Light and electron microscopical combined staining by immunohistochemical and enzyme histochemical methods using rat prolactin-secreting pituitary tumours

Summary Combined immunohistochemical staining (IHCS) and enzyme histochemical staining (EHCS) methods for light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) are reported, using oestrogeninduced rat pituitary tumours. For LM, combined staining for alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase by EHCS, using the azo dye method, and for prolactin and ACTH by IHCS, using the enzyme-labelled antibody method, gave the best results on 1 m glycol methacrylate sections. For EM, combined staining by EHCS on 30 m tissue sections followed by IHCS for prolactin on ultrathin Epon sections (enzyme-labelled antibody method) provided acceptable results. By these combined staining methods, the neoplastic prolactin cells were shown to have close affinity to rich alkaline phosphatase-positive capillaries and to possess an alkaline phosphatase-positive cell membrane. Furthermore, they revealed acid phosphatase-positive lysosomal and secretory granules. These combined staining methods may be valuable in studies on the actual functional status of cells.     

Simultaneous demonstration of bone alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in plastic-embedded sections and differential inhibition of the activities

Summary Bone alkaline (AlP) and acid phosphatase (AcP) activities were simultaneusly demonstrated in tissue sections obtained from mice, rats, and humans. The method involved tissue fixation in ethanol, embedding in glycol methacrylate (GMA), and demonstration of AlP and AcP activities employing a simultaneous coupling azo dye technique using substituted naphthol phosphate as a substrate. AlP activity was demonstrated first followed by AcP activity. Both enzyme activities were demonstrated in tissue sections from bones fixed and/or stored in acetone or 70% ethanol for up to 14 days or stored in GMA for 2 months. AlP activity in tissue sections from bones fixed in 10% formalin, 2% glutaraldehyde, or formal-calcium, however, was markedly inhibited after 3–7 days and was no longer detectable after 14 days of fixation. Moreover, AlP activity was diminished in tissue sections from bones fixed in 70% ethanol or 10% formalin and subsequently demineralized in 10% EDTA (pH7) for 2 days, and the activity was completely abolished in tissue sections from bones subsequently demineralized in 5% formic acid: 20% sodium citrate (1:1, pH 4.2) for 2 days. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) embedding at concentrations above 66% completely inhibited AlP activity. AcP activity, however, was only partially inhibited by formalin, glutaraldehyde, or formal-calcium after 7 or 14 days of fixation or by MMA embedding and was unaffected by the demineralizing agent formic acid-citrate for 2 days. While AcP activity was preserved in bones fixed in formalin and subsequently demineralized in EDTA, the activity was completely abolished when EDTA demineralization was carried out on bones previously fixed in 70% ethanol. These results indicate that bone AlP and AcP activities can be demonstrated simultaneously in the same section using a simple tissue preparation technique and that the activities are retained in tissues fixed and/or stored in acetone, 70% ethanol or GMA, but are differentially inactivated by other fixatives studied, and by EDTA, formic acid-citrate, and MMA embedding.Abbreviations AcP acid phosphatase - AlP alkaline phosphatase - GMA glycol methacrylate - MMA methyl methacrylate - EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid     

Identification of non-specific alkaline phosphatases in hyphal cells of the fungus Neurospora crassa by in situ histochemistry

The present study was designed to identify alkaline phosphatases in non-permeabilized hyphal cells of the fungus Neurospora crassa by staining these enzymatic activities with a modified azo dye coupling method. Our strategy allowed the identification of three non-specific alkaline phosphatase activities, one of them possibly being a novel putative enzyme, which is not responsive to either Mg(2+) or EDTA. Another alkaline phosphatase activity, whose location in the hyphal cell is regulated by phosphate, is stimulated by Mg(2+), inhibited by EDTA, and somehow dependent on the expression of the pho-2(+) -encoded Pi-repressible alkaline phosphatase.     

