l-tetrahydropalmatine increases leucine enkephalin levels in corpus striatum of rats

The effect of chronic l-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) administration on the level of leucine enkephalin (Leu-Enk) in rat corpus striatum was studied. After l-THP sc injection once daily for 2 wk, the striatal Leu-Enk level was elevated dose-dependently. However, a single injection of l-THP failed to change the Leu-Enk level. When rats received sc Sch-23390, a selective D1 antagonist, 15 nmol.kg-1 tid for 2 wk, striatal content of Leu-Enk increased from 0.17 +/- SD 0.03 ng.mg-1 tissue in control group to 0.23 +/- SD 0.05 ng.mg-1 tissue in Sch-23390 group (n = 8, P less than 0.05). Sulpiride (Sul), a selective D2 antagonist, 140 mumol.kg-1 sc given bid for 2 wk had no significant effect on the striatal Leu-Enk content. The results suggested that the blockade of D1 receptors by l-THP might be responsible for the increase of the striatal Leu-Enk content in rat.

A case of basophilic leukemia bearing simultaneous translocations t(8;21) and t(9;22)

We report a case of basophilic leukemia with simultaneous translocations of t(8;21) and t(9;22). The patient's clinical and hematologic findings were characteristic only of t(9;22) but not of t(8;21). This unusual cytogenetic phenomenon raises a challenge to the current concepts of primary chromosomal abnormalities in cancer.

Detection of endothelin-like immunoreactivity in epithelium and fibroblasts of the human umbilical cord

We studied tissue sections of freshly obtained full-term and premature human umbilical cords using polyclonal antibody to endothelin and immunocytochemistry. Endothelin immunoreactivity was detected in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells and primitive fibroblasts, but not in the endothelial cells of both full-term and premature umbilical cords. Immunoelectron microscopy using indirect immunogold staining technique localized endothelin immunoreactivity to the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells and fibroblasts but not confined to any particular structures. No endothelin immunoreactivity was detected in the nucleus or on the cell membrane. Pre-absorption tests with synthetic endothelin-1, -2, and -3 independently established that the immunoreactivity represented endothelin-1 and -2, but not -3. The presence of endothelin-1 and -2-like immunoreactive materials in epithelial cells and fibroblasts of human umbilical cord suggests a role of endothelin in parturition.

Novel system for percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass (PCPB) has recently come to the forefront of medicine as a technique for resuscitating and supporting patients in various clinical situations. Current systems utilize small-diameter cannulas to aspirate blood under high suction into the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Aspiration-based systems have several disadvantages including risk of air embolism, blood hemolysis, and cavitation. Additionally, they are suboptimal for use during open-heart surgical procedures. A system with a venous cannula that employs gravity drainage has been evaluated. Once advanced into position over a guide-wire, the stylet is removed, causing the basket near the end of the cannula to expand. Blood flows into the cannula from side holes and the basket region, which prevents the vessel wall or atrium from collapsing around the catheter and impeding venous drainage. Hemodynamic, hematologic, and histologic examinations were performed on eight anesthetized mongrel dogs during 2 h of PCPB. All animals exhibited adequate tissue perfusion and right and left heart decompression. All animals were successfully weaned from PCPB and after 30 min exhibited normal myocardial function. No ischemic changes were observed in the heart, lung, kidney, or liver by light and electron microscopy. We conclude that full PCPB can be satisfactorily achieved by using a novel percutaneous venous cannula and gravity drainage.

Localized endocrine conversion of ventricular cardiocytes in ventricular aneurysm

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is synthesized and stored in the atria of the heart, but not or at very low concentrations in the ventricles. We investigated the occurrence of ANP and its messenger RNA (mRNA) in human ventricular aneurysm where the cardiocytes were physically over-stretched. The techniques of light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, and RNA-RNA tissue in situ hybridization were employed. A large amount of ANP immunoreactivity was found in the cytoplasm of the cardiocytes in and around the aneurysm, but not in fibrous scar tissue or in the normal ventricles. Immunoelectron microscopy localized the immunoreactivity mainly to specific secretory granules in the cytoplasm of the cardiocytes. ANP mRNA was also detected in these cardiocytes. The abundance of both was much higher than that found in the hypertrophic ventricles of other types. The highest concentration of ANP immunoreactivity and of ANP mRNA was found in the cardiocytes located at the border zone. The quantities of both ANP and its mRNA decreased in cardiocytes more distant from the lesion. Our findings suggest that human ventricular cardiocytes in and around aneurysm can convert to produce large amounts of the endocrine peptide ANP. This ventricular endocrine conversion was localized and was probably caused by physical over-stretch of the cardiocytes.

Determination of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases III, IV and V in normal and hepatoma tissues of rats

N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase III, IV and V activities were assayed in various rat tissues and hepatomas using the same fluorescence-labeled sugar chain, GlcNAc beta 1-2Man alpha 1-3-(GlcNAc beta 1-2Man alpha 1-6)Man beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc-2-aminopyridine as a substrate. The N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III activity toward the substrate is the highest in most rat tissues including primary rat hepatoma. A relatively higher activity for GnT-V is found in small intestine, serum and hepatoma as compared to that of GnT-IV. Some kinetic properties of these enzymes in crude extracts were also determined.

