Characterization of aggregation and protein expression of bovine corneal endothelial cells as microcarrier cultures in a rotating-wall vessel.

Rotating-wall vessels are beneficial to tissue engineering in that the reconstituted tissue formed in these low-shear bioreactors undergoes extensive three-dimensional growth and differentiation. In the present study, bovine corneal endothelial (BCE) cells were grown in a high-aspect rotating-wall vessel (HARV) attached to collagen-coated Cytodex-3 beads as a representative monolayer culture to investigate factors during HARV cultivation which affect three-dimensional growth and protein expression. A collagen type I substratum in T-flask control cultures increased cell density of BCE cells at confluence by 40% and altered the expression of select proteins (43, 50 and 210 kDa). The low-shear environment in the HARV facilitated cell bridging between microcarrier beads to form aggregates containing upwards of 23 beads each, but it did not promote multilayer growth. A kinetic model of microcarrier aggregation was developed which indicates that the rate of aggregation between a single bead and an aggregate was nearly 10 times faster than between two aggregate and 60 times faster than between two single beads. These differences reflect changes in collision frequency and cell bridge formation. HARV cultivation altered the expression of cellular proteins (43 and 70 kDa) and matrix proteins (50, 73, 89 and 210 kDa) relative to controls perhaps due to hypoxia, fluid flow or distortion of cell shape. In addition to the insight that this work has provided into rotating-wall vessels, it could be useful in modeling aggregation in other cell systems, propagating human corneal endothelial cells for eye surgery and examining the response of endothelial cells to reduced shear.

Three-dimensional growth patterns of various human tumor cell lines in simulated microgravity of a NASA bioreactor.

Growth patterns of a number of human tumor cell lines that from three-dimensional structures of various architectures when cultured without carrier beads in a NASA rotary cell culture system are described and illustrated. The culture system, which was designed to mimic microgravity, maintained cells in suspension under very low-shear stress throughout culture. Spheroid (particulate) production occurred within a few hours after culture was started, and spheroids increased in size by cell division and fusion of small spheroids, usually stabilizing at a spheroid diameter of about 0.5 mm. Architecture of spheroids varied with cell type. Cellular interactions that occurred in spheroids resulted in conformation and shape changes of cells, and some cell lines produced complex, epithelial-like architectures. Expression of the cell adhesion molecules, CD44 and E cadherin, was upregulated in the three-dimensional constructs. Coculture of fibroblast spheroids with PC3 prostate cancer cells induced tenascin expression by the fibroblasts underlying the adherent prostate epithelial cells. Invasion of the fibroblast spheroids by the malignant epithelium was also demonstrated.

Cultivation of fall armyworm ovary cells in simulated microgravity.

A methodology is presented to culture Fall Armyworm Ovary cells in simulated micrograviy using a novel bioreactor developed by NASA, the High-Aspect Ratio Vessel. In this vessel, the growth and metabolic profile for these insect cells were profoundly different than those obtained in shaker-flask culture. Specifically, stationary phase in the NASA vessel was extended from 24 h to at least 7 d while cell concentration and viability remained in excess of 1 x 10(7) viable cells/ml and 90%, respectively. Measurements of glucose utilization, lactate production, ammonia production, and pH change indicate that simulated microgravity had a twofold effect on cell metabolism. Fewer nutrients were consumed and fewer wastes were produced in stationary phase by as much as a factor of 4 over that achieved in shaker culture. Those nutrients that were consumed in the NASA vessel were directed along different metabolic pathways as evidenced by an extreme shift in glucose utilization from consumption to production in lag phase and a decrease in yield coefficients by one half in stationary phase. These changes reflect a reduction in hydrodynamic forces from over 1 dyne/cm2 in shaker culture to under 0.5 dyne/cm2 in the NASA vessel. These results suggest that cultivation of insect cells in simulated microgravity may reduce production costs of cell-derived biologicals by extending production time and reducing medium requirements.

Induction of carcinoembryonic antigen expression in a three-dimensional culture system.

