Ribonuclease–gold Labels Chondroitin Sulphate in Guinea Pig Basophil Granules

Basophilic leucocytes are metachromatic granule-containing secretory granulocytes that contain a mixture of granular proteoglycans devoid of heparin. In guinea pigs, isolated basophilic leucocyte granules primarily contain chondroitin sulphate. We have recently demonstrated that an enzyme-affinity– gold technique to image RNA, using the reagent RNase gold, also binds specifically to heparin in human mast cell granules. Such binding is based on the known property of heparin as a competitive inhibitor of RNase. Using similar methods, we show here that RNase–gold binds to the chondroitin sulphate in the secretory granules of guinea pig basophils, thus broadening the applicability of this post-embedding affinity–gold method to studies that require imaging of chondroitin sulphate in routinely prepared electron microscopical samples.     

Ultrastructural immunogold cytochemistry with autoimmune human sera and an antibody to uridine implicate human mast cell granules in RNA biology

Human mast cells are professional secretory cells that store synthetic products in large granules filling their cytoplasm. Unlike many secretory cells, the principal synthetic organelle, ribosome-rich endoplasmic reticulum, is a minor component of their cytoplasm. Sightings of nonmembrane-bound ribosomes in and near their secretory granules stimulated detailed ultrastructural studies of various RNA species to implicate secretory-storage granules in RNA biology. In the work reported here, postembedding immunogold ultrastructural cytochemistry indicates that human mast cells contain uridine, an integral ingredient of RNA, and ribonucleoproteins, known to associate with small nuclear RNAs important for splicing RNA precursors, several ribonucleoproteins with possible functions in other aspects of RNA biology and ribonucleoproteins known to associate with ribosomes. These findings should catalyse future work toward establishing the full functional repertoire of secretory-storage granules.     

An immunocytochemical study of the endocrine pancreas in the Australian fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata)

Summary The endocrine pancreas of the Australian fattailed dunnart, Sminthopsis crassicaudata, was investigated by means of electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry using the protein A-gold technique on London resin (LR) white-embedded tissue. The primary antibodies used were raised against insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide. The morphology of the secretory granules differed in the four cell types. The insulin cells are pleomorphic, and the secretory granules composed of an electron-dense core surrounded by an electron-lucen halo. The glucago cells possess granules with an electron-dense core usually surrounded by a halo of less dense granular material. Somatostatin cells have large, less dense secretory granules. The pancreatic polypeptide cells show small, dense secretory granules. In order for an ultrastructural study to be considered reliable for the definite identification of endocrine cell types, it is essential that it be corroborated by immunocytochemical data at the light-or preferably electron-microscopic level. Recent developments in immuno-electron-microscopic techniques have contributed to a better knowledge of cells responsible for the secretion of a wide variety of hormones, as in this study.     

Ultrastructural localization of chromogranin: a potential marker for the electron microscopical recognition of endocrine cell secretory granules

Summary Using a monoclonal antibody (LK2H10) directed against human chromogranin, we have been able to localize this soluble glycoprotein to the matrix of secretory granules from a wide variety of endocrine cells. In the gut, enterochromaffin, enteroglucagon, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, gastrin, and neurotensin-containing cells exhibit chromogranin immunoreactivity. In our system, chromogranin-immunoreactive material was restricted to the halo of human pancreatic glucagon-containing secretory granules within A-cells. Chromogranin immunoreactivity was also localized to secretory granules in phaeochromocytomas, gastrinomas, medullary carcinomas of the thyroid and a carotid body tumour (chemodectoma). Chromogranin is proposed as a potential marker for the ultrastructural recognition of endocrine cell secretory granules.     