[Quantitative evaluation of human balance function and its significance]

A system of computerized balance function evaluation is introduced. 86 normal chinese adults divided into two age groups tested by the system under 6 standing postures, and a series of normal values of 7 balance parameters and 3 curve diagrams were then obtained. No statistical difference could be found in the values of parameters between male and female. A comparison between the old-age group and the middle-aged and young group revealed no significant difference in each parameter at the time of open eyes with the two feet standing side by side. In terms of closed eyes with the two feet standing side by side, one foot standing in front and the other behind, and single foot standing, the parameters between the two age-groups showed significant difference (p less than 0.05-0.01). The advantages of the system and the value of its application in medical practice, sport medicine, aesthetic medicine, judicature and especially in geriatrics are discussed.

Homograft valve durability: host or donor influence?

Antibiotic sterilized valves have been shown to function longer than those chemically sterilized; however, the reason remains obscure. Current hypotheses cite either retention of donor fibroblasts capable of repairing the grafted valve, or host fibroblast ingrowth into and onto the leaflet ground substance. A cryopreserved aortic homograft from a male donor was explanted from a female recipient after 10 months, and subjected to immunocytochemistry, tissue culture, and karyotyping. The leaflet bases exhibited normal morphology with an intact endothelium. The distal one-third of the leaflets was devoid of fibroblasts from the leaflet bases showed them to be of host origin. This homograft seems to have been implanted with an intact ground substance which allowed for host cell repopulation of the inner one-third of the leaflets. Perhaps donor cell viability in itself is not as important to durability as is preservation of the leaflet ground substance, but rather the presence of viable cells may be an index of the structural integrity of the collagen and elastic matrix.

Pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation for right ventricular failure after right ventriculotomy in the swine

To assess the efficacy of intrapulmonary balloon counterpulsation in the management of right ventricular failure after right ventriculotomy, we undertook an experimental study in a swine model. To mimic the clinical settings more closely, (1) we left the automatic control of the heart intact (2) did not use cardiopulmonary bypass to support the left side of the heart, and (3) induced right ventricular failure by means of a generous surgical incision (50% to 70% of the anterior wall) of the right ventricle. The criteria set for right ventricular failure were (1) 50% increase in right ventricular end-diastolic pressure, (2) 30% decrease in mean arterial pressure, and (3) 30% decrease in cardiac output. Right ventricular failure was attained in all animals studied: A 230% increase in right ventricular end-diastolic pressure, a 43% decrease in cardiac output, and a 34% decrease in mean arterial pressure were evident after the right ventriculotomy. A specially designed intrapulmonary balloon catheter (Datascope Corp., Oakland, N.J.) was placed into the left pulmonary artery through the right ventricular outflow tract. A Datascope console was used for counterpulsation. Effects of counterpulsation for 40 minutes in a 1:1 mode were assessed after surgical induction of right ventricular failure in 14 swine. Each animal served as its own control. The mean hemodynamic changes are outlined: Right ventricular end-diastolic pressure decreased by 48.9% (p = 0.01). Mean arterial pressure increased by 68.8% (p = 0.01) and cardiac output by 44.2% (p = 0.01). Histologic studies disclosed no morphologic damage to the pulmonary artery or valve in the specimens analyzed. In addition, these results were compared with those in a second group of seven swine in which right ventricular failure was induced by right ventriculotomy and a balloon was placed into the left pulmonary artery but not activated. These results of short-term counterpulsation should be evaluated in a longer term model so as to mimic more closely the clinical setting. If the hemodynamic benefits are duplicated, intrapulmonary balloon counterpulsation should be considered as a simple, effective device when right ventricular failure develops after right ventriculotomy. It effectively improves right ventricular function without damaging the pulmonary artery or valve.

Atrial natriuretic peptide and its messenger ribonucleic acid in overloaded and overload-released ventricles of rat

To study the occurrence of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in overloaded ventricles, suprarenal aortic coarctation was performed on adult rats (n = 60) to induce overloaded left ventricle. In 36 rats, the overloads were released in 2 weeks. The hearts (6 rats in each group) were examined 2, 7, and 14 days after overload and 2, 7, 19, 47, and 77 days after overload release. Another group of 6 rats was coarctated for the second time for 1-6 days after 14 days of coarctation and 7 days of release. ANP immunoreactivity was examined by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. ANP mRNA was studied by RNA-RNA tissue in situ hybridization. ANP immunoreactivity and ANP mRNA were found in the left ventricle 2 days after coarctation, and their amounts increased in proportion to the intraventricular pressure and the duration of coarctation. Two days after release, ANP and its mRNA began to decrease, but at 77 days ANP-containing granules still existed in the ventricular myocytes, whereas its mRNA became undetectable. The second coarctation triggered the release of the remaining ventricular ANP from the first overload and induced another cycle of increased ANP synthesis. Specific granules that do not contain ANP were found in overload-released ventricles, indicating the possible existence of other peptide hormones. These findings suggest that the extents of ventricular ANP gene expression and ANP synthesis and release are regulated by intraventricular pressure, and the occurrence of ANP in overloaded ventricles may not be a transient, immediately reversible phenomenon.

