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Differential effect of methotrexate on the increased CCR2 density on circulating CD4 T lymphocytes and monocytes in active chronic rheumatoid arthritis, with a down regulation only on monocytes in responders.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of orally administered methotrexate (MTX) on the density of CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) on circulating monocytes, and the coexpression of CXCR3 and CCR2 on CD4 T lymphocytes in patients with active chronic rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: All 34 patients with rheumatoid arthritis fulfilled the 1987 American Rheumatism Association criteria and were followed for 16 weeks after starting MTX. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analysed for CCR2 and CXCR3 density by three-colour flow cytometry before initiation of MTX and at week 12. RESULTS: 22 (65%) patients were non-responders, 12 (35%) patients responded to MTX by American College of Rheumatology (ACR)20% criteria, and 8 (24%) of these patients responded by ACR50%. In patients with active rheumatoid arthritis before starting MTX, CCR2 density on circulating monocytes, CD4(+) CXCR3(+) and CD4(+) CXCR3(-) T lymphocytes was increased compared with controls. During 12 weeks of MTX treatment, the CCR2 density on monocytes decreased significantly in the ACR50% group but not in the ACR20% and non-responder groups. The increased CCR2 density on CD4(+) CXCR3(+) and CD4(+) CXCR3(-) T lymphocytes was unaffected by the reduction in disease activity measured in relation to MTX treatment. The percentage of both monocytes and CD4(+) CXCR3(+) and CD4+ CXCR3(-) T lymphocytes among the peripheral circulating mononuclear cells did not change during MTX treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Active chronic rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by enhanced CCR2 density on circulating monocytes and CD4(+) CXCR3(+) and CD4(+) CXCR3(-) T lymphocytes. During MTX treatment, a decrease in CCR2 density on monocytes in the ACR50% responder group was associated with decreased disease activity. The increased CCR2 density on CD4(+) CXCR3(+) and CD4(+) CXCR3(-) T lymphocytes was uninfluenced by MTX and disease activity.

Adult↗

Monocyte superoxide anion production in rheumatoid arthritis: preliminary evidence for enhanced rates of superoxide anion production by monocytes from patients receiving penicillamine, sodium aurothiomalate and corticosteroids.

In-vitro studies of superoxide (O-2) anion production by blood monocytes after stimulation with either serum treated zymosan (STZ), IgG treated zymosan (IgGTZ), or fluoride ion (F-) were performed on cells from normal controls (n = 22) and patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 35). Twenty-two of the patients were on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) alone and 13 were on either sodium aurothiomalate, penicillamine, corticosteroids, or a combination. Monocytes from RA patients on 'second-line therapy' showed significantly increased rates of O-2 release in response to STZ compared with normal controls, but no increase was seen in monocytes from patients on NSAID alone. With IgGTZ as the stimulus, rates of O-2 release were increased in monocytes from patients on NSAID alone compared with normal controls (p less than 0.02), but were increased to a greater extent in monocytes from patients on second-line therapy (p less than 0.01). There were no differences in basal unstimulated O-2 production and no differences after stimulation with F-. The enhanced release of O-2 by monocytes from patients on second-line therapy could not be attributed to increased disease activity and may be an effect of therapy.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Differentiation of human monocytes to monocyte-derived macrophages is associated with increased lipoprotein lipase-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression and production: a process involving cell surface proteoglycans and protein kinase C.

The aim of the present study was to (1) evaluate the responsiveness of human mononuclear cells to lipoprotein lipase (LPL), as assessed by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) production, during the process of differentiation of monocytes to macrophages, and (2) determine the mechanisms by which LPL exerts its effect on these cells. Treatment of human monocytes with purified endotoxin-free bovine LPL (1 microgram/mL) resulted in a 161+/-15% increase in TNFalpha production over control values (P<0.01). A further increase in TNFalpha production was observed after treatment of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) with LPL (490+/-81% over control values, P<0.01). Increased TNFalpha mRNA expression and protein kinase C activity were also observed in LPL-treated human monocytes and MDMs. These LPL effects were abrogated by the specific protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C (1 micromol/L). Although heparinase totally abolished LPL-induced TNFalpha production in human monocytes, this agent did not significantly inhibit LPL effect in human MDMs. In contrast, treatment of MDMs with chondroitinase suppressed LPL-induced TNFalpha production. Taken together, these data suggest that (1) differentiation of human monocytes to MDMs is associated with increased LPL-induced TNFalpha mRNA expression and production, (2) a protein kinase C-dependent pathway is involved in the induction of TNFalpha by LPL in these cells, and (3) LPL effect is mediated by cell surface proteoglycans. As MDMs secrete LPL in the vascular wall, we propose that LPL, by acting as an autocrine activator of MDM function, may contribute to the high level of TNFalpha found in the atheromatous lesion.

