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Role of endogenous ceruloplasmin in low density lipoprotein oxidation by human U937 monocytic cells.

Oxidation of lipids and lipoproteins by macrophages is an important event during atherogenesis. Activation of monocytic cells by zymosan and other agonists results in the release of multiple oxidant species and consequent oxidation of LDL. We now show evidence that ceruloplasmin, a copper-containing acute phase reactant, is secreted by zymosan-activated U937 monocytic cells, and that the protein has an important role in LDL oxidation by these cells. In one approach, ceruloplasmin has been shown to exhibit oxidant activity under the appropriate conditions. Exogenous addition of purified human ceruloplasmin stimulates U937 cell oxidation of LDL to nearly the same extent as activation by zymosan. In contrast to previous cell-free experiments (Ehrenwald, E., G.M. Chisom, and P.L. Fox. 1994. Intact human ceruloplasmin oxidatively modifies low density lipoprotein. J. Clin. Invest. 93:1493-1501.) in which ceruloplasmin by itself (in PBS) oxidizes LDL, under the conditions of the current experiments (in RPMI 1640 medium) ceruloplasmin only oxidizes LDL in the presence of cells; the mechanism by which cells overcome the inhibition by medium components has not been ascertained. As further evidence for a role of ceruloplasmin, activation of U937 cells with zymosan induces ceruloplasmin mRNA and ceruloplasmin protein synthesis after a 5-6 h lag that is consistent with that preceding LDL oxidation. Finally, neutralization by a highly specific polyclonal antibody to human ceruloplasmin inhibits LDL oxidation by at least 65%. Moreover, multiple antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeted to different regions of the ceruloplasmin mRNA block LDL oxidation by up to 95%. The specific action of the antisense oligonucleotides has been verified by showing inhibition of ceruloplasmin synthesis and by the ability of exogenous ceruloplasmin to overcome the inhibition. In summary, these results are consistent with a mechanism in which cell-derived ceruloplasmin participates in oxidation of LDL by U937 monocytic cells. The data also show that cellular factors in addition to ceruloplasmin, possibly active oxygen species and/or lipoxygenases, are essential and act synergistically with ceruloplasmin to oxidize LDL.

Base Sequence↗

Fusion between large phagocytic vesicles: targeting of yeast and other particulates to phagolysosomes that shelter the bacterium Coxiella burnetii or the protozoan Leishmania amazonensis in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

This report examines the fusion of phagocytic vesicles with the large phagolysosome-like vacuoles induced in Chinese hamster ovary cells by the bacterium Coxiella burnetti or the Protozoan flagellate Leishmania amazonensis. Infection by these organisms is compatible with cell survival and multiplication. Fusion was inferred from the transfer of microscopically identifiable particles from donor to target vesicles. Donor vesicles contained heat-killed yeast, zymosan, beta-glucan or latex beads taken up by the host cells. Yeast and zymosan were also coated with Concanavalin A to increase their uptake by the cells (Goldman, R., Exp. Cell Res. 104, 325-334, 1977). Particle localization, routinely ascertained by phase-contrast microscopy, was confirmed by confocal laser fluorescence and by transmission electron microscopy. Coxiella vacuoles admitted all the particles tested and transfer took place whether the particles were given to the cells prior to or after infection. Transfer of uncoated or Concanavalin-A-coated yeast or zymosan was dependent on the number of particles ingested and on the incubation period (between 2 and 24 hours). Furthermore, the transfer step was quite efficient, since over 85% of the particles ingested entered Coxiella vacuoles at all particle to cell ratios examined. The fraction of uncoated or Concanavalin-A-coated yeast or zymosan transferred to Leishmania vacuoles was consistently lower and diminished at higher particle loads. In addition, only rarely did latex beads enter these vacuoles. The models proposed may be useful for the delineation of biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in the fusion of large phagocytic vesicles and the modulation of the latter by cellular and pathogen-derived signals.

