Comparison of improved precipitation methods for quantification of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

We compared the standard Lipid Research Clinics heparin-Mn2+ (46 mmol/L) method and five improved precipitation methods for quantification of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Three of these methods--a dextran sulfate-Mg2+ procedure, reported as a Selected Method, a modified heparin-Mn2+ (92 mmol/L) method, and a modified phosphotungstate-Mg2+ procedure--all gave similar results. Three other methods--the standard heparin-Mn2+ (46 mmol/L) method and two polyethylene glycol methods (75 g/L or pH 10 reagent at 100 g/L final concentrations)--gave slightly higher values for HDL cholesterol. Addition of NaCl or glucose to specimens did not significantly change protein precipitation. In terms of sedimentation effectiveness with hypertriglyceridemic specimens, the methods were ranked in the following order: polyethylene glycol (pH 10, 100 g/L) greater than dextran sulfate-Mg2+ greater than heparin-Mn2+ (92 mmol/L) = polyethylene glycol (75 g/L) greater than phosphotungstate-Mg2+ greater than heparin-Mn2+ (46 mmol/L).

Correlation between degradation and ultrastructure of peptidoglycan during autolysis of Escherichia coli

The kinetics of peptidoglycan degradation were examined under different conditions of autolysis of Escherichia coli. With cephaloridine- or moenomycin-induced autolysis, degradation did not exceed 25 to 35%, whereas in EDTA-induced autolysis it rapidly reached 65 to 70%. When nonautolyzing cells were fixed overnight with glutaraldehyde, followed by an osmium fixation, and thin sections were stained by the phosphotungstic acid method, a dark, 15-nm-thick layer of uniform appearance and constant width occupied the whole area between the inner and outer membranes of the envelope. The stained material was tentatively identified with peptidoglycan. Ultrastructural changes in this phosphotungstic acid-stained periplasmic space were investigated at different time intervals after induction of autolysis. In all cases, breakdown proceeded over the whole cell surface. During antibiotic-induced autolysis a progressive thinning down limited to the inner side of the layer was observed. During EDTA-induced autolysis, the rapid decrease in thickness correlated well with the important loss of material labeled with [3H]diaminopimelic acid. Considering these changes and the insufficient amounts of peptidoglycan (1.3 U/nm2) necessary to account for a regularly structured polymer occupying the whole 15-nm layer, it was speculated that peptidoglycan might be unevenly distributed throughout the periplasmic space.

Demonstration of sialic acid groups in the glomerular basement membrane of the rat with phosphotungstic acid at low pH

This paper reports an unrecognized aspect of phosphotungstic acid staining at low pH. It provides an on-section staining method in which sialic acid-containing molecules can be demonstrated in the laminae rarae of the rat glomerular basement membrane. The staining in the basement membrane became negative after perfusion with the following cations: protamine sulphate, hexadimethrine, Alcian Blue, Ruthenium Red and Toluidine Blue. Blocking was not achieved with Alcian Blue at about pH 1. The staining was also abolished after mild methylation and demethylation restored the contrast. This is suggestive of the involvement of carboxyl groups. Prior digestion with pronase, trypsin and neuraminidase rendered the laminae rarae negative, whereas hyaluronidase, chondroitinase ABC and crude heparinase were without effect. This indicates that sialic acid groups are detected by this method and that heparan sulphate does not interfere. The staining of the epithelial plasma membrane, also carrying sialic acid groups, remained positive after neuraminidase treatment. It is presumed that this method can be applied successfully for detecting changes in the sialic acid content of the laminae rarae in rat glomerular basement membranes under normal and pathological conditions.

An alcohol-soluble Schiff's reagent: a histochemical application of the complex between Schiff's reagent and phosphotungstic acid

A schedule for staining partially hydrated PAS-positive structures using non-aqueous solutions has been devised. Tissues are dewaxed, taken down to 70% alcohol, oxidised for 10 min in a 1% w/v alcoholic solution of periodic acid, treated with an alcoholic solution of phosphotungstic acid-Schiff reagent complex (PTA-Schiff reagent) for 25 min, washed in alcohol, cleared in xylene and mounted in a synthetic medium. The PTA-Schiff reagent complex prepared from de Tomasi Schiff reagent by precipitation with PTA may be stored in the deep freeze for many months and dissolved freshly in alcohol for use. The PTA-Schiff reagent used as above allows staining of highly water soluble materials such as dextran. From blocking and digestion studies the mode of action seems similar to de Tomasi Schiff reagent. The partial hydration of the tissues prior to reaction was found to be essential for effective staining.

The size and curvature of synapses in the cerebellar cortex of the cat

At the supra Purkinje layer and the subpial level in the molecular layer of lobules V and VI of the cerebellar cortex of the cat, synaptic profiles were measured in ultrathin serial sections treated with either osmium tetroxide (OsO4) or ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (E-PTA). From trace and chord lengths of the intercepts of synaptic profiles the curvature and the mean caliper diameter of the synapse was calculated. In OsO4-material the curvature of synapses yielded an average angle of about 47 degrees and about 36 degrees in E-PTA material. Although these values are contrary to the assumption of a flat disc, which is commonly required in stereological procedures to estimate caliper diameter, the effect of the curvature on the estimation of the mean caliper diameter is limited. This is shown by serial reconstruction analysis of the largest diameter of synapses from maximal arc and chord length measurements at the subpial and supra Purkinje level. The results provide quantitative data concerning synaptic size, curvature and the frequency of intercepts per synapse at the subpial and supra Purkinje level in the cerebellar cortex in OsO4 and E-PTA material. In addition the advantages and disadvantages of E-PTA and osmiumtetroxide staining in quantitative analysis are discussed.

