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Influence of marihuana on cellular structures and biochemical activities.

Cannabinoids are known to affect a number of cellular systems and functions, but the basis for their action is unclear. In this paper we review the current evidence describing cannabinoid effects on various levels of cellular structure and activity and we present our current studies on the influence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and cannabinol on one cellular system, the cytoskeleton. The organization of two cytoskeletal structures, microtubules and microfilaments, were examined and the mRNA levels of tubulin and actin, the major protein components of microtubules and microfilaments, respectively, were analysed.

Animals↗

Transcriptome analysis of Deinagkistrodon acutus venomous gland focusing on cellular structure and functional aspects using expressed sequence tags.

BACKGROUND: The snake venom gland is a specialized organ, which synthesizes and secretes the complex and abundant toxin proteins. Though gene expression in the snake venom gland has been extensively studied, the focus has been on the components of the venom. As far as the molecular mechanism of toxin secretion and metabolism is concerned, we still knew a little. Therefore, a fundamental question being arisen is what genes are expressed in the snake venom glands besides many toxin components? RESULTS: To examine extensively the transcripts expressed in the venom gland of Deinagkistrodon acutus and unveil the potential of its products on cellular structure and functional aspects, we generated 8696 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a non-normalized cDNA library. All ESTs were clustered into 3416 clusters, of which 40.16% of total ESTs belong to recognized toxin-coding sequences; 39.85% are similar to cellular transcripts; and 20.00% have no significant similarity to any known sequences. By analyzing cellular functional transcripts, we found high expression of some venom related genes and gland-specific genes, such as calglandulin EF-hand protein gene and protein disulfide isomerase gene. The transcripts of creatine kinase and NADH dehydrogenase were also identified at high level. Moreover, abundant cellular structural proteins similar to mammalian muscle tissues were also identified. The phylogenetic analysis of two snake venom toxin families of group III metalloproteinase and serine protease in suborder Colubroidea showed an early single recruitment event in the viperids evolutionary process. CONCLUSION: Gene cataloguing and profiling of the venom gland of Deinagkistrodon acutus is an essential requisite to provide molecular reagents for functional genomic studies needed for elucidating mechanisms of action of toxins and surveying physiological events taking place in the very specialized secretory tissue. So this study provides a first global view of the genetic programs for the venom gland of Deinagkistrodon acutus described so far and an insight into molecular mechanism of toxin secreting.

Animals↗

Comparative study of cellular structures implicated in gravisensing in statocytes of primary and lateral roots of Vigna angularis.

The cellular structures of statocytes implicated in gravisensing in primary and lateral roots of Vigna angularis were compared. The statocytes of lateral roots already had small amyloplasts immediately after they emerged from the primary root. Although these amyloplasts sedimented, the lateral roots showed much weaker gravitropism than primary roots, at least until they reached a length of about 30 mm. The nuclei were usually positioned in the upper end of the statocytes in both types of roots. Electron microscopic surveys showed that many tubular elements of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were frequently localized in the lower end of the statocyte and they sometimes diverged or curved, suggesting that the ER forms a large reticulate complex. It is worth noting that statocytes with a large ER complex were found much more frequently in primary roots than in lateral roots. The amyloplasts were not always settled on this complex but were very frequently under it, especially in the primary roots. In lateral roots, they were usually localized under the ER complex when they were present. Thus, it is suggested that the differential development and organization of the amyloplast-ER complex system is involved in the differential gravitropism of the two types of roots.

Endoplasmic Reticulum↗

Object-oriented image analysis for high content screening: detailed quantification of cells and sub cellular structures with the Cellenger software.

BACKGROUND: Detailed image analysis still is a considerable bottleneck for many cellular assays, and automated solutions to the problem are desirable. However, dealing with the complexity and variability of structures in cellular images makes detailed and reliable analysis a nontrivial task. METHODS: Therefore, based on the object-oriented image analysis approach, a novel image analysis technology, a flexible and reliable system for image analysis in cellular assays was developed. It contains a library of predefined, adaptable modules, each of them developed for a specific analysis task. The system can be configured easily by combining appropriate modules and adapting them interactively to the specific image data, if necessary. By representing cells and sub cellular structures within a network of interlinked image objects, a large number of parameters can be derived that describe shape, intensity, and relevant structural and relational aspects of any chosen class of structures. RESULTS: Thus, multi-parameter analysis and multiplexing are supported. A sample application based on this approach demonstrates that GFP signals can be distinguished based on their properties and the relative location within the cell.

Cell Membrane↗

[Cellular structure of propionibacteria during their multiplication].

