Superoxide In Response Research Articles

Expression of the soxR gene of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is inducible during infection of burn wounds in mice and is required to cause efficient bacteremia.

Burn wounds are prone to infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is an opportunistic pathogen causing various human diseases. During infection, the bacterium senses environmental changes and regulates the expression of genes appropriate for survival. A purine-auxotrophic mutant of P. aeruginosa was unable to replicate efficiently on burn wounds, suggesting that burn wounds are purine-deficient environments. An in vivo expression technology based on purEK gene expression was applied to the burned mouse infection model to isolate P. aeruginosa genes that are specifically induced during infection. Four such in vivo-inducible (ivi) genetic loci were identified, including the gene for a superoxide response regulator (soxR), the gene for a malate synthase G homologue (glcG), an antisense transcript of a putative regulator responding to copper (copR), and an uncharacterized genetic locus. SoxR of Escherichia coli is known to regulate genes involved in protecting the bacterium against oxidative stress. The expression of soxR was proven to be highly inducible during the infection of burned mice and also inducible by treatment with paraquat, which is a redox-cycling reagent generating intracellular superoxide. The SoxR protein functions as an autorepressor in the absence of paraquat, whereas in the presence of paraquat, this autorepression is diminished. Furthermore, a soxR null mutant was shown to be much more sensitive than wild-type P. aeruginosa to macrophage-mediated killing. In support of this observation, a soxR null mutant exhibited a significant delay in causing systemic infections in the burned mice. Since most mortality in burn patients is caused by systemic infection, the defect in the ability to cause efficient bacteremia in burned mice suggests an important role of the soxR gene in the infection of burn wounds.

Superoxide production in phagocytes obtained from Mycobacterium marinum-stimulated goldfish (Carassius auratus) that were exposed to copper

Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of copper exposure and recovery from copper toxicosis on the nonspecific immune response in Mycobacterium marinum-inoculated goldfish. Animals Goldfish (Carassius auratus) with a mean weight of 33.5 g. Procedure Superoxide (O2-) production was measured in fish 2 to 6 weeks after injection with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution or M marinum (102 to 107 colony-forming units [CFU]/fish). Then, paired groups of fish were injected with PBS solution or 104 CFU of M marinum and exposed to copper (100 µg/L) for 7 days or for 4 days with 3 days of recovery. One paired group not exposed 14 days later to copper served as control fish. Phagocyte production of O2-was measured by use of the nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay. Inflammation and bacterial colony counts were determined by use of routine histologic and microbiologic procedures. Results Superoxide production achieved a maximal response 2 to 4 weeks after M marinum inoculation. Compared with control fish, O2- production increased in the groups exposed to copper but then decreased in the exposed groups that were allowed to recover. Superoxide response and peritoneal inflammation were greater in M marinum-inoculated groups than in non-inoculated groups. Conclusions Copper exposure and inoculation with M marinum increased O2- production, whereas recovery after exposure decreased O2- production, even in fish that were immunostimulated by M marinum. Clinical Relevance When the antimicrobial oxidative response is suppressed after copper exposure, steps should be taken to avoid imposing additional stress and minimize the possibility of resurgent or secondary pathogenic infections. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:669–675)

Characterization of Cbl-Nck and Nck-Pak1 Interactions in Myeloid FcγRII Signaling

Fc receptors modulate inflammatory processes, including phagocytosis, serotonin and histamine release, superoxide production, and secretion of cytokines. Aggregation of FcγRIIa, the low-affinity receptor for monomeric IgG, activates nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases such as Lyn, Hck, and Syk, potentially driving the phosphorylation of the downstream adaptor proteins, including Cbl and/or Nck. Previous work from our laboratory using interferon-γ-differentiated U937 (U937IF) myeloid cells investigated mechanisms which regulate Fcγ receptor-induced assembly of adaptor complexes. Herein we report that FcγRII receptor signaling in U937IF and HEL cells involves Cbl and Nck, suggesting that Cbl–Nck interactions may link FcγRII to downstream activation of Pak kinase. FcγRII crosslinking induced the phosphorylation of Cbl and Nck on tyrosine. The αCbl immunoprecipitations revealed constitutive binding of Nck and Grb2 to Cbl and FcγRII-inducible binding of CrkL to Cbl. The interactions of Cbl with Nck and CrkL were phosphorylation dependent since dephosphorylation of cellular proteins with potato acid phosphatase abrogated binding. GST–Nck fusion protein pulldown experiments show that Cbl and Pak1 bind to the second SH3 domain of Nck. A specific Src inhibitor, PP1, was shown to completely abrogate the FcγR-induced superoxide response, correlating with a decrease in Cbl and Nck tyrosine phosphorylation. Our results provide the first evidence that Src is required for FcγR activation of the respiratory burst in myeloid cells and suggest that Cbl–Nck, Cbl–Pak1, and Nck–Pak1 interactions may regulate this response.