Cell Differentiation↗

9-cis retinoic acid induces monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion in human monocytic THP-1 cells.

Monocyte migration and activation are regulated by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Prior studies have shown MCP-1 expression is modulated by a variety of ligands that act through extracellular receptors. In the current study, we show 9-cis retinoic acid (RA), a ligand for the nuclear hormone receptor retinoid X receptor (RXR) and retinoic acid receptor (RAR), markedly induces the expression of MCP-1. In human THP-1 monocytic leukemia cells cultured with RA (0.05 to 500 nmol/L), MCP-1 expression was induced rapidly, significantly, and dose-dependently by as much as 165-fold. MCP-1 RNA level was also increased in RA-treated cells. Expression of PPARgamma, a heterodimer partner of RXR, is also markedly induced by RA in THP-1 cells. However, BRL49653, a PPARgamma ligand, failed to induce MCP-1 secretion either alone or to modify the expression level induced by RA. In contrast, BRL49653 significantly increased MCP-1 (biotinylated MCP-1) binding to THP-1 cells, whereas RA had no effect. Other peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) ligands, 15d-PGJ(2) and troglitazone (PPARgamma), Wy14,643 (PPARalpha), and PD195599 (PPARbeta) inhibited the induction of MCP-1 by RA. RA's effect on MCP-1 expression in human elutriated monocytes were similar to that observed in the THP-1 cells. These studies identify RA as a nuclear signal for MCP-1 induction in undifferentiated human monocytic cells. These studies also suggest monocyte MCP-1 expression induced through RA may modulate cell migration.

Alitretinoin↗

Formation of nitric oxide-derived oxidants by myeloperoxidase in monocytes: pathways for monocyte-mediated protein nitration and lipid peroxidation In vivo.

Protein nitration and lipid peroxidation are implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; however, neither the cellular mediators nor the reaction pathways for these events in vivo are established. In the present study, we examined the chemical pathways available to monocytes for generating reactive nitrogen species and explored their potential contribution to the protein nitration and lipid peroxidation of biological targets. Isolated human monocytes activated in media containing physiologically relevant levels of nitrite (NO(2)(-)), a major end product of nitric oxide ((*)NO) metabolism, nitrate apolipoprotein B-100 tyrosine residues and initiate LDL lipid peroxidation. LDL nitration (assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry quantification of nitrotyrosine) and lipid peroxidation (assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography with online tandem mass spectrometric quantification of distinct products) required cell activation and NO(2)(-); occurred in the presence of metal chelators, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and scavengers of hypohalous acids; and was blocked by myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitors and catalase. Monocytes activated in the presence of the exogenous (*)NO generator PAPA NONOate (Z-[N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-(n-propyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2- diolate) promoted LDL protein nitration and lipid peroxidation by a combination of pathways. At low rates of (*)NO flux, both protein nitration and lipid peroxidation were inhibited by catalase and peroxidase inhibitors but not SOD, suggesting a role for MPO. As rates of (*)NO flux increased, both nitrotyrosine formation and 9-hydroxy-10,12-octadecadienoate/9-hydroperoxy-10,12-octadecadieno ic acid production by monocytes became insensitive to the presence of catalase or peroxidase inhibitors, but they were increasingly inhibited by SOD and methionine, suggesting a role for peroxynitrite. Collectively, these results demonstrate that monocytes use distinct mechanisms for generating (*)NO-derived oxidants, and they identify MPO as a source of nitrating intermediates in monocytes.

Apolipoprotein B-100↗

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1-induced monocyte infiltration produces angiogenesis but not arteriogenesis in chronically infarcted myocardium.

