Injurious effects of lysophosphatidylcholine on barrier properties of alveolar epithelium

We studied the effects of lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) on the barrier properties and the morphology of the alveolar-capillary membrane in isolated, fluid-filled hamster lungs continuously perfused. When instilled into the airspace at initial concentrations of 8-128 micrograms/ml, lysoPC causes dose-dependent increases in the permeability-surface area product of the alveolar epithelium for small (14C-sucrose, 342) and large (125I-neutral dextran, 70,000) solutes, with maximal values for each solute approximately 15 times control. Rapid whole-lung weight gains are caused by 128 micrograms lysoPC per milliliter, but each of the lower concentrations has no effect on net lung water balance. Electron-microscopic studies demonstrate that type I pneumonocytes are the lung cells most susceptible to lysoPC exposure, with cell swelling being the most prominent feature from low-dose exposure with more severe disruptive changes at the highest concentration tested. The effects of lysoPC are relatively specific, as several structurally related lipids have little or no effect at equivalent concentrations. Instillation of phospholipase A2 causes functional changes similar to those seen with lysoPC, presumably by generation of lysoPC from endogenous phospholipids. Studies employing a 14C-radiolabeled compound show that instilled lysoPC rapidly partitions into the lung lipid fraction where a major portion of the acyl group becomes incorporated into phosphatidylcholine. The amount of instilled lysoPC required to produce functional and morphological effects comprises only a few percent of total lung phospholipids. Since lysoPC is a normal component of lung phospholipids, severe lung dysfunction might result from minor abnormalities in the formation or degradation of this compound.     

Evidence for active sodium transport across alveolar epithelium of isolated rat lung

We have previously presented evidence that cultured alveolar epithelial cell monolayers actively transport sodium from medium to substratum, a process that can be inhibited by sodium transport blockers and stimulated by beta-agonists. In this study, the isolated perfused rat lung was utilized in order to investigate the presence of active sodium transport by intact adult mammalian alveolar epithelium. Radioactive tracers (22Na and [14C]sucrose) were instilled into the airways of isolated Ringer-perfused rat lungs whose weight was continuously monitored. The appearance of isotopes in the recirculated perfusate was measured, and fluxes and apparent permeability-surface area products were determined. A pharmacological agent (amiloride, ouabain, or terbutaline) was added to the perfusate during each experiment after a suitable control period. Amiloride and ouabain resulted in decreased 22Na fluxes and a faster rate of lung weight gain. Terbutaline resulted in increased 22Na flux and a more rapid rate of lung weight loss. [14C]sucrose fluxes were unchanged by the presence of these pharmacological agents. These data are most consistent with the presence of a regulable active component of sodium transport across intact mammalian alveolar epithelium that leads to removal of sodium from the alveolar space, with anions and water following passively. Regulation of the rate of sodium and fluid removal from the alveolar space may play an important role in the prevention and/or resolution of alveolar pulmonary edema.     

Effects of elastase and cigarette smoke on alveolar epithelial permeability

To determine whether instilled porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) increases alveolar epithelial permeability, we measured alveolar epithelium permeability X surface area (PS) for [14C]sucrose and 125I-bovine serum albumin (125I-BSA) in isolated perfused lungs from hamsters previously exposed to PPE and/or cigarette smoke. Saline (0.5 ml) with 0, 5, or 20 units PPE was instilled intratracheally in anesthetized hamsters. Those exposed to smoke for 4-6 wk received 0 or 5 units; PS was measured 3 h later. Nonsmokers received 0, 5, or 20 units; PS was measured 3 h, 24 h, or 5 days later. Control PS values were (cm3/s X 10(-4), +/- SE) 0.84 +/- 0.11 for sucrose and 0.030 +/- 0.006 for BSA. Three and 24 h following 20 units PPE, (PS)sucrose was twice the control valve. (PS)BSA was four times control at 3 h but not significantly increased at 24 h. Five days after PPE both were back to control levels. Five units PPE or smoke exposure alone caused no PS changes. Smoke exposure and 5 units PPE caused (PS)sucrose to increase markedly (1.85 +/- 0.32); (PS)BSA was not significantly increased (0.076 +/- 0.026). Thus instilled PPE causes reversible increases in alveolar epithelial PS; cigarette smoking potentiates this effect.     

