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Phospholipid turnover during phagocytosis in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

We have previously observed that the phagocytosis of zymosan particles coated with complement by human polymorphonuclear leucocytes is accompanied by a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of phosphatidylcholine synthesis by transmethylation [García Gil, Alonso, Sánchez Crespo & Mato (1981) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.101, 740-748]. The present studies show that phosphatidylcholine synthesis by a cholinephosphotransferase reaction is enhanced, up to 3-fold, during phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear cells. This effect was tested by both measuring the incorporation of radioactivity into phosphatidylcholine in cells labelled with [Me-(14)C]choline, and by assaying the activity of CDP-choline:diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase. The time course of CDP-choline:diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase activation by zymosan mirrors the inhibition of phospholipid methyltransferase activity previously reported. The extent of incorporation of radioactivity into phosphatidylcholine induced by various doses of zymosan correlates with the physiological response of the cells to this stimulus. This effect was specific for phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine turnover was not affected by zymosan. The purpose of this enhanced phosphatidylcholine synthesis is not to provide phospholipid molecules rich in arachidonic acid. The present studies show that about 80% of the arachidonic acid generated in response to zymosan derives from phosphatidylinositol. A transient accumulation of arachidonoyldiacylglycerol has also been observed, which indicates that a phospholipase C is responsible, at least in part, for the generation of arachidonic acid. Finally, isobutylmethylxanthine and quinacrine, inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol turnover, inhibit both arachidonic acid generation and phagocytosis, indicating a function for this pathway during this process.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Contraction failure of skeletal muscle of rats recovering from critical illness.

1. Most patients recovering from critical illness experience enhanced fatiguability. Previously we have shown that zymosan-induced critical illness in rats is attended by a decreased mitochondrial content (maximal aerobic capacity) in skeletal muscle. We investigated whether this decrease results in an increased reduction in high-energy phosphates and a subsequent loss of contractility during in situ electrical stimulation in rats recovering from zymosan treatment. 2. Plantar-flexor muscles of the hindlimb were electrically stimulated via the innervating nerve to develop maximal isometric tetanic contraction. 3. Decreased concentrations of ATP were measured in gastrocnemius muscle of zymosan-treated rats, both at rest and after stimulation, in comparison with ad libitum-fed and pair-fed control rats. However, no differences in the stimulation-induced decreases in high-energy phosphate levels and changes in other metabolites, except ADP, were observed between the groups. Tension development in the zymosan-treated rats was, however, about 85% less compared with the pair-fed controls during the whole stimulation period. 4. We conclude that the primary cause of the loss of muscle tension in zymosan-treated rats is an insensitivity of skeletal muscle to stimulation via the nerve. An additional derangement in ATP production is, however, indicated by the comparable decreases in energy substrates during development of a dramatically lower tension.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Sciatic inflammatory neuritis (SIN): behavioral allodynia is paralleled by peri-sciatic proinflammatory cytokine and superoxide production.

We have recently developed a model of sciatic inflammatory neuritis (SIN) to assess how immune activation near peripheral nerves influences somatosensory processing. Administration of zymosan (yeast cell walls) around a single sciatic nerve produces dose-dependent low-threshold mechanical allodynia without thermal hyperalgesia. Low (4 microg) doses produce both territorial and extraterritorial allodynia restricted to the injected hindleg. In contrast, higher (40 microg) doses produce territorial and extraterritorial allodynias of both hindlegs, an effect not accounted for by systemic spread of the zymosan. The aim of these experiments was to determine whether these behavioral allodynias were correlated with immunological and/or anatomical changes in or around the sciatic nerve. These experiments reveal that zymosan-induced bilateral allodynia was associated with the following: (a) increased release of both interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha from peri-sciatic immune cells; (b) increased release of reactive oxygen species from perisciatic immune cells; (c) no change in circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokine; (d) no apparent zymosan-induced influx of immune cells into the sciatic nerve from the endoneurial blood vessels; (e) mild edema of the sciatic, which was predominantly restricted to superficial regions closest to the peri-sciatic immune cells; and (f) no anatomic evidence of changes in either the ipsilateral saphenous nerve or contralateral sciatic nerve that could account for the appearance of extraterritorial or contralateral ("mirror") allodynia, respectively. No reliable differences were found when the low-dose zymosan was compared with vehicle controls. Taken together, these data suggest that substances released by peri-sciatic immune cells may induce changes in the sciatic nerve, leading to the appearance of bilateral allodynia.

