APA微囊微环境影响胚胎干细胞增殖分化的体外研究

以小鼠胚胎T细胞（embryonic stem cell,ESC）为模型,在牛理条件F对ESC进行微囊化包封、培养,并利用免疫组织化学技术及RT-PCR方法检测其生长及未分化状态,以期建立微囊化ESC这一体外培养模型,同时明确海藻酸钠-聚赖氨酸-海藻酸钠（alginate-poly-lysine-alginate,APA）微囊微环境对ESC增殖及分化潜能的影响。结果表明：ESC能够在微囊（包括液化型及非液化型）或微球（海藻酸钙胶珠）内生长良好,但因生长环境存在差异,其表现的生长行为各具特征。比较其它类型,ESC在液化型APA微囊内的存活期限最长。经体外维持培养3周以上,仍能持续表达胚胎源未分化T细胞的标志性蛋白AP,SSEA-1及转录因子Oct-4。为进一步明确微囊内增殖的ESC是台仍具有多向分化的干细胞潜能,应用机械破囊法释放微囊内ESC团,并在体外进行定向诱导。经过近3周的条件诱导,其结果为：细胞团DTZ染色阳性：anti-insulin免疫荧光检测阳性;且特异性表达Pdx-1,Ins-1基因。上述结果证明：APA微囊为ESC维持未分化状态的增殖提供了特殊的微环境,APA微囊内所形成的ESC团仍具有多向分化的干细胞潜能。     

Biologic effect and immunoisolating behavior of BMP-2 gene-transfected bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in APA microcapsules

We investigated the encapsulation of BMP-2 gene-modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in alginate-poly-L-lysine (APA) microcapsules for the persistent delivery of bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) to induce bone formation. An electrostatic droplet generator was employed to produce APA microcapsules containing encapsulated beta-gal or BMP-2 gene-transfected bone marrow-derived MSCs. We found that X-gal staining was still positive 28 days after encapsulation. Encapsulated BMP-2 gene-transfected cells were capable of constitutive delivery of BMP-2 proteins for at least 30 days. The encapsulated BMP-2 gene-transfected MSCs or the encapsulated non-gene transfer MSCs (control group) were cocultured with the undifferentiated MSCs. The gene products from the encapsulated BMP-2 cells could induce the undifferentiated MSCs to become osteoblasts that had higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity than those in the control group (p<0.05). The APA microcapsules could inhibit the permeation of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjuncted immunoglobulin G. Mixed lymphocyte reaction also indicates that the APA microcapsules could prevent the encapsulated BMP-2 gene-transfected MSCs from initiating the cellular immune response. These results demonstrated that the nonautologous BMP-2 gene-transfected stem cells are of potential utility for enhancement of bone repair and bone regeneration in vivo.     

K562 cell growth activity and metabolism characteristics in APA microencapsulated culture and modeling study

Cell microencapsulation is likely to play a major role in cell and transplantation therapies in the next decade. The microcapsules provide a special microenvironment in which cells always have different behaviors compared with free non-encapsulated culture. In this work, the behaviors of K562 leukemia cells were studied once entrapped in solid and liquefied APA microcapsules as well as in free non-encapsulated culture. Glucose pulse culture was employed to characterize the growth and metabolism of microencapsulated K562 cells. And mathematical modeling was presented to develop a basis for the deeper understanding of cells responses to different culture environments. Based on the results of experiments and modeling, it was found that cells presented a better growing pattern and maintain the activity at a higher level for extending time. The concentration of lactate was higher in solid microcapsules culture than that of liquefied microcapsules culture, but the cell number was lower. And the lactate yield coefficients (lactate/glucose) were 0.8129, 0.6978 and 0.601 for free non-encapsulated, solid microcapsules and liquefied microcapsules culture, respectively. An increase of glucose concentration led a decrease of cell activity, The glucose consumption ratio were 99.9%, 86.8%, 49.4% and 28.6% with the decrease in its concentration from 2 to 4, 6, 10 g/L, however, the lactate yield coefficient were 0.7184, 0.6654, 0.8239 and 0.9693, respectively.     

