Proacrosin and the differentiation of the spermatozoa

Using the indirect immunofluorescence staining technique, the occurrence and localization of proacrosin, the zymogen form of acrosin, was studied during spermatogenesis in the bull, ram, boar and rabbit. Proacrosin staining was demonstrable for the first time in the early haploid spermatid and increased with the differentiation of the spermatid to spermatozoon. The spermatozoon is covered by a cap-like structure of uniform fluorescence corresponding to the acrosomal compartment of the male gamete. No fluorescence could be found in diploid spermatogenic cells, i.e., in spermatogonia and spermatocytes. An identical developmental pattern of proacrosin was observed with the indirect immunoperoxidase staining technique. However, with this staining technique a distinct distribution of proacrosin staining was observed in the acrosome of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa of the bull, ram, boar, rabbit and man. Proacrosin seems to be distributed in the acrosome in granules rather than in the homogeneous form, as was indicated by the results of indirect immunofluorescence staining.     

Therapeutic efficacy of intra-articular adrenomedullin injection in antigen-induced arthritis in rabbits

Introduction

Autoantibodies to the ribosomal P proteins represent a highly specific marker for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, where they have been associated with certain clinical manifestations. Historically, autoantibodies against ribosomal P proteins have been detected by indirect immunofluorescence, immunodiffusion, immunoblot, and other immunoassays. More recently, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and line and addressable laser bead immunoassays have become more widely used. The primary goal of this study was to determine the sensitivity of indirect immunofluorescence using conventional HEp-2 substrates in the detection of sera with ribosomal P antibodies as detected by other immunoassays.

Methods

Anti-ribosomal P-positive sera (n = 345) as detected by an addressable laser bead immunoassay were collected between 2003 and 2007 and analysed by indirect immunofluorescence. Furthermore, 51 anti-ribosomal P-positive samples from an unselected systemic lupus erythematosus cohort (n = 100) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) reference sera were tested for anti-ribosomal P reactivity.

Results

In the cohort of 345 anti-ribosomal P-positive samples identified by addressable laser bead immunoassay, a low sensitivity (<30%) of indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cell substrates was observed. Although the degree of sensitivity varied among different manufacturers, all immunofluorescence substrates exhibited limited sensitivity and false-negative results were not restricted to samples with low anti-ribosomal P titers. Even the anti-ribosomal P reactivity of CDC ANA reference serum number 12 was not clearly predictable by indirect immunofluorescence. Comparison of five different methods for the detection of anti-ribosomal P found moderate qualitative agreements.

Conclusions

Based on our data, we conclude that indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells is not a reliable screening test for the prediction of ribosomal P antibodies. As this method is widely used as a first-line screening test for anti-nuclear and other autoantibodies, special considerations for the detection of ribosomal P antibodies are needed. As with many other autoantibodies, further effort is required for the standardisation of ribosomal P immunoassays.     

Indirect immunofluorescence localization of beta-adrenergic receptors and G-proteins in human A431 cells.

Polyclonal antibodies directed against (i) rodent lung beta 2-adrenergic receptor, (ii) a synthetic fragment of an extracellular domain of the receptor, and (iii) human placenta G-protein beta-subunits, were used to localize these antigens in situ in intact and permeabilized human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Antibodies directed against beta 2-adrenergic receptors showed a punctate immunofluorescence staining throughout the cell surface of fixed intact cells. Punctate staining was also observed in clones of Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with an expression vector harbouring the gene for the hamster beta 2-adrenergic receptor. The immunofluorescence observed with anti-receptor antibodies paralleled the level of receptor expression. In contrast, the beta-subunits common to G-proteins were not stained in fixed intact cells, presumably reflecting their intracellular localization. In detergent-permeabilized fixed cells, strong punctate staining of G beta-subunits was observed throughout the cytoplasm. This is the first indirect immunofluorescence localization of beta-adrenergic receptors and G-proteins. Punctate immunofluorescence staining suggests that both antigens are distributed in clusters.     

Immunofluorescent localization of sites binding anti-synthetic LHRH serum in the median eminence of the greenfinch (Chloris chloris L.)

