Acyltransferase and acid hydrolase activities of the abalone photoreceptor cell

Summary In order to study the synthesis and degradation processes of the photoreceptor membranes in the abalone, Nordotis discus, the localization of acyltransferase and acid hydrolase activities, respectively, were determined at the electron-microscopic level. Acyltransferase activity was localized on the cytoplasmic sides of thick (>10 nm) membranes of the following organelles: a few cisternae at the trans (or concave) side of Golgi apparatus, Golgi and probably related vesicles, short tubules, curved pentalaminar disks and limiting membranes of the phagosomal multivesicular bodies; all organelles were scattered in the peri- to supranuclear cytoplasm. The phospholipids, which are major components of the photoreceptor membrane, are considered to be synthesized by these membranes. Acid phosphatase activity was localized in the lumina of Golgi cisternae and vesicles, lysosomes, and smaller multivesicular and related bodies, but not in multilamellar bodies. The matrices of the larger multivesicular bodies and of the pigment granule complexes showed arylsulfatase activity. Vesiculated and autophagocytosed photoreceptor microvilli seemed to be degraded by acid hydrolases, forming multivesicular and related bodies. Supporting cells also showed acyltransferase and acid hydrolase activities.Abbreviations used in this Paper AcP acid phosphatase - ArS arylsulfatase - AT acyltransferase - ER endoplasmic reticulum - GERL Golgi-endoplasmic reticulum-lysosomal complex - MEB meshwork body - MLB multilamellar body - MVB multivesicular body - VLB vesiculolamellar body     

Cytochemical localization of ATPase plasma membrane and acid phosphatase by cerium-based method in a salt-adapted cell line of Pisum sativum

In order to study a possible application of cerium-based techniquesin plant cells, ATPase and acid phosphatase activities havebeen compared in two cell lines of Pisum sativum calli, onesensitive to NaCI and the other selected to be grown under salinity(85 mM NaCI). ATPase activity was unchanged and localized inthe plasma membrane of both cell lines. Acid phosphatase activitywas significantly increased in the salt-selected line and localizedin the cell walls, Golgi complex, multivesicular bodies andvacuoles. These results indicated a possible involvement ofboth activities in the maintenance of cell growth in the selectedline under saline conditions. Key words: Acid phosphatase, Pisum sativum, plasma membrane ATPase, salt stress, ultrastructure     

Cell differentiation in microsporangia of Pinus sylvestris with special attention to the tapetum. I. The pre–and early–meiotic periods

The tapetal layer becomes distinct from the other layers of parietal cells about three days prior to the meiosis in the microspore mother cells. Differentiation of the tapetal cells includes an increased relative volume for dictyosomes, mitochondria and plas–tids, the appearance of autophagic vacuoles in the cytoplasm, and periplasmic spaces between the plasma membrane and the cell wall. About one day before the meiosis the basophilia in tapetal cells is elevated; there are numerous nonaggregated ribo–somes, nuclei are intensely stainable, and the rough ER is dilated. There is also a partial digestion of the cell walls around microspore mother cells and tapetal cells including the adaxial wall of the adjacent parietal cell layer. A wedge–shaped portion of the wall system between this parietal cell layer and tapetal cells is not lysed. A lamellation in the middle lamellar position is also spared. That lamellation remains prominent as the extratapetal lamellation. By the initiation of meiosis the surfaces of both tapetal and microspore mother cells are entirely free of cell walls. During that period the intense basophilia of tapetal cells recedes and there are many polyribosomes, an extensive system of rough ER, dictyosomes with vesicles containing fibrils, multivesicular bodies, and autophagic vacuoles. Microtubules occur close to the plasma membrane. The plasma membrane–glycocalyx differs in portions of the surface facing the extratapetal lamellation from the Iocular facing surface. We presume that the abaxial portion of tapetal cells with cavations containing glycocalyx–like filaments is a region of uptake and that the adaxial surface with detached glycocalyx is secretory.     

The fine structural localization of p-Nitrophenyl phosphatase activity in the storage cells of pea (Pisum sativum L.) cotyledons

Summary p-Nitrophenyl phosphatase activity was cytochemically demonstrated within protein bodies, cell walls and the cell-wall cytoplasmic interface in storage cells of germinating pea seeds. The activity associated with the cell wall increased over the initial period of germination and seedling growth. All enzymatically active components at_pH 5.0 were found to represent acid phosphatase, since they were inhibited by sodium fluoride and survived treatment with 1-p-bromotetramisole and ouabain. The relevance of these observations to biochemical data is discussed.     

