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Ultrastructural localisation of proteoglycans in the odontoblast-predentin region of rat incisor.

The localization of proteoglycans in the predentin of the rat incisor was investigated by ultrastructural histochemistry. Ruthenium red stained the cell coat of the odontoblasts as well as intracellular vesicles. There was also a staining of the extracellular matrix, but not of collagen fibers in the predentin. Treatment with the enzyme hyaluronidase prior to staining with ruthenium red abolished the staining of the vesicles and the extracellular matrix but not that of the cell coat. Bismuth nitrate and phosphotungstic acid gave similar staining of odontoblast vesicles and extracellular matrix. It is likely that the stained structures contain proteoglycans. The importance of these proteoglycans and their ultrastructural localization are discussed in relation to intracellular transport and the calcification process.

Animals↗

Exocytosis and endocytosis of small vesicles in PC12 cells studied with TEPIQ (two-photon extracellular polar-tracer imaging-based quantification) analysis.

We investigated exocytosis of PC12 cells using two-photon excitation imaging and extracellular polar tracers (TEP imaging) in the lateral membranes not facing the glass-cover slip. Upon photolysis of a caged Ca2+ compound, TEP imaging with FM1-43 (a polar membrane tracer) detected massive exocytosis of vesicles with a time constant of about 1 s. TEPIQ (two-photon extracellular polar-tracer imaging-based quantification) analysis revealed that the diameter of vesicles was small (55 nm). Extensive exocytosis of small vesicles (SVs) was shown to be mediated by the transient opening of a fusion pore with a diameter less than about 1.6 nm, and to be followed by direct ('kiss-and-run') endocytosis and translocation of the endocytic vesicles (EVs) deep into the cytoplasm. These processes were unaffected by GTP-gamma-S. In contrast, constitutive endocytic vesicles exhibited a diameter of 90 nm, took up molecules with a diameter of > 12 nm, and their formation was blocked by GTP-gamma-S. Electron-microscopic investigation with photoconversion of diaminobenzidine using FM1-43 confirmed an abundance of EVs with a diameter of 54 nm in stimulated cells. They rapidly translocated into the cytosol, and fused with endosomal organelles. The number of SV exocytosis events vastly exceeded the number of SVs morphologically docked at the plasma membrane. Simultaneous capacitance and FM1-43 measurements indicated that TEP imaging detected most SV exocytosis, and the fusion pore was closed within 2 s. Thus, we have, for the first time, directly visualized massive exocytosis of small vesicles in a non-synaptic preparation, and have revealed their fusion-pore mediated exocytosis and endocytosis.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗

SGC (SIF) cells in autonomic ganglion: evidence for a possible secretion of their content into the blood vessels.

Authors described signs of extrusion of granular vesicles from the SCG (SIF) cells in the inferior mesenteric ganglion of the dog. The granular vesicles were found in extracellular space as well as in the blood capillary lumen. Beside this, large number of granular vesicles were found in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells of blood capillary, mainly in places of close contact between the SGC cell and the endothelial cell of the capillary. These findings strongly suggest secretory function be a primary role of SGC cells in inferior mesenteric ganglion and would explain the rich vascularisation of the SGC cell groups.

Animals↗

Differential expression of phenotype by resting zone and growth region costochondral chondrocytes in vitro.

This study establishes an in vitro model for examining endochondral cartilage cell metabolism. Chondrocytes derived from the resting cell zone and adjacent growth zone of rat costochondral cartilage were compared for retention of phenotype in culture. At third passage confluence, two cell populations differ morphologically and biochemically. Resting zone cells are fibroblast-like, with smooth cell membranes and little rough endoplasmic reticulum. Growth zone cells are more polygonal, smaller in diameter, with numerous cytoplasmic extensions of the plasma membranes and abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum. Both cell populations produce matrix vesicles that are comparable morphologically to matrix vesicles isolated enzymatically from epiphyseal cartilage. While membrane vesicles are released into the media by cells derived from the resting zone as well as from the growth cartilage, alkaline phosphatase activity is enriched in media vesicles produced by growth cartilage cells. Alkaline phosphatase enriched vesicles appear to be preferentially incorporated into the extracellular matrix. Both the plasma membrane marker enzyme activity and the membrane phospholipid composition are differentially expressed in matrix vesicles and plasma membranes and are cell specific. Matrix vesicles produced by resting zone cells are enriched in alkaline phosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase, ouabain sensitive Na+/K+ ATPase and cardiolipin when compared to the cell membrane. In addition, the plasma membranes of these cells contain more phosphatidylcholine plus sphingomyelin than do growth cartilage plasma membranes. Resting zone cell matrix vesicles have less phosphatidylethanolamine than do vesicles from growth cartilage cultures. Matrix vesicles produced by growth cartilage cells contain one proteolipid at 43,000 Mr which comigrates with plasma membrane proteolipid and an additional proteolipid at approximately 3,000 Mr. These data indicate that both cells retain differential expression of phenotype in culture and that one expression of this phenotype is production of specific extracellular matrix vesicles.