With an indirect immunofluorescence technique and an antiserum raised against synthetic LHRH, immunofluorescent granules were observed in fine radially oriented fibres in the palisade layer of the zoma externa in both the anterior and the posterior divisions of the median eminence in the greenfinch. There was no specific immunofluorescence in the tractus supraoptico-hypophyseus. It is concluded that the greenfinch median eminence contains material which is similar to mammalian LHRH.     

Co-localization of non-histone protein BA with U-snRNPs to the same regions of the cell nucleus

Using indirect immunofluorescence, nuclear non-histone protein BA was localized in a normal rat liver cell line. Protein BA antibodies immunostained nuclear structures producing a speckled immunofluorescent staining pattern. Nuclear structures stained with protein BA antibodies were sensitive to DNase I digestion, but not to RNase. The speckled pattern of nuclear fluorescence observed with protein BA antibodies was similar to that reported earlier for Sm antibodies, which react with U-snRNPs. Using double-label indirect immunofluorescence, the Sm antigen was shown to be concentrated in the same regions of the nucleus which contain protein BA. Immunoblot analysis of total nuclear proteins with the two antibodies demonstrated that protein BA and the major Sm antigen have similar molecular weights, but are antigenically distinct. In addition, they differ in their extractabilities from the cell nucleus.     

Immunohistochemical localization of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity in skin lesions from patients with urticaria pigmentosa

Using the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coons and collaborates, somatostatin-like immunoreactivity was found in skin lesions of patients presented with urticaria pigmentosa. The cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was sometimes of a granular type. In addition, immunofluorescence was also observed in certain surrounding connective tissue elements. No specific staining was seen when supplementing the first antiserum with control serum, nor could any unique specific immunofluorescence by found in the pathological areas (compared with skin of normal healthy volunteers) after incubation with antibodies to substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide or avian pancreatic polypeptide. No thyrotropin releasing hormone or enkephalin immunoreactivity was seen in skin from either the patients or the controls.     

An indirect immunofluorescence method for detection of Mycoplasma hominis in vaginal smears.

We developed a novel method for the detection of Mycoplasma hominis from vaginal swabs using an indirect immunofluorescence technique. It is a rapid and simple method that can be finished in only 5 hr and is more sensitive than the usual culture isolation method. The indirect immunofluorescence method was applied to vaginal smears from 193 healthy women and 33.7% gave a positive test. This value was much higher than that (11.4%) obtained from the same specimens by the culture method. When vaginal smears were subjected to Papanicolaou staining after the indirect immunofluorescence method, the specific immunofluorescence of the epithelial cells was located exactly at the sites of granular aggregates stained with Papanicolaou stain. A histological examination by Papanicolaou staining showed that the incidence of inflammation seems to be slightly higher in M. hominis-carriers than in non-carriers.     

Identification of left-handed Z-DNA by indirect immunomethods in metaphasic chromosomes of a mammal, Gerbillus nigeriae (Gerbillidae, Rodentia)

Antisera and antibodies against Z-DNA were used on metaphasic fixed chromosomes of a mammal, Gerbillus nigeriae (Gerbillidae, Rodentia). By indirect immunofluorescence and indirect immunoperoxidase labelling a heavy staining was detected in a fraction of the R-band positive heterochromatic segments, which are presumed to be rich in G-C base pairs. A weak and non homogeneous staining was also observed on euchromatic segments. The presence of a left-handed Z-DNA in mammalian chromosomes is discussed.     

Distribution of RNA polymerase on Drosophila polytene chromosomes as studied by indirect immunofluorescence

Using indirect immunofluorescence visualization techniques we investigated the in situ distribution of RNA polymerase B on Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes. The enzyme was found at many sites distributed throughout the genome in a pattern clearly distinct from that observed for histone H1, but it was especially concentrated in puffs induced by heat shock.     

Role of heterogenized cellular antigens in cross immunity reactions in paramyxovirus infections]

Heterogenized antigens similar to the antigens of sheep and guinea pig red blood cells were revealed by indirect immunofluorescence in tissue cultures infected with parotitis virus. Participation of these antigens in cross immunofluorescence reactions observed in tissue cultures infected with various paramyxoviruses and in a suspension of erythrocytes loaded with these viruses was established. It was shown that immunization of children with parotitis virus was accompanied by a specific anamnestic reaction for heterogenized antigens. It is supposed that the corresponding antibodies can take part in cross serological tests with parainfluenza viruses.     