BACKGROUND: Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) stimulates the invasion of monocytes into ischemic tissue with concomitant adhesion to endothelial cells. Monocyte stimulation has been shown to be involved in the induction of arteriogenesis, which is the development of functional arterioles resulting in improvement of perfusion. However, angiogenesis (newly developed capillaries contribute to improved tissue perfusion) in several models has not resulted in any improvement in blood flow. OBJECTIVE: The effects of MCP-1 on potential angiogenesis and arteriogenesis as well as changes in left ventricular function were tested in a chronic infarct model in rat hearts. METHODS: Anesthetized rats were subjected to open-chest ligation of the left coronary artery with subsequent myocardial infarction. After 6 weeks, animals were randomized to receive either MCP-1 (3 microL in 0.15 mL NaCl, group 1, n = 9) or saline (0.15 mL, group 2, n = 9), which was injected into the myocardium at the border zones of the infarcts. For assessment of left ventricular dimensions and global cardiac function, transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography was performed at baseline, 6 weeks after myocardial infarction, and 4 weeks after MCP-1 or saline injection, by use of a 12-MHz pediatric transducer. For light microscopic analysis, myocardial tissue was stained with Elastica-van-Giesson and von Willebrand factor for blood vessels and endothelial cells, respectively. In a subset of animals, hearts were excised 24 hours after MCP-1 administration (n = 4) or saline administration (n = 4) for assessment of monocyte infiltration by immunohistologic staining of the CD31 antigen. RESULTS: Left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction changed after coronary occlusion (from 60.4% +/- 2.85% to 24.8% +/- 5.01% ejection fraction in group 1, and from 58.4% +/-2.06% to 26.3% +/- 4.3% ejection fraction in group 2 at 6 weeks, P < .005) without any further change 4 weeks after treatment (ejection fraction in group 1, 26.3% +/- 2.7%, ejection fraction in group 2, 25.0% +/- 5.18%). The MCP-1 group resulted in 390.6 +/- 10.36 endothelial cells compared with 285.2 +/- 13.56 in group 2 (P < .005) at the injection site. Monocyte infiltration was observed at the MCP-1 injection site with an increase in capillary growth (angiogenesis). However, there was no difference in the number of arteriolar structures between animals treated with MCP-1 and saline animals (group 1, 19.0 +/- 1.52 vs group 2, 16.4 +/- 0.68, P > .05). CONCLUSION: A single intramyocardial injection of MCP-1 into the infarct border zone resulted in neo-angiogenesis and monocyte infiltration but not arteriogenesis in the rat heart. There was no functional change of chronically infarcted myocardium in the present model.

Animals↗

Adiponectin-induced secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1, CCL2) and interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8) is impaired in monocytes from patients with type I diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Systemic adiponectin is reduced in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and low adiponectin may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, circulating adiponectin is elevated in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients, who have also a higher incidence to develop CVD. Because monocytes play an important role in atherosclerosis, we analysed the influence of adiponectin on cytokine and chemokine release in monocytes from T1D patients and controls. METHODS: Systemic adiponectin was determined in the plasma and the high-molecular weight (HMW) form of adiponectin was analysed by immunoblot. Monocytes were isolated from T1D patients and controls and the adiponectin-stimulated release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1, CCL2) and interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8) was analysed. RESULTS: Systemic adiponectin was higher in T1D patients. Immunoblot analysis of the plasma indicate abundance of HMW adiponectin in T1D patients and controls. IL-6, CCL2 and CXCL8 secretion in response to adiponectin were found induced in monocytes from controls whereas only IL-6 was upregulated in T1D cells. The induction of IL-6 by adiponectin was abrogated by an inhibitor of the NFkappaB pathway. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that adiponectin-mediated induction of IL-6, CCL2 and CXCL8 is disturbed in monocytes from T1D patients and therefore elevated systemic adiponectin in T1D patients may be less protective when compared to controls.

Adiponectin↗

Differential regulation of chemokine production by Fcgamma receptor engagement in human monocytes: association of CCL1 with a distinct form of M2 monocyte activation (M2b, Type 2).

CC chemokine ligand 1 (CCL1; I-309) is a CC chemokine that interacts with CC chemokine receptor 8, which is preferentially expressed in polarized T helper cell type 2 and Tc2 cells, in eosinophils, and in T regulatory cells. The present study, prompted by transcriptional profiling of human monocytes undergoing different forms of activation, was designed to characterize the production of CCL1 in monocytes compared with the production of other chemokines (CCL2, CCL22, and CCL18) differentially regulated by distinct activation signals. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, IL-6, IL-18, and combinations thereof did not induce CCL1 production in monocytes, and some of these signals stimulated production of reference chemokines. Induction of CCL1 in monocytes required engagement of Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G (FcgammaR)II and exposure to IL-1beta or LPS. This combination of stimuli results in a form of M2 (M2b, Type 2) macrophage activation. FcgammaR engagement also induced CCL22 and amplified its stimulation by IL-4. In contrast, FcgammaR stimulation inhibited the IL-10- and LPS-mediated induction of CCL18. IL-10, IL-4, and IFN-gamma inhibited induction of CCL1 by FcgammaR ligation and IL-1beta. CCL1 was present in synovial fluids and macrophages in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Thus, regulation of CCL1 in human monocytes is unique, with an obligate requirement of FcgammaR engagement and costimulation by signals (IL-1beta and LPS), which use the myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 adaptor protein. Thus, CCL1 is a CC chemokine with a unique pattern of regulation associated with a distinct form of M2 (Type 2, M2b) monocyte activation, which participates in macrophage-dependent regulatory circuits of innate and adaptive immunity.

