Comparison of NMR lipid profiles in mitotic arrest and apoptosis as indicators of paclitaxel resistance in cervical cell lines

This study aimed to characterize changes in lipid saturation using magnetic resonance spectroscopy of sensitive (HeLa) and resistant (C33A; Me180) cervical cancer cell lines following exposure to paclitaxel to explore lipid profiles as biomarkers of drug resistance. Spectra were acquired at 11.74 T. Flow cytometry, electron, and confocal microscopy assessed cellular morphology. Western blots assessed cytoplasmic phospholipase A(2) , fatty acid synthase, and acyl-CoA synthetase1 expression. After 24 h of paclitaxel exposure, >60% of cells showed mitotic arrest. At 48 h, HeLa cells showed apoptosis while C33A/Me180 cells showed normal morphology indicating resistance. MR-visible lipids increased significantly in all lines at 24 h with further increases at 48 h; resistant lines showed smaller increases than HeLa. Cytoplasmic phospholipase A(2) and fatty acid synthase levels were unchanged at 24 h and dropped at 48 h in HeLa; acyl-CoA synthetase1 was higher in Me180/C33A than in HeLa controls but did not increase significantly. The percentage of cells displaying lipid droplets increased significantly at 24 and 48 h in all lines; droplet size increased only in HeLa cells. Droplet number was >3-4× greater in apoptotic compared with mitotic-arrested cells. Apoptotic cells accumulate unsaturated fatty acids in large (relative to control) droplets; resistant lines accumulated smaller droplets with less triglycerides.

Abstract 50: Comparison of NMR lipid profiles in mitotic arrest and apoptosis as indicators of drug resistance

Aim: To compare NMR-visible lipids in paclitaxel exposed cells undergoing apoptosis or mitotic arrest in order to explore their utility as a biomarker of drug resistance.

Methods: Cultured cervical cell lines (HeLa, C33A and Me180, ATCC, USA) were exposed to 1 µM paclitaxel (Sigma, UK) for 8, 16, 24, and 48 hours (n=3). Diffusion-weighted (DW) spectra were acquired using a 11.74T spectrometer (Avance Bruker BioSpin, Germany) using a stimulated echo sequence with bipolar gradients. Cellular morphology was assessed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using uranyl acetate followed by lead citrate staining. Following TOPRO-3 and nile red co-staining, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy verified cell size and viability, visualized cell cycle phase distribution, apoptotic features, and accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Western blots were used to assess activation (by phosphorylation) of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (P-cPLA2) and expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) at each stage.

Results: 24 h after exposure to paclitaxel, all lines showed >65% mitotic arrest, and HeLa showed apoptosis as well. At 48 h HeLa cells progressed to apoptosis (due to mitotic catastrophe) while C33A and Me180 cells progressed beyond mitotic arrest to normal morphology or multinucleation indicating resistance. There was significant increase in saturated and unsaturated lipids at 24 h (mitotic arrest) followed by a further striking increase at 48 h in all lines, especially in the 5.3ppm peak (unsaturated) in HeLa at 48 h. Unsaturated lipids increased more than saturated lipids in all lines, triglycerides increase the most in HeLa cells. Resistant lines showed lower increased methylene / methyl (1.3 ppm / 0.9 ppm) ratio (from 1.3 to 2.8, 1.7 to 2.8 compared with 1.5 to 3.8 in HeLa cells at 48 h). The levels of P-cPLA2 and FAS were unchanged at 24 h followed by a drop at 48 h in HeLa cells. The percentage of cells displaying lipid droplets increased significantly at 24 and 48 h in all lines with increase in droplet size only in HeLa cells at 24 and 48 h. This implies that the larger droplets are associated with apoptosis but that smaller ones are less specific. Apoptotic cells showed 3-4 x the number of droplets compared to cells arrested in mitosis.

Conclusion: After exposure of cells to paclitaxel, increase in lipids on NMR results from increased visibility not synthesis (more droplets, FAS not increased). In apoptosis predominant increases are in unsaturated fatty acids in larger droplets, whereas paclitaxel resistant lines accumulate smaller droplets with significantly less triglycerides.

Acknowledgements: This work was funded by the EC FP6 Marie Curie Action: Early Stage Training (contact No. 020718). We also acknowledge the support received for the CRUK and EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre in association with the MRC and Department of Health (England) (grant C1060/ A10334) and NHS Funding to the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 50.

Elevated expression of the metabolic regulator receptor-interacting protein 140 results in cardiac hypertrophy and impaired cardiac function

AIMS

Receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a ligand-dependent cofactor for nuclear receptors that regulate networks of genes involved in cellular processes, including metabolism. An important role for RIP140 in metabolic control has been identified in RIP140 null mice, whose phenotypes include derepression of genes involved in energy mobilization or catabolism in adipocytes and a switch to more oxidative fibres in skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that ubiquitous expression of RIP140 would suppress metabolic processes, leading to defects in development or cellular function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The primary effect of exogenous expression of RIP140 mRNA (real-time PCR) and protein (western blotting) in transgenic mice is impaired postnatal heart function. There was rapid onset of cardiac hypertrophy and ventricular fibrosis, detected microscopically, in male RIP140 transgenic mice from 4 weeks of age, resulting in 25% mortality by 5 months. RIP140 exogenous expression in the heart leads to decreased mitochondria state III and state IV membrane potential and oxygen consumption. Quantitative PCR showed more than 50% reduced expression of genes involved in mitochondrial activity and fatty acid metabolism, including mitochondrial transcription factor A, cytochrome oxidase VIIa, cytochrome XII, CD36, medium-chain acyl dehydrogenase, and fatty acid transport protein, many of which are known targets for nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors PPARalpha and PPARdelta and oestrogen-related receptors ERRalpha and ERRgamma.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that RIP140 is an important cofactor in postnatal cardiac function and that inhibition of the action of RIP140 may provide a model system to investigate specific interventions designed to prevent or delay the onset of cardiac disease.

