Quantitative Assessment of Specificity in Immunoelectron Microscopy

In immunoelectron microscopy (immuno-EM) on ultrathin sections, gold particles are used for localization of molecular components of cells. These particles are countable, and quantitative methods have been established to estimate and evaluate the density and distribution of “raw” gold particle counts from a single uncontrolled labeling experiment. However, these raw counts are composed of two distinct elements: particles that are specific (specific labeling) and particles that are not (nonspecific labeling) for the target component. So far, approaches for assessment of specific labeling and for correction of raw gold particle counts to reveal specific labeling densities and distributions have not attracted much attention. Here, we discuss experimental strategies for determining specificity in immuno-EM, and we present methods for quantitative assessment of (1) the probability that an observed gold particle is specific for the target, (2) the density of specific labeling, and (3) the distribution of specific labeling over a series of compartments. These methods should be of general utility for researchers investigating the distribution of cellular components using on-section immunogold labeling. (J Histochem Cytochem 58:917–927, 2010)     

Electron Microscopy of the Nucleic Acid of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MTV) was isolated from the milk of RIII mice by density-gradient centrifugation in Ficoll. The homogeneity of the preparation was demonstrated in electron micrographs. The nucleic acid was extracted with phenol in the presence of Pronase. Its viral origin was attested by failure of ribo-nuclease and deoxyribonuclease treatment of the virus preparation to destroy the filamentous molecules; after phenol extraction, the molecules were destroyed by ribonuclease but not by deoxyribonuclease. Rotary shadowed preparations were examined in the electron microscope. The length distribution of the RNA filaments showed peaks at 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 mum. The molecular weight of the longest molecule of MTV-RNA was estimated as 3.6 x 10(6) daltons.     

Differential Silver Enhanced Double Labeling in Immunoelectron Microscopy

A two-sided double labeling method using protein A gold was used to demonstrate the presence of two hormones within the same anterior pituitary cell granule. A single probe size was used for both section faces but one side of the grid was silver enhanced. The use of a single probe size reduced the cost of the study and eliminated the variations in labeling efficiency that result from the use of different probe sizes.     

玻璃粉吸附核酸及其在植物核酸提取中应用的研究

为研究玻璃粉在植物核酸提取中的应用,比较了玻璃粉颗粒大小、离液盐种类及浓度、pH等条件对玻璃粉吸附核酸的影响,得出玻璃粉吸附核酸的各种最佳条件。结果表明,普通玻璃粉吸附核酸能力强于硅胶和硅藻土,玻璃粉颗粒的直径以83 μm为佳,pH 4.0时吸附效果达到最大。提取DNA时,NaCl浓度应大于3 mol/L,而提取RNA时,异硫氰酸胍大于2 mol/L就能取得很好的效果,此外,在玻璃粉吸附RNA前,需要加入50%以上的无水乙醇才能更好地吸附。利用玻璃粉制作简易纯化柱,可用于植物组织核酸提取纯化,所提取的核酸纯度高、完整性好,可用于酶切、杂交和PCR等实验。与传统方法相比,采用玻璃粉简易离心柱提取植物核酸,效果好、环保、快速、经济。     

Preparation of Mouse Brain Tissue for Immunoelectron Microscopy

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is extremely useful for visualizing microglial, oligodendrocytic, astrocytic, and neuronal subcellular compartments (dendrite, dendritic spine, axon, axon terminal, perikaryon), as well as their intracellular organelles and cytoskeleton, in the central nervous system at high spatial resolution. Combined with TEM, pre-embedding immunocytochemistry allows the discrimination of cellular elements with few distinctive features and identification criteria (e.g., microglial perikarya and processes, when using an antibody against the microglia-specific marker Iba1 (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1; as presented here)), identifying the neurotransmitter contents of cellular elements (e.g., serotonergic) and their ultrastructural localization of soluble or membrane-bound proteins (e.g., 5 HT1A and EphA4 receptors). Here, we describe a protocol for transcardiac perfusion of mice with acrolein fixative, removal and sectioning of the brain, as well as immunoperoxidase-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining, resin embedding, and ultrathin sectioning of the brain sections. Upon completion of these procedures, the immunostained material is ready for examination with TEM. When rigorously performed, this technique provides an excellent compromise between optimal ultrastructural preservation and immunocytochemical detection.Download video file.^{(101M, mp4)}     

Inhibitors acting on Nucleic Acid Synthesis in an Oncogenic RNA Virus

IN infection with an oncogenic RNA virus, synthesis of viral RNA seems to be catalysed by an RNA dependent DNA polymerase in the host cell^1–4. Several specific inhibitors of viral DNA polymerases have been found^5–7 and Spiegelman⁸ has shown that the activity of viral enzymes depends strongly on the chemical composition of the template. We report here first a new highly specific poison of the Rauscher murine leukaemia virus (RMLV) DNA polymerases; second, several inactivators of the RNA and DNA template involved in the RMLV enzyme systems; and third, the action of actinomycin D on viral DNA polymerases and on host DNA/RNA polymerase. The results are discussed with respect to the influence of actinomycin D on virus multiplication.     

