Alkali burns of the rabbit cornea. I. A histochemical study of beta-glucuronidase, beta-galactosidase and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase.

In alkali burned rabbit corneas activities of beta-glucuronidase, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and acid beta-galactosidase were studied histochemically in various time intervals after the traumatization. The technic with semipermeable membranes was employed. Within four days after the injury enzyme activities in the traumatized area were almost lacking. The corresponding activities in the unaffected part of the cornea were within the norm. On the 7th day enzyme activities were on an increase (but still subnormal) in the traumatized area. This area was surrounded by a zone of keratocytes with high levels of enzyme activities. This was particularly remarkable in keratocytes subjacent to the epithelium. The activation of all enzymes studied was present in the basal layer of the epithelium and in the endothelium as well. On the 14th day enzyme activities in the traumatized area were nearly restored and on the 32nd day they could not be distinguished from the normal cornea. Beta-galactosidase displayed a relatively maximal increase in the activity of all enzymes investigated.     

Histochemistry of some proteases in the normal rabbit, pig and ox corneas

The distribution of activities of membrane aminopeptidases (aminopeptidase M (APM), aminopeptidase A (APA), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and lysosomal exopeptidases (dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPP I), dipeptidyl peptidase II (DPP II)) was investigated in rabbit, ox and pig corneas. Cryostat sections of snap-frozen corneas treated with chloroform-acetone (4 degrees C) were used for the demonstration of membrane-bound enzymes and sections of corneas fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde (4 degrees C) for the demonstration of lysosomal enzymes. In activities of proteases species differences were found. The rabbit cornea was most active, followed by ox and pig corneas. Individual corneal layers reacted differently. Of membrane proteases a high APM activity was found in keratocytes, whereas epithelium and endothelium were negative. On the other hand, APA and GGT were active in the epithelium and endothelium. Their activities in keratocytes were less pronounced. DPP IV activity was demonstrated in some keratocytes beneath the epithelium only. Lysosomal enzymes DPP I and DPP II were active in all corneal layers. The epithelium displayed the highest activity. Differences in activities in the centro-peripheral and epithelio-endothelial directions were found. DPP I, DPP II, and APM were most active in the limbal region in all corneal layers.     

Alkali burns of the rabbit cornea

Summary In alkali burned rabbit corneas activities of -glucuronidase, N-acetyl--D-glucosaminidase and acid -galactosidase were studied histochemically in various time intervals after the traumatization. The technic with semipermeable membranes was employed. Within four days after the injury enzyme activities in the traumatized area were almost lacking. The corresponding activities in the unaffected part of the cornea were within the norm. On the 7th day enzyme activities were on an increase (but still subnormal) in the traumatized area. This area was surrounded by a zone of keratocytes with high levels of enzyme activities. This was particularly remarkable in keratocytes subjacent to the epithelium. The activation of all enzymes studied was present in the basal layer of the epithelium and in the endothelium as well. On the 14th day enzyme activities in the traumatized area were nearly restored and on the 32nd day they could not be distinguished from the normal cornea. -galactosidase displayed a relatively maximal increase in the activity of all enzymes investigated.     

Azoindoxyl methods for the investigation of hydrolases. IV. Suitability of various diazonium salts (author's transl)]