Animals↗

[Analysis of chemical mediators involved in acute inflammatory reaction with the rat pleurisy model].

Mediators involved in acute inflammation were explored by using rat pleurisies induced by carrageenin or zymosan. The kallikrien-kinin system and eicosanoids were the main mediators responsible for plasma exudation in carrageenin-induced rat pleurisy, while histamine, PAF and the complement system could be the main mediators involved in the vascular permeability increase to cause plasma exudation into the pleural cavity in zymosan-induced rat pleurisy. Several chemokines were detected in the pleural exudates of carrageenin-pleurisy as well as those of zymosan-pleurisy; and exogenous recombinant TNF alpha, IL-1, IL-6 and CINC induced neutrophil migration into rat pleural cavity. These results suggest that these chemokines, directly or indirectly, may partly cause neutrophil migration in the pleural exudates during carrageenin- and zymosan-induced pleurisy. In addition, chemokine production in response to prostanoids and PAF production in response to arachidonic acid were also suggested.

Animals↗

Inhibitory effect of N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranilic acid on release of SRS from alveolar macrophages in vitro.

The effects of N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranilic acid (N-5') on the release of the slow-reacting substance (SRS) by zymosan- or Ca ionophore-stimulated rat and human alveolar macrophages (AM) were examined in vitro. Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) was used as a control. N-5' at concentrations of 10(-4)-10(-3) M significantly inhibited the release of SRS from both rat and human AM stimulated by zymosan. N-5' had almost the same inhibitory effect when added to the AM culture system at any time from 180 min before to 30 min after the addition of zymosan. N-5' (10(-4)-10(-3) M) also significantly inhibited the release of SRS by Ca ionophore-stimulated rat AM. N-5' (10(-6)-10(-3) M) had no significant effect on phagocytosis of yeast particles by rat AM. DSCG (10(-6)-10(-3) M) did not inhibit the release of SRS from the zymosan-stimulated rat AM. N-5' was concluded to have a relatively specific inhibitory effect on the non-immunological release of SRS from stimulated AM. It is postulated that N-5' inhibits the process of release of SRS from AM by acting after the initial stage.

Animals↗

Chronic enhancement of the intrinsic growth capacity of sensory neurons combined with the degradation of inhibitory proteoglycans allows functional regeneration of sensory axons through the dorsal root entry zone in the mammalian spinal cord.

Peripherally conditioned sensory neurons have an increased capacity to regenerate their central processes. However, even conditioned axons struggle in the presence of a hostile CNS environment. We hypothesized that combining an aggressive conditioning strategy with modification of inhibitory reactive astroglial-associated extracellular matrix could enhance regeneration. We screened potential treatments using a model of the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ). In this assay, a gradient of inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) stimulates formation of dystrophic end bulbs on adult sensory axons, which mimics regeneration failure in vivo. Combining inflammation-induced preconditioning of dorsal root ganglia in vivo before harvest, with chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) digestion of proteoglycans in vitro allows for significant regeneration across a once potently inhibitory substrate. We then assessed regeneration through the DREZ after root crush in adult rats receiving the combination treatment, ChABC, or zymosan pretreatment alone or no treatment. Regeneration was never observed in untreated animals, and only minimal regeneration occurred in the ChABC- and zymosan-alone groups. However, remarkable regeneration was observed in a majority of animals that received the combination treatment. Regenerated fibers established functional synapses, as demonstrated electrophysiologically by the presence of an H-reflex. Two different postlesion treatment paradigms in which the timing of both zymosan and ChABC administration were varied after injury were ineffective in promoting regeneration. Therefore, zymosan pretreatment, but not posttreatment, of the sensory ganglia, combined with ChABC modification of CSPGs, resulted in robust and functional regeneration of sensory axons through the DREZ after root injury.

