Separation of lymphoid-line cells according to volume and density

Velocity sedimentation and isopycnic centrifugation was used to separate exponentially growing RAJI lymphoid line cells according to size and density. Mixtures of Ficoll, Isopaque and tissue culture medium were used as gradient media. These media had a constant pH, were isotonic, and did not have any significant harmful effect on the cells. The observed variation in cell size paralleled the progression of the cells through the cell cycle, as assessed by thymidine incorporation and impulse cytophotometric determination of DNA contents. Differences in cell density did not reflect the cell cycle phase. No correlation could be established between cell size and density. Velocity sedimentation could be used to obtain cell populations which were relatively pure according to cell cycle phase and growing synchronously for at least 24 h.     

Selection of synchronous bacterial cultures by density sedimentation.

A procedure previously used to select synchronous cultures of Chlorella was found to produce similar results with the bacterium Lineola longa (Bacillus macroides). A midlog culture of L. longa was layered onto a 31-42% dialyzed Ficoll gradient and ceitruged at 51 000 3 g. The culture sedimented into a broad band in 30 min. Continued centrifugation failed to cause further migration. Cells taken from the top of the band and reinoculated into the broth in which they had previously grown, pH adjusted to 7.0, grew without a lag, doubled in optical density at the same rate as midlog cultures, and divided synchronously. Coulter counter sizing of these cells showed a doubling in volume just before division followed by a halving of volume after division. The major advantages of this method are the low osmolarity of Ficoll and the large volume of cells that can be separated.     

Selective loss of chemokine receptor expression on leukocytes after cell isolation

Chemokine receptors are distinctively exposed on cells to characterize their migration pattern. However, little is known about factors that may regulate their expression. To determine the optimal conditions for an accurate analysis of chemokine receptors, we compared the expression of CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CXCR3 and CXCR4 on different leukocyte subsets using whole blood (WB) plus erythrocyte lysis and density gradient isolation (Ficoll). Most WB monocytes were CCR2+ (93.5 ± 2.9%) whereas 32.8 ± 6.0% of monocytes from Ficoll-PBMC expressed CCR2 (p<0.001). Significant reductions of CCR6 and CXCR3 on monocytes were also observed after Ficoll isolation (WB: 46.4 ± 7.5% and 57.1 ± 5.5%; Ficoll: 29.5 ± 2.2% and 5.4 ± 4.3% respectively) (p<0.01). Although comparable percentages of WB and Ficoll-PBMC monocytes expressed CCR4, CCR5 and CXCR4, Ficoll isolation significantly reduced the levels of CXCR4 (WB: MFI 5 ± 0.4 and Ficoll: MFI 3.3 ± 0.1) (p<0.05). Similarly to monocytes, CCR2, CXCR3 and CXCR4 were also reduced on lymphocytes. In addition, Ficoll isolation significantly reduced the percentage of CCR4 positive lymphocytes (WB: 90.2 ± 4.5% and Ficoll: 55 ± 4.1%) (p<0.01). The loss of expression of chemokine receptors after isolation of monocytes was not dependent on either the anticoagulant or the density gradient method. It was irreversible and could not be restored by LPS activation or in vitro macrophage differentiation. Experiments tagged with anti-CCR2 antibodies prior to density gradient isolation demonstrated that Ficoll internalized chemokine receptors. The method for cell isolation may alter not only the expression of certain chemokine receptors but also the respective functional migration assay. The final choice to analyze their expression should therefore depend on the receptor to be measured.     

Co-storage in large ‘dense-core’ vesicles of dopamine and cholecystokinin in rat striatum

The subcellular localization of cholecystokinin in the striatum—an area where a high density of cholecystokinin containing terminals has been demonstrated—was studied using biochemical techniques. Cholecystokinin containing vesicles were partially purified using iso-osmotic Ficoll gradients. As judged from their size and their buoyant density in isopycnic gradients, cholecystokinin containing vesicles represent large ‘dense-core’ vesicles. Negative staining and subsequent immunolabelling for synaptophysin at the electron microscopical level, showed labelled vesicles of 50–70 nm. Binding of dihydrotetrabenazine was detected in the cholecystokinin containing fractions. The results suggest that dopamine is co-stored with cholecystokinin in large dense vesicles in rat striatum.     

