Biomedical applications: Pitfalls in the practice

Author(s):  
J. D. Shelburne ◽  
Peter Ingram ◽  
Victor L. Roggli ◽  
Ann LeFurgey

At present most medical microprobe analysis is conducted on insoluble particulates such as asbestos fibers in lung tissue. Cryotechniques are not necessary for this type of specimen. Insoluble particulates can be processed conventionally. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that conventional processing is unacceptable for specimens in which electrolyte distributions in tissues are sought. It is necessary to flash-freeze in order to preserve the integrity of electrolyte distributions at the subcellular and cellular level. Ideally, biopsies should be flash-frozen in the operating room rather than being frozen several minutes later in a histology laboratory. Electrolytes will move during such a long delay. While flammable cryogens such as propane obviously cannot be used in an operating room, liquid nitrogen-cooled slam-freezing devices or guns may be permitted, and are the best way to achieve an artifact-free, accurate tissue sample which truly reflects the in vivo state. Unfortunately, the importance of cryofixation is often not understood. Investigators bring tissue samples fixed in glutaraldehyde to a microprobe laboratory with a request for microprobe analysis for electrolytes.

1994 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 9-12
Author(s):  
J.D. Shelbourne ◽  
Peter Ingram ◽  
Victor L. Roggli ◽  
Ann LeFurgey

At present most medical microprobe analysis is conducted on insoluble particulates such as asbestos fibers in lung tissue. Cryotechniques are not necessary for this type of specimen. Insoluble particulates can be processed conventionally Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that conventional processing is unacceptable for specimens in which electrolyte distributions in tissues are sought. It is necessary to flash-freeze in order to preserve the integrity of electrolyte distributions at the subcellular and cellular level. Ideally, biopsies should be flash-frozen in the operating room rather than being frozen several minutes later in a histology laboratory. Electrolytes will move during such a long delay. While flammable cryogens such as propane obviously cannot be used in an operating room, liquid nitrogen-cooled slam-freezing devices or guns may be permitted, and are the best way to achieve an artifact-free, accurate tissue sample which truly reflects the in vivo state. Unfortunately, the importance of cryofixation is often not understood.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Golberg ◽  
Julia Sheviryov ◽  
Oz Solomon ◽  
Leon Anavy ◽  
Zohar Yakhini

Abstract Recent developments in personalized medicine are based on molecular measurement steps that guide personally adjusted medical decisions. A central approach to molecular profiling consists of measuring DNA, RNA, and/or proteins in tissue samples, most notably in and around tumors. This measurement yields molecular biomarkers that are potentially predictive of response and of tumor type. Current methods in cancer therapy mostly use tissue biopsy as the starting point of molecular profiling. Tissue biopsies involve a physical resection of a small tissue sample, leading to localized tissue injury, bleeding, inflammation and stress, as well as to an increased risk of metastasis. Here we developed a technology for harvesting biomolecules from tissues using electroporation. We show that tissue electroporation, achieved using a combination of high-voltage short pulses, 50 pulses 500 V cm−1, 30 µs, 1 Hz, with low-voltage long pulses 50 pulses 50 V cm−1, 10 ms, delivered at 1 Hz, allows for tissue-specific extraction of RNA and proteins. We specifically tested RNA and protein extraction from excised kidney and liver samples and from excised HepG2 tumors in mice. Further in vivo development of extraction methods based on electroporation can drive novel approaches to the molecular profiling of tumors and of tumor environment and to related diagnosis practices.


1998 ◽  
Vol 274 (3) ◽  
pp. G591-G598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary A. Dudley ◽  
Douglas G. Burrin ◽  
Linda J. Wykes ◽  
Gianna Toffolo ◽  
Claudio Cobelli ◽  
...  