Animals↗

The lipid-rich core region of human atherosclerotic fibrous plaques. Prevalence of small lipid droplets and vesicles by electron microscopy.

Abundant extracellular lipid deposits are associated with cell necrosis and tissue weakening in the core region of human atherosclerotic fibrous plaques. The ultrastructural morphology of the core region, previously undefined because of lipid extraction artifacts, was studied with the aid of new osmium-thiocarbohydrazide-osmium and osmium-tannic acid-paraphenylenediamine sequences for tissue processing. Small droplets of neutral lipid (30 to 400 nm profile diameter) and lipid vesicles with aqueous centers accounted for more than 90% of the area occupied by lipid-rich structures in the core region. No foam cells were present. Cholesterol crystals, lipid droplets of a size similar to those in foam cells (0.4 to 6 mu), and larger neutral lipid deposits (greater than 6 mu) together occupied less than 10% of the total area of lipid structures. Abundant lipid vesicles were associated with the nearby presence of cholesterol crystals, whereas small lipid droplets were predominant in areas without crystals. Many droplets had surface defects in the form of pits and vesicular blebs. These morphologic findings are explained most concisely by postulating direct accumulation of extracellular lipid from interstitial lipoproteins as a major process in core region formation. Moreover, a dynamic state of ongoing physical/metabolic transformation of extracellular lipid deposits is suggested.

Aorta↗

[Analysis of living motor nerve ending of a frog by endocytotic fluorescent marker FM 1-43].

In our experiments on motor nerve endings of the frog cutaneous pectoris muscle, using fluorescent marker FM 1-43, the intensity and topography of endocytosis were investigated after the initiation of massive exocytosis of synaptic vesicles by increasing the extracellular potassium concentration. Using FM 1-43, fluorescent spots were shown to appear, looking as accumulations of synaptic vesicles in the active zone region. The forms and sizes of luminous spots and the distances between them were analysed. Considerable variations in brightness and total areas of fluorescent spots per a length unit in different regions of the nerve ending were revealed in addition to a proximal-distal gradient of these parameters along the nerve terminal. Peculiarities of topography and intensities of luminescence in the most terminal regions of the nerve ending are described. The obtained data are discussed in terms of the exo- and endocytosis cycle of synaptic vesicles in the active zone region, and from the point of view of the plasticity of the motor nerve ending and active zones. The factors involved in the transmitter release nonuniformity are analysed.

Animals↗

Synaptic vesicle populations in saccular hair cells reconstructed by electron tomography.

We used electron tomography to map the three-dimensional architecture of the ribbon-class afferent synapses in frog saccular hair cells. The synaptic body (SB) at each synapse was nearly spherical (468 +/- 65 nm diameter; mean +/- SD) and was covered by a monolayer of synaptic vesicles (34.3 nm diameter; 8.8% coefficient of variation), many of them tethered to it by approximately 20-nm-long filaments, at an average density of 55% of close-packed (376 +/- 133 vesicles per SB). These vesicles could support approximately 900 msec of exocytosis at the reported maximal rate, which the cells can sustain for at least 2 sec, suggesting that replenishment of vesicles on the SB is not rate limiting. Consistent with this interpretation, prolonged K+ depolarization did not deplete vesicles on the SB. The monolayer of SB-associated vesicles remained after cell lysis in the presence of 4 mM Ca2+, indicating that the association is tight and Ca2+-resistant. The space between the SB and the plasma membrane contained numerous vesicles, many of which ( approximately 32 per synapse) were in contact with the plasma membrane. This number of docked vesicles could support maximal exocytosis for at most approximately 70 msec. Additional docked vesicles were seen within a few hundred nanometers of the synapse and occasionally at greater distances. The presence of omega profiles on the plasma membrane around active zones, in the same locations as coated pits and coated vesicles labeled with an extracellular marker, suggests that local membrane recycling may contribute to the three- to 14-fold greater abundance of vesicles in the cytoplasm (not associated with the SB) near synapses than in nonsynaptic regions.

