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Rolf Uddman

Publications and source records attributed to Rolf Uddman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Topical steroids do not downregulate expression of growth-related oncogene-alpha in nasal polyps.

CONCLUSIONS: Topical steroids did not affect expression of growth-related oncogene-alpha (GRO-alpha) in nasal polyps. The results of this study suggest roles for steroid-resistant gene expression in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and point to the need for additional pharmacological strategies. OBJECTIVE: Infiltration of inflammatory cells is believed to play a role in the development of nasal polyps. GRO-alpha is a chemokine that recruits and activates neutrophils and also possesses growth stimulatory and angiogenetic properties. An increased presence of GRO-alpha has been demonstrated in nasal polyps compared with normal nasal tissue. In this study we evaluate the presence and expression levels of GRO-alpha in nasal polyps before and after glucocorticoid treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nasal polyps were surgically removed in patients before and 6 weeks after treatment with topically applied fluticasone. GRO-alpha gene expression and the presence of GRO-alpha peptide were detected in polyp tissue by means of in situ hybridization, quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Strong GRO-alpha gene expression and the presence of GRO-alpha peptide were seen in both the epithelium and stromal inflammatory cells of nasal polyps. No differences in gene expression levels in tissue homogenates were found when untreated polyp tissue was compared with polyps treated for 6 weeks with topically applied steroids.

Administration, Topical↗

Endothelin ETA and ETB receptor expression in the human trigeminal ganglion.

OBJECTIVES: Endothelin is a potent peptide mediator that is synthesized by a number of cells. Previous studies have revealed the occurrence of endothelin in nerve cell bodies of some peripheral ganglia. Endothelin mediates its effects via two distinct receptor subtypes ETA and ETB. The present study was designed to investigate the presence of these two receptors in the human trigeminal ganglion. METHODS: Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to show the presence of mRNA encoding ETA and ETB receptors in the human trigeminal ganglion. To localize the protein immunocytochemistry with antibodies against the endothelin receptors was used. RESULTS: Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed mRNA for both receptor subtypes in the human trigeminal ganglion. Immunocytochemistry revealed numerous cell bodies containing the ETA and the ETB receptor proteins. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of ETA and ETB receptors in the human trigeminal ganglion suggests a role for endothelin in autonomic and sensory neural transmission.

Aged↗

Downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in nasal polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha, betadelta and gamma are nuclear receptors activated by fatty acid metabolites. An anti-inflammatory role for these receptors in airway inflammation has been suggested. METHODS: Nasal biopsies were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with symptomatic allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps were obtained from 22 patients, before and after 4 weeks of local steroid treatment (fluticasone). Real-time RT-PCR was used for mRNA quantification and immunohistochemistry for protein localization and quantification. RESULTS: mRNA expression of PPARalpha, PPARbetadelta, PPARgamma was found in all specimens. No differences in the expression of PPARs were obtained in nasal biopsies from patients with allergic rhinitis and healthy volunteers. Nasal polyps exhibited lower levels of PPARalpha and PPARgamma than normal nasal mucosa and these levels were, for PPARgamma, further reduced following steroid treatment. PPARgamma immunoreactivity was detected in the epithelium, but also found in smooth muscle of blood vessels, glandular acini and inflammatory cells. Quantitative evaluation of the epithelial immunostaining revealed no differences between nasal biopsies from patients with allergic rhinitis and healthy volunteers. In polyps, the PPARgamma immunoreactivity was lower than in nasal mucosa and further decreased after steroid treatment. CONCLUSION: The down-regulation of PPARgamma, in nasal polyposis but not in turbinates during symptomatic seasonal rhinitis, suggests that PPARgamma might be of importance in long standing inflammations.

Adult↗

Up-regulation of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 in allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptors enable the host to recognize a large number of pathogen-associated molecular patterns such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide, viral RNA, CpG-containing DNA and flagellin. Toll-like receptors have also been shown to play a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immune responses. The role of Toll-like receptors as a primary part of our microbe defense system has been shown in several studies, but their possible function as mediators in allergy and asthma remains to be established. The present study was designed to examine the expression of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 in the nasal mucosa of patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis, focusing on changes induced by exposure to pollen. METHODS: 27 healthy controls and 42 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis volunteered for the study. Nasal biopsies were obtained before and during pollen season as well as before and after allergen challenge. The seasonal material was used for mRNA quantification of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 with real-time polymerase chain reaction, whereas specimens achieved in conjunction with allergen challenge were used for immunohistochemical localization and quantification of corresponding proteins. RESULTS: mRNA and protein representing Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 could be demonstrated in all specimens. An increase in protein expression for all three receptors could be seen following allergen challenge, whereas a significant increase of mRNA only could be obtained for Toll-like receptor 3 during pollen season. CONCLUSION: The up-regulation of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 in the nasal mucosa of patients with symptomatic allergic rhinitis supports the idea of a role for Toll-like receptors in allergic airway inflammation.