SpC3, the complement homologue from the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, is expressed in two subpopulations of the phagocytic coelomocytes

The lower deuterostomes, including the echinoderms, possess an innate immune system that includes a subsystem with similarities to the vertebrate complement system. A homologue of the central component of this system, C3, has recently been identified in the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and is called SpC3. We determined previously that coelomocytes specifically express the SpC3 gene (Sp064); however, the sea urchin has at least four different types of coelomocytes: amoeboid phagocytes, red spherule cells, colorless spherule cells, and vibratile cells. To determine which of these subpopulations expresses Sp064 and produces SpC3, coelomocytes were separated by discontinuous gradient density centrifugation. Relatively homogenous fractions were obtained consisting of the four major cell types in addition to two types of amoeboid phagocytes with different densities and distinct morphologies. Analysis of proteins from separated cell subpopulations by Western blot and analysis of gene expression by RT-PCR revealed that phagocytes express the gene and contain the protein. Immunolocalization showed that SpC3+ phagocytes are present as subsets of both the low- and high-density subpopulations of phagocytes; however, the subcellular localization of SpC3 is different in these two subpopulations.     

Proliferation and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells in APA microcapsule: A model for studying the interaction between stem cells and their niche

Embryonic stem (ES) cells hold promise either as an in vitro model recapitulating early embryonic development or as a renewable source of therapeutically useful cells. Certain aspects of the microenvironment (or niche) play critical roles in determining the fate of ES cells. Here, we reported the feasibility of using the technique of microencapsulation to study the interaction between ES cells and their tissue niche. ES cells' growth, viability, and differentiation in vitro were evaluated when they were enclosed in solid or liquefied core APA microcapsules. In comparison with those microcapsules with solid cores, the liquefied capsules provided a more suitable culture environment for the growth of ES cells. In addition, behavior of encapsulated ES cells in vivo was observed after their being implanted into mouse peritoneal cavities. In contrast to the prolonged lag phase in vitro, ES cells encapsulated grew much faster in vivo. Typical markers for the undifferentiated ES cells, such as AP, SSEA-1, and Oct-4 gene, were also tracked by immunochemistry and RT-PCR. Results showed that expression of markers remained high over 2 weeks of culture in vitro. However, decreased expression of markers was found in those samples in vivo with time passage. These findings implied that it was the combination of the intrinsic characteristics of ES cells and their microenvironment that regulated their fate. The APA-ES cells system may provide an optimal model to study the interaction between stem cells and their tissue niches.     

微囊化新生大鼠卵巢组织体外及异体移植

为探讨海藻酸钠-聚左赖氨酸-海藻酸钠(APA)微囊化新生大鼠卵巢组织用于治疗实验性卵巢功能丧失大鼠的可行性,应用高压静电法,用海藻酸钠-聚左赖氨酸-海藻酸钠(APA)生物膜包裹新生大鼠卵巢组织,体外培养微囊,用免疫化学分析法检测雌二醇(E2)、孕酮(P)分泌情况,透射电镜观察卵巢组织形态,并将微囊移植到去势大鼠(切除双侧卵巢的雌性大鼠)腹腔中,检测大鼠血清中雌、孕激素变化情况,同时用阴道涂片观察大鼠动情周期恢复情况,并在不同时间回收观察微囊。结果显示在相同条件下制得的微囊粒径均匀、表面光滑;体外培养条件下持续分泌E2、P;卵巢组织中颗粒细胞发育成为粒性黄体细胞;大鼠腹腔移植微囊后无异常,E2、P水平上升,动情周期未恢复;回收的微囊大部分形态完整。提示用高压静电法制备的APA微囊化新生大鼠卵巢组织能持续稳定释放E2、P,明显改善大鼠卵巢功能,在大鼠体内有良好的生物相容性。     