Precipitation of apo E-containing lipoproteins by precipitation reagents for apolipoprotein B

We measured the solubility of apolipoprotein E (apo E) after precipitation, with heparin-Mn2+ or dextran sulfate-Mg2+, of lipoproteins containing apo B. Data from 46 randomly selected subjects suggest that apo E is readily precipitated by dextran sulfate-Mg2+, but that heparin-Mn2+ preferentially precipitates apo E associated with apo B-containing lipoproteins while leaving the apo E-containing fraction of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in solution. In a more detailed analysis of three subjects, we measured the lipoprotein association of apo E by column chromatography on agarose beads, before and after its precipitation from plasma. This study confirmed the preferential solubility of apo E associated with HDL lipoproteins. Using plasma from two normolipidemic subjects, we maintained the heparin concentration at 1.30 g/L and varied the manganese concentration from 9.2 to 184 mmol/L. A 46 mmol/L concentration best separated apo E-containing HDL from apo B-containing lipoproteins. Thus, at these final concentrations, heparin-Mn2+ appears to precipitate the apo E associated with apo B-containing lipoproteins, leaving soluble most of the apo E associated with lipoproteins of HDL size.

A new technique for studying the relationship between maternal diabetes and the sialic acid content of fetal pulmonary surfactant

By adapting a standard method for precipitation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) and Mg2+, fetal pulmonary surfactant can be rapidly isolated from human amniotic fluid, 97% of the total disaturated phosphatidylcholine being precipitated from the sample. The lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio for 17 separate specimens correlated reasonably well (r = 0.76) with the concentration of disaturated phosphatidylcholine in the PTA precipitate. Using thiobarbituric acid as the chromophore, I measured sialic acid in the PTA precipitate after overnight treatment with neuraminidase. The sialic acid/protein ratio for the PTA precipitate was identical to that for the surfactant, as isolated by ultracentrifugation. The concentrations of insulin and C-peptide were significantly greater in specimens of amniotic fluid from mothers with diabetes than from non-diabetic mothers (p less than 0.001). When the specimens were segregated according to a C-peptide cutoff value of 4 micrograms/L, there was a small, significant decrease in PTA-precipitated concentrations of sialic acid in the samples with C-peptide greater than 4 micrograms/L. The results suggest a possible mechanism for the increased incidence of respiratory distress among infants born to diabetic mothers.

Studies of the accuracy of measurements of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels

Titration of serum lipoproteins with three different precipitants--heparin-MnCl2 92 mmol.L-1, dextran sulfate-MgSO4, and phosphotungstate-MgCl2--revealed gross errors in the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels measured in some hyperlipidemic sera. Dilution studies of eight normal sera with the phosphotungstate method revealed that the most reliable estimate of the HDL-C level was the level measured in the least diluted aliquot that yielded a good precipitate. With a heparin-MnCl2 kit, serial dilution of a lipemic serum demonstrated a requirement for a blank correction. Establishing an accurate estimate of the HDL-C level sometimes requires knowledge of the titration curve of the lipoprotein precipitant being used, a blank correction, and data obtained from dilution studies (or studies with increased precipitant levels) on the serum in question.

Observations on the kinetics of uranyl acetate and phosphotungstic acid staining of chromatin in thin sections for electron microscopy

When thin sections of spermatogenic chromatin are fixed with either glutaraldehyde alone or postfixed with osmium tetroxide (OsO4) and stained with uranyl acetate (UAc) for increasing times, even after as little as 1 min, stain uptake is proportional to section thickness. Greater UAc uptake is observed in chromatin fixed with glutaraldehyde only, but seen with postfixed chromatin. Lead citrate poststaining of chromatin fixed with either glutaraldehyde or postfixed with OsO4 increases UAc uptake by a factor of about 3. The staining of thin sections of spermatogenic chromatin with ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (PTA) shows a region where stain uptake is proportional to section thickness followed by a plateau. This staining pattern is seen in chromatin fixed with glutaraldehyde alone or postfixed with OsO4; similar levels for final PTA uptake are also observed. An increase in the resin content of embedded chromatin postfixed with OsO4 is proposed to explain the decrease and increase in the rate of migration of UAc and ethanolic PTA staining solutions, respectively.

Functional and structural analysis of acetylcholine receptor-rich membranes after negative staining

Phosphotungstate (pH 7.4) used for negative staining of membranes from Torpedo electric tissue rich in acetylcholine receptor does not affect binding properties and cation permeability of the receptor and its ion channel. Uranyl salts, frequently used for negative staining, precipitate the receptor-rich membranes making measurements of ligand binding and ion-permeability regulation impossible. The gross ultrastructure in the two stains is not significantly different, but for future high-resolution electron microscopy aiming at visualizing structural details of functional receptor molecules it is necessary to resort to a stain preserving native and active receptor. Uranyl salts are not applicable for this purpose. The electron micrographs obtained with phosphotungstate reveal two distinct structures in the receptor-rich membrane: a closed ring ('doughnut') and an open ring ('horseshoe'), with a ratio of abundance of about 3:2.

