Secretion Of Eosinophil Cationic Protein Research Articles

Developmental endothelial locus-1 (Del-1) antagonizes Interleukin-17-mediated allergic asthma.

Interleukin (IL)-17 is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Developmental endothelial locus-1 (Del-1) is an endothelial cell-secreted protein known to inhibit IL-17 expression. However, little is known about the association between Del-1 and IL-17 in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood samples collected from allergic asthmatic patients and controls, we explored the role of Del-1 in relation to IL-17 in allergic asthma. We found that the negative correlation between Del-1 and IL-17 was significant in BALF of allergic asthmatics. Del-1 treatment inhibited the expression of IL-17, the differentiation of IL-17-secreting leukocytes and associated cytokines. Contrarily, IL-17 levels were increased after treatment with anti-Del-1 mAb. Consistent with this, Del-1 treatment led to downregulation of IL-5, CCL5 and IL-4, thus reducing secretion of eosinophil cationic protein. Furthermore, Del-1 significantly downregulated the expression of ICAM-1 and may have the potential to reduce leukocyte transendothelial migration. Our data demonstrate that Del-1 can negatively regulate IL-17 and its proinflammatory function, thereby limiting airway inflammation in allergic asthmatics, and suggest Del-1 as a potential candidate for prevention and treatment of allergic asthma.

Natural killer cells induce eosinophil activation and apoptosis.

Eosinophils are potent inflammatory cells with numerous immune functions, including antigen presentation and exacerbation of inflammatory responses through their capacity to release a range of largely preformed cytokines and lipid mediators. Thus, timely regulation of eosinophil activation and apoptosis is crucial to develop beneficial immune response and to avoid tissue damage and induce resolution of inflammation. Natural Killer (NK) cells have been reported to influence innate and adaptive immune responses by multiple mechanisms including cytotoxicity against other immune cells. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the interaction between NK cells and eosinophils. Co-culture experiments revealed that human NK cells could trigger autologous eosinophil activation, as shown by up-regulation of CD69 and down-regulation of CD62L, as well as degranulation, evidenced by increased CD63 surface expression, secretion of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil derived neurotoxin (EDN). Moreover, NK cells significantly and dose dependently increased eosinophil apoptosis as shown by annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining. Direct contact was necessary for eosinophil degranulation and apoptosis. Increased expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in cocultured eosinophils and inhibition of eosinophil CD63 expression by pharmacologic inhibitors suggest that MAPK and PI3K pathways are involved in NK cell-induced eosinophil degranulation. Finally, we showed that NK cells increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression by eosinophils in co-culture and that mitochondrial inhibitors (rotenone and antimycin) partially diminished NK cell-induced eosinophil apoptosis, suggesting the implication of mitochondrial ROS in NK cell-induced eosinophil apoptosis. Pan-caspase inhibitor (ZVAD-FMK) only slightly decreased eosinophil apoptosis in coculture. Altogether, our results suggest that NK cells regulate eosinophil functions by inducing their activation and their apoptosis.

Eosinophil Cationic Protein: Overview of Biological and Genetic Features

The eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a small polypeptide that originates from activated eosinophil granulocytes. A wide range of stimuli has been shown to induce the secretion of ECP. The gene that encodes the human ECP is located on chromosome 14, and the protein shares the overall three-dimensional structure and the RNase active-site residues with other proteins in the RNase A superfamily. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human ECP gene have been currently described. ECP has many biological functions, including an immunoregulatory function, the regulation of fibroblast activity, and the induction of mucus secretion in the airway. Additionally, the protein is a potent cytotoxic molecule and has the capacity to kill mammalian and nonmammalian cells. The purpose of this article was to review the known biological and genetic characteristics of ECP that contribute to the understanding of this protein's role in the development and progression of a wide variety of diseases.