Using fresh frozen, freeze-dried or cryostate sections from aldehyde fixed rat tissues 13 diazonium salts were tested as simultaneous coupling reagents for the localization of acid, neutral and alkaline hydrolases with azo indoxyl methods. Hexazotized new fuchsine and/or Fast blue B are the diazonium salts of choice for the demonstration of acid beta-galactosidase, neuraminidase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, acid phosphatase, and non-specific esterase followed by hexazotized p-rosaniline. Fast blue VB, BB and RR and Fast violet B are recommended for the investigation of alkaline phosphatase and lactase, Fast garnet GBC for acid beta-galactosidase, glucosaminidase and lactase. Fast red B, RC, RL and TR and Fast black K can only be employed for lactase studies. The exact concentration of the coupling reagent depends on the activity of the enzyme and the organ imvestigated. On the average 0.01-0.02 ml unstable diazonium salt/ml and 0.3--1 microgram stable diazonium salt/ml are sufficient for the correct localization of these hydrolases. Freeze-dried cryostat sections yield the best results in the demonstration of lactase and alkaline phosphatase independent on the coupling reagent used. Sections from formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde fixed organs are superior for the localization of the other hydrolases; an exception is the investigation of acid beta-galactosidase and glucosaminidase with Fast garnet GBC. Then, excellent results are obtained also with freeze-dried material. Fresh frozen sections are suitable for the localization of lactase with hexazotized new fuchsine or p-rosaniline and of alkaline phosphatase with Fast blue VB and BB or violet B. The total activity of acid, neutral and alkaline hydrolases can be investigated using semipermeable membranes in combination with all unstable and stable diazonium salts of choice. Reliable osmification of the azoindoxyl dye is only possible if hexazotized p-rosaniline is employed for coupling; without further posttreatment all azoindoxyl dyes are extracted by ethanol, isopropanol or xylol. 7 incubation media are given for the demonstration of hydrolases with azoindoxyl methods at the level of light microscopy for routine studies and typical examples for the application of these methods are presented. A modified procedure is described for the freeze-drying of cryostat sections with the Edwards-Pearse tissue dryer EPD3.     

Histochemistry of some proteases in the normal rabbit,pig and ox corneas

Summary The distribution of activities of membrane aminopeptides (aminopeptidases M (APM), aminopeptidase A (APA), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), -gluamyltransferase (GGT) and lysosomal exopeptidases (dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPP I), dipeptidyl peptidase II (DPP II) was investigated in rabbit, ox and pig corneas. Cryostat sections of snap-frozen corneas treated with chloroform-acetone (4°C) were used for the demonstration of membrane-bound enzymes and sections of corneas fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde (4°C) for the demonstration of lysosomal enzymes.In activities of proteases species differences were found. The rabbit cornea was most active, followed by ox and pig corneas. Individual corneal layers reacted differently. Of membrane proteases a high APM activity was found in keratocytes, whereas epithelium and endothelium were negative. On the other hand APA and GGT were active in the epithelium and endothelium. Their activities in keratocytes were less pronounced. DPP IV activity was demonstrated in some keratocytes beneath the epithelium only. Lysosomal enzymes DPP I and DPP II were active in all corneal layers. The epithelium displayed the highest activity.Differences in activities in the centro-peripheral and epithelio-endothelial directions were found. DPP I, DPP II, and APM were most active in the limbal region in all corneal layers.     

A study of acid mucopolysaccharides in cold microtome sections of normal and experimentally hydrated bovine corneas

Summary Acid mucopolysaccharides were investigated in cold microtome sections of normal and experimentally hydrated bovine corneas. Staining methods using cationic dyes were used for the detection.A 10 min fixation of cold microtome sections in absolute alcohol did not change the stainability of acid mucopolysaccharides substantially. The staining was only a little fainter (as against unfixed sections). After 10 min fixation with formol-cetylpyridinium chloride the staining of sections was diminished and after 30 min fixation in this fluid completely abolished. After formol-calcium chloride fixative the staining was decreased in dependence on the time of fixation due to the elution of acid mucopolysaccharides in the fixative (acid mucopolysaccharides in the fixative were demonstrated by means of paper electrophoresis). Formolcalcium chloride is likewise unsuitable.Experimental hydration of corneas in distilled water did not substantially alter the staining properties of acid mucopolysaccharides in cold microtome sections. Only quantitative differences were found in comparison with untreated corneas. These differences were due to hydration causing an increase in the distance of acidic groups among individual molecules of acid mucopolysaccharides.     

The use of hexazonium-p-rosanilin in the histochemical demonstration of peptidases.

