Comparative study of cellular and extracellular matrix composition of native and tissue engineered heart valves

Tissue engineering of heart valves utilizes biodegradable or metabolizable scaffolds for remodeling by seeded autologous cells. The aim of this study was to determine and compare extracellular matrix (ECM) formations, cellular phenotypes and cell location of native and tissue engineered (TE) valve leaflets. Ovine carotid arteries, ovine and porcine hearts were obtained from slaughterhouses. Cells were isolated from carotid arteries and dissected ovine, porcine and TE leaflets. TE constructs were fabricated from decellularized porcine pulmonary valves, seeded ovine arterial cells and subsequent 16 days dynamic in vitro culture using a pulsatile bioreactor. Native and TE valves were studied by histology (hematoxylin-eosin, resorcin-fuchsin, Movat pentachrome), NIR femtosecond multiphoton laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cells of native and TE tissues were identified and localized by immunohistochemistry. Arterial, valvular and re-isolated TE-construct cells were processed for immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. ECM analysis and SEM revealed characteristical and comparable structures in native and TE leaflets. Most cells in native leaflets stained strongly positive for vimentin. Cells positive to alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), myosin and calponin were only found at the ventricular (inflow) side of ovine aortic and porcine pulmonary valve leaflets. Cells from TE constructs had a strong expression of vimentin, alpha-SMA, myosin, calponin and h-caldesmon throughout the entire leaflet. Comparable ECM formation and endothelial cell lining of native and TE leaflets could be demonstrated. However, immunostaining revealed significant differences between valvular cell phenotypes of native and TE leaflets. These results may be essential for further cardiovascular tissue engineering efforts.

Impact of decellularization of xenogeneic tissue on extracellular matrix integrity for tissue engineering of heart valves

The multidisciplinary research of tissue engineering utilizes biodegradable or decellularized scaffolds with autologous cell seeding. Objective of this study was to investigate the impact of different decellularization protocols on extracellular matrix integrity of xenogeneic tissue by means of multiphoton femtosecond laser scanning microscopy, biochemical and histological analysis. Pulmonary valves were dissected from porcine hearts and placed in a solution of trypsin-EDTA and incubated at 37 degrees C for either 5, 8, or 24 h, followed by a 24 h PBS washing. Native and decellularized valves were processed for histology, DNA, cell proliferation, matrix proteins and biomechanical testing. Multiphoton NIR laser microscopy has been applied for high-resolution 3D imaging of collagen and elastin. Distinct differences in several ECM components following decellularization time were observed. Total GAG contents decreased in a time-dependent manner, with o-sulfated GAGs being more susceptible to degradation than n-sulfated GAGs. Efficiency of insoluble collagen extraction increased proportionally with decellularization time, suggesting ECM-integrity may be compromised with prolonged incubation. Biomechanical testing revealed a gradual weakening of mechanical strength with increased decellularization time. The enzymatic decellularization process of heart valves revealed a time-dependent loss of cells, ECM components and biomechanical strength. In order to avoid any immune response a thorough decellularization of 24 h remains mandatory.

A modified Ce/Mg-BCIP-NBT formazan/indigoblue technique for demonstration of non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity

The wide ranged structurally variability of formazans and their accessibility for auxiliary additives as redoxmediators or metals provide an easy tunable chromogenic visualization technique. We present here an improved nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP) method which is superior to the classical McGadey's procedure regarding proper precipitation and localization as well as sensitivity. Different metal additives as well as the overall reaction course modifying additives (redox mediators, chelating additives, buffer) were optimized.

New fluorescent method for the histochemical detection of tripeptidyl peptidase I using glycyl-l-prolyl-l-met-2-anthraquinonyl hydrazide as substrate

A new substrate for tripeptidyl peptidase I (TPP I; E.C.3.4.14.9)-Gly-L-Pro-L-Met-2-anthraquinonyl hydrazide (Gly-Pro-Met-2-AH) is synthesized and used for the fluorescent histochemical detection of the enzyme. The enzyme liberates low soluble 2-anthraquinonylhydrazine, which-couples quickly with 3-nitrobenzaldehyde (3-NBA) yielding a highly fluorescent water-insoluble hydrazone--3-nitrobenzylidene-2-anthraquinonylhydrazone. The latter compound is localized precisely at sites of enzymatic activity and marks them with a very bright and stable orange-red fluorescence after excitation with conventional monochromatic andlaser green light (lambda(exc)=520-580 nm). The new technique is used successfully for the visualization of the enzyme in tissue sections of different rat organs - and represent the first fluorescent histochemical method for that peptidase.

New fluorescent method for the histochemical detection of dipeptidyl peptidase IV using glycyl-l-prolyl-2-anthraquinonyl hydrazide as substrate

Glycyl-4-prolyl-2-anthraquinonylhydrazide (Gly-Pro-2-AH) was synthesized and used as a new fluorogenic substrate for the histochemical detection of dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity (DPP IV). The enzymatic hydrolysis liberates 2-anthraquinonyl hydrazine (2-AH). Further on, the primary reaction product reacts with an aromatic aldehyde to give an insoluble hydrazone. The final reaction product fluoresces orange-red when exited by green light (lambda(exc)=520-580 nm) and marks sites of enzymatic activity by an intensive fluorescence. This fluorescent method permits highly sensitive enzyme detection and causes only very low background tissue fluorescence. Thus enzyme locations in the capillary bed endothelium properly and sensitively stained, which has not been achieved by now. The new method is used successfully to demonstrate the enzyme in cryotome tissue sections from several rat organs.

Complete dynamic repopulation of decellularized heart valves by application of defined physical signals—an in vitro study

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular tissue engineering is a novel concept to develop ideal heart valve substitutes. The objective of this study was to use decellularized porcine pulmonary valves, ovine cells and dynamic tissue culture to obtain viable and biomechanically stable constructs, resembling native aortic heart valves.

METHODS

Endothelial cells and myofibroblasts were obtained from ovine carotid arteries. Porcine pulmonary valves were decellularized enzymatically, reseeded and cultured using a hydrodynamic bioreactor system over a time period of 9 or 16 days. Controls were grown over an equivalent time period under static conditions. Specimens of each valve were examined biochemically (cell proliferation, DNA, collagen, 4-hydroxyproline, elastin and glycosaminoglycans), histologically (hematoxylin-eosin, Movat-pentachrome and immunostains) and mechanically (radial and circumferential strength).

RESULTS

Histology and biochemical assays demonstrated the removal of almost all cells after decellularization with preservation of the extracellular matrix. Recellularization under pulsatile conditions was significantly improved after 9 and 16 days compared to static conditions. Biochemical and mechanical analysis revealed a continuous increase of cell mass, collagen and elastin contents and strength under pulsatile culture conditions compared to significantly lower values in the static controls.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the superiority of the hydrodynamic approach of cellular reseeding to replace decellularized porcine heart valves with ovine cells with almost complete preservation of extracellular matrix integrity.

