Proliferation Of Bone Marrow-derived Macrophages Research Articles

D-alanine suppressed osteoclastogenesis derived from bone marrow macrophages and downregulated ERK/p38 signalling pathways

ObjectivesD-alanine is a residue of the backbone structure of Type Ⅰ Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), which is a virulence factor in inflammation caused by gram-positive bacteria. However, the role of D-alanine in infectious bone destruction has not been investigated. We aimed to explore the role of D-alanine in the proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of osteoclasts. DesignMouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were isolated as osteoclast precursors and stimulated with D-alanine. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected using CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The formation of osteoclasts morphologically observed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining (TRAP) and immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of osteoclastogenic genes were measured by real-time RT-PCR. The protein expressions of osteoclastogenic markers, p38, and ERK1/2 MAPK signalling were measured by western blot. The expression level of soluble Sema4D was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe cell proliferation of BMMs was significantly inhibited by D-alanine in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis of BMMs was markedly activated with the stimulation of D-alanine. The differentiation of BMMs into osteoclasts was significantly inhibited by D-alanine, and the gene and protein expressions of NFATc1, c-Fos, and Blimp decreased. Western blot showed that D-alanine inhibited the phosphorylated p38 and ERK1/2 signalling pathways of BMMs. Moreover, the expression level of soluble Sema4D significantly decreased in the supernatant of BMMs due to the D-alanine intervention. ConclusionD-alanine plays a pivotal role in the inhibition of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and might become a potential therapeutic drug for bone-resorptive diseases.

Bisphosphonate-Modified Functional Supramolecular Hydrogel Promotes Periodontal Bone Regeneration by Osteoclast Inhibition.

Regeneration of periodontal tissue remains a challenge. Under periodontitis, osteoclasts are overactivated and bone loss occurs. We incorporated sodium alendronate (Alen), a medication commonly used to treat osteoporosis, into a supramolecular hydrogel system in order to create a novel biomaterial that would promote periodontal bone regeneration by inhibiting osteoclast overactivation. The Nap-Gly-Phe-Phe (NapGFF) peptide chain was modified to synthesize the functional Nap-Alen gelator. Afterward, the Nap-Alen/HAP supramolecular hydrogel composite with a suitable hydroxyapatite (HAP) ratio was constructed, which has outstanding mechanical properties and 3D structure. In addition to its good biocompatibility, it can inhibit the proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and differentiation of osteoclasts. Due to the simultaneous introduction of porous HAP, the hydrogel with a nanofiber structure was formed into a 3D mesh-like sparse porous composite hydrogel. While enhancing the mechanical properties of the gel, the porous structure facilitated the attachment and migration of bone regeneration-related cells. Therefore, it can effectively promote the regeneration of periodontal bone. In the future, by modifying the biophysical properties and loading stem cells or cytokines, this supramolecular hydrogel composite constructed in this study may provide a new strategy for tissue regeneration engineering and provide a preliminary experimental basis for relevant clinical translational studies.

ADR3, a next generation i-body to human RANKL, inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption

Osteoporosis is a chronic skeletal condition characterized by low bone mass and deteriorated microarchitecture of bone tissue, and puts tens of millions of people at high risk of fractures. New therapeutic agents like i-bodies, a class of next-generation single-domain antibodies, are needed to overcome some limitations of conventional treatments. An i-body is a human immunoglobulin scaffold with two long binding loops that mimic the shape and position of those found in shark antibodies, the variable new antigen receptors (VNARs) of sharks. Its small size (∼12 kDa) and long binding loops provide access to drug targets which are considered undruggable by traditional monoclonal antibodies. Here, we have successfully identified a human receptor activator of nuclear-factor κΒ (RANK) ligand (hRANKL) i-body, ADR3, which demonstrates high binding affinity to hRANKL with no adverse effect on the survival or proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Differential scanning fluorimetry suggested that ADR3 was stable and able to tolerate a wide range of physical environments (including both temperature and pH). In addition, in vitro studies showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of ADR3 on osteoclast differentiation, podosome belt formation, and bone resorption activity. Further investigation on mechanism of action of ADR3 revealed that it could inhibit RANKL-mediated signaling pathways, supporting the in vitro functional observations. These clues collectively indicate that RANKL antagonist ADR3 attenuates osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, with potential to serve as a novel therapeutic to protect against bone loss.

