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Localization of the expression of type I, II, III collagen, and aggrecan core protein genes in developing human articular cartilage.

The expression of mRNAs for collagen types I, II, III and for aggrecan core protein was studied in developing human femoral cartilage by in situ hybridization, with special attention given to the cartilage covered by the perichondrium and to the articular surface. In parallel, the synthesis of the related proteins was monitored by immunohistochemistry. The cells metabolically active for type I and type III collagen expression were identified by hybridization using [32P]-labeled cDNA clones coding for human alpha 1(I) and alpha 1(III), respectively. Type II collagen and core protein mRNAs were detected by hybridization with specific [32P]-labeled oligonucleotide probes. In the femoral heads of one 22-week old fetus and of one newborn, our in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that chondrocytes located immediately subjacent to the perichondrium produced collagen types I, II, III as well as aggrecan; whereas only type II collagen and aggrecan gene expression was detected deeper in the cartilage covered by the perichondrium. This observation supports the hypothesis that the inner cell layers of perichondrium are chondrogenic, with a transient state where cells express all the markers studied here. At the articular surface different patterns of expression were observed at the two developmental stages. After 22 weeks of fetal development only collagen types I and III were expressed by the surface zone cells while in the newborn cartilage, these cells expressed all the molecules studied (collagen types I, II, III and cartilage proteoglycan). At both ages the underlying cartilage cells expressed only the cartilage-specific molecules (type II collagen and aggrecan). Thus a progressive transformation of cartilaginous matrix occurs with time from the deep cartilage up to the surface by addition of new components, i.e. aggrecan and type II collagen. These results supplemented by an immunofluorescence analysis on 20-, 26- and 38-week old fetal femoral heads suggest that expression of collagen and aggrecan in the cartilage covered by the perichondrium and in the cartilage at the articular surface are subject to different regulatory mechanisms during development. Furthermore, the appearance of hybridizable core protein and type II collagen mRNAs at the articular surface, closely followed by the appearance of the proteins for which they code, indicates that core protein and type II collagen expression is regulated primarily at the transcriptional level in this region. Finally, the similar topography observed for the expression of these two proteins suggests that the genes for these two major constituents of cartilage matrix are coordinately regulated during growth of articular cartilage.

Aggrecans

Type IV collagen in developing human lung: a comparison between normal and hypoplastic fetal lungs.

Human lung tissue obtained from 24 aborted fetuses of varying gestational ages (beyond 24 weeks) was examined for immunolocalisation of type IV collagen, using monoclonal antibody. Twelve cases of lung hypoplasia associated with oligohydramnios were compared with 12 normally developed lungs over the same gestational age range acting as control. Type IV collagen was located in alveolar septa and subepithelial basement membranes in all the lungs examined but showed less prominently in hypoplastic lungs than in control lungs of a similar gestational age. The findings suggest a potential role of type IV collagen in maturation of the developing human lung.

Amniotic Fluid

Expression and localization of the two small proteoglycans biglycan and decorin in developing human skeletal and non-skeletal tissues.

The messenger RNAs and core proteins of the two small chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans, biglycan and decorin, were localized in developing human bone and other tissues by both 35S-labeled RNA probes and antibodies directed against synthetic peptides corresponding to nonhomologous regions of the two core proteins. Biglycan and decorin expression and localization were substantially divergent and sometimes mutually exclusive. In developing bones, spatially restricted patterns of gene expression and/or matrix localization of the two proteoglycans were identified in articular regions, epiphyseal cartilage, vascular canals, subperichondral regions, and periosteum, and indicated the association of each molecule with specific developmental events at specific sites. Study of non-skeletal tissues revealed that decorin was associated with all major type I (and type II) collagen-rich connective tissues. Conversely, biglycan was expressed and localized in a range of specialized cell types, including connective tissue (skeletal myofibers, endothelial cells) and epithelial cells (differentiating keratinocytes, renal tubular epithelia). Biglycan core protein was localized at the cell surface of certain cell types (e.g., keratinocytes). Whereas the distribution of decorin was consistent with matrix-centered functions, possibly related to regulation of growth of collagen fibers, the distribution of biglycan pointed to other function(s), perhaps related to cell regulation.

Adrenal Glands

Nerve growth factor receptor-immunoreactive neurons within the developing human cortex.

