scholarly journals The Occurrence of Intercellular Bridges in Groups of Cells Exhibiting Synchronous Differentiation

1959 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Don W. Fawcett ◽  
Susumu Ito ◽  
David Slautterback
Keyword(s):  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Giant Cells ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Free Communication ◽  
Intercellular Bridges ◽  
Daughter Cells ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Undifferentiated Cells ◽  
Multinucleate Giant Cells

A previous electron microscopic study of the cat testis revealed that spermatids derived from the same spermatogonium are joined together by intercellular bridges. The present paper records the observation of similar connections between spermatocytes and between spermatids in Hydra, fruit-fly, opossum, pigeon, rat, hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, monkey, and man. In view of these findings, it is considered likely that a syncytial relationship within groups of developing male germ cells is of general occurrence and is probably responsible for their synchronous differentiation. When clusters of spermatids, freshly isolated from the germinal epithelium are observed by phase contrast microscopy, the constrictions between the cellular units of the syncytium disappear and the whole group coalesces into a spherical multinucleate mass. The significance of this observation in relation to the occurrence of abnormal spermatozoa in semen and the prevalence of multinucleate giant cells in pathological testes is discussed. In the ectoderm of Hydra, the clusters of cnidoblasts that arise from proliferation of interstitial cells are also connected by intercellular bridges. The development of nematocysts within these groups of conjoined cells is precisely synchronized. Both in the testis of vertebrates and the ectoderm of Hydra, a syncytium results from incomplete cytokinesis in the proliferation of relatively undifferentiated cells. The intercellular bridges between daughter cells are formed when the cleavage furrow encounters the spindle remnant and is arrested by it. The subsequent dissolution of the spindle filaments establishes free communication between the cells. The discovery of intercellular bridges in the two unrelated tissues discussed here suggests that a similar syncytial relationship may be found elsewhere in nature where groups of cells of common origin differentiate synchronously.

scholarly journals Changes in membrane-microfilament interaction in intercellular adherens junctions upon removal of extracellular Ca2+ ions.

1986 ◽  
Vol 102 (5) ◽  
pp. 1832-1842 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Volberg ◽  
B Geiger ◽  
J Kartenbeck ◽  
W W Franke
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
External Surface ◽  
Electron Microscopic Examination ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Immunofluorescent Localization ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Perinuclear Cytoplasm ◽  
Micromolar Range

EGTA-induced depletion of Ca2+ ions from the culture medium of Madin-Darby bovine kidney epithelial cells results in rapid splitting of adherens-type junctions and the detachment of the vinculin- and actin-containing filament bundle from the cytoplasmic faces of the plasma membrane of the zonula adhaerens. This process was monitored by phase-contrast microscopy, combined with electron microscopy and immunofluorescent localization of the two proteins. It is shown that shortly after extracellular free Ca2+ concentration is lowered to the micromolar range, the actin-containing, junction-associated belt of microfilaments, together with the vinculin-rich junctional plaque material, is irreversibly detached as one structural unit from the plasma membrane, contracts, and is displaced towards the perinuclear cytoplasm where it gradually disintegrates. Other actin- and vinculin-containing structures present in the same cells, notably the focal contacts at the substratum, are not similarly affected by the Ca2+ depletion and retain both the adhesion to the external surface and the association with the plaque and microfilament components. Electron microscopic examination has shown that the membrane domain of the zonulae adhaerentes, unlike that of desmosomes, is not endocytosed after Ca2+ removal and that the displaced actin- and vinculin-containing plaque and filament belt are not associated with a particular membrane. It is further shown that upon restoration of normal Ca2+ levels in the culture medium, new intercellular contacts are established gradually by accretion of both vinculin and actin into new belt-like plaque- and microfilament-containing structures.

Actin in spindles of Haemanthus katherinae endosperm. I. General results using various glycerination methods

1979 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 323-347
Author(s):  
A. Forer ◽  
W.T. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Heavy Meromyosin ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
One Step ◽  
Triton X ◽  
Spindle Structure ◽  
Spindle Fibres

