PMN Suspensions Research Articles

In Vitro Production of Neutrophils Extracellular Traps Is Affected by the Lactational Stage of Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryPolymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are the first line and most abundant immune cells against infection. They kill bacteria via phagocytosis, degranulation, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The formation of NETs is always accompanied by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We aimed to research the NETs and ROS formation capacity of PMN in different lactational stages of Holstein cows. We also validated a model to mimic infection and inflammation to study the NETs and ROS formation capacity in vitro. Results show that the basal NETs and ROS values of PMN harvested from peripartum and lactating cows were higher than those in nulliparous heifers. The in vitro stimulation, using inflammatory products, of PMN derived from nulliparous heifers increased the production of ROS and NETs. PMN isolated from peripartum and lactating cows are primed to produce NETs and ROS, and this potentially contributes to the cows’ unfavorable inflammatory and immune status at these critical periods in their lactation cycle. The basal NETs and ROS production is lower in nulliparous heifers. Thus, they are an excellent model to mimic and study fundamental aspects of the production of NETs and ROS in vitro.We aimed to research the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation capacity of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) during different lactational stages of Holstein cows. We also aimed to validate a model which could mimic infection and inflammation in vitro by adding increasing concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to PMN suspensions isolated from nulliparous heifers and evaluate their capacity to produce NETs and ROS. In 3 replicates, we collected blood from nulliparous heifers (n = 3), cows at the end of gestation (n = 3), early postpartum (n = 3) and in mid-lactation (n = 3) in which PMN were isolated. The production of ROS in PMN were assessed using the 2’,7’-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate method, while the SYTOX Orange and Quant-iT™ PicoGreen dsDNA ultra-sensitive nucleic fluorescent acid staining methods were applied in order to quantitatively analyze the formation of NETs. Statistical analyses were performed via linear regression models using the replicate as a random. ROS values of PMN harvested from peripartum cows were 1.3 times increased compared with those in nulliparous heifers (p < 0.01). Compared with nulliparous heifers, the production of NETs by PMN isolated from mid-lactation and postpartum cows was 2.1 and 2.5 times higher (p < 0.01), respectively. In 3 replicates, in vitro stimulation of PMN isolated from nulliparous heifers (n = 3) with LPS linearly increased the production of ROS and NETs (R2 = 0.96 and 0.86, respectively). Similarly, when PMN isolated from nulliparous heifers were stimulated with PMA, a linear increase in the production of ROS (R2 = 0.99) and NETs (R2 = 0.78) was observed. The basal NETs and ROS production is lower in nulliparous heifers. Thus, they are an excellent model to mimic inflammation and study fundamental aspects of the production of NETs and ROS in vitro.

Rheological behavior of PMN gels for solid freeform fabrication

Lead magnesium niobate (PMN) is a relaxor ferroelectric material and have widespread applications in the manufacture of multilayer electronic devices such as ceramic capacitors, actuators and transducers. The dielectric constant of this electrostrictive material is much higher than the well known ferroelectric barium titanate. However, aqueous processing of PMN is not investigated yet especially for the novel wet shaping fabrication. In this study, concentrated aqueous colloidal PMN gels have been designed to use in the robocasting process. Concentrated PMN suspensions were stabilized by polyacrylic acid and then gelation induced by changing the pH or ionic strength of the suspension or by addition of a cationic polyelectrolyte to the system. Through this procedure it was essential to understand the solid–liquid transition under shear to explore the feasibility of forming without excessive use of polymers. Therefore, rheological response of the samples having a gel network was investigated. Results showed that gelation induced by cationic polyethylene imine or by multivalent salts were successful methods in preparation of PMN gels. However, gelation induced by changing the pH of the suspension was challenging due to ion dissolution from PMN surface.