Animals↗

An ultrastructural investigation of the spermatozoa of two ophiuroids, Ophiocoma echinata and Ophiocoma wendti: acrosomal morphology and reaction.

The spermatozoa of two closely related species of ophiuroids, Ophiocoma echinata and Ophiocoma wendti, were examined ultrastructurally. Morphologically, these spermatozoa resemble those of other non-echinoid echinoderms. The acrosomal complex, completely contained within an anterior fossa in the spherical nucleus, consists of a membrane-limited acrosomal vesicle and periacrosomal material. Events of the acrosomal reaction in O. echinata and O. wendti are presented. In both species, the reaction results in the establishment of an extracellular coat of acrosomal vesicle origin on the anterior surface of the spermatozoon. The possible role of this extracellular coat in the species-specific binding of sperm and ova is discusses. The origin of acrosomal tubule membrane is elucidated.

Animals↗

Experimental studies on permeability of tracers into the spinal cord.

For investigation of the intramedullary penetration of metrizamide, the intramedullary movements of fluorescein, Evans Blue, Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and ionic lanthanum in the normal cord and experimental syringomyelia of rats were studied. Syringomyelia was induced by injection of kaolin suspension into the cisterna magna. Subsequently HRP or ionic lanthanum was perfused into the subarachnoid space and its distribution was examined by electron microscopy. In normal rats, HRP mainly became localised in the basement membrane between the pia mater and glial cells and only a few vesicles migrated into the extracellular spaces (ECS) between glial cells. Ionic lanthanum, however, migrated deep into the ECS. In rats with experimental syringomyelia many vesicles of HRP migrated deep into the ECS of glial cells and the white matter. These findings indicated that the ECS of the marginal glia and the neuropil constitute part of a pathway through which metrizamide migrates into the intramedullary cavity.

Animals↗

Protein-protein interactions and protein modules in the control of neurotransmitter release.

Information transfer among neurons is operated by neurotransmitters stored in synaptic vesicles and released to the extracellular space by an efficient process of regulated exocytosis. Synaptic vesicles are organized into two distinct functional pools, a large reserve pool in which vesicles are restrained by the actin-based cytoskeleton, and a quantitatively smaller releasable pool in which vesicles approach the presynaptic membrane and eventually fuse with it on stimulation. Both synaptic vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release depend on a precise sequence of events that include release from the reserve pool, targeting to the active zone, docking, priming, fusion and endocytotic retrieval of synaptic vesicles. These steps are mediated by a series of specific interactions among cytoskeletal, synaptic vesicle, presynaptic membrane and cytosolic proteins that, by acting in concert, promote the spatial and temporal regulation of the exocytotic machinery. The majority of these interactions are mediated by specific protein modules and domains that are found in many proteins and are involved in numerous intracellular processes. In this paper, the possible physiological role of these multiple protein-protein interactions is analysed, with ensuing updating and clarification of the present molecular model of the process of neurotransmitter release.

Animals↗

Sequential compound exocytosis of large dense-core vesicles in PC12 cells studied with TEPIQ (two-photon extracellular polar-tracer imaging-based quantification) analysis.

We investigated exocytosis of PC12 cells using two-photon excitation imaging and extracellular polar tracers (TEP imaging) at the basal region of PC12 cells adjacent to the glass cover slip. TEPIQ (two-photon extracellular polar-tracer imaging-based quantification) analysis revealed that most exocytosis was mediated by large dense-core vesicles (LVs) with a mean diameter of 220 nm, and that exocytosis of LVs occurred slowly with a mean latency of approximately 7 s even though exocytosis was induced with large increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration by uncaging of a caged-Ca2+ compound. We also found that 97% of exocytic LVs remained poised at the plasma membrane, 72% maintained their fusion pores in an open conformation for more than 30 s, and 76% triggered sequential compound exocytosis of vesicles that were located deeper in the cytosol. Sequential compound exocytosis by PC12 cells was confirmed by electron microscopic investigation with photoconversion of diaminobenzidine by FM1-43 (a polar membrane tracer). Our data suggest that pre-stimulus docking of LVs to the plasma membrane does not necessarily hasten the fusion reaction, while docking and resulting stability of exocytic LVs facilitates sequential compound exocytosis, and thereby allowing mobilization of deep vesicles.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗

Ultrastructural and cytochemical aspects of the initial phases of an experimental cutaneous calcinosis (calcergy) in the rat.