Fine structure of the formation and fate of the residual bodies of mouse spermatozoa with evidence for the participation of lysosomes

Routine electron microscopy in combination with subcellular localization of acid phosphatase has been employed to study the formation and fate of residual cytoplasmic bodies extruded into the tubular lumen shortly before spermiation. Prior to extrusion the spermatid cytoplasm contains lipid droplets, mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, the caudally migrated Golgi apparatus, and numerous multivesicular and multigranular bodies. These membrane-limited bodies and the Golgi zone stain heavily for acid phosphatase. Following extrusion the residual bodies undergo a series of alterations: (1) disruption of multigranular bodies with release of free granules; (2) sequestration of granules, ribosomes, and reticulum inside double-membrane-limited vacuoles derived from Golgi lamellae; (3) appearance of numerous, single-membrane-bound, cytoplasmic vacuoles; (4) fragmentation; (5) peripheral migration toward the tubular wall; and (6) phagocytosis of these migrating fragments by the Sertoli cells. The demonstration of acid phosphatase activity within free granules, the sequestering Golgi lamellae, and both classes of vacuoles suggests that initial residual body degradation occurs through lysosomal cytoplasmic autophagy.     

The function of the golgi complex in transitional epithelium. Synthesis of the thick cell membrane

The superficial squamous cells of rat transitional epithelium are limited, on their luminal face, by an asymmetrically thickened membrane. Patches of similar thick membrane are found in the walls of the Golgi cisternae and it is suggested that the Golgi system is the site of assembly of the thick plasma membrane. This implies membrane flow from the Golgi apparatus to the cell surface, and there is indirect evidence that the membrane is transported in the form of fusiform vacuoles, derived from the Golgi cisternae, which fuse with, and become part of, the free cell membrane. Uptake of injected Imferon shows that similar, large, thick-walled vacuoles may be formed by invagination of the free cell surface. Some of these vacuoles are subsequently transformed into multivesicular bodies and autophagic vacuoles. The formation of other large heterogeneous bodies is described, and some of these are shown to have acid phosphatase activity.     

多泡体形成过程的细胞化学研究

Multivesicular bodies were observed frequently in electron microscope photographs of Leydig cells from normal adult rat testes. Their formation, evolution and fate were analyzed morphologically in preparations treated to show cytidine monophosphatase (CMPase) activity and in animals sacrificed at various time intervals ranging from 5 min to 2 hrs after a single intratesticular injection of cationic ferritin (CF). Analysis of morphological and cytochemical data led to the following interpretation for the origin and fate of the multivesicular bodies in Leydig cells. The formation of multivesicular bodies in Leydig cells can be divided into three steps. Step 1, some endocytic vacuoles in Golgi region fuse with small vesicles to form pre-multivesicular bodies. Step 2, the pre-multivesicular bodies fuse together to form pale multivesicular bodies which are characterized by their large size, pale matrix and paucity of internal vesicles. Step 3, the pale multivesicular bodies remove their surplus enveloping membrane to become dense multivesicular bodies which are characterized by their smaller size, dense matrix and filling with internal vesicles. The pre-multivesicular bodies and pale multivesicular bodies do not contain hydrolytic enzymes, the dense multivesicular bodies acquire their hydrolytic enzymes by fusion with lysosomes and show CMPase activity. The dense multivesicular bodies often show a very close association with autophagosomes, and they might be involved in the autophagic activity of Leydig cells.     

多泡体形成过程的细胞化学研究

本实验用酶细胞化学和示踪细胞化学方法观察了睾丸间质细胞中多泡体的形成过程及其与溶酶体的关系。实验结果表明,睾丸间质细胞中多泡体的形成可分三个阶段:首先,一些含内吞物质的泡状结构进入高尔基体区域,与那里的小泡融合,形成内含少量小泡的前多泡体;然后,前多泡体互相融合,形成体积较大、基质电子密度低、内含小泡排列稀疏的低电子密度多泡体;最后,低电子密度多泡体通过表面长出微绒毛样结构并不断断裂的方式去除多余的界膜,形成体积较小、基质电子密度高、内含小泡排列紧密的高电子密度多泡体。因此,多泡体的形成既与内吞活动有关,又与高尔基体区域小泡有关。前多泡体和低电子密度多泡体不含溶酶体酶。在多泡体形成过程中,只有到高电子密度多泡体阶段,才与溶酶体发生关系,从溶酶体中获取溶酶体酶。多泡体形成后,常与自体吞噬泡靠近,可能参与睾丸间质细胞的自体吞噬活动。     

DISTRIBUTION OF PHOSPHATASES IN THE GOLGI REGION AND ASSOCIATED STRUCTURES OF THE THORACIC GANGLIONIC NEURONS IN THE GRASSHOPPER, MELANOPLUS DIFFERENTIALIS