Non-Vital Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes Express Myeloperoxidase on their Surface

The heme-containing enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) becomes expressed to the cell surface of non-vital polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) as evidenced by flow cytometry analysis and confocal fluorescence microscopy. While only a very small percentage of freshly isolated cells was able to bind the MPO antibody, PMN suspensions cultured for 36 h or longer time periods contained an increasing number of cells able to interact with these antibodies. Two distinct patterns of fluorescence for the MPO antibodies were observed. Antibodies were localised either in surface patches or distributed over the whole cell body. The latter type dominated in cell samples cultured for more than three days, while the first type was predominantly found in samples cultured for lower time periods. We observed also two peaks for fluorescence distribution by flow cytometry after addition of MPO antibodies to PMNs. Myeloperoxidase was localised at phosphatidylserine epitopes at the surface of non-vital PMNs as evidenced by coincubation with fluorescent MPO antibodies and FITC-labelled annexin V. Myeloperoxidase bound to the outer surface of PMNs uses hydrogen peroxide as a substrate as shown by appearance of an intense chemiluminescence using the impermeable luminescent protein Pholasin. Thus, myeloperoxidase becomes expressed to the surface of non-vital polymorphonuclear leukocytes colocalised with phosphatidylserine that may indicate a role of myeloperoxidase in apoptosis of PMNs.

The Isoelectric Point of Lead Magnesium Niobate

Lead magnesium niobate (PMN) is an important relaxor ferroelectric material commonly used in multilayer capacitor and actuator manufacturing owing to its high dielectric constant and superior electrostrictive properties. However, the isoelectric point of this material in water is not known and there is justification for a detailed investigation. In this work, the isoelectric point (IEP) of aqueous PMN suspensions were determined as a function of solids concentration. Results showed that IEP of the PMN suspensions strongly depended on the solids loading. The IEP was between pH 9 and 10 at particle concentrations between 10 to 20 vol%. The IEP shifted gradually to a lower pH value as the particle concentration decreased. Solubility experiments showed that Pb2+ and Mg2+ ions dissolved from the PMN surface, especially in the acidic pH range. The study provides a new insight on the aqueous stability of perovskite materials which possess more than one soluble cation in their structure.

Anion Channels, Including ClC-3, Are Required for Normal Neutrophil Oxidative Function, Phagocytosis, and Transendothelial Migration

NADPH oxidase activity, phagocytosis, and cell migration are essential functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in host defense. The cytoskeletal reorganization necessary to perform these functions has been extensively studied, but the role of cell volume regulation, which is likely dependent upon anion channels, has not been defined. Mice lacking the anion channel ClC-3 (Clcn3(-/-)) died from presumed sepsis following intravascular catheter placement, whereas Clcn3(+/+) littermates survived. We hypothesized that ClC-3 has a critical role in host defense and reasoned that PMN function would be compromised in these mice. Clcn3(-/-) PMNs displayed markedly reduced NADPH oxidase activity in response to opsonized zymosan and modestly reduced activity after phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Human PMNs treated with the anion channel inhibitors niflumic acid or 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid had a very similar defect. ClC-3 protein was detected in the secretory vesicles and secondary granules of resting PMNs and was up-regulated to the phagosomal membrane. Clcn3(-/-) PMNs and human PMNs lacking normal anion channel function both exhibited reduced uptake of opsonized zymosan at 1, 5, and 10 min in a synchronized phagocytosis assay. Niflumic acid-treated PMNs also had impaired transendothelial migration in vitro, whereas migration in vivo was not altered in Clcn3(-/-) PMNs. Selective inhibition of the swelling-activated chloride channel with tamoxifen profoundly reduced PMN migration but had no effect on NADPH oxidase activity. In summary, PMNs lacking normal anion channel function exhibited reduced NADPH oxidase activity, diminished phagocytosis, and impaired migration. ClC-3 was specifically involved in the respiratory burst and phagocytosis.

Dissociation of Phospholipids “Flip-Flop” and CD16 Downregulation in Stimulated Neutrophils with FMLP and TNFα in Relationship with ROS Production.