Effect of cell shape and packing density on granulosa cell proliferation and formation of multiple layers during early follicle development in the ovary

The postnatal mouse ovary is rich in quiescent and early-growing oocytes, each one surrounded by a layer of somatic granulosa cells (GCs) on a basal lamina. As oocytes start to grow the GCs change shape from flattened to cuboidal, increase their proliferation and form multiple layers, providing a unique model for studying the relationship between cell shape, proliferation and multilayering within the context of two different intercommunicating cell types: somatic and germ cells. Proliferation of GCs was quantified using immunohistochemistry for Ki67 and demonstrated that, unusually, cuboidal cells divided more than flat cells. As a second layer of GCs started to appear, cells on the basal lamina reached maximum packing density and the axes of their mitoses became perpendicular to the basal lamina, resulting in cells dividing inwards to form second and subsequent layers. Proliferation of basal GCs was less than that of inner cells. Ultrastructurally, collagen fibrils outside the basal lamina became more numerous as follicles developed. We propose that the basement membrane and/or theca cells that surround the follicle provide an important confinement for rapidly dividing columnar cells so that they attain maximum packing density, which restricts lateral mitosis and promotes inwardly oriented cell divisions and subsequent multilayering.

The transcriptional corepressor RIP140 regulates oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle

Nuclear receptor signaling plays an important role in energy metabolism. In this study we demonstrate that the nuclear receptor corepressor RIP140 is a key regulator of metabolism in skeletal muscle. RIP140 is expressed in a fiber type-specific manner, and manipulation of its levels in null, heterozygous, and transgenic mice demonstrate that low levels promote while increased expression suppresses the formation of oxidative fibers. Expression profiling reveals global changes in the expression of genes implicated in both myofiber phenotype and metabolic functions. Genes involved in fatty-acid oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial biogenesis are upregulated in the absence of RIP140. Analysis of cultured myofibers demonstrates that the changes in expression are intrinsic to muscle cells and that nuclear receptor-regulated genes are direct targets for repression by RIP140. Therefore RIP140 is an important signaling factor in the regulation of skeletal muscle function and physiology.

The expression pattern of MUC1 glycoforms and other biomarkers of endometrial receptivity in fertile and infertile women

Changes in the surface epithelium of the endometrium, characterized in part by alterations in cell-surface molecules, sex steroid receptors and the appearance of pinopodes, coincide with the window of endometrial receptivity in the menstrual cycle. This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of hematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning and transmission microscopy, and MUC1 glycoform, sex steroid receptor, and interleukin receptor (type 1) expression as biomarkers of endometrial receptivity using carefully characterized clinical fertile and infertile groups of women. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) called scanning immunoelectron microscopy (SIM), we confirmed that MUC1 mucin was not associated with the endometrial pinopodes, which have been linked with embryo adhesion. We also showed that failure of embryo implantation was associated with an abnormal endometrial expression of MUC1 mucin, and retention of nuclear progesterone receptor (PR) particularly in epithelial cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), SEM in isolation and immunohistochemistry for interleukin receptor were not shown to be useful markers. Progesterone-dependent regulation of MUC1 appears to be an important factor in determining endometrial receptivity.

Ultrastructure of the early human feto-maternal interface co-cultured in vitro

BACKGROUND

The study was designed to investigate the ultrastructural features of the early human feto-maternal interface when generated by in-vitro co-culture, and compare these with findings reported previously from human pregnancies.

METHODS

Placental villi and decidua parietalis tissues from 8-12 week pregnancies were co-cultured in vitro over a 4-day period. The co-incubations were ended at 24 h intervals and processed for electron microscopical studies, and for immunocytochemistry using anti-cytokeratin antibody (CAM 5.2) for trophoblast.

RESULTS

Loss of the syncytium at points of contact with the decidual stroma, cytotrophoblast column formation, differentiation and invasion of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells into the decidual stroma over the 4-day period of co-culture were observed. Cellular components, such as actin filaments, microtubules, glycogen granules and lamellipodic processes found in EVT cells were consistent with active cellular locomotion.

CONCLUSIONS

These ultrastructural studies emphasize the usefulness of this model in investigating the formation of the feto-maternal interface of human pregnancy. The recruitment of cytotrophoblast to the syncytium by a process involving fusion of the intervening plasma membranes, and the migration of EVT cells causing little or no damage to the surrounding decidual cells, resemble in-vivo data.

Analysis of epitopes on endometrial epithelium by scanning immunoelectron microscopy

Scanning immunoelectron microscopy was applied to human endometrial epithelium for the first time to simultaneously determine epitope localisation and cellular architecture. The method was established using HMFG1, an antibody to a glycoform of the MUC1 mucin. This was chosen because of the potential importance of MUC1 in connection with endometrial receptivity. Biopsies of mid-secretory phase endometrium were labelled using HMFG1 and silver-enhanced, gold-conjugated secondary antibody was then visualised by back-scattered electron imaging. The method provided a highly specific localisation of the HMFG1 epitope to the ciliated and "ciliogenic" cells of the endometrial surface. In contrast, no reactivity was evident on the microvillous cells and endometrial pinopodes. The potential to integrate the study of the molecular and ultrastructural changes that occur in the endometrium by using scanning immunoelectron microscopy offers a powerful means of expanding our understanding of the adaptation of the endometrium in preparation for embryo implantation.