Adolescent↗

Prolonged exposure to NT-3 attenuates cholinergic nerve-mediated contractions in cultured murine airways.

Chronic airway inflammation may induce subsequent airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) including pathological alteration of neural activity. Asthmatic airways contain elevated levels of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) albeit, their effect on neural activity is unclear. This study evaluates the effects of NT-3 and BDNF on nerve mediated airway contractions in vitro. Tracheal segments from BALB/c J mice were cultured for 4 days with NT-3 or BDNF. Responsiveness to electric field stimulation (EFS) was evaluated in organ-bath and innervation patterns were examined by quantitative immunohistochemistry. In cultured segments the EFS-induced contractions were inhibited by tetrodotoxin or atropine. NT-3 reduced the EFS contractions in a concentration-dependent manner whereas BDNF had no effect. The amount of nerve fibers, found in conjunction with the tracheal smooth muscle, was similar in NT-3 treated and control segments. In conclusion, NT-3 attenuates cholinergic nerve-mediated contractions of airway in vitro. Considering the elevated levels of NT-3 found in asthmatic airways, the findings imply a protective role of NT-3 in AHR.

Acetylcholine↗

Neurobiology in primary headaches.

Primary headaches such as migraine and cluster headache are neurovascular disorders. Migraine is a painful, incapacitating disease that affects a large portion of the adult population with a substantial economic burden on society. The disorder is characterised by recurrent unilateral headaches, usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia and/or phonophobia. A number of hypothesis have emerged to explain the specific causes of migraine. Current theories suggest that the initiation of a migraine attack involves a primary central nervous system (CNS) event. It has been suggested that a mutation in a calcium gene channel renders the individual more sensitive to environmental factors, resulting in a wave of cortical spreading depression when the attack is initiated. Genetically, migraine is a complex familial disorder in which the severity and the susceptibility of individuals are most likely governed by several genes that vary between families. Genom wide scans have been performed in migraine with susceptibility regions on several chromosomes some are associated with altered calcium channel function. With positron emission tomography (PET), a migraine active region has been pointed out in the brainstem. In cluster headache, PET studies have implicated a specific active locus in the posterior hypothalamus. Both migraine and cluster headache involve activation of the trigeminovascular system. In support, there is a clear association between the head pain and the release of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from the trigeminovascular system. In cluster headache there is, in addition, release of the parasympathetic neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) that is coupled to facial vasomotor symptoms. Triptan administration, activating the 5-HT(1B/1D) receptors, causes the headache to subside and the levels of neuropeptides to normalise, in part through presynaptic inhibition of the cranial sensory nerves. These data suggest a central role for sensory and parasympathetic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of primary headaches. The positive clinical trial with a CGRP receptor antagonist offers a new promising way of treatment.

Animals↗

Toll-like receptor stimulation induces airway hyper-responsiveness to bradykinin, an effect mediated by JNK and NF-kappa B signaling pathways.

Airway infections induce hyper-responsiveness in asthmatic patients. Toll-like receptors (TLR) mediate inflammatory responses to microbes. Occurrence and effects of TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 were examined in a mouse organ culture model of asthma focusing on the smooth muscle responses to bradykinin. TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 mRNA, and TLR2 and TLR4 immunoreactivity were detected in the tracheal muscle layer. Tracheal organ culture for 1 or 4 days with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; TLR2/4 agonist) or polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (poly-I-C; TLR3 agonist) enhanced bradykinin- and [des-Arg(9)]-bradykinin-induced contractions. Simultaneous LPS and poly-I-C treatment resulted in synergistic enhancement of bradykinin-induced contraction. In carbachol-pre-contracted segments TLR stimulation induced less potent relaxations to bradykinin and [des-Arg(9)]-bradykinin. The LPS and poly-I-C enhancement of bradykinin-induced contraction was inhibited by the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin-D, dexamethasone, the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125. LPS and poly-I-C induced translocation of NF-kappa B p65 to the nucleus and up-regulation of kinin B(1) and B(2) receptor mRNA. In summary, TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 are expressed in the mouse tracheal smooth muscle. Costimulation of these receptors results in NF-kappa B- and JNK-mediated transcription of B(1) and B(2) receptor, inducing hyper-responsiveness to bradykinin.