In rats a subcutaneous injection of KMnO4 leads to the calcification of the connective tissue. During mineral deposition, both intra- and extracellular changes are observed in the connective tissue. The intracellular phase is characterized by the formation of intramitochondrial granules and cytoplasmic vesicles, both in fibroblastic and extrinsic cells. In the extracellular phase, numerous heterogeneous matrix vesicles appear in the extracellular matrix. At the same time, globular particles which are resistant to microincineration, are observed between the collagen fibrils. The mineralization of the extracellular matrix takes place in two stages. The first stage comprises the appearance of needle-like structures and round aggregates. The needle-like structures are observed occasionally in the matrix vesicles and often in the extracellular matrix where they appear isolated or diverging from a central point. The round aggregates, composed of dense particles, are seen in the ground substance between the collagen fibrils. The second stage is characterized by a progressive mineralization of the collagen fibrils and the elastic fibers, without formation of extended calcified plaques.

Animals↗

Morphogenesis of the assembly and release of bovine enterovirus.

Fluorescent antibody (FA) studies of cells infected with bovine enterovirus showed cytoplasmic blebs with specific fluorescence to the virus. These structures were also found extracellularly in the debris of lysed cells and were RNA-positive by acridine orange (AO) staining. The morphology of virus-infected cells was further studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with immunoferritin tagging showed the development of long sacs with bilaminated and multilaminated membranes. These sacs had multiple twists at different intervals along their length forming a chain of vesicles. The development and maturation of the virus were observed in these vesicles. A number of virus-containing vesicles were also present extracellularly in the debris of lysed cells. In addition, virus was observed in layers of membranous cisternae closely associated with vacuoles and plasma membrane. Some of the cisternae opened to the extracellular space and appeared to allow the release of the virus. Virus particles were also found in patches and in crystals within the cytoplasmic matrix. Many lysed cells contained fibrils often associated with patches of ferritin-tagged virus. This study presents morphological evidence for the release of the virus in vesicles after cell lysis, via cisternae with openings to the extracellular space, and in cytoplasmic blebs.

Animals↗

Developmental changes in localization of the main ganglioside during sea urchin embryogenesis.

Ganglioside M5 (NeuGcalpha2-6Glcbeta1-1'Cer), the main ganglioside in sea urchin and sand dollar eggs, exists mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum and yolk granules in unfertilized eggs. To study the localization of ganglioside M5 after fertilization, early embryos were stained with an anti-ganglioside M5 monoclonal antibody. Using immunofluorescent and immunoelectron microscopy, intense label was observed in the outer surface and cytoplasm of embryos. These results indicate that ganglioside M5 was secreted during embryogenesis and localized in the extracellular matrix (ECM). When living embryos were incubated in sea water containing 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole labeled-ganglioside M5 (NBD-M5), the ECM and plasma membrane were strongly stained. Since the localization of NBD-M5 in the ECM was similar to that of extracellular M5, NBD-M5 was likely to be useful to examine the fate of extracellular ganglioside M5. Interestingly, NBD-M5 was incorporated in subcortical vesicles during embryogenesis, suggesting that the extracellular ganglioside M5 is transported into the cytoplasm. When fertilized eggs were incubated with NBD-M5 and tetramethylrhodamine dextran (a marker dye for endocytotic vesicles), colocalization of the dyes was observed in the vesicles. Thus, it was concluded that NBD-M5 in the ECM and/or plasma membrane was internalized in the cells by endocytosis, suggesting that extracellular M5 is transported from the ECM to endocytotic vesicles.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical localization of a synaptic-vesicle antigen in a cholinergic neuron under conditions of stimulation and rest.

An antiserum against a specific component (a glycosamino glycan) of the cholinergic synaptic-vesicle of Torpedo marmorata has been used to investigate the localization of the component in the cell body, its movement within the electromotor axon and its fate within the nerve terminal upon electrical stimulation. After immunofluorescent staining, spots are observed throughout the cytoplasm of the lobe perikarya, although they are concentrated in the region of the axon hillock. Ligation of the electromotor nerves leading from the lobe to electric organ produces a proximal build-up of material which stains readily with the antivesicle antiserum, indicating that the vesicle antigen is transported from the cell body to the nerve terminal. A marked increase in indirect immunofluorescent staining of the electric organ is observed in the nerve ending upon electrical stimulation. We interpret this result as fusion of the vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane and exteriorization of the vesicle antigen to the extracellular space, thereby facilitating its staining. After recovery of the system the fluorescence declines, a result that is consistent with the reinternalization of the vesicle antigen into the core of reformed vesicles. The results support a mechanism whereby vesicles recycle within the nerve terminal and transmitter is released by exocytosis.