Animals↗

Effect of mammary secretions on functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in pigs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of porcine mammary secretions on polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte function and to relate concentrations of estradiol-17beta and cortisol in mammary secretions to PMN cell function. SAMPLE POPULATION: Mammary secretions from 10 healthy sows and blood PMN leukocytes from 27 healthy sows. PROCEDURE: Mammary secretions were collected within 24 hours after parturition (colostrum) and 12 to 13 days later (milk). Chemoattractant properties were assessed by use of a cell migration assay. Phagocytic capacity of PMN cells in colostrum and milk was assessed by recording chemiluminescence following phagocytosis of Escherichia coli or zymosan. Estradiol-17beta and cortisol concentrations were determined by use of radioimmunoassays. RESULTS: Chemoattractant properties of colostrum and milk were significantly greater than that of zymosan-activated serum. However, chemoattractant properties did not differ significantly between the 2 types of secretions. The capacity of PMN cells in colostrum to phagocytose either zymosan or E. coli was less, compared with cells in milk, and the ability of cells in either type of mammary secretion to phagocytose E. coli was greater than the ability to phagocytose zymosan. Concentrations of estradiol-17beta and cortisol were greater in colostrum, compared with milk. No clear relation was evident between PMN cell activity and hormone concentrations in mammary secretions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although chemoattractant properties of colostrum and milk did not differ, the phagocytic capacity of PMN cells in colostrum was significantly less than that of cells in milk. This may predispose sows to coliform mastitis during the early postparturient period.

Animals↗

Effect of fetal bovine serum and heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum on microbial cell wall-induced expression of procoagulant activity by equine and canine mononuclear cells in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and heat-inactivated FBS (HI-FBS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and zymosan-induced procoagulant activity of equine and canine mononuclear cells. SAMPLE POPULATION: Mononuclear cells from 18 horses and 3 dogs. PROCEDURES: Cells were incubated with various concentrations of FBS, HI-FBS, LPS, zymosan, polymyxin B, and anti-LPS-binding protein monoclonal antibody or combinations of these constituents. A 1 stage recalcification assay was used to determine procoagulant activity. RESULTS: Addition of FBS to media significantly increased procoagulant activity; equine and canine cells were stimulated by 1% and 10% FBS, respectively. Coincubation of cells with FBS and polymyxin B did not reduce this effect, suggesting that the response was not attributable to LPS contamination. Addition of HI-FBS to media did not stimulate procoagulant activity of equine or canine cells, and the sensitivity of the equine cells to LPS was significantly increased by HI-FBS. This increased LPS sensitivity was reduced 40% with monoclonal antibody directed against human recombinant LPS-binding protein. Increasing concentrations of HIFBS significantly increased LPS- and zymosan-induced procoagulant activity of canine cells. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Procoagulant activity production in equine and canine mononuclear cells was significantly increased by addition of FBS, whereas heat inactivation of FBS eliminated this effect. Heat inactivation did not eliminate the function of serum proteins involved in enhancement of LPS and zymosan-induced procoagulant activity. Results suggest that HI-FBS can be used as a source of serum proteins that increase the sensitivity of mononuclear cells to bacterial and yeast cell wall components.

Animals↗

Direct measurement of hydrogen peroxide release from rat alveolar macrophages: artifactual effect of horseradish peroxidase.

Investigators disagree on the amount of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) released by resting and stimulated alveolar macrophages. The method commonly used to measure H2O2 release involves horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-catalyzed oxidation of scopoletin by H2O2. We describe an artifact in this method that may explain the seemingly inconsistent data reported by other investigators. Release of H2O2 and luminol-catalyzed chemiluminescence are stimulated in rat alveolar macrophages by type II HRP at concentrations normally used in the HRP-scopoletin method. The amount of H2O2 released depends upon the length of time the cells are preincubated at 37.5 degrees C and the time at which type II HRP is added. After stimulation with type II HRP, the cells do not release additional H2O2 upon exposure to zymosan particles. Myeloperoxidase, an alternative catalyst to type II HRP, does not stimulate H2O2 release and, therefore, can be used to measure H2O2 release from rat alveolar macrophages. Using myeloperoxidase, resting H2O2 release is negligible; after zymosan stimulation, 6.14 (+/- 0.87) X 10(-6) nmoles/cell X 10 min is released. In addition, more pure HRP preparations (types VI, VII, VIII, and IX) do not stimulate alveolar macrophages to release H2O2 and can be used to monitor zymosan-induced H2O2 release. As our data indicate that type II HRP stimulates H2O2 release from rat and guinea pig alveolar macrophages, it is not the catalyst of choice for this assay. In conclusion, our data explain the conflicting results found in the literature and indicate that rat alveolar macrophages release minimal amounts of H2O2 at rest and can be stimulated by zymosan.