We have studied actin-containing filaments in spindles in Haemanthus endosperm cells glycerinated by various methods; the actin-containing filaments were identified by their reaction with rabbit skeletal muscle heavy meromyosin (HMM) to form ‘decorated’ filaments. Actin-containing filaments in the spindle were seen in amongst microtubules in bundles (both non-kinetochore microtubule bundles and kinetochore microtuble bundles) and were also seen not associated with microtubules. There were very few extra-spindle actin-containing filaments in these cells. Actin-containing filaments seemed to interact with microtubules, because the filaments remained close to and parallel to microtubules even when the microtubules were sharply curved. Because of the close association between microtubules and actin-containing filaments we could not identify all the actin-containing filaments present in microtubule bundles: microtubules obscured actin-containing filaments. We studied Haemanthus endosperm cells as they were glycerinated. For some of these observations we used phase-contrast microscopy. Glycerination caused the cells to shrink, initially, and this was followed by rapid expansion, but the cells did not expand to as large a volume as before glycerination. Spindle structure was maintained despite these changes in cell size. Evidences for this are that relative chromosome positions were maintained during glycerination, that spindle birefringence was maintained during glycerination, and that individual chromosomal spindle fibres remained birefringent during glycerination. Electron-microscopic observations supported this in that kinetochore microtubule bundles and non-kinetochore microtubule bundle were maintained during glycerination, as was the helical arrangement of spindle ribosomes into polyribosomes. One-step glycerination procedures were used (cells were treated with mixtures containing 25% glycerol, Triton-X-100 and HMM), and such procedures might be of general use. Living cells were embedded in fibrin clots in making light-microscopic observations; this procedure, too, might be of general use.

scholarly journals Bacillus subtilis Diacylglycerol Kinase (DgkA) Enhances Efficient Sporulation

2003 ◽  
Vol 185 (17) ◽  
pp. 5306-5309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Amiteye ◽  
Kazuo Kobayashi ◽  
Daisuke Imamura ◽  
Shigeo Hosoya ◽  
Naotake Ogasawara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Dipicolinic Acid ◽  
Diacylglycerol Kinase ◽  
Phase Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Microscopic Studies ◽  
Essential Function ◽  
Kinase Homologue

ABSTRACT The sn-1,2-diacylglycerol kinase homologue gene, dgkA, is a sporulation gene indispensable for the maintenance of spore stability and viability in Bacillus subtilis. After 6 h of growth in resuspension medium, the endospore morphology of the dgkA mutant by standard phase-contrast microscopy was normal; however, after 9 h, the endospores appeared mostly dark by phase-contrast microscopy, suggesting a defect in the spores. Moreover, electron microscopic studies revealed an abnormal cortex structure in mutant endospores 6 h after the onset of sporulation, an indication of cortex degeneration. In addition, a significant decrease in the dipicolinic acid content of mutant spores was observed. We also found that dgkA is expressed mainly during the vegetative phase. It seems likely that either the DgkA produced during growth prepares the cell for an essential step in sporulation or the enzyme persists into sporulation and performs an essential function.

The origin and fate of the nuclear membrane in meiosis

1960 ◽  
Vol 152 (948) ◽  
pp. 353-366 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Early Prophase ◽  
Daughter Cells ◽  
Nuclear Membranes ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Surrounding Membrane

The behaviour of the nuclear membrane during meiotic division in locust spermatocytes has been studied by electron microscopy. Preliminary observations were made on living cells from locusts, grasshoppers and beetles by phase-contrast microscopy and on snail and newt spermatocytes by electron microscopy. The mitochondria come into close association with the nuclear membrane during prophase and are often clustered round regions of degenerating nuclear membrane. The mitochondrial membranes sometimes appear to be fused with the nuclear membrane, and gaps in the latter are often found near mitochondria. Lamellar stacks are found in the cytoplasm during early prophase and closely resemble the nuclear membrane in the same cells ; they are generally annulate in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes butsmooth-walled in secondary spermatocytes. There is evidence that the stacks arise by repeated folding of the nuclear membrane and become converted into endoplasmic reticulum. After division, the daughter cell chromosomes are at first devoid of a surrounding membrane. Elements of the endoplasmic reticulum accumulate between the mitochondria and gradually surround the chromosomes. These elements fuse to form a continuous double nuclear membrane. It is suggested that the nuclear membrane, endoplasmic reticulum and cell membrane are composed of the same material, which can be transformed into different structures according to the needs of the cell. The nuclear membrane is converted into endoplasmic reticulum during division and stored in the cytoplasm . The new nuclear membranes in the daughter cells are formed by the fusion of elements of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Observation of biological macromolecules using various electron microscopic methods

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-171
Author(s):  
Mitsuo Ohtsuki ◽  
Michael Sogard
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Image Interpretation ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
Contrast Effects ◽  
Biological Structure ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Structural Investigations ◽  
Staining Techniques

Structural investigations of biological macromolecules commonly employ CTEM with negative staining techniques. Difficulties in valid image interpretation arise, however, due to problems such as variability in thickness and degree of penetration of the staining agent, noise from the supporting film, and artifacts from defocus phase contrast effects. In order to determine the effects of these variables on biological structure, as seen by the electron microscope, negative stained macromolecules of high density lipoprotein-3 (HDL3) from human serum were analyzed with both CTEM and STEM, and results were then compared with CTEM micrographs of freeze-etched HDL3. In addition, we altered the structure of this molecule by digesting away its phospholipid component with phospholipase A2 and look for consistent changes in structure.

