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Biomedical subjects

J M Wang

Publications and source records attributed to J M Wang.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 alpha expression in a murine model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) are two important proinflammatory cytokines that may be involved in allergic inflammatory processes. We recently developed a murine model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis characterized by eosinophilic and lymphocyte lung infiltration and increased serum and bronchoalveolar lavage immunoglobulin E concentration. In this study we examined the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha in the lung tissue sections of C57BL/6 mice that were intranasally challenged with Aspergillus fumigatus antigen or saline on the first 3 days of each week and sacrificed on days 4, 7, 14, and 21. Compared with the control mice, A. fumigatus treated mice had a remarkable increase of TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha expression in the lung on days 4, 14, and 21, with a slight increase on day 7. The major types of cells expressing TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha included alveolar macrophages, endothelial cells, and bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells. Consistent with increased expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression also was upregulated in the lung of A. fumigatus treated mice; its time course and cell types were similar to those of TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha expression. These results suggest that TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha may be involved in the A. fumigatus induced inflammatory process and that upregulated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression may represent one of the roles played by TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha in this murine model.

Animals↗

Posterior pedicular screw instrumentation and anterior interbody fusion in adult lumbar spondylolysis or grade I spondylolisthesis with segmental instability.

Between 1988 and 1993, we treated 21 adults with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis by a combined surgery of posterior stabilization and anterior interbody fusion. Our indication for this combined surgery was persistent pain that was unresponsive to conservative measures and segmental instability on flexion-extension roentgenogram. The patients' mean age at the time of surgery was 34 years (range 24-42 years). All patients showed degenerated disks on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The mean follow-up period was 30.4 months. The clinical result was excellent or good in 95%, and the radiographic fusion was successful in 95%. Prolonged pain at the donor site was the most common complication, which usually disappeared by 3 months after the operation. We recommend the combined surgery of posterior instrumentation and anterior fusion to stabilize symptomatic adult lumbar spondylolysis.

Adult↗

Phenotype plasticity and immunocytochemical evidence for ChAT and D beta H co-localization in fetal pig superior cervical ganglion cells.

The early expression of the cholinergic phenotype in sympathetic neurons was already studied in superior cervical ganglion cells derived from rat, quail and chicken embryo. In the present work, we set up a neuron culture derived from the superior cervical ganglia of fetal pigs. The yield is 1000 times of that of a neonatal rat [17], 100 times of a 10- to 13-day-old chick embryo [26] and 20 times of a 10-day-old quail embryo [3]. This high yield will greatly facilitate further biochemical studies concerning neuronal differentiation. Using these cells as a model, the phenotype plasticity was studied by both biochemical and immunocytochemical methods in normal physiological medium, in a high KCl (30 mM) medium and in a splenocyte co-culture. The phenotype shift occurs in the normal physiological medium and in the splenocyte co-culture, but not in the high KCl medium. Taking into account the species difference, the fetal pig superior cervical ganglion neurons behave in a comparable manner as reported in earlier studies for other animal models. Moreover, for the first time, using immunocytochemical methods, direct evidence for a co-localization of choline-acetyl-transferase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in mammalian fetal sympathetic neurons, at least during a certain period, is given.

Animals↗

Serum amyloid A induces calcium mobilization and chemotaxis of human monocytes by activating a pertussis toxin-sensitive signaling pathway.

