PMN Respiratory Burst Research Articles

Endogenous PMN-derived reactive oxygen intermediates provide feedback regulation on respiratory burst signal transduction.

The role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in stemming systemic infection is executed mainly by the utilization of molecular O2 leading to the production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). PMN-derived ROI also serve as intra- and extracellular second messengers providing both positive and negative feedback on cellular autoregulation. We investigated the effect of endogenous ROI on two signal transducing pathways: the receptor (R)-G-protein-phospholipase D (PLD) and receptor (R)-G-protein-phospholipase C pathways responsible for the subsequent interleukin-8 (IL-8)-induced PMN respiratory burst. Purified human PMN were primed with LPS adhered to plastic surfaces and stimulated with IL-8 with or without the presence of each of five different selective ROI scavengers/antioxidants: DMSO, N(a)N3, L-alanine, catalase, or superoxide dismutase. Total IL-8 surface receptor expression was assessed by 125I-IL-8 and 125I-labeled mAbs against IL-8R type A and B binding assays; PLD activation was assessed by measuring formation of phosphatidyl ethanol (PEt) in the presence of ethanol; PLC activation was measured by quantitative conversion of [32P]ATP-labeled phosphatidic acid (PA) into diacylglycerol (DAG); expression of G alpha-inhibitory subunit was assessed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting with polyclonal Abs against this subunit. Production of O2-, H2O2, HClO, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the experimental model was confirmed in a separate set of experiments. The overall impact of antioxidants on each component of the transducing tripartite complex was stimulatory; however, N(a)N3 and SOD exhibited the most ubiquitous effect with consistent up-regulation by N(a)N3 of IL-8R expression, whereas even trace amounts of externally added authentic MPO significantly down-regulated the functional activity of both effector enzymes. These results demonstrate a multiple site-specific targeting of the signal-transducing complex by endogenous PMN-derived ROI and an overall protective effect of ROI scavengers/antioxidants.

Efficacy of Interferon-Gamma Treatment in Bronchial Asthma

Background : There have been many in vitro evidences that interleukin-4(IL-4) might be the most important cytokine inducing IgE synthesis from B-cells, and interferon-gamma(IFN-) might be a main cytokine antagonizing IL-4-mediated IgE synthesis. Recently some reports demonstrated that IFN- might be used as a new therapeutic modality in some allergic diseases with high serum IgE level, such as atopic dermatitis or bronchial asthma. To evaluate the in vivo effect of IFN- in bronchial asthma we tried a clinical study. Methods : Fifty bronchial asthmatics(serum IgE level over 200 IU/ml) who did not respond to inhaled or systemic corticosteroid treatment, and 17 healthy nonsmoking volunteers were included in this study. The CD 23 expressions of peripheral B-cells, the IL-4 activities of peripheral T-cells, the serum soluble CD23(sCD23) levels, and the superoxide anion() generations by peripheral PMN were compared between bronchial asthmatics and normal subjects. The IL-4 activities of peripheral T-cells were analyzed by T-cell supernatant (T-sup)-induced CD23 expression from tonsil B-cells. In bronchial asthmatics the serum IgE levels and histamine in addition to the above parameters were also compared before and after IFN- treatment. IFN- was administered subcutaneously with a weekly dose of 30,000 IU per kilogram of body weight for 4 weeks. Results : The generations by peripheral PMNs in bronchial asthmatics were higher than normal subjects( vs cells, P treatment compared to initial values( vs cells, P, vs , P treatment. The serum sCD23 levels in bronchial asthmatics were slightly higher than normal subjects( vs ), and 11(64.7%) of 17 patients showed a decreasing pattern in their serum sCD23 levels after IFN- treatment. However the means of serum sCD23 levels were not different before and after IFN- treatment. The IL-4 activities of peripheral T-cells in bronchial asthmatics were slightly higher than normal subjects( vs ), and slightly increased after IFN- treatment(). Nine(60%) of 15 patients showed a decreasing pattern in their serum IgE levels after IFN- treatment. And the levels of serum IgE were significantly decreased after IFN- treatment compared to initial values ( vs , P treatment, and the means of histamine were significantly increased after IFN- treatment compared to initial values ( vs , P may be useful as well as safety in the treatment of bronchial asthmatics with high serum IgE level and that in vivo effects of IFN- may be different from its in vitro effects on the regulations of IgE synthesis or the respiratory burst of PMN.

