Interferon-gamma synergises with tumour necrosis factor and lymphotoxin-alpha to enhance the mRNA and protein expression of adhesion molecules in mouse brain endothelial cells

Changes to the cerebral microvasculature are evident during cerebral malaria (CM). Activation of the endothelium is likely to be due to the actions of cytokines, circulating levels of which are elevated during CM. Endothelial cells are known to up-regulate the expression of cellular adhesion molecules, which can lead to cellular sequestration and obstruction of vessels. However, it is unknown whether cytokines synergise in the up-regulation of the adhesion molecules involved in CM. In this study, the mRNA and/or protein expression of the adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), P-selectin and E-Selectin were examined in a mouse brain endothelial cell line. Endothelial cells were stimulated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and lymphotoxin-alpha (LT-alpha), alone or in combination. The expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin and E-Selectin mRNA in mouse brain endothelial cells by TNF and/or LT-alpha was found to be significantly enhanced in the presence of IFN-gamma. The same synergistic effect was found when analyzing ICAM-1 protein expression in cytokine stimulated mouse brain endothelial cells. The findings show that cytokines can synergise to influence gene expression and protein expression in a mouse brain endothelial cell line.     

Effects of antioxidants and nitric oxide on TNF-alpha-induced adhesion molecule expression and NF-kappaB activation in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells

Cell adhesion molecules expressed on endothelial cells in inflamed skin appear to be controlled by the actions of cytokines and reactive oxygen species. However, molecular mechanisms of the expression of adhesion molecules during skin inflammation are currently not well understood. To evaluate the role of antioxidants and nitric oxide in modulating inflammatory processes in the skin, we examined the effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, 0.1 mM) and spermine NONOate (Sper-NO, 1 mM) on adhesion molecule expression and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation induced by TNF-alpha (10 ng/ml) in cultured human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC). Treatment of cells with TNF-alpha for 4 h significantly induced the surface expression of E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Treatment with TNF-alpha for 8 h significantly induced the surface expression of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). The up-regulation of these adhesion molecules was suppressed significantly by pretreatment with PDTC or Sper-NO for 1 h. The mRNA expression of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and activation of NF-kappaB induced by TNF-alpha for 2 h were significantly decreased by the above two pretreatments. N-acetylcysteine (10 mM) and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (1 mM) had no significant inhibitory effects on the cell surface and mRNA expression of these adhesion molecules stimulated by TNF-alpha. These findings indicate that both cell surface and mRNA expression of adhesion molecules in HDMEC induced by TNF-alpha are inhibited significantly by pretreatment with PDTC or Sper-NO, possibly in part through blocking the activation of NF-kappaB. These results suggest a potential therapeutic approach using antioxidant agents or nitric oxide pathway modulators in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.     

Effect of selenium supplementation in asthmatic subjects on the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules in culture

Endothelial cells play a major role in immunologic reactions, in which cellular adhesion molecules P-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and ELAM-1 are important mediators in the recruitment of leukocytes in pulmonary inflammation. Selenium (Se) is known to modulate immunological mechanisms of asthma. The aim of our investigation was to examine whether Se supplementation in cortico-dependent asthmatic patients may modulate adhesion molecule expression in cultured endothelium. Our findings indicated that P-selectin, VCAM-1, and ELAM-1 expression on human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from asthmatics before supplementation with Se was significantly higher than from healthy donors (p < 0.05). The production of ICAM-1 showed only slight augmentation. The levels of VCAM-1 and ELAM-1 expression were significantly decreased after 3 mo of Se supplementation (p < 0.05). After 6 mo of intervention period the intensity of P-selectin and ICAM-1 expression was also significantly reduced (p < 0.05 andp < 0.01, respectively). The inhibitory effect of Se on the adhesion molecule expression was studied in cultured endothelial cells after interferon-γ stimulation. Our data suggest that Se affects the expression of P-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and ELAM-1 in a dosedependent manner and the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations were 3.4, 0.5, 4, and 3.8 μg/mL, respectively. The maximal inhibitions (greater than 80%) were observed in vitro with 10 μg/mL Se (p < 0.01). Regulation of adhesion molecule expression may be an important mechanism through which the inflammation may be controlled.     

Stimulation of adhesion molecule expression by Helicobacter pylori and increased neutrophil adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Helicobacter pylori upregulates endothelial adhesion molecules but the pattern is unclear. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to control medium or H. pylori 60190. Binding of monoclonal antibodies against P-selectin, E-selectin, vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Binding of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to HUVEC was determined on cells exposed as above. After 6 h exposure to H. pylori, there were 30%, 124%, 167% and 100% increases in P-selectin, E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels and a 400% increase in polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion in HUVEC exposed to H. pylori. Effects of incubation for other intervals between 0 and 18 h are also described. H. pylori exerts some of its effects on gastric mucosa via gastric vasculature. This study gives insight into the pattern of H. pylori-associated endothelial adhesion molecule upregulation.     

