Analysis of histochemically and morphometrically in the anterior belly digastric muscle of osteopetrotic (op/op) mice.

The fibers of the anterior belly digastric muscle of mice, fed a granulated diet for various periods, have been studied histochemically and morphometrically. The diameters of the anterior belly digastric fibers in normal mice fed only a granulated diet were smaller than those in mice fed a solid diet. Differences in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity of muscle fibers between op/op and normal mice gradually appeared in the anterior belly digastric muscle and, by the age of 90 days, under-development of muscle fibers was observed in the mild-belly region of the anterior belly digastric muscle of op/op mice fed a granulated diet. These results indicate mechanical stress in mastication plays an important role in the development of the anterior belly digastric muscle structures.     

Circadian rhythm in the number of granulated vesicles in the pinealocytes of mice

Summary Adult, Charles River CD-1, male mice were housed in an environmental control chamber under strict conditions of controlled light (12D/12L) and temperature. The mice were sacrificed at various times throughout the twenty-four hour clock and their pineals prepared routinely for electron microscopy. The number of dense-cored or granulated vesicles present in the polar terminals of pinealocytes were quantitated in thin cross sections through pericapillary areas. A distinct circadian rhythm was observed in the number of granulated vesicles with a three- to four-fold difference between late photoperiod maximum and late dark period minimum. The rhythm was abolished by bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the granulated vesicles are synthesized and stored in the pinealocytic cytoplasm during the photoperiod under the tropic influence of norepinephrine, and are released during the dark period when melatonin synthesis is greatest. Melatonin, administered as daily intraperitoneal doses of 50 g over a period of five days, was observed to increase markedly the number of pinealocytic granulated vesicles during the light period, but led during the dark period to a decrease in their numbers to levels below that of diluent-treated controls. It may be that melatonin stimulates the synthesis and/or release of granulated vesicles which represent the packaged form of a major secretory product.Supported in part by N.I.H. Grant No. HD 08795     

Measurement of natural killer activity and target cell binding by mouse metrial gland cells isolated by enzymic or mechanical methods

Cells of the metrial glands of mice were isolated by enzymic or mechanical dissociation procedures. Morphological observations indicated that up to half of the enzymically dissociated cells and nearly all of the mechanically dissociated cells were granulated metrial gland cells, but the presence of some fibroblast-like stromal cells among the latter population was not ruled out. Moreover, the granulated metrial gland cells had lost a substantial part of their granule content during isolation. Both cell preparations had little or no natural killer (NK) activity, indicating either that granulated metrial gland cells are not NK-like or that their NK activity was impaired by loss of granule-associated lytic substances or by other factors. Enzymically dissociated metrial gland cells did not bind significantly to the NK target cell YAC-1, nor did they develop granules, NK activity, or the ability to bind YAC-1 cells during culture in vitro, either in normal medium or with the addition of indomethacin or lymphokines. Mechanically dissociated metrial gland cells bound avidly to YAC-1 cells but not to P815 cells or adult thymus cells, which are not NK target cells. Since many if not most of the mechanically dissociated metrial gland cells appeared morphologically to be granulated metrial gland cells, their selective binding to an NK target cell suggests that granulated metrial gland cells may be related in some way to NK cells.     

A Review of: “An Introduction to Separation Science B.L. Karger,L.R. Snyder and C. Horvath; Wiley-Interscience,New York, 1973; 586 pages; hard cover; $19.50”

The preparative buffer electrofocusing of a variety of thyroid related proteins is described. The study shows that selective electrofocusing of these proteins on granulated gels can be readily achieved with buffer systems of defined chemical composition. Specific proteins were recovered in satisfactory yields (30-70%) with sample loadings in the range 25-500mg.     

The structure and differentiation of granulated metrial gland cells of the pregnant mouse uterus

Summary A study was made with the light and electron microscopes of the granulated metrial gland cells of the decidua basalis of the pregnant mouse uterus, up to day 11 of pregnancy. The granulated metrial gland cells are large, up to 50 in diameter, mono- or binucleate and the glycogen rich cytoplasm typically contains many large glycoprotein granules which may be up to 5 in diameter. Morphological evidence is described in support of a lymphocyte-like cell being the precursor to the granulated metrial gland cell. This differentiation sequence is similar to that already proposed in the rat but differences between the ultrastructure of the mature metrial gland cells of rats and mice were noted.     