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) can bind heparin and other glycosaminoglycans through its RNase active site

The eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is an eosinophil‐secreted RNase involved in the immune host defense, with a cytotoxic activity against a wide range of pathogens. During inflammation and eosinophilia disorders, ECP is secreted to the inflammation area, where it would contribute to the immune response. ECP secretion causes also severe damage to the host own tissues. ECP presents a high affinity for heparin and this property might be crucial for its immunomodulating properties, antipathogen action, and its toxicity against eukaryotic cells. ECP, also known as human RNase 3, belongs to the mammalian RNase A superfamily and its RNase activity is required for some of its biological properties. We have now proven that ECP heparin binding affinity depends on its RNase catalytic site, as the enzymatic activity is blocked by heparin. We have applied molecular modeling to analyze ECP binding to heparin representative probes, and identified protein residues at the catalytic and substrate binding sites that could contribute to the interaction. ECP affinity for heparin and other negatively charged glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) can explain not only its binding to the eukaryote cells glycocalix but also the reported high affinity for the specific carbohydrates at bacteria cell wall, promoting its antimicrobial action. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ultrastructural and cytochemical study of a mucous gland of the foot of Mytilus galloprovincialis

The ultrastructural study of the ventral pair mucous gland (VPMG) of the foot of Mytilus galloprovincialis shows the presence of two cell types (type I and II cells) characterized by the cytoarchitecture typical of mucous secreting cells and distinct for the different structure of their secretory granules. The cytochemical tests performed on semithin (1 micron) and ultrathin sections show that type I secretory granules are made up of proteinaceous nucleoids and of a microfilamentous matrix containing both carboxylated and sulphated glycosaminoglycans. Type II secretory granules are mainly formed by glycoproteins. The ultrastructural and cytochemical studies do not support the hypothesis that VPMG secretions directly contribute to the formation of byssus threads. It is more probable that such secretions provide a protective and lubricating blanket during the multistep process of secretion, moulding and extrusion of byssus threads.     

Ultrastructural cytochemical, immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization methods with polyuridine probes detect mRNA in human mast cell granules

Mature human mast cells are classical secretory cells that are filled with secretory-storage granules but are poorly endowed with visible free or membrane-bound cytoplasmic ribosomes. We recently reported close associations of ribosomes and various components essential to RNA metabolism in and close to human mast cell granules using multiple ultrastructural imaging methods. In view of these findings and an increased awareness of RNA sorting and localization to specific subcellular sites and organelles, we used human mast cells purified from non-tumour portions of lung samples resected at surgery for carcinoma and ultrastructural methods to investigate this further. Poly(U) probes were used to detect direct en grid binding, and radiolabelled as well as non-radiolabelled poly(U) probes were used in in situ hybridization protocols to detect poly(A)-positive pre-mRNA and mRNA in nuclear, cytoplasmic and granular compartments of mature human mast cells. Negative controls verified specificity of label; expected nuclear and cytoplasmic locations of poly(A)-positive RNA served as positive controls for each sample. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that site-specific synthesis in secretory-storage granules may occur in secretory cells.     

Ultrastructural changes in the oviductal mucosa throughout the sexual cycle in Bufo arenarum

In Bufo arenarum the oviduct exhibits conspicuous changes throughout the sexual cycle. In the present study, we analyzed the optical and ultrastructural characteristics of the oviductal pars convoluta mucosa, the portion responsible for jelly secretion, during both the preovulatory and postovulatory periods. Secretory epithelial cells, ciliated cells, basal cells, and glandular cells are described. Secretory epithelial cells are characterized by the presence of secretory granules, the size, shape and electron density of which vary markedly. Their contents are mainly released by exocytosis into the oviductal lumen. Moreover, in the preovulatory period, apocrine, and holocrine secretion processes frequently occur. During the postovulatory period, these cells exhibit a marked diminution of secretory granules. Ciliated cells show a typical ultrastructural organization. Basal cells are distinguished in the lower part of the epithelium by their heterochromatic nuclei and electron‐lucent cytoplasm. These cells, to the best of our knowledge, are reported for the first time in Amphibia. Glandular cells exhibit oval, round, or polyhedric granules, most of them with one or more cores. Our results indicate that the contents of epithelial and glandular secretory cells are partially secreted during the preovulatory period. Additional secretion occurs during the transit of the oocytes. J. Morphol. 239:61–73, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Ultrastructural localization of RNA in the chromatoid bodies of undifferentiated cells (neoblasts) in planarians by the RNase–gold complex technique