Cerium as amplifying agent--an improved cerium-perhydroxide-DAB-nickel (Ce/Ce-H2O2-DAB-Ni) method for the visualization of cerium phosphate in resin sections

A new visualization (Ce/Ce-H2O2-DAB-Ni) procedure for cerium (Ce III) phosphate in semithin and ultrathin plastic sections (Epon 812, Lowicryl K4M, glycol methacrylate) of rat kidney tissues that had been incubated before embedding for the demonstration of phosphatases (alkaline and acid phosphatase, 5(1)-nucleotidase, Mg-dependent ATPase) is described. For this purpose the hydrophobic Epon resin was removed in NaOH-ethanol solution, whereas the hydrophilic Lowicryl and methacrylate sections did not required any etching. The primary reaction product Ce III-phosphate was amplified in a Ce III-citrate solution, subsequently oxidized with H2O2 and then visualized in a H2O2 containing DAB-nickel medium (Ce IV-perhydroxy induced DAB polymerization principle). The method yielded a very clear localization of enzyme activity. The final reaction product (DAB-nickel polymers) in 0.5 - 2.0 microns semithin sections is blue-black; the background staining is completely prevented. An increase of the staining contrast was obtained by posttreatment with OsO4 (osmium black formation). Furthermore, the enzyme reaction product could be demonstrated in 40 nm thick ultrathin sections by silver intensification, which utilized the high argyrophilia of the polymerized DAB-nickel complexes. This procedure replaces the earlier published technique.     

Fluorescent cytochemistry of acid phosphatase and demonstration of fluid-phase endocytosis using an azo dye method

 The aim of this work was the development of a fluorescent microscopy technique to visualize acid phosphatase activity in living and pre-fixed cells. We have shown that a coupling azo dye method, using naphthol AS-MX phosphate (NP) as substrate and fast red TR (FR) as a diazonium salt coupling agent, gives rise to a fluorescent azo dye reaction product which permits a highly sensitive demonstration of lysosomal acid phosphatase in both living and pre-fixed monolayer cell cultures. The granular staining is prevented by inhibition of acid phosphatase activity using fluoride and/or orthovanadate in both living and pre-fixed preparations. Lysosomal staining in living cells is also abolished by inhibition of fluid-phase endocytosis using low temperatures or inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. It was shown that whilst NP entered living cells by passive diffusion, occurrence of FR in lysosomes resulted from fluid-phase endocytosis. Spectroscopic analysis of the emission and absorption features of FR, NP, naphthol AS-MX (N), and the N–FR azo dye reaction product in solution corroborated our microscopic results. The differing uptake mechanisms, and the occurrence of lysosomally localized azo dye, were also in keeping with the predictions of quantitative structure–activity relationship models of this system. Accepted: 24 April 1997     

Sulfation as a collagen-specific reaction The ultrastructure of sulfate collagen,basement membranes and reticulin fibers as shown by topo-optical staining reactions

Summary Sulfation induces hyperbasophilia in connective tissue structures (fibrillary collagen, basement membranes and reticulin fibers), which appear metachromatic with toluidine blue at pH 1.0 and strongly birefringent with inversion of their positive birefringence into negative birefringence indicating transversally oriented and closely packed dye molecules on the micellar surface of collagen. Quantitative studies of the sulfation induced topooptical staining reaction following blocking of the vicinal glycol groups by periodate and the enzymatic removal of AMP support the view that carbohydrate glycol groups play only a minor part and the OH side-groups of the collagen peptide chains play the major part in the sulfation reaction of fibrillary collagen and basement membranes.After blocking of the vicinal glycol groups of carbohydrate components by periodate, sulfation induced toluidine blue hyperbasophilia with strong negative birefringence associated with selective proteolytic sensitivity are collagen-specific characeteristics due to sulfate esterification on the OH groups of the peptide chains of collagen, which provide new approach to the study of the ultrastructure of connective tissue elements in physiology and pathology.     

Quantification of nephrotoxicity in rabbits by automated morphometry of alkaline phosphatase stained kidney sections

Summary Male and female rabbits were injected intravenously with a single dose of either cefroxadine or cefsulodin or cephaloridine. Quantitative determinations of the activity of two brush border membrane enzymes, aminopeptidase and alaline phosphatase, were made in homogenates of cortical kidney tissue, in the urine and morphometrically in proximal tubules of cryostat sections. Morphometry was done by classification and enumeration of proximal tubule sections with the same level of enzyme reaction product using a microscopic television analysis system. By comparison with the control values, no changes were detectable 24 h after the injection of up to 1.2 g cefroxadine or cefsulodin per kg body weight. By contrast, after 300 mg/kg cephaloridine, the concentrations of the two enzymes were decreased in a large number of proximal tubules, i.e. the bursh border membranes, and concomitantly cell degeneration and necrosis took place. Alkaline phosphatase activity in sections and tissue homogenates was reduced to a greater extent than aminopeptidase activity. A corresponding, significant increase in enzymic activity in the urine was only demonstrable in respect of aminopeptidase. The classification of proximal tubules in tissue sections by television analysis on the basis of alkaline phosphatase reaction product concentration appears to be a reliable measure for detecting and quantifying toxic effects on proximal tubules of kidney.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Gerhard Pfleiderer on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