Affinity Purification of DNA and RNA from Environmental Samples with Peptide Nucleic Acid Clamps

Bispeptide nucleic acids (bis-PNAs; PNA clamps), PNA oligomers, and DNA oligonucleotides were evaluated as affinity purification reagents for subfemtomolar 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and rRNA targets in soil, sediment, and industrial air filter nucleic acid extracts. Under low-salt hybridization conditions (10 mM NaPO₄, 5 mM disodium EDTA, and 0.025% sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS]) a PNA clamp recovered significantly more target DNA than either PNA or DNA oligomers. The efficacy of PNA clamps and oligomers was generally enhanced in the presence of excess nontarget DNA and in a low-salt extraction-hybridization buffer. Under high-salt conditions (200 mM NaPO₄, 100 mM disodium EDTA, and 0.5% SDS), however, capture efficiencies with the DNA oligomer were significantly greater than with the PNA clamp and PNA oligomer. Recovery and detection efficiencies for target DNA concentrations of ≥100 pg were generally >20% but depended upon the specific probe, solution background, and salt condition. The DNA probe had a lower absolute detection limit of 100 fg of target (830 zM [1 zM = 10⁻²¹ M]) in high-salt buffer. In the absence of exogenous DNA (e.g., soil background), neither the bis-PNA nor the PNA oligomer achieved the same absolute detection limit even under a more favorable low-salt hybridization condition. In the presence of a soil background, however, both PNA probes provided more sensitive absolute purification and detection (830 zM) than the DNA oligomer. In varied environmental samples, the rank order for capture probe performance in high-salt buffer was DNA > PNA > clamp. Recovery of 16S rRNA from environmental samples mirrored quantitative results for DNA target recovery, with the DNA oligomer generating more positive results than either the bis-PNA or PNA oligomer, but PNA probes provided a greater incidence of detection from environmental samples that also contained a higher concentration of nontarget DNA and RNA. Significant interactions between probe type and environmental sample indicate that the most efficacious capture system depends upon the particular sample type (and background nucleic acid concentration), target (DNA or RNA), and detection objective.     

Three-Dimensional Immunoelectron Microscopy of Scorpion Hemocyanin Labeled with a Monoclonal Fab Fragment

An immunocomplex of the 4 × 6-meric hemocyanin of the scorpion Androctonus australis with the monoclonal Fab fragment L104 was reconstructed from electron micrographs of a negatively stained specimen, using the double-carbon-layer technique. The resulting structure enables a clear visualization of the Fab fragments bound to the four copies of the Aa6 subunit and directly confirms a previous localization of the L104 epitope deduced from two-dimensional image processing. Despite a strong flattening effect produced by the negative-staining technique the orientations of the Fab fragments are well characterized. Moreover, the observation of a central hole within the elbow bends of the Fab fragments provides information about the disposition of the Fabs around their main axis.     

Localization of Branching Enzyme in Potato Tuber Cells with the Use of Immunoelectron Microscopy

Potato branching enzyme, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of starch, was localized in amyloplasts in starch-storage cells of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with the use of immunogold electron microscopy. Branching enzyme was found in the amyloplast stroma, concentrated at the interface of the stroma and the surface of the starch granule. ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, a key regulatory enzyme in starch synthesis, was localized for comparison to exclude possible artifacts. ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, in contrast with branching enzyme, proved to be evenly distributed throughout the stroma. Branching enzyme also appears to be present in a membrane-bounded inclusion body in the stroma, whereas ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is not. The presence of branching enzyme predominantly at the surface of the starch granule indicates that branching takes place at that surface and not throughout the amyloplast stroma.     