Isolation of serine protease from granulated metrial gland cells of mice and rats with lectin from Dolichos biflorus.

Granulated metrial gland cells were the only cells in the endometria of pregnant mice and rats that reacted histochemically with fluoresceinated lectin (DBA) from Dolichos biflorus. Cell extracts of uteri of pregnant animals, separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and analysed by lectin overlay blotting, contained DBA-reactive, 40-50 kDa, doublet glycoprotein bands. This glycoprotein was purified on a DBA agarose affinity column. It was identified by amino acid sequencing as a serine protease closely related to granzymes of T lymphocytes. We conclude that this granzyme accounts for the selective reactivity of granulated metrial gland cells with fluoresceinated DBA in histological sections of uteri of pregnant rodents and show that DBA affinity columns can be used for purification of granzyme derived from granulated metrial gland cells.     

Thyroxine accelerates the differentiation of granular convoluted tubule cells and the appearance of epidermal growth factor in the submandibular gland of the neonatal mouse

Summary The effects of the administration of thyroxine (T4) on the postnatal cytodifferentiation of granular convoluted tubule (GCT) cells of the submandibular gland (SMG) of Lewiss-Webster mice were studied by light and electron microscopy. From birth, mice of both sexes were injected daily with T4 (sc 0.4 g/g BW) and were sacrificed 24 h after the last injection at 7, 9, 11, 14 and 21 days of age. Control mice received vehicle only. In control mice, granulated striated duct (SD) cells were first detected at 9 days and 7 days of age by light- and electron microscopy, respectively. Furthermore, a few scattered granulated SD cells were observed by light microscopy as early as day 7 in T4-treated mice of both sexes. At 21 days of age, in mice given T4, GCT cells were larger and more numerous and the Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and secretion granules were more abundant. In control mice, immunocytochemical staining for epidermal growth factor-(EGF) was first detectable at day 21 at the light- and electron-microscopic levels. However, positively stained cells were first observed in T4-treated mice by light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry at 14 and 11 days of age, respectively. Moreover, in the 21-day-old T4-treated mice, the number of immunoreactive GCT cells, as well as the intensity of the staining per cell, was markedly increased as compared to controls. EGF immunostaining was restricted to GCT cells, and by immuno-electron-microscopy was only seen in apical secretory granules in granulated SD cells and GCT cells. There were no sex differences in the differentiation of the duct system under any conditions. It is concluded that T4 stimulates the biosynthesis of EGF by an acceleration of the differentiation of the GCT precursor cells to mature cells.Supported in part by grant no. MT-5730 from the Medical Research Council of CanadaHolder of a fellowship from the Medical Research Council of CanadaScholar of the Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec     

Alkaline-cell lysis through in-line static mixer reactor for the production of plasmid DNA for gene therapy

A state-of-the-art in-line static mixer reactor (ISMR) was invented to lyse E. coli cells and neutralize the cell lysate continuously and efficiently for the extraction of plasmid DNA. It comprised two connected static dynamic mixers, each 0.01 m in diameter and 0.9 m in length, one for lysis and one for neutralization. Cells were lysed using concentrated alkaline with 1% SDS and the lysate was neutralized at feed rates of cell suspension:lysis solution:neutralization solution of 125:250:125, 250:500:250, and 500:1,000:500 mL/min. Distances for the mixtures to reach color homogeneity were dependent on feed rates. The higher the feed rates the shorter the mixing distances and times. However, complete cell lysis and neutralization were independent of color homogeneity. Lysate viscosity and neutralized floc size decreased and floc density increased, as distances and feed rates increased. High plasmid yields were obtained from both lysis and neutralization at feed rate ratios of 125:250:125 and 250:500:250 mL/min within mixing distances < or =0.6 m. Poor mixing performance and plasmid yield were obtained at a high feed rate of 500:1,000: 500 mL/min when residence and reaction times were less than 2 s and from mixing distances > or =0.6 m at all feed rates due to a longer exposure to strong alkali and shear flow. This invention showed excellent performance with scaleable potential for the commercial manufacture of plasmid DNA.     