Time course of functional repair of the alveolar epithelium after hyperoxic injury.

The alveolar epithelium is the major barrier to solute and protein flux between the pulmonary vascular bed and the airspaces. Hyperoxic exposure increases epithelial permeability, and during recovery, normal permeability must be regained. To determine the time course for recovery of this function, we exposed hamsters to > 95% O2 for 4.5 days and returned them to room air. After recovery periods of 0.5, 1, 3, 7, and 14 days, alveolar epithelial permeability x surface area (PS) values for [14C]sucrose and fluorescein isothiocyanate-Dextran 20 were measured with isolated perfused lung techniques. Eighty-five percent of the exposed animals survived in room air. Control PS values for sucrose and Dextran 20 were 5.76 x 10(-5) and 0.29 x 10(-5) cm3/s, respectively. After hyperoxia both values were increased by a factor of five. After 0.5 days of recovery, PS remained elevated, but after 1 day they were decreased. Normal PS values were achieved after 3 days for sucrose and 7 days for Dextran 20. During both acute injury and recovery, epithelial selectivity was unchanged and no ultrastructural changes in the alveolar epithelium were observed.     

Effects of terbutaline on sodium transport in isolated perfused rat lung

We have previously presented evidence that cultured alveolar epithelial cell monolayers actively transport sodium from medium to substratum, and that this process can be stimulated by beta-agonists. In this study the isolated perfused rat lung was utilized to investigate sodium transport across intact mammalian alveolar epithelium. Radioisotopic tracer(s) (22Na and/or [14C]sucrose) were instilled into the airways of isolated Ringer-perfused rat lungs. The appearance of isotope(s) in the recirculated perfusate was measured and a permeability-surface area product was calculated. Pharmacological agent(s) (terbutaline and/or propranolol) were present in the instillate or were added to the perfusate during the experiments. Terbutaline alone, whether in the instillate or perfusate, caused a significant increase in 22Na flux. This increase was prevented by the presence of propranolol. [14C]sucrose fluxes were unaffected by the presence of terbutaline. These data are consistent with the presence of an active component of sodium transport across intact mammalian alveolar epithelium that leads to removal of sodium from the alveolar space.     

Effect of proteolytic enzymes on transepithelial solute transport

The effects of proteases on air-space clearance (AC) of small ([14C]sucrose, 342 daltons) and large (125I-neutral dextran, 70,000 daltons) solutes were studied in isolated, fluid-filled hamster lungs that were perfused in a nonrecirculating system. When instilled into the air spaces, porcine pancreatic elastase (0.1-0.4 mg/ml) and bovine pancreatic trypsin (BPT) (0.5-2.0 mg/ml), but neither Clostridium histolyticum collagenase (5.0 mg/ml) nor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride-inactivated BPT caused large increases in the AC of both tracer molecules. BPT-induced solute clearance was further characterized functionally and morphologically. The functional characteristics of solute AC under steady-state conditions did not indicate that transepithelial transport was diffusion-limited. Inhibition by millimolar concentrations of Zn2+ and by lung cooling, along with electron microscopic studies employing horseradish peroxidase as a macromolecule tracer, were consistent with epithelial solute transport by a vesicular mechanism (transcytosis). Solute transport from the interstitial compartment to the lung exterior was shown to occur via two pathways. By unknown mechanisms BPT caused small amounts of water to flow through an incompletely identified, extravascular pathway. In BPT-exposed lungs efflux of 125I-dextran 70 occurred almost exclusively through this pathway, whereas [14C]sucrose was transported to the lung exterior partly through this same pathway and partly through the vasculature. The large differences in the diffusion coefficients of the two tracers may have accounted for these observed patterns of solute efflux from the lung. The possible significance of our findings to the pathogenesis of experimental emphysema are discussed.     