Localization mechanisms in enzyme cytochemistry studied with alkaline phosphatase-loaded erythrocyte ghosts

Erythrocyte ghosts containing varying amounts of alkaline phosphatase were used to study the localization mechanisms of three metal salt and one azo method for this enzyme. For the azo method, the minimal amount of alkaline phosphatase that can be visualized within the ghosts proved only to be limited by the optical properties of the azo compound. In contrast, for the metal salt methods, a certain threshold activity had to be present in the ghosts in order to obtain correct localization of the final reaction product. The localization properties of both azo and metal salt methods conformed to the theories of cytochemical enzyme localization presented to date. By determining the rate constant of the capture reaction and the diffusion constant of the primary product, the localization properties of the azo method could be predicted. Some remaining discrepancies between theory and practice are discussed.     

Simultaneous demonstration of bone alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in plastic-embedded sections and differential inhibition of the activities

Bone alkaline (AlP) and acid phosphatase (AcP) activities were simultaneously demonstrated in tissue sections obtained from mice, rats, and humans. The method involved tissue fixation in ethanol, embedding in glycol methacrylate (GMA), and demonstration of AlP and AcP activities employing a simultaneous coupling azo dye technique using substituted naphthol phosphate as a substrate. AlP activity was demonstrated first followed by AcP activity. Both enzyme activities were demonstrated in tissue sections from bones fixed and/or stored in acetone or 70% ethanol for up to 14 days or stored in GMA for 2 months. AlP activity in tissue sections from bones fixed in 10% formalin, 2% glutaraldehyde, or formal-calcium, however, was markedly inhibited after 3-7 days and was no longer detectable after 14 days of fixation. Moreover, AlP activity was diminished in tissue sections from bones fixed in 70% ethanol or 10% formalin and subsequently demineralized in 10% EDTA (pH 7) for 2 days, and the activity was completely abolished in tissue sections from bones subsequently demineralized in 5% formic acid: 20% sodium citrate (1:1, pH 4.2) for 2 days. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) embedding at concentrations above 66% completely inhibited AlP activity. AcP activity, however, was only partially inhibited by formalin, glutaraldehyde, or formal-calcium after 7 or 14 days of fixation or by MMA embedding and was unaffected by the demineralizing agent formic acid-citrate for 2 days. While AcP activity was preserved in bones fixed in formalin and subsequently demineralized in EDTA, the activity was completely abolished when EDTA demineralization was carried out on bones previously fixed in 70% ethanol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Spectral studies of the interactions of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase with 4-(4-aminophenylazo)-phenylarsonic acid.

Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) is reversibly inhibited by a variety of phenylarsonic acids, including some N-haloacetylated derivatives. The inhibition is of the competitive type, and Ki values are reported. The action on the enzyme of one of the arsonate inhibitors, the azo dye, 4-(4-aminophenylazo)-phenylarsonic acid was studied in detail, using spectrophotometric and kinetic methods. The azo dye binds more strongly to E. coli alkaline phosphatase than do the other arsonates. Spectrophotometric titration indicates the presence of a single, strong dye-binding site on the enzyme dimer molecule in the concentration range covered. In 0.1 M Tris - HCl buffer pH 8.0, 25 degrees C K diss for the dye - enzyme complex is 1.50 - 10(-5) M as determined by spectrophotometric titration. This value is in good agreement with the Ki = 1.30 - 10(-5) M obtained from kinetic measurements. The dye can be displaced from alkaline phosphatase by phosphate and competitive inhibitor 2-aminoethyl phosphonate. These results indicate that the dye binds with its arsonic acid group to the anion binding site of the active site of the enzyme. The binding of the dye to the native enzyme is associated with a red shift in the visible spectrum of the dye. It seems that the aromatic portion of the dye interacts with a hydrophobic region close to the anion binding site. The spectrum of the dye is not changed in the presence of the apoenzyme. When zinc is added to an apoenzyme-dye solution, the spectral changes of the dye depend on both the ratio of zinc per apoenzyme and the pH. The presence of Mg2+ had no effect on the observed phenomenon.     