Changes in cardiac neuropeptide Y after experimental myocardial infarction in rat

We have investigated the hypothesis that neuropeptide Y (NPY) is released from noradrenergic sympathetic nerves during experimentally induced myocardial infarction. A left thoracotomy was performed, the left main coronary artery ligated, and the animals sacrificed 4 or 48 h later. NPY levels in heart tissue from these rats and sham-operated controls were measured with radioimmunoassay. Levels of NPY in the right atrium were greater than other regions of the rat heart. After ligation of the left coronary artery, the concentration of NPY in the infarcted area of the left ventricle was reduced at 4 and 48 h when compared to a similar area in sham-operated rats. NPY levels in the septum were unchanged. The results suggest that during myocardial infarction, NPY is released from nerves in the infarcted region and may deleteriously affect increased collateral blood flow surrounding the infarcted tissue.

Comparison of detecting sensitivities of different sizes of gold particles with electron-microscopic immunogold staining using atrial natriuretic peptide in rat atria as a model

The detecting sensitivities of different-sized gold particles were compared in the localization of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in rat atria. The secondary antibodies were goat antirabbit labeled with 5, 15, 30, or 40 nm colloidal gold diluted 1:2 to 1:100 in Tris buffer. The relative quantity of alpha-ANP immunoreactivity in specific granules was determined by subtracting the number of gold particles in 1 micron 2 nongranule area from that in 1 micron 2 granule area measured with a computerized image analyzer. The optimal dilution that achieved the maximal contrast between specific and background label was influenced by the particle size. Optimal dilutions were 1:80, 1:30, 1:20, and 1:5 for 5, 15, 30, and 40 nm gold, respectively. At optimal dilutions, the maximal detecting sensitivity (MDS) was in inverse proportion to the gold particle size; however, this relationship is not entirely linear. The ratio among the MDSs of 5, 15, 30, and 40 nm gold particles was approximately 34:9:3:2. A double immunogold staining was performed to localize alpha- and beta-ANPs with 15 and 5 nm gold, respectively. Both antigens were detected in the same granules. If the ratios established from the single staining data were used, the ratio between the alpha- and the beta-ANP antigens in the same granules was approximately 2.8:1. The data obtained in this study provide a useful reference for applications of immunogold electron microscopy in a quantitative manner, particularly for double immunogold labeling.

A study of myc-related gene expression in small cell lung cancer by in situ hybridization

The expression of myc-related genes (c-myc, N-myc, and L-myc) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was studied by RNA-RNA tissue in situ hybridization. The tissues investigated included cytospins of ten cell lines derived from patients with SCLC, four corresponding nude mouse xenografts from cell lines, and metastatic tumor tissue obtained by surgical biopsy and at autopsy. The probes were prepared as 35S labeled complementary RNA. The expression of each gene was demonstrated specifically by autoradiography in the cytoplasm of the neoplastic cell samples. The average levels of oncogene expression in each specimen corroborated previous data obtained by Northern blot assays. In addition, heterogeneity in gene expression from cell to cell in each sample was noted. This study represents the first attempt to demonstrate oncogene expression in lung cancer cell lines and tissues in situ, and confirms that the expression of these myc related genes can be seen in the primary tumor. The technique of RNA-RNA tissue in situ hybridization has great potential in answering fundamental questions of tumor cell heterogeneity and progression in SCLC. It should be useful in both prospective and retrospective studies.

A parallel architecture for discrete relaxation algorithm

Discrete relaxation techniques have proven useful in solving a wide range of problems in digital signal and digital image processing, artificial intelligence, operations research, and machine vision. Much work has been devoted to finding efficient hardware architectures. This paper shows that a conventional hardware design for a Discrete Relaxation Algorithm (DRA) suffers from O(n2m3) time complexity and O(n2m2) space complexity. By reformulating DRA into a parallel computational tree and using a multiple tree-root pipelining scheme, time complexity is reduced to O(nm), while the space complexity is reduced by a factor of 2. For certain relaxation processing, the space complexity can even be decreased to O(nm). Furthermore, a technique for dynamic configuring an architectural wavefront is used which leads to an O(n) time highly concurrent DRA3 architecture.

Pharmacokinetics of norethisterone in humans

The pharmacokinetics of a dose of 1mg norethisterone administered with 50 micrograms ethynyloestradiol was studied in 83 subjects. The dose was rapidly absorbed and there were wide variations in the serum NET concentrations at any particular time after dosing; the concentrations at 24 h varied from 100 to 1700 pg/ml. There was a significant negative correlation between the serum NET concentration and the time after dosing in all women. There were large inter-subject variations in the pharmacokinetic parameters, the elimination half-life and bioavailability showing 3- and 5- fold variability, respectively. Mean values for the parameters were t1/2, 7.6 h; bioavailability, 53.6 ng/ml/h; C max, 4.63 ng/ml; clearance, 22.6 l/h; and Vd 2361. There were a number of statistically significant correlations between the pharmacokinetic parameters and analysis of the correlations suggested that clearance was an important determinant of the bioavailability and of C max whereas the elimination half-life was the determinant of the NET concentration at 24 h. The pharmacokinetics of NET are compared with those of ethynyloestradiol. The wide variation in pharmacokinetics is likely to be important in determining inter-subject variations in efficacy and, particularly, side-effects of oral contraceptives especially now that low-dose formulations are widely used.

