Further cytochemical studies on the perichromatin granules

Summary The perichromatin granules were studied in hepatocytes of experimental rats injected with cycloheximide because the increased number of these nuclear components after such treatment facilitated their cytochemical investigation. Most perichromatin granules were sensitive to the digestion with pepsin and ribonuclease. In contrast, small population of perichromatin granules was resistent to such digestion under conditions which remove known RNA containing components such as ribosomes, nucleolar RNP components and interchromatin granules. The size of these resistent perichromatin granules was reduced and they consisted of filaments the width of which was similar to that of filaments in the chromatin. Moreover, a small population of perichromatin granules was sensitive to the digestion with pepsin and deoxyribonuclease. The size of these granules was only slightly reduced. All these observations indicate that most perichromatin granules contain the RNA and some the DNA. A possibility also exists that the perichromatin granules might contain both RNA and DNA but in various proportions. In addition, partial digestion with pepsin followed by a complete digestion with ribonuclease and deoxyribonuclease removed perichromatin granules as well as other nucleoprotein structures. On the other hand, such digestion facilitated the visualization of the nuclear and cytoplasmic skeleton (matrix) in situ.Dedicated to the memmory of Dr. W. Bernhard     

The effects of zinc chloride on the RNP structures in HEp-2 cells: accumulation of perichromatin granules

The effects of zinc on the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) constituents of HEp-2 cells have been analyzed. Pulse-chase autoradiographic experiments show a preferential inhibition of nucleolar RNA synthesis and a block in the transport of nucleolar and extranucleolar RNA in zinc-treated cells. Concomitantly with the disturbance in RNA metabolism and in protein synthesis, nucleolar condensation, accumulation of perichromatin granules and fibrils, condensation of interchromatin fibrils, and appearance of dense granular bodies occur. Accumulation of perichromatin fibrils and condensation of interchromatin fibrils appear to be related to the block in the transport of heterogeneous nuclear RNA. Depletion of certain proteins required for the assembly of RNP particles could share in the abnormal behavior of RNA and lead to the accumulation of perichromatin granules and the appearance of dense granular bodies.     

Electron microscope study of ribonucleoprotein polyparticles and their relation to perichromatin granules

Nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles were studied in the central nervous system of the rat after fixation by perfusion with hypotonic-detergent formaldehyde. Beads-on-a-string structures (polyparticles or chains) formed of 14-nm granules related by a 7-nm thick filament were found. These polyparticles are positively contrasted by a preferential method for ribonucleoproteins and they are sensitive to RNase. Perichromatin granules are loosened by this fixation and their internal structure is clearly depicted. They are composed of a tangled mass of 3-nm thick filaments, but lack 14-nm granules. The internal filaments of the perichromatin granules display frequent continuities with polyparticles. These results show that polyparticles correspond to perichromatin fibrils visualized in nuclei by standard fixation procedures.     

Phosphorus distribution in perichromatin granules and surrounding nucleoplasm as visualized by electron spectroscopic imaging

Summary— The in situ distribution of phosphorus in perichromatin granules (PCGs), and in the surrounding nucleoplasm was investigated in rat liver cells by means of electron spectroscopic imaging of unstained preparations. A 2–3 nm fibril containing high concentration of phosphorus was found to be the main substructural feature of the PCGs revealed in the maps of phosphorus. This fibril is folded within the PCG with no apparent order. Fibrils of similar diameter and phosphorus content were also found in both the halo surrounding the PCG and dispersed in the nucleoplasm. Some of such fibrils are in continuity with those occurring within PCGs. Sometimes these fibrils are grouped forming a stalk connecting the PCG to chromatin. Some stalked PCGs are U-shaped or kidneyshaped, resembling Balbiani ring granules in the process of formation as observed in Chironomus salivary gland cell nuclei. The external fibrils are interpreted as perichromatin fibrils considered to be precursors of PCGs.     

Ultrastructural detection of nucleic acids within heat shock-induced perichromatin granules of HeLa cells by cytochemical and immunocytological methods

The perichromatin granules (PGs) are enigmatic structures of the cell nucleus. The major drawbacks for a biological study are their rare occurrence and their small size in normal conditions.As heat shock has been shown to increase their number, we applied a hyperthermal shock on HeLa cells to investigate the nucleic acid content of PGs by means of cytochemical and immunocytological approaches. These heat shock-induced PGs (hsiPGs) appeared as clusters organized in the form of honeycomb structures and were always associated with some blocks of condensed chromatin, such as the perinucleolar chromatin shell. A stalk connecting the hsiPG to the chromatin could be observed.For the detection of RNA, we applied an immunocytological method involving two anti-RNA antibodies and quantified the gold labelling obtained. The results clearly revealed that hsiPGs contained RNA.Regarding to the detection of DNA, we used three different methods followed by quantitative analyses. The results seemed to indicate that a small amount of DNA was present in hsiPGs.Together, these findings suggest that hsiPGs might be RNP structures associated with particular regions of DNA.     