Site-directed Mutagenesis of Cys-15 and Cys-20 of Pulmonary Surfactant Protein D: EXPRESSION OF A TRIMERIC PROTEIN WITH ALTERED ANTI-VIRAL PROPERTIES

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) molecules are preferentially assembled as dodecamers consisting of trimeric subunits associated at their amino termini. The NH2-terminal sequence of each monomer contains two conserved cysteine residues, which participate in interchain disulfide bonds. In order to study the roles of these residues in SP-D assembly and function, we employed site-directed mutagenesis to substitute serine for cysteine 15 and 20 in recombinant rat SP-D (RrSP-D), and have expressed the mutant (RrSP-Dser15/20) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells. The mutant, which was efficiently secreted, bound to maltosyl-agarose, but unlike RrSP-D, was assembled exclusively as trimers. The constituent monomers showed a decreased mobility on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis resulting from an increase in the size and sialylation of the N-linked oligosaccharide at Asn-70. Although RrSP-Dser15/20 contained a pepsin-resistant triple helical domain, it showed a decreased Tm, and acquired susceptibility to proteolytic degradation. Like RrSP-D, RrSP-Dser15/20 bound to the hemagglutinin of influenza A. However, it showed no viral aggregation and did not enhance the binding of influenza A to neutrophils (PMN), augment PMN respiratory burst, or protect PMNs from deactivation. These studies indicate that amino-terminal disulfides are required to stabilize dodecamers, and support our hypothesis that the oligomerization of trimeric subunits contributes to the anti-microbial properties of SP-D.

Deficiency of Src family kinases p59/61hck and p58c-fgr results in defective adhesion-dependent neutrophil functions.

Cross-linking of the neutrophil-beta 2- or beta 3-related leukocyte response integrins by extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins or monoclonal antibodies (mAb) stimulates cytoskeletal rearrangement leading to cell spreading and respiratory burst. Tyrosin phosphorylation of a variety of proteins and activation of the Src family kinases within polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) have recently been implicated in the intracellular signaling pathways generated by leukocyte integrins (Yan, S.R., L. Fumagalli, and G Berton. 1995. J. Inflammation. 45:217-311.) To directly test whether these functional responses are dependent on the Src family kinases p59/61hck and p58c-fgr, we examined adhesion-dependent respiratory burst in PMNs isolated from hck -/-, fgr -/-, and hck -/- fgr -/- knockout mice. Purified bone marrow PMNS from wild-type mice released significant amounts of O2- when adherent to fibrinogen-, fibronectin-, or collagen-coated surfaces, in the presence of activating agents such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, as described for human PMNs. PMNs from hck-/-fgr-/- double-mutant mic, however, failed to respond. This defect was specific for integrin signaling, since respiratory burst was normal in hck-/-fgr-/-PMNs stimulated by immune complexes or PMA. Stimulation of respiratory burst was observed in TNF-primed wild-type PMN plated on surfaces coated with murine intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), while hck-/-fgr-/- PMNs, failed to respond. Direct cross-linking of the subunits of beta 2 and beta 2 integrins by surface-bound mAbs was elicited O2- production by wild-type PMNs, while the double-mutant hck-/-fgr-/- cells failed to respond. Photomicroscopy and cell adhesion assays revealed that the impaired functional responses of hck-/-fgr-/- PMNs were caused by defective spreading and tight adhesion on either ECM protein- or mAb-coated surfaces. In contrast, hck-/-or fgr-/-single mutant cells produced O2- at levels equivalent to wild-type cells on ECM protein, murine ICAM-1, and antiintegrin mAb-coated surfaces. Hence, either p59/61 hck and p 58c-fgr is required for signaling through leukocyte beta 2 and beta 3 integrins leading to PMN spreading and respiratory burst. This is the first direct genetic evidence of the importance of Src family kinases in integrin signaling within leukocytes, and it is also the best example of overlapping function between members of this gene family within a defined signal transduction pathway.