Occurrence, distribution and origin of peptide-containing nerves of guinea-pig and rat male genitalia and the effects of denervation on sperm characteristics

A systematic immunohistochemical and radio-immunological survey of the occurrence, distribution and origin of the peptidergic nerve supply in guinea-pig and rat male genitalia is presented. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), substance P and CGRP were detected in the genital organs of both species. The densities and distribution patterns of the peptidergic nerves were compared with those of the adrenergic nerves, as revealed by antibodies raised against dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (D beta H) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the general neuronal component, as revealed by antibodies raised against neurofilament proteins (NF). Bilateral transection of the hypogastric nerves, in the guinea-pig, resulted in a decrease of substance P-containing nerves in the vas deferens and of NPY-, PHI- and VIP-containing nerves in the seminal vesicle. Unilateral disconnection of the pelvic nerves caused a decrease of VIP, PHI, substance P and CGRP nerve supply in the ipsilateral vas deferens and cauda epididymidis in the guinea-pig. A marked reduction of noradrenergic and NPY-containing nerves was observed in the vas deferens and sexual accessory glands of rats, chemically sympathectomised by chronic injection of low doses of guanethidine. Conversely, increase of substance P and CGRP immunoreactivities were observed, particularly in the vas deferens. After guanethidine, the cauda epididymidis and vas deferens were distended with spermatozoa, suggesting paralysis of the ducts. Spermatozoa had a decreased percentage of attached cytoplasmic droplets, indicating prolonged retention in the ducts.

The regional distribution of NPY-, PHM-, and VIP-containing nerves in the human female genital tract

The regional distributions of neuropeptide Y (NPY), peptide histidine-methionine (PHM), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactivities in the human female genital tract have been estimated by specific radioimmunoassays, and their molecular forms determined by chromatography. The localisation and distribution of these three peptides was carried out by immunocytochemistry. The vagina and cervix contain high concentrations of NPY- and VIP-immunoreactive nerves, mainly localised around the vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle. VIP-containing nerves were, in addition, seen beneath the cervical and, in particular, the vaginal epithelium. A comparatively high level of immunoreactive NPY is found in the fallopian tube, mainly around the circular muscle coat. There is evidence that VIP is a neurotransmitter in the female genital tract, and these results suggest a similar role for NPY and PHM.

Effect of 6-hydroxydopamine on neuropeptides in the rat female genitourinary tract

The occurrence and distribution of neuropeptide Y has been determined in the rat female genitourinary tract by radioimmunoassay and chromatographic analysis. Within the bladder, higher concentrations of neuropeptide Y were found in the trigone (48.8 +/- 5.2 pmol/g) than in the dome (36.0 +/- 2.1 pmol/g). In the genital tract, highest concentrations were identified in the vagina (41.4 +/- 2.1 pmol/g). Treatment of rats with 6-hydroxydopamine resulted in significant depletion of neuropeptide Y concentrations in both parts of the bladder, together with vagina, uterine horn and fallopian tube. No change was observed in the cervix, uterine body and ovary. Concentrations of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide were unaffected by treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine except in the area of the cervix where concentrations rose from 64.1 +/- 5.7 pmol/g to 133.6 +/- 15.1 pmol/g (p less than 0.05). There was a generalised, but statistically insignificant rise in substance P concentrations.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the female rat urogenital tract

CGRP-immunoreactivity was found throughout the female rat urogenital tract by specific radioimmunoassay, and shown to be present in nerve fibres by immunocytochemistry. The highest concentrations of CGRP-like immunoreactivity were found in the urinary tract, with lower levels in regions of the genitalia. Chromatographic analysis of bladder and vaginal extracts on Sephadex G-50 columns and HPLC revealed at least three CGRP-immunoreactive peaks. The major peak emerged in the same position as synthetic rat CGRP. CGRP nerve fibres were associated mainly with blood vessels, non-vascular smooth muscle, squamous epithelium and uterine and cervical glands, and were particularly abundant in the ureter and bladder. CGRP-immunoreactivity was depleted by neonatal treatment with capsaicin and after surgical section of pelvic and/or hypogastric nerves. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that depletion occurred predominantly in the mucosal layer of the urogenital tract. These findings indicate a sensory function for most of the CGRP-immunoreactive nerves in the rat urogenital tract.

Cytochemical relationships in the paracervical ganglion (Frankenhäuser) of rat studied by immunocytochemistry

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactivities have been demonstrated in the paracervical ganglion of the rat using immunocytochemistry. Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (D beta H) and neurofilament protein triplet immunoreactivities have also been demonstrated in this region. The VIP, NPY, D beta H and neurofilament immunoreactivities were located in ganglion cells and nerve fibres, while CGRP immunoreactivity was localized only in nerve fibres. Many cells immunoreactive with D beta H antiserum were also immunoreactive with NPY antiserum. A small number of cells immunoreactive with VIP antiserum were also immunoreactive with NPY antiserum. CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibres were distributed in certain regions of the ganglion only.

