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D Herbage

Publications and source records attributed to D Herbage.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Fourier analysis of electron micrographs of positively stained collagen fibrils: application to type I and II collagen typing.

Type I and II collagen (native-type) fibrils, positively stained with uranyl acetate, present typical periodic (D = 67 nm) cross-striation patterns. Although the two patterns are similar, the distributions of charged amino acids along the type I and II collagen molecules are different. After optical diffraction analysis or computer image processing of electron micrographs, different Fourier transforms were obtained from type I and II collagen fibrils, either as native fibrils or after in vitro reconstitution from purified molecules. With tissues such as tendon and cartilage, better results were obtained after mild trypsin treatment, which allowed better isolation and staining of the collagen fibrils. The main difference observed in the Fourier transforms was the presence in type II collagen fibrils of a strong tenth-order peak (corresponding to the tenth harmonic of the fundamental frequency). In order to discriminate between the two collagens, we measured the ratio (R) of the areas under the ninth- and tenth-order peaks. In trypsin treated tissues, the distributions of these ratios were clearly separated: below 1.0 for type II collagen fibrils and above 1.5 for type I collagen fibrils. This method appears to be suitable for rapid typing of type I and II collagen fibrils and might be useful for determining the exact composition of fibrils in tissues, such as intervertebral discs, that contain these both types of collagen.

Animals↗

In vitro assessment of a collagen sponge for engineering urothelial grafts.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the deposition of urinary crystals and the growth characteristics of urothelial cells on a collagen sponge, as a preliminary step in engineering urothelial autologous grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Collagen sponges were exposed to a continuous flow of urine at pH 5.3 and 6.3 for 1 week. The sponges were examined microscopically for crystal deposition and analysed for their calcium content. Two cell lines, RT112, derived from a well-differentiated transitional cell carcinoma, and UROtsa, an immortalized urothelial cell line, were seeded on the collagen sponges. Cells were cultured for 6, 12 and 21 days. The pattern of growth was analysed by histology and immunostaining with a pan-cytokeratin antibody. Growth was assayed to quantify cell proliferation on the sponges. RESULTS: No crystals were evident on any of the collagen sponges. Calcium deposition was negligible at pH 5.3. Although calcium levels were measurable at pH 6.3, the levels were very low. Both cell lines attached and grew in a stratified manner on the collagen sponge, RT112 forming a layer 6-8 cells thick, and UROtsa a layer 4-6 cells thick; cell proliferation was maximal at 5-10 days. The sponge remained easy to handle after 3 weeks in culture. CONCLUSION: These findings show that collagen sponges support the growth and stratification of urothelial cells, and indicate that the collagen sponge is a suitable substrate for developing urothelial autologous grafts.

Calcium↗

Immunolocalization of type IX collagen in normal and spontaneously osteoarthritic canine tibial cartilage and isolated chondrons.

OBJECTIVE: The pericellular localization of type IX collagen in avian and mammalian hyaline cartilages remains controversial, while its distribution during osteoarthritic degeneration is poorly understood. This study aimed to compare and contrast the immunohistochemical distribution of type IX collagen in normal mature and spontaneously osteoarthritic canine tibial cartilage. DESIGN: Thick vibratome sectioning techniques were evaluated and compared with isolated chondrons using a range of streptavidin-linked probes in combination with light, confocal and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: In normal intact samples, type IX collagen was concentrated in the pericellular microenvironment, while a weaker extracellular reaction around each chondron separated the territorial matrix from the unstained interterritorial matrix. Further differentiation was evident in isolated chondrons where the fibrous pericellular capsule stained more intensely than the tail and interconnecting segments between columnated chondrons. Two regions of type IX reactivity were identified in osteoarthritic tissue: an intensely stained superficial reactive region below the eroding margins, and normal deep layer cartilage where pericellular staining persists. The superficial reactive region was characterized by chondron swelling and chondrocyte cluster formation, a loss of pericellular type IX staining, and a significant increase in matrix staining between clusters. Disintegration and loss of fibrillar collagens was evident in both the swollen microenvironment and adjacent territorial matrices. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that changes in type IX distribution, expansion of the pericellular microenvironment and chondrocyte proliferation represent key elements in the chondron remodeling and chondrocyte cluster formation associated with osteoarthritic degeneration.

