The identification of extracellular matrix (ECM) binding sites on the basal surface of embryonic corneal epithelium and the effect of ECM binding on epithelial collagen production

Previously, we have shown that embryonic corneal epithelia can interact with, and respond to, soluble extracellular matrices (ECM) (laminin, collagen, and fibronectin). The basal surface of epithelia isolated free of the underlying ECM can be seen to be disrupted by numerous blebs that sprout from this formerly smooth surface. Laminin, collagen, or fibronectin added to the culture medium cause the epithelium to reorganize its cytoskeleton and flatten its basal surface. We show here that ECM molecules at concentrations that reorganize epithelial cytoskeletal morphology also increase the amount of collagen produced by the epithelial cells. However, molecules that do not reorganize basal epithelial morphology (concanavalin A, heparin, bovine serum albumin) have no effect on collagen production. We also report that fluorescently labeled laminin, collagen, and fibronectin, when added to the medium surrounding isolated corneal epithelia, bind to and flatten the basal epithelial cell surface. The binding site on the basal surface is protease sensitive and is specific for each ECM molecule. These results are compatible with the idea that the basal epithelial plasmalemma possesses a diverse population of binding sites for ECM that link cell surface matrix to the cytoskeleton, causing a dramatic cytoskeletal reorganization which in turn results in enhanced production of collagen by the cells.     

Application of immunohistochemistry to the isolated mucosa of the mouse gastrointestinal tract, with special reference to somatostatin cells

In the present study, in order to easily grasp whole images of somatostatin (D) cells, the isolated mucosa of the mouse gastrointestinal tract was immunohistochemically treated. The present study revealed that: (1) in the stomach, small-intestinal villi and colon, about 20% of the D cells extrude basal cytoplasmic processes, showing terminal expansions in many cases; on the other hand, in the crypts of the small intestine, few D cells possess basal processes, and (2) in the stomach, there is no determined tendency in the direction of the basal processes of the D cells; on the other hand, in the small-intestinal villi and colon, most D cell basal processes run toward the villus base and colon crypt bottoms. The direction of the basal processes of the D cells in the gastrointestinal tract seems to be mostly in favor of the migration pattern of epithelial cells described previously. It is likely that, if the targets of the D cells are near the D cells, the basal process is not necessary for local secretion of somatostatin. During migration, however, D cells might extrude basal processes to keep relationships with their targets.     

Response of basal epithelial cell surface and Cytoskeleton to solubilized extracellular matrix molecules

Corneal epithelium removed from underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) extends numerous cytoplasmic processes (blebs) from the formerly smooth basal surface. If blebbing epithelia are grown on collagen gels or lens capsules in vitro, the basal surface flattens and takes on the smooth contour typical of epithelium in contact with basal lamina in situ. This study examines the effect of soluble extracellular matrix components on the basal surface. Corneal epithelia from 9- to 11-d-old chick embryos were isolated with trypsin-collagenase or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, then placed on Millipore filters (Millipore Corp., Bedford, Mass.), and cultured at the medium-air interface. Media were prepared with no serum, with 10% of calf serum, or with serum from which plasma fibronectin was removed. Epithelia grown on filters in this medium continue to bleb for the duration of the experiments (12-14 h). If soluble collagen, laminin, or fibronectin is added to the medium, however, blebs are withdrawn and by 2-6 h the basal surface is flat. Epithelia grown on filters in the presence of albumin, IgG, or glycosaminoglycans continue to bleb. Epithelia cultured on solid substrata, such as glass, also continue to bleb if ECM is absent from the medium. The basal cell cortex in situ contains a compact cortical mat of filaments that decorate with S-1 myosin subfragments; some, if not all, of these filaments point away from the plasmalemma. The actin filaments disperse into the cytoplasmic processes during blebbing and now many appear to point toward the plasmalemma. In isolated epithelia that flatten in response to soluble collagens, laminin, and fibronectin, the actin filaments reform the basal cortical mat typical or epithelial in situ. Thus, extracellular macromolecules influence and organize not only the basal cell surface but also the actin-rich basal cell cortex of epithelial cells.     