Peptide histidine methionine (PHM) and the human male genitalia

Peptide histidine methionine-like immunoreactivity (PHM-IR) has been demonstrated to be present in the human penis both by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry with particularly high levels in the corpus cavernosum and vas deferens. In the cavernosa, PHM-IR has been localised entirely, in nerves around arteries. High performance liquid chromatography indicated that this PHM-IR co-eluted with synthetic PHM but not porcine PHI. The presence of PHM-IR in the penis suggests that this neuropeptide may play a functional role in penile function.

Bombesin-like immunoreactivity in female rat genito-urinary tract

The quantitative distribution and localization of bombesin-like immunoreactivity (BLI), by antiserum which cross-reacted fully with gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), was determined by radioimmunoassay and immunocytochemistry in various regions of female rat urogenital tract. The highest concentration of BLI was found in the vagina, with lower but significant concentrations in the uterus and bladder. Bombesin-like immunoreactive nerve fibres were localized by immunocytochemistry in the smooth muscle layer, around blood vessels and in the submucosa of the vagina and bladder. BLI was separable into two immunoreactive peaks on both gel permeation chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. The major peak emerged exactly in the position of neuromedin C (C-terminal decapeptide of GRP) in both chromatographic systems, while the remaining immunoreactivity emerged close to the position of porcine GRP on gel permeation chromatography, but was easily distinguishable from this on HPLC. This suggests a significant species difference between rat and porcine GRP. Amphibian bombesin and mammalian neuromedin C have previously been shown to have potent biological actions in the rat urogenital tract. The presence of mammalian bombesin-like peptides in nerve fibres of the urogenital tract suggests that they may have a regulatory role in these organs.

Stability of immunocytochemical reactivity of neuronal substances following delayed fixation

The rates of deterioration of immunocytochemical staining for 4 peptide and 2 neuronal antigens were studied on human, guinea pig and rat colon and urinary bladder. It was found that if the fixation started within 10 h after surgery or death, little change was seen in the pattern and intensity of the immunostains. When fixation was further delayed, the immunostaining gradually deteriorated in quality and decreased in quantity until, when fixation was delayed for 60-72 h, most of the original immunostaining was absent. The deterioration rates of the neuronal antigens in the urinary bladder were slower than in the colon and all antigens were preserved for longer at 4 degrees C than at 20 degrees C. The deterioration curves produced from the present findings provide a standard for comparison with the immunostaining results obtained on tissues where fixation is delayed.

Somatostatin in the human heart and comparison with guinea pig and rat heart

Somatostatin has been shown to have negative inotropic and chronotopic effects and to restore sinus rhythm in some cases of cardiac arrhythmia. Using acid extracts, regions of human heart were examined by radioimmunoassay to determine their somatostatin content. Mean (SD) concentrations of 4.1 (0.8) pmol/g and 2.9 (0.8) pmol/g were found in atrioventricular node and right atria respectively and were significantly higher than in other heart regions. Using fresh heart tissue from guinea pigs, somatostatin was localised to cardiac nerves by immunocytochemistry. Nerves containing somatostatin were most abundant in the atria, where the concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay were 7.6 (1.0) and 2.6 (0.4) pmol/g for right and left atria respectively. Somatostatin contained in cardiac nerves may have a physiological role in the cardiac conduction system.

Neuropeptide Y in the human male genital tract

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) was found in high concentrations in the male genital tract. NPY levels were highest in the seminal vesicles, prostate, corpus cavernosum and vas deferens, where large numbers of immunoreactive nerve fibres were detected. Considerable quantities were also found in the epididymis and spongiosum. Lower concentrations were found in the glans penis, testis and foreskin. The presence of a large number of nerves containing NPY suggest that this active neuropeptide may play a role in control of genital function.

Antibodies to neurofilament protein and other brain proteins reveal the innervation of peripheral organs

Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to neurofilament proteins, neuron-specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein and S-100 have been used to demonstrate nerves, ganglion cells and the supportive glial system of the innervation of various organs. The female genitalia, the urinary tract, the respiratory system, the pancreas, the heart and the skin of several mammalian species, including rat, mouse, guinea pig, cat, pig, monkey and man were fixed in para-benzoquinone and portions of each organ were snap frozen. Serial or free-floating thick cryostat sections were stained using indirect immunofluorescence and peroxidase anti-peroxidase immunocytochemistry. In addition, the newly described and highly sensitive immunogold-silver staining technique was used on Bouin's-fixed and wax-embedded tissues. Antibodies to neurofilament proteins seemed to react with neuronal structures in all the species studied. Alternately stained serial sections showed a similar distribution of neurofilament proteins and neuron-specific enolase-containing nerves. Neuron-specific enolase staining had a diffuse appearance and was found to be highly variable, indicating that the neuron-specific enolase content might be related to the physiological state of the nerves and ganglion cells, whereas antibodies to neurofilament protein gave a consistently intense and very clear picture of the ganglion cells and nerve fibres. Antibodies to S-100 stained supportive elements of the peripheral nervous system in all tissues examined, whereas antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein were more selective.