Salmonella maintains the integrity of its intracellular vacuole through the action of SifA

A method based on the Competitive Index was used to identify Salmonella typhimurium virulence gene interactions during systemic infections of mice. Analysis of mixed infections involving single and double mutant strains showed that OmpR, the type III secretion system of Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI-2) and SifA [required for the formation in epithelial cells of lysosomal glycoprotein (lgp)-containing structures, termed Sifs] are all involved in the same virulence function. sifA gene expression was induced after Salmonella entry into host cells and was dependent on the SPI-2 regulator ssrA. A sifA(-) mutant strain had a replication defect in macrophages, similar to that of SPI-2 and ompR(-) mutant strains. Whereas wild-type and SPI-2 mutant strains reside in vacuoles that progressively acquire lgps and the vacuolar ATPase, the majority of sifA(-) bacteria lost their vacuolar membrane and were released into the host cell cytosol. We propose that the wild-type strain, through the action of SPI-2 effectors (including SpiC), diverts the Salmonella-containing vacuole from the endocytic pathway, and subsequent recruitment and maintenance of vacuolar ATPase/lgp-containing membranes that enclose replicating bacteria is mediated by translocation of SifA.

Characterization of human placental explants: morphological, biochemical and physiological studies using first and third trimester placenta

The primary objective of this study was to characterize an in-vitro model of the human placenta using morphological, biochemical and physiological parameters. Placental villi were obtained from normal first trimester and term pregnancies. The villi were incubated with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium: Ham's F12 nutrient mixture in a shaking water bath at 37 degrees C for up to 310 min. The viability was determined by the production of beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and the incorporation of [3H]thymidine, [3H]L-leucine and L-[U14C]arginine, while ultrastructure was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. In the first and third trimester group, the release into the medium of the intracellular enzyme LDH remained unaltered throughout the experiment. By contrast, beta-HCG concentrations increased linearly and concentrations were higher in the first trimester than term villi (354.5 +/- 37.8 versus 107 +/- 8.1 IU/g villi protein; P < 0.001). Electron microscopy confirmed preservation of tissue viability for up to 4 h of incubation. The incorporation of thymidine (12.2 +/- 2.9 versus 5.2 +/- 0.5 nmol/g villi protein; P < 0.05), leucine (9.4 +/- 2.1 versus 1.9 +/- 0.4 nmol/g villi protein; P < 0.02) and arginine (17 +/- 4.4 versus 4.2 +/- 0.5 nmol/g villi protein; P < 0.05) were markedly higher in early than in term placenta. Furthermore, placental uptake of L-leucine by the first (9.4 +/- 2.1 versus 17 + 4.4 mol/g villi protein; P < 0.001) and third trimester placental villi (1.9 +/- 0.4 versus 4.2 + 0.5 mol/g villi protein; P < 0.001) was less than that of L-arginine. This study describes a simple technique using placental explants to determine relative rates of uptake of substrate amino acids throughout gestation.

Transport and metabolism of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone across the fetal membrane

To determine the transfer and metabolism of TRH by human fetal membranes, the bidirectional transport and uptake of TRH was investigated by adding 125I-labeled TRH (100,000 cpm) or commercial TRH either to the maternal or the fetal compartment of an in vitro model of cultured human fetal membranes obtained from term and preterm placenta. Transmembrane transfer was also studied in the presence of 200 microM p-hydroxy-mercuriphenyl-sulphonic acid (p-HMSA), a dipeptidase enzyme inhibitor. Creatinine and heparin were used as an internal markers. Metabolites of TRH were separated from intact molecules by gel filtration on Sephadex G-10. The structural integrity of the membrane was confirmed by electron microscopy. The transmembrane transfer of radiolabeled and commercial TRH were comparable across both preterm and term placenta. When transport was studied from the maternal to fetal side, the maternal concentration of TRH declined rapidly from 100% at time 0 to 19.31 +/- 2.26% at 8 h with a concomitant increase in the fetal concentration from undetectable to a maximum of 2.56 +/- 0.38% with a fetomaternal ratio of 0.16 +/- 0.01. Transfer of TRH from the fetal to maternal compartment was similar to that of maternal to fetal. Chromatography of maternal and fetal media showed that TRH was metabolized by the membrane into small molecular weight fragments. Treatment of the membrane with p-HMSA increased TRH transport from the maternal to fetal compartment to 18.12 +/- 0.91 (P < 0.001) with an fetomaternal ratio of 0.35 +/- 0.02 (P < 0.001). Although transmembrane transfer of TRH from the fetal to maternal side was also increased by p-HMSA, levels achieved were less than that from maternal to fetal (12.26 +/- 1.50%; P < 0.05). These results suggest that the human fetal membrane acts as an enzymatic barrier to the bidirectional transfer of TRH from 24 weeks gestation.

The myelotoxicity of chloramphenicol: in vitro and in vivo studies: I. In vitro effects on cells in culture

1 Chloramphenicol is used extensively in non-industrialized countries for the treatment of life-threatening infections because it is cheap and effective, despite its known hemotoxicity and linkage to fatal aplastic anaemia. It is important to define the mechanism of toxicity so that means can be devised to ameliorate the toxic effects in order to produce safer usage. 2 Chloramphenicol, at concentrations from 5 mM to 2 mM initiated apoptosis in dividing cells from a monkey kidney-derived cell line and in haematopoietic progenitor cells from human neonatal cord blood. 3 Growth of progenitor cells was suppressed at concentrations of chloramphenicol which would be considered less than therapeutic during patient treatment. 4 These effects could be ameliorated in progenitor cells by co-culture with the antioxidant mercaptoethylamine and in monkey kidney cells by co-culture with vitamin C. 5 This is the first report of apoptosis in chloramphenicol toxicity and suggests a possible link between a metabolic event i.e. the production of free radicals; a morphological effect, apoptosis; and a clinical effect, bone marrow suppression and aplastic anaemia.

