Isotonic Sorbitol Research Articles

Use of vacuum impregnation for the production of high quality fresh-like apple products

The application of vacuum impregnation (VI) for the production of high quality fresh like apple products has been investigated. Preliminary tests were carried out to select the optimal VI treatment conditions (P: 857–50 mbar; VI time: 10–1000 s). The use of isotonic sorbitol, glucose, fructose, sucrose, trehalose and maltose solutions was then studied to keep quality and improve stability of the VI treated apples. VI at 738 mbar for 10 s allowed the penetration of the impregnation agent (water) with minimal effects on fruit composition and quality. VI isotonic solutions determined a limited solute increase while affected mechanical properties positively; firmness of apples processed with sorbitol solution was higher than that of the fresh fruit. Moreover, they contributed to preserve apples from browning. After 7 days, h° values significantly higher than the untreated samples were obtained with trehalose > sorbitol > glucose > sucrose > maltose. Sensory analysis confirmed the positive effect of isotonic VI solution on apples quality.

Mechanisms underlying turgor regulation in the estuarine alga Vaucheria erythrospora (Xanthophyceae) exposed to hyperosmotic shock.

Aquatic organisms are often exposed to dramatic changes in salinity in the environment. Despite decades of research, many questions related to molecular and physiological mechanisms mediating sensing and adaptation to salinity stress remain unanswered. Here, responses of Vaucheria erythrospora, a turgor-regulating xanthophycean alga from an estuarine habitat, have been investigated. The role of ion uptake in turgor regulation was studied using a single cell pressure probe, microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE) technique and membrane potential (Em ) measurements. Turgor recovery was inhibited by Gd(3+) , tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA), verapamil and orthovanadate. A NaCl-induced shock rapidly depolarized the plasma membrane while an isotonic sorbitol treatment hyperpolarized it. Turgor recovery was critically dependent on the presence of Na(+) but not K(+) and Cl(-) in the incubation media. Na(+) uptake was strongly decreased by amiloride and changes in net Na(+) and H(+) fluxes were oppositely directed. This suggests active uptake of Na(+) in V. erythrospora mediated by an antiport Na(+) /H(+) system, functioning in the direction opposite to that of the SOS1 exchanger in higher plants. The alga also retains K(+) efficiently when exposed to high NaCl concentrations. Overall, this study provides insights into mechanisms enabling V. erythrospora to regulate turgor via ion movements during hyperosmotic stress.

Dynamic regulation of the root hydraulic conductivity of barley plants in response to salinity/osmotic stress.

Salinity stress significantly reduces the root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) of several plant species including barley (Hordeum vulgare). Here we characterized changes in the Lpr of barley plants in response to salinity/osmotic stress in detail using a pressure chamber. Salt-tolerant and intermediate barley cultivars, K305 and Haruna-nijyo, but not a salt-sensitive cultivar, I743, exhibited characteristic time-dependent Lpr changes induced by 100 mM NaCl. An identical response was evoked by isotonic sorbitol, indicating that this phenomenon was triggered by osmotic imbalances. Further examination of this mechanism using barley cv. Haruna-nijyo plants in combination with the use of various inhibitors suggested that various cellular processes such as protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and membrane internalization appear to be involved. Interestingly, the three above-mentioned barley cultivars did not exhibit a remarkable difference in root cell sap osmolality under hypertonic conditions, in contrast to the case of Lpr. The possible biological significance of the regulation of Lpr in barley plants upon salinity/osmotic stress is discussed.

Vacuolar membrane lesions induced by a freeze-thaw cycle in protoplasts isolated from deacclimated tubers of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.).

The processes of freezing injury in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) tubers were studied using protoplasts isolated from cold-acclimated and deacclimated tubers. Prior to freezing, protoplasts were preloaded with 10 microM fluorescein diacetate (FDA) in an isotonic sorbitol solution. After freeze-thawing at various temperatures, cell viability was evaluated under a fluorescence microscope. In cold-acclimated tubers, more than 80% of protoplasts survived freezing to -20 degrees C. By contrast, in deacclimated tubers, the cell survival abruptly declined after freezing to temperatures below -5 degrees C. Thus, freezing tolerance differed significantly between protoplasts isolated from cold-acclimated and deacclimated tubers. Two distinct types of cell injury, which were caused by either damage to plasma membrane (cell-lysis type) or by damage to the vacuolar membrane (abnormal-staining type), were observed, depending on the cold hardiness and freezing temperature. In the cells of the abnormal-staining type, shrinkage of the central vacuolar space and simultaneous acidification of the cytoplasmic space were characteristically observed immediately before complete cell-rehydration during thawing. The decrease in freezing tolerance of protoplasts after deacclimation was suggested to be due mainly to destabilization of the vacuolar membrane by freeze-induced dehydration stress.