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) can bind heparin and other glycosaminoglycans through its RNase active site

The eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is an eosinophil-secreted RNase involved in the immune host defense, with a cytotoxic activity against a wide range of pathogens. During inflammation and eosinophilia disorders, ECP is secreted to the inflammation area, where it would contribute to the immune response. ECP secretion causes also severe damage to the host own tissues. ECP presents a high affinity for heparin and this property might be crucial for its immunomodulating properties, antipathogen action, and its toxicity against eukaryotic cells. ECP, also known as human RNase 3, belongs to the mammalian RNase A superfamily and its RNase activity is required for some of its biological properties. We have now proven that ECP heparin binding affinity depends on its RNase catalytic site, as the enzymatic activity is blocked by heparin. We have applied molecular modeling to analyze ECP binding to heparin representative probes, and identified protein residues at the catalytic and substrate binding sites that could contribute to the interaction. ECP affinity for heparin and other negatively charged glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) can explain not only its binding to the eukaryote cells glycocalix but also the reported high affinity for the specific carbohydrates at bacteria cell wall, promoting its antimicrobial action.

Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) Is Processed during Secretion

The eosinophil granulocyte is an inflammatory cell involved in allergic diseases such as asthma and rhinitis. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a basic and potentially cytotoxic granule protein that is released from the eosinophil upon activation. The aim was to study secretion of molecular variants of ECP from blood eosinophils with the hypothesis that the stored noncytotoxic ECP is altered into cytotoxic species upon release from the cell. Eosinophil granulocytes were purified to >95% from venous blood from birch pollen allergic subjects, with symptoms of rhinitis, and from healthy control subjects during the birch pollen season. The cells were stimulated with IL-5, GM-CSF, or serum-opsonized Sephadex particles. Concentration of ECP in cells or supernatants was measured by means of a fluoroenzyme immunoassay, and ECP heterogeneity was studied using an affinity capture assay with the surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry technique. Extracts of unstimulated eosinophils contained 10 major ECP variants, with molecular masses ranging from 16.1 to 17.7 kDa. Stimulation with particles mainly induced the secretion of two molecular variants at 16.1 and 16.3 kDa, while cytokine stimulation gave rise to a different secretion profile. ECP variants in the pellet extracts remained unaffected by cell activation. The modifications of secreted ECP were partly explained by differences in N-linked glycosylations. Secretion of ECP from eosinophils involves protein modification. The molecular masses of released ECP have acquired the masses of the cytotoxic species.

Steroids reduce local inflammatory mediator secretion and mucosal permeability in collagenous colitis patients

To study the effect of oral steroids upon clinical response and rectal mucosa secretion of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and albumin in patients with collagenous colitis (CC). A segmental perfusion technique was used to collect perfusates from rectum of CC patients once before and twice (one and four weeks) after the start of steroid treatment. Clinical data was monitored and ECP, MPO, bFGF, VEGF and albumin concentrations were analyzed by immunochemical methods in perfusates and in serum. Steroids reduced the number of bowel movements by more than five times within one week and all patients reported improved subjective well-being at wk 1 and 4. At the same time, the median concentrations of ECP, bFGF, VEGF and albumin in rectal perfusates decreased significantly. MPO values were above the detection limit in only 3 patients before treatment and in none during treatment. VEGF, bFGF, ECP and albumin concentrations correlated with each other with the exception of ECP and albumin. A decrease of serum ECP and VEGF concentrations was also seen even if the overtime reduction was not significant. Oral steroid treatment in CC patients induced a simultaneous reduction of bowel movements and rectal release of ECP, bFGF, VEGF and albumin, suggesting that these polypeptides and increased mucosal permeability are important components of the pathophysiology in collagenous colitis.