实验感染的三带喙库蚊和来亨鸡体内西尼罗病毒的分离与鉴定

采用C6/36细胞培养分离活病毒、间接免疫荧光染色检测病毒抗原、RT-PCR扩增病毒基因片段和PCR产物测序等方法,对实验感染的三带喙库蚊Culex tritaeniorhynchus和来亨鸡血液样本中的西尼罗病毒进行分离和鉴定。结果表明,接种实验感染蚊虫研磨液和来亨鸡血液样本的C6/36细胞出现细胞融合、空泡形成的病变效应; 用西尼罗病毒抗血清进行间接免疫荧光染色,感染病毒的细胞呈现黄绿色荧光,为阳性反应; 采用3对不同引物的RT- PCR体系扩增分别出现预期的408 bp、498 bp和559 bp的基因片段,序列测定证实扩增序列与实验所用毒株相应的基因序列基本相同。从而证实实验感染三带喙库蚊和来亨鸡体血液内的西尼罗病毒与实验感染所用的西尼罗病毒Chin-01株一致。     

Localization of tropomyosin in sea urchin eggs

Localization of tropomyosin in sea urchin eggs was investigated immunohistochemically. A rabbit antiserum against tropomyosin prepared from lantern muscle of the sea urchin was used for the indirect immunofluorescence staining of unfertilized and fertilized eggs. The tropomyosin-specific fluorescence was observed at the peripheral region beneath the plasma membrane, mitotic apparatus and contractile ring. The mitotic apparatus isolated from sea urchin eggs was also stained with the anti-tropomyosin serum.     

The distribution of I/i, Pr and Gd antigens in mammalian tissues

The I/i Pr1-2 and Gd antigens are the targets of cold agglutinins. The expression of these antigens in the main organs of four mammalian species was studied by indirect immunofluorescence. Specific distribution patterns were observed and possible clinical aspects of the findings are discussed.     

昆虫细胞中存在角蛋白纤维

本文采用细胞分级抽提结合整装细胞电镜制样技术,分别在两种昆虫细胞:斜纹夜蛾(SL)细胞;甜菜夜蛾(SE)细胞中显示了一个精细的中等纤维网络结构,纤维自胞核发出,排列错综复杂,其单丝清晰可见,直径约为8～10nm;间接免疫荧光染色结果表明角蛋白抗体在两种细胞中均能显示出清晰的荧光纤维网络,而且荧光纤维的分布有所不同;用角蛋白抗体对这两种细胞全蛋白进行免疫印迹实验,均可显示49KD,68KD的两个主要多肽条带,说明这两种昆虫细胞中等纤维的主要成分为角蛋白.     

Immunohistochemical study of fibronectin localization during the formation of the vascular coat under the influence of the pigment epithelium in chick embryos

The role of fibronectin (FN) in cell interactions of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and mesenchyme surrounding the optic cup during choroid formation in chick embryos was studied by indirect immunofluorescence using antibodies against FN. Experimental coloboma of retina and choroid was used as a model. During the initial stages of coloboma the regions structured like retina rudiment appear in the outer layer of the optic cup. Such regions were formed in microphthalmic eyes obtained by excision of lens from the eyes of 3.5 day old chick embryos (stage 21). At stage 21 bright FN-specific immunofluorescence was observed in basal membrane located along the external surface of the normally differentiated RPE. Later on, FN-specific immunofluorescence appeared in mesenchyme condensing along the RPE. The most intensive FN-specific immunofluorescence was observed in chorio-capillary layer of choroid after 5-7 days of incubation. In microphthalmic eyes retina-like regions of RPE and adjacent mesenchyme showed negative reaction, and the choroid was not formed from the adjacent mesenchyme in such zones. The data obtained suggest that the presence of normally differentiated RPE producing FN-containing basal membrane is necessary for the formation of chorio-capillary layer of the choroid in chick embryos.     

