Optimal immunoreactivity of keratin proteins in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue requires preliminary trypsinization. An immunoperoxidase study of various tumours using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies

The effect of preliminary trypsinization on the immunoreactivity of keratin proteins in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of a variety of tumors (squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, mesotheliomas, and transitional cell carcinomas) was evaluated. Three types of trypsin (Type II and Type IX porcine trypsin and Type III bovine trypsin) and varying concentrations of trypsin were assessed. Immunoreactivity of keratin proteins was determined using rabbit anti-keratin antibodies and monoclonal antibodies (combination of AE1 and AE3) and immunoperoxidase techniques. Preliminary trypsinization was mandatory for optimal immunoreactivity of keratin proteins using either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies. Excellent results were obtained using Type II porcine trypsin at concentrations of 25 mg/dl for 30-45 min or 50 mg/dl for 20 min, at 37 degrees C. Trypsin treatment with excessive concentrations of enzyme and/or extended incubation times promoted tissue digestion and in some cases, yielded decreased immunoreactivity and altered staining patterns.     

Characterization of the mycoplasma membrane proteins. VI. Composition and disposition of proteins in membranes from aging Mycoplasma hominis cultures.

Membranes of Mycoplasma hominis cells from cultures progressing from the mid to the end of the logarithmic phase of growth became richer in protein, poorer in phospholipids and cholesterol, heavier in density, and more viscous as determined by EPR. The membrane-bound ATPase activity declined steeply. Electrophoretic analysis failed to show marked changes in membrane protein composition on aging, apart from an increase in the staining intensity of one protein band (Mr approximately 130 000) concomitant with a decrease in the staining intensity of several minor protein bands of high molecular weight. To test for possible changes in the disposition of the various membrane proteins on aging of cultures, a comparison was made of the susceptibility of membrane proteins of intact cells and isolated membranes to trypsinization and lactoperoxidase-mediated iodination. The iodination values and the percent of membrane protein released by trypsinization of intact cells were similar in cells from cultures of different ages, indicating no significant changes in the organization of the proteins on the outer surface. On the other hand, trypsinization and iodination of isolated membranes were found to be most markedly affected by the culture age, indicating significant changes in the organization of the proteins on the inner membrane surface. Thus, the iodination values of isolated membranes decreased by almost two fold, while the percentage of protein released from the membrane by trypsin increased from 28% to 50% during the experimental period. It is suggested that aging in M. hominis cultures is accompanied by a continuous increase in the packing density of the protein molecules on the inner surface of the cell membrane.     

Isolation of Protoplasmic Astrocytes: A Procedure Based on Controlled Trypsin Digestion

Trypsinization of rat brain tissue for shorter (10 min) and longer (60-90 min) periods is shown to yield two distinctly different types of dissociated cell populations. The over-all yield of intact dissociated cells declines when the period of trypsinization exceeds 10 min. Comparison of the types of dissociated cells obtained after different lengths of trypsinization indicates that the protoplasmic astrocytes, which represent the bulk of the neuroglial cells in brain, are highly susceptible to degradation during tissue trypsinization. Based on this observation, a new procedure involving controlled trypsin digestion for tissue disruption and Percoll gradient centrifugation has been developed for the isolation of virtually pure populations of intact protoplasmic astrocytes (97-98% particle purity). Identification of the purified cells is based on morphological, histochemical staining, and biochemical (marker enzyme) characteristics.     