The endometrial nucleolar channel system as an indicator of progestin potency in HRT

A quantitative assessment has been made of nucleolar channel systems (NCS) in the endometrial glands of postmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy. The women were taking conjugated equine oestrogen and one of five progestins. The number of NCS induced was related to the dose of progestin administered. The minimum doses of progestin inducing a comparable response to premenopausal secretory phase endometria were found to be 1-2.5 mg norethindrone, 150 micrograms norgestrel and 20 mg dydrogesterone. Progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate were inadequate at the doses tested. The results show that the quantification of endometrial gland NCS would be a useful addition to the biochemical and morphological assessments made of any new progestin treatment.

Asthenozoospermia and the human sperm mid-piece

This study provides a quantitative comparison between surface and ultrastructural features of motile spermatozoa in asthenozoospermic and fertile men. The study group consisted of 10 individuals with persistent asthenozoospermia and the controls were 10 fertile donors to a sperm bank. Scanning electron microscopy and image analysis were used to objectively measure sperm mid-piece and tail dimensions. Sperm mid-piece length was significantly shorter (P < 0.01) in asthenozoospermic subjects compared with the controls, with mid-piece width and tail length being comparable. Mid-piece ultrastructure was then examined with the transmission electron microscope and the number of mitochondrial gyres and their configuration recorded. At the ultrastructural level the asthenozoospermic subjects demonstrated significantly fewer mitochondrial gyres (P < 0.001) than their fertile counterparts. Energy for sperm movement is provided by mitochondria and a deficit in these organelles in the sub-fertile cohort provides an explanation for poor sperm function in these subjects.

Morphometric characteristics of motile spermatozoa in subfertile men with an excess of non-sperm cells in the ejaculate

A comparison has been made between the morphological dimensions of motile spermatozoa in subfertile men demonstrating a persistent excess of non-sperm cells in their semen and those found in spermatozoa from fertile controls. Scanning electron microscopy and image analysis were used to make a morphometric assessment of defined sperm parameters in the study and control subjects. Half of the study cohort had an excess (> 5 x 10(6)/ml) of seminal leukocytes and the remainder an excess of sperm precursors in the ejaculate. In subjects with a sperm precursor excess, the motile spermatozoa had several significantly larger head parameters than those from both the fertile controls and those men with a leukocyte excess. Mid-piece and tail measurements did not differ significantly between groups. These findings suggest that, where there are large numbers of immature germinal elements present in semen, there is aberrant morphological development of the motile, apparently mature, spermatozoa which may represent disordered spermatogenesis.

Fertility in men with primary ciliary dyskinesia presenting with respiratory infection

BACKGROUND

Primary ciliary dyskinesia is characterised by chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic bronchial sepsis (usually with bronchiectasis), dextrocardia in approximately 50% of cases, and male infertility. The latter, described in patients attending infertility clinics, results from immotile but viable spermatozoa. Experience in a respiratory clinic suggests that infertility in men is not invariable.

METHODS

The seminal fluid of 12 men with primary ciliary dyskinesia, six with dextrocardia, who presented consecutively with upper and lower respiratory tract sepsis was examined. Nasal ciliary beating was dyskinetic or absent in all cases, and nasal ciliary ultrastructure was abnormal in those 11 patients examined.

RESULTS

Viable but immotile spermatozoa with abnormal tail ultrastructure were found in the ejaculate of only two patients. Two other patients had apparently fathered children; seminology in both these cases showed a normal spermatozoa count, one with normal spermatozoal motility and normal ultrastructure, the other with moderately reduced spermatozoal motility and abnormal ultrastructure (dynein arm deficiency on the peripheral microtubule doublets). A further two patients had normal spermatozoa counts, normal spermatozoa tail ultrastructure, and normal or only moderately reduced motility of spermatozoa. The spermatozoa of one patient were normally motile but there was severe oligozoospermia, and five patients were azoospermic.

CONCLUSIONS

Not all men with primary ciliary dyskinesia have immotile spermatozoa. Seminal analysis is recommended in men with primary ciliary dyskinesia so that accurate counselling about reproductive capability may be given.

A quantitative study of sperm head ultrastructure in subfertile males with excess sperm precursors

OBJECTIVE

To make an objective comparison between sperm head ultrastructure in fertile subjects and a subfertile cohort with an excess of immature germinal elements in the ejaculate.

DESIGN

A quantitative analysis of ultrastructural features of the sperm head using transmission electron microscopy in the defined groups.

PATIENTS

Ten men of proven fertility as controls and 10 subfertile subjects with a persistent excess of sperm precursors in the ejaculate were investigated.

SETTING

The Infertility Clinic at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Each individual in the study achieved a score for a range of previously defined features of sperm head ultrastructure. These scores provided the basis for comparison between fertile and subfertile subjects.

RESULTS

Subfertile individuals were found to have motile sperm with significantly more hypoplastic, detached, and abnormally shaped acrosomes than fertile controls. Sperm nuclei in these subjects also contained significantly more intranuclear vacuoles and immature chromatin and were associated more commonly with cytoplasmic droplets than fertile controls.

CONCLUSION

Men with an excess of sperm precursors in the ejaculate have motile sperm with a range of abnormalities involving the nucleus and acrosome to account for reduced functional competence.

Two techniques for electron opaque staining of elastic fibres using tannic acid in fresh and formalin fixed tissue

Two electron microscopic staining techniques, one using tannic acid-glutaraldehyde as a fixative, and the other using tannic acid-uranyl acetate solution as a stain on ultra-thin sections of glutaraldehyde fixed material, were directly compared for elastic fibre staining on several human and animal tissues. Various concentrations of tannic acid were compared using both techniques. The two techniques were also compared on formalin fixed tissues. The use of tannic acid-uranyl acetate solution as a stain on processed tissue is by far the more consistent technique and achieves equally good results on glutaraldehyde or formalin fixed tissue. It is suggested that the use of the term tannic acid technique/method should be reserved for this particular method to achieve a meaningful interpretation of results in scientific papers.