Recent advances in catalytic peroxidase histochemistry

Immunoassays have developed to become an important analytical tool in life sciences for detection of endogenous and exogenous targets. Among the most important enzyme labels horseradish peroxidase (HRP), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and beta-D-galactosidase (GAL) is HRP the smallest enzyme and plays nowadays an outstanding role. The oldest substrates are chromogens widely applied for localization of sites of peroxidase (PO) activity in histochemistry as well as for colorimetric applications. They are represented by a diversity of aromatic amines and phenols. Encouraged by development of light excitation and measuring techniques and the commercial availability of highly sensitive equipment, luminescent labels represent the most sensitive and worthwhile detection tools to date. In contrast to chromogens fluorescent labels for detection PO activity are confined only to a few substrates developed more recently. These substrates are mostly applied in histochemistry at a short time scale due to their frequently high solubility. At the long time scale sole exception is so far the tyramine based fluorochome deposition technique (more general: catalytic reporter deposition, CARD). Despite quite different staining behavior both fluorometric and product deposition related principles are based on 4-hydroxy phenylalkyl substrates. The following article reviews basic principles of peroxidatic substrate degradation processes including chromogenic and fluorescent approaches with emphasis on recent advances in development of chromogens and fluorogens for application in histology. As a result of systematic efforts towards the design of substrates, the range of classical precipitating chromogens as well as fluorescent techniques could be complimented by novel highly sensitive substrates with superior staining capabilities: a) Metal chelating 2-hydroxy benzylamines are derived from classical aniline substrates (two steps) and utilize metal catalytic effects in an efficient intramolecular way. The enzymatically yielded dark colored polycondensation products are applicable in histochemistry, in colorimetry and especially as precipitating electron opaque labels with enhanced osmiophilic properties for light and electron microscopy. b) Fluorescent 4-hydroxy-styryl derivatives are capable of oxidative selfanchoring reactions at the cellular level close to sites of PO activity. In contrast to deposition of tyramine conjugated fluorochromes an altered fluorochrome with improved fluorescence properties is furnished during oxidative crosslinking of the substrate. This results in a highly specific and photostable fluorescence response and an outstanding low background staining. Histochemical and immunohistochemical applications are presented.

Towards versatile metal associating substrates for the determination of peroxidatic activity/hydrogen peroxide by chemical designing of Schiff base derivatives

Novel chromogenic N-arylmethyl-aniline-substrates of the general formula R-NH-CH2C6H5-n-Xn (X = OH, NHR) for the localization of peroxidatic activity/hydrogen peroxide were synthesized in two steps from starting amines and aromatic aldehydes. When using 1,2-dinucleophiles (e.g. diaminobenzidine) as starting material there may be limitations resulting from dominant altemative reaction courses (amino-imines vs bis-imines) or tautomerism (amino-imines vs benzimidazolines). This has been investigated in a model study on 1,2-phenylendiamine. All substrates were evaluated for application in histochemistry, electrophoresis, colorimetry and electron microscopy. Thus, 1/ endogenous peroxidatic activity in native cryotome sections of Wistar rats was stained. One selected reagent was used for immuno-histochemical demonstration of vimentine and applied for laser microscopy at 543 nm as well. 2/ Electro-blotted dilution series of horseradish peroxidase were stained and reagents ranked according to their sensitivity. 3/ In test tube experiments precipitation behavior, color and solubility of precipitates was investigated. 4/The chromogens are capable of forming electron opaque final reaction products by way of increased osmiophilicity of the specific reaction product or/and by complexation of electron dense metals as demonstrated by electron microscopical investigations. As a result, two novel reagents derived from 1,2-phenylendiamine and 2-aminophenol are recommended especially for electron microscopy: The discrimination between internum and extemum of specific granules after osmium tetroxide treatment is resolved clearly as compared with results obtained with the standard Kamovsky protocol.

Femtosecond near-infrared laser pulses elicit generation of reactive oxygen species in mammalian cells leading to apoptosis-like death

Two-photon excitation-based near-infrared (NIR) laser scanning microscopy is currently emerging as a new and versatile alternative to conventional confocal laser scanning microscopy, particularly for vital cell imaging in life sciences. Although this innovative microscopy has several advantages such as highly localized excitation, higher penetration depth, reduced photobleaching and photodamage, and improved signal to noise ratio, it has, however, recently been evidenced that high-power NIR laser irradiation can drastically inhibit cell division and induce cell death. In the present study we have investigated the cellular responses of unlabeled rat kangaroo kidney epithelium (PtK2) cells to NIR femtosecond laser irradiation. We demonstrate that NIR 170-fs laser pulses operating at 80-MHz pulse repetition frequency and at mean power of > or = 7 mW evoke generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H2O2 that can be visualized in situ by standard in vivo cytochemical analysis using Ni-3,3'-diaminobenzidine (Ni-DAB) as well as with a recently developed fluorescent probe Jenchrom px blue. The formation of the Ni-DAB reaction product as well as that of Jenchrom was relatively more pronounced when irradiated cells were incubated in alkaline solution (pH 8) than in those incubated in acidic solution (pH 6), suggesting peroxisomal localization of these reaction products. Two-photon time-lapse imaging of the internalization of the cell impermeate fluorescent dye propidium iodide revealed that the integrity of the plasma membrane of NIR irradiated cells is drastically compromised. Visualization of the nuclei with DNA-specific fluorescent probes such as 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole 24 h postirradiation further provided tangible evidence that the nuclei of these cells undergo several deformations and eventual fragmentation. That these NIR irradiated cells die by apoptosis has been established by in situ detection of DNA strand breaks using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling method. Because the reactive oxygen species such as H2O2 and OH* can cause noxious effects such as cell membrane injury by peroxidation of polyunsaturated lipids and proteins and oxidative phosphorylation, and alterations of ATP-dependent Ca2+ pumps, these ROS are likely to contribute to drastic cytological alterations observed in this study following NIR irradiation. Taken together, we have established that NIR laser irradiations at mean power > or = 7 mW delivered at pulse duration time of 170 fs generally used in two- and multiphoton microscopes cause oxidative stress (1) evoking production of ROS, (2) resulting in membrane barrier dysfunction, (3) inducing structural deformations and fragmentation of the nuclei as well as DNA strand breaks, (4) leading to cell death by apoptosis.