胎鼠脊髓神经干细胞分离方法的比较

目的：比较机械法和胰酶消化法对胎鼠脊髓源神经干细胞增殖分化的影响。方法：分别用机械法和胰酶消化法分离胎鼠脊髓组织获得神经干细胞,应用台盼蓝检测细胞成活率,用无血清培养技术培养神经干细胞,应用MTT法检测细胞分裂增殖能力．采用免疫细胞化学法鉴定神经干细胞和分化细胞。结果：机械法获得的细胞数量多于胰酶消化法。细胞经过培养其增殖能力机械法略强于胰酶消化法,但无统计学意义。培养形成的细胞球Nestin阳性,诱导分化后可见NSE和GFAP阳性细胞。结论：运用机械法比胰酶消化法分离胎鼠脊髓组织获得神经干细胞方法简单,容易操作,经过培养细胞增殖能力较强。并可提供健康的细胞来源。     

Cell surface fibronectin of mouse peritoneal macrophages

Fibronectin (FN) was detected on thioglycollate-induced mouse peritoneal macrophages by binding the 125I-labeled F(ab')2 fragment of rabbit anti-human plasma fibronectin. The cell surface fibronectin (sFN) was removed from the surface of the macrophage monolayer by limited trypsinization. After trypsinization, binding of 125I-labeled plasma fibronectin (125I-pFN) to the macrophage monolayer was increased, suggesting that the FN receptor covered with sFN was exposed by trypsinization without destroying the receptor activity. The amounts of saturation binding of 125I-pFN to the macrophage monolayers before and after trypsinization were about 2.4 and 6.3 micrograms per 10(6) cells, respectively, indicating that the macrophage monolayer has the capacity of binding 6.3 micrograms FN per 10(6) cells, and the FN receptor equivalent to about 4 micrograms pFN per 10(6) cells is covered with sFN.     

Structural characterization of Na,K-ATPase from shark rectal glands by extensive trypsinization

Extensive trypsinization of Na,K-ATPase from the salt gland of Squalus acanthias removes about half of the extramembranous protein mass of the alpha-subunit, while leaving the beta-subunit intact. Sequence analysis and epitope recognition of the remaining alpha-peptides show that transmembrane segments M1/M2 and M3/M4 are present when trypsinization is performed in either NaCl or RbCl. The M5/M6 segment and the intact 19-kDa peptide (M7-M10) are detected in Rb-trypsinized membranes but not in Na-trypsinized membranes. The L7/L8 loop is associated with Na-trypsinized membranes, indicating the presence of an M7/M8 or M8/M9 fragment. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy of both Rb- and Na-trypsinized membranes reveals intramembranous particles that indicate a retained cluster of peptides, even in the absence of an intact 19-kDa fragment. The rotational diffusion of covalently spin-labeled trypsinized complexes is studied in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) or glycerol by using saturation transfer electron spin resonance. Rotational correlation times in aqueous poly(ethylene glycol) are longer than in glycerol solutions of the same viscosity and increase nonlinearly with the viscosity of the suspending medium, indicating that poly(ethylene glycol) induces aggregation of the tryptic peptides (and beta-subunit) within the membrane. The aggregates of enzyme trypsinized in the presence of NaCl are larger than those for enzyme trypsinized in RbCl, at both low and high aqueous viscosities. Similarities in mobility for native and Rb-trypsinized enzymes suggest either a change in average orientation of the spin-label upon trypsinization or that trypsinization leads to a reorganized protein structure that is more prone to aggregation.     

Human adipose tissue endothelial cells promote preadipocyte proliferation

Adipogenesis is preceded by development of a microvascular network, and optimal functioning of adipose tissue as an energy store and endocrine organ is dependent on extensive vascularization. We have examined the role of endothelial cell-derived factors that influence the proliferation of human preadipocytes. Microvascular endothelial cells and preadipocytes were isolated from human omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies by use of a developed procedure of collagenase digest, immunoselection, and differential trypsinization. Conditioned medium from microvascular endothelial cell cultures promoted the proliferation of preadipocytes (P = <0.001) and (to a lesser extent) other cell types. No depot-specific differences in mitogenic capacity of microvascular endothelial cell medium or of preadipocyte response were observed. These results indicate that adipose tissue endothelial cells secrete soluble adipogenic factor(s).     

Changes in template activity and structure of nuclei from WI-38 cells in the prereplicative phase.