A monoclonal antibody recognizing the p75 receptor for nerve growth factor (NGF) was used to assess the immunohistochemical expression of NGF receptors within the developing human neo-, limbic, and paralimbic cortices as well as the hippocampal complex. Between embryonic weeks 16 and 26, a transient population of neurons located within the upper and lower subplate zones of the neo-, limbic, and paralimbic cortices expressed the receptor for NGF. In contrast, NGF receptor-immunoreactive neurons were only observed in the upper subplate zone of the entorhinal cortex at embryonic week 40 (term), a staining pattern not observed in a 5-year-old specimen. The expression of NGF receptor-immunoreactive neurons within the upper subplate zone between embryonic weeks 16 and 40 was characterized by a dense band of immunoreactive neurons and neuropil. These neurons were bipolar with basal and apically directed neurites. NGF receptor-immunoreactive neurons were also scattered throughout the lower subplate zone and underlying white matter between embryonic weeks 19 and 26. These neurons were multipolar, with less apically directed neurites. NGF receptor-immunoreactive subplate neurons displayed a topographic distribution with the heaviest concentration found within limbic and paralimbic cortices as well as association neocortex. In contrast, light to moderate NGF receptor-immunoreactivity was seen in sensory-motor cortex. Within the hippocampal complex, only a few lightly stained NGF receptor-immunoreactive neurons were seen within the fimbria, hilar region of the dentate gyrus, and subiculum. The expression of NGF receptor-immunoreactivity increased within the subplate zone of the pre- and parasubiculum culminating in intense entorhinal cortex staining. As the entorhinal cortex merged with the developing inferior temporal association cortex, there was a marked reduction in staining intensity. In contrast to those in the subplate zone, neurons within the germinal zone and cortical plate were NGF receptor immunonegative at all times examined. The presence of NGF receptors in the subplate zone suggests that neurotrophins such as NGF play an important role in the transient viability of these neurons as well as in the guidance of cortical afferent inputs into topographically organized regions of the cerebral cortex.

Acetylcholinesterase

Maturation of circulatory system in three mammalian models of human development.

The review surveys the literature on maturation of vasoconstrictor and vasodilator functions in cerebral, renal and intestinal circulations of three non-primate models of human development. An ovine model has been refined for use at both fetal and neonatal stages of development. Important variables controlling regional circulations in the lamb fetus at term include arterial O2 content and pCO2 (brain), angiotensin-II (kidney) and norepinephrine (small intestine). Blood flow autoregulation to decreasing perfusion pressure has been inferred for the renal circulation of the neonate. A canine model has been employed in the postnatal period, usually later than the first week after birth. Important variables controlling regional circulations in the young puppy include arterial pO2 and pCO2 (brain) and epinephrine and angiotensin-II (kidney). Blood flow autoregulation to decreasing pressure has been demonstrated in the cerebral circulation at birth and in the renal circulation at one week thereafter. The intestinal circulation has not been studied with respect to blood flow control. A porcine model has been examined from birth through at least two months of postnatal life. Important variables controlling regional circulations in swine at birth include adrenergic nerve stimulation, arterial pCO2 (brain), angiotensin-II (kidney) and norepinephrine (kidney and small intestine). Blood flow autoregulation to decreasing perfusion pressure has been demonstrated in the brain by the fourth day, in the kidney by the end of the second week and in the small intestine by the end of the first month after birth. The advantage of each model for further investigation of functional maturation of regional circulatory control is summarized.

Animals

Acetylcholinesterase-containing neurons, substance P and enkephalin fibers in the ventral horns of developing human embryos and fetuses.

The presence of the acetylcholinesterase neurons and substance P-like and enkephalin-like fibers in the various nuclear columns of the ventral horns of the spinal cords was studied in the developing human by acetylcholinesterase histochemistry and substance P and enkephalin immunohistochemistry. Acetylcholinesterase-positive neurons initially appeared in the lateral neuronal columns and eventually were also observed in the medial columns as well as the median columns at various levels of the spinal cord by 10 weeks' gestation. Acetylcholinesterase-positive neurons in the lower sacral levels were not detected until 11-12 weeks' gestation. Diffused substance P- and enkephalin-like fibers were demonstrated as early as 10 weeks' gestation but did not align with any particular nuclear column until after 15 weeks' gestation. These fibers further increased in length and adopted reticular branching patterns and many of these tended to surround the cell bodies of the nuclear columns. Possible interaction of acetylcholinesterase neurons and substance P and enkephalin fibers would commence by 15 weeks' gestation.

Acetylcholinesterase

Immunohistochemical localization of substance P, enkephalin and serotonin in the developing human retina.