Chemotaxis and activation of human peripheral blood eosinophils induced by pollen-associated lipid mediators

Eosinophil accumulation at sites of allergic inflammation is largely regulated by chemokines and lipid mediators released by a variety of cells of the local microenvironment. Recent studies have shown that pollen grains, apart from their function as allergen carriers, are a rich exogenous source of eicosanoid-like lipid mediators that are rapidly released on contact with the aqueous phase and thus may contribute to the generation of local inflammatory responses. Here we analyze the biological activity of pollen-associated lipid mediators (PALMs) on peripheral human blood eosinophils. Human eosinophils were coincubated with pollen grains and analyzed by electron microscopy. The lipid mediator composition of aqueous pollen extracts (APEs) was analyzed by HPLC. Human eosinophils were exposed to APEs or lipid fractions from pollen. Effects on eosinophils were tested by transwell migration and surface expression of CD11b. In vitro experiments showed adhesion of eosinophils to Phleum pratense pollen. In chemotaxis assays eosinophils displayed significant directed migration to APEs. HPLC analysis of APEs from Phleum pratense and Betula alba pollen demonstrated the occurrence of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid as well as their monohydroxylated derivatives. Moreover, total lipid extracts from pollen and RP-HPLC fractions containing monohydroxylated derivatives of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid induced similar migratory responses, although to a lesser degree than APEs. In addition, APEs and lipid extracts induced up-regulation of CD11b surface expression and secretion of eosinophil cationic protein. APE-induced chemotaxis was blocked by the leukotriene B(4) receptor antagonist LY293111, suggesting that PALMs may serve as ligands for LTB(4) receptors. Pollen grains release lipid mediators that recruit and activate eosinophils in vitro. Similar mechanisms may be effective under natural exposure conditions, in which PALMs may play a role in the recruitment of eosinophils to the site of allergic inflammation.

Stimulation of P2 purinergic receptors induces the release of eosinophil cationic protein and interleukin-8 from human eosinophils.

1. Extracellular nucleotides are the focus of increasing attention for their role as extracellular mediators since they are released into the extracellular environment in a regulated manner and/or as a consequence of cell damage. 2. Here, we show that human eosinophils stimulated with different nucleotides release eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and the chemokine interleukin 8 (IL-8), and that release of these two proteins has a different nucleotide requirement. 3. Release of ECP was triggered in a dose-dependent manner by ATP, UTP and UDP, but not by 2'-&3'-o-(4-benzoyl-benzoyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BzATP), ADP and alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5' triphosphate (alpha,beta-meATP). Release of IL-8 was triggered by UDP, ATP, alpha,beta-meATP and BzATP, but not by UTP or ADP. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin abrogated nucleotide-stimulated ECP but not IL-8 release. 4. Release of IL-8 stimulated by BzATP was fully blocked by the P2X(7) blocker KN-62, while release triggered by ATP was only partially inhibited. IL-8 secretion due to UDP was fully insensitive to KN-62 inhibition. 5. Priming of eosinophils with GM-CSF increased IL-8 secretion irrespectively of the nucleotide used as a stimulant. 6. It is concluded that extracellular nucleotides trigger secretion of ECP by stimulating a receptor of the P2Y subfamily (possibly P2Y(2)), while, on the contrary, nucleotide-stimulated secretion of IL-8 can be due to activation of both P2Y (P2Y(6)) and P2X (P2X(1) and P2X(7)) receptors.

Retrospective study on fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray efficacy in patients with allergic rhinitis: evaluation of clinical and laboratory parameters.

In allergic rhinitis, allergenic stimulation causes the release of various mediators that induce symptoms and the development of chronic inflammation, which, in turn, is caused by cells involved in the late phase of inflammation, such as eosinophils. The eosinophils also cause damage at the mucosal level through the secretion of eosinophil cationic protein and other preformed factors contained in their granules. The objective was to verify the efficacy of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray in patients with allergic rhinitis; in a retrospective study, we have evaluated mediators of inflammation, making correlations with the clinical symptoms score during and outside the pollen season. Forty patients with allergic rhinitis and 15 normal controls were included in our study. Eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil chemotactic activity, and blood and nasal lavage eosinophil count were evaluated as laboratory parameters. We found a significant increase in nasal lavage levels of eosinophil cationic protein in allergic patients, and this was strictly correlated with the clinical symptoms score. No differences were found in the eosinophil count of allergic patients and in the serum eosinophil cationic protein of patients sensitized to seasonal allergens in comparison with normal subjects. By contrast, an increase in serum eosinophil cationic protein level was found in patients sensitized to perennial allergens. After topical administration of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray, a reduction in nasal lavage eosinophil cationic protein secretion was obtained with a reduction of eosinophil chemotactic activity at the local level. This reduction correlated with an improvement of clinical symptoms. The clinical improvement and reduction in nasal lavage eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil chemotactic activity after administration of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray further confirms the role of this treatment in allergic rhinitis.