The suitability of hexazonium-p-rosanilin (HP) in the histochemical demonstration of peptidases was investigated. The detection was carried out in cold mictrotome sections adherent to slides or semipermeable membranes. Alanyl-1-naphthylamide, alanyl-2-naphthylamide, leucyl-2-naphthylamide, leucyl-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide (all substrates in concentration of 0.4 mg/1 ml of citrate phosphate buffer pH 6.5), gamma-L-glutamyl-1-naphthylamide, gamma-L-glutamyl-2-naphthylamide (both substances in concentration of 0.24 mg/1 ml of acetate buffer pH 6.5) were used as the substrates. Results were compared with those obtained with Fast Blue B and Fast Garnet GBC. In comparison with Fast Blue B and Fast Garnet GBC HP is a faster coupler, furnishes azodyes which are stable, amorphous (even without lipid extractions from sections), more substantive and in the case of 1-naphthylamine almost insoluble in ordinary lipid solvents used for the dehydration and clearing of sections before mounting. The molecular extinction coefficient of azodyes furnished by HP is 1.5X higher for 1-naphthylamine than for 2-naphthylamine. It is higher than that of Fast Garnet GBC, however, lower than that of Fast Blue B. The inhibitory influence of individual diazonium salts on enzyme activity (activities) splitting leucyl-2-naphthylamide amounts to 36% (Fast Garnet GBC), 37% (Fast Blue B), 52% (HP, 0.03 ml/1 ml) and 63% (HP, 0.09 ml/1 ml) at pH 6.5. For gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase the corresponding values are 50%, 59%, 62% and 67%. The higher inhibitory influence of HP is compensated by the possibility of its using in the technic of semipermeable membranes. HP improves greatly the localization of peptidases in cold microtome sections from which lipids were not extracted. The best results are furnished by 1-naphthylamine dervatives. In the case of 4-methoxy-2-naphthylamine derivatives the localization is very sharp, however, the azodye is less distinct than that of 2-naphthylamine. The localization as obtained with HP in combination with substrates derived of simple naphthylamines is similar or even better than with 4-methoxy-2-naphthylamine derivatives applied with Fast Blue B. Typical examples are shown.     

Determination of lysosome membrane stability]

Effect of different concentration of non-ionic detergents (Triton X-100, Triton X-305, BRIJ-35 and Triton WR-1339) on total and non-sedimentable activity of 8 rat liver lysosome enzymes (acid phosphatase, acid DNase, acid RNase, arylsulphatases A and B, beta-glucuronidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-glucosidase and beta-acetylglucosaminidase) was studied. Only Triton X-100 at the concentration of 0.1% (and higher) was found to release completely lysosome enzymes. Low concentrations of Triton X-100 (0.025-0.05%) were used to characterize the strength of enzyme binding: the level of releasing acid DNase, beta-galactosidase, beta-glucuronidase and acid phsophatase being considerably higher than that of other lysosome enzymes studied. On the basis of the data obtained a method is worked out, which is suitable for series studies of the stability of lysosome membranes under different physiological and pathological conditions. The essence of the method is the treatment of membrane particles with increasing concentrations of Triton X-100 (0.025; 0.05 AND 0.1%) AND THE SUCCESSIVE ESTIMATION OF NON-Sedimentable activity of marker enzymes. The method detected troubles in the stability of rat liver lysosome membranes under starvation, protein deficiency and aging.     

Study of lysosomal enzymes in chick embryo fibroblasts infected with microorganisms of family Halprowiaceae (Chlamydiaceae)

It is shown that infection of chick embryo fibroblasts with agents of paratrachoma and meningopneumonia Halprowiaceae (Chlamydiaceae) causes a sharp decrease of the activities of lysosomal enzymes, e.g. acidic alpha-glucosidase, beta-glucuronidase, beta-galactosidase, alpha-mannosidase, acid phosphatase, etc. The activity of cytosol enzymes (neutral alpha-glucosidase, amylo-1,6-glucosidase) does not change, however. A decrease in the activities of lysosomal enzymes in infected fibroblasts occurs some time later after inoculation and is due to a release of lysosomal enzymes from the fibroblasts into the culture medium, without loss of cell integrity. No changes in the activity of lysosomal enzymes in fibroblasts and culture medium is observed in the case of inoculation of cells with a killed agents, as well as after contact of cells with a suspension of normal chick embryo yolk sacs. The release of lysosomal enzymes from halprowiae-infected chick embryo fibroblasts probably occurs by the exocytosis.     

Biochemical characterisation of porcine polymorphonuclear leucocytes: comparison with human polymorphonuclear leucocytes

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes were isolated from pig blood relatively free from other cells and were characterised biochemically and morphologically and compared with human PMNLs. The activities of 16 enzymes of porcine and human PMNLs were measured and compared. Alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, phosphodiesterase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, NADH-cytochrome c oxidoreductase, malate dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase had higher specific activities in procine than in human cells. Alkaline phosphatase has an 87-fold higher specific activity in porcine than in human cells. beta-glucuronidase, lysozyme, beta-galactosidase, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, beta-glucosidase, myeloperoxidase and catalase had higher specific activities in human than in porcine cells. beta-glucuronidase and myeloperoxidase showed over a 1000- and a 13-fold higher specific activity, respectively, in human than in porcine cells. Porcine PMNLs are readily available in large numbers and are recommended for studies of phagocytosis, chemotaxis and membrane biochemistry.     