Comparison of phosphotungstate and dextran sulfate-Mg2+ precipitation procedures for determination of high density lipoprotein cholesterol

Because of the controversy over the best method for assaying high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the clinical laboratory, a commonly used phosphotungstate method for precipitating low density and very low density lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL) was compared with a recently recommended dextran sulfate precipitation method. The accuracy and precision of HDL cholesterol determinations were similar for both methods. Either of these procedures would appear to be equally satisfactory for the assay of HDL cholesterol in the clinical laboratory.

Synaptic remodelling during development and maturation: junction differentiation and splitting as a mechanism for modifying connectivity

Morphological variation of the synaptic active zone during later development and maturation (15-224 days) has been studied in the molecular layer of the rat occipital cortex. Both E-PTA stained and osmicated tissue have been used. In the E-PTA stained material the degree of specialization of the presynaptic thickening is directly related to junction length. Junctions with well-developed dense projections (Types A and B) are longest and continue to increase in length with maturation, suggesting that active remodelling of the synaptic apposition is an ongoing process. The presence of perforated junctions, possessing two or more regions with specializations of different maturity and different curvature, raises the possibility that these junctions may arise by the addition and differentiation of new paramembranous material at an existing junction. In osmicated tissue, presynaptic terminals possessing multiple active zones have been quantitated. The maturational increase in number of simple perforated junctions (Type 1), is paralleled by a smaller increase in the number of multiple perforated junctions (Type 2). A spine apparatus is frequently observed in these perforated terminals, suggesting that it is intimately involved in the reorganization. The direction of curvature of the closely apposed junctions is predominantly negative (indenting the postsynaptic process). Other types of arrangement, with separate postsynaptic processes, are described (Types 3-5), and micrographs suggestive of sequential stages in pre- and postsynaptic terminal splitting are presented. The total length of the postsynaptic thickening of perforated terminals is twice the mean synaptic length of non-perforated terminals, again suggestive that duplication of the active zone may have occurred. Division of existing synaptic terminals by duplication and subsequent splitting would readily account for the increased dendritic spinal numbers seen in Golgi preparations of animals raised under enriched conditions. This would be a straight-forward mechanism by which reinforcement of neuronal connections could occur in response to use.

Fibrillar structure of alpha-elastin methylester complexes with glycoproteins and proteoglycans

alpha-Elastin methylester forms with proteoglycan subunits and structural glycoproteins water-insoluble complexes which after staining with phosphotungstic acid (pH 7.0), reveal at large magnification bundles of slender smooth fibrils with a diameter from 4 to 5 nm. Similar fibrils can be observed after interaction of alpha-elastin methylester with chondroitin sulfate, but only if fixation with glutaraldehyde is used prior to staining. Phosphotungstic acid alters the organization of the complexes, in particular those formed with ligands of low molecular weight. The possible biological significance of the interactions studied is discussed.

Comparison of the Du Pont aca and Dow methods for determination of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

We compared the Du Pont aca (phosphotungstate-enzymic cholesterol) and the Dow (dextran sulfate/Mg2+-enzymic cholesterol) methods for the determination of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and total cholesterol in serum from 113 patients. The aca results for both total cholesterol and HDLC were significantly greater (p less than 0.0001) than the Dow results, the aca method overestimating the HDLC concentration (mean recovery 107.2% in serum samples with values assigned by the Centers for Disease Control). The precision of the aca method for HDLC was essentially the same as that of the Dow method. Bilirubin (up to 0.17 g/L), hemoglobin (up to 4 g/L), and slight lipemia (triglycerides up to 5.4 g/L) did not interfere with the aca method.

An ultrastructural study of the microfilaments in rat brain by means of heavy meromyosin labeling. I. The perikaryon, the dendrites and the axon

Nervous tissue pieces from the caudate nucleus and the substantia nigra of the rat were incubated in cold glycerol solutions of decreasing concentrations and then transferred into standard phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) or into tris-K+-Mg++-Ca++ buffer (pH 7.9) containing HMM, prepared from rabbit skeletal muscle by tryptic digestion. As controls, pieces were immersed for an identical period in the same buffers (1) without HMM or (2) with HMM to which had been added 2.5 mM Na+ pyrophosphate or 5 mM ATP. In control neurons smooth-surfaced microfilaments, about 50 A in diameter, were observed. After reaction with HMM, the microfilaments were increased in number and density and in width to 180-200 A. A meshwork was formed. Arrowheads pointing in the same direction were spaced at regular intervals (300-350 A) among short segments of the surfaces of the microfilaments, depending upon the plane of section. More often, however, typical arrowheads were not observed, and the surfaces of the microfilaments were seen coated with polarized side-arms cross-bridging the spaces between adjacent elements at more or less regular intervals. When cross-sectioned, the microfilaments appeared as dense dots from which a material of lesser electron density radiated. Following incubation in HMM solutions containing Na+ pyrophosphate or ATP, no arrowhead structures were seen. Of particular interest was the structural relation of the actin-like filaments with occasional, tapered myosin-like filaments, and with the plasma membrane, which served as anchor points. Mitochondria and smooth ER membranes were observed to be attached to the actin-like filaments or enmeshed in the network. The microtubules, as well as most of the neurofilaments, were disrupted by the glycerination procedure at 4 degrees, and thus no precision about the structural relationship of the actin-like filaments with the latter elements could be added. The role of the actin-like filaments in the transport of material, by a mechanism of chemomechanical transduction, throughout the neuron from sites of synthesis to functional locations, and between several functional locations, is discussed.