Changes in intracellular sodium during the hydroosmotic response to vasopressin

During vasopressin (VP)-induced water movement, toad urinary bladder epithelial cells undergo unique morphological changes. The osmolality within these responding cells remains relatively stable despite the large transcellular transport of water. We hypothesized that the hydroosmotic response to VP may be associated with a net increase in sodium either as an aid in maintaining the intracellular osmolality or as part of a Na-Ca exchange process. Changes in intracellular sodium (Nai) were monitored over time in individual hemibladders using 23Na NMR. Hemibladders were mounted as bags on glass pipets and filled with deionized water. During NMR studies, the serosal bath consisted of aerated 2.4 mM HCO3 amphibian Ringer's (pH 8.1) made up with 15% D2O containing the shift reagent, dysprosium tripolyphosphate (1 mM). This reagent allowed for visualization of Nai by shifting the extracellular Na signal; it did not affect basal or VP stimulated water flow, short-circuit current, or high energy phosphate metabolism as seen by 31P NMR. Changes in Nai were determined by integrating the area under the unshifted Na peak at each measurement and expressing differences as a ratio relative to baseline. The initial Nai signal from unstimulated hemibladders remained stable in these tissues over at least 180 minutes. Within 30 minutes of VP (20 mU/ml) exposure, however, the Nai peak increased 2.47 times above pretreatment baseline (N = 16, P less than 0.001). The Nai signal returned toward baseline values with removal of VP from the serosal bath but only after approximately 90 minutes. When change in cell shape and water movement were prevented by having isotonic sorbitol in the mucosal bath, VP produced no change in the Nai signal (N = 10).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cryopreservation of Rye Protoplasts by Vitrification

A procedure has been developed for the vitrification of mesophyll protoplasts isolated from leaves of nonacclimated (NA) and cold-acclimated (ACC) winter rye seedlings (Secale cereale L. cv Puma). The procedure involves (a) equilibration (loading) of the protoplasts with an intermediate concentration (1.5, 1.75, or 2.0 molar) of ethylene glycol (EG) at 20 degrees C; (b) dehydration of the protoplasts in a concentrated vitrification solution made of 7 molar EG + 0.88 molar sorbitol + 6% (w/v) bovine serum albumin (BSA) at 0 degrees C; (c) placing the protoplasts into polypropylene straws and quenching in liquid nitrogen (LN(2)); and (d) recovery of the protoplasts from LN(2) and removal (unloading) of the vitrification solution. For NA protoplasts, 47 + 1% survival was obtained following recovery from LN(2) if the protoplasts were first loaded with 1.75 molar EG prior to the dehydration step. However, to achieve this level of survival, NA protoplasts had to be unloaded in a hypertonic (2.0 osmolal [osm]) sorbitol solution. If they were unloaded in an isotonic solution (0.53 osm), survival was 3+/-2%. In contrast, survival of ACC protoplasts following recovery from LN(2) was 34 +/- 10% when the protoplasts were loaded in a 2.0 molar EG solution and unloaded in an isotonic sorbitol solution (1.03 osm). If ACC protoplasts were unloaded in an hypertonic sorbitol solution (1.5 osm), survival was 51 +/- 9%. These results indicate that the osmotic excursions incurred during the procedure are a major factor affecting survival.

Cryopreservation of rye protoplasts by vitrification

A procedure has been developed for the vitrification of mesophyll protoplasts isolated from leaves of nonacclimated (NA) and cold-acclimated (ACC) winter rye seedlings (Secale cereale L. cv Puma). The procedure involves (a) equilibration (loading) of the protoplasts with an intermediate concentration (1.5, 1.75, or 2.0 molar) of ethylene glycol (EG) at 20°C; (b) dehydration of the protoplasts in a concentrated vitrification solution made of 7 molar EG + 0.88 molar sorbitol + 6% (w/v) bovine serum albumin (BSA) at 0°C; (c) placing the protoplasts into polypropylene straws and quenching in liquid nitrogen (LN2); and (d) recovery of the protoplasts from LN2 and removal (unloading) of the vitrification solution. For NA protoplasts, 47 + 1% survival was obtained following recovery from LN2 if the protoplasts were first loaded with 1.75 molar EG prior to the dehydration step. However, to achieve this level of survival, NA protoplasts had to be unloaded in a hypertonic (2.0 osmolal [osm]) sorbitol solution. If they were unloaded in an isotonic solution (0.53 osm), survival was 3±2%. In contrast, survival of ACC protoplasts following recovery from LN2 was 34 ± 10% when the protoplasts were loaded in a 2.0 molar EG solution and unloaded in an isotonic sorbitol solution (1.03 osm). If ACC protoplasts were unloaded in an hypertonic sorbitol solution (1.5 osm), survival was 51 ± 9%. These results indicate that the osmotic excursions incurred during the procedure are a major factor affecting survival.