A quantitative histochemical technique for the estimation of azo dye coupling reactions

Synopsis A quantitative histochemical method has been developed for the determination of the rate of formation of azo dye in an immediate coupling reaction for acid phosphatase. Predetermined areas of rat tail epidermis were continuously monitored by a photomultiplier. It is postulated that the rate of darkening is related to the rate of dye formation and that this in turn is dependent on the degree of enzyme activity in the area of tissue under observation. Regression coefficients were calculated for two different regions of rat tail epidermis. It was found that there was a significant difference between the transitional and lower epidermal zones:p<0.01 for 5 degrees of freedom.An aqueous model system showed that there was a relationship between the rate of dye formation and enzyme concentration. At present it is not certain whether this method can be used for the absolute estimation of enzyme in tissues, but it does appear to be satisfactory as a comparative technique.A slowing of the rate of reaction with time was clearly demonstrated and the greater the initial enzyme activity, the greater the rate of slowing. It is thought that this might be due to enzyme inhibition resulting from the azo dye formation.It is suggested that this method is relatively unaffected by variations in section thickness and this is a great advantage when cryostat sections are used. However, compression of tissue during sectioning does produce inaccuracies.     

An ultrastructural study of acid phosphatase localization in Phaseolus vulgaris xylem by the use of an azo-dye method.

The localization of acid phosphatase during xylem development has been examined in the bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. The azo dye, the final reaction product, is initially prominent in the dictyosomes, vesicles apparently participating in secondary wall formation, and in the middle lamella of the young vessel element. Final reaction particles are also present in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and certain vacuoles and are sparsely scattered in the cytoplasm. At a later stage of vessel differentiation, the azo dye is concentrated in the disintegrating cytoplasm and along the fibrils of the partially hydrolysed primary wall and middle lamella. In the mature vessel element, the azo dye is still present along the disintegrated primary wall at the side of the vessel and covers the secondary wall. In the parenchyma cell adjacent to the vessel element, acid phosphatase localization is found in the dictyosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, small vacuoles, and the middle lamella. The controls from all stages of vessel element development were free of azo dye particles. The concentration of acid phosphatase along the secondary walls of the mature vessels and in the middle lamella between other cells indicates that this enzyme has other functions besides autolysis of the cytoplasm and primary cell wall. Acid phosphatase may participate in the formation of the secondary wall and may also have a role in the secretion and transport of sugars.     

Azoindoxyl methods for the investigation of hydrolases. IV. Suitability of various diazonium salts (author's transl)]

Using fresh frozen, freeze-dried or cryostate sections from aldehyde fixed rat tissues 13 diazonium salts were tested as simultaneous coupling reagents for the localization of acid, neutral and alkaline hydrolases with azo indoxyl methods. Hexazotized new fuchsine and/or Fast blue B are the diazonium salts of choice for the demonstration of acid beta-galactosidase, neuraminidase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, acid phosphatase, and non-specific esterase followed by hexazotized p-rosaniline. Fast blue VB, BB and RR and Fast violet B are recommended for the investigation of alkaline phosphatase and lactase, Fast garnet GBC for acid beta-galactosidase, glucosaminidase and lactase. Fast red B, RC, RL and TR and Fast black K can only be employed for lactase studies. The exact concentration of the coupling reagent depends on the activity of the enzyme and the organ imvestigated. On the average 0.01-0.02 ml unstable diazonium salt/ml and 0.3--1 microgram stable diazonium salt/ml are sufficient for the correct localization of these hydrolases. Freeze-dried cryostat sections yield the best results in the demonstration of lactase and alkaline phosphatase independent on the coupling reagent used. Sections from formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde fixed organs are superior for the localization of the other hydrolases; an exception is the investigation of acid beta-galactosidase and glucosaminidase with Fast garnet GBC. Then, excellent results are obtained also with freeze-dried material. Fresh frozen sections are suitable for the localization of lactase with hexazotized new fuchsine or p-rosaniline and of alkaline phosphatase with Fast blue VB and BB or violet B. The total activity of acid, neutral and alkaline hydrolases can be investigated using semipermeable membranes in combination with all unstable and stable diazonium salts of choice. Reliable osmification of the azoindoxyl dye is only possible if hexazotized p-rosaniline is employed for coupling; without further posttreatment all azoindoxyl dyes are extracted by ethanol, isopropanol or xylol. 7 incubation media are given for the demonstration of hydrolases with azoindoxyl methods at the level of light microscopy for routine studies and typical examples for the application of these methods are presented. A modified procedure is described for the freeze-drying of cryostat sections with the Edwards-Pearse tissue dryer EPD3.     

Freeze-drying of bone tissue: immunocytochemistry and enzyme histochemistry on paraffin embedded and low-temperature resin embedded specimens.