Measurements of ECP in serum and the impact of plasma coagulation

Serum measurement of ECP (eosinophil cationic protein) is used as an indication of eosinophil activation in diseases such as asthma. The levels are dependent on sample handling, since a certain amount of ECP is released during storage. The mechanisms that induce this in vitro release are not known, but are supposed to be related to the coagulation process. The aim of this study was to investigate this further. ECP was measured in EDTA plasma and serum at 22 and 37 degrees C from healthy individuals and patients with asthma and allergy. The serum levels of ECP increased with temperature. Recalcification of citrated plasma in the presence of granulocytes with increasing concentrations of Ca(2+) showed a dissociation between the levels of ECP and the occurrence of coagulation. Further experiments indicated that plasma coagulation is not of any importance for the degranulation of eosinophils, nor did the addition of platelets or mononuclear cells affect the ECP levels. Incubations of granulocytes with fresh or frozen plasma and Ca(2+) suggested the existence of a freezing labile factor in plasma, necessary for the degranulation of healthy eosinophils, but not for allergic/asthmatic eosinophils. Further experiments with pure eosinophils indicated the existence of factors in serum and plasma which facilitate ECP secretion of an active, temperature-dependent nature. We conclude that the raised ECP levels in serum, as compared to EDTA plasma, are unrelated to the coagulation process, but are due to the continuous secretion ex vivo of ECP from active eosinophils. This process is time and temperature dependent and may be facilitated by eosinophil-activating components in the extracellular environment.

Lyn, Jak2, and Raf-1 kinases are critical for the antiapoptotic effect of interleukin 5, whereas only Raf-1 kinase is essential for eosinophil activation and degranulation.

Interleukin (IL)-5 has been shown to activate many signaling molecules in eosinophils, but their functional relevance remains unknown. We have examined the functional relevance of Lyn, Jak2, and Raf-1 kinases in eosinophil survival, upregulation of adhesion molecules and degranulation. To this goal we used Lyn and Raf-1 antisense (AS) oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) to inhibit the expression of these proteins and tyrphostin AG490 to specifically block the activation of Jak2. We have demonstrated that all three kinases are important for IL-5- induced suppression of eosinophil apoptosis. However, Lyn and Jak2 tyrosine kinases are not important for the upregulation of CD11b and the secretion of eosinophil cationic protein. In contrast, Raf-1 kinase is critical for both these functions. This is the first identification of specific signaling molecules responsible for three important functions of eosinophils. We have established a central role for Raf-1 kinase in regulating eosinophil survival, expression of beta2 integrins and degranulation. Further, there appears to be a dissociation between two receptor-associated tyrosine kinases, i.e., Lyn and Jak2, and the activation of Raf-1 kinase. The delineation of the functional relevance of signaling molecules will help design therapeutic approaches targeting specific eosinophil function.

Infiltration of eosinophils into the asthmatic airways caused by interleukin 5.