We have previously reported that serum amyloid A (SAA) induces adhesion and chemotaxis of human monocytes and polymorphonuclear neutrophils, in vitro as well as in vivo. Since the mechanism of SAA signaling is unknown, we have investigated the possibility that SAA, like other chemoattractants such as the chemotactic peptide FMLP and chemokines, might induce migration of monocytes by G protein activation. We report here that preincubation of monocytes with pertussis toxin (PTx) inhibited SAA chemotaxis, while incubation with cholera toxin (CTx) did not. Staurosporine and H-7, both inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), significantly decreased rSAA-induced chemotaxis of monocytes, suggesting that PKC may be involved in the rSAA signaling pathway. Moreover, rSAA, at concentrations that were effective in chemoattracting monocytes, resulted in transient elevation of cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and incubation of cells with PTx markedly inhibited the mobilization of Ca2+ in response to rSAA. This suggests that both chemotaxis and the rise in [Ca2+]i, are mediated by G proteins of the Gi class. The increase in [Ca2+]i, induced in monocytes by rSAA, was comparable to that elicited by FMLP, and was severalfold greater than that induced by optimal concentrations of chemokine beta-family members such as RANTES, MCAF/MCP-1, and MIP-1 alpha. The chemoattractants FMLP, RANTES, MIP-1 alpha, and MCAF/MCP-1, all failed to desensitize rSAA-induced Ca2+ influx and chemotaxis in monocytes. This suggests that SAA uses a distinct receptor that is coupled to PTx-sensitive G proteins.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP3) interacts with multiple leukocyte receptors. C-C CKR1, a receptor for macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha/Rantes, is also a functional receptor for MCP3.

Monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP3) is recently identified and molecularly cloned C-C chemokine that is chemotactic for and activates a great variety of inflammatory cell types. MCP3 has been reported to interact with several C-C chemokine receptors, which can be simultaneously or selectively expressed on leukocyte subpopulations. In order to isolate receptor(s) for MCP3, a cDNA library was constructed using mRNA from a human NK-like cell line, YT. These cells showed high affinity binding sites for 125I-MCP3 and migrated in response to MCP3. A chemokine receptor cDNA clone, designated YT4, was sequenced and found to be identical to the known C-C CKR1 or macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP1 alpha)/Rantes receptor. YT4 cDNA was subcloned into a mammalian expression vector, and stable transfectants were prepared using the embryonic kidney cell line 293. The transfectants (YT4/293) showed high affinity binding for 125I-MCP3 in addition to specifically binding 125I-MIP1 alpha and 125I-Rantes. All three C-C chemokines were able to cross-compete for binding sites on YT4/293 cells and induced directional migration of YT4/293 cells in vitro, with MCP3 being the most potent chemoattractant. MCP3, MIP1 alpha, and Rantes were equally able to cross-attenuate the migratory response of YT4/293 cells to one another. In contrast, MCP1 and MIP1 beta had very limited capacity to compete for MCP3 binding on YT4/293 cells and had only a minor attenuating effect on MCP3-induced migration. Since MCP3 has been reported to use MCP1 receptor(s), our results with transfected 293 cells expressing only C-C CKR1 clearly establish that C-C CKR1 is also a functional receptor for MCP3.

Binding, Competitive↗

Irradiation induces up-regulation of E9 protein (CD105) in human vascular endothelial cells.

The use of MAb E-9 raised against tissue-cultured endothelial cells (EC) has shown marked heterogeneity in vascular EC lining the blood vessels of normal and tumour tissues. MAb E-9 is human EC-specific and the protein recognized by it is a homodimer with a molecular mass of 97 kDa. The E-9 protein is resistant to treatment by 3 mM sodium periodate, but is sensitive to 10% trichloroacetic acid and 70% ethanol. E-9 protein has been assigned to a new cluster, CD105, and mapped to human chromosome 9q3. It has approximately 70% homology with type-III cell-surface receptor for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Recently CD105 has been reported to be the gene in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. We have examined the effects of radiation on its expression in normal human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and brain-tumour-derived endothelial cells (BTEC). Irradiation induced dose- and time-dependent up-regulation in the expression of the E-9 protein on the plasma membranes of EC, and also resulted in greater increase in the expression of the E-9 protein in semi-confluent (proliferating) as compared with confluent (non-proliferating) EC. It may well be that, following radiotherapy in cancer patients, E-9 protein is also up-regulated. The presence of increased amounts of E-9 protein in EC makes it an attractive target in the control of angiogenesis, especially after radiotherapy in cancer patients. The time scale involved in the up-regulation of E-9 protein following irradiation has led us to suggest that it may be a secondary event, the primary being the production and release of mitogenic factors (such as basic fibroblast growth factor) from irradiated EC.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

A novel biologic function of serum amyloid A. Induction of T lymphocyte migration and adhesion.