The neuronal perikarya of the grasshopper contain sudanophilic lipochondria which exhibit an affinity for vital dyes. These lipochondria are membrane-delimited and display acid phosphatase activity; hence they correspond to lysosomes. Unlike those of most vertebrates, these lysosomes also hydrolyze thiamine pyrophosphate and adenosine triphosphate. Like vertebrate lysosomal "dense bodies," they are electron-opaque and contain granular, vesicular, or lamellar material. Along with several types of smaller dense bodies, they are found in close spatial association with the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi complexes are frequently arranged in concentric configurations within which these dense bodies lie. Some of the smaller dense bodies often lie close to or in association with the periphery of dense multivesicular bodies. Further, bodies occur that display gradations in structure between these multivesicular bodies and the dense lysosomes. Acid phosphatase activity is present in the small as well as the larger dense bodies, in the multivesicular bodies, and in some of the Golgi saccules, associated vesicles, and fenestrated membranes; thiamine pyrophosphatase is found in both the dense bodies and parts of the Golgi complex. The close spatial association of these organelles, together with their enzymatic similarities, suggests the existence of a functional or developmental relationship between them.     

Electron cytochemical demonstration of four hydrolytic enzymes in the rat corpora lutea at second half of gestation

Corpora lutea from rat ovaries at mid pregnancy were fixed by perfusion and studied by electron cytochemistry for localisation of four hydrolytic enzymes. Using the metal-salt methods for acid phosphatase and aryl sulphatases activity was localised in small and large lysosomes, multivesicular bodies, Golgi complex and within cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. The azo-dye coupling method for Beta-glucuronidase was less satisfactory and gave positive results in lysosomes, lipids and in the globules within the mitochondrial matrix. The latter two localisation were probably associated with affinity of the naphthol AS-BI for lipid material. In addition to plasma membranes, the reaction product for alkaline phosphatase with the lead-salt method was seen in lysosomelike bodies, in smooth endoplasmic reticulum and in occasional Golgi elements of granulosa lutein and endothelial cells. Increased activity of lysosomal acid hydrolases occurs when regressive changes of lutein cells start at the end of gestation and this might probably reflect the initiation of lytic processes.     

Electron cytochemical demonstration of four hydrolytic enzymes in the rat corpora lutea at second half of gestation

Summary Corpora lutea from rat ovaries at mid pregnancy were fixed by perfusion and studied by electron cytochemistry for localisation of four hydrolytic enzymes. Using the metal-salt methods for acid phosphatase and aryl sulphatases activity was localised in small and large lysosomes, multivesicular bodies, Golgi complex and within cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. The azo-dye coupling method for Beta-glucuronidase was less satisfactory and gave positive results in lysosomes, lipids and in the globules within the mitochondrial matrix. The latter two localisation were probably associated with affinity of the naphthol AS-BI for lipid material. In addition to plasma membranes, the reaction product for alkaline phosphatase with the lead-salt method was seen in lysosomelike bodies, in smooth endoplasmic reticulum and in occasional Golgi elements of granulosa lutein and endothelial cells.Increased activity of lysosomal acid hydrolases occurs when regressive changes of lutein cells start at the end of gestation and this might probably reflect the initiation of lytic processes.     

Multivesicular compartments proliferate in susceptible and resistant MLA12-barley leaves in response to infection by the biotrophic powdery mildew fungus

There is growing evidence that multivesicular bodies and cell wall-associated paramural bodies participate in the enhanced vesicle trafficking induced by pathogen attack. Here, we performed transmission electron microscopy in combination with cytochemical localization of H2O2 to investigate multivesicular compartments during establishment of compatible interaction in susceptible barley (Hordeum vulgare) and during hypersensitive response in resistant MLA12-barley infected by the barley powdery mildew fungus (Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei). Multivesicular bodies, intravacuolar vesicle aggregates and paramural bodies proliferated in the penetrated epidermal cell during development of the fungal haustorium. These vesicular structures also proliferated at the periphery of intact cells, which were adjacent to the hypersensitive dying cells and deposited cell wall appositions associated with H2O2 accumulation. All plasmodesmata between intact cells and hypersensitive cells were constricted or blocked by cell wall appositions. These results suggest that multivesicular compartments participate in secretion of building blocks for cell wall appositions not only to arrest fungal penetration but also to contain hypersensitive cell death through blocking plasmodesmata. They may also participate in internalization of damaged membranes, deleterious materials, nutrients, elicitors and elicitor receptors.     