Undifferentiated cells of planarians (Platyhelminthes, Turbellaria), also called neoblasts, are totipotent stem cells, which give rise to all differentiated cell types, while maintaining their own density by cell proliferation. Neoblasts are the only somatic cells of planarians bearing chromatoid bodies in their cytoplasm; these organelles disappear as differentiation takes place. Studies on germinal cells of several groups of organisms have shown that chromatoid bodies contain substantial amounts of RNA. To test its presence in neoblasts, we have used an RNase–gold technique. We found chromatoid bodies labeled with RNase–gold particles. Heterogeneity in the density of the label, may be correlated with the functionality and complexity of these organelles. The gold marker was also present over the nucleus and rough endoplasmic reticulum, but mitochondria, secretory granules, and the extracellular space were devoid of label. This specific localization of RNA in planarian chromatoid bodies supports earlier findings on germ cells and embryonic cells in a variety of organisms, indicating that chromatoid bodies are information-storage structures, essential during the process of cell differentiation. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Identification of glucagon-producing cells (A cells) in dog gastric mucosa

An immunocytochemical technique using specific antiglucagon serum reveals the presence of glucagon-containing cells situated exclusively in the oxyntic glandular mucosa of the dog stomach. Electron microscope examination of the mucosa demonstrated endocrine cells containing secretory granules with a round dense core surrounded by a clear halo, indistinguishable from secretory granules of pancreatic A cells. Like the alpha granules of pancreatic A cells, the granules of these gastric endocrine cells exhibited a peripheral distribution of silver grains after Grimelius silver staining. Moreover, the granules of these cells were found to be specifically labeled with reaction product, using the peroxidase immunocytochemical technique at the ultrastructural level. Accordingly, these cells were named gastric A cells. These data suggest that the gastric oxyntic mucosa contains cells indistinguishable cytologically, cytochemically, and immunocytochemically from pancreatic A cells. It is believed that gastric A cells are responsible for the secretion of the gastric glucagon.     

Adriamycin Binds to the Matrix of Secretory Granules during Mast Cell Exocytosis

The antineoplastic drug adriamycin induces exocytosis in rat peritoneal mast cells followed by a significant uptake of the drug into the secretory granules. The drug is fluorescent, allowing visualization of its accumulation and binding to mast cell granules by fluorescence microscopy. At the same time, the well known inorganic dye ruthenium red was used as a probe because of its great affinity for heparin in the mast cell secretory granules as visualized by bright field microscopy. Competition between adriamycin and ruthenium red for binding to the negatively charged matrix of granules was demonstrated. Biochemical studies were also performed to confirm microscopic observations. Adriamycin may be of interest for studying mast cell secretion; it is not only a strong fluorescent dye for mast cell granules that are in communication with the extracellular space, but it also induces mast cell exocytosis.     

Simultaneous localization of calcitonin mRNA and peptide in a medullary thyroid carcinoma

We report the visualization of calcitonin gene expression products at the mRNA and peptide levels on the same section of a medullary thyroid carcinoma by combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. mRNA detection was accomplished by hybridization with radioactively labeled antisense RNA probes followed by autoradiography and immunohistochemically using the avidin-biotin complex method. Best results were obtained when in situ hybridization preceded immunohistochemistry, as determined by quantitative analysis of the autoradiographs. When immunohistochemistry was performed prior to in situ hybridization, the RNase inhibitor heparin had to be added to the antibodies to retain hybridizable mRNA. The intensity of the two reactions varied in individual cells, indicating a functional heterogeneity of tumor cells with regard to calcitonin mRNA content and storage of the related immunoreactive peptide. These results, in combination with elevated serum calcitonin levels, suggest significant differences in the rate of secretion of individual tumor cells. Simultaneous localization of mRNA and its peptide within the same cell may, therefore, provide further insight into gene expression and secretory activity at the single cell level.     