Animals↗

Gene profiling reveals increased expression of uteroglobin and other anti-inflammatory genes in glucocorticoid-treated nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with local glucocorticoids (GCs) decreases symptoms and the size of nasal polyps. This might depend on the downregulation of proinflammatory genes, as well as the upregulation of anti-inflammatory genes. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify GC-regulated anti-inflammatory genes in nasal polyps. METHODS: Affymetrix DNA microarrays were used to analyze the expression of 22,283 genes in 4 nasal polyps before and after local treatment with fluticasone (400 microg/d). Expression of uteroglobin and mammaglobin B was analyzed with real-time PCR in 6 nasal polyps and in nasal biopsy specimens from 6 healthy control subjects. RESULTS: Two hundred three genes had changed in expression in treated polyps, and 139 had known functions: 54 genes were downregulated, and 85 were upregulated. Genes associated with inflammation constituted the largest single functional group. These genes affected key steps in inflammation (eg, immunoglobulin production; antigen processing and presentation; and the chemoattraction and activation of granulocytes, T cells, and B cells). Several proinflammatory genes were downregulated. In contrast, some anti-inflammatory genes were upregulated. The gene that increased most in terms of expression was uteroglobin. This was confirmed with real-time PCR. By contrast, expression of uteroglobin was lower in untreated polyps than in healthy nasal mucosa. Immunohistochemical investigation showed staining of uteroglobin in the epithelium and in seromucous glands in control subjects and in nasal polyps. CONCLUSION: Upregulation of anti-inflammatory genes, such as uteroglobin, might contribute to the effects of local treatment with GCs in nasal polyps.

Adult↗

The presence of heme-oxygenase and biliverdin reductase in human cranial ganglia indicates a role for carbon monoxide in neural transmission.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to localize in cranial ganglia of man the occurrence of the putative gaseous neural messenger carbon monoxide (CO) and the biliverdin degrading enzyme biliverdin reductase (BVR). METHODS: Immunocytochemistry with antibodies against the CO-inducing enzymes HO-1, HO-2, BVR and calcitonin gene-related peptide was used. RESULTS: In the trigeminal ganglion about 60% of the cell bodies exhibited HO-2- and about 40% BVR-immunoreactivity. HO-2- as well as BVR-immunoreactivity was predominantly (78%) expressed in medium-sized cells (30-60 microm). In the superior cervical ganglion about 40% of the cell bodies exhibited HO-2-immunoreactivity. In the sphenopalatine and otic ganglia only a few cell bodies were HO-2 immunoreactive. HO-1, the inducible isoform of heme oxygenase, gave only very weak immunoreactivity in all ganglia examined. Double immunostaining revealed that in the human trigeminal ganglion HO-2 and BVR co-localized with calcitonin gene-related peptide. CONCLUSIONS: The finding suggests that CO might serve as a modulator of synaptic transmission in man.

Aged↗

Nociceptin immunoreactivity and receptor mRNA in the human trigeminal ganglion.

Nociceptin is a peptide transmitter belonging to the opioid family. Nociceptin has recently attracted considerable interest since it appears to exhibit a number of differences to the other opioids. In the present study, we used a nociceptin antibody to map the distribution of nociceptin in the human trigeminal ganglion. In addition, we studied the nociceptin receptor at mRNA levels by RT-PCR and the vasomotor response to nociceptin in human cerebral vessels using a sensitive in vitro method. About 70% of all neuronal cells in trigeminal ganglia were nociceptin immunopositive. Nociceptin was predominantly (78%) expressed in medium-sized cells (30-60 microm). Nociceptin also distributed in small-sized cells (14% of positive cell bodies; <30 microm) and in large-sized cells (8% of positive cell bodies; >60 microm). Double immunostaining showed that in the human trigeminal ganglion nociceptin colocalized with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) or pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP). About 61% of nociceptin positive cells contained CGRP, 54% contained SP, 50% contained NOS and 68% contained PACAP. Immunoreactivity to nociceptin was not detected in human cerebral blood vessels. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction detected the expression of nociceptin receptor mRNA in trigeminal ganglia but not in basilar arteries. To further examine whether there are functional nociceptin receptors in human cerebral arteries, a pharmacological study was done, where cerebral arteries revealed strong contractions to 60 mM K(+) and U466166 and strong relaxation to CGRP. Nociceptin failed to elicit contraction or relaxation. In conclusion, nociceptin is expressed in human trigeminal ganglia but not in cerebral blood vessels. Nociceptin is colocalized with CGRP, SP, NOS and PACAP. Nociceptin receptor mRNA is expressed in human trigeminal ganglia but not in basilar arteries. The functional role of nociceptin may be at the presynaptic level.

