A comparison of the changes in the non‐neuronal cell populations of the superior cervical ganglia following decentralization and axotomy

Transecting the axons of neurons in the adult superior cervical ganglion (SCG; axotomy) results in the survival of most postganglionic neurons, the influx of circulating monocytes, proliferation of satellite cells, and changes in neuronal gene expression. In contrast, transecting the afferent input to the SCG (decentralization) results in nerve terminal degeneration and elicits a different pattern of gene expression. We examined the effects of decentralization on macrophages in the SCG and compared the results to those previously obtained after axotomy. Monoclonal antibodies were used to identify infiltrating (ED1+) and resident (ED2+) macrophages, as well as macrophages expressing MHC class II molecules (OX6+). Normal ganglia contained ED2+ cells and OX6+ cells, but few infiltrating macrophages. After decentralization, the number of infiltrating ED1+ cells increased in the SCG to a density about twofold greater than that previously seen after axotomy. Both the densities of ED2+ and OX6+ cells were essentially unchanged after decentralization, though a large increase in OX6+ cells occurred after axotomy. Proliferation among the ganglion's total non‐neuronal cell population was examined and found to increase about twofold after decentralization and about fourfold after axotomy. Double‐labeling experiments indicated that some of these proliferating cells were macrophages. After both surgical procedures, the percentage of proliferating ED2+ macrophages increased, while neither procedure altered the proliferation of ED1+ macrophages. Axotomy, though not decentralization, increased the proliferation of OX6+ cells. Future studies must address what role(s) infiltrating and/or resident macrophages play in regions of decentralized and axotomized neurons and, if both are involved, whether they play distinct roles. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 53: 68–79, 2002     

Structure and expression of elongation factor 1 alpha in tomato.

A full-length cDNA clone, LeEF-1, has been isolated from tomato for the alpha subunit of elongation factor 1 (EF-1 alpha), a polypeptide which plays a central role in protein synthesis. The 448 amino acid protein encoded by this cDNA appears highly homologous to other EF-1 alpha s having a high degree of similarity (75-78%) to EF1 alpha previously described from both lower eukaryotes and animals. Southern analysis indicated that EF-1 alpha belongs to a small multigene family of 4-8 members in tomato. The pattern of expression of EF-1 alpha mRNA in various tomato tissues was analyzed by Northern analysis, in vitro translation and in situ hybridization. EF-1 alpha mRNA is an abundant species and higher levels of mRNA were found in developing tissues such as young leaves and green fruit compared to the mRNA levels observed in older tissues. The increased levels of EF-1 alpha mRNA therefore appear to correlate with higher levels of protein synthesis in developing tissues.     

Ultrastructural and cytochemical examination of the nuclear crystalloid inclusions of Olea europaea L. mesophyll cells

Summary The nuclei of mesophyll cells of olive trees contain numerous sizeable crystalloid inclusions. Cytochemical examination using epoxy resin-embedded, semithin-sectioned tissue indicated the presence of proteins and oligoor polysaccharides in these inclusions. Their electron microscopical analysis revealed a crystalline substructure consisting of intersected subunits of high order. The spacing of the lattice fibrils and the angles of intersection were determined and used to establish a model of the unit cell of crystallization. It is suggested that the nuclear crystalloids of olive trees consist of glycoprotein molecules. They differ from the intranuclear crystalloids observed in other species predominantly in the high density of their subunit arrangement.     

Chromosomal localization of several families of repetitive sequences by in situ hybridization.

Four recombinant DNA clones (H1, H7, H12, and H15) carrying low-repetitive human DNA were previously isolated from a human genomic library based on their specificity for chromosome 21 and were studied for their distribution as determined by in situ hybridization. Clone H7 hybridized to the satellite regions of chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22 as well as to the centromere region of chromosome 1. Clone H12 hybridized strongly to chromosomes 11 and 17 and the centromere of the X. Clones H1 and H15 had a very widespread distribution throughout the genome. Clone H15 hybridized significantly more to the short arm of chromosome 18 than to any other chromosomal segment. Clone H1 hybridized strongly to the centromere of chromosome 19 and also showed random distribution on all the other human chromosomes. We conclude that these probes appear to represent four repetitive families that demonstrate in situ hybridization patterns that do not correspond with those of any other repetitive family. Further, the in situ hybridization patterns do not show the strong chromosome 21 specificity originally defined by Southern blot analysis. The nature and chromosomal localization of these repetitive families should be useful in regional mapping and evolutionary studies and give additional insight into chromosomal organization.     

A microassay for detection of DNA and RNA in small numbers of plant cells

Summary A microtechnique for the detection of DNA or RNA in small numbers of plant cells (1–50) has been developed using cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) infection of turnip as a model system. Both DNA and RNA extracted from 10 mesophyll protoplasts from CaMV-infected plants can be detected by hybridization using a radioactive probe made from cloned CaMV DNA (pCaMV10). No hybridization above background was detected in extracts of protoplasts from uninfected plants. At least 0.15 pg (11 000 molecules) of purified pCaMV10 DNA can be detected. This method is superior to existing macro techniques for nucleic acid detection as smaller amounts of tissue are required and the detection is approximately 100-fold more sensitive. re]19850326 rv]19850530 ac]19850611