Excess protein in nuclei isolated from heat-shocked cells results from a reduced extractability of nuclear proteins

An excellent correlation has been established between the quantity of protein associated with nuclei isolated from heat-shocked cells and the level of hyperthermic cell killing. However, controversy remains about whether increases in nuclear-associated protein result from a heat-induced migration of cytoplasmic proteins into the nucleus or because hyperthermia reduces the solubility of nuclear proteins in the detergent buffers commonly used to isolate nuclei. To address this controversy, the nuclear protein content was measured in whole and detergent-extracted cells before and following hyperthermia. It was found that hyperthermia caused no significant change in the nuclear protein content of whole, unextracted cells, and when fluorescently labeled proteins were microinjected into the cytoplasm no gross change in the selective permeability of the nuclear membrane to soluble proteins was observed during or following hyperthermia. Measurements in extracted cells showed that the detergent buffers removed protein from both the nucleus and cytoplasm of control, nonheated cells and that hyperthermia reduced the extractability of both nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. The amount of protein found in nuclei isolated from heated cells approached that observed in nuclei within nonheated whole cells as the hyperthermic exposure was increased. Thus, the dose-dependent, two- to threefold increase in the protein content of nuclei isolated from heated cells represents a heat-induced reduction in the extractability of proteins normally present within cell nuclei and does not result from a mass migration of cytoplasmic proteins into the nucleus, although some specific proteins (e.g., the 70 KDa heat shock protein) do migrate to the nucleus following heat shock. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements of whole cells, isolated nuclei, cytoplasts, and karyoplasts supported these conclusions and suggested that most of the detergent-insoluble proteins remaining in the nuclei and cytoplasm of heated cells are in their native state. Thus, a relatively small amount of denatured protein may be sufficient to initiate and sustain insoluble protein aggregates comprised of mostly native proteins. Analyses of the DSC data also implied that the previously identified critical target proteins, predicted to have a Tm of 46.0°C, are present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Enzyme cytochemical and immunocytochemical studies of flask cells in the amphibian epidermis

Summary The localization of oxidoreductases and transport enzymes in flask cells of the amphibian epidermis was studied at the light-microscopic level. In these cells, the deposition of cytochemical reaction products was very similar to that found in fish epidermal ionocytes, thus demonstrating histochemical similarities between these two types of cells. The present histochemical results revealed high levels of activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALPase), potassium-dependent nitrophenylphosphatase (K⁺-p-NPPase) and carbonic-anhydrase isozymes (CA-I and CA-II) in the apical region of the flask cells, indicating that enzyme zonation may be the main site of the ion pumping.     

Enzyme cytochemical and immunocytochemical studies of flask cells in the amphibian epidermis

The localization of oxidoreductases and transport enzymes in flask cells of the amphibian epidermis was studied at the light-microscopic level. In these cells, the deposition of cytochemical reaction products was very similar to that found in fish epidermal ionocytes, thus demonstrating histochemical similarities between these two types of cells. The present histochemical results revealed high levels of activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALPase), potassium-dependent nitrophenylphosphatase (K+-p-NPPase) and carbonic-anhydrase isozymes (CA-I and CA-II) in the apical region of the flask cells, indicating that enzyme zonation may be the main site of the ion pumping.     

Catalatic capacities in heat-shocked Euglena cells

1. Various heat treatments were applied to the wild strain Z. Klebs. of Euglena gracilis. 2. Samples of cells were taken at day 1 of the culture at 26 degrees C in a 33 mM lactate medium, when the catalatic capacities of the catalase were highest. 3. They were either submitted to heat treatments (36 and 38 degrees C), or heat-shocks (40, 42 degrees C) or non-permissive heat stress (45 degrees C) for 15 min, 1 and 2 hr. 4. After a 2-hr 45 degrees C treatment the cells were unable to recover normal physiological functions. 5. Heat treatments between 36 and 38 degrees C decreased the catalatic capacities of cells, while heat-shocks at 40 and 42 degrees C strongly reinforced these capacities of hydrogen peroxide dismutation. 6. Having been heat-shocked at 42 degrees C for 2 hr, the cells became different from control cells: (a) after several months of culture, they displayed catalatic capacities increased by 65%; (b) they were able from now on to survive a 2 hr heat shock at 45 degrees C.     

