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M J Hardonk

Publications and source records attributed to M J Hardonk.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Modulation of anti-Thy1 nephritis in the rat by adenine nucleotides. Evidence for an anti-inflammatory role for nucleotidases.

Extracellular adenine nucleotides are considered mediators of inflammation because they modulate functions of neutrophils and platelets. Until now, this role for adenine nucleotides has not been studied in vivo. In particular in the rat kidney, where ATP- and ADPase activity is present in the glomerular basement membrane, studies about the role of nucleotides may increase our understanding of the dynamics of glomerulonephritis (GN). Therefore, we examined effects of adenine derivatives ATP gamma S, ADP beta S and 2chloro-adenosine (2chloro-ADO) in vitro and during anti-Thy1 GN. The in vitro results show that ADP beta S and ATP gamma S are not degraded by glomerular nucleotidases but, on the other hand do stimulate O2- production of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC). In contrast, 2chloro-ADO significantly inhibits O2- production of peritoneal exudate cells. For in vivo studies rats were rendered nephritic by intravenous injection of monoclonal anti-Thy1 IgG (5 mg/kg body weight). Subsequently, rats were treated with saline (group 1, N = 10), 2chloro-ADO (group 2, N = 10), ADP beta S (group 3, N = 10) or ATP gamma S (group 4, N = 10). All analogs (10 mg/kg body weight) were administered both at t = 0 and t = 12 hour. After 24 hours, rats were sacrificed and kidneys were examined histochemically. In an additional group of nephritic rats (N = 5) proteinuria was studied after 2-chloro-ADO treatment. Results show increased intraglomerular platelet aggregation in nephritic rats treated with ADP beta S, whereas 2chloro-ADO inhibits aggregation significantly as compared with nephritic rats receiving saline. The percentage of granulocytes producing O2- is significantly increased in glomeruli after treatment of nephritic rats with ATP gamma S, whereas cell influx itself is not changed. In contrast, 2chloro-ADO inhibits intraglomerular O2- production, which is associated with the complete inhibition of proteinuria in the early phase of anti-Thy1 GN. These data demonstrate significant pro-inflammatory activities of extracellular adenine nucleotides during anti-Thy1 GN suggesting an anti-inflammatory role for glomerular ATP/ADPase, which in concert with 5' nucleotidase converts ATP and ADP to antiinflammatory ADO.

2-Chloroadenosine↗

Formaldehyde treated albumin contains monomeric and polymeric forms that are differently cleared by endothelial and Kupffer cells of the liver: evidence for scavenger receptor heterogeneity.

Formaldehyde treated albumin (F-HSA) was found to consist of a monomeric and a polymeric fraction. Both fractions were primarily endocytosed by rat liver sinusoidal cells. However, immunohistochemical staining of endocytosed material showed that the relative contribution of the endothelial and Kupffer cells in uptake of the monomer and the polymer differed significantly, with the monomer mainly having an endothelial cell- and the polymer predominantly having a Kupffer cell pattern of distribution. To directly confirm these heterogeneous patterns, we injected in vivo the 125I-labeled F-HSA fractions and isolated the endothelial and Kupffer cells by centrifugal elutriation. 73.7% of the monomeric F-HSA was found in endothelial cells and only 14.9% was found in Kupffer cells. In contrast, the polymeric F-HSA (1500 kD) was mainly endocytosed by Kupffer cells (71%), whereas the endothelial cells contributed only for 24% in hepatic uptake. In vivo studies and isolated perfused rat liver experiments showed that endocytosis of both monomer and polymer was inhibited by co-administration of polyinosinic acid, a well known inhibitor for scavenger receptors, indicating that these receptors on endothelial and Kupffer cells are mainly involved in this uptake process.

Animals↗

Isolation and characterization of canalicular and basolateral plasma membrane fractions from human liver.