Animals↗

Analysis of types I, II, III, IX and XI collagens synthesized by fetal bovine chondrocytes in high-density culture.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken in order to determine phenotypic modulation of the chondrocytes more closely in high-density culture conditions and to clarify the role of ascorbate. Levels of five collagen types were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, and their distribution was observed in the cell layer and the culture medium. DESIGN: Types I, II, III, IX and XI collagens, synthesized by fetal bovine chondrocytes in high-density culture, were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by direct measurement of radiolabeled collagens separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and by specific radioimmunoassays. RESULTS: Under the experimental conditions used in this study (0.6 x 10(6) cells/cm2), chondrocytes did not proliferate in the absence of ascorbate, whereas a twofold increase in cell number was observed in the presence of ascorbate at day 14. Cartilage-specific collagens (types II, IX and XI) were synthesized throughout the culture period (up to 47 days), as was type III collagen, which appeared as early as day 1 and was essentially present in the culture medium. Partial dedifferentiation of chondrocytes was demonstrated by the synthesis of type I collagen, which was detected by day 2 in culture medium containing ascorbate, and by day 6 without ascorbate. After 33 days of culture, a threefold increase in type I collagen synthesis was observed in culture medium with ascorbate, reaching 66% of the type II collagen content of the cell layer. One month of culture marked the onset of a progressive decrease in the synthesis of all collagen types. CONCLUSIONS: Under these high-density culture conditions, fetal bovine chondrocytes undergo a time and ascorbate-dependent program of partial dedifferentiation. This system provides a simple model for studying the initial mechanisms of chondrocytes dedifferentiation.

Animals↗

Composition and organization of the extracellular matrix of vein walls: collagen networks.

As there are few recent reports concerning the structure and exact composition of the extracellular matrix from human normal and varicose veins, we carried out comparative immunohistochemical analysis of vessel wall using conventional and confocal laser scanning immunofluorescence techniques. The present report is a rapid review of the structure and function of the 19 known collagen types and our first results on the distribution of collagen types VI, XII and XIV and laminin (glycoprotein from basement membrane) in vein walls. Type VI collagen is concentrated in the sub-endothelium and widely distributed in the media and adventice. For the first time, we demonstrated that both FACIT (fibril-associated) collagens XII and XIV were present in the vein wall, but at different anatomic sites.

Collagen↗

Immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses of 20,000-25,000-year-old fossil cartilage.

A cracked, irregular pellicle adhering to fossilized bone excavated from the Enlène cave (Ariège) and estimated to date from 20,000-25,000 years BP was examined to verify its cartilaginous nature, suggested previously on the basis of optical and electron microscopic investigations. Immunolabeling of the organic component revealed the presence of type II and IX collagens, associated with residual glycosaminoglycans, in the external zone of the pellicle. The cartilaginous nature of the pellicle was also demonstrated by biochemical identification of type II collagen as the major protein in the demineralized sample: the amino acid compositions of insoluble and soluble fractions were similar to that of pure type II collagen; cyanogen-bromide-generated peptides, prepared after reduction of the sample, had an electrophoretic pattern similar to that of cyanogen bromide peptides derived from type II collagen. The amino acid sequences of four tryptic peptides were identical to the corresponding human type II sequences. It was impossible to isolate intact alpha chains. All of the solubilized fractions were composed of a wide range of low-molecular-mass peptides demonstrating significant degradation of the collagen molecules that was not reflected in the well-preserved fibrillar structure observed at the ultrastructural level. The mineral fraction, characterized by X-ray diffraction, consisted of apatite (as in sub-chondral bone) associated with contaminating poorly crystallized components originating from the cave sediment. Energy dispersive spectrometry showed that the cartilaginous zone contained three times less phosphorus and calcium than the underlying bone. These results confirm the cartilaginous nature of the sample and the preservation of tissue-specific components, and suggest that the process of fossilization is closely related to a mechanism of phosphatization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of retinoic acid on protein synthesis by foetal bovine chondrocytes in high-density culture: down-regulation of the glucose-regulated protein, GRP-78, and type II collagen.

