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Electron-dense deposits in the follicular basal lamina of obese strain chickens with spontaneous hereditary autoimmune thyroiditis. An electron microscopic study.

Thyroid glands of 36 chickens of the obese strain with hereditary spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis were examined by electron microscopy at 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 weeks of age with particular emphasis on basal lamina changes. All chickens were of the B1B1 genotype. The electron microscopic results were compared with six normal White Leghorn chickens of the same age. The major abnormality observed in obese strain chickens was the persistent presence of electron-dense deposits along the follicular basal lamina in the thyroid beginning with 7-week-old chickens. The deposits morphologically comparable to immune complexes were noted either between the basal plasma membrane and the follicular basal lamina or below the follicular basal lamina. In 14-week-old chickens, the electron-dense deposits were observed within abnormally thickened basal lamina. The deposits were not present in the vascular basal lamina adjacent to the thyroid follicles and were not observed in the thyroids of 1- to 5-week old chickens and were also not encountered in normal White Leghorn chickens. Indirect morphologic evidence suggests that these may be antigen-antibody complexes, but characterization of these deposits and their role remain to be determined.

Animals↗

Electron detection characteristics of a slow-scan CCD camera, imaging plates and film, and electron image restoration.

Electron detection characteristics are summarized for the slow scan CCD (SSC) camera, imaging plates, and film. The advantage of each detector is demonstrated with the selected examples of electron diffraction and imaging. The Richardson-Lucy algorithm for image restoration is described and tested for images recorded with the SSC camera. The effectiveness of image restoration is demonstrated for the recorded high-resolution lattice image, energy-loss spectrum, and convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) pattern.

Algorithms↗

Electron paramagnetic resonance and saturation transfer electron paramagnetic resonance studies on erythrocytes from goats with and without heritable myotonia.

Erythrocytes from myotonic goats, an animal model of heritable myotonia, and normal goats were studied using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and saturation transfer electron paramagnetic resonance (ST-EPR) spin labeling techniques. Three fatty acid spin labels with the nitroxide moiety at progressively greater distances from the carboxyl group were used to monitor different regions within the erythrocyte membrane. Since spin labels have been shown to induce hemolytic and morphologic alterations in erythrocytes, conditions for minimizing these alterations were first defined by hemolysis studies and scanning electron microscopy. Using these defined conditions for our studies we observed no significant differences in any of the EPR or ST-EPR parameters for normal and myotonic goat erythrocytes with any of the fatty acid spin labels used. Our results do not support the theory that myotonia is the result of a generalized membrane defect characterized by increased membrane fluidity as determined by fatty acid spin labels.

Animals↗

Scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis of calcified alpha-elastin coacervates.

The uptake of calcium and phosphorus from a serum calcification medium by coacervated alpha-elastin was studied by electron probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy. Calcium and phosphorus were bound by the coacervate in ratios similar to that of hydroxyapatite. A significant difference was observed in the secondary electron image of the coacercules from the serum during calcification of the coacervate.

Animals↗

Implementation of subcellular water mapping by electron energy loss spectroscopy in a medium-voltage scanning transmission electron microscope.

The water concentration in biological cells plays a predominant role in cellular life. Using electron energy loss spectroscopy, the feasibility to measure the water content in cells has already been demonstrated. In this paper, we present an upgrade of water measurement in hydrated cryosections by spectrum imaging mode in a medium-voltage scanning transmission electron microscope. The electron energy loss spectra are recorded in spectrum imaging mode in a 2(n)x2(n) pixels array. Each spectrum is processed in order to determine the water mass content in the corresponding pixel. Then a parametric image is obtained in which grey levels are related to water concentration. In this image, it is possible to recognize the different subcellular compartments. By averaging the water concentration over the relevant pixels, we can determine the water mass content in the concerned subcellular compartment. As an example, we present water mass content measurement at subcellular level in rat hepatocytes.

Animals↗

Laser flash photolysis studies of electron transfer mechanisms in cytochromes: an aromatic residue at position 82 is not required for cytochrome c reduction by flavin semiquinones or electron transfer from cytochrome c to cytochrome oxidase.