Morinda officinalis polysaccharide enable suppression of osteoclastic differentiation by exosomes derived from rat mesenchymal stem cells

Context Morinda officinalis F.C. How. (MO) (Rubiaceae) can strengthen bone function. Objective To examine the functional mechanism and effect of MO polysaccharides (MOPs) in rats with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). Materials and methods Rats with GIOP were treated with 5, 15 or 45 mL/kg of MOP [n = 15 for each dose, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection every other day for 8 weeks]. The body weight of rats and histomorphology of bone tissues were examined. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived exosomes (Exo) were collected and identified. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were induced to differentiate into osteoclasts and treated with BMSC-Exo for in vitro studies. Results MOP reduced the body weight (5, 15, or 45 mg/kg MOP vs. phosphate-buffered saline: 8%, 15% and 25%, p < 0.01), elevated the bone volume to tissue volume (BV/TV), mean trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), mean trabecular number (Tb.N) and mean connectivity density (Conn.D) (40–86%, p < 0.01), decreased the mean trabecular separation/spacing (Tb.Sp) (22–37%, p < 0.01), increased the cortical bone continuity (35–90%, p < 0.01) and elevated RUNX family transcription factor 2 and RANK levels (5–12%, p < 0.01), but suppressed matrix metallopeptidase 9 and cathepsin K levels (9–20%, p < 0.01) in femur tissues. BMSC-Exo from MOP-treated rats (MOP-Exo) suppressed osteoclastic differentiation and proliferation of BMMs. The downregulation of microRNA-101-3p (miR-101-3p) or the upregulation of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) blocked the functions of MOP-Exo. Discussion and conclusions MOP inhibits osteoclastic differentiation and could potentially be used for osteoporosis management. This suppression may be enhanced by the upregulation of miR-101-3p or the inhibition of PTGS2.

Semaphorin 3G exacerbates joint inflammation through the accumulation and proliferation of macrophages in the synovium

ObjectivesMethotrexate (MTX) is an anchor drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the precise mechanisms by which MTX stalls RA progression and alleviates the ensuing disease effects remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to identify novel therapeutic target molecules, the expression patterns of which are affected by MTX in patients with RA.MethodsCD4+ T cells from 28 treatment-naïve patients with RA before and 3 months after the initiation of MTX treatment were subjected to DNA microarray analyses. The expression levels of semaphorin 3G, a differentially expressed gene, and its receptor, neuropilin-2, were evaluated in the RA synovium and collagen-induced arthritis synovium. Collagen-induced arthritis and collagen antibody-induced arthritis were induced in semaphorin3G-deficient mice and control mice, and the clinical score, histological score, and serum cytokines were assessed. The migration and proliferation of semaphorin 3G-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages were analyzed in vitro. The effect of local semaphorin 3G administration on the clinical score and number of infiltrating macrophages during collagen antibody-induced arthritis was evaluated.ResultsSemaphorin 3G expression in CD4+ T cells was downregulated by MTX treatment in RA patients. It was determined that semaphorin 3G is expressed in RA but not in the osteoarthritis synovium; its receptor neuropilin-2 is primarily expressed on activated macrophages. Semaphorin3G deficiency ameliorated collagen-induced arthritis and collagen antibody-induced arthritis. Semaphorin 3G stimulation enhanced the migration and proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages. Local administration of semaphorin 3G deteriorated collagen antibody-induced arthritis and increased the number of infiltrating macrophages.ConclusionsUpregulation of semaphorin 3G in the RA synovium is a novel mechanism that exacerbates joint inflammation, leading to further deterioration, through macrophage accumulation.

Reciprocal Interaction Between Pericytes and Macrophage in Poststroke Tissue Repair and Functional Recovery.