The effect of 0.1-10 microM retinoic acid (RA) on foetal bovine chondrocytes was investigated in high-density cultures (0.6 x 10(6) cells/cm2). After 5 days of culture in ascorbate-free medium, control chondrocytes presented a typical rounded shape and synthesized type II, IX, XI and III collagens. After RA treatment on days 2-5 of culture, the cells exhibited a fibroblast-like shape and decreased synthesis of total protein (48%) and pepsinresistant proteins (60%) as determined by [35S]methionine labelling. Addition of RA was not followed by the expression of type I collagen, but induced quantitative changes in the synthesis of cartilage-specific collagens (II, IX and XI) as measured by direct autoradiography of the corresponding bands after SDS/PAGE. The main change was in type II collagen synthesis, with a 80% decrease in the cell-layer fraction and a 89% decrease in culture-medium fraction; inhibition of type IX and XI collagen synthesis was limited to 25 and 31% respectively. Modifications to intracellular proteins induced by RA were determined by using two-dimensional electrophoresis associated with a computerized imaging system. Synthesis of one of the more abundant proteins (pI 4.8; 78 kDa) was decreased by 75% after RA treatment. This protein was characterized by micro-sequencing as the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP 78). It was reported previously to bind denatured collagen and mutated type I procollagen molecule and to function as a molecular chaperone for collagen molecules. It remains to demonstrate whether the parallel down-regulation of GRP 78 and type II collagen observed here corresponds to a co-ordinate regulation of these two proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Two-dimensional electrophoresis of intracellular and secreted protein synthesized by fetal bovine chondrocytes in high-density culture.

In order to study the mechanisms involved in the differentiation/dedifferentiation of chondrocytes, fetal bovine chondrocytes in high-density cultures were treated with retinoic acid, an agent known to modify the chondrocyte phenotype (10 mumol/L between day 2 to day 5 of culture). The synthesis of intracellular and secreted proteins was studied by two-dimensional electrophoresis in cell lysates and culture media after labeling with [35S]methionine for the last 14 h of culture. The proteins expressed in control and retinoic acid-treated cells were identified by microsequencing after "in-gel" tryptic digestion of the spot or by immunodetection with specific antibodies after two-dimensional gel blotting. Intracellular protein modifications included one of 56.9 kDa and with an isoelectric point (pI) of 5.8 whose synthesis was previously reported to be up-regulated by 75%. Microsequencing of two internal peptides did not reveal a known protein. Changes to the chondrocyte phenotype were also recorded in the culture medium, as a decrease in type II collagen synthesis and expression of the small proteoglycan, decorin. Several new spots were also observed after treatment with retinoic acid, including a large, diffuse spot, not yet characterized, with a mean molecular mass of 39 kDa and a pI of 4.5-5.0. Under our experimental conditions, retinoic acid induces morphological changes of the chondrocytes and dramatic changes in the synthesis of several intracellular and secreted proteins that predate the synthesis of collagen type I (the classical marker of chondrocyte dedifferentiation).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cytocompatibility of calf pericardium treated by glutaraldehyde and by the acyl azide methods in an organotypic culture model.