Determination of LDL cholesterol and LDL apolipoprotein B following precipitation of VLDL in blood serum with phosphotungstic acid/MgCl2

A method is described for the selective precipitation of VLDL in blood serum using phosphotungstic acid/MgCl2. The method allows for the calculation of LDL apolipoprotein B as well as for the calculation of LDL cholesterol (following the additional determination of HDL cholesterol). Dependent on the triglyceride and the cholesterol content of the serum, three different procedures were developed using phosphotungstic acid and MgCl2 in different concentrations in the precipitation assay. Within the tested range of 3-10 mmol/l total cholesterol and 1-4 mmol/l triglyceride in blood serum the VLDL were nearly completely precipitated with negligible coprecipitation of LDL and HDL, but 40-50% coprecipitation of Lp(a). Regression analysis of the cholesterol values obtained by precipitation with phosphotungstic acid/MgCl2 (= serum cholesterol - LDL cholesterol), and the cholesterol values obtained by ultracentrifugation (d greater than 1.006 kg/l) revealed a good measure of agreement (r = 0.97, y = 0.93 X + 0.35, n = 76). An equally good measure of agreement was found for the corresponding apolipoprotein B values (r = 0.96, y = 1.03 X - 0.2, n = 61). In the determination of LDL cholesterol a variation coefficient of 4.3% (n = 20) was found in relation to the precision in the series, and a variation coefficient of 4.8% (n = 25) in relation to day to day precision.

[A new method for the demonstration of the Bordetella bronchiseptica capsule in electron microscopy]

A new and rapid working method is presented for electronmicroscopic preparation of capsules from gram negative bacteria, e.g. Bordetella bronchiseptica and Pasteurella multocida. The advantage of the new technique is the availability of the results within 30 min after starting the preparation. The staining of the capsule by alcian blue has to be done as a first step together with glutaraldehyde fixation, before staining the bacterial cell with phosphotungstic acid. The new staining technic also reveals structural details of the capsule. The described procedure was found to be useful in controlling the development of the bacterial capsule depending on culture media for propagation and maintenance of the above mentioned bacteria.

Ultrastructure of human eosinophils genetically lacking peroxidase

The structure of human eosinophils genetically lacking peroxidase is described. Structural changes were discerned in the specific granules of the deficient eosinophils as compared to normal eosinophils. Apart from the inhibition of peroxidase formation, this mutation also affects the structure of the specific granules - primarily the interrelationship between the matrix and the core.

Electron microscopic observation on the developing rabbit and human vitreous collagen fibrils by negative staining

The vitreous fibrils of developing eyes of 3-day-old rabbits and 24th week human fetuses were examined by the negative staining method (phosphotungstic acid) electron microscopically. Fibrils about 10 nm in diameter and with no periodic striated pattern as well as adult ones were observed. Peculiar fibers were observed in both vitreous samples preserved at low temperature. Particularly, dimeric segment-long-spacing (SLS) aggregates and fibrous-long-spacing (FLS)-like aggregates were observed in 3-day-old rabbit vitreous. FLS-like aggregates showed a 125-nm light band and 50-nm dark band periodic pattern and seemed to be formed with 300-nm overlapping of dimeric SLS aggregates. The present results indicate that the developing vitreous could possibly form various types of collagen fiber under native conditions.

Metal compound intensification of the electron-density of diaminobenzidine

Diaminobenzidine (DAB), commonly used in immunocytochemistry as the substrate for peroxidase, has a low electron density. DAB has a known affinity for the salts of some metals and therefore an examination of the ability of six metal compounds (including osmium tetroxide) to increase the electron density associated with DAB deposits has been undertaken. Ultra-thin sections of unosmicated rat pituitary gland, embedded in L. R. White resin, were immunostained by a hapten sandwich immunoperoxidase method, using antibodies to ACTH and TSH. The unintensified electron density of the DAB polymer reaction product on the specific endocrine granules was compared with the electron density resulting from the use of each of the six metal compounds. Lead and silver nitrate gave unsatisfactory results, while phosphotungstic acid and uranyl acetate produced a limited increase in specific electron density under the conditions used. Gold chloride was found to give the highest electron density to the specific endocrine granules, followed closely by osmium tetroxide. Background staining was greater when osmium was used. We conclude that several metal compounds may be used to intensify the electron density of DAB, but of the ones tested, gold chloride, which is safer, more stable, and cheaper than osmium tetroxide, was clearly the best. This approach not only increases the electron density of the DAB reaction product, but allows of the possibility of quantitation using energy dispersive X-ray analysis.

Quantification of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol by precipitation with phosphotungstic acid/MgCl2

We evaluated the use of a modified phosphotungstic acid/MgCl2 precipitation procedure for the precipitation of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins. Precipitation of these lipoproteins [very-low- and low-density lipoproteins, and lipoprotein (a)] is complete, with negligible coprecipitation of high-density lipoprotein subfractions (HDL1, HDL2, HDL3), even in hypertriglyceridemic sera. In comparison with ultracentrifugation, the precipitation method yields, on the average, values that are 0.17 mmol/L lower for cholesterol values but almost identical for apolipoprotein A-I and phosphatidylcholine. Looking for delta 3,5-cholestadiene formed from cholesterol in the precipitation residue, we used "high-performance" liquid chromatography and "high-performance" thin-layer chromatography and found none.