Animals↗

Generation of leukotrienes by human monocytes upon stimulation of their beta-glucan receptor during phagocytosis.

Human monocytes possess a receptor for ingestion of particulate activators of the human alternative complement pathway that functions in the absence of plasma proteins and is distinct from the receptors for Fc-IgG and the major cleavage fragment of the third component of complement (C3b). Incubation of monolayers of monocytes with 1.1 X 10(6) to 2.2 X 10(7) glucan particles per ml initiated a phagocytic response comparable to that obtained with zymosan particles, of which beta-glucan is a constituent along with mannan. Maximal quantities of 4.93 +/- 3.43 ng of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and 0.43 +/- 0.23 ng of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) (mean +/- SD, n = 3) were released by 10(6) monocytes stimulated with 1.1 X 10(7) glucan particles per ml. Preincubation of monocytes with 50 micrograms of soluble beta-glucan per ml reduced subsequent monocyte ingestion of 5 X 10(6) zymosan particles per ml and 2.2 X 10(6) glucan particles per ml by 52% and 55%, respectively, and diminished release of LTB4 by monocytes stimulated with 2 X 10(8) zymosan particles per ml and 8.6 X 10(6) glucan particles per ml by 73% and 61%, respectively. Preincubation with 1 mg of soluble mannan per ml had little effect on monocyte phagocytosis or LTB4 generation in response to either zymosan or glucan particles, and neither soluble beta-glucan nor mannan stimulated generation of LTB4 or LTC4. The effect of pretreatment of monocytes with soluble beta-glucan was time dependent, with the maximal effect being evident within 20 min of pretreatment, and was specific for zymosan or glucan particles in that the LTB4 and LTC4 release induced by 2.5 microM calcium ionophore A23187 was unaffected. That both phagocytosis and leukotriene generation are inhibited by soluble beta-glucan but not by mannan at a rate compatible with the phagocytic process of monocyte monolayers indicates ligand specificity for a beta-glucan receptor. As the beta-glucan receptor recognizes particulate activators of the alternative complement pathway, the nonimmune response to a single stimulus induces complement activation, phagocytosis, and leukotriene generation.

Complement Pathway, Alternative↗

Pulmonary exposure to 1 --> 3-beta-glucan alters adaptive immune responses in rats.

1 --> 3-beta-glucans have been associated with increased pulmonary inflammation in fungal-related indoor air problems. Epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between increases in T-cell proliferation and decreases in CD4+/CD8+ ratio after exposure to fungi. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the mechanisms by which 1 --> 3-beta-glucans affect immune responses using an animal model. Rats received a single dose of zymosan A (2.5 mg/kg body weight) via intratracheal instillation (IT) and were euthanized on days 1, 4, 6, 8, and 10 post IT. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed at each time point post-IT. Inflammation and lung injury were assessed by measuring neutrophil infiltration into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and by measuring albumin and lactate dehydrogenase levels in BALF, respectively. Alveolar macrophage activation was determined by chemiluminescence. Immune response was characterized via immunophenotyping of bronchoalveolar lavage cells and lymphocytes isolated from the lung-associated lymph nodes. Upon challenge with zymosan, rats exhibited increased inflammation and injury at early time points (days 1 and 4) post IT exposure. Although elevations in neutrophil infiltration and chemiluminescence had returned to control levels on day 4, lymphocytes recovered from lung-associated lymph nodes continued to proliferate and reached a maximum on day 6. The CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio from lymph nodes was lower in zymosan-treated rats than in control rats. Zymosan treatment increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-12p70 secretion in BALF on day 1. In summary, rats exposed to zymosan had an increase in acute inflammation, and the altered lymphocyte profiles were consistent with the findings of epidemiology studies.

Air Pollutants↗

Mast cells are responsible for the lack of anti-inflammatory effects of morphine in CBA mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Morphine co-injection has anti-inflammatory effects on zymosan-induced peritonitis in several strains of mice except that of CBA. As peritoneal mast cells (pMCs) are much more numerous in CBA mice than in SWISS mice, therole of pMCs in morphine-modulated zymosan peritonitis is compared in CBA and SWISS males. METHODS: pMCs were treated in vitro with morphine or C48/80 for comparison of histamine release. In vivo accumulation of leukocytes and histamine in peritoneal exudate were recorded after intraperitoneal injection with morphine, zymosan, or zymosan plus morphine. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Morphine induces histamine release by pMCs from CBA mice but not SWISS mice. In vivo morphine-induced peritonitis is stronger in CBA mice than SWISS mice. Corollary, morphine anti-inflammatory effects on zymosan peritonitis are reversed in CBA mice by its pro-inflammatory action through CBA pMCs.