A method is described for the isolation of subfractions from human liver plasma membranes, enriched in canalicular domains (cLPM) and basolateral domains (blLPM), respectively, and the results are compared to those obtained with rat liver. The studies were performed in 18 human livers. The cLPM (isolated at densities 1.103-1.127 for human and 1.036-1.127 for rat cLPM) from human as well as rat liver showed a lower density than the blLPM (1.141-1.161 for human and 1.151-1.172 for rat blLPM). Human and rat blLPM were characterized by increased levels of (Na+/K+)-ATPase (relative enrichment 33 and 21, respectively). Both human and rat cLPM showed high specific activities of leucine aminopeptidase; relative enrichment factors were 42 and 31, respectively. Mg(2+)-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase, specific canalicular enzymes in rat liver, were only slightly enriched in the cLPM of human liver, which indicates that these enzymes are not suitable as marker enzymes for human liver cLPM. Both cLPM and blLPM of human and rat origin were only slightly contaminated with mitochondria, lysosomes, Golgi membranes and endoplasmic reticulum. Total recoveries of cLPM and blLPM were 0.02 mg protein/g liver each for the human membrane preparations, compared to 0.07 and 0.16 mg protein/g liver for the membranes prepared from rat liver. Analysis of membrane fluidity revealed that the human liver cLPM were more rigid than blLPM (mean difference in fluorescence polarization PDPH 0.024). They contained more cholesterol (0.43 vs. 0.30 mumol/mg protein) and phospholipids (0.54 vs. 0.39 mumol/mg protein, respectively), which was compatible to rat liver plasma membrane fractions. This study shows that besides similarities, there are several differences between human and rat liver plasma membrane fractions.

Adolescent↗

Demonstration of antithrombotic activity of glomerular adenosine diphosphatase.

We have demonstrated that reduced glomerular adenosine diphosphatase (ADPase) activity within the rat kidney is associated with an increased thrombotic tendency. To establish a possible causal relationship between these intraglomerular events, experiments were conducted to inhibit adenosine diphosphate (ADP) degradation without influencing other glomerular prothrombotic or antithrombotic mechanisms. Concurrently, we studied intraglomerular platelet aggregation. Two ways of selective inhibition of glomerular ADPase activity were applied: (1) by competitive substrates (ie, uridine diphosphate [UDP]), and (2) by the nondegradable ADP analogue ADP-beta-S. Both strategies were used during ex vivo alternate perfusion of kidneys with platelets and ADP (to test intraglomerular thrombotic tendency). Each group (n = 6) received different substrates or a combination of substrates. A significant increase in platelet aggregation was observed in kidneys after perfusion with platelets and ADP together with the competitive substrate UDP as compared to perfusions with platelets and ADP alone (78.5% +/- 9.8% v 27.9% +/- 11.4% glomeruli staining positive for platelets, P less than .005). In contrast, UDP alone had no effect on platelet aggregation. Other nucleoside polyphosphates (guanosine diphosphate and inosine triphosphate) were also effective as competitive substrates in the ex vivo perfusion model (n = 4). None of these substrates was capable of increasing ADP-induced aggregation when studied in vitro. In addition, ADP- beta-S also increased platelet aggregation in the perfusion model as compared with native ADP (P less than .005). These results show that selective reduction of ADP degradation in intact kidneys strongly promotes the intraglomerular proaggregatory condition. It can be concluded that glomerular ADPase exerts potent antithrombotic activity within the normal rat kidney.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Hepatic endocytosis of various types of mannose-terminated albumins. What is important, sugar recognition, net charge, or the combination of these features.

