Isolation and characterization of canine natural killer cells

NK cells are non-T, non-B lymphocytes that kill target cells without previous activation. The immunophenotype and function of these cells in humans and mice are well defined, but canine NK cells remain incompletely characterized. Our objectives were to isolate and culture canine peripheral blood NK cells, and to define their immunophenotype and killing capability. PBMC were obtained from healthy dogs and T cells were depleted by immunomagnetic separation. The residual cells were cultured in media supplemented with IL-2, IL-15 or both, or with mouse embryonic liver (EL) feeder cells. Non-T, non-B lymphocytes survived and expanded in these cultures. IL-2 was necessary and sufficient for survival; the addition of IL-15 was necessary for expansion, but IL-15 alone did not support survival. Culture with EL cells and IL-2 also fostered survival and expansion. The non-T, non-B lymphocytes uniformly expressed CD45, MHC I, and showed significant cytotoxic activity against CTAC targets. Expression of MHC II, CD11/18 was restricted to subsets of these cells. The data show that cells meeting the criteria for NK cells in other species, i.e., non-T, non-B lymphocytes with cytotoxic activity, can be expanded from canine PBMC by T-cell depletion and culture with cytokines or feeder cells.     

绵羊类胚胎干细胞的分离与克隆

从胚胎发育阶段、饲养层和培养体系等方面对影响绵羊类ES细胞分离、克隆效率的因素进行探讨。结果显示：致密桑葚胚和囊胚的ICM增殖率高于囊胚和孵化囊胚。绵羊类ES细胞在同源绵羊胎儿成纤维细胞（SEF）上生长比较缓慢,最终传代次数也低于小鼠胎儿成纤维细胞（MEF）组。培养液中同时添加胎牛血清（FBS）和Knock-out血清替代品（KSR）,绵羊类ES传至7代,添加了碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（bFGF）后,最高可传至8代,而单纯添加KSR或FBS,分别传至4代和5代。对类ES细胞进行AKP染色、核型分析、体外分化试验,证实分离的类ES细胞符合ES细胞的主要特征,而且表达多潜能性细胞因子Nanog。由此认为,致密桑葚胚和囊胚更适合绵羊类ES细胞的体外分离和培养,而且MEF更适合于绵羊类ES细胞的分离传代,培养液中添加5%FBS和15%KSR,比较适合类ES细胞的分离传代,bFGF对绵羊类ES细胞的增殖具有促进作用。     

小鼠睾丸间质细胞的分离纯化与体外培养的研究

为了寻求一种快速、高效的体外分离、纯化小鼠睾丸间质细胞的方法,试验采用两种酶(胶原酶Ⅳ和0.25%胰蛋白酶)消化法和6个梯度(70%、65%、60%、55%、50%、45%)的Percoll液对小鼠睾丸间质细胞进行分离、纯化,对分离的细胞进行细胞学观察、台盼蓝染色、3β-羟基类固醇脱氢酶(3β-HSD)染色,采用物理方法、胶原酶Ⅳ+0.25%胰蛋白酶和柠檬酸钠+KCl对睾丸间质细胞进行消化传代培养。结果表明:胶原酶Ⅳ和0.25%胰蛋白酶限时消化能够获得较高活率(90%)的小鼠睾丸间质细胞;经Percoll细胞分离液分离的细胞纯度高达86%,且在34℃、5%CO2条件下培养的细胞生长良好。     

Collection of peripheral blood CD34+ progenitor cells from healthy dogs and dogs diagnosed with lymphoproliferative diseases using a Baxter-Fenwal CS-3000 Plus blood cell separator

Background

Canine peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) apheresis using a Baxter‐Fenwal CS‐3000 Plus automated blood cell separator has not been reported.

Objective

To determine the feasibility and safety of using a CS‐3000 Plus blood cell separator with a small volume separation container holder (SVSCH) and small volume collection chamber (SVCC) to harvest canine PBMCs from dogs weighing <50 kg.

Animals

Eight healthy mongrel dogs and 11 client‐owned dogs in clinical remission for lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD).

Methods

In this prospective study, aphereses were performed using a Baxter‐Fenwal CS‐3000 Plus blood cell separator, with or without recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (rhG‐CSF) treatment.