Aged↗

Capsaicin receptor immunoreactivity in the human trigeminal ganglion.

The cloned capsaicin receptor, also known as vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1) receptor, has been demonstrated to be an integral membrane protein with homology to a family of putative store-operated calcium channels. The VR1 receptor is activated not only by capsaicin but also by noxious heat and protons, and therefore it is suggested as a molecular integrator of chemical and physical stimuli that elicit pain. In the present study, indirect immunofluorescence detected a small number of neurons that are VR1 receptor immunoreactive (ir) (171 versus 1038 or 16% of all neuronal cell bodies) in the human trigeminal ganglion (TG). In addition, RT-PCR confirmed the presence of VR1 mRNA in the human TG. It has been hypothesized that TG neuronal cell bodies are the source of capsaicin-stimulated release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and hence co-localization experiments were performed. Around 10% of the VR1 receptor-ir is expressed on neurons that contain CGRP-ir (ten among 74) in the human TG, indicating that capsaicin may act through the VR1 receptor to modulate the release of CGRP and in turn to modulate pain. We observed that 8% of the VR1 receptor-ir neuronal cell bodies contain substance P-ir and 5% nitric oxide synthase. Capsaicin can release nitric oxide, CGRP and substance P from sensory nerves and contribute to central sensitization.

Adult↗

Neuropeptide Y Y1 and neuropeptide Y Y2 receptors in human cardiovascular tissues.

mRNA encoding the human NPY Y1 and NPY Y2 receptors were detected in cerebral, meningeal, and coronary arteries using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, the trigeminal and superior cervical ganglia were positive for both receptors. In some arteries and in SK-N-MC cells only mRNA encoding the NPY Y1 was detected. Besides the expected NPY Y1 PCR products, an additional 97 bp longer amplicon originating from an alternative splicing event was found in most tissues studied. Antibodies directed against the NPY Y1 receptor revealed immunostaining mainly in the smooth muscle layer of blood vessels whereas antibodies against the NPY Y2 receptor showed immunostaining in nerve cell bodies.

Alternative Splicing↗

Does nociceptin play a role in pain disorders in man?

Nociceptin-immunoreactive cellbodies were detected in the human trigeminal ganglion, while no such fibers were identified in the temporal artery or in dermal tissue from the neck region. In four healthy subjects receiving nociceptin into the temporal muscle in an open labeled design no pain was detected. In 10 healthy subjects who received 200pmol of nociceptin into tender non-dominant trapezius muscles in a placebo-controlled, randomized, balanced, and double-blinded design local tenderness increased (P=0.025) while no pain was noted. Thus, the action of nociceptin should be searched for in the trigeminal ganglion and/or in the central nervous system (CNS).

Adult↗

PACAP enhances the expression of CD11b, CD66b and CD63 in human neutrophils.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with strong bronchodilator capacity, present in the human airways. There is recent evidence that PACAP decreases the release of proinflammatory cytokines. We have previously shown that PACAP inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis, but altogether little is known about the effects of PACAP on granulocytes. The present study was designed to investigate if PACAP and the closely related peptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) could affect the cell surface expression of CD11b, CD63 and CD66b in human neutrophils. Neutrophils isolated from 12 healthy blood donors were incubated with either PACAP or VIP, and the expression of neutrophil cell surface markers was assessed using flowcytometry. Neutrophils incubated with PACAP38 exhibited a marked, concentration-dependent increase in their expression of CD11b, CD63 and CD66b. In contrast, neutrophils incubated with VIP showed no increase of the investigated surface markers. This indicates a role for PACAP in granulocyte activation, mediated via a pathway not shared with VIP. Together with the previously presented data on leukocyte migration it suggests that PACAP acts as a regulator of neutrophil inflammation.

Antigens, CD↗

An assay to evaluate the long-term effects of inflammatory mediators on murine airway smooth muscle: evidence that TNFalpha up-regulates 5-HT(2A)-mediated contraction.

