidine (Ki = 0.22 mM). The formation of a thiourea-peroxidase complex was determined by the increase in the absorbance at A495 and A638 of the enzyme. The dissociation constant for the peroxidase-thiourea complex is equal to 2.0-2.7 mM. Thiourea is not a specific substrate of peroxidase during the oxidation reaction by H2O2, but is an oxidase substrate (although not a very active one) of peroxidase. The irreversible inactivation of the enzyme during its incubation with thiourea was studied. The first-order inactivation rate constant (kin) was shown to increase with a fall in the enzyme concentration. The curve of the dependence of kin on the initial concentration of thiourea shows a maximum at 5-7 mM. The enzyme inactivation is due to its modification by intermediate free radical products of thiourea oxidation. The inhibitors of the free radical reactions (o-dianisidine) protect the enzyme against inactivation. The degree of inactivation depends on concentrations and ratio of thiourea and peroxidase. A possible mechanism of peroxidase interaction with thiourea is discussed.     

Growth and turnover of microbial biomass during the decomposition of organic matter(Polygonum cuspidatum) in vitro

Air-dried fresh and dead specimens ofPolygonum cuspidatum were incubated for 250 days in the laboratory, and the growth and turnover of microbial biomass-C in the organic matter were studied. The biomass-C in the fresh leaf and fresh stem attained maximum levels on day 14 and day 7, respectively, and then settled down to stable levels. In the dead leaf and dead stem, increase in biomass-C ceased by day 4 and the biomass-C levels did not change thereafter. The turnover time of the biomass-C was estimated from the amount of biomass-C and the release rate of CO₂-C. The turnover was rapid in the early period of incubation. Then the turnover time became longer and after incubation for 70 days the values approached those in natural soils (longer than 16 days). During the incubation period, nitrogen was not mineralized in any organic matter. In the dead leaf and dead stem, asymbiotic nitrogen fixation activity increased after incubation for about 40 days and disappeared by the end of the incubation period, whereas nitrogen fixation was hardly detected in the fresh leaf and fresh stem.     

Amperometric immunosensor for nonylphenol determination based on peroxidase indicating reaction

Novel immunosensor for nonylphenol (NP) determination has been developed by immobilization of specific antibodies together with horseradish peroxidase on the surface of carbon screen-printed electrode. The signal of the immunosensor is generated by the involvement of NP accumulated in the peroxidase oxidation of mediator (Methylene Blue, hydroquinone or iodide). This results in the increase of the signal recorded by linear-sweep voltammetry. The sensitivity of the detection depends on the nature of mediator, its concentration and incubation period. Cross-selectivity of the response toward readily oxidized phenolic compounds has been determined. The immunosensor developed makes it possible to detect from 20 microgL(-1) to 44 mgL(-1) of NP with detection limit 10 microgL(-1) of NP.     

Effects of cholesterol and lipoproteins on endocytosis by a monocyte-like cell line

The human monocyte/macrophage-like cell line U937 is a cholesterol auxotroph. Incubation of these cells in the growth medium in which delipidated fetal calf serum has been substituted for fetal calf serum depletes cellular cholesterol and inhibits growth. The cholesterol requirement of these cells for growth can be satisfied by human low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), but not by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). U937 cells can bind and degrade LDL via a high-affinity site and this recognition is altered by acetylation of LDL. This indicates that these cells express relatively high LDL receptor activity and low levels of the acetyl-LDL receptor. The cells were used to study the role of cholesterol in lectin-mediated and fluid-phase endocytosis. Growth of the cells in the medium containing delipidated fetal calf serum results in impairment of both concanavalin A-mediated endocytosis of horseradish peroxidase and concanavalin A-independent endocytosis of Lucifer Yellow. Supplementation of the medium with cholesterol prevents cellular cholesterol depletion, supports growth and stimulates Lucifer Yellow endocytosis but fails to restore horseradish peroxidase endocytosis. However, if the cells are incubated in the presence of no less than 40 μg LDL protein/ml to maintain normal cell cholesterol levels, concanavalin A-mediated endocytosis of horseradish peroxidase is activated. The effect of LDL is specific since neither VLDL nor HDL₃ at the same protein concentration activates horseradish peroxidase uptake by the cells. Furthermore, the activation of endocytosis by LDL is not inhibited by the inclusion of heparin or acetylation of the LDL indicating that binding of LDL to the LDL receptor is not required for these effects. The mediation of activation of horseradish peroxidase endocytosis by the lectin is presumed to involve binding of LDL to concanavalin A associated with the cell surface which in turn stimulates horseradish peroxidase binding and uptake by adsorptive endocytosis. The rate of fluid endocytosis and endosome formation seems to depend on cellular cholesterol content presumably because cholesterol is involved in maintaining the appropriate plasma membrane structure and fluidity.     