Results

Aphereses from 6 healthy dogs given rhG‐CSF yielded an average of 1.1 × 10⁷ ± 8.2 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg. Aphereses from LPD dogs given rhG‐CSF yielded an average of 5.4 × 10⁶ ± 3.25 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg (P = .17). Higher hematocrit in both groups of dogs receiving rhG‐CSF correlated with an increased number of CD34+ cells/kg harvested (healthy, P = .04; LPD, P = .05). Apheresis was well tolerated by all dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Canine PBMC apheresis using the Baxter‐Fenwal CS‐3000 Plus cell separator with an SVSCH and SVCC is a feasible and safe option for harvesting an adequate number of CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cells from dogs weighing ≥17 kg for hematopoietic cell transplantation.     

Differentiation of stem progenitor CD9/SOX2-positive cells is promoted with increased prolactin-producing and endothelial cells in the pituitary

Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2)-positive cells are stem/progenitor cells in the adenohypophysis, comprising the anterior and intermediate lobes (AL and IL, respectively). The cells are located in the marginal cell layer (MCL) facing Rathke’s cleft (primary niche) and the parenchyma of the AL (secondary niche). We previously demonstrated in vitro that the tetraspanin superfamily CD9 and SOX2 double-positive (CD9/SOX2-positive) cells in the IL-side MCL migrate to the AL side and differentiate into hormone-producing and endothelial cells in the AL parenchyma. Here, we performed in vivo studies to evaluate the role of IL-side CD9/SOX2-positive cells in pregnancy, lactation, and treatment with diethylstilbestrol (DES; an estrogen analog) when an increased population of prolactin (PRL) cells was observed in the AL of the rat pituitary. The proportions of CD9/SOX2-, CD9/Ki67-, and PRL/TUNEL-positive cells decreased in the primary and secondary niches during pregnancy and DES treatment. In contrast, the number of CD9/PRL-positive cells increased in the AL-side MCL and AL parenchyma during pregnancy and during DES treatment. The proportion of PRL/Ki67-positive cells increased in the AL-side MCL and AL parenchyma in response to DES treatment. Next, we isolated CD9-positive cells from the IL-side MCL using an anti-CD9 antibody. During cell culture, the cells formed free-floating three-dimensional clusters (pituispheres). Furthermore, CD9-positive cells in the pituisphere differentiated into PRL cells, and their differentiation potential was promoted by DES. These findings suggest that CD9/SOX2-positive cells in the IL-side MCL may act as adult stem cells in the AL parenchyma that supply PRL cells under the influence of estrogen.     

Isolation and characterization of canine tumor endothelial cells

The present study involved the isolation and characterization of canine tumor endothelial cells (TECs) from 2 malignancies. TECs were isolated using magnetic cell sorting following FITC labeling with UEA1 lectin, and they were characterized by measuring genetic and histopathological endothelial markers. Isolated TECs exhibited a cobblestone-like morphology and expressed both vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and Von Willebrand factor (vWF). Further, both TECs and tumor cells derived from a seminoma exhibited increased C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7) expression. However, CXCR7 expression was not detected in TECs and tumor cells derived from a hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding TEC specific traits may be important in the development of more efficacious anti-angiogenic therapies that do not induce adverse effects.     

SC1(pluripotin)对昆明小鼠胚胎干细胞分离培养的影响

比较了在无血清培养体系中分别添加小分子化学物质pluripotin(SCl)和白血病抑制因子(LIF)对昆明小鼠ES细胞未分化状态的维持作用,并探讨了SC1在培养液中的最佳浓度.以小鼠胎儿成纤维细胞(MEF)为饲养层,以含LIF的添加血清替代品(KSR)的培养基(ESC-SR)为对照,分别用SC1浓度为0.3、1、3μmol/L的ESC-SR培养液对昆明小鼠胚胎进行分离培养.结果显示:胚胎在添加3 μmol/L SC1的ESC-SR培养液中ICM形成率显著高于对照组(P＜0.05),形成的ES集落与对照组形态差异不明显,最高传至第7代,并且在无饲养层条件下可以传至第6代而保持未分化状态.不同浓度SC1培养液中,胚胎在SC1浓度为0.3 μmol/L组的F2代形成率显著高于1 μmol/L组和3μmol/L组(P＜0.05),所分离的细胞AKP染色呈阳性,Oct4、Nanog和Sox2的免疫荧光染色均显阳性,具有ES细胞的特点.结果表明,ESC-SR培养液中SC1可以替代LIF用于小鼠ES细胞未分化状态的维持,并且可以在无饲养层条件下进行昆明小鼠ES细胞的培养.     