Poststroke tissue repair, comprised of macrophage-mediated clearance of myelin debris and pericyte-mediated fibrotic response within the infarct area, is an important process for functional recovery. Herein, we investigated the reciprocal interaction between pericytes and macrophages during poststroke repair and functional recovery. We performed a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in both wild-type and pericyte-deficient PDGFRβ (platelet-derived growth factor receptor β) heterozygous knockout (Pdgfrb+/-) mice and compared histological changes and neurological functions between the 2 groups. We also examined the effects of conditioned medium harvested from cultured pericytes, or bone marrow-derived macrophages, on the functions of other cell types. Localization of PDGFRβ-positive pericytes and F4/80-positive macrophages was temporally and spatially very similar following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Intrainfarct accumulation of macrophages was significantly attenuated in Pdgfrb+/- mice. Intrainfarct pericytes expressed CCL2 (C-C motif ligand 2) and CSF1 (colony stimulating factor 1), both of which were significantly lower in Pdgfrb+/- mice. Cultured pericytes expressed Ccl2 and Csf1, both of which were significantly increased by PDGF-BB and suppressed by a PDGFRβ inhibitor. Pericyte conditioned medium significantly enhanced migration and proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages. Poststroke clearance of myelin debris was significantly attenuated in Pdgfrb+/- mice. Pericyte conditioned medium promoted phagocytic activity in bone marrow-derived macrophages, also enhancing both STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) phosphorylation and expression of scavenger receptors, Msr1 and Lrp1. Macrophages processing myelin debris produced trophic factors, enhancing PDGFRβ signaling in pericytes leading to the production of ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins and oligodendrogenesis. Functional recovery was significantly attenuated in Pdgfrb+/- mice, parallel with the extent of tissue repair. A reciprocal interaction between pericytes and macrophages is important for poststroke tissue repair and functional recovery.

Evaluation of the effect of GM-CSF blocking on the phenotype and function of human monocytes

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a multipotent cytokine that prompts the proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages and granulocytes. In addition to its effects as a growth factor, GM-CSF plays an important role in chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Reports have identified monocytes as the primary target of GM-CSF; however, its effect on monocyte activation has been under-estimated. Here, using flow cytometry and ELISA we show that GM-CSF induces an inflammatory profile in human monocytes, which includes an upregulated expression of HLA-DR and CD86 molecules and increased production of TNF-α and IL-1β. Conversely, blockage of endogenous GM-CSF with antibody treatment not only inhibited the inflammatory profile of these cells, but also induced an immunomodulatory one, as shown by increased IL-10 production by monocytes. Further analysis with qPCR, flow cytometry and ELISA experiments revealed that GM-CSF blockage in monocytes stimulated production of the chemokine CXCL-11, which suppressed T cell proliferation. Blockade of CXCL-11 abrogated anti-GM-CSF treatment and induced inflammatory monocytes. Our findings show that anti-GM-CSF treatment induces modulatory monocytes that act in a CXCL-11-dependent manner, a mechanism that can be used in the development of novel approaches to treat chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases.

Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharides regulate the innate immunity of colorectal cancer cells by modulating the TLR4 signaling pathway.

BackgroundIt has been well-recognized that the polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala (PAM) are immune system enhancers, which can facilitate the proliferation of lymphocytes and stimulate immune cells. Nevertheless, the antitumor effects of PAM and their molecular mechanisms remain unclear.AimOur research aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of PAM on colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsWe tested the effects of PAM on the growth and proliferation of CRC cells and macrophages by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and secretion was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA assay. We also used MC38 cells xenograft model to test the anti-cancer effects of PAM in vivo.ResultsWe found that although PAM treatment did not significantly affect the growth of CRC cells or enhance the proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), it could enhance the phagocytosis of BMDMs by CRC cells. Biochemical tests and immunoblotting assays revealed that exposing BMDMs to PAM promoted the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon λ (IFN λ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO) through the MyD88/TLR4-dependent signaling pathway. One noteworthy observation is that PAM treatment could significantly prevent tumorigenesis of MC38 cells in C57BL/6J mice and increase the survival duration of mice with tumors, without influence on the weight of those mice. However, the anti-cancer effects of PAM were compromised in TLR4 KO mice, further suggesting that TLR4 signaling plays a vital role in the anti-cancer effects of PAM.ConclusionTherefore, PAM may prove to be a potential candidate in cancer immunotherapy.

