Cytochemical localization of K+-dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase and adenylate cyclase by using one-step method in human washed platelets

Summary Ultrastructural cytochemical localization of ouabain-sensitive, potassium dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (K⁺-NPPase) of the Na⁺-/K⁺-ATPase complex and adenylate cyclase (cAMPase) activities, in washed inactivated human platelets, are described. The one-step lead-citrate method, under similar incubation conditions, was used to determine both activities. K⁺-NPPase appeared in both plasma membrane and the surface-connected canalicular system (SCCS) of the platelets. These data suggest a uniform distribution of the enzyme throughout membrane systems which are in contact with the external medium. cAMPase activity was strictly localized in tubules of the dense tubular system (DTS) when incubation medium contained prostaglandin E₁, prostaglandin D₂ or forskolin, at concentrations known to stimulate the enzyme in platelets that are intact. This fact and the inhibition of cytochemical reaction by thrombin confirm that the one-step lead-citrate method is a useful procedure in determining adenylate cyclase, abolishing the unfavorable conditions of previously reported methods.     

Cytochemical localization of ouabain-sensitive (K+)-dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (transport ATPase) in human blood platelets

The ultrastructural cytochemical localization of a potassium-dependent oubain-sensitive nitrophenyl phosphatase (transport ATPase) activity in human blood platelets is described. This potassium-dependent nitrophenyl phosphatase activity was not affected by 5 mM levamisole, indicating that the reaction product identified was not due to nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity. The K+-dependent nitrophenyl phosphatase was strictly localized to the platelet plasma membrane, while the open canalicular system and dense tubular system were devoid of reaction product. In contrast, (Ca2+,Mg2+)-activated ATPase activity was predominantly localized in the open canalicular system and dense tubular system with very little cytochemical activity expressed at the plasma membrane. These data demonstrate a relative segregation of these enzymes into unique membrane compartments of the human platelet. Such data may be useful with regard to identification of purified membrane fractions from platelets and may be significant with regard to the understanding of the function(s) of the different membrane compartments of the human platelet.     

Cytochemical evidence for the segregation of adenylate cyclase, Ca2+-, Mg2+-ATPase, K+-dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase in separate membrane compartments in human platelets

Summary The blood platelet has three morphologically distinct membrane systems. In addition to the plasma membrane the platelet has an open canalicular system (surface-connected intracytoplasmic membrane system) and a microsome-like dense tubular system. The open canalicular and dense tubular systems have been implicated in Ca²⁺ transport, cyclic nucleotide (cAMP) synthesis and prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis. Precise definition of the function of the different membrane systems requires analysis of their unique chemical activities. Broken cell preparations are used to advantage for such studies. However, clean separation and definition of the origin and composition of the membrane fractions has been difficult because well-defined marker enzymes for the various membrane systems have not been conclusively estabished. Platelets were fixed for 5 min in 1% paraformaldehyde-0.2% glutaraldehyde and assayed for K⁺-dependentp-nitrophenyl phosphatase, Ca²⁺-, Mg²⁺-ATPase and adenylate cyclase. K⁺-dependentp-nitrophenyl phosphatase was localized only at the plasma membrane wnile Ca²⁺-, Mg²⁺-ATPase and adenylate cyclase were found relatively segregated to the open canalicular and dense tubular systems. The segregation of these enzymes to separate membrane compartments may have significant implications with regard to understanding platelet function.     

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes

The ultrastructural localization of adenylate cyclase was studied in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes. Adenylate cyclase was observed on the plasma membrane of the oocyte and occasionally on the plasma membrane of cumulus cells. The cytochemical observations presented demonstrate that there is more adenylate cyclase in cumulus-oocyte complexes after in vitro stimulation with forskolin. The presence of adenylate cyclase upon the oocyte was more pronounced. In addition adenylate cyclase appeared to be localized on the cumulus cells, especially between junctional complexes of cumulus cells and on cumulus cell processes contacting the oocyte. The cumulus cells never showed the presence of adenylate cyclase in the absence of forskolin. No changes in the presence of adenylate cyclase were observed during in vitro meiotic maturation.     

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase activity in rat olfactory cells

Summary Adenylate cyclase activity was demonstrated in the cilia, dendritic knob and axon of rat olfactory cells by using a strontium-based cytochemical method. The activity in the cilia and the dendritic knob was enhanced by non-hydrolyzable GTP (guanosine triphosphate) analogues and forskolin, and inhibited by Ca²⁺, all in agreement with biochemical reports of the odorant-sensitive adenylate cyclase. The results support the hypothesis of cyclic AMP working as a second messenger in olfactory transduction and imply that the transduction sites exist not only in the olfactory cilia but also in the dendritic knob. Enzymatic activity was also observed in the olfactory dendritic shaft by treating the tissue with 0.0002% Triton X-100, although the properties and role of the enzyme in this region are uncertain. The detergent inhibited the enzymatic activity in the cilia and the dendritic knob.     