Arthritis, Juvenile↗

Lidocaine attenuates monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production and chemotaxis in human monocytes: possible mechanisms for its effect on inflammation.

UNLABELLED: The recruitment and activation of peripheral blood monocytes are potentially critical regulatory events for the control of inflammation. Increased levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 have been reported in several inflammatory disorders. In this study, we examined the effect of lidocaine on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated MCP-1 secretion and MCP-1 induced chemotaxis in a human monocytic cell line, THP-1. Lidocaine inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced MCP-1 production as well as messenger RNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrated that lidocaine suppressed MCP-1-induced chemotaxis and peak cytosolic-free calcium in THP-1 cells. These results suggest that lidocaine may modulate MCP-1 production and MCP-1-induced activation in inflammatory cells. IMPLICATIONS: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) plays important roles in the inflammatory processes. Lidocaine may modulate MCP-1-induced monocyte response, as reflected by chemotaxis, cytosolic-free calcium, and lipopolysaccharide-induced MCP-1 production by human monocytic THP-1 cells.

Anesthetics, Local↗

IL-3, GM-CSF and CSF-1 modulate c-fms mRNA more rapidly in human early monocytic progenitors than in mature or transformed monocytic cells.

We have previously shown that a low concentration of CSF-1 (1 U/ml) can trigger human immature monocytic progenitor proliferation in the presence of low concentrations of IL3 (1.7 U/ml). No c-fms down-regulation was observed during this early cell activation. In contrast, 20 U/ml of CSF-1, active on late monocytic cell growth, down-regulated c-fms mRNA expression in immature progenitors and monocytes derived from bone marrow CD34+ cells in culture. We have now extended this study to include the effects of various concentrations of GM-CSF, IL3 and G-CSF on c-fms expression. We observed that high doses of GM-CSF or IL3 down-modulated c-fms mRNA, whereas low doses of GM-CSF or IL3, which were active on early monocytic growth, had no such effect. Similar results were observed at the protein level. In contrast, whatever the concentration, G-CSF had no effect on c-fms mRNA or protein levels. We further observed that the more immature the c-fms expressing progenitors, the faster the down-modulation of this receptor. This was observed within less than 1 hour for immature bone marrow cells, 6 hours for peripheral blood monocytes and even longer for transformed monocytic cells. These results suggest that oncogene expression can be regulated much more rapidly in immature progenitors than was previously observed in mature cells or transformed cell lines.

Cell Differentiation↗

Characterization of IL-4 receptor components expressed on monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages: variation associated with differential signaling by IL-4.

The anti-inflammatory effects of IL-4 on activated monocytes differ from those on monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMac). While IL-4 suppresses LPS-induced IL-1beta , IL-12, IL-10 and TNFalpha production by monocytes, IL-4 suppresses only IL-1beta and IL-12 production by MDMac. The U937 and Mono Mac 6 cell lines have similar cytokine responses to IL-4 as monocytes and MDMac, respectively. The IL-4Ralpha and IL-2Rgamma (gammac) chains are well-characterized components of the IL-4 receptor. Cross-linking studies with 125I-IL-4 revealed that for monocytes and U937 cells, the binding of IL-4 to the receptor components was approximately 1:1 for IL-4Ralpha:gammac. In contrast, for MDMac and Mono Mac 6 cells that have a relative reduction in gammac surface expression, the binding of IL-4 to IL-4Ralpha:gammac was approximately 3:1. Furthermore, IL-4 induced IL-4Ralpha chain phosphorylation more rapidly in MDMac and Mono Mac 6 cells than in monocytes and U937 cells. This study identifies a correlation between altered 125I-IL-4 cross-linking to IL-4Ralpha:gammac, IL-4-induced signaling and regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production by IL-4.

Blotting, Western↗

Phospholipase C-induced monocytic differentiation in a human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1.