The aim of the present study was to determine the structure of bacterial cells from Propionibacterium genus as well as their structure during the cellular division. On the basis of the observations made in the electron transmission microscope, in uranyl-acetates-tained preparations of ultra-thin specimens of bacteria, it was stated that propionic bacteria appeared in a shape of short rods, possessing regular profiles of cell walls as opposed to Gram-negative bacteria with a very creased edge line. Besides, it was observed that division of cells had place by formation of septum, most probably preceded by the division of mezosome, which is a signal for creating the divisional wall. In the conducted studies, the following phenomena were started: presence of membraneous structure of mezosomes, which is linked with the chain of circular DNA in bacterial cell, appearance of numerous ribosomes in the regions of tangled threads of nucleic acids, and existence of other undefinite elements. Mezosome present in the cell of propionic bacteria is probably linked with the cell wall at least in two places and on the surface of external cell wall at the site of its linking; it causes the change in electronic density, demonstrated by the undefined holes or scars in cell wall. This finding gives the possibility of distinguishing this genus of Propionibacterium, in the respect of morphology, from other bacteria what, in the opinion of the authors, is a new achievement in the studies on the structure of propionic bacteria.

Cell Division↗

[Impacts of osteoclast-like cells cultured on bone wafer and their sub-cellular structures on osteoblast].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of osteoclast-like cells (OLC) and its sub-cellular structures on the osteoblast (OB) differentiation and function. METHODS: Spleen cells from C57 mice administrated with 5-fluorouracil were induced by IL-3, 6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and 1alpha, 25-(OH)(2)D(3) to obtain massive OLCs. These OLC cells were cultured in culture fluid and on bone wafers (called bolcs). Osteoblasts were cultured and added with NaF, OLCs of two kinds, culture fluid free of OLC, and sub-unit structures such as nucleus, mitochondria, and cytoplasma from OLCs for 5 days. The proliferation rate of OBs was measured by MTT method and the alkaline phophatase (ALP) activity was measured by PNPP method. Immunochemistry was used to detect the core-binding factor alpha1 (Cbfalpha1) in the OBs, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the osteocalcin. RESULTS: The OB number was lower in the OLC (1.288 +/- 0.039), OLC cytoplasm (1.138 +/- 0.024), 50% OLC culture fluid (1.203 +/- 0.033), 50% OLC culture medium of OLCs cultured on bone wafer (1.128 +/- 0.028) in comparison with the pure OB group (1.393 +/- 0.016, all P < 0.05). The increase functions of OBs by OLC cultured on bone wafer and their nucleus and mitochondria were all more significant than those of the OLCs not cultured on bone wafer. The ALP activity was increased in the NaF (1.027 +/- 0.024), OCL cytoplasm (1.850 +/- 0.033), 50% OLC medium (2.074 +/- 0.065), 50% OLC medium of OLCs cultured on bone wafer (1.718 +/- 0.048), and mitochondria and cytoplasm of the OLC cultured on bone wafer groups (1.246 +/- 0.037, all P < 0.05). NaF (0.0825 +/- 0.0025), OLCs (0.0775 +/- 0.0025), nucleus (0.0775 +/- 0.0025), mitochondria (0.0875 +/- 0.0025), and cytoplasm of OLCs (0.1100 +/- 0.0007), 50% OLC medium (0.0900 +/- 0.0000), 50% OLC medium of OLCs cultured on bone wafer (0.1200 +/- 0.0041), OLCs cultured on bone wafer and nucleus, mitochondria, and cytoplasm of OLCs cultured on bone wafer all significantly increase the oeteocalcin activity of OBs (0.525 +/- 0.0063, all P < 0.05). NaF (57.6% +/- 2.6%), OLC cytoplasm (45.3% +/- 4.7%), 50% OLC medium (46.6% +/- 3.3%), 50% medium of OLCs cultured on bone wafer (54.0% +/- 2.1%), OLCs cultured on bone wafer (44.8% +/- 3.0%), and cytoplasm of OLCs cultured on bone wafer (48.7% +/- 3.5%) all significantly increased the Cbfalpha1 protein in the OBs (32.8% +/- 4.5%, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The sub-cellular elements of OLC and the supernatant of OLC culture media free of OLC promote the functions of OB, especially the OLCs cultured on bone wafer.

Animals↗

The influence of androgens on enzymes (chymotrypsin-and trypsin-like proteases, renin, kallikrein and amylase) and on cellular structure of the mouse submaxillary gland.

1. The effect of age and androgen level on enzyme activity and cellular structure has been determined in the mouse submaxillary gland.2. A new protease which resembles chymotrypsin in its substrate specificity has been characterized in the gland.3. Activity of the chymotrypsin- and trypsin-like proteases and renin increased considerably in male mice concomitantly with proliferation of granules in the secretory tubules of the gland.4. The androgen dependence of the chymotrypsin- and trypsin-like enzymes, renin and the organelles within the secretory tubules was confirmed in castrated male mice. The activity of these enzymes increased and correlated with the appearance of intracellular granules in the secretory tubules when the castrated male mice and in addition female mice were treated with testosterone preparations.5. Kallikrein, a closely related protease, and amylase increased in activity with age but showed no sex-linked differences.6. The results suggest that kallikrein is sequestered in acinar cells whereas the androgen-dependent enzymes (chymotrypsin, trypsin and renin) are located in the secretory tubules.