Epithelial cell morphology and airspace size in hypoplastic human fetal lungs associated with oligohydramnios

The relative frequency of different types of respiratory epithelial cells in normal fetal lungs (control, CON) and hypoplastic lungs associated with oligohydramnios (OH) was determined at the electron microscopic level and airspace size was measured. At 24+ weeks CON lungs had 82.4 +/- 1.2% undifferentiated cells, 15.9 +/- 1.2% type II cells, and 1.7 +/- 0.4% type I cells (n = 3), whereas OH lungs had 94.6 +/- 2.1% undifferentiated cells, 5.4 +/- 2.1% type II cells, and no type I cells (n = 3). At 36+ weeks CON lungs had 7.8 +/- 3.4% undifferentiated cells, 46.1 +/- 3.1% type II cells, and 46.1 +/- 1.4% type I cells (n = 3), whereas OH lungs had 37.7 +/- 1.2% undifferentiated cells, 42.5 +/- 1.7% type II cells, and 19.8 +/- 0.8% type I cells (n = 3). Differences between CON and OH lungs in the proportions of undifferentiated and type I cells at 36+ weeks were highly significant (p less than .001), whereas type II cell proportions did not differ significantly in either age group. The proportion of lung occupied by airspaces increased from 38.3% at 24+ weeks to 68.7% at 36+ weeks in CON lungs but only from 26.7% to 35.7% in OH lungs. The differences between the groups were significant at both 24+ weeks (p less than .01) and 36+ weeks (p less than .001). Mean airspace size in CON lungs varied from 2.8 x 10(-6) mm2 at 24+ weeks to 4.4 x 10(-6) mm2 at 36+ weeks and in OH lungs from 1.7 x 10(-6) mm2 at 24+ weeks to 2.7 x 10(-6) mm2 at 36+ weeks. These results give quantitative expression to the severity of impaired morphologic maturation in OH lungs.

Failure of elastin development in hypoplastic lungs associated with oligohydramnios: an electronmicroscopic study

Pulmonary hypoplasia associated with oligohydramnios results in delayed maturation of fetal lung as assessed at light microscope level. Using an elastin-specific electron-microscopic staining technique, we report absent elastic tissue development in the septal crests of these lungs even at term.

The inhibitory activity of a peptide derivative against the growth of simian immunodeficiency virus in C8166 cells

The peptide derivative Ro 31-8959 is a potent and selective inhibitor of the aspartic proteinases encoded by HIV-1 and HIV-2 and it arrests the growth of both viruses in cell culture. We have demonstrated similar effects against the simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac251 in the human T-cell line, C8166 (ED50 = 6nM) with a therapeutic index of 4,500. The antiviral activity of Ro 31-8959 was 250 and 22 times greater than that of ddI and ddC, respectively. The mode of action was confirmed by accumulation of the polyprotein p55 with concomitant reduction of the cleavage product, p27, and by the production of immature virions.

Two-sided culture of human placental trophoblast. Morphology, immunocytochemistry and permeability properties

We describe the culture of human term placental trophoblast cells on cell-free amniotic membrane, with medium on both sides. Over the course of 2 days, the isolated cells, initially simple, mononucleated and probably cytotrophoblast, form a confluent layer of multinucleated syncytial cells with morphological and immunocytochemical properties of syncytiotrophoblast. This layer becomes polarized with respect to morphology, alkaline phosphatase distribution and hCG secretion. Contamination with amnion cells, and with other cell types that are present in placental tissue, was less than 1 per cent. A preliminary investigation of the permeability properties of the preparation showed that the trophoblast cell layer, rather than the amniotic membrane, was rate-limiting to transtrophoblast transfer, but that possible effects of the supporting membrane should be considered. The transtrophoblast transfer of D-glucose and the non-metabolisable analogue, 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3OMG), had saturable and non-saturable/leak components in both directions, indicating that carrier-mediated processes were involved. The non-metabolisable amino acid 2-aminoisobutyrate (AIB) was both accumulated within the trophoblast cells, and transferred by saturable and non-saturable processes from the microvillous side, but no saturable accumulation or transfer was observed from the basal side, at the concentrations tried. The results suggest that this model may prove suitable for studies of transtrophoblast transfer.

A survey of the ultrastructural defects associated with absent or impaired human sperm motility

The sperm tails of 400 patients having absent or impaired sperm motility were examined by electron microscopy. A wide variety of fine-structural defects were observed although all of the patients fell into clearly defined groups. Total or partial dynein arm deficiency was observed in 12 patients (3%). Ninety-one patients (23%) had sperm with a spectrum of fine-structural defects, whereas 90 patients (23%) were necrospermic. Subjects with low motility, but with at least a few tails of normal structure, had a 5% pregnancy rate, whereas those patients with similar overall motility, but in whom no normal sperm were seen, produced no pregnancies. The results confirm the importance of making an electron microscopical examination of the sperm of patients with asthenozoospermia.

Are fixed-dose oestrogen/progestogen combinations ideal for all HRT users?