Effect of lipopolysaccharide on osteoclasts formation and bone resorption function and its mechanism

To study the effect and mechanism of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on osteoclasts formation and its bone resorption function. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were extracted from the marrow of femur and tibia of 4-week-old male C57BL/6 mice. Flow cytometry was used to detect BMMs. The effect of different concentrations of LPS (0, 100, 200, 500, 1 000, 2 000 ng/mL) on BMMs activity was examined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) activity test. In order to investigate the effect of LPS on osteoclastogenesis, BMMs were divided into macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) group, M-CSF+receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) group, M-CSF+RANKL+50 ng/mL LPS group, M-CSF+RANKL+100 ng/mL LPS group. After the completion of culture, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to observe the formation of osteoclasts. In order to investigate the effect of LPS on the expression of Connexin43, BMMs were divided into the control group (M-CSF+RANKL) and the LPS group (M-CSF+RANKL+100 ng/mL LPS); and the control group (M-CSF+RANKL), 50 ng/mL LPS group (M-CSF+RANKL+50 ng/mL LPS), and 100 ng/mL LPS group (M-CSF+RANKL+100 ng/mL LPS). The expressions of Connexin43 mRNA and protein were detected by Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, respectively. In order to investigate the effect of LPS on osteoclast bone resorption, BMMs were divided into M-CSF group, M-CSF+RANKL group, M-CSF+RANKL+50 ng/mL LPS group, and M-CSF+RANKL+100 ng/mL LPS group. Bone absorption test was used to detect the ratio of bone resorption area. The flow cytometry test confirmed that the cultured cells were BMMs, and CCK-8 activity test proved that the 100 ng/mL LPS could promote the proliferation of BMMs, showing significant differences when compared with the 0, 200, 500, 1 000, and 2 000 ng/mL LPS ( P<0.05). TRAP staining showed no osteoclast formation in M-CSF group. Compared with M-CSF+RANKL group, the osteoclasts in M-CSF+RANKL+50 ng/mL LPS group and M-CSF+RANKL+100 ng/mL LPS group were larger with more nuclei, while the osteoclasts in M-CSF+RANKL+100 ng/mL LPS group were more obvious, and the differences in the ratio of osteoclast area between groups were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Western blot result showed that the relative expression of Connexin43 protein in LPS group was significantly higher than that in control group ( P<0.05). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR showed that the relative expression of Connexin43 mRNA in control group, 50 ng/mL LPS group, and 100 ng/mL LPS group increased gradually, and the differences between groups were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Bone resorption test showed that osteoclast bone resorption did not form in M-CSF group, but the ratio of bone resorption area increased gradually in M-CSF+RANKL group, M-CSF+RANKL+50 ng/mL LPS group, and M-CSF+RANKL+100 ng/mL LPS group, and the differences between groups were statistically significant ( P<0.05). LPS at concentration of 100 ng/mL can promote the expression of Connexin43, resulting in increased osteoclastogenesis and enhanced osteoclastic bone resorption.

Potent 2′-aminoanilide inhibitors of cFMS as potential anti-inflammatory agents

A series of 2′-aminoanilides have been identified which exhibit potent and selective inhibitory activity against the cFMS tyrosine kinase. Initial SAR studies within this series are described which examine aroyl and amino group substitutions, as well as the introduction of hydrophilic substituents on the benzene core. Compound 47 inhibits the isolated enzyme (IC 50 = 0.027 μM) and blocks CSF-1-induced proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (IC 50 = 0.11 μM) and as such, serves as a lead candidate for further optimization studies.