Novel chromogenic substrates with metal chelating properties for the histochemical detection of peroxidasic activity, derived from 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC) and 3,6-diamino-9-ethylcarbazole

For staining of peroxidase activity routinely employed 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole 1 (AEC) was chemically modified in order to obtain chromogenic enzyme substrates with improved staining properties. In conclusion of systematically structure/staining considerations of a series of novel substrates, it can be generalized that the performance of traditional chromogenic peroxidase amine-substrates is accessible an considerably improvement in terms of sensitivity and adaptibility for various application purposes (solubility and color of the reaction product, electron dense and osmiophilic properties, ...) by attachment of chelating N-benzyl-moieties making available highly efficient the well known metal catalytic effect in a proposed intramolecular way. Thus, the model compounds 3(arylmethyl)amino-9-ethyl-carbazole 4 and 3,6-bis-(arylmethyl)amino-9-ethyl-carbazole 7 were synthesized by condensation of 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole 1 (AEC) or the corresponding 3,6-diamine 5 with aromatic aldehydes 2. The resulting Schiff bases 3 and 6 were subsequently reduced with sodium borohydride. The obtained benzylamines 4 and 7 were examined as chromogenic substrates: 1) qualitatively in test tube experiments concerning color, precipitation behavior and solubility of the precipitates, 2) quantitatively by means of electroblotted dilution series of horseradish peroxidase, and finally in a biological environment for the localization of endogenous peroxidasic activity 3) in native cryotome tissues of Wistar rats. 4) The usefulness of the new approach for electron microscopy was revealed, too. Thus the discrimination between internum and externum of specific granules after osmium tetroxide contrastate was higher if compared with results obtained by the Karnovsky protocol. The wide spread variation of substitution patterns of the novel reagents gave reason for structure-reactivity considerations and ongoing leading structures. The stereochemical and electronic factors as well as competing reaction pathways governing the reaction course are briefly discussed. In addition, the metal associating reagents are highly effective in oxidative side-coupling reactions with aromatic amine or phenol-additives exemplified here by means of 4-amino-N,N-diphenylamine. The reagents 4 and 7 are obtainable in a simple in situ synthesis, too, offering in principle a 'chemical construction unit'. The demonstrated approach is of general interest for bioanalytical applications offering an access to potentially novel chromogens and electron opaque markers for the detection of peroxidasic activity/hydroperoxides or related redox enzyme systems.

Histochemical method for dipeptidyl aminopeptidase II with a new anthraquinonyl hydrazide substrate

A new method for the histochemical visualization of lysosomal aminopeptidase dipeptidyl peptidase II activity (DPP II) is developed. The substrate L-Lys-L-Ala-5-chloro-1-anthraquinonylhydrazide-2HBr (Lys-Ala-CAH) is readily hydrolyzed by the enzyme to release 5-Cl-1-anthraquinonylhydrazine (CAH). The last compound is simultaneously coupled to an aromatic aldehyde, e.g. 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (p-NBA) or piperonal (3,4-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde; PPL), to form a highly insoluble deeply colored hydrazone, marking the enzyme locations. Using the new method, DPP II is successfully localyzed in tissue sections from different rat organs.

Multiplex FISH and three-dimensional DNA imaging with near infrared femtosecond laser pulses

We report on a novel technology for multicolor gene and chromosome detection as well as for three-dimensional (3D) DNA imaging by multiphoton excitation of multiple FISH fluorophores and DNA stains. Near infrared femtosecond laser pulses at 770 nm were used to simultaneously excite the visible fluorescence of a wide range of FISH fluorophores, such as FITC, DAC, Cy3, Cy5, Cy5.5, rhodamine, spectrum aqua, spectrum green, spectrum orange, Jenfluor, and Texas red as well as of DNA/chromosome stains, for example Hoechst 33342, DAPI, SYBR green, propidium iodide, ethidium homodimer, and Giemsa. In addition to the advantage of using only one excitation wavelength for a variety of fluorophores, multiphoton excitation provided the intrinsic possibility of 3D fluorescence imaging. The technology has been used in human genetics for the diagnosis of numerical chromosome aberrations and microdeletions. In particular, multicolor 3D images of the intranuclear localization of FISH-labeled chromosome territories in interphase nuclei of amniotic fluid cells have been obtained. Using the high light penetration depth at 770 nm, optical sectioning of Hoechst 33342-labeled DNA within living culture cells and within tissue of living tumor-bearing mice was performed.

Ultrastructure and reproduction behaviour of single CHO-K1 cells exposed to near infrared femtosecond laser pulses

In the present work, the authors investigated ultrastructural changes as well as the reproduction behaviour of preselected single CHO-K1 cells exposed to 170 femtosecond laser pulses at different power output levels in comparison with cells outside the illumination volume. The ultrashort laser pulses were provided by an 80 MHz Ti:sapphire laser at 780 nm. The cells were scanned ten times with a scan rate of 1/16 s(-1). Single CHO-K1 cells exposed to low mean power of 2 mW revealed no significant changes in ultrastructure after laser exposure. In some cases, changes of mitochondria with slight disordering of cristae were found. Cytoplasm was filled with vesicles that seemed to be released from Golgi stacks. Cells irradiated with higher powers demonstrated more dramatic changes in ultrastructure. A considerable number of swollen mitochondria in conjunction with loss of cristae was observed. The main event of mitochondrial changes was the formation of electron dense bodies in the mitochondrial matrix. In addition, lumen of endoplasmatic reticulum was enlarged. Highest applied mean laser power of 12.5 mW lead to complete destruction of mitochondria and their transformation to electron dense structures containing membrane material. Compared with cell targets irradiated with 2 mW mean power, the release of vesicles from Golgi stacks seemed to be rather moderate. Cells localised outside the laser beam revealed no ultrastructural changes. Low mean laser power at 2 mW was unable to impair the reproduction behaviour of CHO-K1 cells. At higher laser power output levels, CHO-K1 cells started to delay cell division. At 12.5 mW, no cell division occurred. The obtained results may be helpful in recommending parameters for safe femtosecond laser microscopy of living specimens.

New method for the histochemical demonstration of dipeptidyl aminopeptidase I activity using a novel anthraquinoyl hydrazide substrate

A new method for the histochemical localization of dipeptidyl aminopeptidase I (DPP I, cathepsin C), based on a newly synthesized substrate-Gly-L-Phe-5-chloro-1-anthraquinoyl hydrazide.HCl (Gly-Phe-CAH), is proposed. The enzyme activity liberates 5-chloro-1-anthraquinoyl hydrazine (CAH)--a water-insoluble brown-reddish compound, which precipitates on the enzyme locations. The primary reaction product reacts simultaneously or, otherwise, by post-coupling with p-anisaldehyde (p-AA), thus converting to the reddish-violet amorphous hydrazone--the final reaction product. The validity of enzyme localization is thus assured by the insolubility of the primary reaction product and does not depend on the rate of the second reaction step. The enzyme studied is successfully localized in different rat organs using the newly proposed technique.