大豆异黄酮对MMTV-erbB-2 转基因小鼠乳腺肿瘤中MMP-2 和TIMP-2 表达影响的研究

目的:利用MMTV-erbB-2转基因小鼠,探讨食物中大豆异黄酮对MMTV-erbB-2转基因小鼠乳腺肿瘤发生发展的影响。方法:选择健康雌性MMTV-erbB-2转基因小鼠60只,随机分为实验组(自鼠龄四周起喂养含有大豆异黄酮的豆饲料和对照组(喂养不含大豆异黄酮的普通饲料)。观察两组小鼠生长情况,观察各组小鼠乳腺肿瘤的发病率和潜伏期、记录肿瘤生长情况,并通过HE染色观察其病理类型,免疫组织化学染色SP法检测各组小鼠乳腺癌组织及正常乳腺组织中MMP-2和TIMP-2的表达并分析其关系。结果:豆饲料干预组,普通饲料干预组小鼠乳腺肿瘤的发瘤率分别为36.7%,66.7%,豆饲料干预组小鼠乳腺肿瘤发瘤率与对照饲料干预组相比明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。小鼠肿瘤多生长在第2-3对乳腺上,两组小鼠乳腺肿瘤最大平均直径及潜伏期相比较差异无统计学意义。两实验组小鼠乳腺肿瘤组织经HE染色后全部确定为乳腺癌组织。两实验组小鼠乳腺肿瘤组织中MMP-2和TIMP-2表达均高于正常乳腺组织,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),MMP-2和TIMP-2在乳腺肿瘤组织中表达呈负相关,在正常乳腺组织中表达无相关性。MMP-2在豆饲料干预组,普通饲料干预组小鼠乳腺肿瘤组织中的阳性率分别为83.3%,73.9%,各实验组阳性率相比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.888);TIMP-2在豆饲料干预组,普通饲料干预组小鼠乳腺肿瘤组织中的阳性率分别为33.3%,43.5%,各实验组阳性率相比较差异无统计学意义。结论:大豆异黄酮能抑制MMTV-erbB-2转基因小鼠乳腺肿瘤的发生,但其对小鼠乳腺肿瘤的作用与MMP-2及TIMP-2的表达无明显相关,具体机制尚待进一步研究。     

Dose-dependant hypothyroidism in mice induced by commercial trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole rodent feed

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) medication in the feed or water is commonly administered to immunocompro mised mice to prevent the occurrence of Pneumocystis murina (formerly P. carinii) pneumonia. Therapeutic doses of SMX can cause decreased total and free thyroxine (T4) levels in dogs and thyroid hypertrophy and hyperplasia in mice, rats, and dogs. Our primary objective was to determine whether SMX at doses present in commercially available rodent TMP-SMX feed would pro duce hypothyroidism in mice. Plasma T4 levels were determined prior to and after placement of Brand A TMP-SMX feed (daily SMX dose, 240 mg/kg), Brand B TMP-SMX feed (daily SMX dose, 2400 mg/kg), and their respective controls (doses calculated for a 25-g mouse according to vendor's information). T4 levels in the mice fed Brand B TMP-SMX feed were significantly decreased by 2 wk after feed placement. Levels of thyroid stimulating hormone in male and female mice given Brand B TMP-SMX feed were significantly elevated compared with those of control groups at 6 wk after feed placement, when only these mice showed evidence of thyroid hypertrophy and hyperplasia. No significant change in T4 levels occurred over the course of 11 wk in mice given the Brand A TMP-SMX chow or either control feed. In light of the significant clinical hypothyroidism that occurred in our mice while receiving Brand B TMP-SMX diet, we recommend SMX levels more similar to that of Brand A to avoid such unwanted effects which could confound research data.     