MIP-101 is a poorly differentiated human colon carcinoma cell line established from ascites that produces minimal amounts of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a 180 kDa glycoprotein tumor marker, and nonspecific cross-reacting antigen (NCA), a related protein that has 50 and 90 kDa isoforms, in monolayer culture. However, MIP-101 produces CEA when implanted into the peritoneum of nude mice but not when implanted into subcutaneous tissue. We tested whether three-dimensional (3D) growth was a sufficient stimulus to produce CEA and NCA 50/90 in MIP-101 cells, because cells grow in 3D in vivo rather than in two-dimensions (2D) as occurs in monolayer cultures. To do this, MIP-101 cells were cultured on microcarrier beads in 3D cultures, either in static cultures as nonadherent aggregates or under dynamic conditions in a NASA-designed low shear stress bioreactor. MIP-101 cells proliferated well under all three conditions and increased CEA and NCA production three- to four-fold when grown in 3D cultures compared to MIP-101 cells growing logarithmically in monolayers. These results suggest that 3D growth in vitro simulates tumor function in vivo and that 3D growth by itself may enhance production of molecules that are associated with the metastatic process.

Three-dimensional culture of a mixed mullerian tumor of the ovary: expression of in vivo characteristics.

The Rotating-Wall Vessel (RWV) is a novel in vitro cell culture system used to successfully culture a cell line derived from a heterologous mixed mullerian tumor cell of the ovary. Although the original tumor was comprised of both epithelial and mesodermal components, long-term culture in conventional flasks established a cell line from this tumor with homogeneous epitheliallike growth characteristics (1). Cells from Passage 36 were seeded into a Rotating-Wall Vessel containing Cytodex-3 microcarrier beads. Scanning electron micrographs of tumor cells cultured for 32 d in the RWV showed the presence of heterogeneous cell populations organized into three-dimensional tissuelike architecture. Immunocytochemical analysis confirmed the cellular heterogeneity, as demonstrated by expression of both epithelial and mesenchymal antigens. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction amplification demonstrated the presence of mRNA for cellular oncogenes HER-2/neu, H-ras, K-ras, and tumor suppressor p53. Thus, there are two advantages to propagation of tissue in the RWV culture system:(a) tissue diversification representing populations present in the original tumor, and (b) the three-dimensional freedom to organize tissues morphologically akin to those observed in vivo. These data indicate that the RWV culture system is suitable for generating large quantities of ovarian tumor cells in vitro that are amenable to immunocytochemical, oncogenic, morphologic characteristics demonstrated in vivo.

Changes in gravity inhibit lymphocyte locomotion through type I collagen.

Immunity relies on the circulation of lymphocytes through many different tissues including blood vessels, lymphatic channels, and lymphoid organs. The ability of lymphocytes to traverse the interstitium in both nonlymphoid and lymphoid tissues can be determined in vitro by assaying their capacity to locomote through Type I collagen. In an attempt to characterize potential causes of microgravity-induced immunosuppression, we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity on human lymphocyte function in vitro using a specialized rotating-wall vessel culture system developed at the Johnson Space Center. This very low shear culture system randomizes gravitational vectors and provides an in vitro approximation of microgravity. In the randomized gravity of the rotating-wall vessel culture system, peripheral blood lymphocytes did not locomote through Type I collagen, whereas static cultures supported normal movement. Although cells remained viable during the entire culture period, peripheral blood lymphocytes transferred to unit gravity (static culture) after 6 h in the rotating-wall vessel culture system were slow to recover and locomote into collagen matrix. After 72 h in the rotating-wall vessel culture system and an additional 72 h in static culture, peripheral blood lymphocytes did not recover their ability to locomote. Loss of locomotory activity in rotating-wall vessel cultures appears to be related to changes in the activation state of the lymphocytes and the expression of adhesion molecules. Culture in the rotating-wall vessel system blunted the ability of peripheral blood lymphocytes to respond to polyclonal activation with phytohemagglutinin. Locomotory response remained intact when peripheral blood lymphocytes were activated by anti-CD3 antibody and interleukin-2 prior to introduction into the rotating-wall vessel culture system. Thus, in addition to the systemic stress factors that may affect immunity, isolated lymphocytes respond to gravitational changes by ceasing locomotion through model interstitium. These in vitro investigations suggest that microgravity induces non-stress-related changes in cell function that may be critical to immunity. Preliminary analysis of locomotion in true microgravity revealed a substantial inhibition of cellular movement in Type I collagen. Thus, the rotating-wall vessel culture system provides a model for analyzing the microgravity-induced inhibition of lymphocyte locomotion and the investigation of the mechanisms related to lymphocyte movement.