We synthesized several para-aminophenyl (pap-) mannose-terminated albumins with varying sugar density (Man7-HSA, Man22-HSA, and Man40-HSA) and compared hepatic uptake with (thio-)mannose-terminated bovine serum albumin (Man-43-AI-BSA) The rate of uptake in isolated perfused rat livers was found to be positively correlated with the sugar density (Man40-HSA = Man22-HSA greater than Man7-HSA greater than HSA). Immunohistochemical staining of liver sections showed for both types of neoglycoproteins that uptake occurred in nonparenchymal cells only. Competition experiments with a 500-fold excess of mannan, a known ligand for the mannose/N-acetylglucosamine receptor, that is predominantly localized in endothelial cells, showed complete inhibition of the (thio-)Man43-AI-BSA uptake. In the case of (pap-)mannose-terminated albumins, however, the extent of inhibition by mannan was moderate and decreased markedly with increasing sugar density, being only 20% for (pap-)Man40-HSA. Therefore, we hypothesized that one or more additional removal systems contributed to the clearance of these (pap-)mannose glycoproteins. We found that net negative charge of the (pap-)mannose albumins clearly increased with increasing sugar density, as shown on fast protein liquid chromatography anion-exchange chromatograms. To determine whether the scavenger receptor system that is also mainly present on endothelial cells is involved, we performed competition studies with strongly negatively charged substrates, such as dextran sulfate and formaldehyde-treated human serum albumin (fHSA). An excess of dextran sulfate (500 kDa), indeed blocked the (pap-)mannose-albumin uptake for more than 95%. Dextran sulfate completely inhibited the hepatic uptake of mannan as well, indicating that the polyanion does not discriminate between the scavenger system and the mannose receptor system and should be regarded as an aspecific inhibitor of receptor-mediated endocytotic pathways. Surprisingly, a 500-fold excess of fHSA only moderately (20%) inhibited the clearance of (pap-)Man40-HSA in spite of its high affinity for the scavenger receptor. However, a combination of mannan and fHSA strongly inhibited the uptake of (pap-)Man22-HSA (90%) and to a lesser extent (pap-)Man40-HSA (80%), indicating that a third uptake mechanism may exist that recognizes both mannose groups (or other sugars) and net negative charge. This so far unnoticed receptor system apparently is strongly affected by dextran sulfate and, as shown by immunohistochemistry, is mainly localized on Kupffer cells rather than on the endothelial cells of the liver.

Albumins↗

Survey of the occurrence of adenosine polyphosphatase in extracellular matrix of rat tissues. A cytochemical investigation.

The extracellular presence of adenosine polyphosphatase was investigated in a number of rat tissues. The enzyme was demonstrated in basement membranes of epithelial cells of duodenum, urinary bladder, tongue, choroid plexus, submandibular salivary gland, lung and kidney, as well as in basement membranes of capillaries in these tissues. Furthermore adenosine polyphosphatase was demonstrated on collagen fibrils and in the cytoplasm of fibroblasts of all investigated tissues. It appears that the presence of adenosine polyphosphatase in basement membranes is a widespread phenomenon. Since extracellular ADP and ATP are known to promote respectively platelet aggregation and inflammation, the presence of extracellular ADP and ATP-hydrolyzing activity might contribute to inhibit these processes.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Separation of periportal and perivenous rat hepatocytes by fluorescence-activated cell sorting: confirmation with colloidal gold as an exogenous marker.

Periportal and perivenous hepatocytes are known to display various functional differences. In this study we present a new method to separate periportal and perivenous cells: after selectively loading zone 1 or zone 3 with the fluorescent label acridine orange in an antegrade or retrograde perfusion, respectively, we separated the isolated hepatocytes on a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. The common way to check on proper separation is to estimate activities of enzymes known to exhibit a heterogeneous acinar distribution. Using enzyme histochemistry, however, we found that already on short collagenase perfusion, some enzymes displayed a more shallow gradient than in vivo, making enzyme activities less suitable as zonal markers. We therefore used colloidal gold granules (17 nm) injected intravenously (2.5 mg) into the rat 2 to 3 hr before cell isolation. The gold is taken up predominantly by perivenous hepatocytes, probably because of the efficient removal of gold granules in zone 1 by competing Kupffer cells. We compared acridine orange fluorescence, presence of gold particles and activities of six marker enzymes, three biochemically and three histochemically determined. Acridine orange and gold both pointed to a high enrichment of the fractions, whereas most enzyme activities were more randomly distributed among the cells as a result of the isolation procedure. Our separation procedure yielded fractions highly enriched in either viable periportal or perivenous cells, both from one liver. The use of colloidal gold as a marker to monitor separation is a valuable alternative to the more risky estimation of enzyme activities.

Acridine Orange↗

Intraglomerular thrombotic tendency and glomerular ADPase. Unilateral impairment of ADPase elicits a proaggregatory microenvironment in experimental glomerulonephritis.

