Biomedical subjects

D Shepro

Publications and source records attributed to D Shepro.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1989

Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell contractility on silicone rubber substrate.

Endothelial cell (EC) motility may contribute to the regulation of microvascular perfusion and/or paracellular permeability. The experiments reported herein demonstrate that bovine pulmonary microvessel EC can reversibly deform a silicone substrate in response to agents known to contract and relax smooth muscle cells. Contracting pulmonary microvessel EC exerted a tension that created wrinkles in the underlying deformable substrate. Relaxation and loss of tension were revealed by the disappearance of these wrinkles without loss of cell adhesion to the substratum. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and bradykinin stimulated pulmonary microvessel EC to contract within 3 to 8 min in a Ca2+-dependent fashion. The peak of contraction at 10 to 20 min was followed by relaxation. Forskolin and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) initiated relaxation of the microvessel EC within 3 to 10 min respectively. Relaxed EC contracted following the addition of Ang II, also within 3 min. Dibutyryl cAMP, dibutyryl cGMP, and the photoactivated internalized "caged" cAMP and cGMP promoted EC relaxation in a manner similar to forskolin and SNP. Increases in the intracellular concentration of inositol triphosphate (IP3) with the photoactivated IP3 complex promoted EC contraction in 2 min with a peak at 7 min. The contraction was followed by relaxation, which occurred at 20-25 min. Neither bovine pulmonary artery nor retinal microvessel EC, used as controls, contracted under these experimental conditions. One could speculate that this unique contractile property of pulmonary microvessel EC as observed in vitro may play a regulatory role in vivo, in local perfusion and/or in intercellular gap regulation.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Modulation of phospholipase A2 lytic activity by actin and myosin.

Prostacyclin (PGI2) production is closely coupled with endothelial cell shape and F-actin distribution in vitro. These findings may implicate cytoskeletal constituents in a mechanism regulating eicosanoid metabolism. To determine the potential for such a regulatory mechanism, cytoskeletal protein effects on the rate-limiting eicosanoid cascade enzyme (phospholipase A2; PLA2) were studied. Membrane phospholipid degradation was indirectly determined by spectrophotometric measurement of PLA2-induced rat red blood cell ghost (RBC-G) hemolysis. PLA2 was incubated with actin (skeletal, smooth, or nonmuscle cell) at a nonmuscle cell concentration (100 microM) and then exposed to the RBC-G. Comparisons in the presence or absence of actin revealed that F-actin stimulated whereas G-actin suppressed PLA2 lytic behavior significantly (P less than 0.05). When a 10: or 100:1 F-actin to myosin ratio was used, the F-actin stimulatory effect was significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced. These findings suggest that the in vitro correlation between PGI2 production and endothelial cell shape may be the result of PLA2 regulation by cytoskeletal elements that impart cellular form.

Actins↗

PubMed1989

The endothelial cell cytoskeleton modulates extravascular polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulations in vivo.

Actin microfilaments, key elements in the endothelial cell (EC) cytoskeleton, have been noted in in vitro studies to play a modulating role in the diapedesis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). The role of the cytoskeleton in PMN diapedesis in vivo was the subject of this study. Small skin abrasions were produced in rabbits. Cytoskeletal manipulation was accomplished by local application of phalloidin which promotes microfilament assembly or cytochalasin B which causes their disassembly, prior to addition of a chemotaxin. When the initial treatment to the abrasion site was saline, the secondary addition of more saline resulted in PMN accumulations, expressed as PMN/mm3 of 36 +/- 19, while 10(-4) M cytochalasin B led to 91 +/- 32 (P less than 0.05). Secondary addition of chemotaxins or histamine also led to significant PMN accumulations of 169 +/- 54 with 10(-8) M leukotriene (LT) B4, 318 +/- 85 with zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP), and 158 +/- 48 with 10(-4) M histamine. When the initial treatment was 10(-8) M phalloidin, PMN accumulations were reduced to 31 +/- 22 with cytochalasin B (P less than 0.05 relative to saline as initial treatment); 63 +/- 43 with LTB4 (P less than 0.05); 137 +/- 48 with ZAP (P less than 0.05); and 51 +/- 35 with histamine (P less than 0.05). In contrast, initial blister treatment with cytochalasin B rather than saline increased PMN accumulations in response to LTB4, 291 +/- 71 (P less than 0.05), and histamine, 270 +/- 56 (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Vasoactive amines and eicosanoids interactively regulate both polymorphonuclear leukocyte diapedesis and albumin permeability in vitro.