Solute conductance of blood-gas barrier in hamsters exposed to hyperoxia

Hamsters were exposed to greater than 95% O2 continuously for up to 5 days to determine longitudinal changes in the diffusive conductance of the alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium as a result of hyperoxia. Permeability X surface area (PS, cm3/s X 10(-4)) was measured by isolated, perfused lung techniques. Alveolar epithelium PS for [14C]sucrose and 125I-bovine serum albumin (BSA) were determined at seven exposure times. Control PS (sucrose) and PS(BSA) averaged 1.00 and 0.022, respectively. Values were unchanged until 4.5 days, when significant increases in both, but especially PS(BSA), occurred. After 5 days, PS values were 4.69 and 0.691, respectively. Capillary endothelium PS for 125I-BSA and fluoresceinisothiocyanate dextran-150 (D-150) were measured at four exposure times. Control endothelium PS(BSA) and PS(D-150) averaged 0.232 and 0.048, respectively. These values were also unchanged after 4 days but increased to 0.440 and 0.131 after 5 days. Wet lung weight significantly increased after only 4 days. Hyperoxia thus increased both endothelium and epithelium PS, but epithelium changes were much greater. These functional changes do not occur for several days, occur simultaneously, and follow increases in lung wet weight.     

Characterization of a phospholipase A2 in hamster lung and in vitro and in vivo effects of bleomycin on this enzyme

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity from adult hamster lung was characterized using L-alpha-1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-[arachidonyl-1-14C]-phosphatidylcholine as the substrate. The released [14C]-arachidonic acid was separated by TLC. The enzyme activity increased with increasing incubation time (0-120 minutes), calcium ion concentration (0-25.0 mM) and protein (0-2.0 mg). The optimum pH was 8.0. Deoxycholate had a concentration dependent (0.1 to 0.5 mM) inhibitory effect on the activity. PLA2 specific activity was the highest in mitochondrial fraction. PLA2 activity following incubation with bleomycin was increased in a dose related fashion. In vivo study showed that both PLA2 activity and collagen content in hamster lung were significantly elevated at 14 days followed intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. The activation of PLA2 may play an important role in bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity.     

Clearance of different-sized proteins from the alveolar space in humans and rabbits.

Investigation of the clearance of proteins from the air spaces is important for an understanding of the resolution of pulmonary edema and also because of current interest in delivery of therapeutic peptides via the distal air spaces. Few experimental studies have examined the size dependence for alveolar clearance of large macromolecules; there have been no human studies. In anesthetized rabbits, we measured clearance of cyanocobalamin and different-sized human proteins instilled into the air spaces. After 8 h, the amounts of instilled tracer recovered in the lungs were [57Co]cyanocobalamin, 19.4 +/- 3.0% (Stokes radius 0.65 nm); 125I-labeled insulin, 64.6 +/- 3.9% (1.2 nm); 131I-labeled albumin, 87.0 +/- 4.0% (3.5 nm); and 125I-labeled immunoglobulin G, 91.8 +/- 3.3% (5.5 nm) (P < 0.05). Sieving of different-sized proteins occurred across the alveolar epithelial barrier because tracer concentrations in air space lavage fluid after 8 h were decreased more for the smaller tracers than the larger ones. Size selectivity for alveolar protein clearance in humans with resolving alveolar edema was investigated by measuring the changes in albumin and total protein concentration. The fraction of total protein concentration made up of albumin was greater in the edema fluid than in the plasma initially. The albumin fraction decreased with time in 9 of 10 patients with resolving edema, from 0.62 +/- 0.2 to 0.58 +/- 0.10 (P < 0.05) after 10 +/- 5 h. Thus both rabbit studies and human studies provide evidence for size-dependent clearance of protein from the air spaces of the lung.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Altered lung phospholipid metabolism in mice with targeted deletion of lysosomal-type phospholipase A2