The localization of substance P (SP), enkephalin (ENK) and serotonin (5-HT) in the retinae of 12 human embryos/fetuses ranging in age from 6-30 weeks was determined immunohistochemically using the PAP method. At the 6 week stage [crown rump length (CRL) unknown due to incomplete specimen], the developing retina consisted of a single undifferentiated cell mass from which immunoreactive cells were absent. By 90 mm CRL (10th week of gestation), the retina was composed of an outer neuroblastic layer, an inner plexiform layer and an innermost layer of ganglion cells. At this stage, SP, ENK and 5-HT positive cells were detected solely in the outer neuroblastic layer. By 140 mm CRL (17 weeks), the retina consisted of cell layers similar in number and type to those of the adult retina. In specimens 140-216 mm CRL (gestation ages 17-24 weeks), SP, ENK and 5-HT neurons were present in the outer nuclear, inner nuclear and inner plexiform layers. In addition, 5-HT positive neurons and fibers were evident in the outer plexiform layer. By 285-295 mm CRL (26-30 weeks), neurons in the ganglion cell layer and the fovea were also SP and ENK positive. In earlier specimens, the cell bodies alone were immunopositive and not until 142 mm CRL (17 weeks) were positive processes observed. Finally, the presence of SP, ENK and 5-HT immunopositive structures occurred in a sequence from outer to inner layers of the developing human retina.

Embryo, Mammalian

Spatial distribution of "tissue-specific" antigens in the developing human heart and skeletal muscle. I. An immunohistochemical analysis of creatine kinase isoenzyme expression patterns.

Using monoclonal antibodies against the M and B subunit isoforms of creatine kinase (CK) we have investigated their distribution in developing human skeletal and cardiac muscle immunohistochemically. It is demonstrated that in skeletal muscle, a switch from CK-B to CK-M takes place around the week 8 of development, whereas in the developing heart, CK-M is the predominant isoform from the earliest stage examined onward (i.e., 4 1/2 weeks of development). In all hearts examined, local differences in concentration of the CK isoforms are observed. The CK-M expression in the developing outflow tract (OFT) and conduction system is described in detail. Between the weeks 5 and 7 of development, the distal portion of the OFT is characterized by low CK-M expression, whereas around the week 8-10 of development the myocardium around the developing semilunar valves in the OFT expresses a very high level of CK-M. At all stages examined, a relatively low CK-M level is observed in those regions in which the "slow" components of the conduction system do develop (e.g., the sinoatrial junction and atrioventricular junction), whereas a relatively high concentration of CK-M is observed in those areas that are destined to become the "fast" components, i.e., the subendocardial myocardium of the ventricles. The high expression of CK-M in the developing "fast components" of the conduction system contrasts with the relatively low expression of CK-M in the force-producing myocardium of the interventricular septum and free ventricular wall.

Creatine Kinase

Human developing enamel proteins exhibit a sex-linked dimorphism.

The amelogenin protein of developing dental enamel is generally accepted to mediate the regulation of the form and size of the hydroxyapatite crystallites during enamel biomineralization (1). A genetic disorder of enamel development (amelogenesis imperfecta) has been linked to the amelogenin gene AMEL(2-3), and loci regulating enamel thickness and tooth size have been mapped to the human sex chromosomes (4). In the human genome there are two AMEL loci with one copy of the gene on each of the sex chromosomes (AMELX and AMELY), whereas in the mouse only an AMELX locus is present (5). It is presently unknown if human AMELY is transcriptionally active. These observations prompted us to examine specimens of human developing enamel for sexual dimorphism at the protein level. We report here, for the first time, a diagnosis of differences in human enamel proteins which permits the distinction of specimens according to the sex of the individual.

Ameloblasts

Maternal postprandial glucose levels and infant birth weight: the Diabetes in Early Pregnancy Study. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development--Diabetes in Early Pregnancy Study.