Performance of the anaerobic baffled reactor under steady-state and shock loading conditions

The anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) contains a granulated, mixed anaerobic culture segregated into compartments. Operation of four reactors under a range of hydraulic retention times showed that this novel reactor design offers highly efficient performance in the conversion of carbon in the feed stream to methane and carbon dioxide. The design parameter varied was the number of compartments. COD removal at 20 h retention time was routinely over 95% in all reactors, with low washout of biomass. Very high specific reaction rates were achievable (although with a loss of efficiency) at low biomass concentrations and high loading rates. In order to optimize volumetric reaction rates, a tradeoff has to be made between high biomass concentration, granule size, and the resulting mass transfer limitations. Formate is shown to be an important intermediate in the process under conditions of high loading.     

Intramucosal lymphocytes of the gut: Lyt-2 and thy-1 phenotype of the granulated cells and evidence for the presence of both T cells and mast cell precursors

The gut mucosa contains lymphocyte-like cells, a proportion of which contain a small number of granules that resemble those of mast cells in that they contain histamine and stain metachromatically. It has been suggested that these granulated lymphocytes represent transitional forms in the differentiation of T cells into mast cells. We used monoclonal antibodies and the fluorescence-activated cell sorter to analyze the expression of Thy-1 and Lyt-2 antigens on gut intramucosal lymphocytes with particular emphasis on the granulated cells. A minority of the granulated cells (10 to 20%) expressed Thy-1 antigen at high levels equivalent to those on cortical thymocytes. A much higher proportion of the granulated cells (about 90%) expressed readily detectable levels of Lyt-2 antigen and the most prevalent phenotype of the granulated lymphocytes (60 to 70%) was Lyt-2+, Thy-1-. Two operationally specific preparations of growth factors, one maintaining the proliferation of T cells and containing T cell growth factor, and the other containing a factor stimulating the growth of persisting (P) cells that are probably mast cell progenitors, were tested on lymphocytes from the gut mucosa. By using the appropriate preparation of growth factors, both T and P cells could be grown readily from the preparation of gut intramucosal lymphocytes. Estimates of the frequency of P cell precursors among these cells indicated a minimum of one in 300 could give rise to cells resembling mast cells. Fractions of Lyt-2+ cells that were enriched in granulated cells had few detectable P cell precursors, an observation lessening the likelihood that the granulated cells were progenitors of the P cells. The precise relationship of the granulated lymphocytes (mainly Lyt-2+, Thy-1-) to T cells remains to be established.     

Dietary potassium citrate does not harm the pcy mouse

Formation of multiple cysts in the kidneys occurs in several inherited diseases and often leads to terminal kidney failure. Because there is no definitive therapy to halt or slow the progression of renal cystic disease in people, numerous studies have examined possible therapies in animal models. Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in the Han:SPRD rat is ameliorated when alkalinizing citrate salts are provided in drinking solutions. By contrast, pcy mice with cystic disease fare worse with the same treatment. We tested the hypothesis that pcy mice ingesting citrate salts in the feed would not be adversely affected by this treatment. Male homozygous pcy mice were given regular feed or 6% potassium citrate-supplemented feed and ad libitum access to water starting at 3 weeks of age. The survival curves of the treated and untreated mice were not significantly different. We conclude that treatment with potassium citrate in the feed does not affect the progression of renal cystic disease in the pcy mouse. This model closely resembles human adolescent nephronophthisis (NPHP3). Based on these findings, citrate treatment cannot be recommended for NPHP3. The fact that it did no harm, however, removes a significant barrier to its consideration as a therapy for ADPKD.     

玉米赤霉烯酮单克隆抗体和免疫酶技术研究

采用蛋白质连接技术合成玉米赤霉烯酮抗原,免疫Balb/c鼠,通过淋巴细胞杂交瘤技术建立六株分泌抗玉米赤霉烯酮的单克隆抗体杂交瘤细胞株。间接酶联免疫吸附试验测定细胞上清抗体效价为1:2084(4H8)、1:256(6H9、4H3、2H5、2C8)、1:16(3F10);腹水抗体效价为10~9(4H3、4H8)、10~8(2H5)、10~7(6H9)、10~5(3H10)。竞争间接酶联免疫吸附试验测定六株单克隆抗体对玉米赤霉烯酮的敏感度为0.3—0.8ng/ml。六株抗体与玉米亦霉烯醇的交叉反应率为1.3—9.0％。六株单克隆抗体均属IgG类。细胞体外传代培养和冻存复苏后分泌抗体稳定。纯化抗体在37℃保存12天稳定,-30℃保存90天抗体滴度不变。用该抗体建立竞争间接酶联免疫吸附试验检测掺合玉米赤霉烯酮的玉米、小麦、饲料,平均回收率分别为105％、90％、103％,平均批间变异系数为5.8％、2.8％、6.8％,批内变异系数为3.8％、12.7％、15.7％。样品中玉米赤霉烯酮掺合量与竞争间接酶联免疫吸附试验检出量有良好相关性(r≥0.9996)。     