In the course of an inflammatory response, the concentration of serum amyloid A (SAA), a hepatocyte-derived acute phase protein, increases up to 1000-fold above the normal level. Although SAA was previously thought to be immunosuppressive, we recently reported that SAA is a potent chemoattractant for monocytes and neutrophils. The present study shows that recombinant human (rh) SAA also induces directional migration of T cells in vitro. Phenotypic analyses revealed that CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets were equally responsive to rhSAA, whereas CD45RA cells were also not selectively attracted by rhSAA. The T cell chemotaxis induced by rhSAA was inhibited by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin, suggesting the interaction of rhSAA with a G-protein-coupled receptor species. T cells pretreated with an optimal concentration of SAA exhibited enhanced adherence to human umbilical cord endothelial cell monolayers. Subcutaneous administration of rhSAA into huPBL-SCID mice caused the infiltration of human T lymphocytes at the injection sites by 4 h. These results suggest that SAA may play an important role in recruiting T lymphocytes, as well as neutrophils and monocytes into inflammatory lesions.

Animals↗

Molecular variants in the P450c11AS gene as determinants of aldosterone synthase activity in the Dahl rat model of hypertension.

Dahl salt-sensitive (S) and salt-resistant (R) rats are widely used to study genetic determinants of salt-sensitive hypertension. Differences in blood pressure under a high sodium diet in these two strains may be due to differences in the synthesis of 18-OH-11-deoxycorticosterone (18-OH DOC). This difference in 18-OH-DOC synthesis is due to mutations in the Dahl R rat's gene for P450c11 beta (11 beta-hydroxylase), an adrenal enzyme involved in the synthesis of both corticosterone and 18-OH DOC from 11-deoxycorticosterone. Aldosterone/renin ratios in plasma and in the adrenals are greater in Dahl S than R rats, suggesting an altered physiologic relationship between the renin-angiotensin and aldosterone systems between these strains. We demonstrate that the mRNA for P450c11AS, (aldosterone synthase), an enzyme required for aldosterone synthesis, is identical in the Dahl S rat and in normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats, but that P450c11AS mRNA from the Dahl R rat contains 7 mutations that result in two amino acid substitutions. These two changes result in a form of P450c11AS that has a greater apparent Vmax and lower apparent Km, resulting in an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 11-deoxycorticosterone to aldosterone at a greater rate in Dahl R rats than the P450c11AS in Dahl S rats or Sprague-Dawley rats. Although plasma and adrenal renin are lower in Dahl S versus R rats, the regulation of P450c11AS mRNA expression in rats fed a low and high salt diet are identical in these strains. The current findings may explain both the reduced aldosterone concentrations and increased aldosterone/renin ratios previously reported in the Dahl S versus Dahl R rat.

Animals↗

Interleukin-8 receptor beta. The role of the carboxyl terminus in signal transduction.

Two interleukin-8 (IL-8) receptors, alpha and beta, have been identified and cloned. Both receptors are thought to transduce signals by coupling to GTP-binding proteins. The aim of this study is to determine whether the carboxyl terminus (C') of IL-8 receptor beta (IL-8R beta) is involved in signaling in response to IL-8. We have constructed a number of IL-8R beta genes that encode truncated forms of the IL-8R beta. The deletions consisted of amino acids 349-355, 336-355, 325-355, and 317-355 (termed beta 2, beta 3, beta 4, and beta 5, respectively). 293 human embryonic kidney cells were transfected with the wild type IL-8R beta (beta 1) and with these mutants. Cells transfected with the mutated receptors expressed the receptors and bound IL-8 with the same high affinity as cells transfected with the wild type receptor. The capacity of the mutated receptors to convey functional signals was evaluated by comparing the chemotaxis index of cells expressing the C'-truncated receptors to the index of cells expressing the wild type receptor. The results indicate that while cells expressing beta 1, beta 2, beta 3, and beta 4 were chemoattracted in response to IL-8, cells expressing beta 5 did not migrate in response to IL-8 stimulation. Therefore, the data suggest that amino acids 317-324 are involved in signaling by IL-8R beta.