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase in the dense tubule system of human blood platelets stimulated by forskolin, prostacyclin and prostaglandin D2

Platelets were briefly fixed in paraformaldehyde/glutaraldehyde and then incubated with 5'-adenylyl imidodiphosphate under conditions suitable for the cytochemical detection of adenylate cyclase activity. The adenylate cyclase activity of these platelets retains the ability to respond to prostaglandins E1, D2, I2 (prostacyclin), forskolin and fluoride. Sites of stimulated adenylate cyclase activity were localized cytochemically by the reaction of lead with the reaction product imidodiphosphate to form deposits of lead imidodiphosphate that are visible in the electron microscope. Reaction product deposition was seen only in the dense tubule system of human platelets when the incubation medium contained forskolin, prostacyclin, or prostaglandin D2 at concentrations known to stimulate the enzyme in intact platelets. Epinephrine, an antagonist of adenylate cyclase inhibited the cytochemical reaction stimulated by prostacyclin. The fact that the cytochemical reaction was induced by agonists that stimulate the enzyme through two different types of prostaglandin receptors and by forskolin, which acts distal to the receptors, confirms that the method specifically detects adenylate cyclase. The presence of adenylate cyclase in the dense tubules may be significant for the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ and arachidonic acid metabolism by this membrane system.     

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase and of calcium ion, magnesium ion-activated ATPases in the dense tubular system of human blood platelets.

Cytochemical techniques have been employed to study the localization of adenylate cyclase and (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-stimulated ATPase activities in platelets after fixation. Biochemical analysis of adenylate cyclase demonstrated a 70% reduction in activity in homogenates from fixed cells, but the residual activity could be stimulated 10--20 times by prostaglandin E1 (1 micrometer) under the same incubation conditions as employed in the cytochemical studies (e.g. media containing 2 mM lead nitrate and 10 mM NaF). Adenylate cyclase activity employing 5'-adenylyl-imiodiphosphate (AMP-P(NH)P) as substrate was found to be associated with the dense tubular system (smooth endoplasmic reticulum) in intact fixed platelets, and was apparent only when the cells were incubated with prostaglandin E1. Less activity was found along the membranes of the surface connected open canalicular system and occasionally at the outer cell surface. Enzymatic activity was blocked by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor 9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl) adenine and was not due to AMP-P(NH)P phosphohydrolase activity. The low adenylate cyclase activity in the surface membranes may be due to enzyme inactivation as a result of fixation, since a surface membrane fraction obtained by the glycerol lysis technique from unfixed cells had an adenylate cyclase specific activity equivalent to that in the microsomal membrane fraction. (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-stimulated ATPase activity was found associated with the membranes of the surface connected open canalicular system in unfixed cells. After brief fixation (5--15 min) with glutaradehyde, strong (Ca2+ + Mg2+)ATPase activity became apparent in the dense tubular system. Longer periods of fixation inactivated enzymatic activity. Addition of Ca2+ (1.0 mM) to incubation medium with low Mg2+ (0.2 mM), or increasing Mg2+ to 4.0 mM, in both cases strongly stimulated enzyme activity. The ATPase activity in the platelet membranes was not inhibited by ouabain. It is suggested that the Ca2+-stimulated ATPase and adenylate cyclase activities in the dense tubules may possibly be involved in regulation of intracellular Ca2+ transport.     

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase and 3',5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase in Dictyostelium.

Cytochemical localizations of adenylate cyclase and 3′,5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase were performed on aggregating Dictytostelium discoideum myxamoebae. The adenylate cyclase reaction product was localized on the inner surface of the plasma membrane. The phosphodiesterase reaction product was localized on the outer surface of the plasma membrane. Differences in enzyme activity were noted according to the state of cell (isolated or aggregated) and according to the cell position in larger aggregates. Heavy precipitation indicative of adenylate cyclase activity was not observed in isolated amoebae, but was often observed in streams and in some cells of aggregates. The precipitation indicative of phosphodiesterase activity could be found in isolated amoebae and in peripheral cells of aggregates.     