Cytochemical detection of endogenous peroxidase in the acinar cells of the hamster submandibular gland

The presence of endogenous peroxidase activity in the hamster submandibular gland was investigated cytochemically by light and electron microscopy using diaminobenzidine methods. After fixation of tissue with 2% paraformaldehyde--2.5% glutaraldehyde and incubation in a DAB reaction medium containing 0.01% H₂O₂, the peroxidase reaction product was localized in the nuclear envelope, the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, secretory granules and the Golgi apparatus in both the acinar and granular duct cells of the submandibular gland. This is in contrast to earlier investigators who failed to detect peroxidase activity in acinar cells of the hamster submandibular gland and reported that peroxidase is localized only in the granular duct cells. The discrepancy may be caused by differences in experimental procedures. It is suggested that fixation of tissue with a high concentration of glutaral dehyde and incubation in a DAB reaction medium containing a high concentration of H₂O₂ inhibits the peroxidase activity of acinar cells in the hamster submandibular gland     

Endocytotic activity in the endometrium during conceptus attachment in the cow

The uptake of horseradish peroxidase tracer injected into the uterine lumen of the cow was studied during the period of conceptus attachment (Days 18-21; Day 0 = oestrus) and also in cyclic animals. Endocytosis occurred in pregnant and non-pregnant cows but was especially marked when circulating progesterone concentrations were high. By 20 min after injection, the tracer was located in apical endocytotic vesicles and in organelles of the lysosomal system. In addition, some of the horseradish peroxidase-containing vesicles were associated with the lateral membranes of the cells and the tracer was also present in the intercellular spaces and beneath the basal membrane, especially in pregnant animals by the time of conceptus attachment. There was no evidence that pinopod-like functions could be attributed to large cytoplasmic protrusions from endometrial cells. Rather, the protrusions seemed to be involved in secretory processes. The presence of clear vesicles among the endocytotic vesicles suggested a coupled secretory-endocytotic activity of the cells, the significance of which remains to be determined.     

Protein transport to the epididymal lumen

Summary Experiments were performed to clarify the debate over the entry of circulating proteins into the epididymal lumen by use of the marker horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Epididymal tubules from the caput epididymidis of the rat were immersed in medium TC 199 containing HRP (3.5 mg/ ml) for 5 min to 3 h at 33° C. Sections were examined for the presence of tracer within the epithelial cells by electron microscopy. From 5 min to 3 h, vesicles containing peroxidase reaction products were found throughout the cytoplasm of the principal cells. Vesicles occurred close to both the basal and apical membranes, and many were found opening into the interstitial space and lumen, depending on the length of incubation. By 5 min labelled vesicles were infrequently found in the apical part of the cells. Reaction product was observed in the epididymal lumen adhering to the microvilli from 30 min of incubation onwards. At all periods of incubation peroxidase was present at the base of the epithelium and between the cells, but it was never found within the tight junctional complexes, and no reaction deposits were found within epithelial cells of tubules incubated in the absence of peroxidase. It is concluded that large molecules leaving the capillaries may enter the epididymal lumen in the caput by means of fluid-phase endocytosis.     

Colorimetric Analysis with N,N-Dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine of the Uptake of Intravenously Injected Horseradish Peroxidase by Various Tissues of the Rat