Chemotaxis↗

Monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP3) interacts with multiple leukocyte receptors: binding and signaling of MCP3 through shared as well as unique receptors on monocytes and neutrophils.

The diversity of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)3 target cell types, as well as the capacity of MCP3 to desensitize leukocyte responses to other CC chemokines, suggested that MCP3 may interact with multiple CC chemokine receptors. The purpose of this study is to establish how MCP3 binds and activates monocytes and neutrophils. We show that human monocytes exhibit high-affinity binding for 125I-MCP3 with an estimated Kd of 1-3 nM and about 10,000 binding sites/cell. The binding of 125I-MCP3 to monocytes was progressively less well competed by CC chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)1 alpha (Kd = 5-10 nM), RANTES (Kd = 5-10 nM), MCP1 (monocyte chemoattractant and activating factor, or MCAF) (Kd = 60 nM) and MIP1 beta (Kd > 100 nM). On the other hand, unlabeled MCP3 displaced the binding of radiolabeled MIP1 alpha, RANTES, MCP1 and MIP1 beta as effectively as the isologous CC chemokines. In agreement with the binding data, pretreatment of monocytes with MCP3 completely desensitized the calcium flux in response to MIP1 alpha and RANTES. However, MIP1 alpha and RANTES failed to desensitize the response of monocytes to MCP3. MCP3 and MCP1 partially desensitized each other's effects on monocytes. These binding and cross-desensitization results suggest that MCP3 binds and signals through other binding sites in addition to those shared with MIP1 alpha, RANTES and MCP1. The unidirectional competition for MIP1 beta binding and signaling by MCP3 suggests the existence of an as-yet unidentified site for MCP3 shared with MIP1 beta. The existence of another unique binding site(s) for MCP3 was further shown by the failure of any of the other CC chemokines to compete effectively for MCP3 binding on neutrophils. MCP3 in our study was also the only human CC chemokine that consistently chemoattracted neutrophils. These results suggest that MCP3 is a ligand that can bind and activate a broad range of target cells through receptors shared by other CC chemokines as well as its own receptor.

Calcium↗

Modulation of IL-8 receptor expression on purified human T lymphocytes is associated with changed chemotactic responses to IL-8.

Interleukin-8 is a member of the chemokine superfamily and is a major mediator of acute inflammation. Although IL-8 has been reported by some laboratories also to be a chemoattractant for T lymphocytes, this has been difficult to confirm and remains a controversial issue. By using freshly purified human T cells (90-95% CD3+), we could demonstrate consistent directional migration of T cells to recombinant human IL-8. IL-8 was as potent as RANTES, MIP1 alpha, and MIP1 beta in inducing T cell chemotaxis. Highly purified T cells, however, incubated at 37 degrees C for more than 12 h or cultured overnight with anti-CD3 antibody cross-linked to plastic dishes, showed a markedly reduced capacity to migrate in response to IL-8. This was associated with a decrease in binding of radioiodinated IL-8 to T cells. Northern blot and polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that freshly purified T cells expressed mRNA for both IL-8 receptor type A and type B. Steady-state levels of mRNA for the IL-8RA and IL-8RB genes were also reduced by incubation of the cells with or without anti-CD3 for 12 h at 37 degrees C. These results indicate that T cells are indeed one of the target cell populations for IL-8. The regulation of IL-8 receptor expression on T lymphocytes may contribute to the pathophysiological role of IL-8 in inducing the homing and infiltration of T cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Mapping and sequence analysis of the gene encoding the beta subunit of the epithelial sodium channel in experimental models of hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether mutations in the beta subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (Scnn1b) contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and the Dahl salt-sensitive rat. DESIGN: We determined the chromosome location of the rat Scnn1b gene, tested for cosegregation with blood pressure, and sequenced near full-length Scnn1b complementary DNAs (cDNAs) from SHR and Dahl salt-sensitive rats. METHODS: Chromosome mapping was performed by somatic cell hybrid analysis and by linkage analysis in recombinant inbred strains derived from SHR and Brown-Norway rats. Cosegregation analysis was performed by testing for correlations between blood pressure and Scnn1b genotypes in these strains. DNA sequencing was performed on cDNAs prepared from reverse-transcribed messenger RNA derived from rat kidney. RESULTS: The Scnn1b gene was closely linked to the Sa gene on rat chromosome 1. Blood pressure correlated significantly with Scnn1b gene in the recombinant inbred strains. Analysis of near full-length Scnn1b cDNAs from SHR and Dahl rats failed to reveal any coding sequence mutations that could affect the predicted amino acid sequence of the Scnn1b protein. CONCLUSION: The Scnn1b gene maps near the Sa gene in a region of rat chromosome 1 involved in the inherited control of blood pressure. If disordered activity of the epithelial cell sodium channel contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension in the SHR or Dahl models, it must stem from genetic lesions in sequences that regulate Scnn1b function or in sequences important to the structure or function of the other sodium channel subunits.