1. Asthma research is arguably limited by an absence of appropriate animal models to study the pharmacology of inflammatory mediators that affect airway hyperresponsiveness and remodelling. Here we assessed an assay based on mouse tracheal segments cultured for 1-32 days, and investigated contractile responses mediated by muscarinic and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors following long-term exposure to tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha). 2. Following culture, in the absence of TNFalpha, maximum contractile responses to KCl and carbachol were similar, with an increase in response up to day two and a decrease to a stable level after 8 days. Maximal relaxations to isoprenaline were not affected by the culture procedure. The potency of KCl and isoprenaline increased throughout the study. DNA microarray data revealed that global gene expression changes were greater when tissues were introduced to culture than when they were maintained in culture. The morphology of smooth muscle cells was maintained throughout the culture period. 3. 5-HT induced a weak contraction in both fresh and cultured (up to 8 days) segments. Culture with TNFalpha produced a time- and concentration-dependent increase in the maximal contraction to 5-HT, evidently mediated by 5-HT(2A) receptors, whereas, the potency for carbachol was reduced. 4. In conclusion, the phenotype of airway smooth muscle remained largely intact during the culture period, even though minor changes were obtained during the first days of culture. The time-dependent effect of TNFalpha indicates the importance of studying the long-term effect of cytokines on the smooth muscle cells in relation to airway hyperresponsiveness and remodelling.

Animals↗

Heme oxygenase and nitric oxide synthase in human middle ear epithelium indicates local carbon monoxide and nitric oxide production.

The gas mixture of the middle ear differs from that of the atmosphere, a fact that has been attributed to gas exchange across the middle ear mucosa. Several diseases of the middle ear seem to be related to impaired ventilation together with conjunctional changes in pressure and gas composition. Carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) have recently been shown to be endogenously produced in the human lung as well as in the nasal airways. The production of CO and NO is enzymatically regulated by heme oxygenase (HO) and NO synthase (NOS), respectively. These enzymes display isoforms that are both constitutively expressed [HO-2, endothelial NOS (eNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS)] and inducible [HO-1, inducible NOS (iNOS)] following different types of stimulation. The present study was designed to investigate the presence of HO-1, HO-2 and eNOS in the middle ear epithelium, using immunocytochemistry. Specimens from human middle ear mucosa obtained at autopsy and during surgery revealed HO-1-, HO-2- and eNOS-like immunoreactivity, indicating the possibility of local CO and NO production in the middle ear. If this assumption is true, it may affect our understanding of middle ear physiology and give new insights into the mechanisms behind middle ear pathology.

Carbon Monoxide↗

Epithelial cells in nasal fluids from patients with allergic rhinitis: how do they relate to epidermal growth factor, eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein?

The nasal epithelium protects the underlying tissue from damage. Epithelial cell growth is controlled by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and is possibly affected by toxic proteins, e.g. eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). The aims of this study were to examine nasal fluid epithelial cell counts and their relations to EGF, eosinophils and ECP in 23 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and 20 healthy controls. Nasal fluid epithelial cell counts were lower in patients than in controls. EGF levels did not differ between patients and controls, and correlated with epithelial cell counts in controls but not in patients. Eosinophils and ECP were higher in patients than in controls, but did not correlate with epithelial cell counts. The role of growth factors, such as EGF, in regulating epithelial cells merits further study.

Adolescent↗

A decrease in maxillary sinus pressure, as seen in upper airway allergy or infection, results in an increase in upper airway nitric oxide levels.

The paranasal sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity via small osties. Ostial occlusion, caused by mucosal swelling, will result in a slowly increasing negative pressure inside the sinus cavity. In parallel, the oxygen content in the sinus will decrease, resulting in the development of relative hypoxia. Hypoxia is a powerful inducer of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, and inducible NO synthase has been shown to be present in considerable amounts in the upper airways, including the sinuses. The present study was designed to investigate whether a reduction in sinus pressure would affect upper airway NO production. Thirteen healthy volunteers were investigated. A pressure chamber was used to lower the ambient pressure to -4.9 kPa. NO was sampled from one nostril or via a drainage tube inserted into the maxillary sinus before, during and after the hypobaric exposure. When the pressure was decreased, NO levels increased from 256 +/- 15 to 316 +/- 19 ppb (n = 13, p < 0.001). The NO levels remained elevated (282 +/- 21 ppb; p < 0.05) when measurements were repeated 20 min after leaving the chamber. The nasal airway resistance (V2tot) also increased as a result of the chamber session (from 16 +/- 2 degrees before to 21 +/- 3 degrees after; p < 0.05). An increase in NO levels was also found when the experiments were repeated with NO sampled directly from the maxillary sinus (225 +/- 6 before and 265 +/- 9 ppb after; n = 6, p < 0.001). For control purposes the nasal analyses were repeated again, this time under hyperbaric conditions (+ 4.9 kPa). This resulted in a slight decrease in the NO levels (from 273 +/- 22 to 241 +/- 17 ppb; n = 10, p < 0.001), but there was no change in the nasal airway resistance. We conclude that a reduction in sinus pressure, as seen in upper airway allergy or infection, may result in an increase in upper airway NO production.

Adult↗