The influence of tumor growth on natural cytotoxicity and activity of some lysosomal enzymes of human effector cells and the C3HA mouse splenocytes

In the course of malignant growth processes in patients with lung cancer, a decrease of natural cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes was observed. This process was accompanied by changes of activities of two lysosomal enzymes, arylsulfatase and acid phosphatase, suggesting participation of these enzymes in manifestation of effector functions of lymphocytes in cancer patients. The level of activity of granular enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, remained unchanged at all stages of disease. A study of natural killer activity of C3HA mice splenocytes after inoculation of transplantable hepatoma 22-a cells revealed a relative stability of the level of their cytotoxicity, and of the activities of lysosomal enzymes--arylsulfatase, acid phosphatase, alpha-mannosidase, acid lipase, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosidase, and beta-galactosidase, beginning from the 3rd day after hepatoma implantation.     

Histochemical methods for acid β-galactosidase: Technics for semipermeable membranes

Summary Indigogenic and azocoupling reactions for the detection of acid -galctosidase in unfixed cold microtome sections adherent to semipermeable membranes are described. The indigogenic method is the method of choice. The described procedure prevents the leakage of the enzyme activity of sections (the diffusion is limited to the closest surroundings of the actual localization of enzyme activity) and is recommended as a routine method in studies concerning acid -galactosidase.     

Lysosomal enzymes in human platelets

In human freshly prepared platelets the following lysosomal enzymes were studied: alpha-mannosidase, alpha-fucosidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-glucosidase, beta-glucuronidase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and acid phosphatase. For each of the examined enzymes the conditions providing maximal activity (pH, buffer), kinetic parameters (saturating substrate concentration and Km) as well as heat stability were established. On the basis of these parameters it is suggested that many of the serum glycohydrolases may be platelet derived.     

Microanalysis of epithelial and mesenchymal acid hydrolase activities in the developing palate

Microdissection of lyophilized sections of fetal heads permits the analysis of relatively pure samples of epithelium and mesenchyme. These techniques were applied to a study of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase activities in the developing palate in A/Jax mice. Acid phosphatase was found to be more concentrated in the palatal epithelium than the underlying mesenchyme. Conversely, beta-glucuronidase was more concentrated in the mesenchyme than the epithelium. A disparate developmental pattern of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase activity was observed in the oral epithelium: acid phosphatase activity increased from intra-uterine Day 17 into neonatehood and beta-glucuronidase activity decreased towards term. Analysis of cortisone-induced palatal shelves showed increased activity of both acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase in the presumptive fusing epithelium.     

Diazonium inactivation in simultaneous-coupling and product inhibition in post-coupling azo-techniques for demonstrating activity of acid hydrolases

In this communication results are presented of an investigation in which the activity of the hydrolytic enzymes acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, non specific arylesterase, microsomal arylsulphatase, beta-galactosidase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, acid alpha-glucosidase and aminopeptidase M are demonstrated in tissue sections with simultaneous- and post-coupling azo-techniques. Semipermeable membrane techniques are used to hamper enzyme diffusion during the incubation period. From the histochemical and biochemical findings it appeared that an advantage of the post-coupling techniques over the simultaneous-coupling techniques is that inactivation of the enzymes by the coupling reagents is avoided. On the other hand post-coupling techniques are subject to product inhibition. With kinetic inhibition studies it is found that for microsomal arylsulphatase and non-specific arylesterase this product inhibition is non-competitive. This product inhibition may be a problem for histochemical quantitative post-coupling techniques for the determination of acid hydrolase activity.     