Increase of S-100 immunoreactivity in the urinary bladder from patients with multiple sclerosis, an indication of peripheral neuronal lesion

The Schwann cells in urinary bladder biopsies from multiple sclerosis patients and controls were examined by immunocytochemistry with an antiserum to S-100. S-100 immunoreactivity was found to be markedly increased in these tissues as compared with the controls, indicating a Schwann cell hyperplasia in the urinary bladder in multiple sclerosis. This finding suggests that local neuronal damage exists in the urinary bladder of patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, the concept of multiple sclerosis as a disease wholly of the central nervous system should be reexamined.

Peptide-immunoreactive nerves in the mammalian female genital tract

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, substance P, neuropeptide Y and peptide histidine isoleucine immunoreactivities have been demonstrated in the female genitalia of rat, cat, mouse and guinea-pig using immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay. They were localized to nerves. Each type of immunoreactive nerve showed a distinct pattern of distribution, though all were associated to some degree with blood vessels and smooth muscle. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive and neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive nerves were the most abundant. Higher concentrations of peptides were detected in the female genitalia of the mouse than those of the other species studied. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive nerves were particularly concentrated in the cervix (89.1 +/- 17.2 pmol/g, mean +/- S.E.M.) and the uterus (57.4 +/- 14.8 pmol/g) of the mouse, while neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity was more abundant in the Fallopian tube of the mouse (31.6 +/- 11.8 pmol/g) and the vagina of the rat (38.6 +/- 4.8 pmol/g) than in other regions. Separate populations of ganglion cells in the paracervical ganglia were found to contain vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and neuropeptide Y immunoreactivities. Peptide histidine isoleucine-immunoreactive and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive nerves were similarly distributed, but the former were much less frequent. Substance P-immunoreactive nerves were seen mainly beneath the epithelium of the vagina and were, in general, more numerous in the guinea-pig than in other species. The significance of these peptide-immunoreactive nerves in the female genital organ remains to be determined.

Demonstration of paracervical ganglion origin for the vasoactive intestinal peptide-containing nerves of the rat uterus using retrograde tracing techniques combined with immunocytochemistry and denervation procedures

The origin of the abundant vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-immunoreactive nerves in the uterus has not been fully determined. In this study, a fluorescent dye, True Blue was injected into the uterus of rat and 6 days later, neuronal cell bodies of the paracervical ganglion were found to be labelled by this dye. Some of these labelled ganglion cells were also found to contain VIP immunoreactivity by immunocytochemistry. When the preganglionic pelvic and/or hypogastric nerves of rats were sectioned, the VIP-immunoreactive nerves in the uteri were not depleted, indicating that these nerves did not originate from the splanchnic ganglion, dorsal root ganglion or the spinal cord. Therefore it is concluded that VIP-immunoreactive nerves in the uterus originate from the paracervical ganglion.

Peptide-containing nerves in human urinary bladder

Nerves containing immunoreactive vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P and two newly discovered peptides, neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY) and PHI (peptide having N-terminal histidine and C-terminal isoleucine), have been found in the human urinary bladder by immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay. Somatostatin immunoreactivity was detected by radioimmunoassay. The VIP-immunoreactive nerves were widely distributed in all regions, but were particularly dense beneath the epithelium and in the muscle layer. Scattered intramural ganglia were found to be reactive to VIP antiserum. Higher concentrations of extractable VIP were detected in the trigone than in the dome. VIP- and PHI-immunoreactive nerves were similarly distributed, the latter being less numerous. NPY-immunoreactive nerves were seen mainly in the muscle layer, particularly in the trigonal area. The distribution patterns of VIP- and NPY-immunoreactive nerves resembled those of the previously reported cholinergic and adrenergic nerves, respectively. Many blood vessels were found to be innervated by both types of immunoreactive nerves. Scattered substance P-immunoreactive fibers were occasionally seen, being present in the submucosa and around the detrusor muscles. The significance of these nerves remains to be elucidated.

Neuropeptide Y in the guinea-pig biliary tract

High concentrations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) have been demonstrated in the gall bladder (16.7 +/- 5.4 pmol/g), cystic duct (25.4 +/- 9.2 pmol/g) and common bile duct (54.7 +/- 11.5 pmol/g) of the guinea-pig using a recently developed radioimmunoassay. Immunoreactive NPY containing nerves were demonstrated in all layers of the biliary tree using immunocytochemistry, being particularly dense in the myenteric and mucosal plexuses.