Animals↗

Increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in a murine model of pulmonary eosinophilia and high IgE level.

T lymphocytes and eosinophils are probably involved in the pathogenesis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a disease characterized by pulmonary eosinophilia and high serum and lavage IgE levels. We recently developed a murine model of ABPA. To investigate the mechanisms of T lymphocyte and eosinophil recruitment to the lung in this disease, we examined the expression of ICAM-1 in the lung tissue of mouse challenged with Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) antigen. C57B1/6 mice were intranasally exposed to Af (Af group) or saline (control group) three times a week for 1, 2 or 3 weeks. On days 4, 7, 14 and 21, mice were killed and lung tissue was fixed in acetone and embedded in glycol methacrylate. Serial 2-microns sections were stained with chromotrope 2R and MoAbs against ICAM-1, CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1) and CD3. Af-challenged mice presented significant increases in eosinophil, T lymphocyte and LFA-1-positive cell count and up-regulated expression of ICAM-1 in the lung tissue at all the time points examined. ICAM-1 expression intensity correlated with the number of T lymphocytes (r = 0.59, P < 0.01), LFA-1-positive cells (r = 0.68, P < 0.001), but not of eosinophils (r = -0.24, P > 0.05). These findings suggest that up-regulation of ICAM-1 expression is involved in the inflammatory process of this murine model of ABPA, and that this up-regulation may be more relevant to the the T lymphocyte accumulation in the lung.

Animals↗

Mapping of quantitative trait loci for blood pressure and cardiac mass in the rat by genome scanning of recombinant inbred strains.

In the HXB and BXH recombinant inbred strains derived from the spontaneously hypertensive rat and the normotensive Brown Norway rat, we determined the strain distribution patterns of 500 genetic markers to scan the rodent genome for quantitative trait loci regulating cardiac mass and blood pressure. The markers spanned approximately 1,139 cM of the genome and were tested for correlations with left ventricular mass adjusted for body weight, and with systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures. The marker for the dopamine 1A receptor (Drd1a) on chromosome 17 showed the strongest correlation with left ventricular heart weight (P = .00038, r = -0.59) and the relationship to heart weight was independent of blood pressure. The markers showing the strongest correlations with systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure were D19Mit7 on chromosome 19 (P = .0012, r = .55), D2N35 on chromosome 2 (P = .0008, r = .56), and Il6 on chromosome 4 (P = .0018, r = .53), respectively. These studies demonstrate that the HXB and BXH strains can be effectively used for genome scanning studies of complex traits and have revealed several chromosome regions that may be involved in the genetic control of blood pressure and cardiac mass in the rat.

Animals↗

Conversion of angiotensin II into active fragments by an endosomal pathway in bovine adrenal medullary cells in primary culture.