Previously we reported that cultured endothelial cells (ECs) can promote or inhibit polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) diapedesis and albumin permeability in vitro by altering monolayer intercellular integrity (an activity influenced by pretreatment with exogenous amines). Endothelial eicosanoid release was also seen to stimulate both PMN motility and diapedesis. We now demonstrate that these endothelial activities are related. Thromboxane (Tx) B2 pretreatment of ECs results in increased diapedesis and permeability across the monolayers whereas 6-keto-PGF1 alpha pretreatment has the opposite effects, demonstrating that these eicosanoids exert direct effects upon ECs, in addition to their direct effects upon PMNs as previously described. Norepinephrine (NE) or serotonin (5HT) pretreatment of ECs inhibits the release of TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, with the result that the stimulation of PMN motility by these EC metabolites is eliminated. In contrast, histamine increases the endothelial release of eicosanoids, resulting in a further increase in PMN motility. We conclude that histamine directly reduces EC monolayer integrity (by altering the endothelial cytoskeleton) and also increases eicosanoid release, actions which both enhance PMN motility and further reduce monolayer integrity. Conversely, NE and 5HT both increase intercellular integrity and decrease eicosanoid release, thereby decreasing PMN motility, diapedesis, and albumin permeability.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

PubMed1989

Endothelial cell junctional integrity modulation by serotonin: an ultrastructural analysis.

We have reported previously that exogenous serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) alters cultured bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) structural integrity by modulating the assembly of stress fibers. In the present study a 5-HT stimulus-coupled change in BAEC junctional integrity was quantitated by determining the width and percentage of intercellular openings in a monolayer. BAEC treated with 5-HT at concentrations of 10(-9) M to 10(-3) M caused a significant dose-dependent decrease in interendothelial cell junctional openings compared to controls, with the greatest reduction induced at 10(-6) M (92% from control). Treatment of BAEC with histamine (10(-4) M) increased the junctional openings by 82% when compared to controls. This change could be prevented by either pretreatment of the monolayers with 5-HT or by adding 5-HT in conjunction with the histamine. To assess a direct interaction of 5-HT with actin filaments, cultured BAEC monolayers were extracted, treated with 5-HT, and processed for immunocytochemical localization of 5-HT using the Avidin-Biotin method. Electron microscopy revealed 5-HT antibody bound to actin filaments and dense in areas of filament intersection, which implies a role for internalized 5-HT in stimulating the assembly of an actin filament network. Collectively, these results suggest that 5-HT helps to regulate the endothelial junctional barrier by promoting actin filament formation and stability, which may in turn increase the junctional apposition between endothelial cells.

Actins↗

PubMed1989

The rapid induction by interleukin-2 of pulmonary microvascular permeability.

The clinical use of interleukin-2 (IL-2) is limited by severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction. This study examines the mechanism of respiratory failure related to IL-2, using sheep with chronic lung lymph fistulae. Awake animals were infused with an intravenous (I.V.) bolus of IL-2 10(5) U/kg (n = 5) or its excipient (EXC) control (n = 3), every 8 hours for 4 to 5 days. Cardiopulmonary function was monitored daily for at least one 8-hour period. Within 2 hours after each IL-2 administration, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) rose. On Day 1, the mean rise was from 13 to 26 mmHg (p less than 0.05), and on Day 5, to 29 mmHg (p less than 0.05). MPAP returned to baseline levels after 2-3 hours. Pulmonary arterial wedge pressure was unchanged from 4 mmHg. There were transient falls in arterial oxygen tension, from 88 to 77 mmHg on Day 1 and to 73 mmHg (p less than 0.05) on Day 5. Lung lymph flow (QL) rose from 2.4 to 6.8 ml/30 minutes (p less than 0.05) on Day 1, and from 4.7 to 10.2 ml/30 minutes (p less than 0.05) on Day 5, whereas the lymph/plasma protein ratio increased on Day 1 from 0.69 to 0.83 (p less than 0.05) and from 0.63 to 0.71 (p less than 0.05) on Day 5. This documents an increase in pulmonary microvascular permeability. Thromboxane (Tx)B2 levels increased transiently after each IL-2 injection in plasma from 195 to 340 pg/ml (p less than 0.05) and in lung lymph from 222 to 772 pg/ml (p less than 0.05) on Day 1, and to similar levels on Day 5. There was a progressive rise in cardiac output from 5.7 to 8.6 1/minute (p less than 0.05) during the 5 days of infusion. Systemic blood pressure did not change. Temperature rose from 39.1 to 41.2 C (p less than 0.05), and shaking chills were common. There was a progressive fall in leukocyte count, from 8.4 to 3.2 X 10(3)/mm3 (p less than 0.05) by Day 5, reflecting a 77% fall in lymphocytes. Lung lymph lymphocyte counts rose, and lymphocyte clearance increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Vasodilating prostaglandins attenuate ischemic renal injury only if thromboxane is inhibited.