Freeze‐induced phase transitions in the plasma membrane of isolated protoplasts

Protoplasts were enzymically isolated from 2‐week‐old non‐acclimated rye (Secale cereale L. cv. Puma) seedlings. They were resuspended in isotonic sorbitol with different concentrations (0–10%) of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The survival of the protoplasts frozen in isotonic sorbitol solutions declined at temperatures below the freezing point with the LT50 being ‐8°C. Addition of DMSO to the osmoticum increased survival at freezing temperatures. The optimum concentration of DMSO was 4% and lowered the LT50 to ‐19°C. Freeze‐fracture studies of the plasma membrane revealed aparticulate lipid lamellae at ‐4°C, but the first appearance of lateral phase separations, striations and inverted cylindrical micelles (hexagonal11‐type structures) occurred at ‐6°C. At lower temperatures, ‐8 and ‐10°C, the occurrence of nonbilayer structures became more common. The addition of DMSO decreased the incidence of the ultrastructural changes. With 2 or 4% DMSO, non‐bilayer structures were not observed at temperatures above ‐10°C. Instead, striations and H11‐type structures were observed at ‐ 15 and ‐20°C.

Fluctuations in intracellular pH associated with vasopressin stimulation.

Intracellular pH (pHi) was estimated in paired hemibladders isolated from Dominican toads (Bufo marinus) by the tissue distribution of [14C]5,5'-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione and [3H]inulin. Tissues were incubated with isotopes for 30 min to correlate changes in pHi with the approximate time of peak vasopressin (VP)-induced water flow. At serosal pH 7.1 in the presence of an osmotic gradient, the intracellular hydrogen ion concentration [( H+]i) after 30 min of VP (20 mU/ml) stimulation was 8.29 +/- 0.23 X 10(-8) M (pHi 7.08) compared with 5.19 +/- 0.46 X 10(-8) M (pHi 7.28) in unstimulated paired controls (n = 5, P less than 0.001). The cyclic AMP (cAMP) analogue 8-(p-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (10(-5) M) mimicked the VP effects. A similar change was observed at serosal bath pH 8.2, where [H+]i was 1.67 +/- 0.06 X 10(-8) M (pHi 7.78) with VP vs. 1.11 +/- 0.04 X 10(-8) M (pHi 7.95) in matched controls (n = 8, P less than 0.001). In all cases, the hydroosmotic response was associated with a significant decrease in inulin space. When the osmotic gradient was eliminated with Ringer solution or isotonic sorbitol in the mucosal bath, VP produced a smaller decrease in pHi (approximately 0.08 pH units) at both serosal pH. 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showed a similar downward trend in pHi with cell swelling. When vasopressin was removed from the bath, pHi and inulin space in stimulated hemibladders returned to pretreatment values within 30 min, and the tissues were again capable of a maximum hydroosmotic response if rechallenged with the hormone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Involvement of Divalent Cations in Maintaining Cell Membrane Integrity in Stressed Apple Fruit Tissues

Summary The effects of divalent cations on the response of apple fruit tissue to accelerated ageing, temperature stress, or osmotic stress, were evaluated by measuring ethylene evolution, electrolyte leakage, and membrane microviscosity. Apple tissue slices, incubated in an isotonic sorbitol solution at 25°C for 24 hours, underwent rapid ageing, as expressed by a sharp drop in ethylene production (70–90%)and leakage of potassium from the tissue. At a higher temperature and in hypotonic medium these symptoms were accelerated and enhanced. Addition of Ca 2+ to the isotonic incubation medium inhibited ethylene production during the first 6 hours but thereafter partially prevented the drop in ethylene production that took place in the aged tissue slices, and completely prevented K + leakage beyond 4 hours of incubation. The influence of Ca 2+ on the physical state of the membranes was observed by an increase in membrane microviscosity relative to control, as determined by the fluorescence depolarization technique. Using fluorescent probes that bind to different sites in the membrane, it was found that the effect of Ca 2+ was more pronounced at the membrane surface and diminished toward the hydrophobic region of the membrane bilayer.

Influence of the composition of the fusion medium on the yield of electrofused yeast hybrids

Electrofusion between cells of yeast strains with different genetic markers in isotonic sorbitol solutions leads to high yields of hybrids when 0.1 mM Ca2+ and 0.5 mM Mg2+ salts are aded. On average, 1000–2000 hybrids are obtained when electrofusion is performed (in a helical chamber) compared to a yield of about 40–120 in the absence of these bivalent cations. A further increase in yield can be achieved by the addition of 1 mg/ml albumin, which results in up to 4000 hybrids per experimental run. The entire fusion process leads to very reproducible results in the presence of these substances.

Influence of the composition of the fusion medium on the yield of electrofused yeast hybrids

Electrofusion between cells of yeast strains with different genetic markers in isotonic sorbitol solutions leads to high yields of hybrids when 0.1 mM Ca2+ and 0.5 mM Mg2+ salts are aded. On average, 1000–2000 hybrids are obtained when electrofusion is performed (in a helical chamber) compared to a yield of about 40–120 in the absence of these bivalent cations. A further increase in yield can be achieved by the addition of 1 mg/ml albumin, which results in up to 4000 hybrids per experimental run. The entire fusion process leads to very reproducible results in the presence of these substances.