Neurosécrétion et régulation hydroélectrolytique chezArtemia salina

Summary The activity ofArtemia protocerebral median neurosecretory cells is stimulated when animals are grown in media whose tonicity is lower than that of sea weater. The substance liberated by these cells could regulate the tonicity of the internal medium.

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Neurosécrétion et régulation hydroélectrolytique chezArtemia salina

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Travail réalisé avec l'appui financier du FRFC (programme No 2.9010.75).     

Regulation of cross-bridge detachment by Ca ions at high ionic strength in molluscan catch muscle

Changes in the profile of equatorial intensities of X-ray diffraction from an intact, anterior byssal retractor muscle (ABRM) of Mytilus were examined at rest, during contracture brought about by acetylcholine (ACh) and a subsequent rigor-like contraction caused by raising the tonicity of the external solution, and after returning the tonicity to normal. The results suggest that the cross-bridges formed between thick and thin actin filaments during the ACh-contracture were maintained in the hypertonic solution and broken on decreasing the tonicity before the recovery of spacing of the actin filament lattice. A similar rigor-like contraction was induced in glycerinated ABRM by increasing salt concentration during active contraction. The rigor-like force declined rapidly when Ca++ concentration decreased. The results suggest that the detachment of the cross-bridge from the actin filament is regulated by Ca++ at high ionic strength in the ABRM.     

Regulation of cross-bridge detachment by Ca ions at high ionic strength in molluscan catch muscle

Summary Changes in the profile of equatorial intensities of X-ray diffraction from an intact, anterior byssal retractor muscle (ABRM) ofMytilus were examined at rest, during contracture brought about by acetylcholine (ACh) and a subsequent rigor-like contraction caused by raising the tonicity of the external solution, and after returning the tonicity to normal. The results suggest that the cross-bridges formed between thick and thin actin filaments during the ACh-contracture were maintained in the hypertonic solution and broken on decreasing the tonicity before the recovery of spacing of the actin filament lattice. A similar rigor-like contraction was induced in glycerinated ABRM by increasing salt concentration during active contraction. The rigor-like force declined rapidly when Ca⁺⁺ concentration decreased. The results suggest that the detachment of the cross-bridge from the actin filament is regulated by Ca⁺⁺ at high ionic strength in the ABRM.     

A mathematical analysis of the disk-sphere transition of the human red cell

By means of analytical calculations, an attempt is made to approximate the profile of the human red cell during the 'disk-sphere' transition induced by variation of the tonicity of the medium.     

A mathematical analysis of the disk-sphere transition of the human red cell

Summary By means of analytical calculations, an attempt is made to approximate the profile of the human red cell during the disk-sphere transition induced by variation of the tonicity of the medium.     

Identification of swelling-activated Cl<Superscript>-</Superscript> current in rabbit cardiac Purkinje cells

The presence and functional role of the swelling-activated Cl^- current (I_Cl(swell)) in rabbit cardiac Purkinje cells was examined using patch-clamp methodology. Extracellular hypotonicity (210 or 135 mOsm) activated an outwardly rectifying, time-independent current with a reversal potential close to the calculated Cl^- equilibrium potential (E_Cl). The magnitude of this current was related to tonicity of the superfusate. The current was blocked by 0.5 mM 4,4-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid (DIDS). These features are comparable to those of I_Cl(swell) found in sinoatrial nodal, atrial, and ventricular myocytes. I_Cl(swell) activation at 210 and 135 mOsm depolarized the resting membrane potential with 6 and 10 mV and shortened the action potential by 18 and 33%, respectively. DIDS partially reversed I_Cl(swell)-induced action potential changes. We conclude that I_Cl(swell) is present in Purkinje cells and its activation leads to action potential shortening and resting membrane potential depolarization, both of which can promote the development of reentrant arrhythmias.Received 20 January 2004; received after revision 17 February 2004; accepted 25 February 2004     

The unique features of follicular T cell subsets

The germinal center (GC) reaction is critical for humoral immunity, but also contributes adversely to a variety of autoimmune diseases. While the major protective function of GCs is mediated by plasma cells and memory B cells, follicular helper T (TFH) cells represent a specialized T cell subset that provides essential help to the antigen-specific B cells in the form of membrane-bound ligands and secreted factors such as IL-21. Recent studies have revealed that TFH cells are capable of considerable functional diversity as well as possessing the ability to form memory cells. The molecular basis of this plasticity and heterogeneity is only now emerging. It has also become apparent that several other populations of follicular T cells exist, including natural killer T cells and regulatory T cells. In this review we will discuss the function of follicular T cells and interaction of these populations within the GC response.     