Animals↗

Transcapillary exchange of 14C-inulin by free diffusion in channels of fused vesicles.

Capillary permeability for the extracellular, hydrophilic indicator 14C-inulin, was determined in the autoperfused cat gastrocnemius muscle by bolus injection, venous sampling expts. The capillary diffusion capacity, CDC (the permeability-surface are product, PS), was 0.84 ml/100 g-min, and capillary extraction, E, was 0.307 at a plasma flow of 4.0 ml/100 g-min as average values of 7 expts. Results were compared with 51Cr-EDTA and 57Co-B12 data of previous studies. The findings imply that 14C-inulin is not subject to restricted diffusion across the continuous capillary membranes of skeletal muscle as compared to 51Cr-EDTA as well as 57Co-B12. These hydrophilic indicators pass the capillary barrier at rates proportional to their respective free diffusion coefficients in water. The Pappenheimer equivalent pore radius estimate of 30 A (or slit width of 37 A) and the Karnovsky 40 A interendothelial slit width are inconsistent with the present data which imply a much larger pore size. The transendothelial channel system of fused vesicles is a possible morphological equivalent for the present findings which support the general theory that capillaries of continuous type exhibit similar permeation characteristics regardless of the tissue in which they are located. By kinetic black-box analysis the extravascular distribution volume for 14C-inulin in skeletal muscle was found to be 13.0 ml/100 g. The data indicate that 51Cr-EDTA, which has about the same molecular radius as sucrose, and 14C-inulin have identical extravascular volumes of distribution and that both molecules presumably enter the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Animals↗

The distribution and properties of some hydrolytic enzymes from Porphyromonas gingivalis W50.

The production, distribution (as cell-bound, extracellular or associated with vesicles) and properties of four hydrolytic enzymes from Porphyromonas gingivalis were studied. During batch culture, enzymes appeared as cell bound until 72 h when extracellular trypsin-like protease and glycylprolyl dipeptidase were found. Alkaline phosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase continued to be mainly cell-bound until 96 and 144 h post-inoculation, respectively. The pH optima for trypsin-like protease and dipeptidase activities were 7.5 and 8.0, respectively. Activity was most stable between pH 6.5 and 9.0 for the trypsin-like protease and pH 8.0 for dipeptidase. For phosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, double peaks of activity occurred at pH 8.0, 10.5 and 6.5, 7.5, respectively. Phosphatase was most stable at pH 7.0, whilst N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase was stable over a wide range of pH from 5.0-10.0. Molecular weight estimation by gel filtration gave 170 and 65 kD for trypsin-like protease, 200 and 24 kD for glycylprolyl dipeptidase, 125 and 24 kD for phosphatase, and 22 kD for N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

Ultrastructure of matrix vesicles in chick growth plate as revealed by quick freezing and freeze substitution.

The ultrastructure of extracellular membrane-bound matrix vesicles (MVs), their biogenesis, and the surrounding matrix in chick tibial growth plate were studied after quick freezing and freeze substitution (FS) in an organic solvent. There were several notable differences in the ultrastructural preservation of cartilage when FS was used as compared with conventional fixation. The ultrastructural appearance of MVs after FS was extremely variable. Within the MVs, intravesicular filaments, amorphous material, and membrane-associated undercoat structures were observed. Intravesicular filaments, similar in diameter to microfilaments seen in the cytoplasm, were attached to the inside of MV membranes. This observation indicates the similarity of MV membranes and the plasma membrane. In some MVs in the proliferative zone an electron-dense material was present along the inner side of the MV membrane. In the prehypertrophic zone, crystalline material often appeared within the electron-dense material, which may be a precursor form of hydroxyapatite. The earliest crystals observed were in MVs but not in the extracellular matrix. Regarding MV formation, in addition to budding from cell surfaces and to cellular disintegration, this study also indicates that a sequential process of extrusion of preformed cytoplasmic structures may occur. Also, small MVs measuring 25-40 nm seem to arise from the disruption of large MVs. This is a previously unreported observation on MV biogenesis. FS preserves proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix as a fine, filamentous network. Initial extracellular calcification was not associated with this network.

Animals↗