Animals↗

Histaminase release from human granulocytes.

Histaminase (EC-1.4.3.6), one of the two catabolic enzymes for histamine, is contained in human granulocytes. Opsonized zymosan or the calcium ionophore A-23187 induce a dose-dependent release of histaminase from human granulocytes in vitro. Release is completed within 30 min, is temperature dependent, and requires divalent cations. Opsonized zymosan-induced histaminase release was maximal in the presence of both calcium and magnesium, whereas ionophore release was magnesium independent. The total cellular content of histaminase could be released by both opsonized zymosan and ionophore. In contrast, only 25% of the cellular beta glucuronidase, a lysosomal enzyme, was released after maximal stimulation with opsonized zymosan; there was minimal release of beta glucuronidase with ionophore. Zymosan- and ionophore-induced histaminase release was inhibited by agents that are presumed to interfere with cell metabolism and disrupt microtubules. Human granulocytes therefore may modulate the effect of histamine by releasing histaminase at a site of inflammation. Studies of granulocyte histaminase release in vitro may also provide a new model to explore granulocyte function and secretion.

Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)↗

Increased superoxide anion production by immunologically activated and chemically elicited macrophages.

We studied the capacity of cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages to generate superoxide anion (O(2-)), the initial product of conversion of oxygen to microbicidal species, during phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan or upon contact with the membrane-active agent phorbel myristate acetate (PMA). Macrophages from mice infected with Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) or injected intraperitoneally with thioglycollate broth or endotoxin, released up to 12 times more O(2-) than did resident peritoneal macrophages, depending upon the cell type and whether the stimulus was zymosan or PMA. There was little if any O(2-) release from resting (unstimulated) macrophages. The density of cells on culture dishes was an important variable since crowding of the dish markedly reduced the efficiency of O(2-) production. The enhanced O(2-) release of chemically elicited and infection-activated macrophages was noted after stimulation with a wide range of concentrations of PMA and zymosan, at all time points studied (up to 120 min), and with cells maintained for 140 rain to 16 days in culture. The O(2-) response of resident cells improved twofold to zymosan and ninefold to PMA during the first 3 days in culture. The capacity to release O~ appears to be limited to actively phagocytic cell types: murine macrophage-like tumor lines and cultured human monocytes released O(2-) when stimulated by PMA or zymosan, fibroblast and endothelial lines and embryo-derived cells did not. Activity of superoxide dismutase, which removes O(2-), was not detectable in culture supernates of any cell type, and thus, differences in detectable O(2-) could not be attributed to variations in the release of this enzyme. We conclude that the phagocytosis- associated respiratory burst is significantly enhanced in mononuclear phagocytes obtained ai~r chemical inflammation or BCG infection. Increased capacity to generate O(2-) and other oxygen radicals during phagocytosis could contribute to the improved microbicidal and tumoricidal activity of activated macrophages.

Animals↗

Role of phagocytosis in the activation of macrophages.

Macrophages were obtained by peritoneal lavage from untreated mice or from mice which had received either Brewer's thioglycollate broth or a suspension of streptococcus A cell walls intraperitoneally 4 days before. 3 h after harvesting, adherent cells from untreated mice were allowed to phagocytose zymosan, formaldehyde-treated sheep erythrocytes, or latex beads. Phagocytosis was stopped after 1 h and culture was continued for up to 10 days. Phagocytosis of zymosan or sheep erythrocytes triggered the immediate release of lysosomal glycosidases, stimulated the synthesis of cellular lactate dehydrogenase, and induced the delayed production and secretion of plasminogen activator . No such changes were observed upon phagocytosis of latex. Although all three particles used were phagocytosed, only zymosan and sheep erythrocytes stimulated glucose oxidation via the hexose monophosphate shunt. Similar findings were obtained in macrophages elicited with streptococcus A cell walls after zymosan phagocytosis. Thioglycollate-elicited macrophages, however, which were already secreting lysosomal hydrolases and plasminogen activator, could not be activated further by zymosan. The results of this study show that macrophages become activated after phagocytosis of particles that stimulate the activity of their hexose monophosphate shunt. The triggering event appears to be the burst of shunt activity itself or shunt-related biochemical reactions rather than phagocytic uptake per se or particle-dependent complement activation by the alternative pathway. Once initiated, macrophage activation proceeds independently of the intracellular fate of the ingested material .