微血管内皮细胞的体外分离培养方法概述

微血管内皮细胞在许多病理生理过程中起殴丶缘淖饔?应用体外培养的微血管内皮细胞,不仅广泛应用于微循环系统对不同生理或病理刺激的反应,也可阐明伴随微血管功能障碍和组织损伤的某些疾病的病理机制,所以分离培养动物及人各个器官组织微血管内皮细胞的报道日渐增多.微血管内皮细胞分离方法主要有3种,包括酶消化法、机械分离法和磁珠分离法,每种方法各有利弊.微血管内皮细胞一般通过其表面的血管紧张素酶、摄取乙酰基低密度脂蛋白和表达Ⅷ因子相关抗原进行鉴定.目前从不同组织器官分离培养微血管内皮细胞的方法已经比较成熟.     

牛骨骼肌卫星细胞的分离培养及诱导分化方法的建立

为了给牛骨骼肌卫星细胞的分离培养及诱导分化方法及进一步揭示肌肉分化的机理及转基因肉牛的研究提供重要帮助,试验以新生胎牛的骨骼肌为试验材料,分别采用胶原酶Ⅰ和胶原酶Ⅺ与胰蛋白酶结合对其进行消化,并通过差速贴壁法对骨骼肌卫星细胞进行分离纯化,同时采用免疫荧光染色、RT-PCR、Western-blot法对骨骼肌卫星细胞进行鉴定。结果表明:研究成功获得了大量的牛骨骼肌卫星细胞;该细胞的标志性分子的mRNA及其蛋白表达的纯度在98%以上;细胞生长状态良好,可稳定传至90代并保持旺盛的增殖活力;细胞分化效率高,2%的马血清能够诱导细胞分化使其融合形成多核肌管,数量众多的肌管可自发融合为更粗的肌管,并可观察到其具有收缩现象。     

Identification of hepatic stem/progenitor cells in canine hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinoma

Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) are bipotential stem cells residing in human and animal livers that are able to differentiate towards the hepatocytic or cholangiocytic lineages. HPCs are present in both hepatocellular (HCC) and cholangiocellular carcinoma (CC) in humans; and a small percentage of HCC can originate from cancer stem cells. However, its distribution in canine liver tumour has not been studied. Herein, we searched for stem/progenitor cells in 13 HCC and 7 CC archived samples by immunohistochemical analysis. We found that both liver tumours presented a higher amount of K19‐positive HPCs. Besides, 61.6% of HCC cases presented immature CD44‐positive hepatocytes. Nevertheless, only two cases presented CD133‐positive cells. As observed in humans, hepatic canine tumours presented activated HPCs, with important differentiation onto hepatocytes‐like cells and minimal role of cancer stem cells on HCC. These findings reiterate the applicability of canine model in the search for new therapies before application in humans.     

Direct evidence of nitric oxide production induced by lactoferrin and its enhancement by magnesium ions in cultured endothelial cells

Bovine lactoferrin (BLF) reportedly lowers blood pressure and induces vasorelaxation, but its effect on nitric oxide (NO) production has not been established. Accordingly, we aimed to determine whether BLF induces NO production in bovine aortic endothelial cells, and the effects of extracellular free magnesium (Mg) ion concentrations on this NO production. BLF induced NO production time-dependently. NO production was markedly inhibited by the NO synthase inhibitor, N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, in an effect abolished by L-arginine, but not D-arginine. NO production was suppressed at low concentrations, and enhanced at high concentrations, of Mg ions in culture medium. These results suggest that BLF has an important role in hypotensive effects. Mg ions may affect BLF-induced NO production.     