A simple protocol of tissue preparation was sought, which would enable marker enzymes of bone cells and extracellular matrix antigens to be localized in the same tissue section with high optical resolution. For this purpose, snap-frozen samples of rat fetal skeletal tissues were dried in a FDU 010 freeze-drying unit (Balzers) for 8-12 h at -50 to -40 degrees C and 0.02 bar. Freeze-dried tissues were either vacuum-infiltrated at 45 degrees C and embedded undemineralized in Paraplast, or vacuum-infiltrated overnight at 4 degrees C and embedded undemineralized in glycol methacrylate. These procedures enabled enzyme cytochemistry for alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and immunocytochemical staining for collagen types I, III, and laminin to be performed on the same sections. No pretreatment of the sections was necessary to reveal collagen antigenicity. This study reveals the possibility of complementing immunocytochemical studies of extracellular matrix with enzyme cytochemistry and, above all, with the excellent tissue preservation and high resolution afforded by plastic embedding.     

A microfluorometric method for alkaline phosphatase: Application to the various segments of the nephron

A microtechnique has been developed for the measurement of alkaline phosphatase in minute amounts of renal tissue. This microtechnique utilizes the known fluorescent property of 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate following enzymatic hydrolysis. The reaction is sensitive and reproducible and is inhibited by l-bromotetramisole, a specific alkaline phosphatase inhibitor. The microdetermination of alkaline phosphatase activity in the various segments of the mouse nephron allowed the localization of the enzyme in the glomeruli, and in the proximal convoluted tubule where the activity progressively decreases from the capsule of Bowman to the more distal segments. The enzyme was absent from the pars recta or S3 and from the rest of the nephron. This technique is applicable to very small amounts (0.1 μg of protein) of any tissue containing alkaline phosphatase.     

Enzyme cytochemistry of unfixed leukocytes and bone marrow cells using polyvinyl alcohol for the diagnosis of leukemia

Cytochemical methods for the demonstration of enzyme activities in blood and bone marrow cells were systematically improved by the addition of an inert polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), to the incubation medium and by using optimized reaction media. The methods investigated were tetrazolium salt methods for lactate, glucose-6-phosphate, succinate and glutamate dehydrogenase, the indoxyl-tetrazolium salt method for alkaline phosphatase, the diaminobenzidine method for peroxidase, and diazonium salt methods for chloroacetate esterase, beta-glucosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase, and dipeptidylpeptidase II and IV. PVA in the media preserved the morphology of cells very well and prevented leakage of large molecules such as enzymes from the cells. Therefore, fixation or long periods of air-drying prior to incubation leading to substantial loss of enzyme activity could be avoided. A brief period of drying (2 min at 37 degrees C) of the cell preparations just before the incubation was sufficient for making the cells permeable. Localization of enzyme activities was very precise and precipitation of the final reaction product was confined to sites which are known to contain the enzyme under study (granules, mitochondria, lysosomes). These advantages advocate the use of PVA in haematological enzyme cytochemistry and especially for diagnosis of leukemia.     

DIFFERENCES IN ENZYME CONTENT OF AZUROPHIL AND SPECIFIC GRANULES OF POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES : I. Histochemical Staining of Bone Marrow Smears

Histochemical procedures for PMN granule enzymes were carried out on smears prepared from normal rabbit bone marrow, and the smears were examined by light microscopy. For each of the enzymes tested, azo dye and heavy metal techniques were utilized when possible. The distribution and intensity of each reaction were compared to the distribution of azurophil and specific granules in developing PMN. The distribution of peroxidase and six lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, β-galactosidase, β-glucuronidase, esterase, and 5'-nucleotidase) corresponded to that of azurophil granules. Progranulocytes contained numerous reactive granules, and later stages contained only a few. The distribution of one enzyme, alkaline phosphatase, corresponded to that of specific granules. Reaction product first appeared in myelocytes, and later stages contained numerous reactive granules. The results of tests for lipase and thiolacetic acid esterase were negative at all developmental stages. Both types of granules stained for basic protein and arginine. It is concluded that azurophil and specific granules differ in their enzyme content. Moreover, a given enzyme appears to be restricted to one of the granules. The findings further indicate that azurophil granules are primary lysosomes, since they contain numerous lysosomal, hydrolytic enzymes, but the nature of specific granules is uncertain since, except for alkaline phosphatase, their contents remain unknown.     