It has been proposed, predominantly from ex vivo studies, that glomerular ADPase may function as an antithrombotic principle within the rat kidney. Therefore, intraglomerular platelet aggregation was studied in vivo in rats after impairment of glomerular ADPase activity using local X-irradiation (20 Gy). Biochemical assays in suspensions of glomeruli obtained from rats 24 hours after local X-irradiation (group I) demonstrated a significant reduction in ADPase activity as compared to sham treated rats (group II; p less than 0.01). Cytochemical observations at the ultrastructural level showed that this reduction in glomerular enzyme activity represents in particular ADPase activity detectable in the basement membrane. Following X-irradiation, intraglomerular platelet aggregation was quantitatively studied in two groups of rats. Both groups received X-irradiation of the left kidney (20 Gy). Twenty-four hours after X-irradiation, animals received an intravenous injection of either 0.5 ml of saline (group III; N = 6) or 0.5 ml of heterologous nephrotoxic serum (NTS; group IV; N = 6). Subsequently, 24 hours after this injection, platelet aggregation in left kidneys was compared with aggregation in contralateral non-X-irradiated kidneys. The results showed that while X-irradiation per se did not induce intraglomerular platelet aggregation as compared with the contralateral kidney (0.20 +/- 0.08% versus 0.17 +/- 0.06% platelet aggregation/glomerulus), a significant increase in platelet aggregation could be demonstrated in X-irradiated kidneys in the early phase of nephrotoxic serum nephritis as compared with the contralateral nephritic kidney (2.45 +/- 0.66% versus 1.37 +/- 0.35% platelet aggregation per glomerulus; p less than 0.005). A potential effect of altered influx of inflammatory cells after X-irradiation could be excluded since no difference in H2O2 producing cells was observed between left and right kidneys. Thus, while ADPase impairment by X-irradiation does not induce platelet aggregation per se, it is clear that in proaggregatory conditions, like in NTS nephritis, the thrombotic tendency, due to decreased glomerular ADPase, is enhanced. These results demonstrate the functional significance of glomerular ADPase activity as an antithrombotic principle following platelet activation in vivo.

Animals↗

Immunopathology of acute galactosamine hepatitis in rats.

Galactosamine hydrochloride induces liver disease in rats that morphologically resembles drug-induced hepatitis in man. In this study we analyzed the character of the inflammatory reaction following the toxic damage resulting from the administration of galactosamine hydrochloride using a broad panel of monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte subsets and macrophages. Fat-storing cells were identified with a polyclonal anti-desmin antibody. Cellular proliferation was assessed by labeling S-phase cells with the thymidine analog bromodeoxyuridine. Injection of galactosamine hydrochloride was associated with conspicuous hepatocyte necrosis and parenchymal granulocyte influx in the first 24 hr. Thereafter, mononuclear inflammatory cells predominated, mainly T lymphocytes and macrophages, with maximal numbers at 48 hr. The majority of T lymphocytes were CD8-positive cells and were located in the portal tracts and parenchyma. CD4-positive T cells were scarce and confined to the portal tracts. Proliferation of fat-storing cells paralleled hepatocyte regeneration with maximal values after 48 to 72 hr. The temporal relationship between infiltrating mononuclear cells, mainly T lymphocytes of CD8 phenotype and macrophages, fat-storing cell proliferation and hepatic regeneration suggests pathophysiological interactions between these cell types in liver injury in the rat after galactosamine hydrochloride administration.

Acute Disease↗

Infection of mice with lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus destroys the subpopulation of Kupffer cells involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis of lactate dehydrogenase and other enzymes.

In previous experiments in rats, we have shown that the rapid plasma clearance of a number of clinically important enzymes is due to receptor-mediated endocytosis by Kupffer cells and other resident macrophages. Others have shown that infection of mice with lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus, a virus that proliferates in macrophages, leads to reduced plasma elimination of these enzymes. This paper integrates these two sets of experiments. Plasma elimination of intravenously injected, radioactively labeled lactate dehydrogenase M4 and mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase in mice was shown to be caused in part by uptake in liver, spleen and bone. Uptake of lactate dehydrogenase M4 by these tissues was, to a large extent, saturable and the two dehydrogenases competitively inhibited each other's clearance. These results suggest that, also in mice, these enzymes are partly cleared from plasma by endocytosis by way of a common receptor on cells (probably macrophages) from liver, spleen and bone marrow. Morphometrical data showed that normal mouse liver contains 23 x 10(6) Kupffer cells/cm3. This number was reduced to about 30% of that of controls 24 hr after infection of mice with lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus but returned to normal within the next 9 days. The saturable component of uptake of lactate dehydrogenase M4 by liver, spleen and bone had disappeared 24 hr after infection with the virus, and did not return after the Kupffer cell population had recovered. Our findings suggest that lactate dehydrogenase M4 is, to a large extent, removed from the circulation by way of a receptor on a subpopulation of macrophages that is permissive for replication of lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Enzymatic activity toward poly(L-lactic acid) implants.