Bradykinin stimulates phosphoinositide turnover and phospholipase C but not phospholipase D and NADPH oxidase in human neutrophils.

In response to formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP), human neutrophils (PMN) generate superoxide anion (O2-) by the enzyme complex NADPH oxidase. The modulation of phosphoinositide (PPI) turnover and the activation of phospholipases C (PLC) and D (PLD) have been shown to be early steps in the oxidative response of fMLP-stimulated PMN. Although the physiological nonapeptide bradykinin (BK) is involved in inflammation, its participation in PMN activation has not been properly studied. In this work, activation of signal transduction pathways that mediate the oxidative response, and the modulation of the NADPH oxidase activity by BK, are analyzed. A direct comparison between the signal transduction pathway induced by BK and fMLP is also made. BK was not able to elicit O2- production by PMN. Nevertheless, several signal transduction pathways associated with PMN activation were triggered by BK. The nonapeptide induced the phosphorylation of prelabeled membrane PPI. This phenomenon was imitated by PMA and inhibited by H7 and staurosporine, thus suggesting the participation of protein kinase c (PKC). A loss of labeled [32P]PPI was triggered by fMLP. The fact that both PMA and fMLP stimulated O2- production but modulated PPI turnover in different ways, indicates that PPI labeling does not correlate with the oxidative response. Because PKC activation seemed to be a prerequisite for BK-induced modulation of PPI turnover, PLC activation could act as an intermediate step in this mechanism. Our results show that BK activated a PIP2-PLC measured as the release of [3H]IP3. On the contrary, a PC-PLD was highly stimulated by fMLP but not by BK. The fact that BK induced PLC activity but neither that of PLD nor NADPH oxidase, whereas fMLP triggered the activation of both phospholipases and evoked the PMN respiratory burst, suggests that diacylglycerol (DAG) from PIP2 as well as PA or PA-derived DAG, synergize to trigger the PMN oxidative response. Finally, BK inhibited O2- production by fMLP-activated PMN in a time-dependent manner. Since BK did not induce NO production by PMN, the inhibitory effect on the oxidative function was not due to ONOO- formation. These data show that BK plays an important role in inflammation by modulating the PMN function.

Hypoxia/Reoxygenation of Human Endothelium Activates PMNs to Detach Endothelial Cells via a PAF Mechanism

Our previousin vivostudies have implicated phospholipase A2activation and platelet-activating factor (PAF) production as an important mediator of neutrophil (PMN) priming after mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion. Furthermore, ourin vitrostudies demonstrate that PAF priming of PMN enhances PMN respiratory burst and increases PMN adherence to human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures (HUVEC). Others have shown that cytokine stimulated HUVEC can activate quiescent PMNs to provoke endothelial cell (EC) monolayer disruption via EC detachment by a noncytolytic PMN protease mechanism. Hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) of HUVEC can also directly stimulate PAF production. Consequently, we hypothesized that HUVEC H/R can activate quiescent PMNs to disrupt the EC monolayer (detachment) through a PAF mediated mechanism. HUVEC were labeled with51chromium (51Cr) and subjected to 45 min hypoxia (95% N2/5% CO2). PMNs freshly isolated by Percoll gradient centrifugation were added to HUVEC and reoxygenated for 120 min. Additionally, H/R HUVEC with PMN pretreated with WEB2170 (a PAF receptor antagonist) was compared to control (non-H/R HUVEC incubated with PMNs). Wells were washed at end incubation, and adherent ECs counted. Detachment = [total counts − sample counts]/total counts × 100. H/R HUVEC plus PMN provoked a 29.3 ± 1.6% detachment of EC compared to 9.3 ± 2.9% detachment in control (non-H/R HUVEC with PMNs). In contrast, H/R HUVEC with PMNs preincubated with WEB2170 had 9.9 ± 3.8% detachment of EC. In summary, HUVEC H/R activated quiescent PMNs to disrupt an EC monolayer (detachment) via a PAF mechanism.