Lung surfactant dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) is endocytosed by alveolar epithelial cells and degraded by lysosomal-type phospholipase A2 (aiPLA2). This enzyme is identical to peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), a bifunctional protein with PLA2 and GSH peroxidase activities. Lung phospholipid was studied in Prdx6 knockout (Prdx6-/-) mice. The normalized content of total phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung lamellar bodies, and lung homogenate was unchanged with age in wild-type mice but increased progressively in Prdx6-/- animals. Degradation of internalized [3H]DPPC in isolated mouse lungs after endotracheal instillation of unilamellar liposomes labeled with [3H]DPPC was significantly decreased at 2 h in Prdx6-/- mice (13.6 +/- 0.3% vs. 26.8 +/- 0.8% in the wild type), reflected by decreased dpm in the lysophosphatidylcholine and the unsaturated PC fractions. Incorporation of [14C]palmitate into DSPC at 24 h after intravenous injection was decreased by 73% in lamellar bodies and by 54% in alveolar lavage surfactant in Prdx6-/- mice, whereas incorporation of [3H]choline was decreased only slightly. Phospholipid metabolism in Prdx6-/- lungs was similar to that in wild-type lungs treated with MJ33, an inhibitor of aiPLA2 activity. These results confirm an important role for Prdx6 in lung surfactant DPPC degradation and synthesis by the reacylation pathway.     

Reutilization of surfactant phosphatidylglycerol and lysophosphatidylcholine by adult rabbits

Adult rabbits reutilize the phosphatidylcholine (PC) of surfactant much less efficiently than developing rabbits (22% vs. 95%). Comparisons of reutilization efficiency of other components of surfactant in adult rabbits have not been determined. We injected adult rabbits intratracheally with [3H]dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPG) mixed with [14C]lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) and natural surfactant or [14C]DPPC mixed with [3H]dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) and natural surfactant. Recovery in the alveolar wash and lamellar bodies of labelled DPPC, lysoPC and DPPG was determined at different times after injection. By plotting the ratio of [3H]DPPG to [14C]DPPC in the alveolar wash versus time after injection we found that phosphatidylglycerol was reutilized with an efficiency of only 0-7% which was much less than the reutilization of PC in these animals. At early times after injection, adult rabbits injected with [14C]lysoPC had a ratio of [14C]PC in their alveolar wash to lamellar bodies that was larger than 1.0. By comparison, 3-day old rabbits injected intratracheally with [14C]lysoPC had a ratio of [14C]PC in alveolar wash to lamellar bodies less than 1.0 at the earliest times measurable. Thus adult rabbits demonstrate a pathway for accumulation of PC in their alveolar space prior to its appearance in lamellar bodies. This was not detected in developing rabbits. As in developing rabbits, adult rabbits reutilize the phosphatidylglycerol of surfactant less efficiently than the PC of surfactant.     

Type I cell-like morphology in tight alveolar epithelial monolayers

The pulmonary alveolar epithelium separates air spaces from a fluid-filled interstitium and might be expected to exhibit high resistance to fluid and solute movement. Previous studies of alveolar epithelial barrier properties have been limited due to the complex anatomy of adult mammalian lung. In this study, we characterized a model of isolated alveolar epithelium with respect to barrier transport properties and cell morphology. Alveolar epithelial cells were isolated from rat lungs and grown as monolayers on tissue culture-treated Nuclepore filters. On Days 2-6 in primary culture, monolayers were analyzed for transepithelial resistance (Rt) and processed for electron microscopy. Mean cell surface area and arithmetic mean thickness (AMT) were determined using morphometric techniques. By Day 5, alveolar epithelial cells in vitro exhibited morphologic characteristics of type I alveolar pneumocytes, with thin cytoplasmic extensions and protruding nuclei. Morphometric data demonstrated that alveolar pneumocytes in vitro develop increased surface area and decreased cytoplasmic AMT similar to young type I cells in vivo. Concurrent with the appearance of type I cell-like morphology, monolayers exhibited high Rt (greater than 1000 omega.cm2), consistent with the development of tight barrier properties. These monolayers of isolated alveolar epithelial cells may reflect the physiological and morphological properties of the alveolar epithelium in vivo.     