Electron microscopic observations on the maintenance of the tight junction during cell division in the epithelium of the mouse small intestine.

Dividing epithelial cells in the mouse small intestine were examined by thin-section electron microscopy with special attention given to the mode of cytokinesis. As the columnar epithelial cells entered mitosis in the crypt, they became rounded, maintaining their junctional complexes with neighboring cells while detaching themselves from the basal lamina. In such rounded cells the mitotic apparatus was formed with its long axis parallel to the luminal surface. Replicated centrioles moved down from the apical region to locate themselves lateral to the nucleus, where they served as the poles of the mitotic spindle. During mitosis the cell retained microvilli on its luminal surface, though the terminal web became much thinner. At telophase the formation of a cleavage furrow proceeded asymmetrically from the basal side alone, and thus the contractile ring which was prominent at the base of the furrow, merged with the terminal web. Eventually, an intercellular bridge with a midbody was formed on the luminal surface. The space in the furrow was occupied by the flattened cytoplasmic processes of the neighboring cells. The tight junction was also seen on the basolateral surface of the intercellular bridge with the underlying neighboring cells. At very late telophase the intercellular bridge was disconnected from the neighboring cells and protruded into the lumen. These observations have led us to propose a mode by which the simple columnar epithelium maintain the tight junctional seal during cell division in the crypt of the small intestinal epithelium.     

The gastrointestinal tract of Adélie penguins – morphology and function

The aim of this study was to provide data on the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae). It was found to consist of a long oesophagus, a two-chambered stomach, a small intestine measuring only 5.22body length, two rudimentary caeca and a short colon, typical of carnivorous birds. The stomach comprised a glandular proventriculus and a muscular gizzard that frequently contained grit. An acidic pH was recorded in both chambers. Ultrastructural studies of the small intestinal mucosal membrane revealed epithelial cells with elongated, irregular microvilli and high affinity for toluidine blue, absorptive intestinal epithelial cells and goblet cells. Numerous large lymphocyte-like cells were observed close to the brush border of the epithelium, and empty spaces on the epithelial surface reflected normal cell loss in the small intestine. The rudimentary caeca and colon provide relatively little volume and time for symbiotic bacteria to aid the digestion of crustacean chitin.     

Specific localization of hepatic fatty acid-binding protein in the gastric brush cells of rats

Summary An immunocytochemical study by light- and electron microscopy using the antibody against rat hepatic fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) revealed the brush cells in the gastric epithelium of rats to be intensely immunoreactive. The immunoreactive cells were present in a group in the distal wall of the groove between forestomach and glandular stomach, as well as scattered singly in the surface and foveolar epithelia of the glandular stomach. Almost all immunoreactive brush cells had a thin basal process in contact with the basement membrane. No secretory granules with dense cores, similar to those of endocrine cells, were observed in the brush cells. The specific appearance of FABP-immunoreactivity in the brush cell indicates that this cell type is a distinct entity from other epithelial cells in the stomach and that FABP is a useful histochemical marker of the brush cells. FABP may be involved in the specific function(s) of this cell type related to fatty acid metabolism.     

In vitro analysis of mesenchymal influences on the differentiation of stomach epithelial cells of the chicken embryo

It is well established that epithelial-mesenchymal interactions play important roles in the differentiation of stomach epithelial cells in the chicken embryo. To analyze mesenchymal influences on the differentiation of the epithelial cells, we developed a tissue culture system for stomach (proventriculus and gizzard) epithelia of chicken embryo, and examined their differentiation in the presence or absence of mesenchyme. Stomach epithelium from 6-day chicken embryo did not express embryonic chicken pepsinogen (ECPg), a marker molecule of glandular epithelial cells of proventriculus, while it expressed marker molecules of epithelial cells of the luminal surface of stomach, when cultured alone on the Millipore filter, covered with the gel consisting of extracellular matrix components. When the epithelium was recombined with mesenchyme separated by the filter, differentiation of the epithelium was affected by the recombined mesenchyme. Proventricular and lung mesenchymes induced the expression of ECPg in epithelial cells, and the expression was extensive when the gel contained basement membrane components. Proventricular and gizzard epithelia showed different responses to the mesenchymal action. We tested the effects of some growth factors on the differentiation of epithelial cells using this culture system. Furthermore we devised a "conditioned semi-solid medium experiment" for analysis of the inductive properties of proventricular and lung mesenchymes. The results of this experiment clearly demonstrated for the first time that diffusible factors from mesenchyme induce the differentiation of glandular epithelial cells in the absence of mesenchymal cells.     