Manipulating the Papanicolaou staining method. Role of acidity in the EA counterstain

The role of phosphotungstic acid as the main pH-controlling agent in Papanicolaou's EA stain was analyzed, including its effect on the competition between eosin Y and light green, the principal components of EA solutions, and this acid was compared with HCl as an acidifying agent. The amount of phosphotungstic acid in the solution determined the color of the cytoplasm. Our study led to a better understanding and a simplification of the staining procedure. With the acquired knowledge, the Papanicolaou counterstain can be standardized to suit the taste of the individual cytologist and can add to the predictability of the results.

Cytochemical studies of nuclear basic proteins in control and vitamin B12 starved Euglena

In avitaminosis B12, Euglena gracilis Z is blocked in the cell cycle in the S/G2 phase. In these blocked cells, transcription and traduction go on and the amount of DNA is less than doubled and remains constant during the blockage. Chromatin clumps observed in situ with classical electron microscopic methods are always condensed in control cells but are not visualized in B12 starved cells. Two cytochemical reactions, ethanolic phosphotungstic acid and ammoniacal silver reaction, specific for lysine- or arginine-rich residues, are performed to reveal basic nuclear proteins of chromatin. With these two methods, control chromatin in situ always shows a condensed aspect, whereas the starved chromatin appears dispersed. These cytochemical differences might be considered to result from a different supramolecular organization of the two kinds of chromatin.

A new principle in polychrome staining: a system of automated staining, complementary to hematoxylin and eosin, and usable as a research tool

A staining system is described in which each stage forms a separate module or unit. All reagents, concentrations of dye, ratios of phosphotungstic acid to dye, pH values, temperature and staining times are standardized and only aqueous solutions used. The technic uses equal strength solutions of orange G, acid fuchsin and methyl (or aniline) blue, in ascending order of molecular size, at pH 2.5 (range: 2.3 to 2.7). Phosphotungstic acid is incorporated in the dyebaths, not used separately, and the combination of this with ferric alum hematoxylin (Lillie's by preference) and either naphthol yellow S or picric acid as a primer, enables fibrin and cytoplasmic components to be demonstrated vividly, with other tissues shown in clear contrasting colors. Erythrocytes are yellow, fibrin red and collagen blue. The system permits substitution of dyes, lending itself to both manual and computer recording and analysis, helped by a notation system for identifying variants. Many of the factors are variable at will. The system aids research into the mechanism of polychrome staining, and, by extrapolation, into the mechanism of action of other stains. Two manually or machine usable progressive polychrome technics intended for routine use are described. They identify tissue components consistently, complementing the standard hematoxylin and eosin stain, and deserve equal attention during reporting. Variants may be used for one-minute one-stage staining of frozen sections, or to give strong colors with 2 millimicrons acrylic sections.

Study of negatively stained images of Sendai virus nucleocapsids using minimum-dose system

Using minimum-dose system and optical diffraction, effects of electron irradiation on negatively stained images of trypsin-straightened nucleocapsids of Sendai virus were semiquantitatively compared for uranyl-acetate (UA) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA). The results confirmed the superiority of UA in display of fine structures and showed that both UA- and PTA-stained images tended to turn from a one-sided to a two-sided image during irradiation, the general contrast of the picture increased in the UA-stained images but not in the PTA-stained ones, and furthermore the electron doses for the richest information were 18 000 to 30 000 e-/nm2 for UA, but 1000 e-/nm2 for PTA, under the condition used. The optical diffraction patterns of the UA-stained nucleocapsids, its analysis by the superposition method, and rotational harmonics of end-on views of nucleocapsids, together indicated that the most probable arrangement of subunits was 13 per turn of a helix with 5-nm periodicity. This helix also had an arrangement of subunits parallel to the axis. The occurrence of 2.5 nm periodicity was probably produced by an arrangement of a UA-penetrable concave substructure of the subunit.

Fine structure and cytochemistry of lysosomes in the Ito cells of the rat liver

Ultracytochemical studies of the performic acid-phosphotungstic acid (PFP) reaction and acid phosphatase (ACPase) activity in the Ito cells (fat-storing cells) of the rat liver revealed two kinds of lipid droplets: one surrounded by a structure giving PFP- and ACPase-positive reactions, recognized as a lysosome, the other without such a reactive structure displaying a limiting membrane. To elucidate the function of the lysosomes surrounding lipid droplets, experiments were carried out on the following groups of animals: (1) Vitamin A-deficient rats were fed a normal diet containing vitamin A, and (2) hypervitaminosis A was experimentally induced in previously untreated rats. Lipid droplets were studied in both groups. No lipid droplets reappearing in an early stage after restoration of the regular diet were either membrane-bounded or surrounded by lysosomes. Lipid droplets surrounded by lysosomes could be seen in rats fully restored from vitamin-A deficiency and more frequently in animals suffering from hypervitaminosis A. It seems likely that as a result of the lysosomal activity in the immediate vicinity of the lipid droplets a degradation of the vitamin A-containing lipid droplets takes place in the Ito cells. Therefore, the lysosome-surrounded lipid droplets can be regarded as a sort of autophagolysosome; these lysosomes may play a role in preventing an unrestricted increase in the number and volume of lipid droplets.