Animals↗

Serum amyloid P component binds to Fc gamma receptors and opsonizes particles for phagocytosis.

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a member of the pentraxin family of proteins. These proteins are characterized by cyclic pentameric structure, calcium-dependent ligand binding, and frequent regulation as acute-phase serum proteins. SAP is the serum precursor of the P component of amyloid. It binds to a broad group of molecules, including autoantigens, through a pattern recognition binding site. The related pentraxin, C-reactive protein (CRP), is a strong acute-phase reactant in man and an opsonin. We previously determined that the binding of CRP to leukocytes occurs through Fc receptors for IgG (FcgammaR). We now report that SAP also binds to FcgammaR and opsonizes particles for phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Specific, saturable binding of SAP to FcgammaRI, FcgammaRIIa, and FcgammaRIIIb expressed on transfected COS cells was detected using SAP-biotin and PE-streptavidin. Zymosan was used to test the functional consequences of SAP and CRP binding to FcgammaR. Both SAP and CRP bound to zymosan and enhanced its uptake by PMN. This enhanced phagocytosis was abrogated by treatment of PMN with wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitor, or with piceatannol, a Syk inhibitor, consistent with uptake through FcgammaR. Treatment of PMN with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C to remove FcgammaRIIIb also decreased phagocytosis of SAP-opsonized zymosan, but not CRP-opsonized zymosan. These results suggest that SAP may function in host defense. In addition, as SAP binds to chromatin, a major immunogen in systemic lupus erythematosus, it may provide a clearance mechanism for this Ag through FcgammaR bearing cells.

Androstadienes↗

[In vitro effects of antiallergic eyedrops on complement activation induced by particulate matter].

BACKGROUND: Recent decades have been marked by an increasing number of patients suffering from ocular allergic-like symptoms without being associated with an increase in IgE levels. These symptoms include heaviness of the lid, foreign body sensation, burning, stinging and photophobia. Both epidemiological studies and controlled human exposure clinical studies have shown cause-effect relationships between allergic-like symptoms and environmental factors such as outdoor air pollutants or poor indoor air quality. An ocular surface subclinical inflammation is thought to be responsible for pseudoallergic, pollution-related conjunctivitis. The complement system is considered as one of the major effector mechanisms involved in initiation of the subclinical inflammation that leads to IgE-independent eye irritation. PURPOSE: To study the capability of nine antiallergic eyedrops commonly used in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis to inhibit complement activation induced in vitro by pollutants. METHODS: Normal human serum obtained from healthy individuals was used as a source of complement. Activation of complement was assessed using the complement hemolytic 50% (CH50) assay, in the absence or the presence of antiallergic eyedrops and in the absence or the presence of various stimuli, including sand, common house dust, eye mascara, and Dactylis glomerata pollen extract. Zymosan was used as a standardized complement activator. The following eyedrops were studied: Naabak (4.9% N-acetyl aspartic acid-glutamic acid, NAAGA, sodium salt), Almide (lodoxamide 0.1%), Levophta (0.05% levocabastine), Emadine (0.05% emedastine), Tilavist (2% nedocromil), Allergodil (0.05% azelastine), Patanol (olopatadine), and Zaditen (0.025% ketotifen). Effects of preservative-free lodoxamide and ketotifen were also assessed and compared to those of the preserved formulations. A solution of 0.01% benzalkonium chloride (BAC), the most widely used preservative in topical eyedrops, was also tested. RESULTS: Zymosan-induced activation of complement (30+/-6%) was significantly lowered by preincubation of serum with unpreserved NAAGA (16.6+/-4%, p=0.0026) or benzalkonium-preserved nedocromil (20+/-2%, p=0.022). Preserved levocabastine, emedastine, olopatadine and ketotifen did not interfere with zymosan-induced complement activation, whereas preserved azelastine, lodoxamide and benzalkonium chloride significantly aggravated complement activation induced by zymosan. Similar results were obtained when complement activation was triggered by sand, common house dust, mascara, or by an allergenic extract of Dactylis glomerata pollen. In the absence of complement activator, none of the antiallergic eyedrops induced a significant change in CH50 titer, indicating that the deleterious pro-inflammatory effect of preserved azelastine and lodoxamide may occur only once complement activation has been initiated, i.e., on an inflamed ocular surface. CONCLUSION: Among the antiallergic eyedrops tested in this study, only Naabak and Tilavist were found to significantly inhibit complement activation triggered by particulate matters or pollen allergenic extract. Such an anticomplement activity confers these two molecules a potential in the therapeutic management of pollution-related pseudoallergic conjunctivitis.