1. A method is described for the colorimetric determination of peroxidase with N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine. The amount of red pigment formed by peroxidase is proportional to the concentration of enzyme and to the time of incubation during the first 40 to 90 seconds. The influence of the concentration of enzyme, N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine, H₂O₂, the time of incubation, pH, the temperature, and the possible interference by oxidizing and reducing agents of tissues has been tested. 2. The method has been used to follow the uptake of intravenously injected horseradish peroxidase by 18 different tissues of the rat over a period of 30 hours. The highest concentration of the injected tracer enzyme was found in extracts of kidney, liver, bone marrow, thymus, and spleen. Considerable amounts were taken up by pancreas, prostate, epididymis, and small intestine. Lower concentrations were found in extracts of lung, stomach, heart, and skeletal muscle, aorta, skin, and connective tissue. No uptake was observed by brain and peripheral nerve tissue. 3. Tissue homogenates containing high concentrations of the injected peroxidase, in general also showed high or average activity of acid phosphatase. 4. Six hours after intravenous administration, the liver contained 27 per cent, the kidney 12 per cent, and the spleen, 1.4 per cent of the injected dose. 5. Approximately 20 per cent of the injected peroxidase was excreted in the urine during the first 6 hours, and the concentration of peroxidase in blood serum and urine fell exponentially during this time. After 6 hours, only low concentrations were excreted in the urine but low enzyme activity was still detectable after 30 hours. Approximately 6 per cent of the injected dose was excreted in the feces from 6 to 20 hours after administration. 6. After feeding through a stomach tube, low concentrations of peroxidase were found in blood serum and urine. Considerable variations in the extent of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract were observed in individual rats.     

Cytochemical detection of endogenous peroxidase in the acinar cells of the hamster submandibular gland

The presence of endogenous peroxidase activity in the hamster submandibular gland was investigated cytochemically by light and electron microscopy using diaminobenzidine methods. After fixation of tissue with 2% paraformaldehyde--2.5% glutaraldehyde and incubation in a DAB reaction medium containing 0.01% H₂O₂, the peroxidase reaction product was localized in the nuclear envelope, the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, secretory granules and the Golgi apparatus in both the acinar and granular duct cells of the submandibular gland. This is in contrast to earlier investigators who failed to detect peroxidase activity in acinar cells of the hamster submandibular gland and reported that peroxidase is localized only in the granular duct cells. The discrepancy may be caused by differences in experimental procedures. It is suggested that fixation of tissue with a high concentration of glutaral dehyde and incubation in a DAB reaction medium containing a high concentration of H₂O₂ inhibits the peroxidase activity of acinar cells in the hamster submandibular gland This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Ultrastructural study of the permeability of the guinea-pig placenta to horseradish peroxidase

Summary Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used to study macromolecule permeation into the guinea-pig placenta perfused in situ. When tissue culture medium 199 (TC 199) was used as fetal-side perfusate, the tracer reaction product was found only lining the fetal endothelium. When a longer period of perfusion with HRP in TC 199 was used, a small amount of reaction product was found in the subendothelial space and syncytiotrophoblastic vesicles, but not in maternal lacunae. In similar experiments using a Krebs bicarbonate Ringer (KRBG) as perfusate the tracer was found (i) lining the fetal endothelium, (ii) in the lateral intercellular spaces of the endothelium, (iii) in the subendothelial space, and (iv) in the maternal lacunae.It is therefore evident that the vehicle influenced the permeability of the guinea-pig placenta to horseradish peroxidase. As other studies have shown that perfusion of the fetal side with salt solution increases pore size, the results with TC 199 are regarded as more representative of the situation in the intact animal. It is therefore suggested that the fetal endothelium of the guinea-pig placenta may be largely impermeable to molecules of the size of horseradish peroxidase (4 nm) or larger.     

Vascular reactions to horseradish peroxidase in the guinea pig

Summary Albino guinea pigs were given intradermal injections of the protein tracer horseradish peroxidase. In a 0.1 mM concentration the tracer did not increase vascular permeability to Evans blue-labelled plasma proteins. In a 1 mM concentration, however, the peroxidase induced a local vascular leakage. This leakage was almost totally inhibited by pretreating the animals with acetylsalicylic acid, while antihistamine had only a weak inhibitory effect. We therefore believe that prostaglandins are important mediators in this HRP-induced vascular reaction.     

Direct projections to the rat pineal gland via the stria medullaris thalami

Summary The possible presence of a direct nervous projection from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus to the pineal gland of the rat was investigated by means of the anterograde neuron-tracing method using horseradish peroxidase. The tracer was injected unilaterally into the PVN and the animals were allowed to survive between 12 and 26 h.Numerous peroxidase-positive fibers were observed, ipsilateral to the injection site, in the stria medullaris thalami and could be followed into the medial habenular nucleus and the habenular commissure. From there, fibers penetrated into the deep pineal gland (lamina intercalaris), and further into the pineal stalk. These data support results of previous investigations describing retrograde labeling of the PVN following intrapineal injections of horseradish peroxidase and are in accordance with recent experiments demonstrating an influence of the PVN on electrical and biochemical activity of the pineal gland.