Interleukin (IL)-5 is thought to play an important role in asthmatic bronchial mucosal inflammation and is a potential therapeutic target. To investigate the effect of IL-5 on the infiltration of eosinophils in airway in vivo, we compared eosinophil counts and their activation status in airways without and after the topical instillation of recombinant human IL-5. Eight subjects with mild atopic asthma underwent initial bronchoscopy during which control bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid as well as bronchial mucosa were obtained, and at the same time, normal saline and IL-5 were administered to two sublobar segments separately. The second bronchoscopy were carried out and samples from challenged sites were taken 24 h later. It was found that the total eosinophils (BMK-13+ cells) and the activated eosinophils (EG2+ cells) in bronchial mucosa, the eosinophil numbers in BAL fluid, as well as eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in BAL fluid from saline-challenged segments were not different from those in unchallenged segments. However, a significant eosinophilia was observed in bronchial mucosa and BAL fluid from IL-5-challenged sites. Eosinophil activation, as assessed by secretion of ECP, was also increased significantly in bronchial mucosa and BAL fluid. The results strongly suggested that IL-5 is capable of inducing eosinophil infiltration into the asthmatic airways, as well as the activation of infiltrating eosinophils.

Sustained eosinophil cationic protein release into tears after a single high‐dose conjunctival allergen challenge

The appearance of eosinophils is a hallmark sign of the allergic late-phase response (LPR). Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), a readily measurable product released from activated eosinophils, has so far not been evaluated in the ocular LPR. Two sets of trials were performed in order to investigate changes of local and systemic eosinophil activity and their possible link with symptoms and hyperreactivity in the allergic LPR in the eye. In the first experiment, ECP was analysed in tears and serum and the clinical reaction was evaluated during a 72-h time-course after a single, high-dose allergen challenge out of season in one eye of 15 pollen-sensitized volunteers. In a second experiment, the hypothesis of an increased clinical response to an allergen challenge in an eye that had been provoked with allergen 48 h previously was tested in nine sensitized individuals. In the first experiment, symptoms at 10 min and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h significantly exceeded base line scores of the challenged eyes. Tear ECP was significantly elevated in challenged eyes compared to contralateral eyes at 6, 8 and 24 h. In addition, symptoms and ECP release correlated significantly at the 24-h evaluation. Serum ECP remained unchanged throughout the study period. In the second experiment, conjunctival hyperreactivity 48 h after an allergen challenge was not confirmed. ECP secretion occurs in the experimental ocular LPR and is in part associated with the magnitude of the clinical reaction, which suggests a truly pathogenic role of the activated eosinophil in pollen-induced allergic conjunctivitis.

Effects of allergen challenge on eosinophils, eosinophil cationic protein, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in mild asthma.

Allergen inhalation challenge is associated with increases in eosinophil number and activation, and provides a useful model for investigating airway inflammation in asthma. Limited information, however, is available on the effect of allergen challenge on cytokines regulating eosinophil function. We investigated allergen-induced changes in eosinophil number and activation and in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a cytokine known to regulate eosinophil function in vitro. Seven subjects with mild atopic asthma and late asthmatic responses completed diluent- and allergen-inhalation challenges. Blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and biopsy samples were collected 24 h after challenge. Allergen inhalation caused a significant increase in eosinophils in BALF and biopsy samples. Eosinophil activation, as assessed by secretion of eosinophil cationic protein, and GM-CSF levels were significantly increased in BALF and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells. Allergen inhalation did not cause a significant change in eosinophil activation in biopsy tissue but did result in a significant decrease in GM-CSF in the tissue. Significant correlations were shown between the concentration of GM-CSF in BALF and the percentage of BAL eosinophils (Rs = 0.75, p = 0.05), severity of the late asthmatic response, and number of BAL eosinophils (Rs = 0.82, p = 0.02). A trend was seen between the late response and the concentration of GM-CSF in BALF. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that eosinophils, regulated by GM-CSF, contribute to allergen-induced decreases in airway function.