Alkyl-PAF and acyl-PAF human neutrophil priming for enhanced fMLP- and rC5a-induced superoxide anion production

Alkyl-PAF induced two components of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) priming for enhanced fMLP- and rC5a-induced superoxide anion (O2-) production. Component A priming had a shallow, linear alkyl-PAF concentration-response slope (10 pM-1 nM), and component B priming had a significantly steeper concentration-response slope (1-100 nM alkyl-PAF). Whereas the extent of component B priming decayed significantly within 5-10 min after pretreatment of PMNs with alkyl-PAF, component A priming was completely stable. WEB 2086, a specific and potent PAF receptor antagonist, abolished component A priming when PMNs were simultaneously stimulated with alkyl-PAF and either fMLP or rC5a but only partially reduced component B priming. However, whereas WEB 2086 also obliterated component A priming when PMNs were pretreated with alkyl-PAF for 2.5, 5, or 10 min prior to fMLP stimulation, WEB 2086 had little or no inhibitory effect on component B priming. Paradoxically, WEB 2086 significantly augmented alkyl-PAF-induced component B priming for enhanced rC5a-induced PMN O2. production yet concomitantly obliterated component A priming. PMN priming by acyl-PAF (1 nm-1 micron) had characteristics identical to those of alkyl-PAF-induced component A priming. These studies suggest that there are at least two effector pathways modulating alkyl-PAF-induced PMN respiratory burst priming. They are also consistent with the notion that component A priming is initiated via high-affinity PAF receptors and component B priming is mediated through low-affinity PAF receptors; and whereas alkyl-PAF interacts with both high- and low-affinity PAF receptors, both acyl-PAF and WEB 2086 preferentially bind to the high-affinity PAF receptors.

Suppression by anticancer agents of reactive oxygen generation from polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The influence of anticancer agents on signal transduction for reactive oxygen generation was examined in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacyl glycerol levels in formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-stimulated PMN were decreased by cis-diammine-dichloroplatinum (CDDP), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 137Cs, and peplomycin (PLM, a bleomycin analog) in this order. Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) level and protein kinase C (PKC) activity in the membrane after phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation were decreased by 5-FU and CDDP but not by 137Cs and, in contrast, were increased by PLM. The level of [Ca2+]i was decreased by 8 h treatment with 5-FU and CDDP. 5-FU and CDDP inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation of 83-kDa and 115-kDa proteins, however 137Cs did not inhibit their phosphorylation and PLM enhanced the tyrosine phosphorylation. Short term (< or = 4 h) treatment with PLM, 5-FU and CDDP enhanced respiratory burst of PMN, whereas long term (8 h) treatment, as well as radiation, suppressed reactive oxygen generation from PMN in a dose dependent manner. Genistein suppressed chemiluminescence in 5-FU-, CDDP-, and 137Cs-pretreated PMN to a greater extent than it did in PLM-pretreated PMN, however near suppression of chemiluminescence by staurosporine, 4-bromophenyl bromide and methionine was observed in PMN pretreated with these agents. In conclusion, these results indicate that long term treatment of PMN with 5-FU and CDDP inhibit respiratory burst, suppressing intracellular calcium mobilization, PKC translocation and tyrosine kinase activation, in adverse, short term treatment with PLM enhances PKC translocation and tyrosine kinase activation, but inhibits myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and radiation causes weak inhibition of signal transduction for respiratory burst.

Distinct Tyrosine Kinase Activation and Triton X-100 Insolubility upon FcγRII or FcγRIIIB Ligation in Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes.: IMPLICATIONS FOR IMMUNE COMPLEX ACTIVATION OF THE RESPIRATORY BURST