β-casein gene expression by in vitro cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells derived from developing mammary glands

Epithelial cells from mammary gland tissue that are cultured in vitro are able to maintain specific functions of this gland, such as cellular differentiation and milk protein synthesis. These characteristics make these cells a useful model to study mammary gland physiology, development and differentiation; they can also be used for production of exogenous proteins of pharmaceutical interest. Bovine mammary epithelial cells were cultured in vitro after isolation from mammary gland tissue of animals at different stages of development. The cells were plated on Petri dishes and isolated from fibroblasts using saline/EDTA treatment, followed by trypsinization. Cells isolated on plastic were capable of differentiating into alveolus-like structures; however, only cells derived from non-pregnant and non-lactating animals expressed β-casein. Real-time qPCR and epifluorescence microscopy analyses revealed that alveolus-like structures were competent at expressing Emerald green fluorescent protein (EmGFP) driven by the β-casein promoter, independent of β-casein expression.     

Immunosuppression of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. III. In vitro evidence for induction of suppressor T lymphocytes in draining lymph node cells of animals immunized with myelin basic protein complexed to lipopolysaccharides

We recently demonstrated that Lewis rats immunized with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) precomplexed to guinea pig myelin basic protein (BP) in complete Freund's adjuvant were less effective in inducing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) than BP-immunized controls. When tested in vitro both lymph node cells (LNC) and spleen cells (SpC) of animals immunized with BP-LPS were less effective in proliferative responses to various mitogens, which included phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, purified protein derivative of tuberculin, LPS, and BP. Of importance immunization of rats with BP complexed to LPS results in the generation of cells in lymph nodes of these animals that suppress the mitogenic response of BP-immunized LNC and also SpC in mixed lymphocyte cultures. The suppressive effect of these cells in mixed lymphocyte culture reaction was found specifically in response to BP and to a lesser extent to LPS in LNC. SpC of BP-LPS immunized animals did not suppress the proliferative response to SpC of BP-immunized animals. Treatment of these LNC with antithymocyte serum and complement abolished this suppressive effect of LNC, suggesting that the immunoregulatory cells in LNC of BP-LPS immunized animals are suppressor T lymphocytes. The parallel between the in vitro induction of suppressor T lymphocytes in the draining LNC and the function of LPS in the development of EAE in Lewis rats suggests a possible immunologic significance of the effect.     

The role of the mesenchyme in the development of the early primordium of the respiratory epithelium

Development of respiratory epithelium (RE) rudiment was studied in tissue culture after removal of mesenchyme (M) and respiratory tract (RT) in 13 days old embryos of A and C57BL mice. During long-term cultivation of intact RT, organotypic structures (branching bronchioles, alveolus-like cavities) developed. No epithelial organotypic structures developed in the presence of single M cells; explants were represented by layers of cubic epithelium. During long-term cultivation foci of atypical growth consisting of intensively proliferating basophilic cells with high nucleocytoplasmic ratio appeared in these explants. Regions of planocellular metaplasia with or without keratinization could be found in these foci. The frequency of atypical proliferates depended on the strain of donor mice and on the region of the explanted RT.     

Altered expression of keratin and vimentin in human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vivo and in vitro.