Immunocytochemical characterization of two thyroid medullary carcinoma cell linesin vitro

Summary The immunocytochemical characterization of cell lines originating from thyroid medullary carcinoma, i.e. human TT cells and rat rMTC 6-23 cells, was undertaken. The immunocytochemical studies were supplemented by ultrastructural studies, including ultrastructural immunocytochemistry, and by radioimmunological estimation of calcitonin secretion to the medium. In rMTC 6-23 cells (subcultures 24 to 30), no hormone presence was demonstrated immunocytochemically, which corresponded to the absence of secretory granules at the ultrastructural level. Of various proteins sought, only neuron-specific enolase could be demonstrated. Nevertheless, the cells secreted calcitonin into the medium. TT cells (passages 145 to 160) produced secretory granules. The granules contained calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, somatostatin, neurotensin, met-enkephalin, leu-enkephalin, gastrin releasing peptide, parathyroid hormone-related protein, functional proteins of the chromogranin group and synaptophysin. Other functional proteins found in the cytosol of TT cells included non-specific enolase, calbindin and tyrosine hydroxylase. Receptor for calcitriol was localized in the cell nucleus. Marker proteins were localized in the cytosol (carcinoembryonic antigen) and in the cell skeleton (-tubulin, cytokeratin). Following changes in ionized calcium levels in the medium, changes in calcitonin secretion and in immunocytochemical detectability of some hormones and functional proteins were observed. TT cells demonstrated the expression of numerous hormones and functional proteins associated with calcitonin secretion. Further, the cells in their ultrastructure, immunocytochemical and secretory characteristics, resemble more closely normal parafollicular cells of the thyroid and, in our opinion, represent a more appropriate model for functional studies.     

Reduction of the disulfide bond of chromogranin B (secretogranin I) in the trans-Golgi network causes its missorting to the constitutive secretory pathways.

The role of the single, highly conserved disulfide bond in chromogranin B (secretogranin I) on the sorting of this regulated secretory protein to secretory granules was investigated in the neuroendocrine cell line PC12. Treatment of PC12 cells with dithiothreitol (DTT), a membrane permeable thiol reducing agent known to prevent disulfide bond formation in intact cells, resulted in the secretion of newly synthesized chromogranin B, but only slightly decreased the intracellular storage of newly synthesized secretogranin II, a regulated secretory protein devoid of cysteines. The secretion of newly synthesized chromogranin B in the presence of DTT occurred with similar kinetics to those of a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, a known marker of the constitutive secretory pathway in PC12 cells. Analysis of the various secretory vesicles derived from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) indicated that DTT treatment diverted newly synthesized chromogranin B to constitutive secretory vesicles, whereas the packaging of secretogranin II into immature secretory granules was unaffected by the reducing agent. The chromogranin B molecules diverted to constitutive secretory vesicles, in contrast to those stored in secretory granules, were found to contain free sulfhydryl residues. The effect of DTT on chromogranin B occurred in the TGN rather than in the endoplasmic reticulum. We conclude that the sorting of CgB in the TGN to secretory granules is dependent upon the integrity of its single disulfide bond.     

Expression of airway secretory epithelial functions by lung carcinoma cells

We examined 12 non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines for expression of airway goblet, serous, and mucous cell characteristics. The cells expressed some ultrastructural traits of secretory epithelial cells but none contained secretory granules typical of the airway secretory cells. Using immunocytochemistry and cell-specific monoclonal antibodies, we identified heterogeneous expression of goblet, mucous, and serous cell markers among the cell lines. After metabolic radiolabeling, cells incorporated isotope into high molecular weight material. Incubation of pulse-radiolabeled cells with a number of known mucus secretogogues revealed that 5 of the 12 cell lines released radiolabeled material in response to the agonists. However, in each cell line only one of the receptor-activated pathways tested was intact. Although we did not identify a single cell line expressing a phenotype similar to normal airway secretory cells, particular functions retained by some of these cell lines may make them useful for specific studies of mucus production or secretion.     