Although progestogens protect the endometrium against excessive oestrogen-induced stimulation, they can cause adverse symptomatic and psychological effects and may have undesirable metabolic consequences. Thus, the minimum progestogen dose which results in consistent endometrial transformation should be prescribed. To define this dose for norethisterone and dl-norgestrel, 197 endometrial samples obtained from postmenopausal women receiving conjugated equine oestrogens (0.625 mg or 1.25 mg daily) with one of six doses of norethisterone (or the acetate), or one of three doses of dl-norgestrel added for the first 12 days of each calendar month were examined with the light microscope; 109 samples were also assessed by transmission electron microscopy. There was an inverse relation between the percentage of samples showing proliferative features and the progestogen dose. However, proliferative endometrium was observed in 6% of samples with the highest dose of dl-norgestrel (500 micrograms) and in 3% of samples with 2.5 mg norethisterone. Conversely, complete secretory transformation was observed in 25% of samples with the lowest dose of norethisterone (0.1 mg) and in 40% of samples with 75 micrograms dl-norgestrel. Mild atypical hyperplasia was diagnosed in four samples. There was a wide inter-patient variation in response and none of the nine progestogen dose regimens induced secretory change in every patient.

The effects of the addition of nomegestrol acetate to post-menopausal oestrogen therapy

Progestogens are added to the oestrogen treatment for 10-12 days each cycle in order to prevent endometrial abnormalities. However, concern has been expressed about the safety of certain of the currently available progestogens because of the potential adverse metabolic effects. We have evaluated the effects of nomegestrol acetate - non-androgenic progestogen - for administration to post-menopausal oestrogen users. Thirty-six (36) women receiving 50 mg oestradiol implants at regular intervals also took nomegestrol acetate for 12 days each calendar month at doses of 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg and 2.5 mg daily. Allocation to one of the dose regimens was random. Physical and psychological side-effects were recorded and all vaginal bleeding was noted: an endometrial biopsy was performed on the sixth day of progestogen addition for histological, ultrastructural and biochemical evaluation. Adverse side-effects were responsible for a dose-dependent drop out rates of 17%. All patients experienced a regular, progestogen-induced withdrawal bleed each month; and histological, ultrastructural and biochemical changes were induced within the endometrium by all 3 doses. Nomegestrol acetate is a potent progestogen and further studies are required to determine its lowest effective dose.

Ultrastructural changes and immunocytochemical analysis of human placental trophoblast during short-term culture

Trophoblastic cells, of at least 95 per cent purity by immunofluorescence and morphological criteria, were obtained from human term placenta by a simple trypsinisation method without the additional purification steps or complex culture conditions used by others. The differentiation of these cells was followed over four days in culture by fluorescence immunocytochemistry, by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and by light microscopy. The results support the idea that the isolated cells are cytotrophoblast and that these differentiate during this time into cells with characteristics of villous syncytiotrophoblast. This process involved first the formation of a multicellular layer of mononucleated cells, then the development of a syncytium of multinucleated cells and, not necessarily concurrently, functional differentiation. This may be a useful model for the study of syncytiotrophoblast function.

Loss of cytomegalovirus infectivity after treatment with castanospermine or related plant alkaloids correlates with aberrant glycoprotein synthesis

Many plants contain polyhydroxyalkaloids which are potent inhibitors of glucosidases, enzymes involved in oligosaccharide trimming. These are important in determining the final configuration of specific glycoproteins. Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) encodes a number of glycoproteins, some of which ultimately reside in the outer envelope of the mature virion and are important for virus infectivity. Treatment with three polyhydroxyalkaloids, castanospermine (CAST), deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and 2R,5R-dihydroxymethyl-3R,4R-dihydroxypyrrolidine (DMDP) blocked the growth of infectious virus, as determined by yield reduction and plaque reduction assays. However, in the presence of CAST, CMV infected cells continued to shed virions into the extracellular medium, as determined by electron microscopy. Envelope glycoproteins of virions produced after treatment with CAST (2.5 mM) were immunoprecipitated with a monoclonal antibody (F5) specific for the gcI family of glycoproteins. Analysis by PAGE-SDS showed an absence of gcI complex 2 (gp52 disulphide-linked to gp130) with a proportional increase in gcI complex 1 (gp52 disulphide-linked to gp95). The results indicated that gp130 alone, or linked to gp52, was important for CMV infectivity. As well as being potential targets for antiviral agents against CMV, inhibitors of glycoprotein trimming reactions may define components of the virion surface important for infectivity.

Iatrogenic epithelial change caused by endotracheal intubation of neonates

Tracheae of 20 neonates were obtained at postmortem examination. All neonates had been intubated for between 4 h and 105 days. The tracheal epithelial lining was examined by both light and scanning electron microscopy. Five tracheae which had never been intubated served as controls. All of these showed ciliation throughout their length. Those neonates who had been intubated showed epithelial change which ranged from a simple deciliation to a full stratified squamous epithelium. The degree of change was broadly related to the duration of intubation.

Fine structure of cells infected with human cytomegalovirus after treatment with 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine

Infection with human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is characterized by cytological changes which are readily visualized by electron microscopy using ultrathin sections of infected cells. Treatment of such cells with 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine (DHPG), a potent inhibitor of CMV, is effective when initiated at early or late times after infection and the response to such treatment has been studied by fine structural analysis. Inhibition of viral DNA synthesis by DHPG treatment (50 microM) late in virus infection resulted in a cessation of virus growth accompanied by a lack of development and possible regression in skein-like intranuclear inclusions together with a depletion in cytoplasmic dense bodies. Such changes were accompanied by the appearance of nuclear dense bodies. These were also present when virus growth was reduced (5 microM-DHPG) rather than completely inhibited (50 microM-DHPG) by treatment initiated from the time of infection. The nuclear bodies were predominantly of a reticular type structure after the early treatment but mainly of a homogeneous form when virus growth was interrupted at late times. Their presence appeared to be connected with the ability of infected cells to initiate the synthesis of late proteins and their morphology may relate to the extent of such protein synthesis. Unlike cytoplasmic dense bodies, provisional findings on the characterization of the nuclear bodies suggested that the 69K matrix protein was not present in abundance.