The cause of macrosomia in the infant of the diabetic woman is still not completely defined. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development--Diabetes in Early Pregnancy Study, which recruited insulin-dependent diabetic and control women before conception, provided an opportunity to address the relationship between maternal glycemia and percentile birth weight. Data were analyzed from 323 diabetic and 361 control women. Fasting and nonfasting venous plasma glucose were measured on alternate weeks in the first trimester and monthly thereafter. Glycosylated hemoglobin was measured weekly in the first trimester and monthly thereafter. More infants of the diabetic women were at or above the 90th percentile for birth weight than infants of control women (28.5% versus 13.1%, p less than 0.001). Although first-trimester nonfasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were positively correlated with infant birth weight (p less than 0.001 and p = 0.008), when the analyses were adjusted for the variables of the subsequent trimesters the values became insignificant, whereas the third-trimester nonfasting glucose levels adjusted for values in prior trimesters emerged as the stronger predictor of percentile birth weight (p = 0.001). After adjusting for maternal hypertension, smoking, and ponderal index, the above relationships remained. In conclusion, monitoring of nonfasting glucose levels rather than the fasting levels, which are more commonly monitored in clinical practice, are necessary to prevent macrosomia.

Blood Glucose

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide gene expression in the developing human gastrointestinal tract.

Expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide has been shown, by immunocytochemistry and biochemical assay, to follow the craniocaudal neural colonization of the mammalian gut. The aim of this study was to use in situ hybridization to see if it could provide more information on vasoactive intestinal polypeptide gene expression in the developing human gut. Immunocytochemistry of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and, to visualize the total innervation, protein gene product 9.5 was also applied. By 8 weeks of gestation, protein gene product 9.5-immunoreactive neurons had colonized the gut lengthwise (17% of intestinal muscle area) but not transversely. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactivity was first detected at 9 weeks of gestation in a few nerve fibers of the upper gut, the origin of which could not be determined. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive ganglion cells were not seen until 18 weeks of gestation, whereas in situ hybridization showed messenger RNA in ganglion cells of the upper gut at 9 weeks. An adultlike pattern of peptide gene products (e.g., 2.5% and 3.1% of intestinal mucosal or muscle area, respectively) was detected by 20 weeks' gestation. The finding that the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide gene is expressed first in the upper human gut is consistent with craniocaudal neuronal colonization and maturation.

Adult

Evidence for the expression of four myelin basic protein variants in the developing human spinal cord through cDNA cloning.

Four human myelin basic protein (MBP) variants with molecular masses of 21.5, 20.2, 18.5, and 17.3 kilodaltons (kDa) have been identified in the developing human spinal cord and their structures determined through an analysis of cDNA clones of their mRNAs. The 20.2-kDa MBP mRNA encoded a novel MBP variant, the structure of which has not been reported in any species. Its amino acid sequence was identical with that of the 21.5-kDa MBP except for a deletion of 11 amino acid residues encoded by exon 5 of the MBP gene. All four human MBP variants were identical except for the insertion of deletion of two peptide fragments corresponding to those encoded by exons 2 and 5 of the MBP gene. In this study, no mature human MBP cDNAs missing exon 6 sequences were identified. This suggests that, unlike the mouse, the four human MBP mRNAs encoding these MBP variants arise by the alternative splicing of only exons 2 and 5 from the primary MBP gene transcript. This indicates that the predominant MBP splicing pathways in human and mouse are different. Immunoblots of human fetal spinal cords (11-21 weeks) indicated that MBP expression turned on abruptly between 14 and 16 weeks. Expression of the 20.2-kDa MBP variant was most evident at 16 weeks and its relative proportion declined thereafter, suggesting that its expression was developmentally regulated.

Amino Acid Sequence

Morphological and histochemical studies of goblet cells in developing human conjunctiva.

This study deals with the development of the human conjunctival goblet cells. Fifty-six eyes of human embryos and fetuses ranging from 5 to 41 weeks of gestational stage were used. The distribution of glycosaminoglycans in the goblet cells was investigated with 1% alcian blue (pH 2.5) staining. For identifying the types of glycosaminoglycans, enzyme digestion methods were carried out with streptomyces hyaluronidase, chondroitinase AC, chondroitinase ABC, or sialidase (neuraminidase). At 9 weeks of gestational age, goblet cells appeared in the fornix region of the conjunctiva and extended toward the palpebral and bulbar regions. Histochemical studies with enzyme digestion methods revealed the existence of sialomucin in the goblet cells from 9 weeks. This finding suggested that the goblet cells first appeared in the fornix area, extending toward the palpebral region, then toward the bulbar region, and containing sialomucin from their early stage of development.

Chondroitin Lyases

Very low birth weight outcomes of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Network.