Carbonic anhydrase in the rat salivary glands: distribution and ultrastructural localization

Rat salivary glands were studied by Hanson's method to specify the ultrastructural localization of carbonic anhydrase (CA). Two different procedures were used: 1) The embedding of the tissues in water-soluble resins, followed by the incubation of the resin sections on the medium. 2) The embedding in epon-araldite of previously incubated frozen sections. Light and electron microscopy were used to observe the distribution and the ultrastructural localization of the cobalt precipitate. In parotid and mandibular glands, CA was localized in the secretion granules and the hyaloplasma of the secretory endpieces. The enzyme was also detected on the basal and lateral membranes of the striated duct cells in the three glands. In the convoluted granular duct cells of the mandibular gland CA was found in the hyaloplasma only. In the sublingual gland, CA was localized in the hyaloplasma of the serous crescents and no activity was detected in the mucous tubules. As regards the localization of the enzyme in the granules of the secretory endpieces of parotid and mandibular glands, it appears that CA has to be considered as a secretory product of these cells; this localization is consistent with the presence of the enzyme in rat saliva.     

Fine structure of the external nasal gland of two lizards (Podarcis sicula campestris and Chalcides chalcides)

In this study, we describe the ultrastructural features of the external nasal gland in two lizards: ruin lizard (Podarcis sicula campestris) and seps (Chalcides chalcides). Two secretory cell types, which differ interspecifically, have been found in the secretory endpieces of the glandular tubules in both species examined. An unusual morphological observation was the presence of paracrystalline structures in the secretory granules of the seromucous cells of the external nasal gland of the seps. These structures may be related to the packaging mechanism of glycoproteins or to their macromolecular structure. They may also reflect segregation of heterogeneous subcomponents within the same secretory granule. The striated cells are located in the distal segment of the glandular tubules, and have the typical ultrastructural features of the cells which in some species of reptiles, but not in these two lizards, are known to be capable of elaborating a hyperosmotic saline solution.     

Protein kinase C-dependent supply of secretory granules to the plasma membrane

To elucidate the mechanism for supplying secretory granules to the cell membrane, chromaffin cells isolated from the bovine adrenal medulla were observed by the evanescent wave microscopy after staining their granules with acridine orange. The secretory granules showed only a very small fluctuation, indicating their docking to the plasma membrane. The rate and range of movement increased greatly by application of botulinum toxin A or C. The number of secretory granules docked to the plasma membrane significantly decreased by botulinum toxin C. Conversely, the number increased greatly by activation of protein kinase C with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu). In the presence of an anti-actin reagent cytochalasin D, no increasing effect of PDBu on the number of docked granules was observed. While in the presence of an anti-mitotic reagent, colchicine, a clear increasing effect of PDBu was observed. The final step for supplying granules to the plasma membrane in endocrine cells is concluded to be mediated by a phosphorylation-dependent and actin-based transport system.     

Ultrastructural changes of the teleostean hatching gland cell during natural and electrically induced precocious secretion.

Ultrastructural changes of the hatching gland during electrically induced precocious secretion were compared with those during natural secretion in the medaka, Oryzias latipes. The gland cells are covered by a layer of epithelial cells, which adjoin one another just on the apical center of each gland cell. When the natural as well as the precocious secretion occurred, each gland cell was swollen upward and rounded, and separation of the epithelial joints occurred, giving rise to an exposure of the apical portion of the gland cells. There were marked differences between these two kinds of secretion process in the behavior of the secretory granules prior to secretion and in the mode of discharge of the secretory substances. The changes which occurred during both types of secretion and which, therefore, seemed to be essential to the secretory processes of this gland cell were the swelling up of the gland cells in the initiation of secretion and the reduction of the electron density of the zymogen granules. These secretion-associated ultrastructural changes are discussed in view of the difference in the maturation of the gland cells.