Is Provera the ideal progestogen for addition to postmenopausal estrogen therapy?

In a dose-ranging study, medroxyprogesterone acetate, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg daily, was given for 12 days of each calendar month to postmenopausal women also receiving conjugated estrogens, 0.625 mg daily, continuously. Endometrial biopsy specimens were taken on the sixth day of combined therapy for histologic, ultrastructural and biochemical evaluation. Medroxyprogesterone acetate induced secretory and ultrastructural changes within the endometrium, but the responses were variable and inconsistent. Suppression of epithelial deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis appeared dose-dependent. The levels of nuclear estradiol receptor, although reduced to within the secretory phase range, were not significantly lower than the values observed during the estrogen-only phase of treatment. Induction of both estradiol and isocitrate dehydrogenase activities was to within the secretory phase ranges, but the magnitude of these responses appeared less than those observed previously with other progestogens. Both morphologically and biochemically, medroxyprogesterone acetate, even at high dosage, produced suboptimal responses. Further studies are required to establish whether this is a dose-related effect.

Effects of dydrogesterone on the oestrogenized postmenopausal endometrium

Postmenopausal women receiving conjugated oestrogens 1.25 mg daily continuously were also given dydrogesterone either 5, 10 or 20 mg daily for the first 12 days of each calendar month. Endometrial tissue obtained on the sixth day of combined therapy in the third or subsequent treatment cycle was subjected to histological, ultrastructural and biochemical assessments. Dydrogesterone provoked secretory histological and ultrastructural changes within the endometrium in a dose-dependent manner. A daily dose of 5 mg produced sub-optimal responses but 10 and 20 mg daily produced effects similar to those observed in the secretory phase of the ovulatory cycle. Dydrogesterone 10 mg and 20 mg daily reduced epithelial DNA synthesis and nuclear oestradiol receptor levels to values within the secretory phase range. A dose-response relation was seen in the induction of oestradiol-17 beta and isocitrate dehydrogenase activities; hyperphysiological values were observed with 20 mg of dydrogesterone daily. This study has demonstrated that dydrogesterone exerts potent anti-oestrogenic and progestational effects on the human endometrium which are dose-related. The 10 and 20 mg doses induced responses equal to or greater than those observed in the secretory phase of the ovulatory cycle and both dosages can be recommended for use in combination with exogenous oestrogens in postmenopausal women: and they may also have a role in the management of anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Human cytomegalovirus infections in vitro after treatment with arildone

Arildone (WIN 38020), a broad spectrum antiviral, aryl-beta-diketone (4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxy)phenoxyl]hexyl-3,5-heptanedione), blocks the replication of human cytomegalovirus at a stage prior to the synthesis of virus-specific DNA. Inhibitory action was demonstrated against a number of virus isolates from neonates and immune-compromised patients. Intranuclear sites of virus replication, highlighted by DNA-staining methods or immunofluorescence, were absent after Arildone treatment and corresponded with the lack of ultrastructural changes associated with productive infection. The abundance of early antigens in cells treated with Arildone was evidence for expression of the viral genome and this was confirmed by detection of immediate-early viral proteins in the presence of the drug. The results suggest that Arildone prevents the replication of human cytomegalovirus at a stage after virion uncoating but prior to viral DNA synthesis.

Characteristics of a new human neuroblastoma cell line which differentiates in response to cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate

A new human cell line, TR14 , has been established in tissue culture from biopsy material of a primary neuroblastoma tumor. Most TR14 cells have short processes and grow mainly in clumps adhering to cells attached to the substratum. TR14 cells form colonies in soft agar demonstrating anchorage independence of growth and produce tumors in nude mice with histologies similar to that of the patient's tumor. The neurotransmitter-synthesizing activity of these cells is predominantly cholinergic with only a minor adrenergic component, since the activity of choline acetyltransferase is about 20-fold greater than that of tyrosine hydroxylase. Treatment with N6,O2'-dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate induces TR14 neuroblastoma cells to extend fine, long processes or neurites. This morphological change is accompanied by elevated numbers of cytoplasmic dense-core vesicles observed by electron microscopy and an increase in the activities of neurotransmitter-synthesizing enzymes. Differentiation therefore occurs at the levels of cellular morphology, ultrastructure, and biochemistry. Prostaglandin E1 and cholera toxin can also induce differentiation, but a range of other agents including dimethyl sulfoxide, nerve growth factor, butyrate, corticosteroids, and 5-bromodeoxyuridine is ineffective. The concomitant induction of both morphological and biochemical differentiation therefore appears to be exclusively a cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate-mediated event in this cell line.

Dose dependent effects of oral progesterone on the oestrogenised postmenopausal endometrium

Oral progesterone 100, 200, or 300 mg daily was given for the first 10 days of each calendar month to postmenopausal women also receiving conjugated oestrogens 1.25 mg daily continuously. Endometrial biopsy specimens were taken on the sixth day of the third or subsequent cycle of combined treatment for histological, ultrastructural, and biochemical evaluation. Secretory histological changes were induced within the endometrium in a dose dependent manner, as were progesterone sensitive ultrastructural features such as nucleolar channel systems, giant mitochondria, and subnuclear accumulations of glycogen. Dose response relations were also observed for suppression of DNA synthesis and nuclear oestrogen receptor, and for induction of the activities of oestradiol and isocitric dehydrogenases. Progesterone administered by mouth clearly provokes an end organ response within the endometrium. Suboptimal effects were observed with the lower doses but progesterone 300 mg daily achieved responses approaching and within the physiological range. This dose may therefore be effective as an alternative to synthetic progestogens for therapeutic purposes.