Progesterone primes zona pellucida-induced activation of phospholipase A2 during acrosomal exocytosis in guinea pig spermatozoa

We investigated, using guinea-pig spermatozoa as a model, whether phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is involved in progesterone or zona pellucida (ZP)-stimulated acrosomal exocytosis, if progesterone enhances ZP-induced activation of PLA2, and mechanisms underlying PLA2 regulation. Spermatozoa were capacitated and labeled in low Ca2+ medium with [14C]choline chloride or [14C]arachidonic acid, washed, and then exposed to millimolar Ca2+ and progesterone and/or ZP. Each agonist stimulated decrease of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and release of arachidonic acid and lysoPC, indicative of PLA2 activation. Aristolochic acid (a PLA2 inhibitor) abrogated lipid changes and exocytosis, indicating that these lipid changes are essential for exocytosis. Exposure of spermatozoa to submaximal concentrations of both progesterone and ZP resulted in a synergistic increase of arachidonic acid and lysoPC releases, and exocytosis, suggesting that, under natural conditions, both agonists interact to bring about acrosomal exocytosis. Progesterone-induced PLA2 activation appears to be mediated by a GABA(A)-like receptor, because bicuculline (a GABA(A) receptor antagonist) blocked arachidonic acid release and exocytosis. In agreement with this, GABA mimicked progesterone actions. ZP-induced activation of PLA2 seemed to be transduced via G(i) proteins because pertussis toxin blocked arachidonic acid release and acrosomal exocytosis. PLA2 may be regulated by PKC because progesterone- or ZP-induced release of arachidonic acid was blocked by the PKC inhibitors staurosporine or chelerythrine chloride. PLA2 could also be regulated by the cAMP-PKA pathway; inclusion of the PKA inhibitor 14-22 amide or H-89 led to a reduction in arachidonic acid release or exocytosis after progesterone or ZP. Taken together, these results suggest that PLA2 plays an essential role in progesterone or ZP-stimulated exocytosis with progesterone priming ZP action.     

Zona pellucida induces activation of phospholipase A2 during acrosomal exocytosis in guinea pig spermatozoa

Phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) is activated in spermatozoa in response to progesterone and Ca(2+) ionophores, but to our knowledge, no study has yet reported zona pellucida (ZP)-induced activation of PLA(2). We investigated whether PLA(2) is involved in ZP-stimulated acrosomal exocytosis, if Ca(2+) is required for activation of PLA(2), and signal transduction pathways modulating PLA(2) using guinea pig sperm as a model. Spermatozoa were capacitated and labeled in low-Ca(2+) medium with [(14)C]choline chloride or [(14)C]arachidonic acid and were then exposed to millimolar Ca(2+) and various reagents and stimulated with ZP. Precapacitated spermatozoa exposed to millimolar Ca(2+) and stimulated with ZP experienced increases in arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) levels and a parallel decrease in phosphatidylcholine level; these changes are indicative of PLA(2) activation. Simulation with ZP also led to acrosomal exocytosis in a high proportion of spermatozoa. Lipid changes and exocytosis were prevented if spermatozoa were exposed to aristolochic acid, a PLA(2) inhibitor, before treatment with ZP. Stimulation with ZP in medium without added Ca(2+) or in medium with millimolar Ca(2+) and EGTA or La(3+) resulted in no lipid changes or exocytosis. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin, a G(i) protein inhibitor, before stimulation with ZP blocked the release of AA and lysoPC as well as acrosomal exocytosis. Exposure of spermatozoa to the diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase inhibitor R59022 before ZP stimulation led to a significant increase in generation of lysoPC and exocytosis. Taken together, these results indicate very strongly that PLA(2) plays an essential role in ZP-induced exocytosis in spermatozoa, that PLA(2) activation requires Ca(2+) internalization, and that PLA(2) activation is regulated by signal transduction pathways involving G proteins and DAG.     