Dexamethasone enhances macrophage colony stimulating factor- and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor-stimulated proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages.

Glucocorticoids are effective repressors of the immune system. We have examined the effect of glucocorticoids on the proliferation of murine macrophages. Dexamethasone by itself did not affect proliferation of differentiated or undifferentiated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) and elicited peritoneal macrophages. However, dexamethasone enhanced the proliferation induced by macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) of these cells. The effect of dexamethasone was not restricted to M-CSF-dependent proliferation. Similarly, dexamethasone enhanced granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-dependent proliferation of BMM. In agreement, macrophages transfected with the glucocorticoid receptor showed an enhancement of M-CSF-dependent proliferation. The enhancement of proliferation by dexamethasone or the glucocorticoid receptor was abolished by RU 486, an antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor. Moreover, the addition of antibodies against M-CSF inhibits the effect of dexamethasone, suggesting that dexamethasone increases the autocrine production of M-CSF. This only occurs when M-CSF or GM-CSF, which induce M-CSF, are present in the media. In tissues, dexamethasone may enhance macrophage proliferation and contribute to the resolution of the inflammatory states.

Differential regulation of fyn-associated protein tyrosine kinase activity by macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).

The proliferation and differentiation of macrophages are regulated by, among others, GM-CSF and M-CSF. Treatment of bone marrow nonadherent (NA) cells with M-CSF induced a greater percentage of NA cells into adherent cells, recognized as monocyte/macrophages, than did GM-CSF. The effect of GM-CSF and M-CSF on the activation of fyn kinase, a 59-kDa src family-related protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), was studied. Control cultures of bone marrow NA cells expressed only minimal levels of fyn kinase activity. Treatment of bone marrow NA cells with M-CSF, but not GM-CSF, for 12 to 24 h greatly enhanced the levels of fyn kinase activity. The effect of M-CSF on the activation of fyn kinase was further investigated using bipotential adherent bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) that coexpress receptors for both GM-CSF and M-CSF. BMDMs can be induced by either growth factor to undergo extensive proliferation in vitro. Compared to bone marrow NA cells, BMDMs displayed higher levels of basal fyn kinase activity, which were similarly elevated by M-CSF but not GM-CSF treatment. The role of fyn kinase in regulating cell adhesion was investigated by growing BMDMs in both tissue culture and Teflon flasks. The growth of BMDMs was anchorage independent; the majority of them continued to proliferate as cell suspension in Teflon flasks. Whereas the levels of fyn kinase activity in adherent BMDMs grown in tissue culture flasks increased steadily, those in BMDMs grown in Teflon flasks diminished. To study the role of fyn kinase in growth regulation, BMDMs were treated with c-fyn sense and antisense s-oligos. In the presence of c-fyn antisense s-oligos, the proliferative response of BMDMs to M-CSF but not GM-CSF was inhibited. In contrast, the proliferation of BMDM in response to either GM-CSF or M-CSF was not influenced by c-fyn sense s-oligos. Collectively, our data suggest that the activation of fyn kinase is closely associated with the acquisition of adherent capacity in maturing macrophages.

Laminin promotes proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages and macrophage cell lines.

We examined the effect of laminin on DNA synthesis or cell growth of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) and five macrophage cell lines including two factor-dependent macrophage cell lines (BDM-1 and BDM-1W3) and three factor-independent ones (BAM3, J774.1, and P388D1). Laminin stimulated the M-CSF-dependent proliferation of BMM and BDM-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but it had no effect on the proliferation of BDM-1W3 cells. This stimulatory effect was modified by increasing the concentration of fetal calf serum in the culture medium. Laminin also stimulated the proliferation of BAM3 and J774.1 cells, whereas it could not stimulate that of P388D1 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the differences in the response of these macrophage cell lines to the presence of laminin may be derived from the difference in the state of maturation of these cells. Although laminin acted as a potent mitogenic factor when it was added to the culture medium, the stimulation was two- to threefold lower when dishes were coated with equivalent amounts of laminin. When BDM-1 cells were cultured with laminin, they underwent drastic morphological changes. A monoclonal antibody that recognizes the integrin alpha 6 subunit only partially inhibited the mitogenic effect of laminin. The results in this report suggest that laminin may participate in the regulation of macrophage populations in vivo.