There are 3 kinds of PMN apoptosis: spontaneous, Fas or TNFα mediated system and ROS induced. The purpose of this work is to investigate the mechanisms of modulation of the CD16 decrease and the phospholipids “flip-flop” which are classically described as simultaneous events in apoptosis in relationship with the intracellular production of H2O2. Incubations during different times of PMN suspensions from healthy controls were performed in presence of Phorbol Myristate Acetate (PMA) at priming (10−9 M) and stimulating (2 10−6 M) concentrations, of fMLP 5 10−6M, of TNFα at 200ng/ml and finally of agonistic anti-Fas antibodies at 1 μg/ml. Inhibitors of PKC (staurosporin 10−5 M) and of the oxidase (DPI 400 μM) were tested with stimulating PMA. Standard two-colour flow-cytometry was performed for detection on one side of FITC-Annexin-V fixation and membrane impermeability to Propidium Iodide and on the other side of DCFH-DA for the intracellular H2O2 detection and CD16-PECy5.Results after 3 hours incubation are given in Table 1.Table 1.MEAN +/− SDCD16 %ANNEXIN V %DCFH-DA %nSPONTANEOUS85 +/−7.17 +/− 4.71 +/−0.933PMA 10-9 M75 +/−9.09 +/− 5.21 +/− 0.910PMA 2 10-6 M21 +/−27.1 ***51 +/− 21.4 ***83 +/− 11.8 ***33PMA & STAURO51 +/−23.3 °°°23 +/− 16.0 °°1 +/− 2.015PMA & DPI20 +/− 33.420 +/− 17.1 °°3 +/− 6.220fMLP 5 10-6M41 +/− 19.3 ***11 +/− 6.98 +/− 9.7 *23α TNF 200 ng/ml42 +/− 19.2 *5 +/− 3.5 *8 +/− 9.5 *7Anti-Fas μg/ml 140 +/− 25.2 *17 +/− 8.2 **1 +/− 0.97Wilcoxon test*: between spontaneous and the stimulant;°: between PMA and the inhibitorStimulating PMA induced both intracellular H2O2 production and apoptosis with increase of Annexin V fixation and CD16 down-regulation. Partial prevention of both features was observed when the ROS production was completely inhibited in presence of staurosporin. DPI had an effect on Annexin V fixation but no effect on CD16 decrease dissociating the 2 apoptotic features. Neutrophils activated with fMLP generated mainly extra-cellular H2O2 and did not undergo apoptosis measured thanks to Annexin V fixation, but CD16 down-regulation was observed. In presence of TNFα, a very slight stimulation of intracellular H2O2 production was observed with an inhibition of the Annexin V fixation and a CD16 down-regulation.The Fas mediated signalling system induced moderately both Annexin fixation and CD16 down-regulation without ROS production.Discussion: CD16 down-regulation seems to be present with fMLP and TNFα without other apoptotic features. Moreover, TNFα at 200ng/ml offers a protection for the phospholipids “flip-flop”. Dissociation of the classical PMN apoptotic features CD16 down-regulation and Annexin-V fixation with TNFα and fMLP demonstrates the complexity of the transduction signals used by these stimulants, and for the first time the independence of CD16 down-regulation from the phospholipids “flip-flop” which appears to be strongly dependent of intracellular ROS or more moderately of Fas stimulation and is never present without CD16 decrease. Only the presence of both events demonstrates apoptosis with certitude. On the opposite, it appears that the CD16 decrease alone cannot reflect the presence of the cell apoptosis. This decrease in absence of phospholipids “flip-flop”could be induced by extra-cellular ROS.

Arachidonic acid activates phospholipase D in human neutrophils; essential role of endogenous leukotriene B4 and inhibition by adenosine A2A receptor engagement.

We report in human neutrophils (PMN) that phospholipase D (PLD) was stimulated by micromolar concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA) and nanomolar concentrations of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), and eicosapentaenoic acid was inactive. The stimulatory effect of AA occurred only when adenosine was eliminated from PMN suspensions or when PMN were incubated with adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists. The mechanism of AA-induced PLD activation was investigated. The results show that AA- and LTB(4)-induced PLD activation were inhibited by the LTB(4) receptor 1 (BLTR1) antagonist CP 105,696, whereas the LTA(4) hydrolase inhibitor SC57461A and the LT biosynthesis inhibitor MK-0591 inhibited AA- but not LTB(4)-mediated PLD activation. The AA-induced ARF1 and RhoA translocation to PMN membranes was inhibited by CP 105,696 and SC57461A. These results provide evidence of a requirement for an autocrine-stimulatory loop involving LTB(4) and BLTR1 in the translocation of small GTPases to membranes and the activation of PMN PLD by AA.