Endocytosis and degradation of interstitial retinol-binding protein: differential capabilities of cells that border the interphotoreceptor matrix

Between the pigment epithelium and the outer limiting membrane of the retina is an extracellular compartment filled with the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM). A prominent component of the IPM is a glycoprotein known as interstitial retinol-binding protein (IRBP). Using in vitro techniques, we compared the ability of the cells that border this compartment to internalize colloidal gold (CG) coated with either IRBP or ovalbumin, a glycoprotein not found in the IPM. Neither IRBP-CG nor ovalbumin-CG was internalized by the Muller's cells. Both rod and cone photoreceptors take up IRBP-CG, which is observed in small vesicles and multivesicular bodies. Neither photoreceptor type takes up ovalbumin-CG. Acid phosphatase cytochemistry indicates that acid phosphatase reaction product in the multivesicular bodies co-localizes with IRBP-CG, which suggests that this molecule is degraded by rod and cone photoreceptors and is not recycled. The pigment epithelium internalizes IRBP-CG and ovalbumin-CG, both of which remain in small cytoplasmic vesicles near the apical plasma membrane. There is no indication that vesicles that contain either IRBP-CG or ovalbumin-CG fuse with the lysosomal system in the pigment epithelial cells during the incubation.     

LYSOSOME FUNCTION IN THE REGULATION OF THE SECRETORY PROCESS IN CELLS OF THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND

The nature and content of lytic bodies and the localization of acid phosphatase (AcPase) activity were investigated in mammotrophic hormone-producing cells (MT) from rat anterior pituitary glands. MT were examined from lactating rats in which secretion of MTH¹ was high and from postlactating rats in which MTH secretion was suppressed by removing the suckling young. MT from lactating animals contained abundant stacks of rough-surfaced ER, a large Golgi complex with many forming secretory granules, and a few lytic bodies, primarily multivesicular bodies and dense bodies. MT from postlactating animals, sacrificed at selected intervals up to 96 hr after separation from their suckling young, showed (a) progressive involution of the protein synthetic apparatus with sequestration of ER and ribosomes in autophagic vacuoles, and (b) incorporation of secretory granules into multivesicular and dense bodies. The content of mature granules typically was incorporated into dense bodies whereas that of immature granules found its way preferentially into multivesicular bodies. The secretory granules and cytoplasmic constituents segregated within lytic bodies were progressively degraded over a period of 24 to 72 hr to yield a common residual body, the vacuolated dense body. In MT from lactating animals, AcPase reaction product was found in lytic bodies, and in several other sites not usually considered to be lysosomal in nature, i.e., inner Golgi cisterna and associated vesicles, and around most of the immature, and some of the mature secretory granules. In MT from postlactating animals, AcPase was concentrated in lytic bodies; reaction product and incorporated secretory granules were frequently recognizable within the same multivesicular or dense body which could therefore be identified as "autolysosomes" connected with the digestion of endogenous materials. Several possible explanations for the occurrence of AcPase in nonlysosomal sites are discussed. From the findings it is concluded that, in secretory cells, lysosomes function in the regulation of the secretory process by providing a mechanism which takes care of overproduction of secretory products.     

An electron microscope study of acid hydrolase activity in the pneumonocytes of Xenopus laevis

Synopsis Electron microscope techniques were used to study the intercellular distribution of aryl sulphatase and acid phosphatase in the pneumonocytes which line the air spaces in the lung ofXenopus laevis. Strong reactions for aryl sulphatase and acid phosphatase were present in the limiting membranes of the cytoplasmic inclusion bodies; no significant activity was found in the inclusion contents or in the membranous material present in the air spaces. Both enzymes were present in the multivesicular bodies but other organelles were unreactive. These results suggest that hydrolytic enzymes are involved in the secretion of surface-active materials in amphibian lung.     

