Distribution of DNA in human Sertoli cell nucleoli

For better understanding of nucleolar architecture, different techniques have been used to localize DNA within the dense fibrillar component (DF) or within the fibrillar centers (FC) by electron microscopy (EM). Since it still remains controversial which components contain DNA, we investigated the distribution of DNA in human Sertoli cells using various approaches. In situ hybridization (ISH) with human total genomic DNA as probe and the use of anti-DNA antibody were followed by immunogold detection. This allowed statistical evaluation of the signal density over individual components. The Feulgen-like osmium-ammine (OA) technique for the selective visualization of DNA was also applied. The anti-DNA antibodies detected DNA in mitochondria, in chromatin, and in the DF of the nucleolus. ISH using human total genomic DNA showed similar labeling patterns. The OA technique revealed DNA filaments in the FC and focal agglomerates of decondensed DNA within the DF. We conclude that (a) EM staining techniques that utilize colloidal gold appear to be less sensitive for DNA detection than the OA method, (b) the DF consists of different domains with different molecular composition, and (c) decondensed DNA is not necessarily confined to one particular nucleolar component.