Ischemia-induced renal injury is prevented by inhibition of thromboxane (Tx) synthesis. This protection was believed to be secondary to a high prostaglandin (PG)/TxA2 ratio. This study tests whether increasing the PG/Tx ratio by administration of vasodilating PGs protects the reperfused ischemic kidney. Anesthetized rats underwent right nephrectomy and 45 minutes of left renal pedicle clamping. Beginning 10 minutes before clamp release, animals were treated intravenously with the following: saline placebo (n = 10); the cyclooxygenase inhibitor ibuprofen (Ibu), 12.5 mg/Kg in a bolus (n = 8); a stable analogue of prostacyclin (PGI2), 500 ng/kg/minute for 2 hours (n = 9); PGE1, 400 ng/kg/minute for 2 hours (n = 8); the combination Ibu and PGI2 (n = 8) or PGE1 (n = 8). In saline treated ischemic controls, 5 minutes after reperfusion plasma, thromboxane (TxB2) and 6-keto-PGF1 levels were 2537 and 317 pg/ml, respectively--higher than the TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 levels of 750 and 80 pg/ml, respectively, in nephrectomized but nonischemic sham controls (n = 7) (p less than 0.05). In ischemic control animals at 24 hours, creatinine levels were 4.6 mg/dl, relative to 0.9 ml/dl in sham animals (p less than 0.05); the weight of the left (L) ischemic kidney relative to the right (R) normal kidney was 118%, compared with 99% in sham animals (p less than 0.05); and renal histology of ischemic control animals at 24 hours showed acute tubular necrosis (ATN) relative to normal findings in sham animals. Pretreatment with Ibu led to: TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 levels of 116 and 40 pg/ml, lower than those of sham animals (p less than 0.05); creatinine levels of 4.6 mg/dl, L/R renal weight of 119%; and ATN similar to that of ischemic controls. Treatment with a PGI2 analogue or PGE1 was not protective and led to increases in TxB2, 6-keto-PGF1, creatinine, L/R renal weight, and ATN similar to that of ischemic controls. The combination of Ibu and either PGI2 or PGE1 led to: reduced levels of TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 (p less than 0.05); attenuated increases in creatinine to 2.2 and 2.3 mg/dl, respectively (p less than 0.05); and limited ATN (p less than 0.05). These data indicate that the vasodilating PG protect the ischemic reperfused kidney only when Tx is inhibited.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

PubMed1989

Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.