Hydrodynamic Shear Regulates the Kinetics and Receptor Specificity of Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte-Colon Carcinoma Cell Adhesive Interactions

The ability of tumor cells to metastasize hematogenously is regulated by their interactions with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). However, the mechanisms mediating PMN binding to tumor cells under physiological shear forces remain largely unknown. This study was designed to characterize the molecular interactions between PMNs and tumor cells as a function of the dynamic shear environment, using two human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (LS174T and HCT-8) as models. PMN and colon carcinoma cell suspensions, labeled with distinct fluorophores, were sheared in a cone-and-plate rheometer in the presence of the PMN activator fMLP. The size distribution and cellular composition of formed aggregates were determined by flow cytometry. PMN binding to LS174T cells was maximal at 100 s(-1) and decreased with increasing shear. At low shear (100 s(-1)) PMN CD11b alone mediates PMN-LS174T heteroaggregation. However, L-selectin, CD11a, and CD11b are all required for PMN binding to sialyl Lewis(x)-bearing LS174T cells at high shear (800 s(-1)). In contrast, sialyl Lewis(x)-low HCT-8 cells fail to aggregate with PMNs at high shear conditions, despite extensive adhesive interactions at low shear. Taken together, our data suggest that PMN L-selectin initiates LS174T cell tethering at high shear by binding to sialylated moieties on the carcinoma cell surface, whereas the subsequent involvement of CD11a and CD11b converts these transient tethers into stable adhesion. This study demonstrates that the shear environment of the vasculature modulates the dynamics and molecular constituents mediating PMN-tumor cell adhesion.

Short-chain carboxylic acids produced by gram-negative anaerobic bacteria can accelerate or delay polymorphonuclear leukocyte apoptosis in vitro.

Short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCA) are metabolic byproducts of anaerobic subgingival bacteria associated with human periodontal disease. We examined the effect of 4 SCCA (butyric, propionic, succinic, and lactic acids) on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) apoptosis over the range of concentrations (1 to 30 mM) found in the diseased periodontium. PMN suspensions were incubated at 37 degrees C with medium alone (control) or one of the 4 SCCA at concentrations of 1, 5, or 30 mM. Aliquots were withdrawn hourly to assess apoptosis and viability by fluorescence microscopy. Relative to untreated controls, PMN incubated for at least 5 hours with 1 mM butyric or propionic acids exhibited significant delays in apoptosis (P<0.05), while those incubated with succinic or lactic acids exhibited no significant differences from controls (P>0.05). At a concentration of 5 mM, propionic, succinic, and lactic acids had little effect on apoptosis (P>0.05), but butyric acid significantly accelerated apoptotic changes (P<0.05). At 30 mM, all SCCA except lactic acid significantly accelerated apoptosis (P<0.05). Incubation with SCCA did not adversely affect cell viability (typically >98%). Lysates from PMN incubated 6 hours with 30 mM butyric or propionic acids contained significantly more caspase-3 activity than lysates from untreated control PMN (P<0.05). Moreover, pretreatment with a specific inhibitor of caspase-3 blocked acceleration of PMN apoptosis by butyric or propionic acids (P<0.05). Low concentrations of butyric or propionic acids delay PMN apoptosis and extend their functional lifespan, while higher concentrations accelerate apoptosis through a mechanism that appears to involve caspase-3.

Activation of leukotriene synthesis in human neutrophils by exogenous arachidonic acid: inhibition by adenosine A(2a) receptor agonists and crucial role of autocrine activation by leukotriene B(4).