Air Pollutants↗

Regulation of phosphatidylinositol breakdown and leukotriene synthesis by endogenous prostaglandins in resident mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Mouse peritoneal macrophages synthesize large amounts of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in response to certain inflammatory stimuli. Lipopolysaccharide and phorbol esters stimulate prostaglandin formation but not leukotriene synthesis. Zymosan and the calcium ionophore, A23187, stimulate the formation of both prostaglandins and leukotrienes, as well as the phospholipase C-catalyzed breakdown of phosphoinositides. We have examined the interrelationships among phosphoinositide breakdown and prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis in resident mouse peritoneal macrophages. We demonstrate that macrophages synthesize basally prostaglandin (PG)E2 and PGI2 and that these products begin to accumulate from the time of initial plating of the macrophages. The presence of these prostaglandins imparts a downward modulation of zymosan-stimulated phosphoinositide breakdown and, as a result, a downward modulation on leukotriene formation. Inhibition of the basal release of prostaglandin by indomethacin resulted in enhanced zymosan-stimulated phosphoinositide breakdown and an exactly corresponding enhancement of leukotriene release. This enhancement, resulting from the inclusion of indomethacin at the time of plating, was reversed by also including PGE2, PGI2, or dibutyryl cAMP. Dibutyryl cAMP, when added in the presence of zymosan and in the absence of indomethacin treatment, inhibited phosphoinositide breakdown and leukotriene synthesis in a parallel fashion, with no effect on prostaglandin release. These data demonstrate that phospholipase C activation is regulated in part by prostaglandin tone and that leukotriene synthesis, unlike prostaglandin synthesis, is dependent on phosphoinositide breakdown.

Animals↗

Phagocytic activity of human colostrum macrophages.

1. We evaluated the ability of human colostrum adhering cells to phagocytize sheep red blood cells (E) incubated with rabbit anti-E IgG antibody (A) and zymosan particles incubated with fresh human serum or with the aqueous phase of colostrum. 2. The cells were found to have considerably intense phagocytic ability, i.e., 96.8% phagocytized EA particles, 83.2% phagocytized zymosan particles opsonized with fresh human serum, and 73.3% phagocytized zymosan particles opsonized with the aqueous phase of colostrum. Thus, the aqueous phase of colostrum can opsonize zymosan particles, an activity attributed to the complement system. 3. Total hemolytic complement (CH50) and the C3 component in a pool of normal human serum were two-fold higher than in a pool of the aqueous phase of colostrum. 4. These results indicate the existence of Fc gamma and C3 receptors on the membrane of human colostrum macrophages and suggest that these cells may be biologically active.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗

Prostaglandin synthesis and release by subpopulations of rat alveolar macrophages.