Intracellular nanosurgery with near infrared femtosecond laser pulses

We report on laser-assisted knocking out of genomic nanometer-sized regions within the nucleus of living cells. The intranuclear nanosurgery was possible by application of highly intense near infrared femtosecond laser pulses. The non-contact laser treatment was performed within a closed sterile cell chamber. The destructive multiphoton effect was based on 10(12) W/cm2 light intensities and limited to a sub-femtoliter focal volume of a high numerical aperture objective. We used the intracellular nanoscalpel for highly precise non-contact dissection of Hoechst-labelled chromosomes within a nucleus of a living Chinese hamster ovary cell. Following laser treatment, the cell remained alive and did not show any signs of membrane perturbation. The use of near infrared pulses provide the possibility of non-invasive intracellular nanoprocessing also within living tissue in depths of more than 100 microns.

New tetrazolium method for the histochemical localization of dipeptidyl peptidase IV

New tetrazolium method for the histochemical localization of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), based on a newly synthesized substrate Gly-L-Pro-1-hydroxy-4-naphthylamide is proposed. Upon the enzyme hydrolysis of the substrate a strong reducing agent, i.e. 4-amino-1-naphthol is released, which reduces tetrazolium salts to water-insoluble, deeply colored formazans, that precipitate on the sites of enzyme activity, marking them accurately. No auxiliary electron acceptor is needed for the redox reaction. The incubation is performed at the optimal pH of the enzyme. Precise enzyme localization is achieved in all organs studied. Thus, the new method avoids most of the disadvantages of the methods in use and might open new possibilities in peptidases histochemistry.

New tetrazolium method for the histochemical demonstration of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase

A new tetrazolium method for the histochemical demonstration of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is proposed. The method is based on a newly synthesized substrate-gamma-L-glutamic acid-1-hydroxy-4-naphthylamide, which upon the enzyme hydrolysis liberates 1,4-aminonaphthol--a powerful reducing agent that reduces tetrazolium salts quickly and quantitatively to deeply colored, water-insoluble formazans, precipitating on the sites of the enzyme activity and marking them accurately. The redox reaction is quick enough and does not need any auxiliary electron-acceptor. The method is very fast and convenient for the histochemical visualization of the enzyme.

Pulse-length dependence of cellular response to intense near-infrared laser pulses in multiphoton microscopes

The influence of the pulse length, tau , of ultrashort laser pulses at 780 and 920 nm on cell vitality and cellular reproduction has been studied. A total of 2400 nonlabeled cells were exposed to a highly focused scanning beam from a mode-locked 80-MHz Ti:sapphire laser with 60-micros pixel dwell time. For the same pulse energy, destructive effects were more pronounced for shorter pulses. The damage behavior was found to follow approximately a P(2)/tau dependence (P , mean power), indicating that cell destruction is likely based on a two-photon excitation process rather than a one- or a three-photon event. Therefore, femtosecond as well as picosecond pulses provide approximately the same relative optical window for safe two-photon fluorescence microscopy.

Laser scanning microscopy in enzyme histochemistry. Visualization of cerium-based and dab-based primary reaction products of phosphatases, oxidases and peroxidases by reflectance and transmission laser scanning microscopy

The reflectance mode of confocal laser scanning microscopy is suitable to detect cerium-based primary reaction products of oxidases (CeIV-perhydroxide) and phosphatases (CeIII-hydroxy-phosphate converted into CeIV-perhydroxy-phosphate) as well as of DAB-based primary reaction products (Ni-DAB, Ni-FeII-DAB and CeIV-DAB complexes) of cytochrome C oxidase and peroxidases in vibratome, cryotome and semithin plastic sections. In combination with confocal detection 3D images with submicron spatial resolution can be obtained. Moreover, CeIV-perhydroxide, CeIV-perhydroxy-phosphate, CeIV-DAB complexes and catechol-DAB polymers are highly absorptive. Among other additives, especially stable nitroxyl radicals led to a distinct improvement of the DAB staining in terms of sensitivity and proper localization. This was proven in addition by means of blotting a horseradish peroxidase dilution series during several experiments. In sections it was easily possible to record reflectance signals and high transmission contrast at the wavelength of the exciting argon ion laser (preferentially 488 nm). The results of an imbibition study of cerium-containing model precipitates indicate that the cerium generally should be oxidized prior to observation because the index of refraction of CeIV compounds is considerably higher than that of the corresponding CeIII compounds. A comparative numerical assessment of reflection intensities from reflectant parts in morphologically similar sections is possible. Confocal laser scanning microscopy offers a unique way for high resolution detection of primary histochemical reaction products being sufficiently reflective and/or absorptive. The proposed techniques may open new methodological possibilities for basic research and for medical diagnosis.

Extralysosomal localisation of acid phosphatase in the rat kidney

There is strong evidence that acid phosphatase (AcPase) plays an important role in the catabolism of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and the removal of macromolecular debris resulting from ultrafiltration. Recent enzyme histochemical investigations provide new evidence of the antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory function of ADPase and on the distribution of AcPase in mouse kidney tubule cells. By means of 3 mM cerium as the trapping agent and 1 mM p-nitrophenyl phosphate as the substrate, extralysosomal AcPase could be demonstrated at the ultrastructural level. Following a mild perfusion fixation (2% formaldehyde + 0.07% glutaraldehyde), an effective postfixation and short enzyme incubations (20 min) with microwave irradiation, highly specific enzyme histochemical reaction product and reasonable structural preservation were obtained. Extralysosomal, membrane-bound AcPase was observed along the endoplasmic reticulum, the trans-Golgi cisternae, the nuclear envelope, basal infoldings of the proximal and distal tubular cells and on glomerular profiles, e.g. cell membranes of podocytes, endothelium and basement membrane. Large amounts of extralysosomal AcPase were observed in the basement membrane of glomeruli, in contrast to no AcPase activity in the tubular and mesangial basement membrane. The observed difference in AcPase activity in the tubular epithelial basement membrane and the GBM supports the idea that AcPase in GBM specifically serves in the clearance of macromolecular debris to facilitate ultrafiltration. In the GBM a laminar distribution is observed, suggesting that both epithelial and endothelial cells are involved in the production of AcPase.

