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G J Brakenhoff

Publications and source records attributed to G J Brakenhoff.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Three-dimensional visualization methods for confocal microscopy.

Three-dimensional images of microscopic objects can be obtained by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). The imaging process in a CSLM consists of sampling a specific volume in the object and storing the result in a three-dimensional memory array of a digital computer. Methods are needed to visualize these images. In this paper three methods are discussed, each suitable in a specific area of application. For purposes where realistic rendering of solid or semi-transparent objects is required, an algorithm based on simulation of a fluorescence process is most suitable. When speed is essential, as for interactive purposes, a simple procedure to generate anaglyphs can be used. Both methods have in common that they require no previous interpretation or analysis of the image. When the study of an object imaged by CSLM involves analysis in terms of a geometrical model, sophisticated graphics techniques can be used to display the results of the analysis.

Algorithms↗

Three-dimensional imaging in fluorescence by confocal scanning microscopy.

The improved resolution and sectioning capability of a confocal microscope make it an ideal instrument for extracting three-dimensional information especially from extended biological specimens. The imaging properties, also with finite detection pinholes are considered and a number of biological applications demonstrated.

Animals↗

Ki-67 detects a nuclear matrix-associated proliferation-related antigen. I. Intracellular localization during interphase.

Ki-67 is a commercially available mouse monoclonal antibody, which reacts with a nuclear antigen in proliferating cells. The antibody can be used to determine the growth fraction of human tumours in situ and has been shown to be of prognostic importance. In this study it is shown that in interphase cells Ki-67 reacts with an antigen, mainly present in the nucleoli. Confocal scanning laser microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy on human MR65 monolayer cells revealed that this nucleolar antigen is predominantly localized in the nucleolar cortex and in the dense fibrillar components. The Ki-67 antigen appeared to be preserved in nuclear matrix preparations obtained after in situ fractionation of MR65 cells. Despite many efforts, we could not identify the antigen in immunoblotting or immunoprecipitation assays. Testing of cell cultures of different species by means of indirect immunofluorescence revealed that the antibody reacted with human cells and with the Rhesus monkey kidney-derived cell line LLC-MK2.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Three-dimensional chromosome arrangement of Crepis capillaris in mitotic prophase and anaphase as studied by confocal scanning laser microscopy.

To estimate the extent of ordering of chromosomes, confocal scanning laser microscopy was used to make three-dimensional images from optical sections. For Crepis capillaris, which has 2n = 6 easily recognizable chromosomes, a statistically significant sample of 75 Feulgen-stained root tip anaphases was analysed. A comparison of the observed chromosome ordering and the expected random distribution showed a significant surplus of one of the arrangements with a juxtaposition of the two chromosomes with a nucleolus organizer region. Two of the arrangements with these chromosomes in opposite positions were never observed in our material. Another analysis of 30 mithramycin A-stained prophases and 30 meta- and anaphases showed partly different patterns of non-random chromosome distribution in the two stages of mitosis. A preference for an association of the homologues was observed for all pairs of chromosomes in prophase cells, whereas in meta- and anaphase the association only persisted for the nucleolus organizer chromosomes. This indicates that there may be some relocation of the chromosome positions during the transition from prophase to metaphase. In meta- and anaphase one of the arrangements with juxtaposed NOR chromosomes was preferred, i.e. the ordering in which chromosomes 1 and 3 occupied alternate positions. Probably, the nucleolus is an important factor in producing a non-random distribution, but there could be other factors that influence chromosome ordering as well. A comparison of the anaphase chromosome ordering in C. capillaris plants from very different localities, indicated that the observed non-random distribution was independent of the origin of the material. Existing models of chromosome disposition are not sufficient to explain the observed non-random chromosome ordering in C. capillaris.

Cell Division↗

Ki-67 detects a nuclear matrix-associated proliferation-related antigen. II. Localization in mitotic cells and association with chromosomes.

In interphase cells the proliferation-associated antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody Ki-67 is almost exclusively located in the nucleoli. When cells at several stages of mitosis were examined for the localization of the Ki-67 antigen, a striking redistribution could be observed. During prophase the distinct nucleolar Ki-67 fluorescence changed to a bright irregular meshwork throughout the nucleoplasm. At metaphase the antigen appeared to be distributed in a reticulate structure surrounding the condensed chromosomes, while at late telophase a punctated staining of the entire nucleoplasm was observed, which preceded the typical nucleolar localization pattern in each of the two daughter cells. Immunolabelling with Ki-67 of metaphase chromosome spreads revealed a circumferential staining of the individual chromosomes. The Ki-67 antigen is preserved in nuclear matrix preparations obtained after in situ fractionation of interphase cells. When mitotic cells were exposed to such treatments, the obtained fluorescence data suggested that the antigen may be part of the chromosome scaffold. Quantification of the Ki-67 fluorescence signal using flow cytometry revealed the highest staining intensities in mitotic cells. Furthermore, it was shown that nutritionally deprived cells became negative for Ki-67.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Visualization and analysis techniques for three dimensional information acquired by confocal microscopy.

Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM) is particularly well suited for the acquisition of 3-dimensional data of microscopic objects. In the CSLM a specific volume in the object is sampled during the imaging process and the result is stored in a digital computer as a three-dimensional memory array. Optimal use of these data requires both the development of effective visual representations as well as analysis methods. In addition to the well known stereoscopic representation method a number of alternatives for various purposes are presented. When rendering in terms of solid-looking or semitransparent objects is required, an algorithm based on a simulated process of excitation and fluorescence is very suitable. Graphic techniques can be used to examine the 3-dimensional shape of surfaces. For (near-)real time applications a representation method should not require extensive previous data-processing or analysis. From the very extensive field of 3-D image analysis two examples are given.

Cell Nucleus↗

3-dimensional imaging of biological structures by high resolution confocal scanning laser microscopy.

Imaging in confocal microscopy is characterized by the ability to make a selective image of just one plane inside a specimen, virtually unaffected -within certain limits- by the out-of-focus regions above and below it. This property, called optical sectioning, is accompanied by improved imaging transverse to the optical axis. We have coupled a confocal microscope to a computer system, making the combination of both an excellent instrument for mapping the 3-dimensional structure of extended specimens into a computer memory/data array. We measured that the volume element contributing to each data point has, under typical fluorescence conditions, a size of 0.2 X 0.2 X 0.72 micron. The data can be analysed and represented in various ways, i.e., stereoscopical views from any desired angle. After a description of the experimental arrangement, we show various examples of biological and food-structural studies. The microscope can be operated either in reflection or in fluorescence. In the latter mode a spectral element allows selection of the wavelength band of fluorescence light contributing to the image. In this way, we can distinguish various structures inside the cell and study their 3-dimensional relationships. Various applications in biology and the study of food structure are presented.

Animals↗

Confocal scanning light microscopy of the Escherichia coli nucleoid: comparison with phase-contrast and electron microscope images.

The nucleoid of living and OsO4- or glutaraldehyde-fixed cells of Escherichia coli strains was studied with a phase-contrast microscope, a confocal scanning light microscope, and an electron microscope. The trustworthiness of the images obtained with the confocal scanning light microscope was investigated by comparison with phase-contrast micrographs and reconstructions based on serially sectioned material of DNA-containing and DNA-less cells. This comparison showed higher resolution of the confocal scanning light microscope as compared with the phase-contrast microscope, and agreement with results obtained with the electron microscope. The effects of fixation on the structure of the nucleoid were studied in E. coli B/r H266. Confocal scanning light micrographs and electron microscopic reconstructions showed that the shape of the nucleoid remained similar after OsO4 or glutaraldehyde fixation; however, the OsO4 nucleoid appeared to be somewhat smaller and more centralized within the cell.

Cell Nucleus↗

Bacterial anatomy in retrospect and prospect.

Progress in bacterial anatomy over a period of about 15 years is reviewed. In particular, attention is paid to developments in which the Department of Electron Microscopy and Molecular Cytology was involved. Past and present problems in bacterial anatomy as well as approaches to their solution are discussed.

Bacillus subtilis↗

Topography of the insertion of LamB protein into the outer membrane of Escherichia coli wild-type and lac-lamB cells.

The appearance of newly induced LamB protein at the cell surface of Escherichia coli was followed topographically by immuno-electron microscopy. LamB protein was induced in E. coli wild-type or lac-lamB cells for a short period of time (4 to 6 min), such that the overall level of LamB protein in induced cells was at least twofold higher than that in uninduced cells. Antibodies bound to LamB protein exposed at the cell surface were labeled with a protein A-gold probe, and the probe distribution in briefly induced cells was compared to that in uninduced cells. Analysis of large numbers of cells showed that newly inserted LamB protein appeared homogeneously over the entire cell surface, both in wild-type cells and in lac-lamB cells. A peak of insertion which was observed at the division site of the cell was also observed in the absence of induction and in control experiments in which a nonspecific probe was used. It is concluded therefore that insertion of LamB protein into the cell envelope of E. coli occurs at multiple sites over the entire cell surface. The average amount of LamB protein which appeared at the cell surface after induction was determined for various cell size classes. It was found that cells of various size classes all synthesized LamB protein after induction, indicating that synthesis of the protein was not restricted to cells in a particular stage of the cell cycle. However, the rate of LamB synthesis was found to vary during the cell cycle: this rate was constant regardless of cell size in nondividing cells, whereas it increased in dividing cells. It is concluded that the accumulation of newly induced LamB protein follows a linear pattern.

Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins↗