Quiescent confluent monolayers of WI-38 fibroblasts were stimulated to proliferate by either adding 10% fetal calf serum or by trypsinization and replating at lower density. The length of the prereplicative phase was 12 hr after serum stimulation and 18 hr after trypsinization and replating at lower density. Nuclei were isolated from WI-38 cells at different time intervals after either type of stimulation and their template activity, circular dichroism spectra, and ability to bind ethidium bromide were investigated. All these parameters were similarly increased after either type of stimulation. However, these changes, like the onset of DNA synthesis, were delayed 6 hr in cells trypsinized and replated at lower density. While there were no detectable changes in nuclear protein content after serum stimulation, at least 40% of nuclear protein, mostly nonhistone chromosomal proteins, were lost after trypsinization. The amount of nuclear proteins returned to prestimulation levels only 6-8 hr after replating. These data seem to suggest that nonhistone chromosomal proteins lost by trypsinization are essential for the entrance of WI-38 cells into the "prereplicative phase".     

Trypsinization increases lectin-induced agglutinability of uncapacitated guinea pig sperm

Capacitated guinea pig sperm are more agglutinable by the lectin soybean agglutinin (SBA) than uncapacitated sperm (Talbot and Franklin, '78). This study demonstrates that uncapacitated guinea pig sperm become as agglutinable by SBA as capacitated sperm when treated with trypsin, but not chymotrypsin. The pattern of lectin induced sperm agglutination after trypsinization resembles that for capacitated sperm. Also, trypsinization specifically increases SBA induced agglutination and does not affect agglutination by RCA-60; similar results are obtained during in vitro capacitation. Taken together, these data may indicate that a trypsin-like enzyme modifies the sperm surface during capacitation.     

Characterization of the mycoplasma membrane proteins. VI. Composition and disposition of proteins in membranes from aging Mycoplasma hominis cultures

Membranes of Mycoplasma hominis cells from cultures progressing from the mid to the end of the logarithmic phase of growth became richer in protein, poorer in phospholipids and cholesterol, heavier in density, and more viscous as determined by EPR. The membrane-bound ATPase activity declined steeply. Electrophoretic analysis failed to show marked changes in membrane protein composition on aging, apart from an increase in the staining intensity of one protein band ($\text{M}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>r</mtext>}}\text{≈ 130 000}$) concomitant with a decrease in the staining intensity of several minor protein bands of high molecular weight.To test for possible changes in the disposition of the various membrane proteins on aging of cultures, a comparison was made of the susceptibility of membrane proteins of intact cells and isolated membranes to trypsinization and lactoperoxidase-mediated iodination. The iodination values and the percent of membrane protein released by trypsinization of intact cells were similar in cells from cultures of different ages, indicating no significant changes in the organization of the proteins on the outer membrane surface. On the other hand, trypsinization and iodination of isolated membranes were found to be most markedly affected by the culture age, indicating significant changes in the organization of the proteins on the inner membrane surface. Thus, the iodination values of isolated membranes decreased by almost two fold, while the percentage of protein released from the membrane by trypsin increased from 28% to 50% during the experimental period. It is suggested that aging in M. hominis cultures is accompanied by a continuous increase in the packing density of the protein molecules on the inner surface of the cell membrane.     

Differential sensitivity to trypsin of human bone-derived cells in culture: surface changes detected by partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems

Human bone-derived cells, grown in monolayer culture, were dissociated by incubations with trypsin/EDTA and subjected to thin-layer counter-current distribution in a 'low potential' aqueous two-phase system. Two major populations of cells were detected. The number of cells in the second (more hydrophobic) population increased with length of trypsinization and time in culture. Cells allowed to 'regain' surface molecules lost by trypsinization did not produce the second population. Cells occupying the second population after a short period of trypsinization had a lower rate of division than peak 1 cells but showed a higher rate of protein synthesis per rate of division than peak 1 cells. These results show that the cells have markedly different sensitivities to trypsin digestion which may be related to cell division rate of growth. The possible relationship between this and osteoblast development are discussed.     