Two tyrosine kinase-dependent pathways exist for activation of the respiratory burst by polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) immunoglobulin G Fc receptors. Direct ligation of Fc gamma RII activates the respiratory burst, but ligation of the glycan phosphoinositol-linked Fc gamma RIIIB does not. Instead, this receptor and the integrin complement receptor CR3 synergize in activation of the respiratory burst (Zhou, M.-J., and Brown, E. J. (1994) J. Cell Biol. 125, 1407-1416). Here we show that direct ligation of Fc gamma RII leads to activation and Triton X-100 insolubility of the Src family kinase Fgr, without effect on the related myeloid Src family member Hck. In contrast, adhesion of PMN via Fc gamma RIIIB leads to activation and Triton X-100 insolubility of Hck but not Fgr. The exclusive association of Fc gamma RIIIB with Hck activation and Triton insolubility is not solely a result of its glycan phosphoinositol anchor, since decay accelerating factor (CD55), another prominent glycan phosphoinositol-anchored PMN protein, is associated with Fgr insolubility to a greater extent than Hck. Ligation of decay accelerating factor, with or without coligation of CR3, does not activate the PMN respiratory burst. Coligation of Fc gamma RIIIB with Fc gamma RII overcomes the pertussis toxin inhibition of H2O2 production in response to direct ligation of Fc gamma RII. These data support the hypothesis that activation of Hck upon Fc gamma RIIIB ligation has a role in generation of the synergistic respiratory burst.

Upregulation of respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear leukocytes by a bleomycin derivative, peplomycin.

The influence of peplomycin (PLM) on the respiratory burst of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was investigated. Short-term (5 min) treatment of human PMN with 0.1mu g/ml to 100mu g/ml of PLM increased phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)- and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. PMN, as well as alveolar macrophages from rabbits treated with 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg of peplomycin per day for 5 days, generated more superoxide (O2-) than the cells from untreated rabbits. In both PLM-treated and untreated PMN, chemiluminescence induced by FMLP and PMA was decreased to less than 50% of the control by staurosporine, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. However, the peak intensity in PLM-untreated PMN was decreased to about 30% of the control by genistein, while this agent induced a slight decrease in peak intensity in the PLM-treated PMN. Inositol triphosphate and diacyl glycerol levels were not clearly increased by PLM, but an increase of intracellular Ca++ and a shift of protein kinase C (PKC) to the membrane occurred in PMN within 1 min after PLM treatment. Western blotting revealed that the tyrosine phosphorylation of a 115 kDa protein was upregulated by 5 to 50mu g/ml of PLM. While, PLM suppressed SOD activity in alveolar macrophages and PMN. These results seem to indicate that PLM increases the respiratory burst of PMN and macrophages both by way of direct PKC activation and by the upregulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. This increased reactive oxygen generation, together with the suppression of SOD activity seems to be tissue-impairing.

Polymorphonuclear phagocytosis and killing in workers exposed to inorganic mercury

The ability of neutrophils to phagocytose and kill Candida species as well as the splenic phagocytic function were investigated in workers from a mercury-producing plant. In the neutrophil phagocytosis study, two species of Candida were used in since in individuals with myeloperoxidase deficiency neutorphils are unable to kill Candida albicans, while Candida pseudotropicalis can be effectively lysed. Phagocytosis of both antigens and splenic phagocytic function were normal in all the workers studied. However, following ingestion of the organisms there was considerable reduction in the ability of neutrophils from exposed workers to kill both species of Candida, and this was not explained by a mild impairment of phagocytosis. After improvement in the hygiene conditions in the factory, a new evaluation was performed, 6 months later, in the same workers and urinary mercury concentrations were determined monthly in each worker. Despite a significant reduction in urinary mercury concentrations, a greater impairment in the ability of neutrophils to kill C. albicans was observed. The killing of C. pseudotropicalis presented no further impairment when compared to the previous evaluation. These results suggest that impairment of the lytic activity of neutrophils from workers with urinary mercury concentrations within the safe level for exposed population is due, at least in part, to some interference with myeloperoxidase activity. In addition, the mercury-NADPH complex, once formed, could limit the utilization of reduced pyridine nucleotides by NADPH- dependent enzymes such as NADPH oxidase, thereby inhibiting the PMN respiratory burst.

Suppression of respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear leukocytes by azelastine hydrochloride (Azeptin).