The influence of an aromatic side chain at position 82 of yeast iso-1-cytochrome c on the kinetics of its electron transfer reactions has been investigated using laser flash photolysis methods to compare a series of site-specific mutant cytochromes in their reduction by free flavin semiquinone and in electron transfer from reduced cytochrome to bovine cytochrome c oxidase. Although small (approximately 10%) but significant differences are observed between some of the mutants (S82, Y82, I82) and wild-type (F82) or G82 cytochrome in the second-order rate constant for reduction by lumiflavin semiquinone, these do not correlate with side-chain aromaticity. In the reaction between the ferrocytochromes and cytochrome c oxidase, significantly larger deviations from exponentiality are found for those mutants having aliphatic residues at position 82 than for wild type or Y82. We interpret the nonexponential behavior in terms of multiple orientations of the cytochromes within the oxidase binding site; the extent to which this occurs is apparently influenced by the character of the residue at position 82. However, a comparison of the average rate constants for electron transfer to cytochrome oxidase for the various mutants reveals that all are closely comparable to WT, except for I82 which is significantly slower (approximately threefold). These results, combined with those obtained previously from steady-state kinetic and thermodynamic measurements, suggest that the observed differences among the mutants are due to alterations in the mode of binding of the cytochrome to the oxidase, rather than to a specific requirement for the presence of an aromatic group at position 82.

Animals↗

Flash photolysis electron spin resonance studies of the electron acceptor species at low temperatures in photosystem I of spinach subchloroplast particles.

The light-induced electron spin resonance signals of Photosystem I spinach subchloroplast particles have been studied at approximately 6 degrees K. Using the technique of flash photolysis-electron spin resonance with actinic illumination at 647 nm, a kinetic analysis of the previously observed bound ferredoxin ESR signals was carried out. Signal I (P700+) exhibits a partial light-reversible behavior at 6 degrees K so it was expected that if the bound ferredoxin is the primary acceptor of Photosystem I, it should also exhibit a partial reversible behavior. However, none of the bound ferredoxin ESR signals showed any such light reversible behavior. A search to wider fields revealed two components which did exhibit the expected kinetic behavior. These components are very broad (about 80 G) and are centered at g equals to 1.75 and g equals to 2.07. These two components exhibit the expected characteristics of the primary electron acceptor. A model is presented to account for the reversible and irreversible photochemical changes in Photosystem I. The possible identity of the primary acceptor responsible for these two new components, is discussed in terms of the available information. The primary acceptor may be an iron-sulfur protein, but not of the type characteristic of the bound or water-soluble ferredoxins found so far in chloroplasts.

Chloroplasts↗

The reduction of porphyrin cytochrome c by hydrated electrons and the subsequent electron transfer reaction from reduced porphyrin cytochrome c to ferricytochrome c.

1. Hydrated electrons, produced by pulse radiolysis react with porphyrin cytochrome c with a bimolecular rate constant of 3-10(10) M-1 S-1 at 21 degrees C and pH 7.4. 2. After the reduction step an absorbance change with a half-life of 5 microns is observed with the spectral range of 430-470 nm. A relatively stable intermediate then decays with a half-life of 15 s. 3. The spectrum of the intermediate observed 50 microns after the generation of hydrated electrons shows a broad absorption band between 600 and 700 nm and a peak at 408 nm. The spectrum is attributed to the protonated form of an initially produced porphyrin anion radical. 4. Reduced porphyrin cytochrome c reacts with ferricytochrome c with a bimolecular constant of 2-10(5) M-1- S-1 in 2 mM phosphate pH 7.4, at 21 degrees C and of 2 - 10(6) M-1-S-1 under the same conditions but at 1 M ionic strength. It is proposed that electron transfer in an analogous exchange reaction between ferrocytochrome c and ferricytochrome c occurs via the exposed part of the haem.

Animals↗

The electron spin relaxation of the electron acceptors of photosystem I reaction centre studied by microwave power saturation.