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

Regulation of arachidonic acid metabolites in macrophages.

The lipids of mouse peritoneal macrophages contain high levels (25 mole percent) of esterified arachidonic acid (20:4). Following in vitro exposure to unopsonized zymosan, these cells synthesize and release oxygenated products of 20:4. Maximal levels of zymosan ingestion promote the release of 40-50% of the 20:4 content of cultures without loss of viabilitiy. Release of radiolabel from macrophages prelabeled with [3H]20:4 provides a quantitative measure for the synthesis of 20:4-derived products. Approximately 67% of the released 20:4 is recovered as prostaglandins (PG) (51% PGE and 16% 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha) and the remainder as apolar products tentatively identified as hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids. The kinetics of synthesis are comparable for both sets of products. A detailed examination of PGE synthesis indicated the PGE levels rise in parallel with phagocytosis during a continuous exposure of macrophages to zymosan. The concentration of particles determines the initial rate of PGE release, but the time-course of synthesis is finite (approximately 60 min), regardless of the zymosan dose. These observations are compatible with the notion that phagocytosis results in a burst of PG synthesis, the size of which is determined by the phagocytic stimulus. This is supported by the finding that secondary challenges of zymosan promote new rounds of PG synthesis by macrophages.

Animals↗

Inflammatory cytokines in an experimental model for the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the alterations in circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and cytokine production by peritoneal macrophages during the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled laboratory study on zymosan-induced generalized inflammation in mice. Single intraperitoneal administration of zymosan induces, over a 12-day period, a triphasic illness in mice; the third phase, from day 6 onward, resembles multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. SETTING: Animal research laboratory. SUBJECTS: C57BL/6CRW mice received a single intraperitoneal dose of zymosan on day 0, and standard numbers of animals were killed at different time points up until day 12. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were measured from 3 hrs to 12 days after administration of zymosan. At the same time points, both lipopolysaccharide-stimulated and unstimulated production of these cytokines by peritoneal macrophages were measured in vitro. Plasma TNF and IL-6 concentrations transiently increased during the first 24 hrs after administration of zymosan. After 8 days, a prominent peak of biologically inactive TNF was observed. Both unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cytokine production by peritoneal cells showed profound changes during the experimental period. CONCLUSIONS: These findings seem to confirm our hypothesis that the macrophages are in a continuously activated state and altered in their function, when the animals develop multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Further studies are needed to elucidate what happens with these cytokines at the tissue level, to better understand the pathophysiology of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Animals↗

The role of tumor necrosis factor in the development of multiple organ failure in a murine model.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after zymosan-induced peritonitis in mice. DESIGN: Prospective controlled laboratory study on zymosan-induced generalized inflammation in mice. Over < or =28 days, a single intraperitoneal administration of zymosan induced a three-phase illness in C57BL mice, rendering them very ill with MODS-like symptoms from day 7 onward. Additionally, the same experiment was performed on C57BL/6 TNF-Rc-p55 knockout mice to elucidate the role of TNF and its receptor p55. SETTING: Animal research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Inbred C57BL mice and C57BL p55-/- mice received a single sterile intraperitoneal injection of zymosan suspended in paraffin oil (0.75 mg/g of body weight). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The animals were monitored for survival, condition, and body weight for < or =28 days. At 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after zymosan administration, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and lungs and livers were extracted for isolation of RNA and histopathologic evaluation. Reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify TNF-alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) in the respective organs. Both animal strains went through initial shock with a high mortality rate during the first 3 days. The C57BL mice developed MODS with typical symptoms and histopathologic results correlating with excessive TNF-alpha mRNA expression from day 7 onward. In contrast, no disease, histopathologic changes, nor TNF-alpha mRNA expression in liver or lung was found within the TNF-Rc-p55-/- mice. CONCLUSION: Organ-derived TNF-alpha plays a crucial role in the development of MODS in this murine model.