A transmission and scanning electron microsope study of primary neural induction.

Normal primary neural induction has been further studied by TEM and SEM. A single mesoderm cell is usually in contact with several ectoderm cells. The mesoderm cells are also contacting other mesoderm cells. It is suggested that ectoderm cells are induced in groups and that induction is synchronized by these contacts. At the points of contact between mesoderm and ectoderm cells cytoplasmic changes are present in the induced tissue.     

Fibrin membrane endowed with biological function. III. Fixing living cells in fibrin gel without impairing their functions

Summary Chlorella cells, sea urchin eggs and Paramecium were embedded in fibrin gel which was formed by fibrinogen-fibrin conversion in the presence of thrombin. The embedded Chlorella cells retain the ability of photosynthesis by illumination. The embedded sea urchin eggs develop to normal blastulae and gastrulae. Samples of Paramecium survive for more than several h beating their cilia. It is suggested that this technique of fixing living cells is useful for handling free cells as a mass like a tissue, and for holding free cells in micrurgical experiments.     

Functional inhibition of isolated pancreatic cells, new technic for the detection of macrophage cytotoxicity]

It is usually accepted that macrophages "activated" by lymphokines may be found cytotoxic against tumoral target cells but show no detectable cytotoxicity in in vitro tests using normal non tumoral cells as target cells. These data have been obtained mainly with the chromium-release test. The present paper describes a new test using normal isolated pancreatic cells as target cells and evaluating the effect of activated or non-activated macrophages on the insulin secretion response to glucose stimulation. The results show a striking decrease in this response following an 18-hr incubation of pancreatic islet cells with activated macrophages, as compared to that of the same cells incubated with control macrophages. This is clear evidence that activated macrophages may alter normal cells and suggests that their cytotoxic properties are not restricted to tumoral target cells.     

Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an den Herzklappen

Summary The heart values of the rabbit were examined by electronmicroscope. The endothelium consists of a single layer of flat cells. Adjacent cells may overlap over extensive areas. The endothelial cells contain numerous tonofilaments. This structure is functionally and dynamically interpreted. The subendothelial connective tissue is called spongiosa. The fibrosa consists of bundles of collagenous fibres.     

Mast cells are present during angiogenesis in the chick extraembryonic vascular system

Summary The extraembryonic vascular membranes of 3-day-18-day chick embryos were examined for the presence of mast cells. As early as 3.5 ddays mast cells were found on the area vasculosa. It is suggested that these cells have a role in angiogenesis of the chick extraembryonic vascular system.The work is supported by The Wellcome Trust.     

Immunocytochemistry of pituitary corticotroph cells in terrestrial turtle (Testudo mauritanica)]

The immunocytochemical and histochemical characters of the corticotroph cells of the Turtle adenohypophysis have been studied. These cells are localised in the rostral part of the gland and are revealed by Is anti ACTH (1-24) and (17-39). They are also colored with lead hematoxyline and PAS-Orange G. The corticotroph nature of these cells is confirmed by the study of their modifications after treatment with amphenone and ACTH. The Is anti ACTH also reveal most of the cells of the pars intermedia; while the Is anti beta-MSH reveals only these cells and some scatter cells of the pars distalis.     

Elektronenmikroskopische Beobachtungen an den Hülsenarteriolen in der Milz des Hundes

Summary The endothelial cells of sheathed arterioles of dog spleen were found to contain an abundance of intracytoplasmic filaments about 80 Å in diameter. The endothelium is surrounded by a fenestrated clastin skeleton. The sheath cells show signs of phagocytosis. A possible vasomotor function of the endothelial cells is discussed.     