Age Factors↗

The influence of calcium ions on the adsorption of glycolytic enzymes to cellular structure.

In order to provide information on the influence of Ca2+ ions on the adsorption of glycolytic enzymes to cellular structure, the release of these enzymes from digitonized cells has been studied. Increases in the calcium ion concentration were found to cause corresponding decreases in the extent of release of all the glycolytic enzymes, as well as a parallel increase in the extent of polymerization of actin. These observations have been discussed in relation to the effect of physiological concentrations of these ions on the association between glycolytic enzymes and the cytoskeleton.

Actins↗

Association of p60src with Triton X-100-resistant cellular structure correlates with morphological transformation.

More than 70% of wild-type Rous sarcoma virus p60v-src was found to be associated with a cellular structure resistant to nonionic detergent extraction that consists primarily of cytoskeletal proteins. On the other hand, nontransforming src proteins, including cellular p60c-src, nonmyristoylated forms, and those inactive in protein kinase, were found in the fraction solubilized by the detergent extraction. p60c-src was detergent-soluble even in transformed cells, suggesting that the association of p60v-src is not a result of cell transformation. Analyses with a variety of Rous sarcoma virus mutants showed a good correlation between the degree of association with the detergent-resistant structure and the extent of cell transformation caused by mutant src proteins, suggesting that this association may be significant for the process of cell transformation by Rous sarcoma virus.

Animals↗

Phagokinetic tracks of 3T3 cells: parallels between the orientation of track segments and of cellular structures which contain actin or tubulin.

Phagokinetic tracks were used to determine the current direction of migration in 3T3 cells. Comparing this direction with the orientation of actin or tubulin-containing cellular structures by indirect immunofluorescence, the following results were obtained. First, the main actin-containing bundles were located at the bottom and tail end of 3T3 cells and ran parallel to the current or preceding direction of migration. Second, the 3 micrometer long rod-like structure (primary cilium), which contains tubulin and which has been observed by other investigators in transmission electron microscopy (Barnes, 1961; Sorokin, 1962; Wheatley, 1969) and in indirect immunofluorescence (Osborn and Weber, 1976), was oriented predominantly parallel to the substrate and to the current movement direction. It seems possible that the primary cilium has a role in the directional control of a migrating 3T3 cell, and that the main actin containing bundles act as substrate-attached rails along which the nucleus and bulk cytoplasm slide during displacement of the cells.

Actins↗

Cellular structures involved in albumin interaction with preadipocytes in various stages of adipogenesis, in vitro.

Albumin is the major carrier of long chain free fatty acids, that are known to be heavily utilized by fat cells. To investigate the cellular structures involved in the interaction of albumin with preadipocytes, precursor fat cells isolated from rat epididymal fat pads were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum and antibiotics. Cell differentiation was induced by 1.7 nM insulin added to the culture medium. The ensuing cells in various stages of differentiation were incubated with albumin, alone or bearing oleic acid, adsorbed to 5 nm gold particles (Alb-Au or Alb-OA-Au) for 10 min at 37 degrees C. As control, polyethyleneglycol-gold and IgG-gold complexes were used in same conditions. After extensive washing, the cell monolayer was fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde, and processed for electron microscopy. Examination of thin sections and morphometric analysis showed that: a) in the process of adipogenesis induced in vitro four cell types were simultaneously present: fibroblast-like cells (F), early adipocytes (EA), adipocytes (A) and aged adipocytes (AA); b) upon incubation with Alb-Au, the probe labelled preferentially coated pits and coated vesicles and only some uncoated vesicles; in time the tracer was found in endosomes, occasionally, multivesicular bodies and lysosome-like structures. The binding and uptake was dependent on the stage of cell differentiation, being less pronounced in fibroblast-like cells and increased in later stages (A and AA); c) Alb-OA-Au labelled the same structural features like the Alb-Au (i.e. coated pits and vesicles); however, the binding to the cell membrane was fourfold higher than that of Alb-Au in F and EA stages and was maintained at the same level in A and AA stages; d) control probes were taken up only by adipocytes and aged adipocytes, cells that express a strong phagocytic function for all tracers used. These results indicated that albumin bound to gold and especially albumin-bearing fatty acids-gold, bind preferentially to coated pits and vesicles of preadipocytes. Further internalization of albumin-gold particles seems to be non-specific, since both the probes and the controls adsorbed to gold were delivered to the same endosomal-lysosomal compartment.