Limb ischemia in experimental animals leads to white blood cell (WBC) and thromboxane (Tx)A2 dependent pulmonary dysfunction. This study examines the pulmonary sequelae of lower torso ischemia in 20 consecutive patients aged 63 +/- 5 years (mean +/- SEM) who underwent elective abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. After 30 minutes of aortic cross-clamping, plasma TxB2 levels had risen from 77 +/- 26 pg/ml to 359 +/- 165 pg/ml (p less than 0.01) and was temporally related to increases in mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) from 18 +/- 1 to 23 +/- 3 mmHg (p less than 0.01), as well as to increases in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) from 0.07 +/- 0.02 to 0.12 +/- 0.02 mmHg sec/ml (p less than 0.01). Each time that the aortic clamp was repositioned and with final declamping, after 83 +/- 10 minutes, there were further increases in MPAP to a peak of 32 +/- 2 mmHg (p less than 0.01) and in PVR to 0.26 +/- 0.030 mmHg sec/ml (p less than 0.01), corresponding to a plasma TxB2 level of 406 +/- 177 pg/ml (p less than 0.01). MPAP and PVR returned to baseline values within 30 minutes of declamping. Ten minutes after removal of the aortic clamp, platelet levels had fallen from 180 +/- 41 to 97 +/- 17 X 10(3)/mm3 (p less than 0.01) and WBC levels from 8900 +/- 1100 to 4700 +/- 400/mm3 (p less than 0.01). Both platelets and WBC returned towards normal levels, but at 24 hours, while WBC was elevated at 13000 +/- 900/mm3 (p less than 0.01), platelets were 44% of baseline at 135 +/- 14 X 10(3)/mm3 (p less than 0.01). Four to 8 hours after surgery, pulmonary dysfunction was manifest by increases in physiologic shunt from 9 +/- 2% to 16 +/- 2% (p less than 0.01), and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) from 23 +/- 2 to 33 +/- 2 cmH2O (p less than 0.01). Chest radiography demonstrated interstitial pulmonary edema in all patients, whereas pulmonary artery wedge pressure was 12 +/- 2 mmHg, excluding the possibility of left ventricular failure. After 24 hours, pulmonary edema had resolved, and the PIP and PaO2 had both returned to baseline. These data indicate that reperfusion of the ischemic lower torso leads to the synthesis of TxA2, an event temporally related to pulmonary hypertension and transient leukopenia with subsequent pulmonary microvascular injury manifest by interstitial edema.

Aged↗

PubMed1989

Leukotrienes but not complement mediate limb ischemia-induced lung injury.

Reperfusion after limb ischemia leads to sequestration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in the lungs and to leukocyte- (WBC) and thromboxane- (Tx) dependent respiratory dysfunction. This study examines the intermediary role of the chemoattractants leukotriene (LT)B4 and complement (C) fragments. Anesthetized sheep with chronic lung lymph fistulae underwent 2 hours of tourniquet ischemia of both hind limbs. In untreated controls (n = 7), 1 minute after tourniquet release, mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) rose from 13 to 38 mmHg (p less than 0.05) and returned to baseline within 30 minutes. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure was unchanged from 3.6 mmHg. There were increases in plasma LTB4 levels from 2.46 to 9.34 ng/ml (p less than 0.01), plasma TxB2 levels from 211 to 735 pg/ml (p less than 0.05), and lung lymph TxB2 from 400 to 1005 pg/ml (p less than 0.05). C3 levels were 96% of baseline values. Thirty minutes after reperfusion, lung lymph flow (QL) increased from 4.3 to 8.3 ml/30 minutes (p less than 0.05), lymph/plasma protein ratio was unchanged from 0.6, and the lymph protein clearance increased from 2.6 to 4.6 ml/30 minutes (p less than 0.05), data consistent with increased microvascular permeability. WBC count fell within the first hour from 6853 to 3793/mm3 (p less than 0.01). Lung histology showed leukosequestration, 62 PMN/10 high-power fields (HPF) and proteinaceous exudates. In contrast to this untreated ischemic group, animals treated with the lypoxygenase inhibitor diethylcarbamazine (n = 5) demonstrated a blunted reperfusion-induced rise in MPAP to 17 mmHg (p less than 0.05). There were no increases in LTB4, TxB2, QL or lymph protein clearance (p less than 0.05). WBC count was unchanged and lung leukosequestration was reduced to 40 PMN/10 HPF (p less than 0.05). Decomplementation with cobra venom factor (n = 4) resulted in plasma C3 levels, 10% of baseline, but tourniquet release still led to pulmonary hypertension, elevated LTB4, TxB2 levels, and a decline in WBC count similar to that of untreated ischemic control animals. Histology showed 46 PMN/10 HPF sequestered in the lungs. Further, bilateral hind limb ischemia in either genetically sufficient (n = 10) or deficient (n = 10) C5 mice led to significant lung leukosequestration of 108 and 106 PMN/10 HPF, respectively, compared with 42 and 47 PMN/10 HPF in sham C5(+) and C5 (-) mice (n = 20) (p less than 0.01). These results suggest that the lung leukosequestration and increased microvascular permeability after lower torso ischemia are mediated by the chemotactic agent LTB4, but not by the complement system.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Phenotypic comparison between mesothelial and microvascular endothelial cell lineages using conventional endothelial cell markers, cytoskeletal protein markers and in vitro assays of angiogenic potential.