Simulated microgravity does not alter epithelial cell adhesion to matrix and other molecules.

Microgravity has advantages for the cultivation of tissues with high fidelity; however, tissue formation requires cellular recognition and adhesion. We tested the hypothesis that simulated microgravity does not affect cell adhesion. Human colorectal carcinoma cells were cultured in the NASA Rotating Wall Vessel (RWV) under low shear stress with randomization of the gravity vector that simulates microgravity. After 6-7 days, cells were assayed for binding to various substrates and compared to cells grown in standard tissue culture flasks and static suspension cultures. The RWV cultures bound as well to basement membrane proteins and to CEA, an intercellular adhesion molecule, as control cultures did. Thus, microgravity does not alter epithelial cell adhesion and may be useful for tissue engineering.

A spontaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)

A spontaneous squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in the oral cavity of an adult female squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). Immunohistochemical analysis of the neoplasm demonstrated cytokeratin and vimentin, but not S100 or desmin in the neoplastic epithelial cells.

Three-dimensional growth and differentiation of ovarian tumor cell line in high aspect rotating-wall vessel: morphologic and embryologic considerations.

Cancer of the ovary is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy. To understand better these aggressive tumors, the development of in vitro models to study human ovarian cancer is critical. However, the establishment of long-term cell lines has been difficult, due to the generalized poor survival of patient tumor cells grown in primary culture. Satisfactory culture systems for ovarian tumor cells have therefore been limited. To study cellular interactions involved in the growth and differentiation of these tumors, a cell line was established from a mixed müllerian tumor of the ovary. This cell line, designated LN1, was cultured on microcarrier beads in the high aspect rotating-wall vessel. The tumor cells grown in this vessel readily proliferated without a requirement for cocultivation with a supportive cell layer. Evaluation of cellular morphology by phase contrast light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of three-dimensional multicellular aggregates consisting of multiple cell-coated beads bridged together, as well as scattered aggregates of LN1 cells proliferating as spheroids free in suspension. In contrast to conventional culture systems, culture in the high aspect rotating-wall vessel facilitated the generation of multiple cell types that could be recovered. These results illustrate the ability of this culture system to provide the biological conditions necessary for pluripotent cell growth.

Prospects for use of microgravity-based bioreactors to study three-dimensional host-tumor interactions in human neoplasia.

Microgravity offers unique advantages for the cultivation of mammalian tissues because the lack of gravity-induced sedimentation supports three-dimensional growth in batch culture in aqueous medium. Bioreactors that simulate microgravity but operate in unit gravity provide conditions that permit human epithelial cells to grow to densities approaching 10(7) cells/ml on microcarriers in suspension, in masses up to 1 cm in diameter, and under conditions of low shear stress. While useful for many different applications in tissue culture, this culture system is especially useful for the analysis of the microenvironment in which host matrix and cells interact with infiltrating tumor cells. Growth in the microgravity-based bioreactor has supported morphological differentiation of human colon carcinoma cells when cultured with normal human stromal cells. Furthermore, these co-cultures produced factors that stimulated goblet cell production in normal colon cells in an in vivo bioassay. Early experiments also suggest that the microgravity environment will not alter the ability of epithelial cells to recognize and associate with each other and with constituents of basement membrane and extracellular matrix. These findings suggest that cells grown in bioreactors that simulate aspects of microgravity or under actual microgravity conditions will produce tissues and substances in sufficient quantity and at high enough concentration to promote characterization of molecules that control differentiation and neoplastic transformation.