Previous studies showed that the human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 can be induced to undergo monocytic differentiation by tumor promoting phorbol esters (TPA), suggesting that protein kinase C (PK-C), the primary binding site of TPA, may play a role in the control of monocytic differentiation: The effect of exogenous phospholipase C (PLC) on THP-1 cells was investigated. Within 24-48 hr, PLC induced over 40% of THP-1 cells to undergo monocytic differentiation as manifested by adherence, growth arrest, functional expression, morphological changes and expression of c-fms gene which encode for M-CSF receptors. Compared to TPA, however, the inducing activity of PLC was weaker, slower and not as effective. PLC treatment also induced a transient expression of c-fos proto-oncogene prior to c-fms expression. On the contrary, the level of c-myc RNA, which is constitutively expressed in THP-1 cells, was down-regulated 48 hr after PLC treatment. The PLC-induced monocytic differentiation in THP-1 cells was inhibited by staurosporine, a potent PK-C inhibitor, further suggesting that direct activation of the PK-C is one of the metabolic events essential for monocytic differentiation. It is postulated that in THP-1 cells the metabolic pathway transducing PK-C activation has been permanently blocked, thereby leading to uncontrolled proliferation without differentiation.

Cell Differentiation↗

Mast cells acquire monocyte-specific gene expression and monocyte-like morphology by overproduction of PU.1.

PU.1 is a myeloid- and lymphoid-specific transcription factor that belongs to the Ets family. Recently, we found that overproduction of PU.1 in mouse bone marrow-derived hemopoietic progenitor cells induced monocyte-specific gene expression and caused their monocyte-like morphological change. In the present study, PU.1 was overproduced by using retrovirus expression system in differentiated bone marrow-derived mast cells. By overexpression of PU.1, cell surface expression of MHC class II, CD11b, CD11c, and F4/80 was induced, accompanied by reduced expression of c-kit, a mast cell-specific marker. Morphology of PU.1-transfected cells was altered toward monocyte-like one. PU.1-overproducing cells acquired T cell stimulatory ability and showed an increase in response to LPS stimulation, while response through FcepsilonRI was markedly reduced by overproduction of PU.1. These results suggest that the differentiated mast cells still have potential to display monocytic features. When PU.1 was overproduced in a different type of mast cell, peritoneal mast cells, similar monocyte-like morphological change, and the expression of CD11b and F4/80 were induced. However, surface level of CD11c and MHC class II was not affected. These results indicate that the potential capacity to exhibit monocytic features is different between both the mast cells.

Animals↗

Expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 precedes monocyte recruitment in a rat model of acute liver injury, and is modulated by vitamin E.

BACKGROUND: Increased expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) has been indicated as a mechanism underlying leukocyte recruitment after liver injury. In this study we examined the temporal relationship between MCP-1 expression and the appearance of monocyte infiltration during acute liver injury. In addition, we tested the effects of vitamin E, a well known antioxidant, on these parameters. Rats were intoxicated with a single intragastric administration of CCl4 with or without pretreatment with vitamin E (atocopherol). METHODS: Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 expression was analyzed by northern blotting and in situ hybridization and monocyte infiltration was determined by ED-1 immunostaining. The results were quantitated by computerized image analysis. Expression of MCP-1 mRNA was significantly increased as early as 12 hours following injury, and progressively increased thereafter. In contrast, a significant increase in the number of ED-1 positive cells, an index of monocyte infiltration, was observed only 24 and 48 hours after injury. RESULTS: Vitamin E markedly reduced MCP-1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels, and caused a significant reduction in the number of monocyte/macrophages, indicating a role for oxidative stress in the induction of MCP-1 expression in vivo. Accordingly, in cultured hepatic stellate cells, different oxidative stress-related molecules increased MCP-1 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest the existence of a direct relationship between MCP-1 expression and monocyte infiltration after acute liver injury, and that preventing the generation of oxidative stress-related molecules results in decreased expression and release of this chemokine.

Animals↗

Loss of CCR2 expression and functional response to monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1) during the differentiation of human monocytes: role of secreted MCP-1 in the regulation of the chemotactic response.