Endothelial and mesothelial cells are mesodermally derived simple squamous epithelial cells. A controversy concerning the ontogenetic origin of neoplasms derived from these cell types, commonly cited in the literature, is whether Kaposi's sarcoma is a mesothelioma or an angioma. To assess the similarities and differences between these cell types, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC) and pericardial mesothelial cells (PMC) were cultured in vitro. PMVEC and PMC were found to be difficult to distinguish from one another by histological criteria alone. Both cell types formed contact-inhibited, and 'cobblestone', monolayers typical of simple epithelial cells. PMVEC and PMC demonstrated positive immunoreactivity to Factor VIII-related antigen and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) antigen. They also showed uptake of 1,1'-dioctacecyl-1,3,3,3',3-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate acetylated low density lipoprotein (DiI-Ac-LDL) in 4 h. Both PMVEC and PMC expressed low ACE activities when compared to macrovessel endothelial cells. PMVEC and PMC shared similar isoform profiles for vimentin and actin. Both cell types expressed the simple epithelial keratins, cytokeratins 8 and 19, though PMC contained 50% more cytokeratins than PMVEC. Additionally, PMC contained cytokeratin 18, an intermediate filament protein not detectable in PMVEC. PMC formed 15 times as many epithelial ringlets or "stomata" as PMVEC. PMVEC but not PMC could be induced in vitro to differentiate into branching tube-like structures in response to their culture environment. Reorganization of PMVEC into vessel-like structures was more rapid and complete than PMC when embedded in three-dimensional collagen I lattices, cultured on Matrigel or exposed to a shaped-pulsed electromagnetic field. The angiogenic response of PMVEC to specialized culture conditions in vitro may reflect their phenotypic differentiation state characterized by anastomosing vascular structures in vivo, whereas PMC remain differentiated into monolayer sheet-like structures.

Actins↗

PubMed1989

Postischemic renal injury is mediated by neutrophils and leukotrienes.

Neutrophils have been implicated as central mediators in myocardial and skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study tests whether these cellular elements and the chemoattractant leukotriene (LTB4) play a role in postischemic renal failure. Anesthetized rats underwent 45 min of left renal pedicle clamping. Five minutes after reperfusion, LTB4 levels were elevated to 1.42 ng/ml (P less than 0.05); thromboxane (Tx)B2 was 2,840 pg/ml, higher than 503 pg/ml in sham controls (P less than 0.05); renal artery blood flow was 67% of preclamping values at 1 min of reperfusion compared with 111% in sham (P less than 0.05). At 24 h, creatinine levels were 4.6 mg/dl (P less than 0.05). At 24 h, creatinine levels were 4.6 mg/dl (P less than 0.05); histology showed acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Neutrophil depletion by rabbit antiserum (n = 8) led during reperfusion to reduced LTB4 and TxB2 levels, 1.04 ng/ml and 1.043 pg/ml (P less than 0.05); increased renal blood flow of 174% (P less than 0.05); reduced creatinine levels of 1.8 mg/dl (P less than 0.05); and limited ATN. Pretreatment with diethycarbamazine prevented the increases in LTB4 and TxB2 (P less than 0.05), increased renal blood flow (P less than 0.05), minimized creatinine increase to 1.7 mg/dl (P less than 0.05), and reduced ATN. These data indicate that neutrophils and LTB4 play a role in ischemia-induced Tx synthesis and mediate postischemic renal injury.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

PubMed1989

Thromboxane A2 mediates increased pulmonary microvascular permeability following limb ischemia.