Detachment of biofilm bacteria due to variations in nutrient supply

1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 211-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda K. Sawyer ◽  
Slawomir W. Hermanowicz
Keyword(s):  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Digital Image Analysis ◽  
Specific Growth ◽  
Nutrient Supply ◽  
Surface Shear Stress ◽  
Surface Shear ◽  
Nutrient Limitations ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Biofilm Bacteria ◽  
Observable Parameter

Growth and detachment rates of an environmental isolate of Aeromonas hydrophila attached to a surface were determined under varying nutrient supply conditions in a complex medium. Growth and detachment of cells were observed in real time using phase contrast microscopy in glass parallel plate flow chambers. Surface shear stress was controlled in all experiments at 3 N m−2. Images were taken every 15 min. Digital image analysis was used to determine specific growth and detachment rates. An observable parameter proportional to the nutrient depletion at the surface due to transfer limitations was used to indicate nutrient limitations. Specific detachment rates increased as the depletion parameter increased, indicating that nutrient limitations cause this bacterium to detach at greater rates.

scholarly journals THU0406 IDENTIFICATION OF INTRACELLULAR VACUOLES IN SYNOVIAL FLUID WITH CALCIUM PYROPHOSPHATE AND MONOSODIUM URATE CRYSTALS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 440.1-441
Author(s):  
M. L. Peral ◽  
I. Calabuig ◽  
A. Martín-Carratalá ◽  
M. Andrés ◽  
E. Pascual
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Synovial Fluid ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Calcium Pyrophosphate ◽  
Monosodium Urate ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Cytoplasmic Vacuoles ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
Ordinary Light ◽  
Msu Crystals

Background:Synovial fluid analysis using polarized microscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of crystal-related arthritis. In our experience, we have noted that, when calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals are observed, they sometimes appear within intracellular vacuoles. However, this phenomenon is not seen in those samples containing monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. This finding has been scantly reported in the literature, but may be useful in clinical practice to ensure accurate crystal identification.Objectives:Our study aims to assess whether the presence of vacuoles contributes to identifying the type of crystal, and also to gauge the frequency of their presentation.Methods:We conducted an observational study in a rheumatology unit between February and June of 2019. Synovial fluids containing CPP or MSU crystals, obtained in daily clinical practice, were consecutively included for analysis. Two observers simultaneously analyzed the presence of vacuoles by ordinary light and phase contrast microscopy in less than 24 hours after their extraction, using a microscope equipped with two viewing stations. The primary study variable was to determine whether CPP and MSU crystals are seen inside intracellular vacuoles, and to calculate the frequency of this finding for each type of crystal, estimating their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and comparing rates using Fisher’s exact test.Results:Twenty-one samples were obtained. Data is given in the Table. MSU crystals were present in 7 (33.3%) and CPP crystals in 14 (66.6%). Interestingly, none of the MSU samples showed crystal-containing vacuoles (95% CI 0-35.4%). On the contrary, cytoplasmic vacuoles containing crystals were present in all of the CPP samples (95% CI 78.5-100%). The findings were confirmed by phase-contrast microscopy. Differences were statistically significant (p<0.001).Table.SAMPLES ACCORDING TO TYPE OF MICROCRYSTAL(n=21)SAMPLES WITH VACUOLS(UNDER ORDINARY LIGHT)SAMPLES WITH VACUOLS(UNDER PHASE CONTRAST)CPP (14; 66.6%)14 (100%)(95%CI 78.5-100%)14 (100%)(95%CI 78.5-100%)MSU (7; 33.3%)0 (0%)(95%CI 0-35.4%)0 (0%)(95%CI 0-35.4%)Conclusion:The presence of vacuoles may be a useful and easy way to differentiate MSU and CPP crystals when performing synovial fluid microscopy in clinical practice, since it appears to be a distinctive feature in CPP crystal fluids.References:[1]Kohn NN, Hughes RE, McCarty DJ Jr, Faires JS. The significance of calcium phosphate crystals in the synovial fluid of arthritic patients: the «pseudogout syndrome». II. Identification of crystals. Ann InternMed. 1962 May;56:738-45.[2]Pascual E, Sivera F, Andrés M. Synovial Fluid Analysis for Crystals. CurrOpRheumatol 2011;23:161-169.[3]McCarty DJ, Koopman WJ. Arthritis and allied conditions: A textbook of rheumatology, volumen 1. Lea &amp;Febiger. 1993.[4]Pascual E, Sivera F. Synovial fluid crystal Analysis. En Gout and other crystal arthropathies. Terkeltaub R ed. Elsevier; 2012: p.20-34.[5]Hwang HS, Yang CM, Park SJ, Kim HA. Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Chondrocyte Death via Autophagic Process. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Dec 8;16(12):29265-77.Image 1. Microscopy with ordinary light. Cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles are observed, as well as abundant intra and extracellular CPP crystals.Image 2. Microscopy with phase contrast technique. Cells with intracellular vacuoles are observed inside which have microcrystals with parallelepiped morphology, compatible with CPP.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared

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