Neutrophils responded to immobilized lipopolysaccharide in the absence of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in solution primes neutrophils for enhanced release of superoxide in response to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. We show that LPS immobilized on polystyrene or polypropylene acted on neutrophils by a mechanism different from that of LPS in solution. Coating the surface with 1% plasma, either before coating with LPS (plasma/LPS) or after coating with LPS (LPS/plasma), was essential to induce the LPS response in neutrophils. However, plasma could be replaced by fibrinogen, type I collagen or type IV collagen, or, to a lesser extent, by fibronectin or vitronectin, which was not true for LPS in solution. About 20% of the LPS added was immobilized on the plastic surfaces, based on its ability to adsorb anti-LPS antibody after extensive washing. The amount of soluble LPS that might have been released from surfaces during the incubation with neutrophils was too low to account for the priming by immobilized LPS. About 13-20 min was needed for neutrophils to become primed after incubation with immobilized LPS. Immobilized LPS induced up-regulation of CD11b/CD18 and latent alkaline phosphatase and also enhanced the adhesive response of neutrophils. Priming by immobilized LPS was inhibited by anti-CD14 antibody or by treatment of neutrophils with the LPS antagonist LA-14-PP. When immobilized LPS was treated with anti-LPS-binding protein (LBP) antibody, the response of neutrophils to LPS/plasma was inhibited but the response to plasma/LPS or fibrinogen/LPS was not. Thus, the LPS in plasma/LPS or fibrinogen/LPS acted on neutrophils in an LBP-independent manner. We conclude that the CD14-dependent LPS receptor system of neutrophils was capable of working in the absence of LBP, but only when LPS was immobilized on a surface coated with protein.

Phagocyte NADPH Oxidase p67-phoxPossesses a Novel Carboxylterminal Binding Site for the GTPases Rac2 and Cdc42

Rac GTPases regulate activation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase, a multi-component enzyme complex that produces superoxide in response to host infection. GTP-bound Rac binds to the cytosol protein p67-phoxenabling it to participate in oxidase assembly. Details of this interaction are poorly understood. Previous studies showed that Rac/p67-phoxbinding is GTP-dependent and that several Rac1 mutants lost the ability to activate the oxidase even though they still bound p67-phox.Using two hybrid and blot overlay binding methods, we identified a novel binding site in the p67-phoxC-terminus that binds Rac1, Rac2, and Cdc42, a related GTPase which does not activate the oxidase. Binding was independent of the GDP/GTP state. We also showed that GTP-Cdc42 binds p67-phoxN-terminus similar to GTP-Rac. Therefore, Rac binding to p67-phoxis not synonymous with NADPH oxidase activation, and Rac probably participates in other steps of oxidase activation in addition to binding p67-phox.

Advanced Glycation Endproducts in Neurofilament Conglomeration of Motoneurons in Familial and Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Massive neurofilament conglomeration in motor neurons has been described to occur in the early stages of both familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previously, neurofilament conglomerates were immunolabeled for both superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and nitrotyrosine, suggesting the potential for oxidative nitration damage to neurofilament protein by peroxynitrite. Long-lived neurofilaments may also undergo modification by advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) with concomitant generation of free radicals, including superoxide. This radical species may then react with nitric oxide to form the potent oxidant, peroxynitrite, which in turn can nitrate neurofilament protein. Such a glycated and nitrated neurofilament protein may become resistant to proteolytic systems, forming high-molecular-weight protein complexes and cytotoxic, neuronal inclusions. Paraffin sections containing both neurofilament conglomerates and neuronal inclusions were obtained from patients with sporadic (n = 5) and familial (n = 2) ALS and were probed with specific antibodies directed against the AGEs cypentodine/piperidine-enolone, arginine-lysine imidazole, pentosidine, and pyrraline. Neurofilament conglomerates, but not neuronal inclusions, were intensely immunolabeled with each of the anti-AGE antibodies tested. The immunoreactivity was selective for neurofilament conglomerates and suggested that AGEs may form inter- or intramolecular cross-links in neurofilament proteins. These data support the hypothesis that AGE formation affects neurofilament proteins in vivo and is associated with the concomitant induction of SODI and protein nitration in neurofilament conglomerates. AGE formation in neurofilament protein may not only cause covalent cross-linking but also generate superoxide and block nitric oxide-mediated responses, thereby perpetuating neuronal toxicity in patients with ALS.