Influence of decalcifying agents on immunoreactivity of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue

Summary The influence of eight decalcifying agents on the immunoreactivity of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue for immunoglobulins, lysozyme, factor VIII-related antigen and keratin was studied using the unlabelled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method. Limited studies were also performed on tissues fixed in acid-formalin mixtures. All tissues were stained using an indirect immunoperoxidase method with mouse monoclonal antibodies to IgM, kappa and lambda light chains. The results suggest that, with controlled trypsinization of sections, it was possible to obtain optimal immunostaining for all tested antigens, with adequate preservation of histological structure, after decalcification in neutral EDTA or 10% aqueous acetic or formic acid. Tissue treated with agents containing mineral acids exhibited variable immunoreactivity and impaired counterstaining.     

Correlation of the fluorescent banding pattern and ultrastructure of a human chromosome

After incubation with Con A, cultured melanoma cells B16-C2W stuck firmly to the dish wall and could be detached neither with trypsin and pronase treatment nor with EDTA treatment, whereas the control cells were easily released from the dish wall by the same treatments. This effect became evident within 5 min of incubation at 37 °C with Con A in a greater concentration than 5 μg/ml. Resistance to trypsinization arose more rapidly as the temperature increased up to 22 °C and changed substantially around 15 °C. By addition of α-methyl-d-mannoside which combines specifically with Con A, the resistant cells became de novo susceptible to trypsinization within 5 min of incubation at 37 °C. The reversing effect of the inhibitor was also temperature dependent. The appearance of resistance to trypsinization was observed without divalent cations (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺), but was inhibited by pretreatment with 10^?4 M 2,4-dinitrophenol. The temperature-dependence and the concentration of Con A required for agglutination of freed cells was the same as for induction of resistance to trypsinization.     

Construction of tissue-engineered cartilage using human placenta-derived stem cells

Human placenta-derived stem cells (hPDSCs) were isolated by trypsinization and further induced into cartilage cells in vitro. The engineered cartilage was constructed by combining hPDSCs with collagen sponge and the cartilage formation was observed by implantation into nude mice. Results showed that hPDSCs featured mesenchymal stem cells and maintained proliferation in vitro for over 30 passages while remaining undifferentiated. All results indicated that hPDSCs have the potential to differentiate into functional cartilage cells in vitro when combined with collagen sponge, which provided experimental evidence for prospective clinical application.     

Flow cytometric determination of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 in formaldehyde-fixed endothelial cell monolayers

BACKGROUND: Endothelial cell adhesion molecules are involved in initiation and progression of vascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine conditions of fixation and dissociation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers that permit a reliable flow cytometric determination of intracellular and surface content of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). METHODS: TNFalpha-treated HUVEC monolayers were fixed with 0.5% formaldehyde at the end of the experimental incubation. Subsequently, either the monolayer was trypsinized and thereafter the cells were subjected to indirect fluorescence labeling or the monolayer was first labeled and then dissociated by trypsinization. Cell integrity was assessed by vimentin staining. Total adhesion molecule content was detected in saponin-permeabilized cells. RESULTS: HUVEC integrity was maintained when the fixation time of the monolayer did not exceed 5 min and trypsin/EDTA was used for dissociation. Surface adhesion molecules were partially hydrolyzed by trypsin when trypsinization preceded labeling but antibody binding protected adhesion molecules from degradation. VCAM-1 and E-selectin exhibited substantial trypsin-sensitive surface fractions but surface ICAM-1 was mainly trypsin resistant. Permeabilization with 0.06% saponin allowed the detection of considerable intracellular pools of the investigated adhesion molecules. CONCLUSIONS: The described method permits the reliable determination of surface and intracellular fractions of adhesion molecules in formaldehyde-fixed HUVEC monolayers and may be used for studies on the regulation of adhesion molecule expression.     

