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D F Bainton

Publications and source records attributed to D F Bainton.

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Temporal changes in pH within the phagocytic vacuole of the polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocyte.

Although previous workers have established that the pH of the phagocytic vacuole of the polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte changes from neutral to acid, the time course of conversion has not been investigated. The present experiments were initiated to study pH changes immediately after phagocytosis. Peritoneal exudates were induced in rats; 4 h later, yeast stained with pH indicators was injected intraperitoneally, and the exudate was retrieved at 30-s intervals and examined by light microscopy. Results revealed that (a) within 3 min, pH dropped to approximately 6.5, as indicated by the change in color of neutral red-stained yeast; (b) within 7-15 min, pH dropped progressively to approximately 4.0, as indicated by color change in bromcresol green-stained yeast; (c) pH did not fall below 4, since no color change was observed up to 24 h when bromphenol blue-stained yeast was used. The finding that intravacuolar acidity increases rapidly after phagocytosis is undoubtedly important with respect to PMN leukocyte function in killing and digesting microorganisms, for many PMN leukocyte granule enzymes (i.e., peroxidase and lysosomal enzymes) are activated at acid pH ( approximately 4.5). It follows that temporal changes in pH and maximal pH depression should be considered in studies of intraleukocytic microbicidal mechanisms, since a defect in these factors could result in impaired PMN leukocyte function.

Animals↗

Sequential degranulation of the two types of polymorphonuclear leukocyte granules during phagocytosis of microorganisms.

The sequential discharge of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) granules-azurophils and specifics-was investigated by electron microscopy and cytochemistry. Thus the enzyme content of PMN phagocytic vacuoles was determined at brief intervals after phagocytosis of bacteria, utilizing peroxidase as a marker enzyme for azurophil granules, and alkaline phosphatase for specifics. At 30 s, approximately half the phagocytic vacuoles were reactive for alkaline phosphatase, whereas none contained peroxidase. Peroxidase-containing vacuoles were rarely seen at 1 min, but by 3 min, vacuoles containing both enzymes were consistently present. Alkaline phosphatase was found in both small and large vacuoles, whereas peroxidase was visible only in large ones. By 10 min, very big phagocytic vacuoles containing considerable amounts of reaction product for both enzymes were evident. These observations indicate that the two types of PMN granules discharge in a sequential manner, specific granules fusing with the vacuole before azurophils. In an earlier paper, we reported that the pH of phagocytic vacuoles drops to 6.5 within 3 min and to approximately 4 within 7-15 min. Substances known to be present in specific granules (alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme, and lactoferrin) function best at neutral or alkaline pH, whereas most of those contained in azurophil granules (i.e., peroxidase and the lysosomal enzymes) have pH optima in the acid range. Hence the sequence of granule discharge roughly parallels the change in pH, thereby providing optimal conditions for coordinated activity of granule contents.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Cytochemical localization of acid phosphatase activity in granule fractions from rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

When rabbit peritoneal exudates (97% polymorphonuclear [PMN] leukocytes, 2% mononuclear cells) were fractionated by zonal sedimentation or isopycnic centrifugation, four fractions (A, B, C, and D) were obtained, as reported earlier. "A" consisted largely of PMN azurophil granules, "B" of PMN specific granules, and "D" of membranous elements. The source of the more heterogeneous "C" fraction (containing acid hydrolases) was uncertain. To gain further information on the nature of this fraction, cytochemical tests for acid phosphatase (AcPase) were carried out on the starting cells and on the fractions. In intact PMN, lead phosphate reaction product was found in Golgi complexes, perinuclear cisternae, and some azurophil granules (immature forms or disrupted mature forms) of a few cells. The specifics and the intact azurophils were not reactive. Reaction product was also found within Golgi cisternae, secondary lysosomes, and some of the azurophil granules of mononuclear cells. Observations on the A and B fractions confirmed those in situ regarding the localization of reaction product in disrupted PMN azurophils, its absence from specifics, and the latency of the enzyme activity in intact azurophils. In the C fraction, AcPase was found in three structures (a) Golgi cisternae, (b) dense bodies, and (c) small pleomorphic granules Comparison with the starting cells indicates that the Golgi complexes are probably derived from both PMN leukocytes and mononuclear cells, whereas the remaining elements resemble (in size, shape, and density) secondary lysosomes and azurophil granules of mononuclear cells. The results indicate that the bulk of the cytochemically detectable AcPase present in the C fraction is derived from mononuclear cells, rather than from PMN leukocytes

Acid Phosphatase↗

The development of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes in human bone marrow.