The inhibitory action of azelastine hydrochloride (Azeptin) on the respiratory burst in peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) has been studied. Azeptin in vitro suppressed chemiluminescence and superoxide (O2-) generation by human PMN in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Phorbol myristyl acetate (PMA) and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced O2- generation were strongly suppressed by 10(-6) M and 10(-5) M Azeptin, respectively. PMN and PAM from rabbits injected with Azeptin 0.2 mg.kg-1 for 5 days showed lower chemiluminescence and O2- generation than cells from untreated rabbits. Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction activity in human PMN was suppressed by treatment of PMN with 10(-6) M Azeptin for 6 h. Inositol trisphosphate, intracellular free calcium, and protein kinase C activity were decreased by 10(-6) M to 10(-5) M Azeptin. The tyrosine phosphorylation of many proteins, especially a 115 kDa protein, was suppressed by 10(-5) M Azeptin. However, superoxide dismutase activity in PMN, PAM, and lung tissue samples was only slightly decreased, even when the rabbits were treated with 1.0 mg.kg-1 Azeptin for 5 days. The results suggest that Azeptin suppresses multiple signal transduction steps in the respiratory burst of PMN. This suppressive action should be very useful in the prevention and treatment of reactive oxygen-associated disorders.

Fibrinogen mediates platelet-polymorphonuclear leukocyte cooperation during immune-complex glomerulonephritis in rats.

The metabolic and functional alterations which occur during the acute phase of nephrotoxic nephritis (NTN) in rats, a model of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis, result from a cooperative interaction between PMNs and platelets (PLTs). In consequence, we hypothesized that fibrinogen (Fg) might play a critical role in this process and, accordingly, we found that defibrination of animals decreased both the acute phase proteinuria in NTN (approximately 70%) as well as the influx of PLTs and PMNs into the glomerulus (approximately 40-50%). In contrast, blockade of the PLT Fg receptor, alpha IIb beta 3, with the RGD peptidomimetic SC-49992 decreased proteinuria (approximately 90%) without substantially altering the influx of PMNs or PLTs. Immunocytochemistry showed a marked increase in beta 3 integrin expression in inflamed glomeruli which was prevented either by PMN or PLT depletion before disease induction. FACS and immunocytochemical analysis of glomerular cell dissociates demonstrated that beta 3 integrin expression was predominantly on intraglomerular PLTs. In vitro, activated PLTs stimulated the PMN respiratory burst, an interaction which could be inhibited by Fg receptor blockade. In sum, acute NTN is accompanied by a marked increase in glomerular beta 3 integrin expression predominantly due to the influx of PLTs which localize to the glomerulus in a PMN-dependent fashion. Fg appears to serve a major role as a coactivating stimulus for PLT-PMNs in situ via alpha IIb beta 3, potentially mediating the PMN respiratory burst which contributes to proteinuria. Fg may also play a subsidiary role in PMN/PLT comigration.

Characterisation of an oxidative response inhibitor produced by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pneumonia caused by infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae is still a major clinical problem. Reactive oxygen species contribute to the killing of these bacteria by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs). Defence mechanisms of Str pneumoniae which counter reactive oxygen species are characterised. PMNs were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in the presence and absence of Str pneumoniae and supernatants from them, and superoxide (O2-) production was measured by the reduction of ferricytochrome c. Streptococcus pneumoniae, but not Klebsiella pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus, inhibited PMA stimulated superoxide production by PMNs. Washed PMNs which had been preincubated with Str pneumoniae autolysis phase supernatants also exhibited depressed H2O2 production in response to PMA. The inhibitory activity was not attributable to non-specific cytotoxicity as assessed by release of the cytoplasmic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase, nor did the supernatants inhibit PMA stimulated degranulation of PMNs. Fractionation of the autolysis phase supernatants revealed inhibitory activity in both the fractions greater than and less than 10 kD. Like pneumolysin the inhibitory activity was heat sensitive. However, both a parent and pneumolysin negative mutant Str pneumoniae, and autolysis phase supernatants from them, inhibited PMN superoxide production. Antisera to pneumolysin failed to abrogate the inhibitory effect of intact Str pneumoniae or autolysis phase supernatants from types 1 or 14 Str pneumoniae. The inhibitory effect of Str pneumoniae on the respiratory burst of PMNs is not shared by two other common lung pathogens. The existence of a novel inhibitor of the PMN respiratory burst, distinct from pneumolysin, has been demonstrated. The inhibitor is specific for the respiratory burst and is active both in the logarithmic phase of growth and during autolysis.