Cytochemical localization of alkaline phosphatase and ouabain-sensitive K+-dependent p-nitrophenylphosphatase activities in brain capillaries of the newt

The ultrastructural localization of alkaline phosphatase and K+-NPPase was investigated in brain capillaries of newt by a cytochemical study using whole brain perfusion. The alkaline phosphatase activity was present in both luminal and antiluminal membranes of the endothelial cells. By contrast, the K+-NPPase was located only in antiluminal membranes of the brain capillaries. This distinct enzymatic distribution suggested that the luminal and antiluminal membranes are functionally different. The role of alkaline phosphatase and K+-NPPase in the blood brain barrier is discussed.     

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase in the sodium-transporting epithelium isolated from frog skin

Summary A modified cytochemical technique with 5-adenylylimidodiphosphate as substrate, was used to examine the distribution of adenylate cyclase in cells comprising the transepithelial Na⁺ transport pathway in isolated frog skin epithelium. Particular attention was paid to the effects of fixation on the activity and localization of adenylate cyclase. Fixation in glutaraldehyde alone or in combination with paraformaldehyde reduced the amount of reaction product, while better results were obtained using unfixed tissues. Optimum results were obtained following stimulation of adenylate cyclase with forskolin and in the presence of specific metabolic inhibitors. Adenylate cyclase was localized in the basolateral membranes of the principal cells which constitute a functional syncytium for Na⁺ transport and was absent from the apical membranes of the outermost granulosum cells. This distribution is consistent with the transepithelial Na⁺ transport model and defines the functional morphology of the cells involved in Na⁺ transport across frog skin. The results are compatible with the process of Na⁺ re-absorption across other epithelial cells, verifying that frog skin is a convenient model-tissue to study Na⁺ transport mechanisms. Adenylate cyclase was also found in membranes of the mitochondria-rich cells, a minor and parallel Na⁺ transporting pathway.     

Inhibition of adenylate cyclase in human blood platelets by 9-substituted adenine derivatives.

A series of 9-substituted adenine derivatives inhibited adenylate cyclase activity (ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing) EC 4.6.1.1) of a particulate preparation of human blood platelets. A 3--6 fold elevation of adenylate cyclase activity by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was inhibited in a concentration-related manner by 9-(tetrahydro-5-methyl-2-furyl) adenine (SQ 22,538), 9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl) adenine (SQ 22,536), 9-cyclopentyladenine (SQ 22,534), 9-furfuryladenine (sQ 4647) and 9-benzyladenine (SQ 218611). The I50 values ranged from 21 microM for SQ 22,538 to 140 microM for SQ 21,611. These same adenine derivatives reversed the inhibition by PGE1 of ADP-induced aggregation and the PGE1-stimulated elevation of adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP). The reversal of platelet aggregation inhibition by SQ 22,536 and SQ 4647 was concentration-related with I50 values of 30 microM in each case, whereas SQ 22,534 and SQ 21,611 reversed inhibition by 30% at 100 microM. SQ 22,536, SQ 22,534 and SQ 21,611 also blocked the increase in cyclic AMP levels in a concentration-related manner with I50 values of 1, 4 and 60 microM, respectively. SQ 4647 inhibited the elevation of cyclic AMP by more than 85% at 1000 microM. The adenine derivatives had no effect on platelet aggregation or on cyclic AMP levels in the absence of PGE1. These results provide additional evidence that the inhibition of platelet aggregation by PGE1 is mediated by cyclic AMP.     

Uncoupling by proteolysis of alpha-adrenergic receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase in human platelets

Ethyl 2{5(4-chlorophenyl)pentyl}oxiran-2-carboxylate (POCA) is a new hypoglycaemic compound. The POCA-CoA ester strongly inhibits β-oxidation at carnitine palmitoyltransferase I. Chronic administration of POCA to rats decreases plasma concentrations of cholesterol and triacylglycerol and increases the number of hepatic peroxisomes similarly to hypolipidaemic drugs related to clofibrate. Peroxisomal fractions from rats fed a diet containing 0.2% of POCA for 4 weeks were prepared on self-generated Percoll gradients. POCA induced a 4-fold increase in catalase activity and peroxisomal β-oxidation, agreeing with the morphological data. The increase in peroxisomal β-oxidation caused by POCA feeding does not prevent accumulation of lipid following the inhibition of mitochondrial β-oxidation.     