Actively proliferating human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells grown in tissue culture possess keratin-containing intermediate filaments that react with a combination of AE1 and AE3 anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies. Antibody reactivity is lost, however, from RPE cells as the cell population ceases to proliferate when it approaches confluence and attains morphological characteristics more similar to those in vivo. In contrast, clone 8.13 anti-keratin antibody stains all cells in the culture at all stages of the growth cycle and cell densities. These findings were reflected in vivo using retinal pigment epithelium taken directly from the eye. Normal non-proliferating RPE cells bound 8.13 antibody to cytoskeletal structures, as judged by indirect immunofluorescence, but did not bind AE1/AE3 antibodies. However, proliferating dedifferentiated RPE cells from the vitreous humor of patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy possess filaments that bind both AE1/AE3 and 8.13 antibodies. Thus it appears that structures detected by AE1/AE3 antibodies only occur in actively growing RPE cells in vitro and in vivo. Keratins produced by RPE cells were identified using Western blotting. Species with molecular masses of 54 (keratin 7), 52 (keratin 8), 42 (keratin 18), and 40 (keratin 19) kiloDaltons were the most abundant in proliferating cultured cells, but cells isolated directly from the eye were found to lack keratin 7 and 19. Keratin 19 was, however, observed in proliferating RPE cells from some patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The latter findings explain the differential staining observed with AE1/AE3 antibodies in cells in culture and isolated directly from the eye since these antibodies interact primarily with keratin 19 which is absent from non-proliferating RPE cells. In contrast to the presence of keratin-containing intermediate filaments in human RPE cells in vivo, there are apparently no detectable vimentin-containing cytoskeletal structures. However, all RPE cells cultured in vitro develop filaments composed of vimentin which persist in cells that have reached confluence.     

In vitro Ig heavy chain isotype suppression of spleen cells from immunized rabbits.

We tested whether purified antibodies (Ab) to immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain isotoypes could suppress immune Ig-secreting lymphocytes in vitro. Rabbit immune spleen cells (SpC) were treated with purified goat Ab to IgM (anti-μ Ab) or to IgG (anti-γ Ab) in vitro for 24 hr (Day 1). After this treatment, the SpC were washed and recultured to Day 5. The cells were again washed and then tested for Ig-bearing cells by a rosette forming cell assay and tested for Ab-secreting cells by the conventional plaque forming cell assay. In addition, the supernatant fluids were quantitated for secreted Ig by a radial immune hemolysis in gel assay. The number of Ig-bearing cells, the number of Ab-secreting cells and the amount of secreted b4 Ig decreased when “primary immune” SpC were pretreated with anti-μ but not when the SpC were pretreated with anti-γ Ab. Thus, SpC from rabbits injected once with SE were suppressed by anti-μ but not by anti-γ Ab. In contrast, SpC from rabbits injected several times with SE (hyperimmunized) were not suppressed by either anti-μ or by anti-γ Ab. This susceptibility of primary immune (IgM-secreting) SpC and resistance of hyperimmune (IgG-secreting) SpC to suppression may depend on the stage of B lymphocyte differentiation. That is, more differentiated cells such as IgG-secreting cells are insensitive to anti-μ and anti-γ Ab presumably due to lack of surface Ig molecules or for other reasons.     

A novel cytomedical vehicle capable of protecting cells against complement

We have developed "Cytomedicine," which consists of functional cells entrapped in semipermeable polymer, and previously reported that APA microcapsules could protect the entrapped cells from injury by cellular immune system. However, microencapsulated cells were not protected from humoral immune system. Here, we developed a novel APA microcapsule, in which APA microbeads (APA(Ba) microbeads) were modified to contain a barium alginate hydrogel within their centers in an attempt to make it more difficult for antibody and complement to permeate the microcapsules. The permeability of APA(Ba) microbeads was clearly less than that of APA microcapsules, presumably due to the presence of barium alginate hydrogel. Cells encapsulated within APA(Ba) microbeads were protected against treatment with xenogeneic anti-serum. Furthermore, murine pancreatic beta-cells encapsulated in APA(Ba) microbeads remained viable and continued to secrete insulin in response to glucose. Therefore, APA(Ba) microbeads may be a useful carrier for developing anti-complement device for cytomedical therapy.     

Autoimmune effector cells. VI. Transfer of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis with spleen cells activated in mixed lymphocyte cultures

Although spleen cells (SpC) from Lewis rats that have been immunized with guinea pig myelin basic protein in complete Freund's adjuvant do not transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to syngeneic recipients, we report that effector cells of EAE can be activated in SpC suspensions during mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) to allogeneic SpC. Effector cell activation correlates with interleukin 2 (IL 2) production. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that autoreactive cells may be generated as a result of an immune response to exogenous antigens.     