Changes in cell density induced by Isopaque

Incubation in culture medium at 37 °C of normal mononuclear leukocytes, isolated on Ficoll-Isopaque, resulted in a general decrease in the specific gravity of these cells. Monocytes and lymphocytes could then be recognized as separate populations in the density distribution profile. This decrease of the cell density was inhibited by lowering the temperature to 0 °C or by the addition of Ficoll-Isopaque to the incubation medium. After pre-incubation at 37 °C, renewed contact between mononuclear leukocytes and Ficoll-Isopaque induced a general increase of the cell density. Monocytes and thymidine-incorporating lymphocytes were affected to a greater extent than small lymphocytes. The increase of the specific gravity of monocytes was time and temperature dependent. The density shift of the thymidine-incorporating lymphocytes was only time dependent. The change in the density of small lymphocytes was dependent on the combination of contact with Ficoll-Isopaque and centrifugal stress. Isopaque was the agent responsible for the effects. It is concluded that the use of small molecular substances such as Isopaque as a constituent of density gradients may introduce reversible changes of the specific gravity of mononuclear leukocytes which may limit the separation of mononuclear sub-populations.     

Velocity sedimentation of organelles at low centrifugal force in an isokinetic gradient.

Mast-cell granules and polystyrene microspheres (0.600 and 1.011 micrometer in diameter) were sedimented in a previously described [Pretlow (1971) Anal. Biochem. 41, 248--255] isokinetic gradient in a low-speed centrifuge. For the analytical velocity sedimentation of organelles, this gradient offers several advantages over gradients that are commonly used for the sedimentation of organelles: (a) the density gradient (0.0008 g.ml-1.cm-1) is small, and the effective densities of organelles will change relatively little during sedimentation; (b) the densities at all points in the gradient (1.017--1.027 g/ml) are less than those in gradients commonly used for the sedimentation of organelles, the effective densities of sedimenting organelles are consequently relatively large, and the effect of density as a determinant of velocity of sedimentation is less limiting than in conventional gradients; (c) the small slope of the gradient is associated with a relatively slow increase in the viscosity encountered by the sedimenting organelle; (d) the iso-osmotic gradient is not significantly affected by the gradient medium (Ficoll), and the osmolarity can be adjusted to the desired value by the selection of an appropriate salt solution as the solvent for the Ficoll; (e) the gradient will be isokinetic for particles of densities similar to most organelles. An ultracentrifuge is not required for work with this gradient.     

A medium and simplified procedure for growing single cells from Solanum species

A nutrient medium that allows rapid growth of calli from individual cells of several Solanum species has been developed. The medium is based upon that of Kao and Michayluk (Planta, 126 (1975) 105–110). Modifications that improve plating efficiencies at low density include omission of pyruvate, malate, citrate and fumarate and increasing the phosphate level from 1.25 to 5 mM. The inclusion of 0.1–0.2% bovine serum albumin was essential for growth at low density. At a plating density of 80 protoplasts/ml, plating efficiencies of 1.5—2.0% for Solanum tuberosum L. and S. cardiophyllum Lindl. are often obtained. Single cells of these species were mechanically isolated after 48 h of culture at 800 or 8000 protoplasts/ml and plated singly on fresh medium. The single cells divided and formed rapidly-growing celli with plating efficiencies of 37–75%. Plants have been regenerated from these calli.     