Animals↗

Tissue- and time-dependent upregulation of cytokine mRNA in a murine model for the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to quantitate the course of specific cytokine mRNA expression in tissues that exhibit increasing histopathological changes in time in an animal model for the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The development of treatment protocols for MODS requires elucidation of the mechanisms and mediators involved. To devise logical interventions, it is necessary to collect data on cytokine expression at tissue level during the development of MODS. METHODS: Ninety-four C57BL/6 mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of 40 microg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), followed by zymosan at a dose of 0.8 mg/g body weight 6 days later (day 0). Six additional animals did not receive zymosan and acted as controls. At several time points after zymosan injection, 6 randomly assigned, zymosan-treated animals were killed, and their livers, lungs, spleens, and kidneys were collected. mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, macrophage migration inhibiting factor, IL-12, interferon-gamma, and IL-10 was measured using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: The injection of zymosan induced an acute peritonitis, followed by an apparent recovery. From approximately day 6 onwards, animals started to display MODS-like symptoms. During the peritonitis phase, up-regulation of cytokine mRNA was limited. During the period of apparent recovery, cytokine mRNA expression strongly increased, mostly reaching its maximum at day 9 when deterioration of the clinical condition had already set in. The up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA was most pronounced, especially in the lungs and liver. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions should preferentially be targeted against multiple cytokines and, at least in this model, there may be a treatment window well after the initial challenge.

Animals↗

Stimulus-dependent increased generation of oxygen intermediates in monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in psoriasis.

Based on recent findings indicating increased respiratory burst activity of monocytes (M phi) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in psoriasis upon stimulation with zymosan particles, we examined the question of whether incubation with various stimuli always results in augmented oxidative metabolism in psoriatic phagocytes. We compared M phi and PMN isolated from the peripheral blood of 12 patients with psoriasis and 12 control individuals. We measured the generation of oxygen intermediates of resting and stimulated M phi and PMN by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence. The stimulants applied were: (1) aggregated immunoglobulin (aggIg), (2) zymosan, (3) zymosan opsonized with autologous serum, (4) phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and (5) concanavalin A (ConA). We found no difference between patients and controls in the generation of oxygen intermediates by resting M phi and PMN. Stimulation by aggIg and zymosan yielded an increased chemiluminescent response in psoriatic M phi and PMN. Serum-treated zymosan effected increased light generation in M phi but not in PMN of patients. By contrast, PMA, and in particular ConA, brought about markedly increased generation of oxygen intermediates in PMN only of patients with psoriasis. Our results indicate control of the increased generation of oxygen intermediates of M phi and PMN by different stimuli. The metabolic events underlying the augmented phagocytic response may be similar to abnormalities found in involved psoriatic skin.

Adolescent↗

Role of adhesion glycoproteins CD18 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in complement-mediated reactions of rabbit skin.

1. The role of the adhesion glycoproteins CD18 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in inflammatory responses produced during a reversed passive Arthus (RPA) reaction and induced by zymosan and zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP) were studied in rabbit skin. 2. Oedema formation and haemorrhage were quantified by measuring accumulation of 125I-albumin and 111In-labelled red blood cells (111In-RBC) respectively. 3. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) R15.7 (anti-CD18), administered intravenously, abolished accumulation of 125I-albumin and 111In-RBC in dermal RPA reactions and in response to locally injected zymosan and ZAP. 4. When administered intravenously, the mAb RR1/1 (anti-ICAM-1) suppressed 125I-albumin and 111In-RBC accumulation in dermal RPA reactions and at sites treated with zymosan and ZAP. 5. Oedema formation in response to platelet-activating factor (PAF) and bradykinin (BK) either in the presence or absence of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were not affected by mAb R15.7 or by mAb RR1/1.1.1. 6. We conclude that oedema formation and haemorrhage associated with RPA reactions and in responses to zymosan and ZAP are completely CD18-dependent, and are mediated, at least in part, via ICAM-1. Responses to the neutrophil-independent oedema forming mediators, PAF and BK are not dependent upon CD18 or ICAM-1.

Animals↗

Diacylglycerol in peripheral blood neutrophils from patients with localized juvenile periodontitis.

Neutrophils from patients with localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) show several functional abnormalities. Recently, it has become increasingly apparent that the reason for these changes lies in part at the post receptor level of cellular metabolism. In this study we have analyzed intracellular diacylglycerol (DAG), a second messenger and an endogenous activator of protein kinase C, in unstimulated and agonist-stimulated neutrophils, from five LJP patients showing a chemotaxis defect and matched normal individuals. No difference was observed in the basal cellular DAG between the two groups. In neutrophils from LJP patients the DAG levels increased by 67% and 111% from the basal level following stimulation with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) and unopsonized zymosan particles, respectively, while in control cells the mean increases were 36% and 65%, respectively. Incubation with serum-opsonized zymosan particles produced an identical rise in DAG in both groups. These data indicate that the stimulation of receptors for FMLP and unopsonized zymosan may produce an enhanced accumulation of DAG in neutrophils from LJP patients. In addition to DAG mass analysis, we determined the effect of R59022, a DAG-kinase inhibitor, on zymosan-stimulated luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL) of neutrophils. In control cells R59022 significantly enhanced unopsonized zymosan induced CL, but it had no effect on cells from LJP patients, suggesting a possible change in the regulation of DAG-kinase in LJP.