Polymorphonuclear cell-mediated oxidative responsiveness in the elderly

Over the last few years, an array of experimental and clinical data supports a role for free radicals in the pathogenesis of aging phenomenon. In this context, toxic oxygen metabolites released by activated polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) may in part contribute to the increased burden of oxidants with advancing age. As far as PMN respiratory burst is concerned, many reports point out an age-related impairment of formyl peptide (FMLP)-triggered oxidative response. Although an imbalance in cell calcium homeostasis has been suggested to account for such an effect, the observation of an unaffected phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced superoxide anion (O(2)()) generation implies that other mechanisms may be involved in such a deficit. In this regard, the reduction of membrane microviscosity and/or the cytoskeleton-mediated decrease of FMLP receptor expression may play a pivotal role. In addition, the latter mechanism may also explain the failure of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-priming to fully restore PMN oxidative response induced by FMLP. Finally, a beta(2) integrin-dependent defect in PMN adhesiveness has been observed as a function of age. However, in spite of this finding, the increase of O(2)() production by aged adherent cells mimicks that observed in young controls, this suggesting the possible occurrence of a prolonged O(2)() release as a consequence of the persistence of infectious agents. Taken together, these findings outline a selective dysfunction of oxidative metabolism in the elderly.

Cell Function and Viability in Glucose Polymer Peritoneal Dialysis Fluids

To investigate the biocompatibility profile of a new peritoneal dialysis fluid containing glucose polymer (GPF). Viability and function of peripheral neutrophils (PMN) from healthy donors and cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells were assessed in vitro after exposure to dialysis fluids. Phagocytosis, leukotriene B4 synthesis, and respiratory burst activation were measured following stimulation with serum-treated zymosan (STZ) or opsonized Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). Bacterial growth in the fluids was also investigated. In vivo pH equilibration of GPF and subsequent respiratory burst activation following incubation in spent dialysate were studied. For all the host defense parameters measured, commercial dialysis fluids (Dianeal; 1.36% and 3.86% glucose) and GPF (pH 5.2) were significantly more inhibitory than the control buffer (pH 7.3). Mesothelial cell viability was reduced by all the fluids tested irrespective of pH. Glucose polymer fluid was significantly more inhibitory than Dianeal 1.36% for STZ phagocytosis and respiratory burst activation. In contrast, it was less suppressive than Dianeal 3.86% for LTB4 synthesis. For all parameters tested, except LTB4 generation, there was a marked effect of pH, with GPF being significantly more inhibitory at pH 5.2 than at pH 7.3. None of the fluids tested supported the growth of S. epidermidis, although the viable counts in GFP were significantly higher than in Dianeal. Fluid inhibition of PMN respiratory burst activation and cytotoxicity were reduced in a time-dependent manner following increasing dwell time in vivo. GPF does not appear to be significantly different from Dianeal as far as host defense parameters are concerned. However, the cell viability and bacterial survival data suggest some possibly negative aspects of this fluid formation.

Peritoneal dialysis fluid inhibition of phagocyte function: effects of osmolality and glucose concentration.