Lysophosphatidylcholine uptake and metabolism in the adult rabbit lung

Tracer quantities of 3H-labeled lysoPC and 32P-labeled natural rabbit surfactant were given intratracheally via a bronchoscope and [14C]palmitate was given intravenously to 25 rabbits with labeled PC and lysoPC measured in the alveolar wash, lung homogenate, lamellar bodies and microsomes at five times from 10 min to 6 h after tracheal injection. Surprisingly, only 31% of the administered lysoPC remained in its original form in the total lungs (alveolar wash + lung homogenate) by 10 min, of which 77% was in the alveolar wash. Meanwhile, by 10 min an additional 37% was already converted to PC, of which more than 98% was in the lung homogenate. LysoPC continued to be rapidly and efficiently converted to PC, with 62% conversion measured at 3 h. The converted lysoPC initially appeared with high specific activity in microsomes, then in lamellar bodies, and finally in the alveolar wash. The intravascular palmitate labeled lung PC had similar specific activity-time profiles in the subcellular fractions, while intratracheally administered natural rabbit surfactant had a constantly low specific activity in microsomes and much higher specific activities in lamellar bodies and alveolar wash. Another 25 rabbits received intratracheal lysoPC labeled in both the choline and palmitate moieties and then were studied from 1 to 24 h after tracheal injection. The ratio of the palmitate to choline labels indicated uptake and conversion to PC primarily by direct acylation rather than transacylation and by intact reuptake and conversion rather than breakdown and resynthesis. LysoPC is an attractive 'metabolic probe' of surfactant metabolism which undergoes very rapid and efficient intracellular conversion to PC via a subcellular pathway that parallels the remodeling and de novo synthetic pathways.     

GABA, progesterone and zona pellucida activation of PLA2 and regulation by MEK-ERK1/2 during acrosomal exocytosis in guinea pig spermatozoa

We investigated whether GABA activates phospholipase A2 (PLA2) during acrosomal exocytosis, and if the MEK-ERK1/2 pathway modulates PLA2 activation initiated by GABA, progesterone or zona pellucida (ZP). In guinea pig spermatozoa prelabelled with [14C]arachidonic acid or [14C]choline chloride, GABA stimulated a decrease in phosphatidylcholine (PC), and release of arachidonic acid and lysoPC, during exocytosis. These lipid changes are indicative of PLA2 activation and appear essential for exocytosis since inclusion of aristolochic acid (a PLA2 inhibitor) abrogated them, along with exocytosis. GABA activation of PLA2 seems to be mediated, at least in part, by diacylglycerol (DAG) and protein kinase C since inclusion of the DAG kinase inhibitor R59022 enhanced PLA2 activity and exocytosis stimulated by GABA, whereas exposure to staurosporine decreased both. GABA-, progesterone- and ZP-induced release of arachidonic acid and exocytosis were prevented by U0126 and PD98059 (MEK inhibitors). Taken together, our results suggest that PLA2 plays a fundamental role in agonist-stimulated exocytosis and that MEK-ERK1/2 are involved in PLA2 regulation during this process.     

Possible influence of lysophospholipase on the production of 1-acyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine in macrophages.