Adolescent↗

Prostanoids secreted by alveolar macrophages enhance ionic currents in swine tracheal submucosal gland cells.

We examined the effect of substances released by swine alveolar macrophages (AMs) on ionic currents in airway submucosal gland cells (SGCs). AMs obtained by lavage were activated by 24-h zymosan exposure (0.1 mg/ml). Supernatant was collected and used to stimulate short-circuit current changes (DeltaI(SC)) in SGC monolayers in Ussing chambers. Dexamethasone (1 microM) or indomethacin (5 muM) during zymosan exposure of AMs reduced or abolished the supernatant-induced DeltaI(SC). Zymosan exposure induced a 5-fold increase in cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 but not COX-1 protein levels in AMs. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) concentration in the supernatant from zymosan-activated AMs was 550 +/- 10 nM (n = 3) compared with 28 +/- 3 nM for unstimulated AMs (n = 3). PGE(2), applied serosally, induced DeltaI(SC) with an EC(50) of 15.5 +/- 1.3 nM (n = 4) and 3.6 +/- 1.8 microM (n = 3) when applied apically. Four types of endoprostanoid receptors (EP(1-4)) were detected in SGCs using Western blot. PGE(2)-induced DeltaI(SC) were inhibited by AH6809 (6-isopropoxy-9-oxoxanthene-2-carboxylic acid) but not by SC19220 (8-chloro-dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine-10(11H)-carboxylic acid, 2-acetylhydrazide), suggesting that endoprostanoid (EP)(2) but not EP(1) receptors were activated by PGE(2). Pretreatment of SGCs with supernatant from zymosan-activated AMs, PGE(2), or forskolin enhanced the sensitivity to acetylcholine (ACh)-induced DeltaI(SC). PGE(2)-induced DeltaI(SC) were blocked by charybdotoxin (ChTX), chromanol 293B, or glibenclamide. ACh-induced DeltaI(SC) were only blocked by ChTX or glibenclamide. None of these blockers altered PGE(2) pretreatment-induced sensitization of ACh-induced DeltaI(SC). These results demonstrate that prostanoids released from activated AMs directly increase cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and K(+) channel activity. ACh-induced DeltaI(SC) are also enhanced due to enhanced activation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (K(Ca)).

Acetylcholine↗

Effect of chemoattractants on chemiluminescence.

Upon ingestion of particulate matter, polymorphonuclear leukocytes produce a chemiluminescence that can be measured in a liquid scintillation counter. In the experiments reported here, the influence of three chemoattractants and three chemotactic modulators upon the chemiluminescence induced by opsonized zymosan was studied. The chemoattractants investigated (including bacterial factor derived from Escherichia coli, the simple peptide formylmethionylalanine, and activated human complement), which initiate directed movement when presented to cells in a concentration gradient, significantly enhanced zymosan-induced chemiluminescence. In the absence of opsonized zymosan, however, they had no effect on the chemiluminescence response. In contrast, the chemotactic modulators studied (including carbamylcholine, phenylephrine, and cyclic guanosine 5'-monophosphate, which are not chemotactic by themselves but can enhance or depress the movement of polymorphonuclear leukocytes initiated by chemoattractants) produced no enhancement of chemiluminescence. Other experiments were carried out in which neutrophils were pretreated with cytochalasin D, a compound that inhibits phagocytosis by interacting with microfilaments. Under these conditions, the chemiluminescence induced by opsonized zymosan was markedly reduced, but the response resulting from the addition of a chemoattractant to the leukocyte/zymosan mixture was not. This indicates that the chemiluminescence in response to chemoattractants is not dependent on phagocytosis per se. Neutrophils were also pretreated with dinitrofluorobenzene, a compound that binds amino groups and can be expected to react with proteins on the cell membrane. In these experiments, the chemiluminescence induced by opsonized zymosan and the pronounced spike of activity produced by the addition of a chemoattractant were completely abolished. These results suggest that the polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemiluminescence response to chemoattractants is mediated by cell surface proteins. Thus, chemoattractants may have a dual role in the acute inflammatory response: (i) the initiation and maintenance of directed cell movement, and (ii) enhancement of metabolic steps mediated at the cell membrane, resulting in microbicidal activity.

Bacterial Physiological Phenomena↗