Glutaraldehyde (GTA) is used to cross-link collagen-based biomaterials, but these materials are often cytotoxic. In order to overcome this problem, we have proposed the use of the acyl azide methods with either hydrazine or diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA) as reagents. In this paper we determine the cytocompatibility of acyl azide- and GTA-treated pericardium in vitro, by an organotypic chick aorta culture technique developed for the evaluation of the propensity of vascular cells (both endothelial and smooth muscle cells) to migrate and grow on the surface of biomaterials. We first examined pericardium stabilization as a function of GTA concentration and time, so that we could minimize residual GTA molecules in the material. Treatment for 72 h with 0.05% GTA was optimal for thermal stabilization of the pericardium with a denaturation temperature (Td) of 86.8 degrees C, providing similar results to treatment with 0.6% GTA for 4 h (Td = 85.1 degrees C). Pericardium treated in this way was, however, poorly cytocompatible with little vascular cell migration and growth when compared with tissues treated by the acyl azide methods. The best results were obtained with 0.5% DPPA; treated tissues showed a high level of cross-linking (Td = 82.4 degrees C) and three-fold increases in cell growth and migration over those in a non-toxic control.

Animals↗

Use of diphenylphosphorylazide for cross-linking collagen-based biomaterials.

Cross-linking of collagen-based biomaterials increases their strength and persistence in vivo. Recently, we described an efficient cross-linking process via the formation of acyl azide groups on methylated carboxyl groups of collagen using hydrazine and nitrous acid (referred to here as the hydrazine method). In this report, we propose a simpler, faster way to prepare acyl azide groups and to cross-link collagen-based biomaterials, using diphenylphosphorylazide (DPPA) as a reagent. After determining the optimal conditions of cross-linking with DPPA, we compared the efficiency of this protocol with that using hydrazine and with the classical glutaraldehyde treatment. In order to validate and quantitate the extent of reaction, the degree of cross-linking was determined by the measure of the free primary amino group content of the samples. Treatment of native bovine pericardium with 0.5% DPPA for 24 h led to efficient cross-linking, corresponding to a 50% decrease in the free primary amino group content of the sample and raising its thermal stability from 62.8 up to 81.3 degrees C. In comparison, the thermal stabilities of glutaraldehyde or hydrazine-treated pericardium were 85 +/- 0.4 degrees C and 83.4 +/- 0.1 degrees C. Similar decreases in free primary amino group content and increases in thermal stability were obtained for collagen films treated with DPPA, glutaraldehyde, or hydrazine. These results were corroborated by resistance to bacterial collagenase digestion: DPPA-treated pericardium had a resistance to collagenase digestion similar to that of glutaraldehyde- or hydrazine-treated pericardium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Localization of the expression of type I, II and III collagen genes in human normal and hypochondrogenesis cartilage canals.

The expression of type I, II and III collagens genes was examined in human normal and hypochondrogenesis cartilage canals employing electrophoretic analysis, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques. In normal cartilage, collagens type I and III were present in perichondrium, in the connective tissue surrounding the vessels of cartilage canals and in the dense fibrous tissue. However, types I and III procollagen mRNAs were detected only in fibroblasts of the perichondrium and of the canals, but not in the polymorphic cells. Type II collagen was present in the cartilage matrix and in the dense fibrous tissue, in good accordance with the localization of type II procollagen mRNAs detected in the chondrocytes and in the polymorphic cells. These data suggest that there are no transitional cells expressing type I, II and III collagen genes and that polymorphic cells are of chondrocytic origin. In the case of hypochondrogenesis, type II collagen was less abundant than in normal cartilage, whereas the corresponding mRNA level was equivalent. That suggests that a postranscriptional regulation of this protein is involved in the decrease of type II collagen production. Type I collagen, unexpectedly detected in the cartilage matrix, was synthesized by chondrocytes and polymorphic cells, suggesting a replacement of type II by type I collagen. The canal hypertrophy observed in this pathological case could thus be due to a modification in the regulation of the growth of cartilage canals caused by a defective cartilage matrix.

Cartilage↗

Ultrastructural organization of type XI collagen in fetal bovine epiphyseal cartilage.