Solutions were formulated to examine, independently, the roles of osmolality and glucose in the reduction of viability and inhibition of phagocyte function by dextrose-containing peritoneal dialysis fluids. The exposure of neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) to test fluids containing > or = 2.7% (wt/vol) glucose resulted in significant cytotoxicity as assessed by the release of lactate dehydrogenase above control values (7.12 +/- 2.65%). At the highest concentration of glucose (4.5%), lactate dehydrogenase release was 15.83 +/- 0.49% (P < 0.05). These effects were directly related to the presence of D-glucose in the test fluids. In contrast, phagocytosis and the release of leukotriene B4 from PMN stimulated with serum-treated zymosan were significantly inhibited in an osmolality-, but not glucose-, dependent manner. The inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 release from mononuclear leukocytes was inhibited by a combination of osmolality and monosaccharide concentration. Under the same conditions, PMN respiratory burst activation remained unaffected irrespective of glucose concentration or fluid osmolality. These data indicate that, in addition to the low pH of peritoneal dialysis fluid and its high lactate concentration, its glucose content (either directly or as a consequence of the resulting hyperosmolality of the fluid) inhibits cell functional parameters. These findings suggest clinically significant inhibition of host defense mechanisms because, in high-glucose dialysis fluids, osmolality does not reach physiologic values, even during extended intraperitoneal dwell periods.

Effect of ingested pentoxifylline on neutrophil superoxide anion production.

Superoxide and other oxygen radicals produced by activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) may be important causes of tissue damage in a number of inflammatory conditions. Therefore, a drug which suppresses PMN responses in vivo is potentially important. In vitro, pentoxifylline (PTOX) inhibits superoxide anion production when PMN are stimulated with an activated complement component (C5a Des Arg) or formyl peptides but only at concentrations not achieved in the circulation. The aim of this study was to determine whether PTOX has an effect on PMN responses in vivo. Superoxide anion production, monitored by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, was inhibited by 40.5% +/- 8.0% (n = 8, P < 0.009) for C5a Des Arg and 47.7% +/- 9.6% (n = 8, P < 0.009) for formyl-methionylleucylphenylalanine stimulation 1.5 h after ingestion of 400 mg of PTOX in a slow-release tablet, with some inhibitory effects persisting at 5 h. There was a strong correlation between reduced PMN response to activated complement and plasma concentrations of three PTOX metabolites (P < 0.05), but not with plasma concentrations of the parent drug. In vitro investigations with each of the four methylxanthines showed two of these metabolites to be most effective at reducing PMN respiratory burst activity, lactoferrin release, and the expression of CD11b and CD18 molecules. Furthermore, this in vitro inhibitory activity was achieved at concentrations of metabolites achievable in vivo. The results suggest that PTOX reduces oxygen radical production and protects against unwanted tissue damage in vivo by the action of its metabolites.

Effect of Haemophilus somnus on phagocytosis and hydrogen peroxide production by bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The interactions between bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and the bacterium Haemophilus somnus are known to be complex. In this paper, we evaluated the effect of H. somnus on PMN function using a flow cytometric (FC) technique that simultaneously determined the extent of phagocytosis and hydrogen peroxide production by PMNs, as well as using conventional techniques, such as the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and chemiluminescence assays, to analyse the PMN respiratory burst. Results from the FC and chemiluminescence assays demonstrated that in vitro exposure of PMNs to logarithmically growing H. somnus reduced the respiratory burst of PMNs obtained from healthy calves. However, this reduction was not detected by the NBT assay. A decrease in phagocytosis by PMNs could also be shown using the FC assay. In addition, PMNs from calves with acute Hemophilosis (i.e. exposed to H. somnus in vivo) showed reduced activity when compared to PMNs from healthy calves. These in vitro and in vivo observations indicate that the modulation of bovine PMN function by H. somnus may contribute significantly towards the pathogenesis of the disease.

The respiratory burst of neutrophils, a prognostic parameter in head and neck cancer?

Flow cytometric measurements of the respiratory burst of granulocytes (PMN) from 27 patients with advanced carcinomas of the head and neck revealed two types of responses to a stimulus with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) before, during, and after radiochemotherapy. (1) The majority (74%) of patients responded quantitatively normal (31-fold increase of fluorescence intensity after PMA stimulation, as in controls) but exhibited functional subpopulations in 63% of samples with varying degrees of hyperreactive PMN. (2) A subgroup of 7 patients did not respond to PMA before and during treatment (“nonresponders”), but in two cases responded after therapy. Survival analysis revealed a significantly ( P < 0.02) decreased mean survival time of nonresponders (36 weeks vs > 70 weeks in “responders”). Thus, the respiratory burst of PMN could serve as a prognostic parameter in head and neck cancer.