Lower torso ischemia and reperfusion lead to respiratory dysfunction characterized by pulmonary hypertension and increased lung microvascular permeability. This is associated with lung leukosequestration and thromboxane (TX) generation. This study tests the role of elevated TX levels following muscle ischemia in mediating remote lung injury. Anesthetized sheep prepared with chronic lung lymph fistulae underwent 2 hours of bilateral hind limb tourniquet ischemia. In untreated controls (n = 7), 1 minute after reperfusion there was a transient increase in plasma immunoreactive (i)-TXB2 levels from 211 to 735 pg/ml (p less than 0.05), and at 30 minutes, lung lymph i-TXB2 levels rose from 400 to 1,005 pg/ml (p less than 0.05). At 1 minute, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) increased from 13 to 38 mm Hg (p less than 0.05) and pulmonary microvascular pressure (Pmv) from 7 to 18 mm Hg (p less than 0.05). Lung lymph flow (QL) rose from 4.3 to 8.3 ml/30 min (p less than 0.05), the lymph/plasma (L/P) protein ratio was unchanged from 0.6, and the lymph protein clearance increased from 2.6 to 4.6 ml/30 min (p less than 0.05). Two hours after reperfusion, neutrophils were observed sequestered in lung capillaries and proteinaceous exudates were found in alveoli in contrast to sham-operated animals (n = 3). To maximize lung vascular surface area and achieve a pressure independent L/P protein ratio a left atrial balloon was inflated during one group of ischemia-reperfusion experiments (n = 5). This resulted in a baseline rise in MPAP to 20 mm Hg (p less than 0.05); a 4.3-fold increase in QL (p less than 0.05), a decrease in the L/P ratio from 0.70 to 0.28 (p less than 0.05) and a protein reflection coefficient (sigma d) of 0.72. During reperfusion the L/P ratio rose to 0.49 (p less than 0.05) and the sigma d decreased to 0.51 (p less than 0.05), documenting an increase in lung microvascular permeability. In contrast to untreated ischemic controls, inhibition of TX synthetase with OKY 046 (n = 6) reduced plasma i-TXB2 levels to 85 pg/ml (p less than 0.05) but also increased i-6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels to 78 pg/ml relative to 15 pg/ml in untreated controls (p less than 0.05). OKY 046 prevented the increase in MPAP, Pmv, QL, and lymph protein clearance (p less than 0.05). Lung histology was normal in distinction to the leukosequestration in untreated ischemic controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Effect of phalloidin on structure and permeability of rete capillaries in the normal and hypoxic state.

The effects of 10(-6) M phalloidin on reperfusion-injured blood capillary structure and permeability were studied in the countercurrent perfused rete mirabile of the eel swim bladder. In the normal rete, the addition of phalloidin to the perfusion medium did not induce morphological or functional changes. When flow was arrested for 30 minutes, during which time the capillaries were exposed to inhibitors of ATP generation, and flow was then resumed with an oxygenated medium, cell membrane blebs and vacuolization, mitochondrial swelling, pericyte shrinkage, and interstitial space edema were observed. The permeability coefficients for labeled albumin, sucrose, and sodium increased to three to four times baseline values, whereas the permeability to water was not significantly modified. When the same protocol was repeated with phalloidin present in the medium throughout the experiment, the structural integrity of the endothelial cells was completely preserved and pericyte shrinkage was abolished, but interstitial space edema still occurred. The permeability to albumin, sucrose, and sodium increased only to 1.5 times baseline values, a significantly decreased increment in comparison with the experiments performed without phalloidin. We concluded that although phalloidin does not improve the capillary barrier of the normal rete, it provides protection against the structural and functional damage induced by hypoxia and reperfusion.

Air Sacs↗

PubMed1989

Pulmonary edema after aneurysm surgery is modified by mannitol.

Abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy (AAA) results in thromboxane (Tx)A2 generation, a rise in mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), leukopenia, and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. This study tests whether mannitol, a hydroxyl radical scavenger, modifies these events. Patients received mannitol 0.2 g/kg (n = 14) or saline (n = 12) intravenously before infrarenal aortic clamping. With saline, 30 minutes after clamping, plasma TxB2 levels rose from 124 to 290 pg/mL (p less than 0.01), and MPAP rose from 19 to 27 mmHg (p less than 0.01). Aortic clamp release led to further increases in plasma TxB2 to 378 pg/mL (p less than 0.01) and MPAP to 34 mmHg (p less than 0.01). The white blood count (WBC) fell from 9800 to 4400/mm3 (p less than 0.01). Four to eight hours after surgery, physiologic shunting (Q[sc]S[xsc]/Q[sc]T[xsc]) rose from 9% to 20% (p less than 0.01) and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) increased from 22 to 32 cmH2O (p less than 0.01). Chest radiography demonstrated pulmonary edema while the pulmonary wedge pressure was 12 mmHg, excluding left ventricular failure. By 24 hours pulmonary edema resolved and the PIP and PaO2 returned to baseline. Mannitol treatment relative to saline, during and after aortic clamping reduced plasma TxB2 levels to 155 and 198 pg/mL, respectively (p less than 0.01); MPAP to 21 and 26 mmHg (p less than 0.01); minimized the decline in WBC to 5850/mm3 (p less than 0.01), and the postoperative rise in Q[sc]S[xsc]/Q[sc]T[xsc] to 12%, and PIP to 28 cmH2O (both p less than 0.01). Chest radiography showed no pulmonary edema. Finally in vitro studies documented that mannitol 1 to 10(-4)M, but not dextrose, in a dose-dependent manner inhibited Tx synthesis by ADP-activated platelets. These data indicate that mannitol maintains pulmonary function after AAA by limiting ischemia-induced thromboxane synthesis.

Aged↗

PubMed1989

Thromboxane mediates the ischemia-induced neutrophil oxidative burst.

Indirect evidence exists that the reperfusion of ischemic tissue activates white blood cells. Thus local and systemic reperfusion injuries are prevented by making animals leukopenic or by inhibiting white blood cell lung entrapment by blocking thromboxane A2 generation. This study tests directly whether ischemia and reperfusion activates neutrophils, as measured by their oxidative burst, and whether thromboxane mediates this event. Anesthetized rats underwent 4 hours of bilateral hind limb tourniquet ischemia followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. Plasma thromboxane B2 levels increased to 2750 pg/ml at 5 minutes of reperfusion, higher than the sham control (n = 36) value of 370 pg/ml (p less than 0.01). In untreated ischemic animals (n = 30) the intracellular H2O2 production of circulating neutrophils, as assayed flow cytometrically by dichlorofluorescein oxidation, increased from a preischemic value of 133 to a peak of 251 femtomoles dichlorofluorescein/neutrophil at 5 minutes of reperfusion (p less than 0.01). Treatment of neutrophils with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) 10(-7) mol/L led to a 91% increase in neutrophil H2O2 production before ischemia, and 5 minutes after reperfusion there was an enhanced response to PMA of 222% (p less than 0.01). Pretreatment of animals with the thromboxane-synthetase inhibitor OKY 046 (n = 36) prevented ischemia-induced thromboxane generation, neutrophil H2O2 production (p less than 0.05), as well as the enhanced response to PMA stimulation (p less than 0.05). Treatment with the thromboxane-receptor antagonist SQ 29,548 (n = 36) did not affect the increase in plasma thromboxane levels after ischemia but was as effective as OKY 046 in preventing the ischemia-induced increase in neutrophil H2O2 production and the enhanced response to PMA stimulation. These data indicate that lower-torso ischemia leads to neutrophil activation, manifest by H2O2 production, an event mediated by thromboxane.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Oxygen free radicals mediate ischemia-induced lung injury.

Lower torso ischemia leads during reperfusion to leukocyte (white blood cell)-dependent lung injury. This study tests the intermediary role of oxygen free radicals (OFRs) in mediating this event. Chronically instrumented anesthetized sheep underwent 2 hours of bilateral hindlimb ischemia. In untreated control animals (n = 7), 1 minute after tourniquet release, mean pulmonary artery pressure rose from 13 to 38 mm Hg (p less than 0.05), whereas pulmonary artery wedge pressure was unchanged from 4 mm Hg. The pulmonary hypertension was temporally related to an increase in plasma thromboxane (Tx) B2 levels from 211 to 735 pg/ml (p less than 0.05). At 30 minutes of reperfusion lung-lymph TxB2 levels rose from 400 to 1005 pg/ml (p less than 0.05). This coincided with an increase in lung-lymph flow from 4.3 to 8.3 ml/30 min (p less than 0.05), which remained elevated for 2 hours, an unchanged lymph/plasma protein ratio, and a rise in lymph protein clearance from 2.6 to 4.6 ml/30 min (p less than 0.05). These changes are consistent with increased lung microvascular permeability. White blood cell count fell during the first hour of reperfusion from 6853 to 3793/mm3 (p less than 0.05), and lung histologic findings showed marked leukosequestration relative to sham animals (n = 3). Pretreatment with the OFR scavengers, superoxide dismutase and catalase both conjugated to polyethylene glycol (n = 6) blunted the rise in mean pulmonary artery pressure to 19 mm Hg (P less than 0.05) and prevented the increase in plasma and lymph TxB2 lymph flow, and lymph protein clearance (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Allopurinol↗