Transforming growth factor-beta enhances the M-CSF and GM-CSF-stimulated proliferation of macrophages.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been shown to regulate the proliferation and function of several different cell types in the immune system. We have examined the effect of TGF-beta on the proliferation of murine macrophages in liquid culture. TGF-beta by itself did not induce proliferation of differentiated (7 days in culture) bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM). In the presence of M-CSF, TGF-beta enhanced the proliferation of differentiated BMM and elicited peritoneal macrophages but had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of nonadherent BMM (3 days in culture). The effect of TGF-beta was not restricted to M-CSF-dependent proliferation but was also observed for GM-CSF-dependent proliferation. The autocrine production of TGF-beta appeared to contribute to the proliferation of BMM. The addition of antibody against TGF-beta inhibited M-CSF- and GM-CSF-dependent proliferation 32% and 28%, respectively. In bone marrow, TGF-beta may be an important negative regulator of macrophage proliferation; whereas, in the tissues, TGF-beta may enhance macrophage proliferation.

Differential induction of bone marrow macrophage proliferation by mycoplasmas involves granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

We have studied the ability of three different Mycoplasma species to induce proliferation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM). We observed a significant mitogenic effect when BMM cells from BALB/c, DBA/2J, SJL, and C57BL/6 mice were incubated with membranes derived from Mycoplasma arginini or M. arthritidis but not when they were incubated with an equivalent amount of M. pulmonis membrane. We also determined that pretreatment of mycoplasma membrane preparations with papain eliminated the ability of these preparations to induce BMM proliferation. To determine whether these membrane fractions acted indirectly by stimulating the production of soluble factors known to stimulate proliferation of BMM cells, we performed blocking studies with antibodies directed against colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), interleukin-3 (IL-3), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Our results indicate that antibodies directed against either CSF-1 or IL-3 failed to block mycoplasma-initiated proliferation of BMM cells. However, when anti-GM-CSF was added to proliferative cultures at the time of initiation, we saw a dose-dependent reduction of mycoplasma-initiated proliferation. We conclude that the ability of mycoplasma membranes to initiate the proliferation of BMM is not shared by all species of mycoplasma and that it involves the production of GM-CSF by an as yet undetermined cell.

Survival of mononuclear phagocytes depends on a lineage-specific growth factor that the differentiated cells selectively destroy

CSF-1 is a hemopoietic growth factor that specifically causes the proliferation and differentiation of mononuclear phagocytic cells. Receptors for CSF-1 occur exclusively on cells of the mononuclear phagocytic series (precursor → monoblast → promonocyte → monocyte → macrophage). Studies of the actions of CSF-1 on freshly explanted macrophages have been complicated by contamination of the primary cell isolates with CSF-1-producing cells and by the heterogeneity of the proliferative responses of individual macrophages. A method is described for the production of a highly purified and homogeneous population of adherent bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) that are devoid of CSF-1-producing cells. The method may also be used to obtain nonadherent precursors of the mononuclear phagocytic series. Studies of CSF-1 action and degradation in cultures of BMMs have revealed several new findings. First, CSF-1 is required for both the survival (without proliferation) and the proliferation of BMMs. Second CSF-1 is degraded by BMMs in a concentration-dependent manner, over the range of concentrations that stimulates both cell survival and proliferation. Third, the rate of CSF-1 degradation is saturable (∼7 × 10 4 molecules per cell per hour) at CSF-1 concentrations that cause maximum proliferation (∼0.4 nM). Under these conditions, BMMs are greatly enlarged and contain numerous phase-lucent vacuoles. Thus macrophages specifically require CSF-1 for both survival and proliferation, yet selectively and rapidly degrade it. This apparent dichotomy may have important implications for the role of CSF-1 in macrophage homeostasis in vivo.