Evaluation of embryonic age and the effects of different proteases on the isolation and primary culture of chicken intestinal epithelial cells in vitro

The present study evaluates the effects of embryonic age and proteolytic enzymes on the isolation and primary culture of chicken enterocyte and to establish an effective technique for chicken intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) cultivation. Fourteen‐day‐old, 16‐day‐old and 18‐day‐old embryos (average weight: 52.23 ± 0.76 g, 50.86 ± 0.99 g, 48.98 ± 1.03 g) were the source for preparation of enterocyte culture, and trypsin‐ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, collagenase, thermolysin and combination of collagenase and thermolysin were used for digestion medium. Optimal culture protocols were determined by qualitative assays of proliferation. Cells isolated by using 14‐day‐old embryo and collagenase obtain the best attachment and growth in culture, and the production of continuously growing IEC cultures. Thus, we conclude that the use of collagenase as a dissociating enzyme and 14‐day‐old embryo as a source can be advantageously applied to the isolation of chicken IEC and this method may be useful for various applications and basic studies of the intestinal tract concerning such objects as physiology, immunology and toxicology.     

Sequential sub-passage decreases the differentiation potential of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) are abundant in adipose tissue from animals of all ages, are easily isolated, can differentiate into multi-lineage cells, and have a clinical application. This promising potential may only be achieved if the cells are expanding in a large number while maintaining their stemness in sequential passages. In this study, canine AD-MSCs (cAD-MSCs) were individually isolated from five dogs and subjected to proliferative culture with seven sub-passages. The cells at each sub-passage were characterized for properties associated with multipotent MSCs such as proliferation kinetics, expression of MSCs-specific surface markers, expression of molecules associated with self-renewal and differentiation capabilities into mesodermal lineage cells. Proliferation of the cells plateaued at passage 5 by cumulative population doubling level, while cell doubling time gradually increased with passage. MSCs surface markers (CD44, CD90, and CD105) and molecules (Oct 3/4, Sox-2, Nanog and HMGA2) associated with self-renewal were all expressed in the cells between passages 1 to 6 by RT-PCR. In addition, the cells at passage 1, 3 or 6 underwent adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation under specific induction conditions. However, the level of adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation was negatively correlated with the number of sub-passage. The present study suggests that sequential sub-passages affect multipotent properties of cAD-MSCs, which should be considered in their therapeutic application in regenerative medicine.     

鸡肠上皮细胞的分离及原代培养方法

取18日龄鸡胚，研究鸡肠上皮细胞（IEC）分离及原代培养的方法。结果表明：较好的分离条件是肠组织经0.1g／L中性蛋白酶和300U／mL胶原酶Ⅺ联合消化；较佳的培养条件是细胞在含2．5％～5％胎牛血清的DMEM培养基中，39℃、5％～7．5％CO2下培养，IEC可在1～2d贴壁，6～7d明显增殖，11～12d汇合成片。     

Effect of hypoxia on generation of neurospheres from adipose tissue-derived canine mesenchymal stromal cells

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSCs) are good candidates for cell therapy due to the accessibility of fat tissue and the abundance of AT-MSCs therein. Neurospheres are free-floating spherical condensations of cells with neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) characteristics that can be derived from AT-MSCs. The aims of this study were to examine the influence of oxygen (O₂) tension on generation of neurospheres from canine AT-MSCs (AT-cMSCs) and to develop a hypoxic cell culture system to enhance the survival and therapeutic benefit of generated neurospheres.AT-cMSCs were cultured under varying oxygen tensions (1%, 5% and 21%) in a neurosphere culture system. Neurosphere number and area were evaluated and NSPC markers were quantified using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Effects of oxygen on neurosphere expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1, α subunit (HIF1A) and its target genes, erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were quantified by qPCR. Neural differentiation potential was evaluated in 21% O₂ by cell morphology and qPCR.Neurospheres were successfully generated from AT-cMSCs at all O₂ tensions. Expression of nestin mRNA (NES) was significantly increased after neurosphere culture and was significantly higher in 1% O₂ compared to 5% and 21% O₂. Neurospheres cultured in 1% O₂ had significantly increased levels of VEGF and EPOR. There was a significant increase in CXCR4 expression in neurospheres generated at all O₂ tensions. Neurosphere culture under hypoxia had no negative effect on subsequent neural differentiation. This study suggests that generation of neurospheres under hypoxia could be beneficial when considering these cells for neurological cell therapies.     