Phorbol ester-induced degranulation in adherent human eosinophil granulocytes is dependent on CD11/CD18 leukocyte integrins

Secretion of unique eosinophil granule constituents may play a role in allergic and parasitic reactions. Therefore we have investigated possible mechanisms for regulation of secretion in eosinophils. A hemolytic plaque assay and an enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay were developed for detection of secreted eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) from single adherent eosinophils. The protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induced release of ECP in a dose-dependent fashion but 4-alpha-PMA, an analogue that does not activate protein kinase C, did not cause degranulation. Staurosporine and K252a, inhibitors of protein kinase C, decreased PMA-induced ECP secretion. Low concentrations of cytochalasin B enhanced PMA-induced secretion but high concentrations had an inhibitory effect. The calcium ionophores A23187 and ionomycin were weaker secretagogues than PMA. Tumor necrosis factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-3, interleukin-5, N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, and lipopolysaccharide caused little or no degranulation in adherent eosinophils. Preincubation of eosinophils with antibodies to CD18, the common beta chain of leukocyte adhesion proteins, resulted in inhibition of PMA-induced ECP release from adherent cells. 1,2-Bis(O-aminophenyl)-ethane-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), an agent that acts intracellularly by chelation of calcium, also inhibited PMA-mediated ECP release. In conclusion, PMA induces release of ECP from single adherent eosinophils and the effect appears to be mediated via protein kinase C and, in contrast to that in neutrophils, to be dependent on CD11/CD18 leukocyte integrins.

Inhibitory effects of azelastine hydrochloride on Ca2+influx, actin polymerization and release of eosinophil cationic protein of an eosinophilic leukaemia cell line EoL-1

The inhibitory effects of azelastine hydrochloride on PAF-induced and fMLP-induced Ca2+ influx, actin polymerization and calcium ionophore A23187-induced and aggregated IgG-induced release of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) of an eosinophilic leukaemia cell line, EoL-1, were examined. EoL-1 cells cultured with 0.2 mM dibutyryladenosine-cyclic monophosphate for 48 hours showed an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and actin polymerization when stimulated by PAF and fMLP. Azelastine hydrochloride inhibited PAF-induced and fMLP-induced Ca2+ influx ([Ca2+]i) in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 1 x 10(-8) M and 1 x 10(-7) M, respectively. It also inhibited PAF-induced and fMLP-induced actin polymerization in a dose-dependent manner up to 40% and 30%, respectively. EoL-1 cells were differentiated to contain ECP in their eosinophilic granules when cultured for 9 days with supernatants of a human adult T cell leukaemia cell line, HIL-3 (HIL-3 sup). Calcium ionophore A23187 and aggregated IgG induced the secretion of ECP by EoL-1 cells. Azelastine hydrochloride inhibited the secretion of ECP in a dose-dependent manner. These inhibitory effects were seen even at therapeutic concentrations of 10(-8) M to 10(-9) M. These results indicate that the therapeutic effects of azelastine hydrochloride as an anti-allergic agent may include inhibition of the accumulation of eosinophils into the locus of allergic inflammation and of the release of cytotoxic granules from eosinophils.

Identification of Activated T Lymphocytes and Eosinophils in Bronchial Biopsies in Stable Atopic Asthma

We have used immunohistochemistry and monoclonal antibodies to analyze the phenotypic composition and activation status of the cellular infiltrate of bronchial biopsies obtained by fiber optic bronchoscopy of 11 atopic asthmatic subjects (FEV1% predicted range 78 to 114), 9 atopic nonasthmatic control subjects, and 10 normal healthy subjects. Examination of mucosal biopsies obtained from both central (level I) and subsegmental (level II) bronchi showed that the highest number of CD45-, DC3-, DC4-, and CD8-positive cells were found in the group with asthma. There was a significant increase in the number of interleukin-2 receptor (CD25)-positive cells (a marker of lymphocyte activation) at airway level I in the asthmatic group compared with both nonasthmatic atopic (p less than 0.05) and normal control subjects (p less than 0.01). Eosinophil numbers were significantly increased in asthma at both airway levels and at airway level II in the nonasthmatic atopic group when compared with normal healthy control subjects (p less than 0.05). EG2-positive cells (an index of secretion of eosinophil cationic protein following activation) were found at both airway levels in the asthmatic group and at level I in the nonasthmatic atopic control group (p less than 0.05). When asthmatic subjects were compared with normal healthy subjects, there was a reduction in the number of neutrophil elastase-positive cells in the asthmatic subjects which, as a percentage of leukocytes, was significant (p = 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Challenge with gliadin induces eosinophil and mast cell activation in the jejunum of patients with celiac disease