3D resolved two-photon fluorescence microscopy of living cells using a modified confocal laser scanning microscope

Non-linear 3D imaging of fluorophore-labelled vital cells has been performed by femtosecond near infrared (NIR) microscopy. Ultraviolet and visible transitions of intracellular fluorophores, such as Fura-2, Calcium Green, Rhodamine 123 and fluorescent microspheres, were excited via simultaneous absorption of two 780 nm photons provided by a tunable Ti:Sapphire laser. The femtosecond laser was coupled to a conventional upright Zeiss confocal laser scanning microscope expanding its one-photon capabilities to 3D resolved two-photon microscopy. Pinhole-free non-linear 3D imaging was possible with 400 nm lateral and approximately 1 micron axial resolution. Axial resolution could be further improved by using an additional detection pinhole. The NIR average power and pulse width at the sample were adjusted to be 1-4 m W and 150-200 fs, respectively. Higher power levels resulted in cell damage as demonstrated by photoinduced lysis of human erythrocytes. The powerful capabilities of this universal microscope were demonstrated by 3D imaging of two-photon excited fluorophore-labelled macrophages during phagocytosis of fluorescent microsized beads.

Quantitative assessment of primary cerium reaction product formed by glucose-6-phosphatase activity in a male rat liver: an image analysis study

Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activity has been determined in periportal and pericentral areas of the liver of normal male rats. Measurements were performed on unfixed cryostat sections mounted on semipermeable membranes. In the present study, the oxidized primary reaction product of a cerium-based histochemical method [Ce(IV)perhydroxyphosphate] instead of the final reaction product after a second-step incubation was measured. For quantification of the amount of Ce(IV)perhydroxyphosphate formed the digital image analyzing system Quantimet 500+ was used. Estimated values of optical densities of Ce(IV)perhydroxyphosphate over test areas were employed for calculation of kinetic parameters of (G6Pase). Highest activities of G6Pase (higher Km and Vmax levels) were found in periportal areas of the rat liver, indicating a higher amount of active enzyme molecules and a lower affinity for the substrate. Differences in values for both Km and Vmax between periportal and pericentral zones were highly significant and closely comparable to those for male fed rats. Correlations between Km and Vmax were significant for periportal as well for pericentral liver areas. The results of the present study thus allow the same biological implications as histochemical methods employing a final reaction for quantification of enzyme activities. The present method avoids the drawbacks of enhancement reactions and demonstrates the feasibility of in situ analysis of enzyme kinetic parameters by quantification of oxidized primary cerium reaction products.

Reflectance enzyme histochemistry (REH): visualization of cerium-based and DAB primary reaction products of phosphatases and oxidases in cryostat sections by confocal laser scanning microscopy

In the present study the reflectance mode of confocal laser scanning microscopy was adapted to detect and to assess semiquantitatively cerium-based primary reaction products of oxidases [Ce(IV) perhydroxide] and phosphatases [Ce(III) hydroxyphosphate converted into Ce(IV) perhydroxyphosphate] as well as of the 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB)-based primary reaction product of cytochrome c oxidase in cryostat sections. Confocal laser scanning microscopy offers a unique way of making visible histochemical reaction products which are weakly absorbant but sufficiently reflective. It was easily possible to record simultaneously the reflectance signals at the wavelength of the exciting laser (preferentially 488 nm) and the autofluorescence signals ( > 580 nm in our set-up) of glutaraldehyde-fixed tissue. The results of an imbibition study of cerium-containing model precipitates indicate that the cerium, generally, should be oxidized prior to observation because the index of refraction of Ce(IV) compounds is considerably higher than that of the corresponding Ce(III) compounds. An attempt at comparative numerical assessment of reflection intensities from reflectant parts in morphologically similar sections is presented. The proposed technique may open new possibilities in enzyme- and immunohistochemistry.

Light and electron microscopical demonstration of the ouabain-sensitive, potassium-dependent p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity (K-NPPase) using a Ce-Mg-double capture technique

The cerium-based method of Kobayashi et al. for the histochemical demonstration of K-NPPase activity was improved. Besides Ce3+ additionally Mg2+ ions as orthophosphate capture were employed (double capture technique). For light microscopical purposes the Mg-phosphate was converted into Ce-phosphate by treatment of the sections with Ce-citrate yielding higher quantity of reaction product. Unspecific background staining was eliminated by EGTA. In the electron microscope this technique brought about fine granular reaction products without diffusion artefacts.

Dysmorphic erythrocytes in glomerulonephritis. 1. Electron microscopical and histochemical investigation

Dysmorphic erythrocyte malformation in urine is characteristic of glomerulonephritis. The mechanisms leading to this phenomenon are still unknown. To obtain evidence of the site as well as of the process of erythrocyte damage, electron microscopical and histochemical investigations of renal biopsy materials from 19 patients with histologically defined glomerulonephritis were performed. The results suggest that the initial damage of erythrocytes in the glomerular area is reasoned by enzymatic glycocalyx destruction. On passage through the tubular system the osmotically sensitized surface altered cells undergo rapid hemolysis and losses of membrane skeletal proteins leading to dysmorphic shape transformations.

Dysmorphic red cell formation in glomerulonephritis. 2. In vitro generation of dysmorphic erythrocytes

In the present study influences leading to in vitro formation of dysmorphic erythrocytes were studied. Fresh and surface altered erythrocytes pretreated with several proteases were passed through different solutions representing distinct nephronís fluids. After passage of intact erythrocytes only 12-15% dysmorphic cells were observed. In case of protease treated cells the number of dysmorphic cells rose to 35-80%. The hemoglobin content was decreased. PAGE and electron microscopical findings demonstrated substantial losses of transmembrane and membrane skeleton proteins. It is assumed that surface protein degradation, loss of membrane skeleton proteins and hemolysis seem to be closely associated with dysmorphic malformation of urinary erythrocytes characteristical for glomerulonephritis.

Is the brush border membrane of the intestinal mucosa a generator of "chymosomes"?

1. The microvilli of enterocytes in calf intestine demonstrate high levels of vesiculation activity at the top and at the basal region. 2. The morphology of the vesicles associated with microvilli (100-500 nm diameter, unilamellar, few intramembraneous particles, high AP activity) is very similar to the morphology of vesicles found in the chyme. 3. Vesicles can be purified 6-10 fold from chyme of the calf intestine applying a Mg(++)-precipitation method, used for brush border membrane preparation. 4. Specific activities of alkaline phosphatase and disaccharidases were found to be much higher in chyme vesicles than in the mucosa. 5. Phospholipid content and phospholipid composition is in chyme vesicles different from brush border membrane vesicles. 6. The characterized chyme vesicles are referred to as chymosomes. We consider the mucosa as a large-scale generator of chymosomes, i.e. digestive enzymes bearing vesicles.