Scanning electron microscope study of Candida albicans invasion of cultured human cervical epithelial cells

The invasion of monolayer cultures of epithelial cells from the human uterine cervix by clinical isolates of Candida albicans was observed. Blastospores settle on the epithelial cells and produce germ tubes within 2 h. Hyphae penetrate the epithelial cell walls and destroy the cells, weaving in and out of the cytoplasm. No phagocytosis of yeast cells by epithelial cells was seen.

Some scanning electron microscopic features of human cervical epithelium in cell culture

Human cervical epithelial cells, growing out in confluent monolayers from small explants, develop cytoplasmic extensions from the margins of the growth, extending out and terminating on the glass substrate. The marginal fibrils are particularly frequent on the edges of cellular lamellipodia, protruding in advance of the growing edges. Marginal cells with microvilli tend to have more marginal fibrils on their leading edges than smooth more differentiated cells, and occasionally there is continuity between microvilli and marginal fibrils. Where there is cellular overlap, marginal fibrils extending over the surface of another cell can be seen; where these is an intercellular cleft, cytoplasmic bridges have the same appearance as marginal fibrils. Colchicine (10-6 M) did not affect marginal fibril formation.

Effects of estrogens and progestins on the biochemistry and morphology of the postmenopausal endometrium

To study the effects of exogenous estrogens on the postmenopausal endometrium, and to determine the time course and minimum dosage of added progestins necessary to oppose estrogen stimulation, we obtained endometrial specimens from symptomatic postmenopausal women being treated with various preparations of estrogens and progestins. Morphologic changes were assessed with light and electron microscopy, and biochemical effects through measurement of DNA synthesis, estradiol and progesterone receptors, and isocitric and estradiol dehydrogenase activity. For comparison, identical studies were carried out on specimens from premenopausal women in the proliferative and secretory phases of their cycle. All the estrogens exerted stimulatory effects in the postmenopausal specimens that were comparable to those observed in the premenopausal proliferative-phase specimens. Estropipate, subcutaneous estradiol, and conjugated estrogens had some hyperphysiologic effects. Maximal progestational effects occurred in the postmenopausal specimens only after norethindrone was administered for six days, and a constant level of activity equal to that in premenopausal secretory-phase specimens was then observed until the 10th day of exposure. Similar maximal effects occurred after six days of treatment with D/L-norgestrel (150 and 5 mg daily [10 mg daily produced less complete changes]). We conclude that many estrogen preparations subject the endometrium to a potent stimulus. Norethindrone and norgestrel are protective because they counteract the proliferative effects of estrogens, but the currently recommended daily dosages of these progestins can be greatly reduced without loss of response.

Routine preparation of seminal fluid specimens for transmission electron microscopy

A technique is described for the routine preparation of seminal fluid specimens for transmission electron microscopy. The method is applicable to cases where examination of sperm morphology is required and can also be used for the indentification of non-spermatozoal cells and their inclusions.

The effect of blood flow on the surface morphology of the human endothelium

The endothelial lining from the aortae of three 17 week human fetuses was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Orientation of the endothelial cells, particularly in the region above the aortic valve, was related to known flow patterns. Endothelial morphology showed regional variation noticeably at the mouths of arteries and at the aortic bifurcation. The possibility that this morphological change may be a hitherto unrecognised risk factor related to the site of atheromatous deposition is discussed.

Amine oxidase histochemistry of the human uterus during the menstrual cycle

The enzymes monoamine oxidase A (MAO A), monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) and benzylamine oxidase (BzAO) have been locaized histochemically in the human uterus during various phases of the menstrual cycle. The results show a large increase in MAO A activity in th endometrial gland cells in the secretory phase of the cycle. MAO B activity was found in both endometrium and myometrium but did not show a cyclical variations in activity. BzAO was localized primarily in the tunica media of the myometrial blood vessels. These observations have been supported by parallel biochemical assay.s

In vivo production of the nucleolar channel system in post menopausal endometrium

Endometrial biopsies from seven postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy have been examined for the presence of the unique nuclear structure, the nucleolar channel system. Its identification in five of the patients has demonstrated that the nucleolar channel system can be produced by an appropriate oestrogen and progestagen treatment and is not otherwise dependent on ovulation.

A coupled peroxidatic oxidation technique for the histochemical localization of monoamine oxidase A and B and benzylamine oxidase

A coupled peroxidatic oxidation technique is presented which employs benzylamine and tyramine as substrates and clorgyline, deprenyl, phenelzine and pargyline as specific inhibitors. Using this technique with frozen sections of human term placenta and rat liver, the histochemical localization of monocamine oxidase A and B and bnezylamine oxidase has been demonstrated.

Progestogen modification of endometrial histology in menopasual women

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Obstructive azoospermia: respiratory function tests, electron microscopy and the results of surgery

Forty-five patients have been treated surgically for obstructive azoospermia. Fifteen underwent reversal of vasectomy and 40% of the wives became pregnant. Thirty had epididymovasostomy, and in only 2 (6.5%) did the sperm count become normal, although a few poorly motile sperms appeared in the ejaculate in a further 4 patients. Congenital abnormalities of the vasa in 7 cases and post-inflammatory blocks in 4 cases were examples of obstructive azoospermia due to well defined causes. However, in half of the patients (15 cases) the cause was obscure although it was associated with sinusitis, bronchitis or bronchiectasis (Young's syndrome). The results of pulmonary function tests in 30 cases, and electron microscopic studies of cilia from epididymes (10 cases) and bronchial mucosa (2 cases) indicated that the basic abnormality might be malfunction of the microtubules which appeared to be ultrastructurally normal in most cases. One case appeared to be associated with dietary deficiency, and correction of diet coincided with a successful result of surgery.