Type XI collagen was localized with polyclonal antibodies specific for alpha 1 (XI) and alpha 2 (XI) chains in the resting zone of epiphyseal cartilage from calf fetuses. The immunofluorescence technique was used on sections of cartilage, and the immunogold labelling technique for electron microscopy on fibrils isolated from cartilage and, for the first time, in situ on blocks of cartilage fractured in liquid nitrogen. Immunofluorescence showed that without pepsin treatment the staining of type XI collagen was restricted to the pericellular zones; after pepsin treatment, the staining was co-distributed with that of type II collagen. Immunoelectron microscopy performed on isolated fibrils and on cartilage blocks showed that after disruption of fibrils with pepsin, type XI collagen was labelled on small filaments on the fibrils. When the fibrils were not disrupted, labelling was observed in situ only at the ends of the fibrils or on cross-sections of some fibrils. These results indicate that type XI collagen is located inside type II collagen fibrils in fetal bovine epiphyseal cartilage, as already postulated for embryonic chicken sterna.

Animals↗

Composition and organization of the collagen network produced by fetal bovine chondrocytes cultured at high density.

Fetal bovine chondrocytes isolated from the resting zone of epiphyseal cartilage were maintained in high-density culture for 4 weeks. From Day 2 in culture, the chondrocytes deposited an extracellular matrix composed of Types II, IX, and XI collagen. Types IX and XI collagen were restricted to the pericellular domain from Day 5. By 2 weeks the entire cell layer stained for antibodies to Type II and IX collagens. Type XI could be demonstrated throughout the cell layer by pepsinization of the sections. Results from both rotary shadowing and immunochemistry showed that the fibrils formed in culture were heterotypic, with Type IX collagen arranged along the surface and with Type XI collagen buried in Type II fibrils. Nonspecific Type VI collagen and the glycoproteins tenascin and fibrillin, previously described in cartilaginous tissue, were identified by their ultrastructural characteristics in the cell layer homogenate. Although the cells presented morphological characteristics of chondrocytes and still expressed cartilage-specific collagens, the appearance of Type I collagen in the culture cell layer after 4 weeks of culture demonstrates a partial dedifferentiation of the chondrocytes. The culture system described in this report provides an interesting tool for maintaining chondrocytes in a cartilage-like matrix to study the influence of different physical and chemical factors on the expression and differentiation of the cells.

Animals↗

Localization of the expression of type I, II, III collagen, and aggrecan core protein genes in developing human articular cartilage.

The expression of mRNAs for collagen types I, II, III and for aggrecan core protein was studied in developing human femoral cartilage by in situ hybridization, with special attention given to the cartilage covered by the perichondrium and to the articular surface. In parallel, the synthesis of the related proteins was monitored by immunohistochemistry. The cells metabolically active for type I and type III collagen expression were identified by hybridization using [32P]-labeled cDNA clones coding for human alpha 1(I) and alpha 1(III), respectively. Type II collagen and core protein mRNAs were detected by hybridization with specific [32P]-labeled oligonucleotide probes. In the femoral heads of one 22-week old fetus and of one newborn, our in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that chondrocytes located immediately subjacent to the perichondrium produced collagen types I, II, III as well as aggrecan; whereas only type II collagen and aggrecan gene expression was detected deeper in the cartilage covered by the perichondrium. This observation supports the hypothesis that the inner cell layers of perichondrium are chondrogenic, with a transient state where cells express all the markers studied here. At the articular surface different patterns of expression were observed at the two developmental stages. After 22 weeks of fetal development only collagen types I and III were expressed by the surface zone cells while in the newborn cartilage, these cells expressed all the molecules studied (collagen types I, II, III and cartilage proteoglycan). At both ages the underlying cartilage cells expressed only the cartilage-specific molecules (type II collagen and aggrecan). Thus a progressive transformation of cartilaginous matrix occurs with time from the deep cartilage up to the surface by addition of new components, i.e. aggrecan and type II collagen. These results supplemented by an immunofluorescence analysis on 20-, 26- and 38-week old fetal femoral heads suggest that expression of collagen and aggrecan in the cartilage covered by the perichondrium and in the cartilage at the articular surface are subject to different regulatory mechanisms during development. Furthermore, the appearance of hybridizable core protein and type II collagen mRNAs at the articular surface, closely followed by the appearance of the proteins for which they code, indicates that core protein and type II collagen expression is regulated primarily at the transcriptional level in this region. Finally, the similar topography observed for the expression of these two proteins suggests that the genes for these two major constituents of cartilage matrix are coordinately regulated during growth of articular cartilage.