We previously demonstrated that angiotensin II (AII) is internalized in primary cultures of bovine adrenal medullary cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. In the present work, we followed internalized AII in these cells by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy combined with analytical subcellular fractionation techniques and compared its fate with that of transferrin and horseradish peroxidase. The integrity of [125I]AII was investigated by chromatography. With pulse-chase experiments, internalized AII could only be detected in endosomes using either fluorescence microscopy or fractionation studies. With chase, most of the radioactivity initially associated with the cells was rapidly released into the medium, as converted fragments (> 60%), essentially as AIV (80% of the fragments). Fragments efficiently bound to bovine adrenal medullary and cortical cells, a binding that was specifically displaced by AIV > AIII = AII. These results indicate that AII is taken up in bovine adrenal medullary cells and can be rapidly converted in the endosomal pathway into fragments that bind specifically to putative angiotensin receptors. These fragments are presumably biologically active and could act on either the chromaffin cell itself (autocrine) or the cortical cells (paracrine).

Adrenal Medulla↗

Receptor-mediated internalization of angiotensin II in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells in primary culture.

Binding and internalization of angiotensin II (AII) were studied on bovine adrenal medullary cells in primary culture. Binding of [125I]AII was reversible, saturable, specific and showed high affinity. AII was found to be internalized by bovine adrenal medullary cells. Monensin increased whereas phenylarsine oxide (PhAsO) decreased the internalization. Excess of unlabelled AII or saralasin could block the internalization, indicating a receptor mediated internalization process. The kinetic analysis indicated that, during the first 4 min, about 25% of the membrane bound ligand was internalized per min and the recycling of internalized ligand and receptor initiated around 4 min.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Synergy of IL-1 and stem cell factor in radioprotection of mice is associated with IL-1 up-regulation of mRNA and protein expression for c-kit on bone marrow cells.

Administration of IL-1 and stem cell factor (SCF) to mice 18 h before lethal 60Co whole-body irradiation resulted in synergistic radioprotection, as evidenced by increased numbers of mice surviving 1,200 to 1,300 cGy doses of radiation and the recovery of increased numbers of c-kit+ bone marrow cells at 1 and 4 days after the lethal dose of 950 cGy. Anti-SCF Ab inhibited IL-1-induced radioprotection, indicating that endogenous production of SCF is necessary for radioprotection by IL-1. Conversely, radioprotection induced by SCF was reduced by anti-IL-1R Ab, indicating that endogenous IL-1 contributes to SCF radioprotection. SCF, unlike IL-1 does not induce hemopoietic CSFs and IL-6 or gene expression of a scavenging mitochondrial enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase in the bone marrow, suggesting that SCF and IL-1 radioprotect by distinct pathways. The mRNA expression for c-kit (by Northern blot analysis) and 125I-SCF binding on bone marrow cells was elevated within 2 and 4 h of IL-1 administration respectively. Four days after LD 100/30 radiation the recovery of c-kit+ bone marrow cells was increased sixfold in IL-1-treated mice, almost 20-fold in SCF-treated mice, and 40-fold in mice treated with the combination of the two cytokines. Thus, endogenous production of both IL-1 and SCF is required for resistance to lethal irradiation and the synergistic radioprotective effect of the two cytokines may, in part, depend on IL-1 and SCF-induced increases in numbers of c-kit+ hemopoietic stem and progenitors cells that survive lethal irradiation.

Adrenalectomy↗

Serum amyloid A is a chemoattractant: induction of migration, adhesion, and tissue infiltration of monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein that in the blood is bound to high density lipoproteins; SAA is secreted mainly by hepatocytes, and its concentration increases in the blood up to 1000 times during an inflammatory response. At present, its biological function is unclear. Since some forms of secondary amyloidosis are caused by deposition in tissues of peptides derived from the SAA and leukocytes seem to be involved in this process, we investigated the effect of human SAA on human monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN). When recombinant human SAA (rSAA) was used at concentrations corresponding to those found during the acute phase (> 0.8 microM), it induced directional migration of monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Preincubation of rSAA with high density lipoproteins blocked this chemoattractant activity for both monocytes and PMN. rSAA also regulated the expression of the adhesion proteins CD11b and leukocyte cell adhesion molecule 1 and induced the adhesion of PMN and monocytes to umbilical cord vein endothelial cell monolayers. When subcutaneously injected into mice, rSAA recruited PMN and monocytes at the injection site. On the basis of these data, we suggest that SAA may participate in enhancing the migration of monocytes and PMN to inflamed tissues during an acute phase response.

Animals↗