We report here that the apparent inability of isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to efficiently transform arachidonic acid (AA) is the consequence of A(2a) receptor engagement by endogenous adenosine accumulating in incubation media. Indeed, when adenosine is eliminated from PMN suspensions by the addition of adenosine deaminase, or when cells are incubated with adenosine A(2a) receptor antagonists, important quantities (40-80 pmol/10(6) cells) of 5-lipoxygenase products are synthesized by PMN incubated with 1 to 5 microM exogenous AA. The selective A(2a) receptor agonist CGS21680 was a very potent inhibitor of the AA-induced leukotriene (LT) synthesis, showing an IC(50) of approximately 1 nM. The mechanism of AA-induced stimulation of LT synthesis observed in the absence of extracellular adenosine was investigated. In adenosine deaminase-treated PMN, exogenous AA induced Ca(2+) mobilization and the translocation of 5-lipoxygenase to nuclear structures. A time lag of 20 to 60 s (variable between PMN preparations) was observed consistently between the addition of AA and the elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration (and LT synthesis), indicating that AA itself did not trigger the Ca(2+) mobilization in PMN. This AA-induced Ca(2+) mobilization, as well as the corresponding 5-lipoxygenase translocation and stimulation of LT synthesis, was blocked efficiently by the LT synthesis inhibitor MK0591, the LTB(4) receptor antagonists CP105696 and LY223982, and the LTA(4) hydrolase inhibitor SC57461A. These data demonstrate that AA is a highly potent and effective activator of LT synthesis and acts through a mechanism that requires an autocrine stimulatory loop by LTB(4).

Release of monocyte chemoattractants by polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by their adhesion to stratum corneum opsonized via complement activation, measured with a human acute monocytic leukemic cell line, THP-1.

Stratum corneum (SC) exposed to living tissues, induces inflammation characterized by the formation of mixed cell granulomas consisting of infiltrative polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes/macrophages. In this study, to clarify the mechanism for the later monocyte accumulation in SC-induced granulomas, we evaluated monocyte chemotactic activity induced by PMNs treated with serum-opsonized SC by using a human acute monocytic leukemic cell line, THP-1. When the supernatant was obtained from a PMN suspension cultured with opsonized plantar SC, higher THP-1 chemotactic activity was detected as compared with that cultured with non-opsonized SC. Although some concentrations of the chemokines, MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta, were detected in supernatants obtained from the PMN suspensions cultured with plantar SC than in the control suspensions of PMN alone, their production by PMN was not influenced by the opsonization procedure. In contrast, MCP-1 was found to be secreted from PMN suspensions constitutively, showing no correlation to this THP-1 chemotactic activity. Moreover, HPLC analysis of PMN suspensions indicated that factors with far higher molecular weight values than these chemokines are involved in the chemotaxis of THP-1 cells.

Wollastonite fibers in vitro generate reactive oxygen species able to lyse erythrocytes and activate the complement alternate pathway.

Wollastonite fibers were tested in vitro for their ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) with two different systems: a cell-free reactive mixture containing deoxyribose and a polymorphonuclear leukocyte suspension. After adding the fibers, we measured the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances produced by deoxyribose degradation and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence, respectively. Compared with asbestos, wollastonite fibers produced higher ROS levels both in the PMN suspensions and in the cell-free reactive mixtures. A large amount of these ROS were not hydroxyl radicals. Indeed we obtained remarkable differences in ROS generation between unground and ground wollastonite fibers and negative results with fibers modified with ferric chloride and dithionite. In addition, ROS generation was partially inhibited (by 46-54%) in the reactions performed in the presence of 1,3-dimethyl-2-thiourea (DMTU), a strong hydroxyl radical scavenger. Wollastonite fibers were also analyzed for their ability to lyse erythrocytes and activate complement. Hemolytic potency was about twice that of chrysotile and half that of crocidolite. The levels of complement activation (via the alternate pathway) were about four-fifths of those measured in zymosan-activated plasma (a typical stimulus used to activate the alternate pathway), equal to those obtained with crocidolite, and two-thirds of those found with chrysotile. The addition of DMTU markedly reduced both these activities. Since asbestos fiber toxicity is mainly due to hydroxyl radical generation, our results indicate that wollastonite fibers are probably less toxic than asbestos fibers.