Decrease of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the penises from impotent men

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-containing nerves were depleted in the penises of 28 impotent men. The extent of the decrease in VIP-containing nerves broadly reflected the severity of erectile dysfunction. VIP-immunoreactive nerves were most depleted in those men with complete erectile impotence, irrespective of the aetiology of the dysfunction, whereas in those men in whom some erectile function persisted, loss of VIP-immunoreactive nerves was more variable and less complete. Conventional histology demonstrated only mild changes (muscle atrophy and occasional thickening of blood vessel walls). VIP levels, measured by radioimmunoassay of tissue extracts, were depleted by more than 80% in penises from impotent diabetics (43.4 +/- 9.9 pmol/g wet weight [mean +/- SEM]), when compared with 6 controls (189.9 +/- 45.9 pmol/g). These findings not only support the contention that VIP may be the principal neurotransmitter involved in penile erection, but also suggest that depletion of this powerful vasodilatory peptide may play a key role in the development of penile impotence.

High concentrations of a novel peptide, neuropeptide Y, in the innervation of mouse and rat heart

A newly discovered bioactive peptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), has been found in the innervation of the mouse and rat heart by immunocytochemistry, NPY-immuno-reactive nerves were very dense around the nodal tissues. They also surrounded the coronary arteries and arterioles and were found in close association with the cardiac muscle. The distribution of NPY-containing nerves paralleled that of noradrenergic fibers, demonstrated by the use of antibodies to the catecholamine-converting enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase. Furthermore, NPY was seen to be present in a proportion of intrinsic neurons mostly found in the atria and in close proximity to the nodal tissue. The concentrations of extractable NPY-immunoreactive material (about 150 pmol/g in whole mouse heart) by far surpasses those of the other peptides so far reported in the cardiac tissue. High performance liquid chromatography demonstrated the NPY immunoreactivity to elute in a single sharp peak, in an identical position to brain NPY.

The origin of VIP-containing nerves in the urinary bladder of rat

The innervation of the urinary bladder is known to include a considerable number of nerves containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). The origin of such nerves in the bladder of rat was investigated in this study using the methods of immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay combined with surgical sectioning of the hypogastric and/or pelvic nerves to the bladder. Eight days after pelvic nerve sectioning proximal to the main pelvic ganglion, VIP-immunoreactive nerves and VIP content were markedly increased from the level in the sham-operated rat bladder. Sectioning of hypogastric or both nerve pathways led to a less significant increase. It was therefore postulated that the majority of VIP-immunoreactive nerves originate from ganglia located either close to the bladder or within the bladder wall. It is interesting that in these experiments the VIP content of the bladder nerves is inversely related to the changes in motility that would be expected to result from the nerve sections.

Peptide immunoreactive nerves and cells of the guinea pig gall bladder and biliary pathways

Using the methods of immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay, five peptides (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P, somatostatin, met-enkephalin, and bombesin) have been found in the gall bladder and the biliary tracts of guinea pig and each of them possesses a characteristic distribution pattern. Networks of nerves containing each peptide were found in the smooth muscle, around blood vessels and, occasionally, in the lamina propria. The distribution of the peptide immunoreactive nerves in the gall bladder and biliary tract is similar to those found in the gut. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (11 +/- 1.5 pmol/g in the sphincters, mean +/- SEM) and substance P (21.5 +/- 1.8 pmol/g in the common bile duct) were found to be the most abundant peptides and a few VIP and substance P immunoreactive neurones were localised in the ganglionated plexus. Bombesin immunoreactive nerves were mainly seen in the sphincter of Oddi, where the mean concentration of extractable bombesin was 14.6 +/- 2 pmol/g. Somatostatin immunoreactive mucosal endocrine cells were identified in the epithelium of the common bile duct and the sphincter. The extractable somatostatin in these regions were 76 +/- 19 pmol/g and 162 +/- 30 pmol/g respectively.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in the normal and unstable bladder

The possible involvement in idiopathic detrusor instability of a newly discovered type of autonomic nerve containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has been studied. Immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay, using specific antibodies against VIP, were carried out on 20 biopsy specimens from the bladders of patients with detrusor instability and 20 specimens from control patients. The concentration of VIP in the unstable bladders was found to be markedly reduced from 36.52 +/- 4.8 pmol/g (mean +/- SEM) to 7.62 +/- 1.84 pmol/g (P less than 0.01). The number of VIP immunoreactive nerves was greatly decreased in all of the layers but particularly in the muscle layer of the unstable bladder in comparison with the controls. These findings may provide important information about the mechanism of this disorder.

Immunostaining of neuron-specific enolase as a diagnostic tool for Merkel cell tumors

Conventional histologic examination of Merkel cell tumors may result in misdiagnosis because of the close similarities these tumors bear to either malignant lymphomas or certain undifferentiated carcinomas. The authors have previously reported that neuron-specific enolase (NSE), a specific marker for neuroendocrine cells, is present in normal Merkel cells and can be used as a marker to identify this cell type. In this study, 11 Merkel cell tumors, identified employing electron microscopy, were studied using immunostaining of NSE by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Varying intensities of NSE immunoreactivity were found in the cytoplasm of all the neoplastic cells in the different cases. The uniformly stained cytoplasm formed a small rim surrounding the large, unstained nucleus. Immunostaining of NSE thus provides a simple and reliable method for the differential diagnosis of Merkel cell tumors from other primary skin tumors which, with the exception of some malignant melanomas, have been shown not to contain NSE immunoreactivity.