Priming induces functional coupling of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine receptors in equine neutrophils.

The synthetic formylpeptide fMLP is widely used as a model chemoattractant and secretagogue for mammalian neutrophils. Despite possessing fMLP receptors, equine neutrophils do not produce superoxide anions in response to fMLP and there is no inflammatory reaction in the horse when fMLP is injected intradermally. The functional capability of these receptors was investigated after pretreatment with recognized priming agents. Purified neutrophils were pretreated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), platelet-activating factor (PAF), or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and superoxide anion generation and shape change quantified by lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL) and flow cytometry, respectively. LPS, TNF-alpha, and PAF pretreatment induced significant LDCL in response to fMLP; similarly LPS pretreatment was a prerequisite for fMLP-stimulated neutrophil polarization in response to fMLP. However, LPS failed to induce fMLP-mediated chemotaxis of equine neutrophils. These data indicate that equine neutrophil fMLP receptors are not vestigial as previously thought but can trigger both respiratory burst activity and cell polarization responses after priming.

NAD(P)H oxidase activity in cultured human podocytes: Effects of adenosine triphosphate

Reactive oxygen species contribute to glomerular damage and proteinuria. In this study, we show that cultured human podocytes produce superoxide in response to extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and we identified the oxidases involved in this process. Adenosine triphosphate (10-4 M for 4 hr) raised superoxide production from 1.28 +/- 0.15 to 2.67 &/- 0.34 nmol/mg protein/min. Studies with podocyte homogenates revealed activation of both nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH; from 2.65 +/- 0.23 to 7.43 +/- 0.57) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) dependent oxidases [from 1.74 +/- 0.13 to 4.05 +/- 0.12 (nmol O2/mg protein/min)] by ATP. Activity of xanthine-oxidases was low and unchanged by ATP. Activation of the plasma-membrane bound NAD(P)H oxidases by ATP was time and dose dependent. Reverse transcribed-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies with primers derived from monocyte sequences amplified mRNA for the NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox, p47phox, gp91phox, and p67phox, and the latter was transiently increased by ATP. Experiments with actinomycin D and cycloheximide suggested that ATP modulates enzyme activity at the transcriptional and translational levels. In conclusion, NAD(P)H dependent, membrane associated oxidases represent the major superoxide source in human podocytes. Activation of NAD(P)H oxidase by ATP might be secondary to increased mRNA expression of the NADPH oxidase subunit gp67phox.

Oxidative Stress in the Symbiotic Sea Anemone Aiptasia pulchella (Carlgren, 1943): Contribution of the Animal to Superoxide Ion Production at Elevated Temperature.

Production of superoxide ions within tissues of the symbiotic sea anemone Aiptasia pulchella was detected using SOD-inhibitable cytochrome c reduction and quantified by SOD-inhibitable reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT). Intact aposymbiotic and symbiotic specimens of A. pulchella produced superoxide in response to acute, sublethal thermal stress. Neither light nor inhibition of symbiont photosynthesis by (3,4-di-chlorophenyl) -1, 1-dimethylurea (DCMU) affected superoxide production. The time course of superoxide ion production strongly resembled the time course of increased dark respiration by intact anemones, suggesting that the effect of elevated temperature on host mitochondria may account for increased superoxide production. Interestingly, freshly isolated algae (FIZ) did not release superoxide ions in response to elevated temperature, and net oxygen production decreased greatly in both intact symbiotic anemones and in FIZ within 20 minutes after temperature elevation. These results show that oxidative stress in A. pulchella is primarily an animal response, and suggest that the presence of symbiotic algae, although sufficient to cause hyperoxia, is not necessary for the appearance of oxidative stress in these anemones at elevated temperature.

Modulation of neutrophil superoxide response and intracellular diacylglyceride levels by the bacterial pigment pyocyanin.

Low concentrations of pyocyanin are reported to enhance superoxide production by human neutrophils exposed to various stimuli, yet the mechanism remains unknown. Using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, we examined the kinetics of the neutrophil superoxide response in the presence of pyocyanin. At all concentrations (12.5 to 200 microM), pyocyanin decreased the peak superoxide response while prolonging the duration of the response. The prolonged response may be associated with an observed increase in intracellular diacylglyceride levels due to pyocyanin exposure.