Photosystem I particles from spinach were reduced by illumination at 77 K. Under these conditions the one-electrom transfer from P-700 resulted in a reduction of only one acceptor molecule of the reaction centre. The EPR signals at g=2.05, 1.94 and 1.86 were attributed to reduced centre A and the smaller signals at g=2.07, 1.92 and 1.89 to reduced centre B. Reduction of both centres by dithionite in the dark lead to signals at g=2.05, 1.99, 1.96, 1.94, 1.92 and 1.89. Thus, the features at g=2.07 and 1.86 disappeared and new signals at g=1.99 and 1.96 were observed. From the spectral changes it followed that the iron-sulphur centres A and B interact magnetically. Temperature dependent EPR spectra demonstrated a faster electron spin relaxation of centre A than of centre B. These conclusions were corroborated using microwave power saturation of the respective EPR signals. The saturation data of the fully reduced centres A and B could not be fitted using the saturation equation for a one-electron spin system. The magnetic interaction between the (4Fe-4S) CENTRes of the electron acceptors A and B resulted in saturation properties which are simular to those of the 2(4Fe-4S) ferredoxin from Clostridium pasteurianum. For centre X a high proportion of homogeneous broadening of the EPR lines was inferred from the inhomogeneity parameter (b=1.83). It was, therefore, concluded that centre X is most probably an anion radical of chlorophyll. From the low temperature necessary for observing the EPR signal of centre X followed that the drastic relaxation enhancement has to be attributed to a magnetic interaction of the anion radical with iron.

Chloroplasts↗

Detection of HIV-p24 antigen in body fluids by immunotrapping on Staphylococcus aureus (Cowan 1) bacteria, gold immunolabelling and backscattered electron analysis in a scanning electron microscope.

An immunosorbent electron microscopical (ISEM) method, the Protein A-coated bacteria technique/gold, (PA-CBT/G), was developed for the detection of non-particulate soluble antigens. The method is based on immunotrapping of antigens on antibody coated, glutaraldehyde cross-linked, Protein A-rich, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The 'trapped' antigen is then identified by colloidal-gold immunolabelling. Gold particles are observed in a scanning/transmission electron microscope by analysis of backscattered electrons. With this method it was possible to detect the presence of p24 HIV antigens in blood, semen, saliva, crevicular and cerebrospinal fluids from HIV seropositive cases. Although the PA-CBT/G identified correctly the p24 antigen in only 80% of the ELISA HIV-antigen positive sera, it detected, more frequently than ELISA, HIV-antigen in seminal and oral fluids. The PA-CBT/G method could thus be useful to fully characterise individual HIV excretion patterns in body fluids other than sera even from patients negative for HIV-antigen by ELISA.

Body Fluids↗

Development of electron spin polarization in photosynthetic electron transfer by the radical pair mechanism.

We have extended the radical pair theory to treat systems of membrane-bound radicals with g tensor anisotropy. Analysis of the polarized electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals of P700+, originating from photosystem I of higher plants, in terms of the radical pair mechanism provides information about the sequence of early electron acceptors. To account for the orientation dependence of the line shape and integrated area of this polarized signal, we propose the electron transfer sequence to be P700 leads to A1 leads to X leads to Fd(A, B), where A1 is a small organic molecule (possibly chlorophyll), X is the acceptor species observed recently in low-temperature EPR studies, and Fd(A, B) are the ferredoxin iron-sulfur centers A and B. Our calculations provide information about the life-times of A1-, and X-, and their exchange interactions with P700+. We also find supporting evidence for the orientation of X- in the thylakoid membrane reported recently by G. C. Dismukes and K. Sauer (Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 504:431-445.).