Tissue reactions toward biodegradable poly(L-lactic acid) implants were monitored by studying the activity pattern of seven enzymes as a function of time: alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, alpha-naphthylacetyl esterase, beta-glucuronidase, ATP-ase, NADH-reductase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Cell types were identified by their specific enzyme patterns, their morphology and location. Special attention was paid to the enzyme patterns of macrophages, fibroblasts and polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs), being involved in foreign body reactions or inflammatory responses. One day after implantation, an influx of neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes was observed, coinciding with activity of alkaline phosphatase (PMN's) and beta-glucuronidase (eosinophils). From day 3 on, macrophages containing ATP-ase, acid phosphatase and esterase could be observed. From day 7 on, lactate dehydrogenase, the enzyme normally involved in the conversion of lactic acid, and its coenzyme NADH-reductase were observed in macrophages and fibroblasts. These two enzymes demonstrated more activity than expected on basis of wound-healing reactions upon implantation of a nonbiodegradable, inert biomaterial (as, e.g., Teflon). It is concluded that the biodegradable poly (L-lactic acid) used in these implantation studies is tissue compatible, and evokes a foreign body reaction with minor macrophage and giant cell activity, as observed during this 3-week implantation period. Most enzyme patterns were simply due to a wound-healing reaction. The slightly increased levels of LDH and NADH suggest the release of lactic acid from the implant, and thus confirms the biodegradable nature of this polymer.

Animals↗

Glycosyl receptors in macrophage subpopulations of rat spleen and lymph node. A comparative study using neoglycoproteins and monoclonal antibodies ED1, ED2 and ED3.

We have developed an immunohistochemical method for the in vivo and in vitro detection of glycosyl receptors in rat spleen and lymph nodes by using neoglycoproteins. The receptor in both organs recognized mannose coupled to bovine serum albumin (mannose-BSA), fucose-BSA, N-acetylglucosamine-BSA and to a lesser extent glucose-BSA, but not galactose-BSA or N-acetyl-galactosamine-BSA. In vitro neoglycoprotein-receptor binding was Ca2+ dependent and could be inhibited by mannan but not by mannose. Simultaneous staining with the monoclonal antibodies ED1, ED2 or ED3 revealed that only ED1- and ED3-positive macrophages were involved in the binding of neoglycoproteins. In the spleen, the marginal-zone macrophages and a subpopulation of the marginal metallophils possess glycosyl-binding receptors. In the lymph nodes, the medullary sinus macrophages and a subpopulation of the outer-cortex macrophages are able to bind neoglycoproteins.

Animals↗

A numerical procedure for choosing effective, low toxicity plasticizers for glycol methacrylate embedding.

A numerical method for selecting low toxicity plasticizers for glycol methacrylate (GMA) embedding mixtures is described. It involves use of various numerical parameters, namely; molecular weight, melting point, solubility parameter, and toxicity data. On the basis of these parameters, nine plasticizers were selected. Their effects on microtomy and tissue processing, and also their influence on tissue morphology and staining, were investigated. For tissue processed at low temperatures into GMA, using ethanol dehydration, the following compounds were as satisfactory as 2-butoxyethanol whilst being less toxic: 2-isopropoxyethanol, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-(n-butoxyethoxy)ethanol. However for tissues processed using the plasticizer as dehydrating agent, the optimum plasticizers were 2-isopropoxyethanol, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol and 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol. It is possible to give a numerical specification of the preferred plasticizers, and for the first procedure this is: a solubility parameter in the range 21-26 J0.5 cm-1.5 or higher, a melting point well below 0 degree C, and a rat oral LD50 greater than 12.52 mmol kg-1. It was also possible to analyse the differential effects of the dehydrating agents on histochemical and enzyme histochemical staining on a numerical basis, using a structure-activity relations approach.

Animals↗

Intraglomerular platelet aggregation and experimental glomerulonephritis.