Precise analysis of the kinetics of protein/enzyme turnover in vivo has been hampered by the need to obtain multiple tissue samples at different times during the course of a continuous tracer infusion. We hypothesized that the problem could be overcome by using an overlapping (i.e., staggered) infusion of multiple stable amino acid isotopomers, which would take the place of multiple tissue samples. We have measured, in pigs, the in vivo synthesis rates of precursor (rapidly turning over) and mature (slowly turning over) polypeptides of lactase phlorizin hydrolase (LPH), a model for glycoprotein synthesis, by using an overlapping infusion of [2H3]leucine, [13C1]leucine, [13C1]phenylalanine, [2H5]phenylalanine, [13C6]phenylalanine, and [2H8]phenylalanine. Blood samples were collected at timed intervals, and the small intestine was collected at the end of the infusion. The tracer-to-tracee ratios of each isotopomer were measured in the plasma and jejunal free amino acid pools as well as in purified LPH polypeptides. These values were used to estimate kinetic parameters in vivo using a linear steady-state compartmental model. The fractional synthesis rates of the high-mannose, complex glycosylated and mature brush-border LPH polypeptides, so determined, were 3.3 ± 1.1%/min, 17.4 ± 11 %/min, and 0.089 ± 0.02 %/min, respectively. We conclude that this multiple-tracer, single-sample protocol is a practicable approach to the in vivo measurement of protein fractional synthesis rates when only a single tissue sample can be obtained. This method has broad application and should be particularly useful for studies in humans.


1980 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1133-1135
Author(s):  
N J Carrasco ◽  
V N Carrasco ◽  
D Goulian

A simple technique, and an inexpensive, easily assembled freeze-drying apparatus is described. This system rapidly dries small tissue samples to give good reproducible results in preparation for the histochemical visualization of monoamines, by utilization of liquid nitrogen and dry ice sublimation under vacuum.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 1501-1510
Author(s):  
Mirjam Gerwing ◽  
Vanessa Kocman ◽  
Miriam Stölting ◽  
Anne Helfen ◽  
Max Masthoff ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Extracellular vesicles, small vesicles carrying inter alia proteins, miRNA and RNA, are important mediators of intercellular communication. The purpose of this study was to assess the distribution of extracellular vesicles from highly malignant breast cancer and their subsequent effect on the immune cell infiltrate in target organs of metastasis. Procedures Extracellular vesicles were isolated from the tissue culture supernatant of highly malignant 4T1 breast cancer cells or the serum of healthy BALB/c mice. The purity of the isolate was verified by electron microscopy and western blotting. Extracellular vesicles were additionally subjected to proteome analysis. After labeling with the fluorescent dye DiR, extracellular vesicles were injected into healthy BALB/c mice and their in vivo distribution was assessed using fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI). Following ex vivo imaging of the organs, lung tissue samples were analyzed for extracellular vesicle-mediated changes of myeloid cells and T cell numbers, using flow cytometry. Proteome analysis revealed major differences in the cargo of tumor cell–derived versus extracellular vesicles from healthy serum. Results In contrast to control extracellular vesicles, DiR-labeled extracellular vesicles from tumor cells preferentially accumulated in lung, liver, and spine. Subsequent flow cytometry of the immune cell composition of lung tissue samples revealed an increase of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and a decrease of CD4+ T-helper cells as well as an increase in mature macrophages in response to tumor cell EV. Conclusions In conclusion, distribution of tumor cell–derived extracellular vesicles follows a specific pattern and can be monitored, using dedicated imaging. Extracellular vesicles alter the immune cell composition in target organs of metastasis, using a specific proteome cargo.


Author(s):  
Jerrold L. Abraham

Inorganic particulate material of diverse types is present in the ambient and occupational environment, and exposure to such materials is a well recognized cause of some lung disease. To investigate the interaction of inhaled inorganic particulates with the lung it is necessary to obtain quantitative information on the particulate burden of lung tissue in a wide variety of situations. The vast majority of diagnostic and experimental tissue samples (biopsies and autopsies) are fixed with formaldehyde solutions, dehydrated with organic solvents and embedded in paraffin wax. Over the past 16 years, I have attempted to obtain maximal analytical use of such tissue with minimal preparative steps. Unique diagnostic and research data result from both qualitative and quantitative analyses of sections. Most of the data has been related to inhaled inorganic particulates in lungs, but the basic methods are applicable to any tissues. The preparations are primarily designed for SEM use, but they are stable for storage and transport to other laboratories and several other instruments (e.g., for SIMS techniques).