Chlorophyll↗

Assembly of chromatin fibers into metaphase chromosomes analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

The higher-order assembly of the approximately 30 nm chromatin fibers into the characteristic morphology of HeLa mitotic chromosomes was investigated by electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of serial sections was applied to view the distribution of the DNA-histone-nonhistone fibers through the chromatid arms. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided a complementary technique allowing the surface arrangement of the fibers to be observed. The approach with both procedures was to swell the chromosomes slightly, without extracting proteins, so that the densely-packed chromatin fibers were separated. The degree of expansion of the chromosomes was controlled by adjusting the concentration of divalent cations (Mg2+). With TEM, individual fibers could be resolved by decreasing the Mg2+ concentration to 1.0-1.5 mM. The predominant mode of fiber organization was seen to be radial for both longitudinal and transverse sections. Using SEM, surface protuberances with an average diameter of 69 nm became visible after the Mg2+ concentration was reduced to 1.5 mM. The knobby surface appearance was a variable feature, because the average diameter decreased when the divalent cation concentration was further reduced. The surface projections appear to represent the peripheral tips of radial chromatin loops. These TEM and SEM observations support a "radial loop" model for the organization of the chromatin fibers in metaphase chromosomes.

Calcium↗

Backscattered electron imaging: A new method for the study of cardiomyocyte architecture using scanning electron microscopy.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with secondary electron emissions is useful for the study of cardiomyocyte architecture, however, the information is limited from the cell surface. Whereas backscattered electron (BSE) emission can give a high-resolution image of the specimen's intracellular structure after heavy metal staining. In this study, we applied BSE imaging analysis to the study of the arrangement of cardiomyocytes in the myocardium. The tissue specimens from a normal fresh monkey heart, normal human heart obtained at autopsy, and surgically resected tissue from a patient with old myocardial infarction in the left ventricular aneurysmectomy were used. The tissue specimens were fixed in neutral formalin, treated with NaOH and then stained with Gomori's silver methenamine reagent followed by tannic acid and osmium tetroxide. After dehydration and drying, the specimens were coated with carbon and examined by SEM with a BSE detector. In the tissue preparations, the A bands of sarcomeres were selectively stained with silver so that the arrangements of subsarcolemmal myofibrils and the intercalated discs were clearly seen in the BSE images. In the left ventricular aneurysmal walls of old myocardial infarction, atrophied cardiomyocytes with disarray of subsarcolemmal myofibrils were observed. The results strongly suggest that BSE images are further applicable to the study of the architecture of cardiac myocytes and their branches, and the arrangement of intracellular myofibrils in various diseased myocardium.

Animals↗

Object oriented database and electronic notebook for transmission electron microscopy.

As high-resolution biological transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has increased in popularity over recent years, the volume of data and number of projects underway has risen dramatically. A robust tool for effective data management is essential to efficiently process large data sets and extract maximum information from the available data. We present the Electron Microscopy Electronic Notebook (EMEN), a portable, object-oriented, web-based tool for TEM data archival and project management. EMEN has several unique features. First, the database is logically organized and annotated so multiple collaborators at different geographical locations can easily access and interpret the data without assistance. Second, the database was designed to provide flexibility to the user, so it can be used much as a lab notebook would be, while maintaining a structure suitable for data mining and direct interaction with data-processing software. Finally, as an object-oriented database, the database structure is dynamic and can be easily extended to incorporate information not defined in the original database specification.

Databases, Factual↗

Quinones as electron acceptors. X-ray structures, spectral (EPR, UV-vis) characteristics and electron-transfer reactivities of their reduced anion radicals as separated vs contact ion pairs.

Successful isolation of a series of pure (crystalline) salts of labile quinone anion radicals suitable for X-ray crystallographic analysis allows for the first time their rigorous structural distinction as "separated" ion pairs (SIPs) vs "contact" ion pairs (CIPs). The quantitative evaluation of the precise changes in the geometries of these quinones (Q) upon one-electron reduction to afford the anion radical (Q-*) is viewed relative to the corresponding (two-electron) reduction to the hydroquinone (H2Q) via the Pauling bond-length/bond-order paradigm. Structural consequences between such separated and contact ion pairs as defined in the solid state with those extant in solution are explored in the context of their spectral (EPR, UV-vis) properties and isomerization of tightly bound CIPs. Moreover, the SIP/CIP dichotomy is also examined in intermolecular interactions for rapid (self-exchange) electron transfer between Q-* and Q with second-order rate constants of kET approximately equal to 10(8) M-1 s-1, together with the spectral observation of the paramagnetic intermediates [Q,Q-*]leading to 1:1 adducts, as established by X-ray crystallography.