Influence of Free Fatty Acids, Lysophosphatidylcholine, Platelet-Activating Factor, Acylcarnitine, and Echinocandin B on 1,3-beta-d-Glucan Synthase and Callose Synthesis

The activity of 1,3-β-d-glucan synthase assayed in the presence of digitonin in a microsomal preparation from suspension-cultured cells of Glycine max can be fully inhibited by unsaturated fatty acids, trienoic acids being most effective. Lysophosphatidylcholine, platelet-activating factor, acylcarnitine, and Echinocandin B can also fully inhibit the enzyme. Inhibition is observed both when the enzyme is activated by Ca²⁺ or by trypsinization. At low amounts some of the substances can also cause stimulation. These effects all may result from a displacement of certain endogenous phospholipids necessary for optimal activity of the 1,3-β-d-glucan synthase.     

Evaluation of growth rate in adhering cell cultures using a simple colorimetric method

In this paper we present a simple colorimetric method for evaluating cell growth in adhering cell cultures. This technique is based on the staining of basophilic cellular compounds (mainly nucleic acids) with methylene blue. To check its reliability, we have compared the quantity of dye fixed by the cells with the number of cells released from the culture substratum by trypsinization, and with the total cellular protein content determined by the Lowry's method. In these experiments we have used human skin fibroblasts and human epithelial cells derived from the epithelium of the full-term umbilical cord. Like other alternative methods, the methylene blue colorimetric technique can be used in 96-well microplates and allows the rapid collection of large amounts of data. As an illustration, we report on the selection of optimal composition of culture medium for human skin fibroblasts.     

300 MHz proton NMR study of the differentiation of diploid human epidermal keratinocytes

The nuclear magnetic resonance spin-lattice (T₁) and spin-spin (T₂) relaxation times are closely related to the molecular motions of the molecules in a liquid sample. T₁ and T₂ of human epidermal cells were measured at 300 MHz as functions of harvesting methods (i.e., scraping vs trypsinization) and age in culture. It was found that T₁ and T₂ values have smaller variances when the cell is harvested by trypsinization rather than scraping. The correlation coefficients for both T₁ and T₂, obtained from cells harvested by trypsinization, are much higher than those obtained from cells harvested by scraping. More importantly, this is the first report to monitor in vitro aging through relaxation times measurement. There is a significant increase in the values of T₁ and T₂ from the third to seventh passages. Human keratinocytes slowed down and even ceased to grow the seventh passage. Therefore, the cellular water molecules of human keratinocytes have higher mobility in a more differentiated state. The factors contributing to the change in relaxation times as cells progress toward senescence are discussed.     

Infection of resistant avian cells by subgroup B Rous sarcoma virus.

Chicken fibroblasts derived from the H & N flock, which have been characterized as resistant to subgroup B avian oncornaviruses in focus assays, can be infected in suspension shortly after trypsinization by subgroup B sarcoma and leukosis viruses. Once cells are plated, resistance to infection reappears rapidly. C/BE cell suspensions obtained by treatment with EDTA instead of trypsin are not as sensitive to infection. Late interference established by preinfection with subgroup B leukosis viruses is not overcome by trypsinization. In addition to C/BE H & N chicken cells, C/ABE RPRL line 7 cells can also be infected by subgroup B viruses shortly after trypsinization; however, none of the cell types can be made sensitive to subgroup E infection. These results are discussed in relation to current information on the genetic control of resistance to avian oncornaviruses.     

Some Aspects of Melanin Formation of Melanocytes Cultured on Collagen-Coated Microcarrier Beads

Melanocytes cultured on collagen-coated Cytodex 3 microcarrier Sephadex beads caused remarkable pigmentation of the beads during the period of culture when optimal density was reached. Electron microscopy of melanocytes on the microcarriers revealed that the cells and their dendrites invaginate into the microcarrier surface layer. Removal of the cells by trypsinization showed that some pigment granules were left on the carrier surface and within the cavities present on the microcarrier surface. In order to investigate whether the pigmentation of the microcarriers could be a result of indole intermediates of melanogenesis present in the culture medium, extracts were studied by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for the presence of these compounds. Two compounds (5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid and 6-hydroxy-5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid) so far have been identified in the medium extracts. Results indicate that microcarrier culture of melanocytes can serve as an interesting model for electron microscopy studies of melanocytes with regard to pigmentation and cell attachment.