CCN1: a novel inflammation-regulated biphasic immune cell migration modulator

In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the effect of CCN1 on the migration of human immune cells. The molecule CCN1, produced by fibroblasts and endothelial cells, is considered as an important matrix protein promoting tissue repair and immune cell adhesion by binding various integrins. We recently reported that CCN1 therapy is able to suppress acute inflammation in vivo. Here, we show that CCN1 binds to various immune cells including T cells, B cells, NK cells, and monocytes. The addition of CCN1 in vitro enhances both actin polymerization and transwell migration. Prolonged incubation with CCN1, however, results in the inhibition of migration of immune cells by a mechanism that involves downregulation of PI3Kγ, p38, and Akt activation. Furthermore, we observed that immune cells themselves produce constitutively CCN1 and secretion is induced by pro-inflammatory stimuli. In line with this finding, patients suffering from acute inflammation had enhanced serum levels of CCN1. These findings extend the classical concept of CCN1 as a locally produced cell matrix adhesion molecule and suggest that CCN1 plays an important role in regulating immune cell trafficking by attracting and locally immobilizing immune cells.     

Endothelial cells as antigen-presenting cells: role in human transplant rejection

The immunological properties of human endothelial cells suggest they perform a pivotal role in acute and chronic rejection following solid organ transplantation. In this review the basic features of acute and chronic rejection are described as are the cellular and molecular requirements for antigen presentation. Traditionally, antigen-presenting cells are considered to be bone marrow-derived cells. However, these conclusions have been derived from rodent models of allograft rejection where bone marrow-derived passenger leukocytes are the only source of donor major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II in the grafted organ. In contrast, in humans, virtually all the microvascular and small vessel endothelial cells are ‘constitutively’ positive for MHC class II antigens. The phenotypic properties of human endothelial cells, their response to cytokines and their ability to stimulate resting T cells are described. Unlike bone marrow-derived antigen presenting cells (APCs), which utilise B7/CD28 interactions, human endothelial cells utilise lymphocyte function antigen 3 (LFA3)/CD2 pathways to stimulate T cells. They activate a CD45RO + B7-independent subpopulation of T cells. Their effect on allogeneic T cells is compared with other non-bone marrow-derived cells such as fibroblasts, epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells, which are unable to stimulate resting T cells. Evidence is presented suggesting that release of MHC and non-human leukocyte antigens (HLA) from endothelial cells stimulates an alloantibody and autoimmune response leading to chronic rejection. Received 30 March 1998; received after revision 4 May 1998; accepted 4 May 1998     

Histochemical localization of alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in the skin ofMystus (Mystus) vittatus Bl. (Siluriformes)

Summary An attempt has been made to localize alkaline and acid phosphatase activities in the skin ofMystus vittatus by using histochemical techniques. The alkaline phosphatase activity is found in metabolically active cells such as basal columnar cells, mucous cells and polygonal support cells. The acid phosphatase activity is intense in the outermost squamous support cells and in the basal columnar cells. These activities have been correlated with some physiological functions of the epidermis.Acknowledgment. We are thankful to P. Vishwanatham, Government College, Mhow, and Dr R.S. Shrivastava, Holkar Science College, Indore, for providing laboratory facilities and to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, for a fellowship for M.S.     

Different functional outcomes of intercellular membrane transfers to monocytes and T cells

Trogocytosis is the uptake of membranes from one cell by another. Trogocytosis has been demonstrated for monocytes, B cells, T cells, and NK cells. The acquisition of the tolerogenic molecule HLA-G by T cells and NK cells makes them behave as regulatory cells. We investigated here whether HLA-G, which is expressed by tumor cells in vivo, could be acquired by monocytes and if this transfer could have functional consequences. We demonstrate that resting, and even more so, activated monocytes efficiently acquire membrane-bound HLA-G from HLA-G tumor cells by trogocytosis. However, we demonstrate that HLA-G quickly disappears from the surface of the monocytes in contrast to the HLA-G acquired by T cells. Consequently, HLA-G^acq+ monocytes do not reliably inhibit the on-going proliferation of autologous activated T cells and do not inhibit their cytokine production. Thus, we show that the acquirer cell may control the functional outcome of trogocytosis.