The rate of production of 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PAF) and 1-acyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (acylPAF) was measured in macrophages following the incorporation of [3H]acetate. Upon activation by A23187, guinea pig alveolar macrophages incorporated [3H]acetate into PAF, but a little radioactivity was found in acylPAF. However, labeling of acylPAF and PAF with [3H]acetate was greatly enhanced in A23187-stimulated alveolar macrophages that had been pretreated with phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride (PMSF). [3H]PAF was predominantly converted to 1-[3H]alkyl-2-acyl glycerophosphocholine, but [14C]acylPAF rapidly hydrolyzed to 14C-labeled free fatty acid by the incubation with lysates prepared from macrophages. The deacetylation of [14C]acylPAF and [3H]PAF by acetylhydrolase and also the hydrolysis of [14C]lysoPC by lysophospholipase were strongly inhibited in macrophages that had been pretreated with PMSF, while PMSF failed to inhibit the activities of acetyltransferase and acyltransferase. The relative proportions of PAF and acylPAF were quite different in different types of cells. In contrast to alveolar macrophages, peritoneal macrophages, neutrophils and spleen cells from guinea pigs incorporated 2-4 times more [3H]acetate into acylPAF than into PAF. The presence of high levels of acylPAF in peritoneal macrophages was confirmed by GLC-MS analysis. The activities of lysophospholipase, acetylhydrolase and acetyltransferase were measured in alveolar and peritoneal macrophages to determine whether the preferential formation of acylPAF as compared to PAF in peritoneal macrophages was due to differences in these activities between alveolar and peritoneal macrophages. The activity of acetylhydrolase of peritoneal macrophages was almost the same as that in alveolar macrophages. The activity of acetyltransferase in peritoneal macrophages was about half of that in alveolar macrophages. However, the activity of lysophospholipase in peritoneal macrophages was one-sixth of that in alveolar macrophages. These results suggest that lysophospholipase is one of the primary factors involved in the control of the production of acylPAF in activated cells, and that it acts by modulating the availability of lysoPC for the synthesis of acylPAF. Furthermore, high levels of activity of lysophospholipase allow the preferential formation of PAF, via the rapid hydrolysis of lysoPC which would act as a competitive inhibitor of the incorporation of acetate into lysoPAF.     

D- and L-glucose transport across the pulmonary epithelium

Previously we observed what appeared to be augmented D-glucose transport across the pulmonary epithelium. To investigate this phenomenon we placed fluid containing L-[3H]glucose and D-[U-14C]glucose in the alveoli of isolated Ringer-perfused lungs from 4-wk-old rabbits. The appearance of radioactivity in recirculating glucose-free perfusate was measured. 3H appearing in the perfusate was associated with L-glucose. 14C, however, was associated with three compounds, with approximate molecular weights of 180 (glucose), 300, and 560. The nonglucose species were not identified. This 14C movement was inhibited by phlorizin, but not phloretin, in the alveolar fluid. A similar pattern of 14C movement occurred when D-[U-14C]glucose was replaced with 2-deoxy-D-[U14C]-glucose, but not with methyl-alpha-D-[U-14C]glucopyranoside. The activation energy of the 14C metabolism-transport process was found to be 34 kcal/mol, and L-glucose transport showed an unusual temperature dependence, with maximum conductance at 15 degrees C. It appears that some D-glucose crosses the pulmonary epithelium as does L-glucose. However, most enters epithelial cells and is incorporated into larger molecules which enter the vascular but not the alveolar space.     

Movement of ions and small solutes across endothelium and epithelium of perfused rabbit lungs

In situ and isolated fluid-filled rabbit lungs were used to study the transport of indicators between the air space and vascular compartments. These indicators were placed in either the perfusate or air spaces and samples were collected from the perfusate at intervals during a 1-h perfusion period. At the end of the hour, fluid was pumped out of the air space compartment into serial tubes and indicator concentrations were determined in both the air space and perfusion fluids. One hour after introducing the indicators into the air space, the relative decreases in solute concentration were (arranged from the greatest to the least decline): [14C]urea greater than 36Cl- = 125I- greater than 22Na+ greater than [3H]mannitol. The relative rates at which the indicators appeared in the perfusate were similar. When the indicators were placed in the perfusate, a similar relationship was observed in the increase in air space concentrations, but the loss of 22Na+ from the perfusate was similar to those of 36Cl- and 125I-. Losses of all indicators from the perfusate were two or more times those from the air spaces, and although the loss of [3H]mannitol from the perfusate was similar to that of 22Na+ for about 30 min, subsequent loss was much slower. Very little 125I-albumin traversed the tissue barrier, and the small changes in the concentrations of 125I-albumin in the air spaces suggested that little fluid movement had occurred. These studies suggest that the epithelium is less permeable to solutes than the endothelium and permits passage of anions at a faster rate than 22Na+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)