Epithelial effects of proteinase-activated receptors in the gastrointestinal tract

The intestinal epithelium plays a crucial role in providing a barrier between the external environment and the internal milieu of the body. A compromised mucosal barrier is characteristic of mucosal inflammation and is a key determinant of the development of intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The intestinal epithelium is regularly exposed to serine proteinases and this exposure is enhanced in numerous disease states. Thus, it is important to understand how proteinase-activated receptors (PARs), which are activated by serine proteinases, can affect intestinal epithelial function. This review surveys the data which demonstrate the wide distribution of PARs, particularly PAR-1 and PAR-2, in the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs, focusing on the epithelium and those cells which communicate with the epithelium to affect its function. PARs have a role in regulating secretion by epithelia of the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas and intestine. In addition, PARs located on subepithelial nerves, fibroblasts and mast cells have important implications for epithelial function. Recent data outline the importance of the cellular site of PAR expression, as PARs expressed on epithelia may have effects that are countered by PARs expressed on other cell types. Finally, PARs and their ability to promote epithelial cell proliferation are discussed in terms of colon cancer.     

Immunocytochemical studies on the distribution pattern of daunomycin in rat gastrointestinal tract

The cancer drug daunomycin is used in treatment of leukemia but possesses severe side effects that involve the gastrointestinal tract. We therefore used a newly developed immunocytochemical procedure to determine the distribution of DM in the gastrointestinal tracts of rats after i.v. injection. Two hours after injection, DM was diffusely distributed in nuclei and most parts of the cytoplasm of intestinal epithelial cells. The cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for DM was most pronounced in small granules of the apical cytoplasm. Sixteen hours after injection, DM immunostaining was by and large absent in the villous epithelium but persisted in the intestinal crypts. In addition, staining was also detected in endothelial cells, scattered cells of the lamina propria and in smooth muscle cells. After 5 days, only little staining for DM remained. Similar findings were made in the colon. In the gastric mucosa, DM accumulation persisted at 16 h in some glandular cells but was lost from the surface epithelium. No staining was detected in saline-injected control rats. The distribution of DM accumulation correlated partially with the distribution of apoptotic cells as detected by the TUNEL procedure. Our results pinpoint that DM may exert prolonged effects on glandular and regenerative cells of the gastrointestinal tract—an observation that may explain the gastrointestinal toxicity of the drug. It seems possible that DM accumulation in surface epithelial cells is rapidly cleared through drug transporters.     