Peptidergic innervation of the human male genital tract

Four peptides--vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, substance P, somatostatin and a peptide-like avian pancreatic polypeptide--have been found in nerves of the human male genitalia using highly sensitive and specific methods of immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay. Five other peptides (met-enkephalin, leu-enkephalin, neurotensin, bombesin and cholecystokinin-8) were absent. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide was the most abundant peptide, its highest concentration being in the proximal corpus cavernosum. Immunoelectron microscopy localized this peptide to large (97 +/- 20 nm), round, electron-dense granules of p-type nerve terminals. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive neuronal cell bodies were found in the prostate gland and the root of the corpus cavernosum. Substance P immunoreactive material was present in smaller concentration and was mainly localized in nerves around the corpuscular receptors of the glans penis. Somatostatin immunoreactive nerves were associated mainly with the smooth muscle of the seminal vesicle and the vas deferens. When antiserum to avian pancreatic polypeptide was applied, certain nerves were stained, particularly in the vas deferens, the prostate gland and the seminal vesicle. However, chromatography detected no pure avian pancreatic polypeptide suggesting the presence of a structurally related substance, possibly neuropeptide Y, which cross-reacts with the avian pancreatic polypeptide antiserum. Similar distributions between vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive and acetylcholinesterase-positive nerves and between avian pancreatic polypeptide-immunoreactive and adrenergic nerves were observed. A general neuronal marker, neuron-specific enolase, was used to investigate the general pattern of the organ's innervation. The abundance and distribution patterns of these peptide-immunoreactive nerves indicate that they may play important roles in the male sexual physiology.

Distribution of bombesin, somatostatin, substance-P and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in feline and porcine skin

The content and distribution of several regulatory peptides in the skin of cats and pigs, freshly obtained at surgery, have been investigated. Immunoreactive bombesin was evenly distributed at low concentrations in both species, being below the detection limit in the body and nose of the cat, and showing a peak value of 1.6 +/- 0.7 pmol/g in the tip of the pig's ear. Similar concentrations of somatostatin-immunoreactivity (-IR) were found but greater regional variation occurred in the pig with a low in the mid back of 0.4 +/- 0.1 and the highest value in the snout of 3.1 +/- 0.8. Substance-P-IR in the pig showed a marked variation in concentration, apparently parallelling skin sensitivity, with a low in the back of 0.4 +/- 0.7 and higher values around the anus (8.1 +/- 1.6), legs (6.8 +/- 1.8) and snout (13.5 +/- 3.6) whilst in the cat values ranged from 0.3 +/- 0.06 in the body to 5.0 +/- 0.9 in the front footpads. In contrast, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-IR showed greater variability in the cat, being below the assay's detection in the body and highest in the front and rear footpads (17 +/- 7 and 29 +/- 6 respectively), but in the pig most regions exhibited low concentrations with the exception of the snout which peaked at 12.0 +/- 5.0. Immunocytochemical localisation showed the peptides to be present in nerve fibres. Substance-P-IR was particularly localised in the snout of the pig just below the epithelium while VIP-IR was more concentrated in deeper layers, often associated with sweat glands and blood vessels.

Neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY)--a major cardiac neuropeptide

A newly discovered bioactive peptide, neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY), has been found in the human cardiac nervous system. Dense concentrations of NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibres were found in association with nodal tissue (atrioventricular node 22.1 +/- 3.7 pmol/g). NPY nerve fibres were seen in close contact with cardiac muscle fibres and were also found around the coronary vessels (19.6 +/- 6.2 pmol/g). Analysis of the peptide by high-performance liquid chromatography demonstrated that it was present in a single molecular form, closely similar or identical to that of the isolated bioactive peptide. Cardiac function in man has long been known to be influenced by cholinergic and adrenergic nerves. There now appears to be a further component of the nervous system in the human heart, involving peptidergic nerves containing NPY.

Repeated application of first-layer antiserum improves immunofluorescence staining: a modification of the indirect immunofluorescence staining procedure

Repeated application of the first-layer antiserum in the indirect immunofluorescence technique considerably improves the immunostaining. The modified method reveals more antigenic sites and increases the contrast between specific and background stainings, particularly where sparsely distributed antigenic areas are to be investigated. The effect of this novel immunostaining procedure is compared with that of the routine procedure and of other modifications. Possible mechanisms for the improving effect are discussed. A procedure of combined modifications is recommended for exploration of non-abundant antigens or for achieving a high-quality photograph.

Improved section adhesion for immunocytochemistry using high molecular weight polymers of L-lysine as a slide coating

Poly-L-lysine (PPL) has been used to coat glass slides in the preparation of tissue sections for immunocytochemical staining. The adhesive properties of different molecular weight (m.w.) polymers of L-lysine have been tested on pre-fixed cryostat sections which were subjected to a 3 day washing treatment. It has been found that the higher the molecular weight of the polymer, the greater the adhesive force it provides. PLL (m.w. 350,000) at concentrations in the range of 0.05-0.1% was found to be the most effective polymer.