Wollastonite Fibers in Vitro Generate Reactive Oxygen Species Able to Lyse Erythrocytes and Activate the Complement Alternate Pathway

Wollastonite fibers were tested in vitro for their ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) with two different systems: a cell-free reactive mixture containing deoxyribose and a polymorphonuclear leukocyte suspension. After adding the fibers, we measured the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances pduced by deoxyribose degradation and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence, respectively. Compared with asbestos, wollastonite fibers produced higher ROS levels both in the PMN suspensions and in the cell-free reactive mixtures. A large amount of these ROS were not hydroxyl radicals. Indeed we obtained remarkable differences in ROS generation between unground and ground wollastonite fibers and negative results with fibers modified with ferric chloride and dithionite. In addition, ROS generation was partially inhibited (by 46–54%) in the reactions performed in the presence of 1,3-dimethyl-2-thiourea (DMTU), a strong hydroxyl radical scavenger. Wollastonite fibers were also analyzed for their ability to lyse erythrocytes and activate complement. Hemolytic potency was about twice that of chrysotile and half that of crocidolite. The levels of complement activation (via the alternate pathway) were about four-fifths of those measured in zyrnosan-activated plasma (a typical stimulus used to activate the alternate pathway), equal to those obtained with crocidolite, and two-thirds of those found with chrysotile. The addition of DMTU markedly reduced both these activities. Since asbestos fiber toxicity is mainly due to hydroxyl radical generation, our results indicate that wollastonite fibers are probably less toxic than asbestos fibers.

Suppression of Leukotriene B4 Biosynthesis by Endogenous Adenosine in Ligand-activated Human Neutrophils

Adenosine (Ado) has been shown to suppress several functional responses of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The current study investigated whether endogenous Ado regulates the biosynthesis of leukotriene (LT)B4 in ligand-stimulated PMNs. Measurements of Ado in PMN resuspended in Hanks' buffered salt solution (HBSS) or plasma showed a cell concentration- and time-dependent accumulation of the nucleoside. The removal of endogenous Ado with either Ado deaminase or the blockade of its action by the Ado A2a receptor antagonist, 8-(3-chlorostyryl) caffeine, markedly increased LTB4 biosynthesis upon ligand stimulation in HBSS. Similarly, LTB4 synthesis by ligand-stimulated PMNs in plasma (containing recombinant LTA4 hydrolase to allow the conversion of protein-bound LTA4) was strongly enhanced by addition of Ado deaminase. Addition of red blood cells to suspensions of PMNs in plasma mimicked the effect of adding Ado deaminase and LTA4 hydrolase in enhancing LTB4 biosynthesis upon ligand stimulation. This effect of red blood cells on LTB4 biosynthesis was blocked by dipyridamole, an inhibitor of Ado transport, or captopril, an inhibitor of LTA4 hydrolase. These results demonstrate that endogenous Ado efficiently downregulates ligand-stimulated LTB4 biosynthesis in PMN suspensions, pointing out a potentially important regulatory function of Ado in inflammatory exudates. These results also unveil a dual role for red blood cells in upregulating LTB4 biosynthesis, namely, the removal of endogenous Ado and the conversion of LTA4 released by activated PMNs.

Complement Activation by Myeloperoxidase Products Released from Stimulated Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

Purified human myeloperoxidase (MPO) converted human C5 to an activated form, i. e. the C5 protein adopted a configuration expressing a binding site for C6; the resulting C56 complex then reacted with C7, C8 and C9 forming a hemolytic C5-9 complex. For the activation by myeloperoxidase chloride and hydrogen peroxide were essential. This indicates that the peroxidase acted through the generation of HOCI which had been shown earlier to oxidize and activate C5. Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were stimulated in vitro by incubation with opsonized zymosan; thereafter the supernatants were tested for C5 activating potency. Stimulated PMN release H 2O 2 and MPO that produces hypochlorite and secondarily various chloramines. As a trap for the labile hypochlorite generated excess taurine was added to the PMN suspensions during the incubation. Hypochlorite is then stoichiometrically converted to the relatively stable taurine chloramine. In order to rule out interfering acitivities of proteolytic enzymes released from the PMN and known to attack C5, the supernatants were ultracentrifuged, and the ultrafiltrates, containing only low molecular weight compounds, were used for the further studies. They contained taurine chloramine, estimated photometrically, and they activated C5 upon incubation, assayed functionally by reactive lysis. Azide, an inhibitor of myeloperoxidase, and catalase which destroys H 2O 2, essential for MPO-catalyzed oxidations, prevented the generation of C5 activating potency and of chloramines. Unstimulated PMN produced neither oxidants nor C5 activating potency. When taurine was omitted from the PMN suspensions during stimulations much less oxidant was found in the supernatants and less C5 activating potency. These findings indicate that the C5 activating agent was produced by stimulated PMN through MPO-generated hypochlorite, trapped as taurine chloramine. In the absence of added taurine the hypochlorite formed by MPO oxidized endogenous amines that also activated C5. Further studies suggested that among these was some monochloramine derived from endogenous ammonia. Activation of the terminal complement reaction sequence by MPO released from stimulated PMN may represent a third pathway to complement activation contributing to and reinforcing complement and PMN functions at the site of inflammation or tissue injury.