Separation of human lymphocyte subpopulations. I. Transformation characteristics of rosette-forming cells

Lymphocytes were isolated from human peripheral blood by carbonyl-iron treatment and Ficoll-Isopaque centrifugation. The lymphocytes were allowed to form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes, either uncoated (E) or coated with antibody and complement (EAC).In 32 experiments E rosettes were separated from free lymphocytes on a Ficoll density gradient. Thus, depleted (non-E) and enriched (E) fractions were obtained. It was found that in the original suspension 24 ± 7.2% of the lymphocytes formed rosettes with EAC and 56 ± 8% with E. In fraction non-E these values were 56 ± 11.4 and 22 ± 8.9%, respectively; in fraction E 8 ± 3.8 and 79 ± 8.8%. Moreover, the percentages of Ig-bearing cells among the fractions were found to follow closely those of CRL.In a series of lymphocyte culture experiments these fractions were compared with the original suspension and a control suspension (rosetted, not separated), as well as with a recombined population (non-E + E). It was found that fraction non-E showed an increased response to PHA and PWM, and an enhanced MLC stimulatory capacity, whereas fraction E was decreased in these respects. Moreover, fraction E displayed significantly reduced spontaneous DNA synthesis.It is concluded that the responses to PHA or PWM, as well as the capacity to stimulate allogeneic cells, are not solely dependent on the cells forming rosettes with E.     

Novel automated blood separations validate whole cell biomarkers

Background

Progress in clinical trials in infectious disease, autoimmunity, and cancer is stymied by a dearth of successful whole cell biomarkers for peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Successful biomarkers could help to track drug effects at early time points in clinical trials to prevent costly trial failures late in development. One major obstacle is the inaccuracy of Ficoll density centrifugation, the decades-old method of separating PBLs from the abundant red blood cells (RBCs) of fresh blood samples.

Methods and Findings

To replace the Ficoll method, we developed and studied a novel blood-based magnetic separation method. The magnetic method strikingly surpassed Ficoll in viability, purity and yield of PBLs. To reduce labor, we developed an automated platform and compared two magnet configurations for cell separations. These more accurate and labor-saving magnet configurations allowed the lymphocytes to be tested in bioassays for rare antigen-specific T cells. The automated method succeeded at identifying 79% of patients with the rare PBLs of interest as compared with Ficoll''s uniform failure. We validated improved upfront blood processing and show accurate detection of rare antigen-specific lymphocytes.

Conclusions

Improving, automating and standardizing lymphocyte detections from whole blood may facilitate development of new cell-based biomarkers for human diseases. Improved upfront blood processes may lead to broad improvements in monitoring early trial outcome measurements in human clinical trials.     

A two-step centrifugation procedure for the purification of sheep erythrocyte antigen-binding cells.

A two-step centrifugation procedure has been developed to isolate greater quantities of highly purified sheep erythrocyte antigen-binding cells (ABC) than previously possible. The first step involves partially separating sheep erythrocyte rosettes from unrosetted lymphocytes by their difference in buoyant density on Ficoll-Hypaque. Subsequent passage through a linear 5 to 10% Ficoll gradient produces further purification of rosettes by sedimentation velocity. Approximately 4.5 X 10(6) ABC can be obtained at 50 to 100% purity from 10(9) immune spleen cells (5 days post-immunization) and 1 X 10(5) ABC at 20 to 40% purity from 10(9) nonimmune spleen cells. The purified ABC from 5-day immune animals are 80 to 90% B cells and 10 to 20% T cells, and represent between 30 and 40% of the original ABC in the spleen cell population. Less than 0.2% of the purified ABC are plaque-forming cells (PFC) and less than 2% have intracellular immunoglobulin (Ig) or J chain. The quantities of ABC obtained are sufficient for investigating biochemical parameters of antigen-induced lymphocyte activation and for direct analysis of the surface isotypes found on antigen-binding cells after immunization.     