Distribution of phosphodiesterase I in normal human tissues

Phosphodiesterase I (PDE I) is an exonuclease capable of hydrolyzing a variety of phosphate ester and pyrophosphate bonds. Cell fractionation and histochemical studies in animal tissues have localized PDE I in the plasma membrane of various epithelia. This suggests a role for the enzyme in active transport. Distribution of PDE I in human tissues has not previously been studied. We have produced a polyclonal antiserum to bovine intestinal PDE I and have demonstrated crossreactivity with the human intestinal enzyme. This polyclonal antiserum was used in PAP immunocytochemistry to localize immunoreactive PDE I in a variety of human tissues. Localization was prominent in the gastrointestinal tract, including the cytoplasm of gastric mucosa parietal cells, cytoplasm of surface epithelium and isolated crypt cells in small intestine, and the colonic epithelial cytoplasm and brush border. Parotid gland acinar cells and scattered ductal cells showed positive cytoplasmic staining. Acinar and scattered pancreatic islet cells contained immunoreactive PDE I, as did Kupffer cells of the liver sinusoids. Immunoreactive PDE I was found in all vascular endothelia. The epithelium of the urinary tract showed extensive immunoreactivity. This included the distal convoluted and collecting tubules of the kidney, and ureteral and bladder urothelium. In previous histochemical studies of animal tissues, no evidence of PDE I activity was noted in male or female reproductive tract. In this study, immunoreactive PDE I was localized to human Sertoli cells and to basal epithelium of the epididymis and prostate acini. Fallopian tube epithelium of female reproductive tract also demonstrated immunoreactive PDI I, as did several cell types in term placenta. Our immunocytochemical results with human tissues differ significantly from previous histochemical studies in animal tissues, principally in the genitourinary system. This may be due in part to the different detection systems employed as well as the higher sensitivity of the immunoperoxidase technique. This underscores the importance of adjunct techniques in tissue surveys. The widespread epithelial distribution of immunoreactive PDE I detected by this polyclonal antibody implies an integral role in cell function, probably in active transport.     

Culture of human endometrial cells under polarizing conditions

Glandular epithelial and stromal cells were isolated from human endometrial biopsies and cultured in a dual-chambered system (Millicell; Millipore, Bedford, Ma., USA) that provides access of the medium to both sides of a membrane coated with reconstituted basement membrane material (Matrigel; Collaborative Research Inc., Bedford, Ma., USA). Examination by electron microscopy revealed that the epithelial cells formed a polarized cuboidal-columnar monolayer on the Matrigel surface. The cells exhibited apical microvilli, basal nuclei, and numerous cytoplasmic structures consistent with a well-differentiated cytoplasm; they were joined basally by interdigitating processes and apically by tight junctions and desmosomes. In contrast, epithelial cells cultured in parallel on plastic dishes were flattened, had fewer microvilli and cytoplasmic structures, and no junctional complexes.     

Surface specializations of the epithelial cells at the tip of the optic tentacle,dorsal surface of the head and ventral surface of the foot in Helix aspersa

Summary Morphologically the surface specializations of the epithelium covering the dorsal head and ventral foot regions in Helix aspersa consists either of cilia or microvilli respectively. The epithelium at the tip of the optic tentacle is a simple one. Each epithelial cell has a number of cilia-like projections from their free surfaces. These projections usually branch at their tips into two or three slender, microvilli-like structures. From the bases of the cilia-like projections arise numerous, tubular processes which form a thick, spongy layer interspersed between these projections. The microvilli-like structures are immersed in a fine, fibrous mat; unlike the fibrous mats on the dorsal head and ventral foot epithelia this material does not autofluoresce. It is suggested that it arises from the collar cells and not from typical mucocytes. The functional relationship between these surface specializations of the optic tentacle epithelium and the abundance of sensory axons in this region is discussed. These epithelial cell projections on the tentacle probably function not only as a protective covering but also to create a fluid trap for odours in the ambient air. The various contacts between epithelial cells serve to maintain the integrity of the epithelium while allowing for stretching due to protrusion of the tentacle.This work has been supported by the Australian Research Grants Committee.     

Microscopic anatomy and ultrastructure of the lophophoral organs and adjacent epithelia of the lophophoral concavity and the anal papilla of Phoronopsis harmeri Pixell, 1912 (Lophophorata: Phoronida)

This paper describes the morphology and ultrastructure of lophophoral organs and adjacent epithelia of lophophoral concavity and anal papilla in the phoronid Phoronopsis harmeri. The lophophoral organ consists of two parts, which are connected to each other with a spacious foramen. The lower part is sack-shaped and the upper part is hood-shaped. Inside the lower part, there is a large cavity, which communicates to the environment with a narrow slit. Nephridiopores are directed towards these slits. Three types of lophophoral organ epithelia have been distinguished, all of them comprised supporting and glandular cells. Cells with inclusions resembling bacteria were found in the inner epithelium of lophophoral organs. The epithelium of the anal papilla consists of supporting and numerous glandular cells. The formation of spermatophores in lophophoral organs, as well as the structure and functions of glandular cells in epithelia of lophophoral organs and anal papilla, are discussed.     