INCREASED PEROXYNITRITE PRODUCTION BY ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES (AM) FOLLOWING INHALATION OF NITRIC OXIDE (NO). • 1621

Inhaled NO is a selective pulmonary vasodilator that is used for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. In the present studies, we examined the effects of inhalation of NO on AM. These cells regulate host defense, in part, through the production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediates. Overproduction of these reactive mediators has been implicated in tissue damage. Balb/c mice were exposed to 80 ppm NO for 5 h; control animals received room air. AM were isolated 0, 24, or 48 h after exposure and measurements made of NO and superoxide anion production. Unstimulated AM from both control and NO-treated animals exhibited low levels of inducible NO synthase expression, as determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence, and negligible NO production, quantified as nitrite accumulation in the culture medium. Treatment of the cells for 24-72 hr with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), known physiologic activators of AM, resulted in a time-dependent induction of NO synthase and NO production. AM from NO-exposed mice produced significantly more NO than AM from control animals. This was correlated with increased NO synthase expression. We also found that AM from NO-exposed animals produced significantly more superoxide anion in response to 12-O-tetradecanoyl- phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) than cells from control animals. This was evident in vitro in isolated cells and in situ in histologic sections. NO rapidly reacts with superoxide anion to form peroxynitrite, a potent oxidizing agent. Peroxynitrite induces lipid peroxidation, nitration and oxidation of proteins, and damage to DNA. Using dihydrorhodamine 123 and fluorescent image analysis, we measured peroxynitrite production by AM cultured with LPS and IFN-γ and then stimulated with TPA (30 min). Whereas minimal peroxynitrite was detected in AM from control animals, peroxynitrite production was significantly increased in AM from NO-exposed animals. Taken together, these data demonstrate that inhaled NO activates AM to release reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates. Increased production of these intermediates by AM may lead to tissue damage and long term toxicity, including potential genotoxicity. (Supported by N.J. Thoracic Society)

Regulation of the soxRS Oxidative Stress Regulon: REVERSIBLE OXIDATION OF THE Fe-S CENTERS OF SoxR IN VIVO

SoxR protein, a transcriptional activator of the soxRS (superoxide response) regulon of Escherichia coli, contains autooxidizable [2Fe-2S] centers that are presumed to serve as redox sensors. In vitro transcription experiments previously demonstrated that only the oxidized form is active. Reduced SoxR was detected in overproducing strains by EPR spectroscopy of suspensions of intact cells. Oxidized Fe-S centers were determined by lysing the cells and treating them with the reducing agent sodium dithionite prior to EPR measurements. In uninduced cells, 90% of the SoxR was in the reduced form. Treatment with the redox cycling agents phenazine methosulfate or plumbagin was accompanied by reversible oxidation of the Fe-S centers. Mutant SoxR derivatives that were constitutively activated existed constitutively in an oxidized state. The results indicate the presence of a cellular pathway for countering the autooxidation of SoxR and confirm the hypothesis that induction of the regulon is mediated by a shift in the redox equilibrium of SoxR rather than by assembly of its Fe-S clusters.

Detection of Superoxide and NADPH Oxidase in Porcine Articular Chondrocytes

Porcine articular chondrocytes have the capacity to release superoxide in response to the addition of the calcium ionophore ionomycin in a concentration-dependent manner. This activity was not stimulated by the addition of fMetLeuPhe or the kinase activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). However, this release of superoxide was inhibited by iodonium diphenyl (IDP), suggesting the involvement of NADPH oxidase. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using oligonucleotides designed against the known sequences for the human phagocyte NADPH oxidase showed the expression of p22- phox, p40- phox, and p47- phox mRNA, while Western blot analysis of chondrocyte extracts using polyclonal antisera raised against the human phagocyte NADPH oxidase suggested the presence of the p67- phox polypeptide. These results suggest that porcine articular chondrocytes can release reactive oxygen species using a NADPH oxidase-like complex.

SoxR, a [2Fe-2S] transcription factor, is active only in its oxidized form.