1型鸭肝炎病毒CL株感染性分子克隆的构建

摘要：【目的】构建1型鸭肝炎病毒（DHV）的感染性克隆,用于研究其基因组的结构与功能。【方法】用RT-PCR方法扩增出覆盖整个1型鸭肝炎病毒CL株基因组3个忠实性片段,并按顺序组装进载体pBR322中,获得全长cDNA克隆（BR-CL）。将BR-CL在体外转录出的RNA转染鸭胚肾细胞,并传至第6代,利用RT-PCR方法和间接免疫荧光试验进行鉴定。将获得的子代病毒（CL-R）在SPF鸡胚上传代,观察鸡胚死亡及胚体病变情况。通过胶体金免疫电镜观察子代病毒粒子的形态。【结果】RT-PCR、间接免疫荧光和胶体金免     

Use of the indirect immunofluorescence method for the comparative analysis of histones

With the help of indirect immunofluorescence on the model systems--a ploid line of wheat, haploid and diploid cells of Chlamydomonas reinhardii, glass beads with adsorbed histones--a study was made of the dependence of ultimate dilutions (UD) of antihistone sera on the quantity, density and immunochemical properties of histones--antigens. The UD value in the artificial model system (glass beads) increased with the rise in the quantity and density of histones on bead to some definite limits, and then the UD remains constant to be determined only by the titre of antiserum. In natural model system (wheat, Chlamydomonas reinhardii), with the rise in quantities of DNA and histones in the nucleus their densities remain constant, with no changes of UD values being observed. The results obtained are discussed in terms of establishing the dependence of UD on immunochemical properties of histones-antigens. Thus, the method of indirect immunofluorescence may be used for comparative analysis of immunochemical properties of histones in various objects.     

Immunofluorescence studies of neurofilaments in the rat and human peripheral and central nervous system

Localization of antisera to neurofilament antigens derived from rat peripheral nerve was carried out in tissues of rat and human peripheral and central nervous systems by indirect immunofluorescence. Unfixed and chloroform-methanol-fixed frozen sections of tissues were incubated in purified IgG of the experimental rabbit antisera and subsequently exposed to goat anti-rabbit IgG conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Control studies were conducted on identical tissue preparations incubated in the same concentrations of nonspecific rabbit IgG or in experimental rabbit IgG absorbed with extracts of rat peripheral nerve containing neurofilament antigen. Extensive immunofluorescence was observed in rat and human peripheral and central nervous systems. The distribution and configuration of immunofluorescence corresponded to neurofilament-rich structural components of these tissues. Prominent immunofluorescence was also noted in neuronal cell bodies of spinal sensory ganglia, especially in perikarya of the large neuronal type. Immunofluorescence of the central nervous system was located predominantly in myelinated axons of the white matter in cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord. Less intense immunofluorescence was also seen in neuronal perikarya and in short thin linear processes of grey matter.     

A contribution to the diagnosis of Capillaria hepatica infection by indirect immunofluorescence test

A highly specific pattern of immunofluorescence was noted when sera from Capillaria hepatica-infected rats were tested against the homologous worms and eggs present either in paraffin or cryostat sections from mouse liver. The pattern was represented by a combined apple green fluorescence of the internal contents of worms and eggs, which persisted in serum-dilutions of 1:400 up to 1:1600. Unequivocal fluorescent pattern was observed from 15 days up to 3 months following inoculation of rats with embryonated C. hepatica eggs and such result was confirmed by the ELISA. After the 4th month of infection, the indirect immunofluorescence test turned negative, probably revealing the extinction of parasitism, however the ELISA was contradictory, disclosing high levels of antibodies in this period. The IIF was also negative when control normal rat sera and sera from rats administered by gavage with immature C. hepatica eggs (spurious infection), or for reactions made against Schistosoma mansoni eggs, although a weakly positive pattern occurred with Fasciola hepatica eggs. The indirect immunofluorescence test may be recommended for use with human sera to detect early C. hepatica infection in special clinical instances and in epidemiological surveys, since it is a simple, inexpensive, and reliable test, presenting excellent sensitivity and specificity. Although the diagnosis is positive only during early infection, this is the period when the symptoms are usually more severe and the need for differential diagnosis is greater.     

Actin in Xenopus Development: Indirect Immunofluorescence Study of Actin Localization

Actin was studied in Xenopus unfertilized eggs and early developmental stages. Immunochemical proof is given of structural differences between Xenopus laevis muscle actin and nonmuscle cell actin. Actin localization and changes of actin aggregation during Xenopus development were observed using indirect immunofluorescence. We have also tried to explain the presence of an actin shell around the yolk platelets that appeared in our experiments.