Papanicolaou staining--a review

Some technical aspects of Papanicolaou staining are reviewed. The history of the technique is traced from Mallory's aniline blue technique through Masson's trichrome procedure to the techniques of Shorr. The histochemistry of the three Papanicolaou staining solutions (aluminum-"hematoxylin", OG and EA) is discussed. The structure of the aluminum-hematein chelate and its mode of action are considered. A tentative mechanism is proposed for the characteristic differential counterstaining produced by Papanicolaou techniques, i.e. orangeophilia vs cyanophilia. It is suggested that differential counterstaining occurs as a consequence of 1) differences in cytoplasmic density, 2) differences in the molecular size of the anionic dyes, and 3) the inhibitory effects of phosphotungstic acid on the binding of small dyes. The review considers some recent quantitative studies of Papanicolaou stained cells and outlines some modifications of Papanicolaou's procedures. The text concludes with a discussion of alternatives to the Papanicolaou technique.

Ultrastructural localization of phenothiazines and tetracycline: a new histochemical approach

To provide high resolution information on the subcellular localization of the phenothiazines and tetracycline, we have developed a new histochemical method that circumvents the difficulties inherent in classical electron microscopic tissue preparatory procedures. Specific and reliable localizations of these drugs were accomplished by their rapid precipitation with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) at pH 7. A cell suspension of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells was incubated with a given drug (2.5 x 10(-4) M) and then briefly cross-linked with 1% glutaraldehyde at 4 degrees C. After washing, the cells were exposed to 2% PTA (pH 7) to precipitate the drug at its binding sites. Then the samples were rapidly dehydrates in 80% ethylene glycol (4 degrees C) and embedded in the polyester, Vestopal W. This protocol provides a low denaturation, low extraction approach to tissue preparation. Control samples (without drug) demonstrated an amorphous distribution of PTA throughout the cell and no specific dense precipitates. Those cells treated with the phenothiazines (chlorpromazine or fluphenazine) or tetracycline demonstrated very discrete (4-8 nm), electron-dense drug-PTA reaction products associated with different nuclear components as well as several cytoplasmic organelles. These subcellular localizations verify the binding sites reported by the biochemical literature. In addition, several previously unresolvable binding sites are reported. The rationale and limitations of this procedure are presented. This new histochemical methodology may have broad applications in the study of drug distribution, receptors, and drug-induced pathology and toxicity that may provide new information regarding drug action and design.

Determination of HDL phosphatidyl choline by an enzymatic method

A routine method is described for the enzymatic determination of phosphatidyl choline in the apolipoprotein B-free supernatant after precipitation of blood sera with phosphotungstic acid/MgCl2. The principle of this method is based on the specific cleavage of phosphatidyl choline by purified phospholipase C from B. cereus, and the enzymatic determination of choline by choline kinase after hydrolysis of phosphoryl-choline. The enzymatic method provides HDL phosphatidyl choline values which coincide with those of the conventional chemical method. Furthermore, the values obtained with the enzymatic method for the HDL fraction isolated by ultracentrifugation (1.063--1.21 kg/l) also closely coincide with those of the apolipoprotein B-free supernatant fraction. The precision, linearity and sample stability were also checked. The findings obtained show that the enzymatic assay introduced here is suitable for the routine determination of phosphatidyl choline in the apolipoprotein B-free supernatant.

[Carbohydrate content of lipoproteins after sequential precipitation with phosphotungstate magnesium chloride]

A method is described for rapid determination of protein-bound carbohydrates in human lipoproteins. The method is based on a successive precipitation of lipoproteins with sodium phosphotungstate and magnesium chloride. After purification of the separated lipoproteins by a twofold reprecipitation, a colorimetric determination of hexoses, hexosamines and N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) is performed. The coefficients of variation in the series are between 3.2% and 7.3%. The results for lipoprotein-bound carbohydrates after precipitation are compared with the corresponding values after separation by ultracentrifugation. The concentrations of hexoses, hexosamines and N-acetylneuraminic acid in the 3 lipoprotein classes VLDL, LDL and HDL of control persons are reported.

The use of Mallory's phosphotungstic acid-hematoxilin (PTAH) stain in renal pathology

High quality histology is needed in renal biopsy examination, especially when material for immunofluorescence and/or electron microscopy is not available. For these purposes Mallory PTAH stain was tried on 34 renal biopsies and the results were compared with the immunofluorescent and ultrastructural findings (used as a control of the reliability of the method). PTAH, besides showing extracellular structures, cytological details and rather subtle abnormalities, was able to detect the presence and the site of deposits. PTAH stains the material which appears as electron dense deposits in electron microscopy and as granular deposits in immunofluorescence, whereas it fails to stain linear deposits in immunofluorescence (which are not electron dense). Moreover, a good correspondence between PTAH and electron microscopic data was detected as far as the location of deposits is concerned.

Membrane histochemistry of Physarum polycephalum myxamoebae

Myxamoebae of Physarum polycephalum are the uninucleate, haploid stage of the organism. Histochemical studies were undertaken to characterize intracellular and plasma membranes, and to provide a basis for assaying subcellular fractions for enrichment in plasma membranes. Lead salts deposition techniques were employed for hydrolytic enzymes. Alcian blue-ruthenium red, osmium tetroxide-potassium ferrocyanide, and phosphotungstic acid-chromic acid stains were evaluated for specificity for plasma membranes. Glucose 6-phosphatase was localized in endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and perinuclear space. 5'-Nucleotidase was localized in food vacuoles, chromatin, and plasmalemma. Acid phosphatase was in food vacuoles and Golgi apparatus. Alkaline phosphatase was in food vacuoles and endoplasmic reticulum. We conclude that none of the above enzymes is suitable as a cytochemical marker for plasma membranes of Physarum myxamoebae, but recommend instead staining ultrathin sections of membrane pellets with phosphotungstic acid-chromic acid, which stains plasma membranes selectively.