SoxR protein is known to function both as a sensor and as a transcriptional activator for a superoxide response regulon in Escherichia coli. The activity of SoxR was tested by its ability to enable the transcription of its target gene, soxS, in vitro. The activity of the oxidized form was lost when its [2Fe-2S] clusters were reduced by dithionite under anaerobic conditions, and it was rapidly restored by autooxidation. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that induction of the regulon is effected by the univalent oxidation of the Fe-S centers of SoxR. In vivo, this oxidation may be caused by an alteration of the redox balance of electron chain intermediates that normally maintains soxR in an inactive, reduced state. Oxidized SoxR was about twice as effective as reduced SoxR in protecting the soxS operator from endonucleolytic cleavage. However, this difference could not account for a greater than 50-fold difference in their activities and therefore could not support a model in which oxidation activates SoxR by enabling it to bind to DNA. NADPH, ferredoxin, flavodoxin, or ferredoxin (flavodoxin):NADP+ reductase could not reduce SoxR directly in vitro at a measurable rate. The midpoint potential for SoxR was measured at -283 mV.

Inhibition of phospholipase D and superoxide generation by glucose in diabetic neutrophils

Diabetics are prone to infection, in part, due to neutrophil dysfunction and impaired superoxide generation. The mechanism of impaired superoxide generation in diabetes remains unknown. We report herein that neutrophils from poorly controlled diabetics have impaired ability to generate superoxide in response to N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP) but not to 4β-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Phosphatidic acid, a phospholipase D (PLD) -mediated product of membrane phosphatidylcholine is decreased in response to FMLP. The impaired superoxide generation and activation of phospholipase D are readily reversible once the diabetic neutrophils are incubated in normal glucose concentration. These data show that decreased superoxide generation by neutrophils in insulin-dependent diabetics is, in part, due to impaired activation of phospholipase D and is solely due to high glucose concentrations.

Macrophage function in deer

Macrophage inflammatory and immune functions were characterised in red deer ( Cervus elaphus), for use as a model for natural infection with bovine tuberculosis. Highly enriched populations of deer macrophages were obtained from 14 day cultures of plastic-adherent peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cervine macrophages produced superoxide anion in response to respiratory burst stimuli (serum-opsonised zymosan and phorbol myristic acetate), but nitric oxide production could not be detected under the conditions tested. The lysosomal enzymes acid phosphatase and lysozyme were detected at the intracellular and extracellular level. Stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide extract ( Escherichia coli LPS) enhanced the production of superoxide and acid phosphatase, with a peak increase in activity observed after 2 h. Production of interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF), determined using cytokine-sensitive cell lines and mRNA analysis (Northern blotting), indicated maximal secretion of both cytokines after 24 h stimulation with LPS, preceded by a peak in message accumulation at 2–6 h post-stimulation. Cervine macrophages stimulated proliferative responses in T cell-enriched lymphocyte populations derived from the peripheral blood of autologous animals that had been primed to mycobacterial antigens ( Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin, BCG). Macrophages were able to stimulate responses after pulsing with particulate (BCG) or soluble (purified protein derivative) mycobacterial antigens. These results indicate that macrophage inflammatory and immune responses in red deer are similar to those in other mammalian species, and that macrophages may play an important role in resistance to mycobacterial infection.

Response of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Intermediates

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a significant human pathogen capable of replicating in mononuclear phagocytic cells. Exposure to reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates is likely to represent an important aspect of the life cycle of this organism. The response of M. tuberculosis to these agents may be of significance for its survival in the host. Patterns of de novo proteins synthesized in M. tuberculosis H37Rv exposed to compounds that generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates were studied by metabolic labeling and two-dimensional electrophoresis. Menadione, a redox cycling compound which increases intracellular superoxide levels, caused enhanced synthesis of seven polypeptides, six of which appeared to be heat shock proteins. Chemical release of nitric oxide induced eight polypeptides of which only one could be identified as a heat shock protein. Nitric oxide also exhibited a mild inhibitory action on general protein synthesis in the concentration range tested. Hydrogen peroxide did not cause differential gene expression and exerted a generalized inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. Cumene hydroperoxide caused mostly inhibition but induction of two heat shock proteins was detectable. The presented findings indicate major differences between M. tuberculosis and the paradigms of oxidative stress response in enteric bacteria, and are consistent with the multiple lesions found in oxyR of this organism. The effect of hydrogen peroxide, which in Escherichia coli induces eight polypeptides known to be controlled by the central regulator oxyR, appears to be absent in M. tuberculosis. Superoxide and nitric oxide responses, which in E. coli overlap and are controlled by the same regulatory system soxRS, represent discrete and independent phenomena in M. tuberculosis.

An analogue of lipid A and LPS from Rhodobacter sphaeroides inhibits neutrophil responses to LPS by blocking receptor recognition of LPS and by depleting LPS-binding protein in plasma.

When incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of plasma, neutrophils become primed for enhanced release of superoxide in response to triggering by formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP). The effect of LPS on phagocytes is inhibited by a synthetic lipid A precursor, LA-14-PP (lipid IVa) or by LPS from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (Rs). We studied the mechanisms by which LA-14-PP or Rs-LPS inhibited LPS-induced responses. When neutrophils were exposed to LA-14-PP or Rs-LPS for 3 min and then to Escherichia coli-LPS, the antagonists inhibited priming for superoxide release, and also blocked up-regulation of CD11b and adherence. This inhibition was dependent on plasma, was not overcome by higher amounts of E. coli-LPS or plasma, and was not observed at 0 degrees C, suggesting that E. coli-LPS was not able to interact with its receptor or other cellular recognition molecule in neutrophils that had been exposed to the antagonists. The alternative possibility that LA-14-PP or Rs-LPS depleted a plasma cofactor, resulting in inhibition of priming, was investigated by using LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Bordetella pertussis (Bp). These LPS primed neutrophils in a plasma-dependent and CD14-dependent manner, but were not blocked by LA-14-PP or Rs-LPS. When sub-optimal concentrations of plasma were exposed to LA-14-PP or Rs-LPS, and then mixed with Pg-LPS or Bp-LPS, followed by incubation with neutrophils, priming and up-regulation of CD11b were inhibited, and this inhibition was overcome by increasing the concentration of plasma. Binding of LPS-binding protein (LBP) in plasma to immobilized E. coli-LPS was inhibited by pre-incubation of plasma with LA-14-PP or Rs-LPS. Together with the result that treatment of plasma with anti-LBP antibody abolished the cofactor activity of plasma, these results indicated that LA-14-PP and Rs-LPS depleted LBP from plasma, resulting in inability of LPS to act on neutrophils. Thus LA-14-PP and Rs-LPS inhibited the action of LPS on neutrophils by at least two mechanisms, blocking of LPS receptor recognition and depletion of the cofactor LBP.

Glucocorticoid treatment inhibits apoptosis in human neutrophils. Separation of survival and activation outcomes.

We examined the direct effects of glucocorticoid treatment on neutrophil survival and function in vitro. Four different glucocorticoids caused a dose-dependent inhibition of apoptosis leading to increased survival of neutrophils. Maximal effects were found with dexamethasone at 10(-6) M, 16.6 +/- 6.2 vs 54.6 +/- 6.9, at 24 h (p < 0.05). Nonglucocorticoid steroids did not modulate apoptosis in neutrophils. Furthermore, the effect was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the glucocorticoid antagonist RU 486. Glucocorticoid-treated neutrophils produced significantly more superoxide in response to FMLP than untreated controls (p < 0.05). However, both basal and stimulated superoxide production were less than that found with freshly isolated cells. Such lack of priming or activation by glucocorticoids is in contrast to previous experience when increased survival was accompanied by cell activation. When compared with other stimuli, the effect of glucocorticoids at 24 h was similar to that of LPS but less than that of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), 52 +/- 4, 57 +/- 6, and 70 +/- 4, respectively (p < 0.05). When added in combination, dexamethasone did not increase survival with LPS, but did augment the effect of GM-CSF, suggesting diversity in the mechanisms by which these stimuli regulate apoptosis. These data indicate that glucocorticoids can augment the effector potential of neutrophils by prolonging their survival and functional responsiveness, and such treatment might be detrimental in vivo because of delay in neutrophil apoptosis and in ultimate clearance of them from tissues.

Overproduction and Physical Characterization of SoxR, a [2Fe-2S] Protein That Governs an Oxidative Response Regulon in Escherichia coli

SoxR protein governs the soxRS (superoxide response) regulon of Escherichia coli by becoming a transcriptional activator when the cells are exposed to compounds that mediate univalent redox reactions, many of which produce superoxide as a by-product. SoxR was overproduced and purified to near homogeneity from a strain bearing an expression vector. It could bind specifically to the soxS operator even in the absence of RNA polymerase. The aerobically purified protein, which is readily autooxidized, could activate the transcription of soxS DNA even without exposure to known inducing agents. SoxR is a globular homodimer. It contains one [2Fe-2S] cluster per polypeptide chain, as demonstrated by optical and EPR spectroscopy combined with stoichiometric analysis of iron content, unpaired-electron-spin density, and reduction by dithionite. The protein is active in its oxidized ([2Fe-2S]2+) state. The presence of a prosthetic group capable of univalent redox reactions may help to explain the activation of the regulon in vivo by compounds that can mediate such reactions.