Regeneration of the intestinal epithelia: Regulation of bone marrow-derived epithelial cell differentiation towards secretory lineage cells

The intestinal epithelia consists of four lineages of differentiated cells, all of which arise from stem cells residing in the intestinal crypt. For proper regeneration from epithelial damage, both expansion of the epithelial cell number and appropriate regulation of lineage differentiation from the remaining stem cells are thought to be required. In a series of studies, we have shown that bone-marrow derived cells could promote the regeneration of damaged epithelia in the human intestinal tract. Donor-derived epithelial cells substantially repopulated the gastrointestinal tract of bone-marrow transplant recipients during epithelial regeneration after graft-versus-host disease. Furthermore, precise analysis of epithelial cell lineages revealed that during epithelial regeneration, secretory lineage epithelial cells that originated from bone-marrow significantly increased in number. These findings may lead to a novel therapy to repair damaged intestinal epithelia using bone marrow cells, and provide an alternative therapy for refractory inflammatory bowel diseases.     

Formation of cytoskeletal elements during mouse embryogenesis

Abstract. The ultrastructure of the day 8.5 mouse embryo has been studied by transmission electron microscopy, with special emphasis on the primary mesenchymal cells and their interaction with cells of the embryonic ectoderm and the proximal endoderm. The organization of the two polar epithelial cell layers (embryonic ectoderm and proximal endoderm), the isolated cells of the distal endoderm and the primary mesenchymal cells is described. Primary mesenchymal cells are different from embryonic ectoderm cells, from which they are derived, not only by the absence of desmosomes and intermediate-sized filaments of the cytokeratin type but also by their variable morphology not exhibiting stable polar architecture, and their numerous cytoplasmic processes which make contacts with the basal lamina of the ectoderm, the basal cell surface of the proximal endoderm, and other mesenchymal cells. Over most of the embryo the embryonic ectoderm is covered by a typical basal lamina, except for certain regions that are frequently characterized by cytoplasmic projections ('blebs') from the basal cell surface membrane. In contrast, the basal surface of the proximal endoderm is not covered by a continuous basal lamina and reveals mushroom-like protrusions of the cortical cytoplasm. Junctions between primary mesenchymal cells are numerous and include adhaerens-type formations of various sizes as well as gap junctions. Occasionally, a special type of junction between mesenchymal cells and embryonic ectoderm has been found, resulting in local interruptions of the basal lamina. The observations are discussed in relation to possible mechanisms of mesoderm formation and the drastic changes of cell character that accompany this process, including cytoskeletal changes such as the disappearance of cytokeratin filaments and the expression of vimentin.     

Formation of cytoskeletal elements during mouse embryogenesis. IV. Ultrastructure of primary mesenchymal cells and their cell-cell interactions

The ultrastructure of the day 8.5 mouse embryo has been studied by transmission electron microscopy, with special emphasis on the primary mesenchymal cells and their interaction with cells of the embryonic ectoderm and the proximal endoderm. The organization of the two polar epithelial cell layers (embryonic ectoderm and proximal endoderm), the isolated cells of the distal endoderm and the primary mesenchymal cells is described. Primary mesenchymal cells are different from embryonic ectoderm cells, from which they are derived, not only by the absence of desmosomes and intermediate-sized filaments of the cytokeratin type but also by their variable morphology not exhibiting stable polar architecture, and their numerous cytoplasmic processes which make contacts with the basal lamina of the ectoderm, the basal cell surface of the proximal endoderm, and other mesenchymal cells. Over most of the embryo the embryonic ectoderm is covered by a typical basal lamina, except for certain regions that are frequently characterized by cytoplasmic projections ("blebs') from the basal cell surface membrane. In contrast, the basal surface of the proximal endoderm is not covered by a continuous basal lamina and reveals mushroom-like protrusions of the cortical cytoplasm. Junctions between primary mesenchymal cells are numerous and include adhaerens-type formations of various sizes as well as gap junctions. Occasionally, a special type of junction between mesenchymal cells and embryonic ectoderm has been found, resulting in local interruptions of the basal lamina. The observations are discussed in relation to possible mechanisms of mesoderm formation and the drastic changes of cell character that accompany this process, including cytoskeletal changes such as the disappearance of cytokeratin filaments and the expression of vimentin.     