The injury effect of oxygen free radicals in vitro on cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells from broilers

Pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) were isolated from broilers by the method of tissue explantation. The cells were identified using morphological features and immunocytochemical staining using a specific antiserum against factor VIII related antigen. Xanthine/Xanthine oxidase (X/XO) served as the oxygen free radical (OFR) generating system. In vitro model of oxidative injury of PAEC was established based on the X/XO system. The effect of OFR on the growth and viability of PAEC was determined with methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. Malondialdehyde (MDA, a product of lipid peroxidation) in culture medium of PAEC was detected by a thiobarbituric acid colorimetric assay. The results showed that PAEC survive in vitro and can be subcultured for 5-6 passages. Morphological and immunocytochemical observations of cultured cells demonstrated specific characteristics of endothelial cells. PAECs were severely damaged by OFR. The viability of cells was reduced by the X/XO system, and a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability was found with increasing XO dosages. OFR promoted lipid peroxidation of PAEC and increased the MDA concentration in culture media. These results suggest that OFR can injure the endothelial cells from broiler pulmonary arteries in vitro, which confirms previous results obtained in vivo. Oxidative injury may play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension syndrome in broiler.     

犬瘟热病毒Vero细胞悬浮产业化培养工艺研究

为克服犬瘟热疫苗现有生产工艺的缺陷,试验采用10 g/L Cytodex-1型微载体,按每个微载体15～20个细胞的细胞接种量接种至微载体培养Vero细胞,细胞培养液为10%NBS的DMEM培养液。结果显示,当细胞密度达到8×106CFU/mL时接种犬瘟热病毒,最佳培养时间30 h,接毒剂量按照MOI为0.1接种犬瘟热病毒液;当细胞病变达到50%时,病毒感染细胞时间为30 h,收获毒液。按照上述摸索生产工艺参数,收获的犬瘟热病毒液的病毒液滴度每病毒含量≥108.5TCID50/0.1 mL。将收获的病毒液冻存及下游相关的灭活处理,作为制备犬瘟热疫苗的抗原。研究表明,试验大幅度提升犬瘟热病毒培养量,效价批间差异性均一,实现了产业化反应器悬浮培养代替细胞工厂的技术路线。     

不同宿主来源犬瘟热病毒的分离及致病相关基因序列分析

利用Vero-DST细胞从死亡犬、狐狸肺、脾内分离到4株犬瘟热病毒-CDV-TM-CC、CDV-Dog-SCh、CDV-Fox-SY、CDV-Fox-WF,在Vero-DST细胞上传5代没有细胞病变,5代细胞培养物经电镜、间接免疫荧光及PCR鉴定为阳性。与本实验室保存的CDV-Monkey-BJ进行基因测序,并对与致病相关的F蛋白、V蛋白进行分析,F蛋白分析5株毒具有6个潜在N-末端糖基化位点,与强毒株同源性在92%～99.7%,与疫苗株不高于93.3%,在F1亚基内有7个特有氨基酸位点,这可能与其对灵长类致病有关。V蛋白分析表明,其与强毒株同源性在94%～99.7%之间,而与疫苗株不高于93.3%,CDV-Monkey-BJ C272R突变使其Zn结合能力丧失。试验结果显示,所有分离株均为强毒株,不同宿主毒株序列存在差异,值得进一步研究。     

小鼠睾丸支持细胞体外分离培养的研究

为了研究一种能快速、高效地分离、纯化小鼠睾丸支持细胞的方法,试验采用颈部脱臼的方法处死3周龄的小白鼠,取其睾丸并去除附属组织(血管、白膜脂肪等)后剪碎,用Ⅳ型胶原酶和胰蛋白酶分步消化制备细胞悬液进行培养,台盼蓝染色以鉴定细胞的活率;再对细胞悬液进行低渗溶液处理并利用支持细胞贴壁而其他细胞不贴壁的特性对其进行分离、纯化;最后对支持细胞采用H.E.和油红O染色的方法进行鉴定,观察其形态、结构和生长增殖情况。结果表明:该方法能够有效地分离、纯化以及培养小白鼠睾丸支持细胞。