Congenital bronchiolo-alveolar airway malformation in a cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis)

Pulmonary congenital anomalies in animals are rare. Previously reported malformations include accessory lung formation, pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary agenesis, and various forms of hamartoma. Congenital bronchiolo-alveolar airway malformation, a new entity, is described in a 1-day-old male cynomolgus macaque. This neonate experienced breathing difficulties shortly after birth and died while therapy was being administered. Grossly, the right lung was markedly increased in size, firm, and pink. Histopathologically, sections of right lung showed irregular bronchiole-like and alveolus-like structures. There was marked widening of alveolar septae by loosely arranged mesenchymal cells and many centrally located capillaries. Alveoli were lined by cuboidal epithelial cells. There were scattered islands of immature cartilage. A grossly enlarged lung containing bronchiole-like and alveolus-like structures, immature cartilage islands, and many capillaries within alveolar septae on histopathologic examination, is inconsistent with previously described congenital pulmonary anomalies in animals and humans.     

Expression of SpC3, the sea urchin complement component,in response to lipopolysaccharide

The homologue of the vertebrate complement component C3 that is expressed in the coelomocytes of the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, designated SpC3, was investigated for changes in response to immune challenge or injury. Immunoquiescent animals were used in this study because they have reduced or no detectable SpC3 in their coelomocytes or coelomic fluid (CF). Animals were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or sterile sea water (SSW, injury control). Changes in the amounts of SpC3 in coelomic fluid and in coelomocytes were then followed over time by Western blots and ELISA. Changes in mRNA from the SpC3 gene (Sp064) were also followed by RT-PCR. Although all animals responded to injury with increased levels of SpC3 in the coelomic fluid, those challenged with LPS had greater amounts of SpC3 in both CF and coelomocytes than those receiving SSW. In most of the animals receiving LPS, initial increases in SpC3 were observed within 1 h post-injection, while the earliest response in the animals receiving SSW was 6 h. The appearance of SpC3 in the coelomocytes was delayed compared to its appearance in CF, and was first detected several days after challenge. Changes in mRNA from the Sp064 gene paralleled the appearance of SpC3 in the coelomic fluid. Increases in the number of coelomocytes per milliliter of CF and in the percentage of coelomocytes that were SpC3+ also occurred after challenge with LPS or in response to injury, with a slightly greater increase in response to LPS. Although the changes in SpC3 were not as great as those identified previously for human C3 expressed in macrophages, the kinetics of the response are similar to that of acute-phase reactants in mammals.     

EGF controls the in vivo developmental potential of a mammary epithelial cell line possessing progenitor properties

The bilayered mammary epithelium comprises a luminal layer of secretory cells and a basal layer of myoepithelial cells. Numerous data suggest the existence of self-renewing, pluripotent mammary stem cells; however, their molecular characteristics and differentiation pathways are largely unknown. BC44 mammary epithelial cells in culture, display phenotypic characteristics of basal epithelium, i.e., express basal cytokeratins 5 and 14 and P-cadherin, but no smooth muscle markers. In vivo, after injection into the cleared mammary fat pad, these cells gave rise to bilayered, hollow, alveolus-like structures comprising basal cells expressing cytokeratin 5 and luminal cells positive for cytokeratin 8 and secreting beta-casein in a polarized manner into the lumen. The persistent stimulation of EGF receptor signaling pathway in BC44 cells in culture resulted in the loss of the in vivo morphogenetic potential and led to the induction of active MMP2, thereby triggering cell scattering and motility on laminin 5. These data (a) suggest that BC44 cells are capable of asymmetric division for self-renewal and the generation of a differentiated progeny restricted to the luminal lineage; (b) clarify the function of EGF in the control of the BC44 cell phenotypic plasticity; and (c) suggest a role for this phenomenon in the mammary gland development.     