Anions↗

Electron paramagnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion X-ray spectrometry, X-ray powder diffraction, and NMR characterization of iron-rich fired clays.

The aim of this study is to clarify the structure of an iron-rich clay and the structural changes involved in the firing process as a preliminary step to get information on ancient ceramic technology. To this purpose, illite-rich clay samples fired at different temperatures were characterized using a multitechnique approach, i.e., by electron paramagnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy with electron dispersion X-ray spectrometry, X-ray powder diffraction, magic angle spinning and multiple quantum magic angle spinning NMR. During firing, four main reaction processes occur: dehydration, dehydroxylation, structural breakdown, and recrystallization. When the results are combined from all characterization methods, the following conclusions could be obtained. Interlayer H2O is located close to aluminum in octahedral sites and is driven off at temperatures lower than 600 degrees C. Between 600 and 700 degrees C dehydroxylation occurs whereas, between 800 and 900 degrees C, the aluminum in octahedral sites disappears, due to the breakdown of the illite structure, and all iron present is oxidized to Fe3+. In samples fired at 1000 and 1100 degrees C iron clustering was observed as well as large single crystals of iron with the occurrence of ferro- or ferrimagnetic effects. Below 900 degrees C the aluminum in octahedral sites presents a continuous distribution of chemical shift, suggesting the presence of slightly distorted sites. Finally, over the whole temperature range, the presence of at least two tetrahedral aluminum sites was revealed, characterized by different values of the quadrupolar coupling constant.

Aluminum Silicates↗

Postirradiation electron transfer vs differential radical decay in X-irradiated DNA and its mixtures with additives. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy in LiBr glass at low temperatures.

Free radical formation in DNA and in colyophilized mixtures of DNA with the additives mitoxantrone and riboflavin was monitored after X-ray irradiation in frozen aqueous glasses (7 M LiBr/D2O) at 77 K by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Specifically, the postirradiation time course at 77 K of the respective free radical intensity residing on DNA or on the additive was probed in order to test the hypothesis of electron transfer from DNA, e.g., to mitoxantrone after irradiation under these conditions (e.g., Messer, A.; Carpenter, K.; Forzley, K.; Buchanan, J.; Yang, S.; Razskazovskii, Y.; Cai, Z.; Sevilla, M. D. J. Phys. Chem. B 2000, 104, 1128). For both additives, different additive loadings and irradiation doses were employed. The observed relative change in contributions of DNA and of additive radical components to the experimental spectra with time could be ascribed, for both additives, unequivocally to independent, differential fading of component radicals. Transfer from DNA to the additive, e.g., by electron tunneling as proposed before could be ruled out to occur by a detailed, quantitative analysis of the experimental spectra using reconstruction techniques. Additional studies were performed with the nucleotides TMP and dCMP and its mixtures with mitoxantrone in order to describe the time course in systems which are expected to behave independently; the results supported the conclusions arrived at from the analysis of the DNA/additive system. A model was proposed to describe the postirradiation radical fading mechanisms which involve liberation of radiation-induced matrix-trapped defects with time. It was assumed that these defects are ESR-mute and react with radicals by net radical destruction. Some experimental observations are presented concerning influence of temperature and of the matrix on the fading processes. These seem to argue in favor of such a model although a detailed, quantitative description is still not possible.

Bromides↗

Electron holographic observation for biological specimens: electron holography of bio-specimens.

Electron holography has been applied to the observation of biological filaments. The technique has some advantages over conventional imaging for observing weak-phase objects such as small unstained biological structures. To avoid artificial structural transformation of the sample owing to the interaction with the supporting film, a holey carbon film was used to support the filaments. A tobacco mosaic virus bridged over a hole was observed as a cylindrical shape; the contrast distribution across the filament represents its actual shape, which is difficult to obtain with conventional transmission electron microscopy. A number of technical limitations which at present prevent high-resolution structure analysis of biological macromolecules by electron holography are discussed in this report.

Electrons↗