Alveolar macrophages are the primary phagocytic cell of lung, but are also capable of a variety of other functions, which include initiating or modulating inflammatory and immune responses through the production of soluble mediators. One such group of mediators is the eicosanoids. Further, recent data indicate that alveolar macrophages are not functionally homogeneous, but are heterogeneous with several subpopulations that differ both morphologically and functionally. Considering the apparent importance of prostaglandin synthesis and release in inflammatory and immune responses, the current study was undertaken to determine whether alveolar macrophage subpopulations differ in their ability to synthesize and release prostaglandin (PG) E, PGI2, and thromboxane A2 after stimulation by calcium ionophore A23187, zymosan, or aggregated IgG. Alveolar macrophages were harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage and were separated into 18 density-defined fractions. Density-defined alveolar macrophages (DD-AM) showed marked heterogeneity in prostaglandin synthesis and release. Maximal PGE synthesis and release was seen as a single peak after calcium ionophore A23187 and zymosan stimulation. In contrast, two peaks in PGE synthesis were seen after aggregated IgG stimulation. PGI2 synthesis was seen as a single peak generated by different DD-AM after calcium ionophore A23187 and zymosan. In contrast, aggregated IgG stimulation of subpopulations exhibited uniform synthesis and release of PGI2. Thromboxane A2 synthesis and release was maximal from a broad range of various DD-AM after calcium ionophore A23187, zymosan, and aggregated IgG stimulation. The results demonstrate that DD-AM are heterogeneous in ability to synthesize and release prostaglandins which is dependent on the stimuli. Therefore, specific subpopulations of alveolar macrophages may be central to the control of the pulmonary inflammatory response through specific eicosanoid synthesis and release.

Animals↗

Visceral perfusion abnormalities following complement activation. Clues to the mediators of organ ischemia in trauma and sepsis. First place winner: Conrad Jobst Award.

Complement, activated during infection and injury, has been implicated as a mediator of microvascular injury and obstruction. This study examines how two potent activators of complement, zymosan, and cobra venom factor (CVF), affect systemic and visceral perfusion. Rats were injected with either saline (1 ml/kg), zymosan (5 mg/kg) or CVF (5 units/kg) at t = 0 and 30 minutes. Thermodilution cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, systemic vascular resistance, and hematocrit were determined at t = 2 hours. Effective hepatic and renal blood flows, by clearance of galactose and p-aminohippurate respectively, were determined over the next hour. The per cent change in total hemolytic complement from t = 0 to t = 3 hours was determined by immune hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes. There was no difference in systemic hemodynamic parameters between the three groups. Hepatic blood flow was depressed in both the zymosan (3.83 +/- 0.23 ml/min/100 g) and CVF (3.72 +/- 0.20 ml/min/100 g) groups compared with controls (4.62 +/- 0.19 ml/min/100 g, P less than 0.05). Renal blood flow in the zymosan-treated group (6.40 +/- 0.24 ml/min/100 g) increased over control (4.80 +/- 0.40 ml/min/100 g, P less than 0.05) but was unchanged in the CVF group (5.06 +/- 0.23 ml/min/100 g). The amount of complement activated correlated with the change in hepatic (r = -0.419, P less than 0.05) but not renal (r = -0.008, P = 0.917) flow. Complement activation may occupy a proximal position in the pathogenesis of hepatic ischemia associated with trauma and sepsis.

Animals↗

Mast cell granule enhancement of neutrophil chemiluminescence responses.