Oxygen free radical production inhibits ADPase-mediated antithrombotic action. Different forms of experimental glomerulonephritis (GN) are characterized by early glomerular influx of inflammatory cells and thrombus formation. The causal relationship of these inflammatory events is obscure. Previous studies have shown that glomerular ADPase in the rat kidney may function as a potent antithrombotic principle, whereas this enzyme is highly sensitive for oxygen free radicals. To study whether O2- producing inflammatory cells are able to induce intraglomerular thrombosis via impairment of ADPase, we investigated influx of inflammatory cells in relation to glomerular ADPase activity and platelet aggregation in three models of GN. In two of these models (anti-Thy1 and anti-GBM GN) influx of neutrophils and thrombus formation occurs, whereas in anti-FX1A nephritis this aspect of the inflammatory phase is not present. The results show a relationship between influx of oxygen free radical-producing cells, reduction of glomerular ADPase activity and increased platelet aggregation. Moreover, it is shown that impairment of glomerular ADPase and increased platelet aggregation in anti-Thy1 and anti-GBM GN could be reduced by treatment with superoxide dismutase and catalase. The demonstration that activated neutrophils perfused ex vivo in the rat kidney can directly affect glomerular ADPase and antithrombotic potential in an O2- dependent manner, further supports the proposed sequence of events; oxygen free radicals produced by activated neutrophils reduce glomerular ADPase activity, leading to facilitation of thrombus formation.

Animals↗

Proliferation rate of colonic mucosa in normal subjects and patients with colonic neoplasms: a refined immunohistochemical method.

An increased colonic epithelial proliferation rate and an increase of the cryptal proliferative zone are probable markers of increased susceptibility to colonic cancer. In this study an immunohistochemical method using 5-bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd) to measure the proliferation rate of colonic mucosa in vitro was used. Fresh endoscopic colonic biopsy specimens were incubated with BrdUrd and then processed for immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody. Essential procedures with respect to the equal distribution of nuclei stained with BrdUrd in the biopsy specimens proved to be the cutting of the specimens before incubation and the use of a microwave oven at the beginning of incubation. The use of the procedure of the running average showed that 12 length cut crypts are sufficient to determine reliably the proliferation rate, expressed as the labelling index (LI). This was determined in the biopsy specimens of 10 subjects without organic colonic disease, eight patients with adenomatous colonic polyps, and in six patients with (recent) colonic carcinoma. Mean LI in the controls was significantly lower than in patients with colonic polyps and in those with colon cancer. It is concluded that this method is promising for screening persons at risk for colon cancer and will be of great potential in performing dietary intervention studies in these subjects.

Adolescent↗

Use of tissue-free glycol methacrylate sections as semi-permeable membranes: a simple way to shorten incubation times and to improve localization in enzyme histochemistry.

Placing 2-microns sections of tissue-free glycol methacrylate on top of tissue sections is a simple way of forming semipermeable membranes to enhance enzyme histochemical staining. For demonstrating alkaline phosphatase in glycol methacrylate-embedded kidney by a standard azo dye method, such membranes enabled incubation times to be reduced to 1-2 hr, with azo dye reaction product being more crisply localized as compared to sections stained without membranes. Such effects are possible because the membranes are highly permeable to small molecules (e.g., substrate and diazonium salt), slightly permeable to molecules of moderate size (e.g., the final reaction product), and impermeable to large molecules (e.g., alkaline phosphatase and other tissue biopolymers). The implications of these findings for enzyme histochemistry and for enzyme-labeled antibody staining are discussed.

Acrylates↗

Enzyme histochemical demonstration of alkaline phosphatase activity in plastic-embedded tissues using a Gomori-based cerium-DAB technique.

We describe a new method for light microscopic demonstration of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in plastic-embedded sections. Rat tissues were fixed in acetone (-20 degrees C), infiltrated in glycol methacrylate (GMA), and embedded at 0 degrees C. Sections were cut at 1 and 2 microns, dried at room temperature, and incubated in the conventional Gomori medium. Cerium chloride was used to convert calcium phosphate into cerium phosphate, which was subsequently converted into cerium perhydroxide. The slight yellow precipitate of cerium perhydroxide was amplified using 3,3'-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB). For comparison, tissue sections were processed according to the calcium-cobalt method. The method described combines exact localization of ALP activity with optimal preservation of tissue morphology.

3,3'-Diaminobenzidine↗