Neutrophilic leukocytes (PMN) and their precursors from normal human marrow and blood were examined by histochemical staining and by electron microscopy and cytochemistry in order to determine the origin and nature of their cytoplasmic granules. Human neutrophils contain two basic types of granules, azurophils and specifics, which differ in morphology, contents, and time of origin. Azurophils are large and may be spherical or ellipsoid, the latter with a crystalline inclusion. They are produced in the first secretory stage (promyelocyte), contain peroxidase and various lysosomal enzymes, and thus correspond to modified primary lysosomes. Specifics are smaller, may be spherical or elongated, and are formed during a later secretory stage (myelocyte). They lack lysosomal enzymes and contain alkaline phosphatase and basic protein; their contents remain largely undetermined. Specifics outnumber azurophils in the mature PMN because of reduction in numbers of azurophils per cell by cell division in the myelocyte stage. The findings indicate that the situation is basically the same as described previously in the rabbit, insofar as the origin, enzymic activity, and persistence in the mature cell of the two types (azurophil and specific) of granules are concerned. The main difference between PMN of the two species is in the morphology (size, shape, and density) of the granules, especially the azurophils.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Differentiation of monocytes. Origin, nature, and fate of their azurophil granules.

The origin, content, and fate of azurophil granules of blood monocytes were investigated in several species (rabbit, guinea pig, human) by electron microscopy and cytochemistry. The life cycle of monocytes consists of maturation in bone marrow, transit in blood, and migration into tissues where they function as macrophages. Cells were examined from all three phases. It was found that: azurophil granules originate in the Golgi complex of the developing monocyte of bone marrow and blood, and ultimately fuse with phagosomes during phagocytosis upon arrival of monocytes in the tissues. They contain lysosomal enzymes in all species studied and peroxidase in the guinea pig and human. These enzymes are produced by the same pathway as other secretory products (i.e., they are segregated in the rough ER and packaged into granules in the Golgi complex). The findings demonstrate that the azurophil granules of monocytes are primary lysosomes or storage granules comparable to the azurophils of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the specific granules of eosinophils. Macrophages from peritoneal exudates (72-96 hr after endotoxin injection) contain large quantities of lysosomal enzymes throughout the secretory apparatus (rough ER and Golgi complex), in digestive vacuoles, and in numerous coated vesicles; however, they lack forming or mature azurophil granules. Hence it appears that the monocyte produces two types of primary lysosomes during different phases of its life cycle-azurophil granules made by developing monocytes in bone marrow or blood, and coated vesicles made by macrophages in tissues and body cavities.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Segregation and packaging of granule enzymes in eosinophilic leukocytes.

During their differentiation in the bone marrow, eosinophilic leukocytes synthesize a number of enzymes and package them into secretory granules. The pathway by which three enzymes (peroxidase, acid phosphatase, and arylsulfatase) are segregated and packaged into specific granules of eosinophils was investigated by cytochemistry and electron microscopy. During the myelocyte stage, peroxidase is present within (a) all rough ER cisternae, including transitional elements and the perinuclear cisterna; (b) clusters of smooth vesicles at the periphery of the Golgi complex; (c) all Golgi cisternae; and (d) all immature and mature specific granules. At later stages, after granule formation has ceased, peroxidase is not seen in ER or Golgi elements and is demonstrable only in granules. The distribution of acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase was similar, except that the reaction was more variable and fully condensed (mature) granules were not reactive. These results are in accord with the general pathway for intracellular transport of secretory proteins demonstrated in the pancreas exocrine cell by Palade and coworkers. The findings also demonstrate (a) that in the eosinophil the stacked Golgi cisternae participate in the segregation of secretory proteins and (b) that the entire rough ER and all the Golgi cisternae are involved in the simultaneous segregation and packaging of several proteins.

Acid Phosphatase↗

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, beta-galactosidase, beta-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.

Acetates↗

Differences in enzyme content of azurophil and specific granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. II. Cytochemistry and electron microscopy of bone marrow cells.