HDL cholesterol quantitation by phosphotungstate-Mg2+ and by dextran sulfate-Mn2+-polyethylene glycol precipitation, both with enzymic cholesterol assay compared with the lipid research method

Two methods using commercial kits for high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol quantitation were compared with the Lipid Research Clinics (LRC) procedures. HDL cholesterol quantitations on 50 patient specimens by the Lancer HDL cholesterol Rapid Stat Kit (Lancer) with phosphotungstate-Mg2+ precipitation and enzymic cholesterol assay averaged 424 mg/L, and by a method with dextran sulfate-Mn2+-polyethylene glycol (dextran sulfate) precipitation and enzymic cholesterol assay averaged 474 mg/L. By comparison, the LRC method (heparin-Mn2+ precipitation combined with a Liebermann-Burchard reagent cholesterol assay) averaged 478 mg/L. Supernates obtained by the three precipitation methods had similar cholesterol values when analyzed by the LRC assay, suggesting that the observed differences were primarily due to differences between the cholesterol assays. Results were consistent with underestimation by the enzymic assay of cholesterol in the supernates, offset by a positive interference of Mn2+ in the dextran sulfate-produced supernates. Among-day CVs of 4-5% were observed for the Lancer method, and 6-7% for the dextran sulfate method. Sedimentation of precipitates in hypertriglyceridemic specimens was excellent by both methods.

Four methods for determining uric acid compared with a candidate reference method

Uric acid as measured in serum by three different uricase (EC 1.7.3.3) methods (aca, Ektachem, and SMAC) and by the SMAC method with phosphotungstic acid was compared with a candidate Reference Method for uric acid. Serum specimens from 83 patients (uric acid concentrations, 19 to 141 mg/L) were analyzed by all five methods. Results were compared by using linear regression analysis, and the mean difference between results by the candidate Reference Method and the four other methods was calculated. Compared with the candidate Reference Method, the aca method gave the smallest deviation from zero for the intercept and the smallest mean difference, and the SMAC phosphotungstic acid method showed a slope closest to unity. The SMAC uricase method had the largest intercept and greatest deviation of the slope from unity.

Two-dimensional spreads of synaptonemal complexes from solanaceous plants. I. The technique

Using beta-glucuronidase the cell walls of tomato and potato primary microsporocytes can be digested. When the resulting protoplasts are exposed to distilled water, they burst, and complete sets of synaptonemal complexes are released to settle on plastic coated slides. After drying and formalin fixation, the synaptonemal complexes can be stained with silver or phosphotungstic acid and observed in the light and/or electron microscope. Silver staining gives better contrast for both light and electron microscopy but stains only lateral elements and kinetochores. Phosphotungstic acid staining gives little or no contrast for light microscopy, but stains both the lateral and central elements of the synaptonemal complex, kinetochores, and structures that are probably recombination nodules for electron microscopy. This technique offers a powerful tool for genome analysis by allowing (1) the determination of relative and absolute lengths of synaptonemal complexes and chromosome arm ratios at pachytene, (2) the analysis of complex patterns of synapsis, and (3) the location of what are probably recombination nodules along the length of synaptonemal complexes.

Type I collagen segment long spacing banding patterns. Evidence that the alpha 2 chain is in the reference or A position

Densitometric scans of electron micrographs of type I collagen segment long spacing crystallites stained with uranyl acetate or phosphotungstic acid and uranyl acetate have been correlated with computer-synthesized scans derived from the sequence of the alpha 1(I) and alpha 2 chains. Three models that differ in the location of the alpha 2 chain were used in the computer synthesis; Models A, B, and C have the alpha 2 chain in the A, B, and C chain positions, respectively. For all 13 experimental scans, the order of decreasing correlation with the models was found to be A,B,C. The probability of getting the same order of decreasing correlation all 13 times is 6/6(13). It was also determined at the 0.99 confidence level that the mean of the differences in the correlation coefficients among the models is greater than 0, supporting the conclusion that sequence-derived models best fit the experimental data when the alpha 2 chain is in the A position. Our results also agree with recent studies that show that uranyl ions bind to both positively and negatively charged residues on collagen type I.

Total automated method for determination of cholesterol concentration in high density lipoprotein by heparin-magnesium-albumin precipitation

We describe an automated procedure for determination of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol in serum by use of heparin-MgCl2-albumin reagent. 'AutoAnalyzer' II equipment was used in which high-density lipoprotein was separated from precipitate containing very-low and low-density lipoproteins by filtering on-line across a cellulose acetate membrane. Cholesterol concentration was measured by the enzymic method of Allain. Good correlation was obtained using the automated method compared to the heparin-MgCl2-albumin (r=0.99) or sodium phosphotungstate-MgCl2 procedure (r=0.97). Contamination was minimal with a contamination coefficient lower than 2.5%. The method presented was linear (0 to 2.50 mmol/1) and could be applied to lipemic samples with a coefficient of variation better than 3%. This study showed thus that this new procedure was suitable for routine work with a good rate (60 samples/h) in almost any laboratory.