Cutaneous mast cell degranulation in rats results in tissue inflammation, and this species has therefore provided a useful model to study the pathogenesis of late phase reactions (LPRs). The mast cell dependency of LPRs has been confirmed by the demonstration that isolated rat mast cell granules (MCGs), when injected intradermally into rat skin, induce patterns of tissue inflammation similar to those seen after skin testing with anti-IgE antibody. Rat LPRs are neutrophil dependent, and, further, MCG-derived inflammatory factors can chemically attract rat neutrophils in vitro. To further study the relationships among MCGs, tissue inflammation, and neutrophil function, luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) responses of rat peritoneal-elicited neutrophils in response to opsonized zymosan and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in the presence and absence of MCGs were analyzed. When MCGs (1.0, 10, and 100 micrograms/ml) alone were added to neutrophil suspensions, a rapid concentration-dependent increase in baseline CL responses was observed; these increases (maximum of sixfold) were modest, varied with cell concentrations, and followed different time courses compared with those seen after addition of preopsonized zymosan (0.5 mg/ml) (50-fold increases that peaked in 4 to 8 minutes). However, if neutrophils were preincubated (15 minutes) in the presence of MCGs, the CL response to opsonized zymosan (1.25 mg/ml) was significantly and synergistically enhanced compared with the response seen with MCGs alone. Similar but less pronounced effects were also noted after cell activation with PMA (2.5 and 25 ng/ml). To determine which component of the MCG was responsible for this enhancing activity, additional experiments were performed. Enhancement was still observed, albeit less intense, if MCGs were prepared membrane free and washed free of readily dissociable mediators such as histamine. Histamine (10(-6) and 10(-5) mol/L) had no enhancing effect nor did preparations of MCG membranes. MCG solubilization (3 mol/L NH4HCO3) revealed that the enhancing activity resided completely in the high molecular weight (greater than 10,000 daltons) fraction. Heat treatment of the granules and sodium azide preincubation completely abolished the enhancing effect. Exogenous horseradish peroxidase, at peroxidase activity levels contained within the MCGs (1 x 10(-4) to 10(-2) U/ml), reproduced the enhancing effect. After opsonized zymosan activation, neutrophils generated less H2O2 and superoxide anion in the presence of MCGs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Effect of antibodies directed against complement receptors on phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes: use of iodination as a convenient measure of phagocytosis.

Two monoclonal antibodies (Mab), designated 60.3 and 60.1, markedly inhibited the phagocytosis of serum-opsonized zymosan by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) as measured by the iodination reaction and by microscopic visualization. These antibodies also inhibited rosette formation with EC3bi without decreasing EC3b rosetting, suggesting that Mab 60.3 and 60.1 inhibit the phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan through reaction with the C3bi receptor (CR3) on the leukocyte surface. In support of this concept is the finding that the PMN of two patients with recurrent infections do not ingest opsonized zymosan, lack C3bi receptor function, and react weakly or not at all with Mab 60.3 and 60.1. At concentrations which completely inhibited ingestion of opsonized zymosan, both Mab partially inhibited iodination with Staphylococcus aureus 502A as the particle, and did not affect iodination when Staphylococcus epidermidis was used. This presumably reflects a variable need among the opsonized particles for CR3 for ingestion. Mab 60.3 also inhibited the phagocytosis of certain unopsonized particles as measured by iodination, indicating that the antigens recognized by the Mab do not influence phagocytosis solely by functioning as a C3bi receptor. Mab 60.3 increased the phagocytosis of unopsonized, heat-killed S. aureus by reaction with the PMN via its antibody-combining site, and with the staphylococcal protein A via its Fc region (reverse opsonization). This process required protein A-containing organisms (S. aureus 502A or Cowan 1 but not S. aureus Wood 46 or S. epidermidis), was inhibited by purified protein A, and was not seen either when the F(ab')2 or Fab fragments of the antibody, or when PMN which lack or have low levels of the antigen were employed. Thus, these studies, using iodination as a convenient method for the measurement of phagocytosis, demonstrated two effects of antibodies directed against PMN cell surface components: inhibition of phagocytosis by reaction with the C3bi receptor, and stimulation of phagocytosis by reverse opsonization.