Reduced shear stress: a major component in the ability of mammalian tissues to form three-dimensional assemblies in simulated microgravity.

BHK-21 cells were cultured under various shear stress conditions in an Integrated Rotating-Wall Vessel (IRWV). Shear ranged from 0.5 dyn/cm2 (simulated microgravity) to 0.92 dyn/cm2. Under simulated microgravity conditions, BHK-21 cells complexed into three-dimensional cellular aggregates attaining 6 x 10(6) cells/ml as compared to growth under 0.92 dyn/cm2 conditions. Glucose utilization in simulated microgravity was reduced significantly, and cellular damage at the microcarrier surface was kept to a minimum. Thus, the integrated rotating wall vessel provides a quiescent environment for the culture of mammalian cells.

Medical management considerations for upper airway disease.

The conducting airways, also commonly referred to as the upper airways, provide for the passage of air to and from the atmosphere and lungs. Anatomical components include the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and mainstem bronchi. Clinical problems involving the conducting airways can be manifested by relatively mild clinical signs of stertorous breathing, by life-threatening dyspnea, or by chronic bouts of inspiratory stridor and cough. Concurrent disease of the lower respiratory system (ie, chronic bronchitis) as well as other organ systems (ie, cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine) may significantly contribute to the etiology and pathophysiology of upper airway disease. Diagnosis of the diseases of the conducting airways is primarily based on history and physical examination. The dynamic nature of some conditions, related to the phases of respiration, can make diagnosis more difficult. In addition to direct visualization, radiographic and endoscopic evaluation are often useful. Many upper airway problems, especially congenital conditions, lend themselves to surgical palliation that should be performed as early in life as possible. Medical management is often directed at treating underlying diseases and the relief of clinical signs. Historically, the use of variety of drugs have been advocated and frequently include decongestants, cough suppressants, bronchodilators, glucocorticoids, and antibiotics. However, their use may be detrimental and contraindicated. In addition, therapy for some conditions (ie, laryngeal paralysis and intrathoracic tracheal collapse) may be better directed at increasing airway muscle tone in order to stabilized airway patency. Therapeutic agents that may be useful include aspirin and digitalis. The overall objective to medical management must be to balance potential therapeutic benefit against untoward effects in order to minimize clinical signs and to improve the animal's quality of life.

Gas conductance during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in large animals.

Three sheep, a foal, a pony, and a calf were anesthetized and ventilated for short periods, using a high-frequency oscillatory ventilator. The efficiency of CO2 elimination was characterized at various oscillatory frequencies (50 to 30 Hz) and various tidal volumes, although the tidal volume used was always less than the measured dead space of the animal. In general, increasing either the oscillatory frequency or tidal volume increased CO2 elimination, but increasing the tidal volume had more effect. The relationship between these 3 variables was best described by a power law equation. Ventilatory frequencies and tidal volumes required to maintain eucapnia in the species studied were extrapolated from the results and, when technically possible, the potential of the technique to maintain eucapnia was tested in extended runs. The animals were supported successfully over this period, with normal blood gas tensions and no detrimental effects to heart rate and rhythm or arterial blood pressure.

Chronic bronchial disease of the cat.

This discussion of chronic bronchial disease in the cat includes a discussion of the functional anatomy and physiology of the feline lung, the immunologic aspects of the disease, the role of infections, and particulate aerosols and noxious gases in the etiology and clinical course of feline asthma and chronic bronchitis, and the pathology and diagnosis of chronic bronchitis.

Urinary protein excretion and immunopathologic findings in dogs with glomerular disease.

Clinical and histopathologic findings in 21 dogs with glomerular disease were reviewed. Diagnoses included amyloidosis, glomerulonephritis, and secondary glomerular atrophy. Dogs with amyloidosis excreted the largest amount of urinary protein per day, and 5 of 6 so affected had clinical signs of advanced renal disease at the time of examination. Dogs with glomerulonephritis excreted significantly less urinary protein per day, and none had clinical signs of advanced renal disease at the time of examination. The magnitude of proteinuria was correlated more with the nature of the glomerular lesion than with the stage of renal disease.