Substructure of granules from serous cells of porcine tracheal submucosal glands

The ultrastructure of serous cells from porcine tracheal submucosal glands was studied by conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and by cytochemical methods to stain for complex carbohydrates. In tissue fixed and processed for TEM, and stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, the condensing granules of serous cells occasionally possessed a hexagonal and sometimes a lamellar substructure. Tissue fixed in paraformaldehyde-glutaraldehyde and stained with periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate (PTS) or with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) showed secretory granules stained for complex carbohydrates and revealed a substructure similar to that noted in the condensing granules. The dark staining substructure revealed by either the PTS or the PTA technique appeared to correspond to electron-lucent areas observed in the condensing granules by conventional TEM. The PTS staining probably demonstrated the presence of neutral glycoprotein, since the serous-cell granules did not react with a dialyzed iron stain for acidic glycoproteins. Treatment of periodic acid oxidized thin sections with pronase or pepsin prior to thiocarbohydrazide and silver proteinate treatment decreased the intensity of the PTS staining, but did not digest away any components of the granules. The substructure revealed by the carbohydrate stains may be a reflection of the mechanism of packaging or the macromolecular structure of the glycoproteins in the serous-cell granules.

[The enzymatic analysis of sphingomyelin in HDL (author's transl)]

A simple method is described for the enzymatic determination of sphingomyelin in the apolipoprotein B-free supernatants prepared by precipitation of blood sera with phosphotungstate/MgCl2. The analysis is based on the enzymatic hydrolysis of sphingomyelin, by sphingomyelinase from B. cereus, into phosphorylcholine and N-acylsphingosine, and subsequent hydrolysis of phosphorylcholine by alkaline phosphatase. The choline formed is determined by choline kinase in an optical test. The results from this method were in good agreement with those obtained by the conventional chemical sphingomyelin determination. Furthermore, there was a good correlation between the sphingomyelin concentrations obtained from the HDL fractions isolated by ultracentrifugation (1.063-1.21 kg/l) and those obtained from the apolipoprotein B free supernatants after phosphotungstate/mgCl2 precipitation of sera.

Evaluation of the Technicon bound uricase method for the determination of uric acid in urine

We have evaluated the Technicon bound uricase method for the determination of uric acid in urine with the AutoAnalyzer II. The general analytical characteristics of the method, and the effect of urine on the immobilized uricase nylon tube reactor were investigated. The method was found to be a linear up to 7.0 mmol/l with aqueous standards and up to 5.0 mmol/l with urine samples. Between-days imprecision had a coefficient of variation (CV) of 1.6% for values of about 1.2 mmol/l, and 0.8% for values above 3.5 mmol/l. Within-run imprecision gave a CV of 0.7% for values of 1.07 and 2.95 mmol/l and a CV of 0.4% for a value of 4.77 mmol/l. The mean analytic recovery was 99.1% (range 93.8-103.0%). The sample interaction was 0.9%. The correlation with the phosphotungstate method and the manual Dutch standard method was good, but the enzymatic values were 20% lower than the phosphotungstate values. Storing the immobilized uricase nylon tube reactor at 4 degrees C, when not in use, prolonged the lifetime by nearly 50%. Urine samples were not different from aqueous uric acid standards in their effect on the stability of the uricase nylon tube reactor.

[Evaluation of the accuracy of precipitation methods for HDL cholesterol determination]

Several methods for HDL-Cholesterol determination have been proposed; the over-floating cholesterol evaluation after non-HDL lipoproteins precipitation by polyanions with bivalent cations or neutral polymers is practical and not expensive, but it's accuracy and precision must be strictly control led. The Authors, after a review and a quality-check of the most used methods, conclude that the best accuracy for HDL-Cholesterol determination is provided by Dextransulphate-Mg-chloride and Phosphotungstate-Mg-chloride at pH 7,5.

Electron density distribution of dry avian tendon

The electron density profile along the unit cell of dry native collagen is determined. The method used is a modification of one that has been used successfully for wet native collagen. Uranyl acetate and phosphotungstic acid were used for isomorphous addition in phase determination and were located by electron microscopy. Structure factor magnitudes for dry collagen with and without the heavy metals were obtained from X-ray diffraction data. The first 9 orders were investigated. Standard Argand diagrams provided a unique solution for the phase of each. The resultant profile suggests that significant conformation changes occur in both the non-helical ends and the triple-helix portions of the molecules.

Selective staining of dictyosome-like structures (DLS) from spermatocytes of the guinea pig using phosphotungstic acid at low pH

Dictyosome-like structures (DLS) occur abundantly in primary spermatocytes of the guinea pig. DLS superficially resemble dictyosomes of Golgi apparatus in that they consist of stacked cisternae and react similarly to some cytochemical markers. DLS saccules are also present in residual bodies and in the cytoplasmic droplet of the sperm, but the stacked configuration (or dictyosome form) is seldom present at these stages of development. A mixture of 1% phosphotungstic acid in 10% chromic acid selectively stains the DLS and DLS saccules of guinea pig germ cells. The thick cisternae of spermatid Golgi apparatus and the sperm plasma membrane also stain, but endoplasmic reticulum and the parts of the Golgi apparatus other than the thick cisternae do not stain. The specificity of the stain is retained in crude homogenates as well as in purified cell fractions and may be helpful in identification of DLS in cell fractionation studies. Additionally, the information obtained provides clues to the origin and fate of DLS in the developing mammalian germ cells.