New Silver-Gold Intensification Method of Diaminobenzidine for Double-Labeling Immunoelectron Microscopy

The available methods for double-labeling preembedding immunoelectron microscopy are highly limited because not only should the ultrastructure be preserved, but also the different antigens should be visualized by reaction end products that can be clearly distinguished in gray-scale images. In these procedures, one antigen is detected with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) chromogen, resulting in a homogeneous deposit, whereas the other is labeled with either a gold-tagged immunoreagent, or DAB polymer, on the surface of which metallic silver is precipitated. The detection of the second antigen is usually impeded by the first, leading to false-negative results. The authors aimed to diminish this hindrance by a new silver intensification technique of DAB polymer, which converts the deposit from amorphous to granular. The method includes three major postdevelopmental steps: (1) treatment of nickel-enhanced DAB with sulfide, (2) silver deposition in the presence of hydroquinone under acidic conditions, and (3) precious metal replacement with gold thiocyanate. This new sulfide-silver-gold intensification of DAB (SSGI) allows a subsequent detection of other antigens using DAB. In conclusion, the new technique loads fine gold particles onto the DAB deposit at a very low background level, thereby allowing a reliable discernment between the elements stained for the two antigens at the ultrastructural level.     

Nucleoli Visualized by Silver Staining Combined with A New Rna-Specific Fluorochrome

A technique for distinguishing nucleolar components by light microscopy is described. Silver staining is used for localizing nucleolar-organizing regions. A new RNA-specific fluorochrome, 4'-6-bis(2'-imidazoliny1-4'-5'H)-2-phenyl-4'-phenoxindole, visualizes the RNA-containing “partes-fibrillares et granulares” of the nucleolus. Both staining procedures can be combined to analyze nucleolar structure and function by light microscopy.     

同步PCR技术及其在植物核酸分子定量中的应用

同步PCR是一种集生化、光电和计算机技术于一体的封闭式DNA扩增系统,采用荧光染料将扩增与检测过程结合在一起,实现了在PCR过程中在线显示PCR反应,通过检测荧光强度来绝对定量起始模板的拷贝数。该技术大大简化和加速了核酸分子的定量过程,不仅快速、灵敏、准确、重复性好,而且很容易计算出待测样品中核酸分子的绝对起始拷贝数。同微阵列等分子生物技术一起,同步PcR技术将会在功能基因解析和病害分子诊断等方面发挥重要作用。本综述除了介绍同步．PCR技术的原理和应用外,还介绍了定量拟南芥,Aux／正4,4基因的转录水平的实验,并就同步PCR操作过程中的问题进行了讨论。     

激光共聚焦扫描观察脑片及其神经元内RNA与DNA变化的技术

本研究采用双重染料Ａｃｒｉｄｉｎｅ Ｏｒａｎｇｅ（ＡＯ）对常规长时程增强（ＬＴＰ）电生理实验后的视皮层脑片进行荧光标记,并应用激光共聚焦扫描显微镜（ｃｏｎｆｏｃａｌ ｌａｓｅｒ ｓｃａｎｎｉｎｇ ｍｉｃｒｏｓｃｏｐｅ,ＣＬＳＭ）,测定ＬＴＰ形成过程中脑片局部ＲＮＡ和ＤＮＡ的变化。结果表明：长明程增强的诱导期与维持期脑片空白对照组比较,视皮层ＯＣ１区局部ＲＮＡ显著增高。此外,本研究还对使用激光扫描共     

Cytochemistry of RNA in metaphase chromosomes of human PHA-blasts

RNA which is resistant in situ to ribonuclease in solutions of high ionic strength was demonstrated in interphase nuclei and metaphase chromosomes of human PHA-blasts. Since the synthesis of this RNase-resistant RNA is not affected by actinomycin D it is likely that it is of a non-ribosomal type. The resistance to ribonuclease is confirmed in part by the formation of RNA-protein complexes. Two features are characteristic of the localization of this type of RNA within the chromosome: (1) its localization in the telomeric regions; (2) its symmetrical distribution in sister chromatids.     

核酸纯化柱提取核酸定量检测丙型肝炎病毒RNA的临床应用

目的:探究核酸纯化柱提取核酸定量检测血浆标本中丙型肝炎病毒核糖核酸(HCV-RNA)的临床应用效果。方法:将2013年8-11月期间我院600例抗-HCV阳性丙肝患者的样本,按随机字数表法分为研究组对照组各300例,分别采用核酸纯化柱和酚-氯仿提取法检测,采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(FQ-PCR)技术定量检测两组HCV-RNA水平。结果:研究组检测阳性率为87.67%(263/300),显著高于和对照组的54.0%(162/300),差异有统计学意义(X2=82.296,P=0.000);两组HCV-RNA检测水平差异无统计学意义(u=1.721,P=0.067)。结论:核酸柱提法定量检测血浆HCV-RNA操作简单、快速,分离效率高,容易掌握,值得临床推广。