In the previous paper we presented findings which indicated that enzyme heterogeneity exists among PMN leukocyte granules. From histochemical staining of bone marrow smears, we obtained evidence that azurophil and specific granules differ in their enzyme content. Moreover, a given enzyme appeared to be restricted to one of the two types. Clear results were obtained with alkaline phosphatase, but those with a number of other enzymes were suggestive rather than conclusive. Since the approach used previously was indirect, it was of interest to localize the enzymes directly in the granules. Toward this end, we carried out cytochemical procedures for five enzymes on normal rabbit bone marrow cells which had been fixed and incubated in suspension. The localization of reaction product in the granules was determined by electron microscopy. In accordance with the results obtained on smears, azurophil granules were found to contain peroxidase and three lysosomal enzymes: acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and 5'-nucleotidase; specific granules were found to contain alkaline phosphate. Specific granules also contained small amounts of phosphatasic activity at acid pH. Another finding was that enzyme activity could not be demonstrated in mature granules with metal salt methods (all except peroxidase); reaction product was seen only in immature granules. The findings confirm and extend those obtained previously, indicating that azurophil granules correspond to lysosomes whereas specific granules represent a different secretory product.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Origin of granules in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Two types derived from opposite faces of the Golgi complex in developing granulocytes.

The origin, nature, and distribution of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) granules were investigated by examining developing granulocytes from normal rabbit bone marrow which had been fixed in glutaraldehyde and postfixed in OsO(4). Two distinct types of granules, azurophil and specific, were distinguished on the basis of their differences in size, density, and time and mode of origin. Both types are produced by the Golgi complex, but they are formed at different stages of maturation and originate from different faces of the Golgi complex. Azurophil granules are larger ( approximately 800 mmicro) and more dense. They are formed only during the progranulocyte stage and arise from the proximal or concave face of the Golgi complex by budding and subsequent aggregation of vacuoles with a dense core. Smaller ( approximately 500 mmicro), less dense specific granules are formed during the myelocyte stage; they arise from the distal or convex face of the Golgi complex by pinching-off and confluence of vesicles which have a finely granular content. Only azurophil granules are found in progranulocytes, but in mature PMN relatively few (10 to 20%) azurophils are seen and most (80 to 90%) of the granules present are of the specific type. The results indicate that inversion of the azurophil/specific granule ratio occurs during the myelocyte stage and is due to: (a) reduction of azurophil granules by multiple mitoses; (b) lack of new azurophil granule formation after the progranulocyte stage; and (c) continuing specific granule production. The findings demonstrate the existence of two distinct granule types in normal rabbit PMN and their separate origins from the Golgi complex. The implications of the observations are discussed in relationship to previous morphological and cytochemical studies on PMN granules and to such questions as the source of primary lysosomes and the concept of polarity within the Golgi complex.

Animals↗

Immunogold-surface replica study of ADP-induced ligand binding and fibrinogen receptor clustering in human platelets.

Platelet cohesion requires the binding of fibrinogen to its receptor, a heterodimer consisting of the plasma-membrane glycoproteins GPIIb and GPIIIa. Although the GPIIb-IIIa complex is present on the surface of unstimulated platelets, it binds fibrinogen only after platelet activation. We have used an immunogold-surface replica technique to study the distribution of GPIIb-IIIa and bound fibrinogen over broad expanses of surface membranes in unstimulated and ADP-activated human platelets. We found that the gold prove was monodispersed over the surface of unstimulated platelets, although the cell surface lacked immunoreactive fibrinogen. To ascertain whether the receptors clustered prior to ligand binding or as a consequence thereof, we studied the surface distribution of GPIIb-IIIa after stimulation with ADP, which causes activation of the fibrinogen receptor function of GPIIb-IIIa without inducing the secretion of fibrinogen. In the absence of added fibrinogen, the unoccupied, yet binding-competent receptors on ADP-stimulated platelets were monodispersed. The addition of fibrinogen caused the GPIIb-IIIa molecules to cluster on the cell surface. Clustering was also induced by the addition of the GPIIb-IIIa binding domains of fibrinogen--namely, the tetrapeptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser on the alpha-chain or the gamma-chain decapeptide gamma 402-411. These results show that receptor occupancy causes clustering of GPIIb-IIIa in activated platelets.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