Light microscopical demonstration of non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity with an incubation medium containing cerium and two calcium as the capturing agents. The cerium/calcium-hydrogen peroxide-P-phenylenediamine/pyrocatechol (Ce/Ca-H2O2-PPD/PC) double capture technique

A new method for the light microscopical demonstration of alPase activity in cryotome sections by using simultaneously cerium and calcium as capturing agents (double capture technique) is described. This method has an increased sensitivity compared with the single cerium-based and the Gomori based-cerium (single calcium and cerium converted) with techniques described previously. Presuming that the enzymatic activity during incubation of sections in the presence of a defined capturing agent is constant, the increased sensitivity after employment of the double capture method could be attributed to a decrease of enzyme inhibition by cerium through the presence of calcium. Based on model experiments it is assumed that calcium phosphate and cerium phosphate are the primary reaction products, the former converting into cerium phosphate already during incubation. The remaining calcium phosphate is converted completely by treatment with cerium citrate solution (conversion reaction). After oxidation with H2O2 the cerium perhydroxyphosphate was visualized in a paraphenylenediamine/pyrocatechol (Hanker-Yates reagent) solution without H2O2 to give a black reaction product. This visualization procedure is superior to the DAB or DAB-Ni mode as published earlier. Some results concerning the mode of inhibition of the pseudoperoxidase activity of the hemoglobin are presented.

Electron microscopical demonstration of alkaline phosphatase activity with the cerium-based method in citrate-containing medium at pH 9.3 and the influence of glutaraldehyde fixation

A cerium-based incubation medium, developed for the light microscopical demonstration of alkaline phosphatase activity, was tried out for the electron microscopical demonstration of this enzyme in kidney and heart muscle of the rat. The medium is very stable and the pH is in the optimum range of the enzyme. The medium consists of 14 mM CeCl3, 11 mM Na-citrate, 4 mM MgCl2, 10 mM p-nitrophenyl phosphate, 0.18 M glycine/NaOH buffer, pH 9.3. Other concentrations of cerium and citrate were tried out as well but 14 mM CeCl3, and 11 mM Na-citrate gave the best results with a small amount of non-specific reaction product in the nucleus that can be largely avoided by postincubation rinsing in cerium-containing buffer. In the kidney reaction product was only present along the microvilli of the proximal tubular epithelial cells. In the glomerulus no reaction product could be found whereas light microscopical cryotome sections contained activity in the glomerulus. Replacement of glutaraldehyde by formaldehyde fixatives resulted in reaction product in glomerular and tubular basement membranes, on podocyte plasma membranes and in tubular basal infoldings. In glutaraldehyde-fixed heart muscle, reaction product was present in the basement membranes and on lateral plasma membranes of endothelial cells of blood capillaries.

Modified cerium-based and Gomori-based cerium methods for light microscopic phosphatase histochemistry: the cerium-perhydroxide-diaminobenzidine-nickel (Ce-H2O2-DAB-Ni and Ce/Ce-H2O2-DAB-Ni) two-step procedures

Some modified cerium-based and Gomori-based cerium methods for the demonstration of phosphatase activity in cryostat sections were described. Dextrane as stabilizing agent was added to the incubation media for ATPase, 5'-Nase, and TPPase. The oxidation of the CeIII-phosphate primary reaction product in a separate step by H2O2 before the DAB incubation yielded an increase of the intensity of the DAB-based visualization reaction (Ce-H2O2-DAB-Ni two step method). The sensitivity of the histochemical enzyme reaction was remarkably increased if CeIII-ions were employed as amplifying agent (Ce/Ce-H2O2-DAB-Ni two-step method). A new suitable DAB medium consisting of 0.015% DAB, 2.0% Ni-sulphate, 15% methanol, and 0.005% H2O2 in 0.1 mol/l acetate buffer, pH = 5.2, was used. The disadvantage of diffuse background staining has been overcome by addition of 15% methanol to the DAB solution. Electrovalently bound CeIII (cerophilia) was removed by treatment of the incubated sections with CeIII-citrate (CeIII-complexation). In addition, a novel membrane floating incubation for sections is proposed. At present, the modified procedures are some of the most sensitive modes for the demonstration of phosphatases and improve the earlier described cerium-DAB one-step technique (Halbhuber et al. 1988b).

The perinatal development of glucose-6-phosphatase activity distribution pattern in rat liver. A microdensitometrical study

The ontogenetic development of the intralobular distribution pattern of glucose-6-phosphatase activity in the rat liver is described in terms of histochemical changes determined with microdensitometry. A newly developed cerium-lead technique was employed and compared with the common lead technique optimized by Teutsch (1978a). The cerium technique has advantages, meets the prerequisites for quantitative determinations and yields results comparable to biochemically obtained data from microdissected tissue. The first signs of a heterogeneous distribution pattern of glucose-6-phosphatase activity are observed on the 3rd d after birth, and differences between periportal and centrolobular areas are largest around 10th and 15th d. At 30th d after birth, the adult pattern is complete with a centrolobular glucose-6-phosphatase activity of 67% of the periportal value.

Employment of merocyanine 540 fluorescence to form diaminobenzidine (DAB) oxidation product: a photoconversion method for the visualization of erythrocyte membrane fluidity for light and electron microscopy

Intact native red blood cells (RBC) and treated RBC preparations were labelled with MC 540 and irradiated in the presence of diaminobenzidine (DAB). The polymerized diaminobenzidine reaction product is permanently stable in comparison with the labile fluorescence labelling. The brownish stained DAB polymerization product (DAB brown) and osmium black (after conversion of DAB brown with OsO4) allow the densitometrical determination with the light microscope. The latter product can be directly observed in the electron microscope. A direct correlation exists between the fluorescence intensity and the polymerized diaminobenzidine staining. It can be deduced that the enhancement of the DAB mediated contrast is reflecting an increased fluidity of the red cell membrane. The reaction was successful with all red cell preparations tested. This method is also suitable for the determination of fluidity changes in other cell membranes.

The binding of a polyclonal antibody against human band 3 to in vitro aged erythrocytes

In vitro aged human erythrocytes were checked for their anti-band-3-antibody loading by means of a protein A-gold technique. The in vitro-ageing procedures are introduced as an alternative to the questionable preparation of in vivo aged cells. They include the influences of NaF in various concentrations, of heat (49 degrees C) and urea. After the treatment with 20 mmol/l NaF and more, the IgG loading increases significantly. In contrast to that, however, exovesiculation induced by heat and urea lower the IgG loading. Possible mechanisms for the growing accessibility of the epitopes concerned are discussed in connection with changes occurring during the physiological ageing processes.