The in vivo reproductive potential of density separated cells

Murine ascites cells (L1210, L5178Y, Ehrlich ascites) were labelled with ¹³¹I-iododeoxyuridine and subjected to buoyant density centrifugation on a continuous, linear Ficoll gradient. Cell losses sustained during density centrifugation were evaluated by recording the amount of ¹³¹I recovered in the final cell fractions. The viability and proliferative capacity of the density separated cells were tested by monitoring the rate of ¹³¹I excretion following inoculation of the recovered cells into new, non-radioactive hosts.Density separation in Ficoll appeared to cause few, if any, adverse effects. Cell recovery under properly regulated experimental conditions was virtually complete (97% or higher). The reproductive potential of density-separated cells was identical to that of control cells. However, considerable cell mortality could be induced by permitting cellular aggregation in medium free of antiagglutinin or by exposure of excessive quantities of cells to a density gradient.Viability indices obtained with trypan blue proved unsuitable for predicting long-term survival. In some experiments the trypan blue data provided a 90–100% viability reading when in fact the entire cell population had been inactivated by irradiation or heat incubation. Since the trypan blue test also did not reveal the full extent of mortality among aggregated cells or cells recovered from overloaded gradients, it was concluded that the dye exclusion test, in spite of its utility for monitoring immediate cell death and membrane destruction, was of limited value for evaluating the reproductive potential of mammalian cells.     

Behavior of κ-carrageenan in glycerol and sorbitol solutions

The solubility of κ-carrageenan in low water-content solvents is important in food applications where complete solubilization is required for proper development of structure and rheology. The effect of glycerol and sorbitol on the gelation and conformational helix transition of κ-carrageenan was studied using rheology and optical rotation. Glycerol/water solutions from 0–100 wt% glycerol and sorbitol solutions from 0–100% saturation were studied over the temperature range 0–90°C. The results were analyzed in terms of solvent solubility parameters, water chemical potential, and solvent dielectric constant. Effective cohesive energy density parameters could not be inferred for the carrageenan, but the gelation temperature could be correlated with solvent dielectric constant. Hydrogen bonding interactions control the carrageenan helix formation. The cohesive energy density as a measure of solvent quality accounts for hydrogen bonding but not Coulombic interactions, and the Coulombic interactions scale on dielectric constant. This indicates the dominant role of electrostatics on the gelation process.     

Density Invariance of Cultured Chinese Hamster Cells with Stage of the Mitotic Cycle

Isopycnic banding of Chinese hamster line CHO cells in Ficoll gradients shows that a population in balanced, exponential growth is very homogeneous with respect to density, the coefficient of variation of the density distribution spectrum being less than 5% of the mean reduced density (i.e. density minus one). Similar measurements on synchronized cultures indicate that reduced density varies by less than 2% around the life cycle. The mean density of CHO cells in F-10 growth medium is calculated to be 1.051 after correction for osmotic effects of the Ficoll gradient.     

Contribution of cytoplasmic enzymes to apparent heterogeneity of rat brain mitochondria

Summary The results of this investigation indicate that there is sufficient contamination of washed primary rat brain mitochondrial preparations with cytoplasmic enzymes to cause possible misinterpretation of mitochondrial heterogeneity after isopycnic sucrose density gradient centrifugation, when based solely on enzyme activity measurements. Most of the contamination may be removed by a single 30 min centrifugation using the 3–6 % discontinuous Ficoll gradient method of Clark and Nicklas (1970).     

Effect of pH shifts on radiosensitivity of human lymphocytes irradiated in the G2 stage

Experiments were carried out using human lymphocytes in order to test the effect of pH shifts on radiosensitivity of cells irradiated in the G₂ stage. In our culture conditions constant variations in medium pH over the range of 7.4–6.8 were observed as a function of incubation time after PHA stimulation; in addition the pH of the medium was adjusted in parallel cultures over the range of 5.9–8.2. Then we exposed the cultures with different pH to a treatment of X-rays delivered 2 h before fixation.

The pH of the medium was found to greatly affect the yield of induced chromatid aberrations.     

SD大鼠原代胰岛细胞分离、纯化及培养技术的改进

目的:探讨大鼠胰岛细胞分离、纯化及培养的方法,并评价其生物学功能。方法:选用8~10周龄健康SD大鼠,采用胆总管逆行注射预冷胶原酶P溶液,37℃水浴静止消化,30目不锈钢筛网过滤,Ficoll400非连续密度梯度离心纯化。分离后的胰岛用DTZ染色计算胰岛产量,胰岛素释放试验评价其生物学功能。结果:胰岛细胞分布于Ficoll400浓度为23%~20%和20%~11%的界面之间。DTZ染色呈红色细胞团,胰岛产量为(606±56)IEQ/胰腺。纯度高达80~90%,活率≥90%,胰岛素释放功能良好。结论:胶原酶P溶液原位消化,Ficoll400纯化是一种高效简便的胰岛分离方法,分离的胰岛细胞数量多、纯度高及活性好。     