Lectin inhibition and kinetics of microsomal K+-dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase of frog epidermis

The specific activity of K+-dependent p-NPPase (paranitrophenylphosphatase) from frog (Rana ridibunda) epidermis microsomal preparation was determined. The activity was proportional to time of incubation and protein concentrations under our assays conditions. Optimal phosphatase activity was at pH from 8 to 9 and over 35 degrees C. 10(-3) M ouabain inhibited 100% of the activity and the Ki was estimated about 5 X 10(-5) M. The Km for p-NPP was 3.8 mM and 2.1 for K+. The lectins GSI and GSII produced 80-90% of non-competitive inhibition of the activity. 50% of inhibition by GSI was obtained at 2 micrograms/ml. The Km for p-NPP did not change but the Vmax of activity was clearly reduced for both GSI and GSII lectins.     

Quantitative assessment of Na+,K+-ATPase localization by direct and indirect p-nitrophenyl phosphatase methods

Na+,K+-ATPase histochemistry, using direct (Pb) and indirect (Mg/Sr-Co) p-nitrophenyl phosphatase methods, was assessed by scanning integrative microdensitometry of three classes of tubules in mouse and guinea pig kidneys. The methods yielded similar and appropriate patterns of activity distribution and inhibitor response. The indirect method gave preferable results, in that non-enzymic background was lower and rate of reaction product accumulation was considerably higher.     

Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase in the various tissues of Locusta migratoria (migratorioides R.F.)

Summary The ultrastructural cytochemical procedure to demonstrate adenyl cyclase in mammalian organs was used in insects. After several modifications, an utilizable method was applied for the detection of the enzyme in the various tissues. Adenylate cyclase which can be stimulated with octopamine was localized on the membrane of the glial cells and the axolemma of certain large axons in the insect brain. Adenylate cyclase which could be activated by NaF and isoproterenol was also demonstrated in the lipid droplets of glial cells of the brain. With the simultaneous application of NaF and isoproterenol, rather strong adenylate cyclase activity could be detected on the surface of the corpora allata cells both in the cells situated on the glandular surface and the central part of the gland. In contrast in the corpus cardiacum enzyme activity was only observable on the basal lamina of the glandular surface. An appreciable amount of reaction product, indicating the presence of the enzyme, could be found on the surface of the lipid droplets in the fat body situated near the glandular tissues. In the heart muscle, reaction product referring to enzyme activation could not be demonstrated with the help of the methods applied.     

Relationships between adenylate cyclase and Na+, K(+)-ATPase in rat pancreatic islets

We tested the hypothesis that the adenylate cyclase system and Na+, K(+)-ATPase are reciprocally related in rat pancreatic islets. We studied the effect of theophylline, caffeine, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP on Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity in a membrane preparation from collagenase-isolated rat islets. Theophylline, caffeine, or dibutyryl cyclic AMP, in concentrations of 1 mM, all inhibited Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity (44,62, and 43%, respectively). Kinetic analysis indicated that theophylline and dibutyryl cAMP inhibit Na+, K(+)-ATPase by different mechanisms; theophylline decreased Vmax and decreased apparent Km (ATP), whereas dibutyryl cAMP decreased Vmax and increased apparent Km (ATP). Similar inhibition of Na+, K(+)-ATPase by theophylline or dibutyryl cAMP was noted in a particulate fraction from rat kidney and in a purified porcine brain Na+, K(+)-ATPase preparation. The adenylate cyclase system and Na+, K(+)-ATPase may act reciprocally in pancreatic islets and in other tissues. In the beta cell this relationship may be essential in coordinating consumption of ATP in the stimulated, as opposed to the rest, state.     

Cytochemical localization of alkaline and acid phosphatase in human vanishing bone disease

This report is the first cytochemical investigation of vanishing bone disease "Gorham's Disease" (Gorham and Stout 1955). The ultrastructural localization of non-specific alkaline phosphatase and of specific and non-specific acid phosphatase activity was studied in slices of tissue removed from a patient with this rare disorder. Sodium beta-glycerophosphate and phosphorylcholine chloride were used as substrates. Alkaline phosphatase was present around the plasma membranes of osteoblasts and associated with extracellular matrix vesicles in new woven bone. This is consistent with the proposed role for this enzyme (Robison 1923) and for matrix vesicles (Bonucci 1967) in the mineralization of bone (Bernard and Marvaso 1981). Concentrations of specific secretory acid phosphatase reaction product in the cytoplasm of degenerating osteoblasts may contribute to the imbalance between bone formation and resorption. Osteoclasts, while few in number, showed non-specific and specific acid phosphatase activity. The Golgi apparatus and heterophagic lysosomes of mononuclear phagocytes were rich in non-specific acid phosphatase. This was also present in the Golgi lamellae and lysosomes of endothelial cells. Acid phosphatase cytochemistry suggests that mononuclear phagocytes, multinuclear osteoclasts and the vascular endothelium are involved in bone resorption in this disease.