Platelets prime PMN via released PF4: mechanism of priming and synergy with GM‐CSF

Platelet-PMN interactions have been extensively studied and a spectrum of possible effects has been demonstrated. However, the physiological relevance of many of the observed in vitro phenomena remains obscure. Here we report a novel, and potentially pathophysiologically important, mechanism by which platelets can enhance PMN reactivity. We first observed that addition of platelets to PMN suspensions enhanced the chemiluminescence response of PMN to FMLP. This enhancement occurred without augmentation of superoxide generation and did not involve mutual platelet-PMN adhesion. The soluble material responsible was biochemically and immunologically identified as PF4 derived from platelet alpha-granules. The alpha-granule release was shown to be selective and required minimal platelet stimulation. Since the PF4 effect did not influence NADPH oxidase activation, it differed markedly from that of other priming agents such as GM-CSF. Further studies showed that the PF4 effect was attributable entirely to the surface translocation and secretion of primary granule myeloperoxidase. There was marked synergy between PF4 and GM-CSF and both were required for maximal potentiation of PMN reactivity. These results demonstrate that PF4 and GM-CSF employ different pathways in PMN priming. The ease with which platelets could release PF4 at sites of vessel-wall damage and inflammation suggests that platelet-PMN interaction via PF4 is likely to be of major pathophysiological importance.

Impaired leukotriene B4 release by neonatal polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent mediator of inflammation generated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in response to an appropriate stimulus. It acts as a chemoattractant and stimulates PMN functions, amplifying their inflammatory response. Newborn infants show an increased susceptibility to infections in which PMN dysfunctions play the main role. In this work, LTB4 release from neonatal polymorphonuclear cells was assessed to investigate whether a defect was detectable. Blood was obtained from the umbilical cord of 10 full-term healthy neonates and 10 adult controls. The LTB4 production from purified PMN suspensions was induced by three different stimuli: the calcium ionophore A23187, serum-treated zymosan, and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine at final concentrations of 2 microM, 10 mg/mL, and 10 microM, respectively. The kinetics of LTB4 release were studied for up to 30 min by assaying the supernatants of the stimulated cells with a specific RIA. The LTB4 release, undetectable in resting PMN, was strongly stimulated by the A23187, peaking at 5 min, with significantly higher levels (t test, p < 0.01) in newborn than in adult PMN preparations (mean +/- SD: 12.46 +/- 2.96 and 6.21 +/- 2.09 ng/10(6) cells, respectively). In comparison, serum-treated zymosan-stimulated PMN released smaller amounts of LTB4. The levels peaked at 10 min and were significantly (t test, p < 0.01) lower in newborn than in adult samples (mean +/- SD: 0.71 +/- 0.22 and 3.19 +/- 1.06 ng/10(6) PMN, respectively). Finally, when the PMN were stimulated by formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, the release of LTB4 was highly variable both in newborn and in adult samples, as previously reported.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of co-incubation and cell number of platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in cellular inhibition and activation phenomena

Evidence indicates that complex interactions occur between blood platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) referring to both activation and inhibition phenomena. We studied the influence of co-incubating activated PMN and platelets at varying cell counts in the production of two active metabolites, thromboxane A 2 (TxA 2) measured as thromboxane B 2 (TxB 2) and platelet activating factor (PAF). The decrease observed in the quantity of TxA 2 synthesized by 2×10 8 platelets/ml in the presence of physiological PMN counts clearly indicates an inhibitory effect of PMN in AA-derived metabolites. This suggests there is an influence of PMN-released products on activated platelets, decreasing their capacity to synthesize TxA 2. Moreover, we found that the addition of platelets, which do not make measurable quantities of PAF, to PMN suspensions significantly decreased the capacity of PMN to synthesize this mediator. Together with this inhibiting action we also observed an activating effect, in such a way that the more PMN were added to platelet suspensions the more TxA 2 was produced. Conversely, the maximal amounts of PAF were synthesized when the highest platelet count suspensions were added to PMN. In summary, the results we present here clearly show cellular interactions between platelets and PMN that directly influence the amounts of metabolites synthesized by both cells.