PubMed1988

Prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 secretions by bovine pulmonary microvessel endothelial cells are altered by changes in culture conditions.

The isolation and culture of pulmonary microvascular endothelial (MVE) cells from bovine lungs were established. Primary and early passaged cultures grew best in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% equine plasma-derived serum, bovine retinal growth extract (1%), and heparin (90 micrograms/ml) on gelatin coated plates. A second tissue culture procedure was prepared in which the isolation technique was the same except the culture medium consisted of DMEM supplemented with 10% plasma-derived serum. Either growth medium produced homogeneous, long term, serial cultures for up to 16 passages. MVE cells were characterized in part based on their morphology by light and electron microscopy and positive reaction to Factor VIII-related antigen and uptake of 1,1'-dioctacecyl-1,3,3,3'3-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate acetylated low density lipoprotein (Dil-Ac-LDL). MVE cells were also positive for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and the presence of ACE was localized on the cells by indirect immunofluorescence. MVE cells maintained in the presence of heparin and growth factor principally synthesized prostaglandin (PG) E2 (1512 +/- 159 pg/mg protein at 15 min) and smaller amounts of prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane (Tx) A2 (316 +/- 43 and 588 +/- 105 pg/mg protein/15 min respectively) as measured by radioimmunoassay. However, prostanoid release was not elevated from basal levels upon incubation with arachidonic acid, bradykinin, or ionophore A23187. In contrast, MVE cells cultured without heparin and growth factor secreted more PGI2 than PGE2 (862 +/- 84 and 89 +/- 12 respectively). Incubation with arachidonic acid, bradykinin, or ionophore A23187 induced significant increases in PGI2 and PGE2 production (P less than 0.01). Pulmonary artery endothelial (PAE) cell cultures used as a control for comparison predominantly synthesized PGI2. These findings suggest that in vitro the vessel source and culture conditions may qualitatively and quantitatively affect the pattern and levels of prostanoid synthesized and secreted.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Vasoactive hormones and cAMP affect pericyte contraction and stress fibres in vitro.

Pericytes are contractile cells of the microvascular wall that may influence capillary haemodynamics and permeability. We examined the contractile responses of cultured pericytes to selected vasoactive agents and cAMP agonists. Morphological and biochemical changes associated with these responses were also studied. Pericytes seeded onto silicone rubber contracted when stimulated with histamine or serotonin, relaxed in response to the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol and did not respond to epinephrine. Since hormonal-induced relaxation of vascular smooth muscle involves cAMP, we investigated the ability of cAMP, to modulate pericyte contraction. Dibutyryl cAMP and forskolin (an adenylate cyclase activator) both induced pericyte relaxation and elevated intracellular cAMP levels. Isoproterenol increased cAMP levels but epinephrine had no effect. However, when epinephrine and isoproterenol were co-incubated with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), cAMP was increased to levels above those elicited by these agonists alone. Serotonin and histamine in the presence of IBMX did not affect cAMP levels. These results suggest that certain vasoactive agents may relax pericytes by cAMP-dependent processes. We have shown previously that stress fibres are also involved in pericyte contraction. Hence, changes in the staining patterns of stress fibres in response to these selected agonists were studied. Histamine, serotonin and epinephrine had no apparent effect on stress fibre staining. Dibutyryl cAMP, forskolin, and isoproterenol, which relax pericytes and increase cAMP, disassembled fibres. In summary, the results demonstrate that the contractile activity of cultured pericytes in vitro can be regulated by vasoactive agonists and that changes in cAMP and stress fibres may mediate the regulation.

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