This report describes the neonatal outcomes of 1765 very low birth weight (less than 1500 g) infants delivered from November 1987 through October 1988 at the seven participating centers of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Intensive Care Network. Survival was 34% at less than 751 g birth weight (range between centers 20% to 55%), 66% at 751 through 1000 g (range 42% to 75%), 87% at 1001 through 1250 g (range 84% to 91%), and 93% at 1251 through 1500 g (range 89% to 98%). By obstetric measures of gestation, survival was 23% at 23 weeks (range 0% to 33%), 34% at 24 weeks (range 10% to 57%), and 54% at 25 weeks (range 30% to 72%). Neonatal morbidity included respiratory distress (67%), symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (25%), necrotizing enterocolitis (6%), septicemia (17%), meningitis (2%), urinary tract infection (4%), and intraventricular hemorrhage (45%, 18% grade III and IV). Morbidity increased with decreasing birth weight. Oxygen was administered for greater than or equal to 28 days to 79% of less than 751-g birth weight infants (range between centers 67% to 100%), 45% of 751- through 1000-g infants (range 20% to 68%), and 13% of 1001- through 1500-g infants (range 5% to 23%). Ventilator support for greater than or equal to 28 days was given to 68% of infants at less than 751 g, 29% at 751 through 1000 g, and 4% at greater than 1000 g. Hospital stay was 59 days for survivors vs 15 days for infants who died. Sixty-nine percent of survivors had subnormal (less than 10th percentile) weight at discharge. The data demonstrate important intercenter variation of current neonatal outcomes, as well as differences in philosophy of care and definition and prevalence of morbidity.

Gestational Age

Dental patient education: self-care to healthy human development.

Credited with a long history of providing preventive care, dentists are challenged by increasing demands from better educated consumers interested in improving their health and caring for themselves. The task of administering patient education services, identifying patients at risk, targeting specific behaviors for change, and managing costs is the subject of this case study. The Self-Care Motivation Model described here, is used to develop a patient education/smoking cessation/lifestyle change program for a patient with numerous dental and general health disturbances. Time and cost saving methods for administering such total patient care are discussed. Suggestions for reframing the context of dental patient education and health behavior change initiatives to include general healthy human development competencies are provided.

Adult

Enhanced expression of an exocrine pancreatic protein in Alzheimer's disease and the developing human brain.

Pancreatic thread protein (PTP) is a major exocrine secretory protein that in vitro forms filamentous bundles reminiscent of the paired helical filaments of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We previously described increased PTP immunoreactivity in AD brains and now report high levels in the developing human brain. Using a full-length cloned bovine PTP cDNA and synthetic oligonucleotides corresponding to human PTP cDNA, which is identical to human islet cell regeneration factor, we analyzed the expression of PTP in pancreas and brain. A major 0.9-kb as well as several minor transcripts were identified in human pancreas. In AD brain, the same size transcripts were detected by Northern analysis, primer extension assay, or polymerase chain reaction amplification of cDNAs generated by reverse transcriptase assay. There were significantly higher levels of PTP mRNA in brains with AD compared with aged controls, with increased amounts of 1.2-, 0.6-, and 0.4-kb transcripts by Northern analysis. In situ hybridization localized expression to pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex, the same population that contains neurofibrillary tangles and high levels of immunoreactive PTP. These findings suggest that AD is associated with enhanced expression of PTP-related transcripts with intraneuronal accumulation of PTP-like proteins.

Alzheimer Disease

Secretory activity in the floor plate neuroepithelium of the developing human spinal cord: morphological evidence.

The developing spinal cord at the cervical and thoracic levels in 14 human embryos ranging from Carnegie stages 14 to 20 were examined with the electron microscope. The floor plate-forming cells contained numerous cytoplasmic organelles, such as rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, and well-developed junctional complexes between the adjacent cells. Microvilli and cilia were numerous at the apical surface of neuroepithelial cells in the floor plate, but few were found in the lateral walls. Periodic acid-Schiff-positive substances were predominantly present in the neuroepithelial cells of the floor plate. In all specimens examined, multivesicular structures were observed in the floor plate neuroepithelium, but not in other regions of the spinal cord. The number of multivesicular structures appeared to increase with embryonic age. These structures contained numerous small and translucent vesicles within an electron-dense matrix; most vesicles were 40-70 nm in diameter. It appeared that the envelope of the multivesicular structures was first formed by the fusion of smooth ER-like cisterns, followed by invagination of the envelope by the vesicular contents. Presumably, the mature multivesicular structures were subsequently translocated to peduncular processes and their contents released into the central canal lumen in an exocytotic manner. This morphological evidence suggests that the floor plate cells of the spinal cord may have secretory activity during embryonic development.

Epithelium