Ultrastructure of enterochromaffin cells and associated neural and vascular elements in the mouse duodenum

Summary Enterochromaffin cells of adult mouse duodenum were studied with light- and electron-microscopical techniques. They were distinguished from other enteroendocrine cells by their pleomorphic, electron-dense secretory granules in the basal cytoplasm. At the apices of enterochromaffin cells, tufts of short microvilli bordered the gut lumen. At their bases, irregular cytoplasmic extensions were either in contact with or passed through the basal lamina. The presence of cytoplasmic extensions in close proximity to fenestrated capillaries and subepithelial nerves suggested an endocrine or paracrine function. Electron micrographs of serial thin sections were used to reconstruct an enterochromaffin cell from the crypt epithelium in three dimensions and to determine its relationship with the underlying neural plexus. Although extensions from the serially sectioned and reconstructed cell and other enterochromaffin cells studied in crypt epithelia protruded through the basal lamina, no synaptic contacts were seen. Evidence of a synaptic contact between a neurite and another type of enteroendocrine cell (possibly an intestinal A cell), suggested a neurocrine role for some of the basally-granulated cells. Possible functions of enterochromaffin cells are discussed in the light of recent literature on the system of enteroendocrine cells, also known as APUD (amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation) cells and/or paraneurons.     

长鳍篮子鱼消化道黏膜上皮的扫描电镜观察

采用扫描电镜观察了长鳍篮子鱼(Siganus canaliculatus)消化道黏膜上皮表面细微的结构特征。结果显示,长鳍篮子鱼食道黏膜为纵行黏膜褶皱,在褶皱上形成"V"字型次级褶皱,黏膜上皮表面具有许多分泌孔及较多腺体导管的开口,上皮细胞扁平,似鳞片状,连接紧密。胃黏膜褶皱呈绳状纵向排列,黏膜上皮表面有许多沟回,细胞之间有较多的胃小凹,在上皮表面可见有乳头状突起,未见有微绒毛;上皮细胞为五边形或六边形,无细胞间隙。肠黏膜分布着密集排列的肠绒毛,绒毛呈拇指状或扁平状,黏膜上皮表面呈脑回状,分布有许多分泌颗粒,细胞游离面分布着丰富的微绒毛,细胞为多边形、圆形、不规则形,有细胞间隙。幽门盲囊黏膜上皮的结构与肠道相似。本文探讨了黏膜上皮结构与功能的关系。     

Ultrastructure of the main excretory duct of the cat submandibular gland

The main excretory ducts (MED's) from the submandibular gland of adult cats were examined by electron microscopy. The ducts consisted of a pseudostratified epithelial lining surrounded by abundant connective tissue and numerous, small, longitudinally-oriented blood vessels. The taller epithelial cells were closely coherent, without the luminal clefts between adjacent cells that are characteristic of rat MED's. In the cat, these cells lacked basal membrane specialization, but showed considerable lateral interdigitation. Some microvilli were present on the apical surface. In a'few rare cells, the luminal surface bore cilia of typical appearance. The smaller, pyramidal basal cells had irregular basal surfaces that gave rise to one or more long cytoplasmic processes. The basal surface of the pyramidal cells was studded with hemidesmosomes. The cytoplasm contained abundant tonofilaments, which sometimes aggregated in prominent perinuclear bundles. Occasional goblet cells were present in the duct wall. MED's perfused either in situ or in a perfusion chamber with Locke's solution also were studied. Even after perfusion of 160 minutes duration, the ultrastructure of the ductal epithelium showed remarkably few alterations. The MED model system thus remains stable long enough to carry out physiological experiments which may produce ultrastructural alterations.