Rapid and simple single nanogram detection of glycoproteins in polyacrylamide gels and on electroblots

The fluorescent hydrazide, Pro-Q Emerald 300 dye, may be conjugated to glycoproteins by a periodic acid Schiff's (PAS) mechanism. The glycols present in glycoproteins are initially oxidized to aldehydes using periodic acid. The dye then reacts with the aldehydes to generate a highly fluorescent conjugate. Reduction with sodium metabisulfite or sodium borohydride is not required to stabilize the conjugate. Though glycoprotein detection may be performed on transfer membranes, direct detection in gels avoids electroblotting and glycoproteins may be visualized within 2-4 h of electrophoresis. This is substantially more rapid than PAS labeling with digoxigenin hydrazide followed by detection with an antidigoxigenin antibody conjugate of alkaline phosphatase, or PAS labeling with biotin hydrazide followed by detection with horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase conjugates of streptavidin, which require more than eight hours to complete. Pro-Q Emerald 300 dye-labeled gels and blots may be poststained with SYPRO Ruby dye, allowing sequential two-color detection of glycosylated and nonglycosylated proteins. Both fluorophores are excited with mid-range UV illumination. Pro-Q Emerald 300 dye maximally emits at 530 nm (green) while SYPRO Ruby dye maximally emits at 610 nm (red). As little as 300 pg of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (40% carbohydrate) and 1 ng of glucose oxidase (12% carbohydrate) or avidin (7% carbohydrate) are detectable in gels after staining with Pro-Q Emerald 300 dye. Besides glycoproteins, as little as 2-4 ng of lipopolysaccharide is detectable in gels using Pro-Q Emerald 300 dye while 250-1000 ng is required for detection with conventional silver staining. Detection of glycoproteins may be achieved in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, two-dimensional gels and on polyvinylidene difluoride membranes.     

Patterns of distribution of phosphomono-esterases on surfaces of demineralized bone.

Decalcification over short periods (5 days) with MnNa2 EDTA, MgNa2 EDTA and EGTA according to a method described in the present paper, creates sections of high quality with simultaneous good preservation of phosphomonoesterases on bone surfaces. In fact, the enzyme distribution seems to be comparable to that obtained by using undecalcified sections. Na2 EDTA creates, on the other hand, poor preservation of alkaline phosphatase probably due to the fact that this chelate contrary to the other chelates removes the essential metal from the protein, leaving an unstable enzyme molecule which undergoes denaturation. Decalcification over longer periods (15 days) does not influence the pattern of distribution of acid phosphatase, whereas the alkaline phosphatase reaction becomes depressed in certain surface areas. The significance of this differential distribution is discussed. It might be an indication of differential processes of bone transformations in such a way that bone surfaces corresponding to areas of enzyme reactions are depository whereas bone surfaces corresponding to areas of lack of enzyme reaction are resorptive. New experimental designs are, however, necessary before the phenomenon is fully perceived. Two different coupling agents were used in connexion with the demonstration of acid phosphatase reaction. When HPR was used as the coupler the final enzyme distribution coincided with that usually described in the literature, i.e., strong reaction of cells adjacent to resorptive surfaces and weak reaction of cells adjacent to depository surfaces. When, however, Fast dark blue R was used all surface cells reacted markedly. This method also revealed certain cell types with nuclear reaction.     

Assessment of a method for immunochemical detection of antigen on nitrocellulose membranes

Immunoblotting techniques are widely used for detection of antigen immobilized on nitrocellulose membranes. There are many immunolabeling methods and staining methods available to disclose the presence of antigen in such techniques. Five common staining methods each for alkaline phosphatase and horseradish peroxidase were examined. The staining methods with the highest sensitivity and the lowest background were selected for studies comparing five immunological labeling methods using human IgG as a model antigen. Results were evaluated on the basis of the least amount of detectable antigen and background staining. The most sensitive dot-blot method was then tested for its applicability to Western blots. For both dot-blots and Western blots, the immunoalkaline phosphatase methods are more sensitive than the corresponding immunoperoxidase methods. The use of biotinylated secondary antibodies and an avidin-enzyme conjugate is recommended. Disclosure of alkaline phosphate is best achieved with naphthol AS phosphate as substrate and fast blue BB as chromogen. Peroxidase is best stained using H2O2 and diaminobenzidine (DAB). Potential endogenous enzyme activities are demonstrable by blotting methods but can be inhibited by including levamisole in the disclosure reaction medium for calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase indicators, or by incubation of blots with sodium azide and hydrogen peroxide before immunolabeling when using horseradish peroxidase indicators.