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of eosinophils and mast cells in the small bowel in celiac disease. Patients with celiac disease (n = 10) were investigated by perfusion of a closed jejunal segment. The concentrations of certain granule constituents from eosinophils, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and from mast cells/basophils, histamine, were measured and the jejunal secretion rates of these cellular markers were calculated. Compared with findings in healthy control subjects (n = 14), increased secretion rates were observed under basal conditions in patients with histopathologically active celiac disease. Gliadin, administered by perfusion to the jejunal segment, induced a fourfold increase in ECP secretion and a twofold increase of histamine secretion in patients with celiac disease (n = 7), but did not influence the secretion rates of these substances in healthy controls (n = 3). The secretion rate of ECP started to increase 20 minutes after challenge of the perfused segment with gliadin and reached maximum levels 40 minutes later. The secretion rate of histamine started to increase 40 minutes after gliadin administration. Concurrently with these inflammatory events, the secretion of albumin was doubled as a sign of increased mucosal leakage. These data indicate that eosinophils and mast cells are both involved in the early gliadin-induced reactions of the small intestine, and suggest that these cells are effector cells participating in the celiac lesion of the mucosa.

Challenge with gliadin induces eosinophil and mast cell activation in the jejunum of patients with celiac disease☆

Purpose The aim of this study was to clarify the role of eosinophils and mast cells in the small bowel in celiac disease. Patients and methods Patients with celiac disease (n = 10) were investigated by perfusion of a closed jejunal segment. The concentrations of certain granule constituents from eosinophils, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and from mast cells/ basophils, histamine, were measured and the jejunal secretion rates of these cellular markers were calculated. Results Compared with findings in healthy control subjects (n = 14), increased secretion rates were observed under basal conditions in patients with histopathologically active celiac disease. Gliadin, administered by perfusion to the jejunal segment, induced a fourfold increase in ECP secretion and a twofold increase of histamine secretion in patients with celiac disease (n = 7), but did not influence the secretion rates of these substances in healthy controls (n = 3). The secretion rate of ECP started to increase 20 minutes after challenge of the perfused segment with gliadin and reached maximum levels 40 minutes later. The secretion rate of histamine started to increase 40 minutes after gliadin administration. Concurrently with these inflammatory events, the secretion of albumin was doubled as a sign of increased mucosal leakage. Conclusion These data indicate that eosinophils and mast cells are both involved in the early gliadin-induced reactions of the small intestine, and suggest that these cells are effector cells participating in the celiac lesion of the mucosa. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of eosinophils and mast cells in the small bowel in celiac disease. Patients with celiac disease (n = 10) were investigated by perfusion of a closed jejunal segment. The concentrations of certain granule constituents from eosinophils, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and from mast cells/ basophils, histamine, were measured and the jejunal secretion rates of these cellular markers were calculated. Compared with findings in healthy control subjects (n = 14), increased secretion rates were observed under basal conditions in patients with histopathologically active celiac disease. Gliadin, administered by perfusion to the jejunal segment, induced a fourfold increase in ECP secretion and a twofold increase of histamine secretion in patients with celiac disease (n = 7), but did not influence the secretion rates of these substances in healthy controls (n = 3). The secretion rate of ECP started to increase 20 minutes after challenge of the perfused segment with gliadin and reached maximum levels 40 minutes later. The secretion rate of histamine started to increase 40 minutes after gliadin administration. Concurrently with these inflammatory events, the secretion of albumin was doubled as a sign of increased mucosal leakage. These data indicate that eosinophils and mast cells are both involved in the early gliadin-induced reactions of the small intestine, and suggest that these cells are effector cells participating in the celiac lesion of the mucosa.