In vivo and in vitro studies on sex steroid binding protein (SBP) regulation in rainbow trout (oncorhynchus mykiss): Influence of sex steroid hormones and of factors linked to growth and metabolism

The respective roles of sex steroids and hormones related to growth and metabolism, on SBP regulation have been studied in rainbow trout. In vivo, oestradiol (E2) supplementation induces a slow but significant increase of plasma SBP concentration. Testosterone or cortisol injections have no effect. In vitro, the steroid binding protein that accumulates in incubation medium of hepatic cell primary cultures has been characterized and found to be similar to blood SBP. Its production is increased by addition of E2 (maximum: + 300%). This effect develops slowly over several days of culture and is dose dependent; as little as 1–10 nM E2 is effective.

Recombinant rainbow trout GH (rtGH)—0.01 to 1 μg/ml—also increases SBB accumulation as compared to control cells and seems to maintain SBP production over culture duration. In preliminary experiments, (1) insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and SBP concentrations were found to change inversely after a 4 days stimulation with increasing concentrations of GH; (2) recombinant human IGF₁ (250 ng/ml) tended to be inhibitory when SBP production was expressed per mg of total cellular protein, and a micromolar concentration of bovine insulin was clearly inhibitory.

Other hormones tested in vitro: triiodothyronine (10–1000 nM), thyroxine (100 nM), 17,20β-dihydroprogesterone (10–2000 nM), and testosterone (1–1000 nM) did not influence SBP concentration in hepatic cells culture media.     

Hydrolytic enzymes in the central vacuole of plant cells

The hydrolase content of vacuoles isolated from protoplasts of suspension-cultured tobacco cells, of tulip petals, and of pineapple leaves, and the sedimentation behavior of tobacco tonoplasts were studied. Three precautions were found to be important for the analysis of vacuolar hydrolases and of the tonoplast. (a) Purification of protoplasts in a Ficoll gradient was necessary to remove cell debris which contained contaminating hydrolases adsorbed from the fungal cell-wall-degrading enzyme preparation. (b) Hydrolase activities in the homogenates of the intact cells or the tissue used and of the purified protoplasts had to be compared to verify the absence of contaminating hydrolases in the protoplast preparation. (c) Vacuoles obtained from the protoplasts by an osmotic shock had to be purified from the lysate in a Ficoll gradient. Since the density of the central vacuole approximates that of the protoplasts, about a 10% contamination of the vacuolar preparation by surviving protoplasts could not be eliminated and had to be taken into account when the distribution of enzymes and of radioactivity was calculated.     

Centrifugal separation of cells in sputum specimens from patients with undifferentiated carcinoma

Ethanol-fixed cells in sputum from patients with undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung were separated in aqueous Ficoll using a discontinuous density gradient centrifugation technique. The selective enrichment of small cell undifferentiated (e.g., oat cell) or large cell undifferentiated carcinoma cells was achieved while removing most of the leukocytes (80-90%) and macrophages (65-75%) from specimen fractions containing the greatest relative frequencies of cancer cells. The maximum purity of small cell carcinoma cells (0.04%) occurs in moderate density (rho = 1.121 g/ml) gradient fractions and results in a 2.4-fold enrichment relative to unprocessed specimens. In contrast, the maximum purity of large cell carcinoma cells (0.22%) is obtained in very high density (rho = 1.172 g/ml) gradient fractions and results in a 1.2-fold enrichment in comparison with unprocessed specimens. Microscopic examination of Papanicolaou-stained specimen fractions reveals that these enrichments were achieved while retaining diagnostically significant cytomorphologic and tinctorial features necessary for cancer screening and diagnosis. Peak purity ranges of undifferentiated cancer cells significantly overlap comparable ranges for material from bronchogenic adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.