Inhibition by a stable factor derived from neutrophils of endothelium-dependent relaxation in rat aorta

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) may play an important role in many pathophysiological states. The effect of a factor derived from PMNs on endothelium-dependent relaxation was studied using rat aortic rings in organ chambers. PMNs were obtained from cardiac surgical patients and healthy volunteers. After incubation in Krebs solution for 3 h, supernatants of PMN suspensions were isolated and used to pretreat the aortic rings for 30 min. The results showed that the supernatants derived from 1 x 10(4) to 5 x 10(6) cells/ml PMNs produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine but not endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside. The effect could not be prevented by oxygen free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase (150 U/ml), catalase (1,200 U/ml), or mannitol (20 mM) used alone or in combination. Heating the supernatants at 95 degrees C for 30 min did not reduce the inhibitory effect. L-Arginine at 3 x 10(-5) to 3 x 10(-3) M did not significantly reverse the inhibitory effect of the PMN-derived factor. In conclusion, this study reveals that a heat-stable factor derived from human PMNs potently inhibits acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation but not sodium nitroprusside-induced endothelium-independent relaxation in rat aorta. This inhibitory effect is not caused by oxygen free radicals, a limitation of nitric oxide precursor or other unstable factors.

Roles of prostacyclin, EDRF and active oxygens in leukocyte‐dependent platelet adhesion to endothelial cells induced by platelet‐activating factor in vitro

1. The mechanism of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-dependent platelet adhesion to cultured endothelial cells induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF) was investigated to determine whether PMNs release or generate any factor(s) capable of inducing platelet adhesion, and the roles of prostacyclin and endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). 2. Cell-free supernatants, sonicates or rapid filtrates of PAF-stimulated PMN suspensions did not induce platelet adhesion to endothelial cells, but the PMN sonicates induced platelet adhesion when endothelial cells were pretreated with both aspirin and NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG). Its microphotograph showed that mainly platelet aggregates adhered to the endothelial cell surface. 3. Platelet adhesion induced by the PMN sonicates to aspirin- and L-NOARG-pretreated endothelial cells was dose-dependently prevented by OP-41483 (1-100 nM), and slightly by L-arginine (1 mM). The inhibition of platelet adhesion by OP-41483 and L-arginine was potentiated by their combination. 4. WEB 2170 (3 microM), a PAF antagonist, inhibited platelet adhesion induced by the PMN sonicates. However, PAF alone did not induce significant platelet adhesion to aspirin- and L-NOARG-treated endothelial cells. 5. Platelet adhesion induced by the PMN sonicates was not suppressed by AA-861 and indomethacin. However, both superoxide dismutase and catalase significantly inhibited platelet adhesion, and, in combination, their inhibitory effect was synergistically potentiated. Mannitol had no effect. It was also significantly inhibited by alpha 1-antitrypsin, whereas chymostatin and elastatinal had no effect. 6. PAF-induced platelet adhesion to endothelial cells in the presence of intact PMNs was not suppressed by indomethacin and AA-861, or by protease inhibitors. SOD alone, and in combination with catalase, caused a slight but significant inhibition, while catalase and mannitol by themselves had no effect.7. PMN-induced platelet adhesion was slightly inhibited by OP-41483 (100 nM). L-Arginine (1 mM)alone had no effect, but slightly potentiated the effect of OP-41483. This platelet adhesion was not accompanied by suppression of prostacyclin synthesis.8. The results with the PMN sonicates show that prostacyclin, EDRF and active oxygens are important modulators of intercellular interactions between platelets and endothelial cells. These results further suggest that the mechanism of intact PMN-dependent platelet adhesion is primarily through platelet endothelial cell interactions in which leukocyte-derived active oxygens play a role, but does not involve platelet-platelet interactions inhibitable by prostacyclin.