Animals↗

Properties of glycans that activate the human alternative complement pathway and interact with the human monocyte beta-glucan receptor.

The glycans used in an earlier study to define the ligand specificity of the human monocyte phagocytic receptor for unopsonized particulate activators were assessed for their capacities to activate the proteins of the human alternative complement pathway. Normal human serum was preincubated with glycans under conditions of chelation to prevent activation of the classical complement pathway, and the activation-depletion of the alternative complement pathway was determined by the subsequent capacity of the serum to lyse rabbit erythrocytes (Er). When serum was preincubated at a 1/2 dilution in 8 mM EGTA/2 mM Mg with increasing numbers of yeast glucan or zymosan particles, and was evaluated at final serum dilutions of 1/8, its capacity to lyse Er was found to be reduced by 50% with 1.9 X 10(6)/ml yeast glucan particles and 1.4 X 10(6)/ml zymosan particles. At 2 mg/ml of serum diluted 1/2 in 8 mM EGTA/2 mM Mg, nonturbid preparations of mannan, laminarin, or pyrogen-free inulin and turbid suspensions of cellulose, Sephadex, agarose, or purified inulin failed to activate the alternative complement pathway. In contrast, activation-depletion of the alternative pathway was induced by turbid preparations of crude inulin, nigeran, pachyman, barley beta-glucan, and pustulan, which at 700 micrograms/ml, 500 micrograms/ml, 350 micrograms/ml, 60 micrograms/ml, and 27 micrograms/ml, respectively, effected 50% reductions in the subsequent lysis of Er. After centrifugation of 2 mg/ml suspensions of barley beta-glucan at 1100 X G for 5 min and at 15,000 X G for 15 min, the supernatants contained 90 to 92% and 65% of the barley beta-glucan, respectively, as determined by the anthrone method. On a weight basis, the 1100 X G supernatant exhibited the same capacity to activate the alternative pathway as the corresponding original suspension, whereas the 15,000 X G supernatants had less than 3% of the original anti-complementary activity. Preincubation of adherent human monocytes with increasing concentrations of barley beta-glucan suspensions, 100,000 X G supernatants containing 64% of the original beta-glucan, and laminarin all decreased subsequent ingestion of 1.25 X 10(6) zymosan particles in a dose-related fashion. The numbers of monocytes from three different donors phagocytosing zymosan were reduced by 50% after pretreatment with 30 to 65 micrograms/ml, 25 to 48 micrograms/ml, and 12 to 15 micrograms/ml of barley beta-glucan suspensions, 100,000 X G supernatants of barley beta-glucan, and laminarin, respectively, even though the latter two preparations were fully soluble and had no capacity to activate the alternative pathway.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Complement Activation↗

Incorporation of glucosamine by activated human neutrophils. A myeloperoxidase-mediated process.

Zymosan-activated neutrophils were found to incorporate large amounts of [3H]glucosamine into TCA-precipitable material as compared with resting cells. The burst of glucosamine incorporation began 2 min after zymosan exposure and lasted 3 to 5 min, after which the incorporation rate returned to that of resting cells. Studies with cells from patients with chronic granulomatous disease and hereditary myeloperoxidase deficiency as well as experiments with inhibitors indicated that glucosamine incorporation required both the respiratory burst and the myeloperoxidase system. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of [3H]glucosamine-containing TCA precipitates from zymosan-activated cells revealed radioactivity migrating throughout the length of the gel. The radioactivity in precipitates from resting cells or cells activated in the presence of a small amount of a myeloperoxidase inhibitor was found in a peak migrating close to the tracking dye. These results indicate that zymosan-activated neutrophils are able to incorporate glucosamine into protein by a process dependent on H2O2 and myeloperoxidase. The biosynthetic significance of this phenomenon is not certain, but it most likely represents the reaction of amino sugar with macromolecular degradation products formed by the action of the myeloperoxidase system on cellular and particulate constituents.

Glucosamine↗