Topo-optical studies of gradually disintegrated erythrocyte membrane derivates: different kinds of ghosts

Several kinds of ghosts from human erythrocytes (blood-group A1D) were investigated by the topo-optical Toluidine-Blue (TB) reaction. In comparison to intact cells, all ghosts demonstrated a decreased TB-anisotropy. These results reflect an altered glycocalyx structure of ghosts, especially conformational changes of the TB-binding N-terminal extracellular segments of the glycophorines. It was assumed that this structural glycocalyx alteration was caused by substantial losses of membrane skeleton components during the ghost preparation. Moreover, disturbed molecular interactions between the membrane skeleton and the glycocalyx may contribute to this effect. Therefore, the glycocalyx and the membrane structure of ghosts in general are significantly different from the membrane of the intact erythrocyte. The experiments show that the effects of the reconstitution procedures for ghost membranes are restricted to a reconstitution of a defined membrane function (i.e. dynamic barrier for monovalent cations) in a widely disturbed membrane structure.

New, improved lanthanide-based methods for the ultrastructural localization of acid and alkaline phosphatase activity

New, improved techniques for the ultrastructural localization of acid and alkaline phosphatase activity using lanthanide cations as the trapping agent were developed. Delayed penetration of the capture ions and the incubation constituents into cellular compartments was prevented by pretreating specimens with borohydride/saponin. Both the concentration of the capture agent in the incubation medium and the incubation time of the tissue specimens were optimized to achieve a satisfactory cytochemical reaction and to avoid precipitation artefacts caused by local matrix effects. The conversion of cerium phosphate into the almost insoluble cerium fluoride minimized losses of the reaction product during postincubation processing. Moreover, lanthanum itself as well as lanthanides other than cerium, e.g., gadolinium and didymium (praseodymium, neodymium), were successfully applied and can be recommended as capture agents for phosphatase cytochemistry.

The cerium perhydroxide-diaminobenzidine (Ce-H2O2-DAB) procedure. New methods for light microscopic phosphatase histochemistry and immunohistochemistry

New light microscopic visualization methods were developed for the histochemical detection of non-specific alkaline and acid phosphatase, Mg-, Ca- and Na, K-dependent adenosine triphosphatase, myosin adenosine triphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase and thiamine pyrophosphatase with cerium ions as trapping agents in cryostat and plastic sections. The techniques are based on the conversion of cerium phosphate into cerium perhydroxide by H2O2 which decomposes at 55 degrees-60 degrees C into cerium hydroxide and oxygen radicals. These radicals are able to oxidize diaminobenzidine (DAB) to DAB brown. Addition of nickel ions to the DAB-H2O2 mixture generates bluish-black stained nickel-DAB complexes. Compared with the classical metal precipitation, azo, azoindoxyl and tetrazolium procedures the H2O2-DAB and especially the H2O2-DAB-nickel methods provided identical or superior results in catalytic phosphatase histochemistry and immunohistochemistry when using non-specific alkaline phosphatase as the enzyme label.

Light-microscopic histochemistry of non-specific alkaline phosphatase using lanthanide-citrate complexes

New lanthanide methods for the histochemical detection of non-specific alkaline phosphatase in the light microscope are described and compared with already existing techniques for the light microscopical demonstration of this enzyme. To avoid formation of insoluble lanthanide hydroxide at alkaline pH citrate complexes with the capture ions cerium, lanthanum and didymium were used. A molar ratio of 11 mM citrate/14 mM capture reagent is proposed. For preincubated sections, pretreatment in chloroform-acetone and fixation in glutaraldehyde, for non-preincubated sections fixation in glutaraldehyde yielded the best results. 4-Methylumbelliferyl and 5-Br-4-Cl-3-indoxyl phosphate were found to be the most suitable substrates. For routine purposes 4-nitrophenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl and 2-glycerophosphate were also sufficient; naphthol AS phosphates were inferior but still suitable. After incubation for 5-60 min at 37 degrees C lanthanide phosphate was converted into lead phosphate which was visualized as lead sulfide. At pH 9.2-9.5 enzyme activity was demonstrated at many sites such as intestinal, uterine, placental, renal and epididymal microvillous zones, plasma membranes of arterial, sinus and capillary endothelial cells, vaginal and urethral epithelium, smooth muscle cells, myoepithelial cells as well as excretory duct cells of salivary and lacrimal glands and in secretory granules of laryngeal glands. In comparison with Gomori's calcium, Mayahara's lead, Burstone's and Pearse's azo-coupling, McGadey's tetrazolium salt and Gossrau's azoindoxyl coupling technique the lanthanide methods detected alkaline phosphatase activities at identical or additional sites depending on the respective procedure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topo-optical investigations of human erythrocyte glycocalyx conformational changes induced by dextran

Cell surface properties are involved in the aggregation process of red blood cells. Using the topo-optical toluidine blue reaction, conformational changes of the glycocalyx (main component glycophorin A) were found when red blood cells were incubated and fixed in the presence of dextran. Relative differences in optical path as a measure of red blood cell membrane anisotropy decreased in relation to dextran concentration during fixation. These conformational changes could not be detected by electrophoretic measurements. When incubating, fixing and staining red blood cells in the presence of dextran, anisotropy decreased only at low dextran concentrations and increased at rising dextran concentrations. This biphasic course of differences in optical path seems to be due to different effects of dextran superimposing upon each other: a disturbing influence on the spatial order of sialic acid carrying oligosaccharide side chains due to H-bond interaction, and an increase in the size of dye aggregates and suppression of the thermal motion of macromolecules at higher dextran concentrations.

Gadolinium and didymium (praseodymium/neodymium) cations as capture agents in lightmicroscopical histochemistry of acid and alkaline phosphatase

In previous papers, cerium and lanthanum based methods for light-microscopical detection of acid and alkaline phosphatase activity were proposed. In this paper, the usefulness of other lanthanide cations such as gadolinium and praseodymium/neodymium cations as capture agents in phosphatase histochemistry is tested. It is evident that phosphate ions were sufficiently trapped by these cations. According to the lead and silver multistep procedures earlier described it is possible to visualize alkaline phosphatase activity in the brush borders of the intestine or kidney as well as acid phosphatase activity in the lysosomes. These methods can be recommended.

Light microscopical localization of enzymes by means of cerium-based methods. V. Optimization of the cerium-lead (Ce-Pb)-technique for alkaline phosphatase

A modification of the earlier published cerium-based technique for histochemical detection of alkaline phosphatase activity at light microscopical level (Halbhuber and Zimmermann 1985) is described. The reduction of the s-collidine concentration from 200 mmol to 50 mmol, increase of cerium ion concentration rom 1 mmol to 5 or 10 mmol, and sucrose concentration from 7.5% to 15% at increased from pH = 9.0 to 9.5 less than or equal to 9.9 in the incubation medium led to a high intensification of the histochemical reaction. The brush borders of the rat kidney (especially of the epithelial cells of the primary convoluted tubules) and of the enterocytes demonstrate black-brown tinged and precisely localized final reaction products. Moreover, a simplification of the histochemical procedure by employment of postfixed cryostat sections (small intestine) instead of the time consuming perfusion fixed material (kidney) is presented. Several fixatives were also tested. Nakane's periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde (PLP) or the periodate-lysine-glutaraldehyde (GLP) fixations are superior to the classical glutaraldehyde/paraformaldehyde double fixation. The proposed optimized cerium-based techniques are recommended for a broad use.