Aggrecans↗

Inhibition of calcification in vivo by acyl azide cross-linking of a collagen-glycosaminoglycan sponge.

A collagen-glycosaminoglycan sponge composed of collagen (80%), chondroitin-4-sulfate (13.3%) and heparan sulfate (6.6%) was cross-linked using the acyl azide method or glutaraldehyde (0.0075%). Under optimal conditions, the denaturation temperature (Td) was raised to 69 degrees C (+23 degrees C) for the sponge treated by the acyl azide method and to 68 degrees C (+22 degrees C) for that treated with glutaraldehyde. The biocompatibility of the treated and control sponges was studied up to 3 months after subcutaneous implantation in rats by analysing cellular responses and calcification by histological and ultrastructural methods. A control collagen-glycosaminoglycan sponge was rapidly invaded by mononuclear cells (8 days), with the formation of granulation tissue. Calcification was observed at the periphery of the implant after 8 days, and the implant was entirely calcified after 15 days; it was degraded progressively after 30 days. Acyl azide treatment increased the persistence of the sponge in vivo up to 90 days and inhibited its calcification. A glutaraldehyde-treated sponge was completely calcified after 15 days, and calcified nodules persisted after 90 days. Thus, acyl azide method efficiently cross-linked a collagen-glycosaminoglycan sponge and inhibited calcification after subcutaneous implantation in rats (at least up to 90 days after implantation).

Animals↗

A discrete helicoid of collagenous fibrils: the cuticle of deep-sea hydrothermal vent worms (Riftia pachyptila).

The fibrillar organization of the collagenous cuticle of the hydrothermal vent worm Riftia pachyptila is described. Fibrils in the posterior part of the cuticle are organized in a classical orthogonal plywood consisting of successive layers of fibrils: in this case, fibrils are oriented in only two directions which are orthogonal, as for pogonophoran. Our new data on the plume of Riftia pachyptila show a new type of fibrillar arrangement of the cuticle: 1) three sets of fibrils are arranged in an hexagonal pattern; 2) fibrils in successive plies are rotated by 60 degrees, and the organization of the fibrillar network is interpreted as a discrete helicoid when compared to continuously twisted plywoods; 3) a fourth set of fibrils crosses the hexagonally arranged plies and is oriented perpendicular to the surface of the body. X-ray diffraction studies of the cuticular fibrils reveal a triple helix which is characteristic of collagen molecules. Results obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) show that the denaturation temperature of the molecule is 54.7 degrees C for Riftia; whereas it is 58.9 degrees C for type I collagen measured under the same conditions. We discuss the origin of this plywood with respect to biomechanical constraints, self assembly processes, and compartmentation of the extracellular space. The involvement of the cell membrane in the fibrillogenesis of collagen is also discussed.

Animals↗

[Detection of mRNA by in situ hybridization in tissues fixed in Bouin's fixative and embedded in paraffin].

Human skeletal tissues fixed in Bouin's solution and embedded in paraffin were studied in order to identify cells responsible for production of types I and II collagens by in situ hybridization. The probes used were a double stranded cDNA fragment (type I collagen) and a synthetic oligonucleotide (type II collagen). The specificity of these probes labeled with 32P was proven in hybridizations to sections of human fetal femoral heads: fibroblasts and chondrocytes, known to produce respectively type I and type II collagen were only recognized by the corresponding probes. These results suggest that paraffin blocks available in pathology departments could be reexamined by in situ hybridization. Furthermore, the use of synthetic oligonucleotides without cloning the gene of interest could increase the usefulness of the technique in studies on human cartilage diseases and possibly on other diseases.

Acetates↗