Immunosuppressor activity of rat endometrial granulated cells and their differentiation

Natural killer and natural suppressor activities of the rat endometrial granulated cells were assayed on day 13 of pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. Metrial gland granulated cells were used as endometrial granulated cells. The natural killer activities of metrial gland granulated cells and other cells were determined by means of Hashimoto-Sudo test with K562 cells as targets. The estimation of natural killer activity included removal of the cells sticking to glass from a suspension of material gland granulated cells. Cytochemically, metrial gland granulated cells were identified by the presence of PAS-positive granules in the cytoplasm after treatment of the cells with diastase and identification of a specific antigen with the help of specific antisera. The natural killer activity of metrial gland granulated cells was twice weaker than that of splenocytes from the same pregnant or pseudopregnant females. The level of natural killer activity was proportional to the content of metrial gland granulated cells in a cell system. These data suggest that the natural killer activity of metrial gland granulated cells is realized via their contact with cell targets. Natural killer and suppressor activities were determined simultaneously for metrial gland granulated cells and splenocytes of the same rat with common cell targets. When estimating the nuclear suppressor activity of metrial gland granulated cells, the splenocytes of the same rat were used as an effector in a natural killer test. Various amounts of metrial gland granulated cells were added to the effector : target system at a ratio of 50:1. The natural suppressor activity of metrial gland granulated cells did not depend on the amount of metrial gland granulated cells present in a natural killer system. After fractionation in a Percoll gradient, the highest natural killer activity was recorded in a 30% Percoll fraction. The highest and lowest natural suppressor activities were recorded in 30% and 60% Percoll fractions, respectively. The culture medium was characterized by natural suppressor activity as well. The differences in mean areas of metrial gland granulated cells in 30 and 60% Percoll fractions between the pregnant (144.7 +/- 13.4 and 75.0 +/- 12.5 microm2, respectively) and pseudopregnant (97.5 +/- 4.9 and 69.2 +/- 3.5 microm2) females were reliable. The natural killer activity was estimated in all studied 23 samples of metrial gland granulated cells, among which 18 (79.6 +/- 7.8%) displayed the natural suppressor activity as well. The absence of natural suppressor activity in five samples was combined with the absence of this activity in their culture medium and with a reduction in the mean area of metrial gland granulated cells in 30% Percoll fraction to 109.1 +/- 5.2 microm2. The data obtained confirm the known data on a low activity of metrial gland granulated cells and demonstrated for the first time the natural suppressor activity of these cells. It was concluded that the natural suppressor activity of metrial gland granulated cells is due to their differentiation from metrial gland granulated cells with natural killer activity.     

颗粒子宫腺细胞的分离、纯化与细胞化学研究

胰蛋白酶消化小鼠子宫腺细胞区,制成单细胞悬液,滴片后进行细胞学及细胞化学研究。结果：有多种类型细胞存在于悬液中,其中中等大小细胞（直径２０μｍ左右）大部分为颗粒子宫腺细胞（ＧｒａｎｕｌａｔｅｄＭｅｔｒｉａｌＧｌａｎｄＣｅｌｌｓ,ＧＭＧｃｅｌｌｓ）。ＧＭＧ细胞约占所有细胞的５０％。利用Ｐｅｒｃｏｌｌ非连续性密度梯度离心可以提高ＧＭＧ细胞的纯度,使之达８０％以上。细胞化学研究显示ＧＭＧ细胞含ＡＣＰ,ＮＳＥ,ＬＮＡｓｅ及糖蛋白成份。     

Migration of granulated metrial gland cells from cultured explants of mouse metrial gland tissue

Summary The migration of granulated metrial gland (GMG) cells from cultured explants of metrial gland tissue obtained from mice killed between days 10 and 16 of pregnancy has been studied. GMG cells migrated from all of the explants but more GMG cells were found around explants obtained from mice at day 10 of pregnancy than around explants obtained at later stages of pregnancy. The number of GMG cells found around each explant reached a peak at days 1, 2 or 3 of culture but only a few GMG cells were found around the explants by day 7 of culture.     