Hormonal regulation of lysosomal hydrolases in the reproductive tract of the rabbit

The total protein content and the activities of lysosomal hydrolases (arylsulphatase, alkaline and acid phosphatases, beta-glucuronidase, beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase, alpha-L-fucosidase and beta-galactosidase) in the uteri of ovariectomized rabbits treated with different concentrations of progesterone, oestradiol-17 beta and a combination of progesterone and oestradiol were determined. The enzyme activities were also measured in the reproductive organs of rabbits induced to superovulate by PMSG and hCG. In superovulated and steroid-treated rabbits, the changes in lysosomal hydrolases were more obvious in the endometrium than the myometrium. Except for the myometrial alkaline phosphatase and beta-galactosidase and the endometrial alkaline phosphatase, there were no significant changes in the solubilities of hydrolases after treatment with steroids. beta-Galactosidase levels were significantly higher in the ovariectomized rabbits treated with progesterone. An antagonistic effect of oestradiol and progesterone was observed with respect to uterine weight, protein content and enzyme activities in the ovariectomized rabbits treated simultaneously with oestradiol and progesterone.     

Stimulation of the release of lysosomal and nonlysosomal granular enzymes from macrophages treated with monensin

Mouse peritoneal macrophages that had been treated with a monovalent carboxylic ionophore, monensin, selectively secreted lysosomal and nonlysosomal granular enzymes into the medium. When macrophages were incubated with 1 to 10 microM monensin, the release of beta-glucuronidase, beta-hexosaminidase and beta-galactosidase was stimulated time and does dependently. Neither the beta-glucosidase nor acid phosphatase, enzymes bound to the lysosomal membranes, however, were released by monensin. Neutral alpha-glucosidase, shown recently to be localized in nonlysosomal granules of macrophages (15), was released by monensin at concentrations lower than those required for lysosomal enzyme release. Increased release of lysosomal enzymes also took place in a manner similar to that seen with monensin-treated macrophages after treatment of macrophages with weak bases, chloroquine and ammonium chloride. Neutral alpha-glucosidase, however, was not released when chloroquine was present in concentrations that stimulated the release of lysosomal enzymes. The UDP-galactosyltransferase activity of the Golgi apparatus in the macrophages markedly decreased after treatment with low concentration of monensin.     

Thin Sections from Unfixed Tissues for Histochemical Staining

Sections were cut from fresh unfixed tissues by means of a microtome provided with an apparatus for the simultaneous cooling of the knife and freezing stage. These sections were of uniform thickness and were found to be very suitable for histochemical staining. Such sections were immersed while still frozen in the fluid which contained the necessary chemicals for a specific technic. After remaining in the fluid for an appropriate time, the sections were put on slides and dried in warm air. The remaining steps were carried out on the slides. Several histochemical procedures (phosphatase, esterase, glycogen) were found to give good results when this technic was used.     

Lysosomal hydrolases in neuronal, astroglial, and olidodendroglial enriched fractions of rabbit and beef brain.

Arylsulfatases A, B, and C, beta-galactosidase, and acid phosphatase were assayed in neuronal, astroglial, and oligodendroglial fractions isolated from adult rabbit and beef brains. The specific activities of all acid hydrolases were lower in beef cells compared to rabbit cells. The lysosomal enzymes of the rabbit neuronal fraction showed 10--25 time higher activities than the oligodendroglial fraction and 5-fold higher activities than the astroglial fraction. In beef brain, the specific activities of these enzymes were similar in oligodendroglia and astrocytes but 4--10 times lower than in neurons. The low activity of arylsulfatase A and beta-galactosidase in oligodendroglial cells may suggest that the low turnover of cerebroside and sulfatide in myelin may be regulated in part by the enzymes that catalyze their degradation.     

Influence of low temperature on phosphatase in roots of Verbascum thapsus,a biennial weed

The temperature peak (15 °C) of acid and alkaline phosphatase in this study coincides with a peak in alpha-amylase as seen in an earlier study of roots of Verbascum thapsus. It is speculated that one of the results of higher phosphatase activities may be increased amount of orthophosphate which can be utilized in phosphorylation of soluble carbohydrates which in turn are in greater supply due to the higher activities of the starch-degrading enzymes.A second peak in activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase was seen in plants which were returned to the greenhouse following cold treatment. This increase in enzymatic activities is also similar to increases in activities of three starch degrading enzymes studied earlier. Alkaline phosphatase showed greater activities than did acid phosphatase at lower temperatures (10 and 4 °C) and under greenhouse conditions following cold treatment.