微囊化重组CHO细胞制备和培养条件的优化

微囊化重组基因细胞移植治疗肿瘤是一种新兴的肿瘤基因治疗方法,然而由于目前微囊化细胞规模化制备和培养技术还不成熟,阻碍了其在临床治疗中的推广与应用。以重组CHO细胞为模型,考察了不同的微囊制备和培养条件对微囊化细胞生长和内皮抑素表达的影响。实验表明,种子细胞所处的生长阶段和细胞接种密度对微囊化细胞生长和内皮抑素表达的影响较大,对数生长期的细胞进行包囊并且细胞接种密度为1×106~2×106cells/mL微囊时微囊内细胞生长良好、内皮抑素表达量高。微囊制备时间对细胞活性和内皮抑素表达也有较大的影响,制备时间延长对细胞的损伤增大,因此制备时间应控制在5h以内。生物微胶囊在制备过程中会造成细胞损伤,而体外培养是恢复细胞活性的良好方法,在培养过程中微囊接种量为5%时对细胞生长和内皮抑素表达有利。     

Influence of dermal equivalent maturation on the development of a cultured skin equivalent.

Histologic and immunofluorescence methods were used to analyse the presence of fibronectin, chondroitin-4-sulphate and chondroitin-6-sulphate, type III and IV collagens, laminin, and keratins to assess the maturation level of cultured dermal and skin equivalents. In a first phase, fibroblasts in monolayer culture were compared with dermal equivalents in which fibroblasts are embedded in a type I collagen gel. Different fluorescent patterns were observed depending on the culture system used. A sequential appearance of macromolecules was noticed in dermal equivalents. Fibronectin was first detected after 4 days of culture, whereas chondroitin-4-sulphate and chondroitin-6-sulphate and type III collagen were present after 7 days. In contrast, all three macromolecules were detected at 24 h of culture in fibroblastic monolayer cultures. In a second phase, the quality of our skin equivalents was evaluated according to the seeding time of epidermal cells upon dermal equivalents (1, 4, or 7 days). A satisfactory stratification was obtained when keratinocytes were seeded after 4 and 7 days of dermal equivalent culture. Laminin and fibronectin were detected at the dermo-epidermal junction, but type IV collagen was absent. Various keratins, as detected by the AE1, AE2, and AE3 antibodies, were present in the epidermal layer. Following keratinocyte confluence, a change in the organization pattern of type III collagen in the dermal fraction of the skin equivalent was also noticed. Our comparative results show that seeding of epidermal cells on a more mature dermal equivalent leads to improved differentiation status of the epidermal layer.     

Bile canalicular formation in hepatic organoid reconstructed by rat small hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells

The morphogenesis and movement of bile canaliculi (BC) are not well understood. This is because culture of hepatocytes that maintain polarity of cell membranes and possess highly differentiated functions has never been successful. We found that small hepatocytes (SHs), which are known to be hepatic progenitor cells, could proliferate and differentiate into mature hepatocytes and that BC-like structures developed between rising/piled-up cells. We investigated how BC-like structures developed with maturation of SHs and whether the structures were functionally active as BC. Hepatic cells, including SHs, were isolated from an adult rat liver and cultured. Immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting for BC proteins, such as ectoATPase, 5'-nucleotidase, dipeptidylpeptidase IV, and multidrug-resistance associated protein 2, were examined and time-lapse microscopy was used for the observation of BC contractions. Secretion of bilirubin into the reconstructed BC was also observed. The results of immunocytochemistry, immunoblots, and immunoelectron micrographs revealed that BC proteins were localized in the intercellular space that coincided with BC-like structures reconstructed between rising/piled-up cells. Tight junction-associated protein ZO-1 was also expressed along the BC-like structures. Bilirubin added to the medium were secreted into BC-like structure and accumulated without leakage. Time-lapse microscopy showed continuous contractions of reconstructed BC. In conclusion, BC-like structures reconstructed by SHs may be functional with membrane polarity, secretory ability, and motility. These results show that this culture system may suitable for investigating the mechanism of the formation of BC and their functions.