The growth and development of Schistosoma mansoni in mice exposed to sublethal doses of radiation

The maturation of Schistosoma mansoni was studied in mice exposed to various sublethal doses of radiation. Although the treatment of mice with 500 rads of radiation prior to infection did not alter parasite maturation, doses in excess of 500 rads led to a reduction in worm burden. This could not be attributed to a delay in the arrival of parasites in the hepatic portal system. Worms developing in mice treated with 800 rads commenced egg-laying about 1 wk later than worms in intact mice, and the rate of egg deposition appeared to be lower in irradiated hosts. The data demonstrate that exposure of C57BL/6 mice to doses of radiation in excess of 500 rads impairs their ability to carry infections of S. mansoni. The findings do not support the hypothesis that primary worm burdens in the mouse are controlled by a host immune response.     

Cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons,ciliated perikarya and “peptidergic” synapses in the magnocellular preoptic Nucleus of teleostean fishes

Summary The magnocellular preoptic nucleus of fishes (Anguilla anguilla, Amiurus nebulosus, Cyprinus carpio, Carassius auratus, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum) has been studied by light and electron microscopy.Two kinds of neurons were found: a) large, electron-dense, Gomori-positive cells with moderate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) positivity which contain granulated vesicles of 1400 to 2200 Å (in average 1600 to 1800 Å), and b) small, strongly AChE-positive, electron-lucent neurons containing granulated vesicles of 900 to 1200 Å. The nerve cells are supplied with axo-somatic and axo-dendritic synapses. These are formed by axon terminals containing either 1. synaptic vesicles of 500 Å, or 2. synaptic vesicles of 500 Å and dense-core vesicles of 600 to 800 Å, or 3. synaptic vesicles of 600 Å and granulated vesicles of up to 1100 Å, or 4. synaptic vesicles of about 400 Å and granulated vesicles of up to 1800 Å. The presence of peptidergic and numerous other synapses shows the complexity of the organization and afferentation of the magnocellular preoptic nucleus.In the eel, both types of nerve cells form dendritic terminals within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These CSF contacting dendrites are supplied with 9×2+0 cilia. In the other species investigated, only some large neurons build up intraventricular endings. The ependymofugal process of the CSF contacting neurons enters the preoptic-neurohypophysial tract.Perikarya of both the large and the small cells may give rise to single, paired or multiple 9×2+0 cilia extending into the intercellular space. The number of CSF contacting neurons is reciprocal to the number of perikarya with intercellular cilium. These latter cells may represent modified, more differentiated forms of the CSF contacting neurons. We think that atypical cilia protruding into the intercellular space may have the same significance for the intercellular fluid as the cilia of the intraventricular dendrites of the CSF contacting neurons for the CSF.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. W. Bargmann on the occasion of his 70th birthday.     

Identification and purification of NK cells with lysosomotropic vital stains: correlation of lysosome content with NK activity

The lysosome content of lymphocytes has been analyzed with lysosomotropic vital stains and the fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). Large granular lymphocytes (LGL), which account for virtually all natural killing activity in peripheral blood, are quantitatively different from small lymphocytes (SL) in this respect. LGL obtained by Percoll gradient density centrifugation accumulate more of the lysosomotropic vital dyes than SL do, staining with either neutral red or mepacrine (quinacrine). Furthermore among the LGL-rich, low density lymphocyte population highly, granulated cells can be separated from less granulated ones by mepacrine staining and FACS. Thus, separated highly granulated LGL express very high natural killing, whereas the less granulated low density large lymphocytes do not kill.