Adipocytes↗

[Enhancing the reparative potentials of the cellular structures in the hypothalamus by the preliminary adaptation of animals to hypoxia and stress].

Effects of preliminary adaptation of rats to hypoxic hypoxia and short-term stress environments on the dynamics of the repair changes of RNA and proteins in the cellular structures of supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei of hypothalamus are studied. Adaptation to hypoxia and short-term stresses is found to increase the potential of protein-synthetizing system of neuro- and gliocytes of SON and PVN. It prevented a marked decrease in the RNA and proteins contents during a post-stress period and increased an intensity of the repair processes in the nuclei being tested. Experimental findings are indicative of a heterochronic pattern of repair processes in hypothalamic neurosecretory structures which to a great extent can be related with their potentials to rearrange the intracellular metabolism for maximum functional maintenance during stresses.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Ontogenic activities and interactions of the lactate dehydrogenase isozymes with cellular structure in the guinea pig.

The LDH activities and isozyme distributions associated with soluble and particulate fractions of five major tissues have been followed during the development of the guinea pig. Evidence has been provided for an appreciable degree of interaction between LDH and cellular structure in all these tissues (liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, brain and heart) at all stages of development, but particularly in the early foetal stages. These data have been discussed in relation to the nature and extent of this binding and the correlations with the metabolic emphases in these tissue situations during development.

Animals↗

Heat-resistant variants of the Chinese hamster ovary cell: alteration of cellular structure and expression of vimentin.

Three heat-resistant mutant cell lines (78-1, 78-2, 78-3) were previously selected from Chinese hamster ovary cells. In this study, we investigated whether the differences in intrinsic thermal sensitivity result from alteration of stress protein levels or cellular structural changes. Although there was no significant difference in the levels of stress proteins, i.e., constitutive HSP70 in wild type and three heat-resistant mutant strains, there were marked differences in the amounts of vimentin among the cell lines. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blot showed a 2.3-2.9-fold increase in the level of vimentin in the mutant cells under normal growth conditions. Northern blot also revealed higher amounts of vimentin mRNA in the mutant cells. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence suggest that increased amounts of the vimentin-containing intermediate filaments are correlated with the heat-resistant phenotypes.

Animals↗

[Low-molecular RNA subcellular localization and its binding strength with cellular structures].

Some fractions of low molecular weight (LMW) nuclear RNAs were shown to be present in the cytoplasm of rat liver cells. In addition to known 4S tRNA, 5S and 5,8S rRNAs U3 and 8S1 LMW nuclear RNAs, 8SII and 8SIII LMW RNAs have been detected in RNA preparations of free total and membrane-bound polysomes. The U3 and 8SI polysoma I RNAs seem to be associated with high molecular weight polysomal RNA. Using thermal phenol fractionation, that some LMW RNAs were shown to be slightly bound to the cellular structures whereas some others are bound more tightly. Considerable amounts of LMW RNAs are tightly bound to the chromosome-nucleolar apparatus. They can be extracted only at 85 degrees C. The data presented are discussed with regard to LMW nuclear and polysomal RNAs functions.

Animals↗

Collateral branch formation related to cellular structures in the axon tract during corticopontine target recognition.

The corticopontine projection develops exclusively by collateral branches that form along the length of corticospinal axons days after they have passed their hindbrain target, the basilar pons. In vitro evidence suggests that the basilar pons releases a diffusible activity that initiates and directs the growth of collateral branches. This study investigates whether contact-dependent mechanisms may also influence the formation of collateral branches. By using immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy, and neuronal tracing techniques, we examined the region of the axon tract, the cerebral peduncle, overlying the basilar pons for cellular structures that correlate spatially and temporally with collateral branch formation. We found that radial glia are excluded from the tract. Oligodendrocyte precursors are found only at low density. Although mature astrocytes are absent, immature astrocytes are present throughout the tract. However, our evidence does not suggest a direct role for glial cell types in collateral branch formation. In contrast, dendrites of basilar pontine neurons are transiently present in the tract during the time of collateral branch formation. Although collateral branches are observed in regions of the tract devoid of dendrites, the orientation and location of most collateral branches correlates at the light microscopic level with dendrites. Electron microscopy reveals sites of increased collateral branch formation near neuronal cell bodies or dendrites. However, cell processes, whether dendritic or otherwise, are rarely found in direct contact with collateral branch points. A common and unexpected feature is the bundles of corticopontine collateral branches, oriented transversely to their parent corticospinal axons and directed across the tract to the basilar pons. Dendrites were often apposed to or embedded within the transverse bundles. These findings suggest that dendrites are not essential for collateral branch formation but that they may enhance this process and define discrete preferred locations for collateral branch initiation and elongation within the cerebral peduncle.

Animals↗