Fine structural localization of alkaline phosphatase in rat ovum during cleavage

On a submicroscopic level alkaline phosphatase activity was demonstrated by cytochemical methods in all stages of segmenting rat ova under survey, i.e. in the unfertilized and fertilized ovum, in the two-, four- and eight-cell stages and in the blastocyst. The reaction product was present in some cytoplasmic organelles as well as on cell membranes. A considerable number of cytoplasmic organelles with alkaline phosphatase activity was found in all stages from the one-cell up to the eight-cell stage. The reaction product was deposited in the tubules and vesicles of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, in the nuclear envelope and in the Golgi complex as well. Some multivesicular bodies, autophagic vacuoles and majority of residual bodies out of the secondary lysosomes showed enzymatic activity. In the multicellular stages no significant differences were observed between the individual blastomeres in the incidence and distribution of the alkaline phosphatase activity. On the blastocyst-stage was found a low incidence of enzymatically active cytoplasmic organelles. Alkaline phosphatase activity was demonstrated in some minute vesicles below the cell membrane and in some secondary lysosomes. No essential differences were found between the cells of the embryoblast and the cells of the trophoblast in the incidence of enzymatically active structures. In the one-cell stage the activity of alkaline phosphatase was present on the cell membrane only sporadically, in the two- and four-cell stages enzymatic activity was found in this localization in a third of all specimen. In the eight-cell stage alkaline phosphatase activity was demonstrated on the cell membranes of all blastomeres. In the blastocyst the reaction product was deposited regularly on the membranes of the trophoblastic cells turned towards the zone pellucida, frequently on membranes of mutual tactile cells of the trophoblast and the embryoblast and only sporadically on cell membranes limiting the blastocyst cavity.     

Alterations Induced by the Antifungal Compounds Ketoconazole and Terbinafine in Leishmania

ABSTRACT. The antiproliferative effects and ultrastructural alterations induced in vitro by two antifungal compounds, the azole ketoconazole and the allylamine terbinafine on Leishmania amazonensis are reported. Promastigotes treatment with ketoconazole and terbinafine induced growth arrest and cell lysis in 72 hours. Combination of the two agents produced additive effects on promastigote axenic growth and synergistic effects on intracellular amastigote proliferation. The amastigotes, either axenically grown or infecting murine macrophages, were about 100-fold more sensitive to the drugs. These compounds induced the appearance of large multivesicular bodies, especially after ketoconazole treatment, increased amount of lipid inclusions as well as numerous, polymorphic volutin granules, particularly in terbinafine-treated cells. Multivesicular bodies were observed in close apposition with organelles such as mitochondria, which also showed alterations in the distribution and appearance of cristae, and the formation of paracrystalline arrays within the matrix. Some cells presented large portions of cytoplasm wrapped by endoplasmic reticulum and many parasites also presented myelin-like endoplasmic reticulum profiles. Such alterations together with the strong acid phosphatase activity observed in the multivesicular bodies and volutin granules may indicate the existence of an unusual autophagic process in cells treated with ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors.     

ENDOCYTOSIS DURING POSTNATAL DIFFERENTIATION IN SUPERFICIAL CELLS OF THE MOUSE URINARY BLADDER EPITHELIUM

This electron microscopical study was performed in order to follow the endocytic pathway of horseradish peroxidase and colloidal gold tracers and to determine the involvement of endocytosis in postnatal differentiation in superficial cells of the mouse urinary bladder epithelium. Morphometric analyses of late endosomes/multivesicular bodies from day of birth to day 25 were performed. The internalisation and intracellular transport of luminal plasmalemma to multivesicular bodies via endocytic vesicles, early endosomes and pleomorphic compartments was established. Dynamic changes in endocytic activity took place within the first few days of postnatal differentiation. During this period the number of multivesicular bodies changed in an inverse ratio to their size. After the third day endocytic activity gradually approached the low rate of adult urothelium.     

ACID PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF AGED CELLS OF EUGLENA GRANULATA1,2

Ultrastructure and acid phosphatase activity of aged calls of Euglena granulata are reported. Cells are spherical, quiescent, and nonflagellated. The most conspicuous attribute of aged cells is the accumulation of cyloplasmic vacuoles and lysosome-like structures containing heavily stained, pigmented bodies and membrane fragments. In chloroplasts, portions of whorled lamellae arc abscised and subsequently incorporated into lysosome-like structures; osmiophilic granules increase in number. Membranes surrounding eyespot granules disappear and the granules themselves become diffuse; the usual association with microtubules is not seen in aged cells. Acid phosphatase precipitation accumulates largely at the maturing face of dictyosomes and associated vesicles; there is also activity in multivesicular and lysosome-like vacuoles.     

Fine Structure and Cytochemistry of the Abscission Zone Cells of Phaseolus Leaves: II. Localization of Peroxidase and Acid Phosphatase in the Separation Zone Cells

The sub-cellular localization of acid phosphatase and peroxidaseactivities has been studied by cytochemical procedures in cellsat the surface of the separation layer during the abscissionof leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris. Intense staining for both enzymeswas found in the cell walls, Golgi bodies and endoplasmic reticulum.The wall staining for acid phosphatase was chiefly associatedwith the middle lamellar region while staining for peroxidasewas found throughout the wall. These observations are discussedin relation to the possible involvement of these enzymes inthe changes occurring in the wall during abscission and to therole of the Golgi bodies in the separation process.