Author(s):  
Yasushi P. Kato ◽  
Michael G. Dunn ◽  
Frederick H. Silver ◽  
Arthur J. Wasserman

Collagenous biomaterials have been used for growing cells in vitro as well as for augmentation and replacement of hard and soft tissues. The substratum used for culturing cells is implicated in the modulation of phenotypic cellular expression, cellular orientation and adhesion. Collagen may have a strong influence on these cellular parameters when used as a substrate in vitro. Clinically, collagen has many applications to wound healing including, skin and bone substitution, tendon, ligament, and nerve replacement. In this report we demonstrate two uses of collagen. First as a fiber to support fibroblast growth in vitro, and second as a demineralized bone/collagen sponge for radial bone defect repair in vivo.For the in vitro study, collagen fibers were prepared as described previously. Primary rat tendon fibroblasts (1° RTF) were isolated and cultured for 5 days on 1 X 15 mm sterile cover slips. Six to seven collagen fibers, were glued parallel to each other onto a circular cover slip (D=18mm) and the 1 X 15mm cover slip populated with 1° RTF was placed at the center perpendicular to the collagen fibers. Fibroblast migration from the 1 x 15mm cover slip onto and along the collagen fibers was measured daily using a phase contrast microscope (Olympus CK-2) with a calibrated eyepiece. Migratory rates for fibroblasts were determined from 36 fibers over 4 days.


1984 ◽  
Vol 23 (06) ◽  
pp. 317-319
Author(s):  
J. Novák ◽  
Y. Mazurová ◽  
J. Kubíček ◽  
J. Yižd’a ◽  
P. Kafka ◽  
...  

SummaryAcute myocardial infarctions were produced by ligature of the left frontal descending coronary artery in 9 dogs. The possibility of scintigraphic imaging with 99mTc-DMSA 4 hrs after intravenous administration was studied. The infarctions were 4, 24 and 48 hrs old. The in vivo scan was positive in only one dog with a 4-hr old infarction. The in vivo scans were confirmed by the analysis of the radioactivity in tissue samples. The accumulation of the radiopharmaceutical increased slightly in 48-hr old lesions; however, this increase was not sufficient for a positive scintigraphic finding. Thus, we do not recommend 99mTc-DMSA for clinical use in acute lesions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (12) ◽  
pp. 2747-2751
Author(s):  
Marioara Nicula ◽  
Nicolae Pacala ◽  
Lavinia Stef ◽  
Ioan Pet ◽  
Dorel Dronca ◽  
...  

Living organisms take nutrients from the environment, and together with them, substances with toxic potential � such as heavy metals. Lead is one common metal pollutant especially in aquatic environment, from where the fish can be intoxicated very easily. Bioavailability, distribution, toxic action, synergistic and antagonistic effects are characteristics which can alter the fish health. Our experimental study followed the effects of lead overload in water on iron distribution, in different tissues sample Carassius gibelio Bloch fish. We performed the experiment in four different fish groups: control C; lead � Pb (administration of lead in water 0.075mg/mL of water, as Pb(NO3)2 x � H2O); lead (the same dose) and 2% of freeze-dry garlic incorporated into fishes� food � Pb+garlic; lead (the same dose) and 2% chlorella incorporated into fishes� food � Pb+chlorella, for 21 consecutive days. The iron concentration was analysed with AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) from gills, muscle, skin (and scales), intestine, liver, heart, brain, ovary, testicles, and kidney. The obtained data presented a significantly decrease of iron content in all tested tissue samples that demonstrated, alteration of iron homeostasis, explained by a strong antagonistic effect of lead on iron. Our experiment showed that biologic active principles from garlic and chlorella act like natural protectors, and potentiate the iron deficiency even in the case of lead overload in aquatic environment, for fish.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (30) ◽  
pp. 5609-5624
Author(s):  
Dijana Saftić ◽  
Željka Ban ◽  
Josipa Matić ◽  
Lidija-Marija Tumirv ◽  
Ivo Piantanida

: Among the most intensively studied classes of small molecules (molecular weight < 650) in biomedical research are small molecules that non-covalently bind to DNA/RNA, and another intensively studied class is nucleobase derivatives. Both classes have been intensively elaborated in many books and reviews. However, conjugates consisting of DNA/RNA binder covalently linked to nucleobase are much less studied and have not been reviewed in the last two decades. Therefore, this review summarized reports on the design of classical DNA/RNA binder – nucleobase conjugates, as well as data about their interactions with various DNA or RNA targets, and even in some cases protein targets are involved. According to these data, the most important structural aspects of selective or even specific recognition between small molecule and target are proposed, and where possible related biochemical and biomedical aspects were discussed. The general conclusion is that this, rather new class of molecules showed an amazing set of recognition tools for numerous DNA or RNA targets in the last two decades, as well as few intriguing in vitro and in vivo selectivities. Several lead research lines show promising advancements toward either novel, highly selective markers or bioactive, potentially druggable molecules.


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