Interchromatin granules in plant nuclei

The interchromatin granules (IG) are well characterized subnuclear structures in animal cell nuclei which form a part of the internal nuclear matrix and are supposed to correspond to accummulation sites of snRNPs and/or maturation and transport of rRNPs; but similar structures have not yet been characterized in plant nuclei. Using the bismuth impregnation technique of Locke and Huie, preferential for the staining of IG, we describe here a kind of positive granules 20–25 nm in diameter in plants. The putative plant IG have a series of common characteristics with animal IG, which are not found as a whole in any other subnuclear structures. These are: size, morphology and ultrastructural organization, presence in groups, EDTA and bismuth oxynitrate positive reactions, resistance to double digestion with proteases and RNase I and their high content in phosphorylated proteins. For all the above and also because they are ubiquitous structures in the plant nuclei, we identified these granules with the IG described in animal cells.     

Nuclear protein redistribution in heat-shocked cells

An increase was observed in the total protein mass of nuclei isolated from Chinese hamster ovary cells heated at 45°C or 45.5°C. An increase in the fractional recovery of DNA polymerase α and β, and of DNA topoisomerase activity coincided with this increase in the protein mass of nuclei from heated cells. Nuclear protein mass which was soluble in 2.0 M NaCl decreased 0.5 fold, while DNA-associated and nuclear matrix-associated protein mass increased 2.2 and 3.4 fold, respectively. The results indicate that the increase in nuclear protein mass observed in nuclei from heated cells is due in part to an increased binding, or precipitation, of nuclear proteins onto the cell's DNA and nuclear matrix. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Autoradiographic studies of pyridine nucleotide metabolism in human culture cells

More than 80% of the intracellular pyridine metabolite pool of human culture cells is trapped by OsO₄ fixation. The fixed pyridine metabolites fully exchange with nicotinamide and nicotinic acid but not with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Yet, chromatography of the exchanged compounds reveals that NAD and NADP constitute more than 95%. of the fixed material. Although the mechanism of OsO₄ fixation is not fully understood, such fixation has permitted the autoradiographic detection of intracellular pyridine metabolites. Cells of the human cell line, D98/AH2, synthesize pyridine nucleotides during all phases of the cell cycle at rates which do not vary by more than six-fold. There is no difference in the apparent concentration of pyridine metabolites between nucleus and cytoplasm after ten minute or three day pulses with ³H-nicotinic acid. The ³H-labeled pyridine ring is lost from D98/AH2 cells upon transfer to unlabeled medium. In general, the rate of loss is uniform among cells in the population. However, in a small proportion of cells there is little or no loss. Non-dividing cells lose the pyridine ring at approximately the same rate as dividing cells, yet the intracellular concentration of pyridine metabolites is 50% greater in non-dividing cells.     

Morphological heterogeneity of secretory granules of rat Clara cells: an immunocytochemical study

Summary The secretory granules of rat bronchiolar Clara cells were classified into different types by their ultrastructural appearances followed by immunocytochemistry using anti-rat 10 kDa Clara cell-specific protein (10 kDa CCSP) antibody. One predominant type was the oval to round granule (type A granule), of which the matrix was composed of a map-like mixture of electron-dense and less electron-dense material. Another predominant type was the rod-shaped granule (type B granule). The content of type B granules varied from a finely fibrillar (type B1 granule) to an electron-dense, rod-like (type B3 granule) structure. Various intermediate types (type B2 granule) between type B1 and B3 granules were also found. Small cytoplasmic vesicles were found occasionally in close proximity to type B2 or B3 granule. Another type of granule (type C granule) was large, up to 8 m in diameter, and contained a moderately electron-dense amorphous matrix. Both type A and C granules stained at a similar density with the antibody. The nascent form of type A granules, which was found in the vicinity to the trans face of the Golgi apparatus, was also labeled. On the other hand, the labeling density of type B granules varied: type B1 granules were almost devoid of immunolabeling, whereas type B3 granules were intensely labeled. Type B2 granules stained with the antibody; however, the labeling density was less than that of type B3 granules. The small cytoplasmic vesicles of type B2 granules were labeled. From these findings, it is suggested that the granules of rat Clara cells consist of two types of granules of distinct origin; one appears to derive from condensing vacuoles of Golgi origin, whereas the other may be formed by membranefusions with small cytoplasmic vesicles of unknown source.     

Isolation and partial characterization of perichromatin granules: A unique class of nuclear RNP particles

Perichromatin granules (PCG) have been isolated from cycloheximide-treated rat liver nuclei by a procedure that preserved their ultrastructural characteristics. Like the PCG particles in situ, the isolated granules were 300–400 Å in diameter; they had an approximate sedimentation coefficient of 40S. The Bernhard bleaching procedure showed that the isolated perichromatin granules are not chromatinous components. A low molecular weight 4.7S RNA approx. 100 nucleotides long was associated with the granules. Analysis of the proteins of the isolated perichromatin granules on SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed one major polypeptide (mol. wt approx. 34 000) along with two other minor polypeptides (mol. wt 31 000 and 38 000). The major polypeptide found in the perichromatin granules had similar migration characteristics on SDS gels to a peptide found in both rat liver and HeLa cell heteronuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) particles.