Human peripheral blood monocytes differentiate into macrophages when cultured in vitro for a few days. In the present study, we investigated the expression of C-C chemokine and CXCR4 receptors in monocytes at different stages of differentiation. Culturing of monocytes for 7 days resulted in a progressive decrease of the mRNA that encodes for CCR2 and CCR3, whereas the expression of mRNA for other chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR4, CCR5, and CXCR4) was not substantially affected. The loss of CCR2 mRNA expression in 7-day-cultured macrophages was associated with a strong reduction in the receptor expression at the plasma membrane, as well as in the monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1) binding, as compared with freshly isolated monocytes. Furthermore, the biologic response to MCP-1, as measured by intracellular calcium ions increase and chemotactic response, was lost in 7-day-cultured macrophages. Differentiation of monocytes into macrophages also resulted in an increased secretion of MCP-1 that, at least in part, was responsible for the downmodulation of its receptor (CCR2). The loss of CCR2 expression and the parallel increase of MCP-1 secretion triggered by differentiation may represent a feedback mechanism in the regulation of the chemotactic response of monocytes/macrophages.

Cell Differentiation↗

Serum-induced monocyte differentiation and monocyte chemotaxis are regulated by the p38 MAP kinase signal transduction pathway.

Regulation by the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway of monocytic inflammatory functions was evaluated using L-790,070, a potent and selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase. Three major functions of monocytes were investigated: differentiation, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis. L-790,070 inhibited serum-induced monocyte differentiation with an IC50 of 0.5 nM. Monocyte chemotaxis induced by RANTES, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), monocyte chemotactic protein- (MCP-1), and fMLP were all sensitive to L-790,070. When titrated, L-790,070 inhibited MCP-1-induced chemotaxis in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.3 nM. However, the ability of serum-derived macrophages to phagocytose apoptotic neutrophils was unaffected by L-790,070. The concentration with which L-790,070 inhibited both differentiation and chemotaxis was similar to that necessary to inhibit p38 MAP kinase activation of MAPKAP kinase (0.3 nM) in response to stimulation by lipopolysaccharide. Therefore, the data in this report suggest that the mechanism by which L-790,070 blocked monocyte differentiation and prevented chemotaxis was by inhibiting p38 MAP kinase activity.

Adult↗

A soluble factor produced by inoculation of human monocytes with Leishmania donovani promastigotes suppresses IFN-gamma-dependent monocyte activation.

Whereas human cultured monocytes preactivated with IFN-gamma increase their antileishmanial capacity, monocytes inoculated with Leishmania donovani before IFN-gamma treatment fail to respond with an increase of antileishmanial capacity. Cell surface expression of class II MHC products also fails to be increased by IFN-gamma in the infected monocytes, although the accumulation of HLA-DR alpha-chain mRNA is increased to the same extent in infected and noninfected activated monocytes. This inhibition of monocyte activation is caused in a dose-dependent manner by a soluble substance elaborated into the cell supernatant after inoculation of monocytes with L. donovani and is referred to as activation suppressing factor (ASF). ASF activity can be abrogated by dialysis and by treatment with a proteinase, indicating that ASF is a small peptide.

Animals↗

Coordinated induction of autocrine tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1 in normal human monocytes and the implications for monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity.

Cytokine production and cytotoxicity for tumor cells are two important aspects of monocyte function and the inflammatory response against tumors and infectious agents. In the present studies we provide direct evidence at the mRNA and protein levels for the existence of autocrine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its importance as a mediator of human monocyte cytotoxicity for WEHI-164 tumor cells. The induction of TNF and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA by exogenous TNF or IL-1 beta, as determined by Northern blot analysis, is time dependent in normal human monocytes isolated by countercurrent elutriation. With either TNF or IL-1 beta as the stimulus, TNF mRNA is induced first, peaks within 1-3 h, and declines to nearly undetectable levels by 9 h. TNF mRNA accumulation is enhanced in the presence of cycloheximide indicating that de novo protein synthesis is not required for maximal TNF mRNA induction. In contrast, IL-1 beta mRNA is induced later, peaks at 3-9 h, and remains considerably elevated at 18 h. IL-1 beta mRNA accumulation is partially suppressed in the presence of cycloheximide. TNF and IL-1 beta protein production as assayed by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays correlates well with respective mRNA induction. Both TNF and IL-1 beta enhance monocyte cytotoxicity as single agents; however, their combined effect is less than additive. When both agents are combined, TNF mRNA levels, as assessed by densitometric analysis of slot blots, are approximately equal to those induced by TNF alone. In contrast, IL-1 beta mRNA levels are additive. Our studies provide evidence for highly coordinated and interrelated pathways of autocrine TNF and IL-1 induction in human monocytes and demonstrate the role of TNF and IL-1 in regulating monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity for tumor cells.

Autoradiography↗