The rate of lateral diffusion of phospholipids in erythrocyte microvesicles

31P-NMR spectra of phospholipids in membranes of erythrocyte microvesicles isolated from outdated blood units were recorded in the temperature range 5 to 55 degrees C. Within that range the lineshape is strongly influenced by an increasing rate of lateral diffusion of phospholipids. At 36 degrees C a diffusion constant, D, of (2 +/- 1) X 10(-12) m2/s was obtained. The diffusion rate is by a factor of 3 to 10 greater than in erythrocyte membranes measured by the photobleaching technique and is comparable with values obtained for several lipid model membranes. The differences in lateral diffusion rates are probably connected with the depletion of microvesicle membranes in membrane proteins.

Light microscopical localization of acid and alkaline phosphatase activity by lanthanum-lead-(La-Pb)-methods

This paper reports on the application of lanthanum cations instead of cerium ions as captures to detect acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in the rat kidney and small intestine. The basis of the proposed histochemical reactions is a three step procedure in analogy to the earlier published cerium-based techniques: the lanthanum phosphate was converted into lead phosphate and finally into the brown coloured lead sulfide [lanthanum-lead-(La-Pb)-reaction]. The results reveal that the La-Pb-reactions are more sensitive in comparison to the Ce-Pb-reactions. Methodological experiments involving lanthanide specific blocking reactions are discussed. Lanthanum cations are recommended as a useful tool in histochemical capture techniques of phosphatases.

Light microscopical localization of enzymes by means of cerium-based methods. I.V. Optimization procedures for acid phosphatase

The earlier described cerium based histochemical reaction for acid phosphatase [Ce-Pb-reaction, Zimmermann and Halbhuber (1985)] was optimized. The target tissues (kidney, intestine) were fixed by perfusion with glutaraldehyde in cacodylate or piperazine buffer in anesthetized animals. Postfixation of prefixed sections is not advantageous because of the detectable repressing of the enzyme activity. Moreover, the employment of unfixed cryostat sections, which were postfixed, was always connected with a complete abolition of the acid phosphatase activity. The optimal concentration of the primary capture cerium III chloride in the incubation medium is about 1 mmol. Lower concentrations lead to an incomplete histochemical detection of phosphatase activity in lysosomes. The treatment of cryostat sections of perfusion fixed tissue with borohydride (diminution of aldehyde induced cross links) or with dimethylsulfoxide (extraction of lysosomal materials or the well known vehicle property) brought about an improvement of the penetration capacity for cerium-III-cations into the target structures. After conversion of the cerium phosphate (primary specific reaction product) into cerium perhydroxide, oxalate or fluoride, the Ce-Pb-reaction was negative. Therefore, these blocking reactions represent specific inhibition controls, which indicates the formation and presence of cerium phosphate. On the basis of these reactions it is possible to check the specificity of the histochemical Ce-Pb-reaction for phosphatase activity in sections.

Light microscopical localization of enzymes by means of cerium-based methods. II. A new cerium-lead-technique for alkaline phosphatase

The use of cerium ions as a primary capture reagent in phosphatase histochemistry on the light and the electron microscopic level is a progress in the field of enzyme localization. Many influences of other captures (as of lead ions), e.g. enzyme inhibition, diffusion and other artefacts, are restricted when cerium-based methods are used. But the broader use of cerium is difficult, because cerium ions are at alkaline pH converted to the insoluble cerium hydroxide, which intensively precipitates in the incubation medium. This is an important disadvantage for a successful histochemical detection of alkaline phosphatase. The aim of this paper is to describe a new cerium-based method for the light microscopical detection of alkaline phosphatase, which is free from all these above mentioned problems. It is proposed a collidine buffer-sucrose containing medium, which holds cerium ions at pH = 9.0 in solution. The histochemical results of this method are excellent. The method is compared with a strontium based technique, the coupling azo dye technique for alkaline phosphatase as well as with in vitro and histochemical experiments with several chelator agents. The cerium-based collidine-sucrose technique is superior to all other procedures tested here and is recommended for a broader use.

Light microscopical localization of enzymes by means of cerium-based methods. III. Visualization techniques for cerium phosphate

Cerium-based methods are more and more used for the electron microscopic localization of phosphohydrolases. By means of the earlier described Ce-Pb-technique, it is possible to localize these enzymes on the light microscopical level. The final product of this reaction is lead sulfide. In addition to this technique, other visualization methods for the light microscopically not visible cerium phosphate are proposed. 3 successful techniques are described in the report: The cerium perhydroxide reaction. By means of H2O2 cerium phosphate is converted into cerium perhydroxide which has an orange-yellowish colour. The manganese dioxide reaction with the conversion of cerium phosphate into cerium oxalate, which is able to reduce permanganate into the hardly soluble brown coloured manganese dioxide. A silver technique (Ce-Pb-AgS-method), which is characterized by the conversion of cerium phosphate into lead phosphate and in a second step to lead sulfide. At the active sites of the lead sulfide, the reduction of silver ions takes place. The reduced silver is converted in a final step into silver sulfide. The enzyme activity is represented by a brown or black coloured staining.

Light microscopical localization of enzymes by means of cerium-based methods. I. Detection of acid phosphatase by a new cerium-lead-technique (Ce-Pb-method)

Cerium-III-ions are more and more used as capturing reagent and opaque marker for the electron microscopic localization of a number of H2O2-generating enzymes as well as phosphohydrolases. Contrary to its advantages over common lead methods in the histochemical detection of enzyme activities at the electron microscopic level, cerium-based methods proved to be a failure for light microscopic investigations. Therefore, our cerium-based method for the ultrahistochemical detection of acid phosphatase was developed for further observations at the light microscopic level. The principle of that new Ce-Pb-method is the conversion of light microscopic not visible cerium phosphate into lead phosphate by the secondary capture reagent alkaline lead citrate. Finally, the lead phosphate can be visualized as lead sulfide in the section. The Ce-Pb-method in its finally proposed manner was compared with a common lead method and showed a range of advantages. Because of that fact, the new Ce-Pb-method is recommended for a broader use in histochemistry, e.g. for the light microscopic enzyme investigation parallel to ultrahistochemical preparations.