Dengue virus infection of mast cells triggers endothelial cell activation

Vascular perturbation is a hallmark of severe forms of dengue disease. We show here that antibody-enhanced dengue virus infection of primary human cord blood-derived mast cells (CBMCs) and the human mast cell-like line HMC-1 results in the release of factor(s) which activate human endothelial cells, as evidenced by increased expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Endothelial cell activation was prevented by pretreatment of mast cell-derived supernatants with a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-specific blocking antibody, thus identifying TNF as the endothelial cell-activating factor. Our findings suggest that mast cells may represent an important source of TNF, promoting vascular endothelial perturbation following antibody-enhanced dengue virus infection.     

Mast cells are potent regulators of endothelial cell adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression

To investigate the possible role of mast cells (MC) in regulating leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelial cells (EC), microvascular and macrovascular EC were exposed to activated MC or MC conditioned medium (MCCM). Expression of intercellular and vascular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) on EC was monitored. Incubation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with activated MC or MCCM markedly increased ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 surface expression, noted as éarly as 4 hr. Maximal levels were observed at 16 hr followed by a general decline over 48 hr. A dose-dependent response was noted using incremental dilutions of MCCM or by varying the number of MC in coculture with EC. At a ratio as low as 1:1,000 of MC:EC, increased ICAM-1 was observed. The ICAM-1 upregulation by MCCM was >90% neutralized by antibody to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), suggesting that MC release of this cytokine contributes significantly to inducing EC adhesiveness. VCAM-1 expression enhanced by MCCM was partly neutralized (70%) by antibody to TNF-α; thus other substances released by MC may contribute to VCAM-1 expression. Northern blot analysis demonstrated MCCM upregulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA in both HDMEC and HUVEC. To evaluate the function of MCCM-enhanced EC adhesion molecules, T cells isolated from normal human donors were used in a cell adhesion assay. T-cell binding to EC was increased significantly after exposure of EC to MCCM, and inhibited by antibodies to ICAM-1 or VCAM-1. Intradermal injection of allergen in human atopic volunteers known to develop late-phase allergic reactions led to marked expression of both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 at 6 hr, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. These studies indicate that MC play a critical role in regulating the expression of EC adhesion molecules, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and thus augment inflammatory responses by upregulating leukocyte binding. © 1995 Wiley-Liss Inc.     

Oxidized LDL further enhances expression of adhesion molecules in Chlamydophila pneumoniae-infected endothelial cells

Chlamydophila pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen that has been shown to be associated with coronary artery disease. Recent studies have shown that one of the possible mechanisms of the atherogenicity of C. pneumoniae is overexpression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in infected endothelial cells. We investigated whether exposure of C. pneumoniae-infected endothelial cells to oxidized LDL (oxLDL) leads to further upregulation of CAMs. Flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) was performed for intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin. ICAM-1 was expressed in 78.7% of C. pneumoniae-infected HAECs. The addition of oxLDL (100 microg/ml) to infected HAECs increased the proportion of ICAM-1-positive cells to 92%. VCAM-1 was only observed in 9.3% of infected HAECs, and the addition of oxLDL had no further effect on the surface expression of VCAM-1. C. pneumoniae also upregulated the surface expression of E-selectin on 52.2% of the cells, and incubation with oxLDL further increased the proportion of positive cells to 63.64%. In conclusion, C. pneumoniae upregulated the expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin on HAECs. The addition of oxLDL to the infected cells further enhanced the surface expression of ICAM-1 and E-selectin.     

Leukocyte and endothelial cell adhesion molecules in a chronic murine model of myocardial reperfusion injury

Expression of endothelial and leukocyte cell adhesion molecules is a principal determinant of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) recruitment during inflammation. It has been demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of these molecules can attenuate PMN influx and subsequent tissue injury. We determined the temporal expression of alpha-granule membrane protein-40 (P-selectin), endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (E-selectin), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) after coronary artery occlusion and up to 3 days of reperfusion. The expression of all of these cell adhesion molecules peaked around 24 h of reperfusion. We determined the extent to which these molecules contribute to PMN infiltration by utilizing mice deficient (-/-) in P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, and CD18. Each group underwent 30 min of in vivo, regional, left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion. PMN accumulation in the ischemic-reperfused (I/R) zone was assessed using histological techniques. Deficiencies of P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, or CD18 resulted in significant (P < 0.05) attenuation of PMN infiltration into the I/R myocardium (MI/R). In addition, P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, and CD18 -/- mice exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) smaller areas of necrosis after MI/R compared with wild-type mice. These data demonstrate that MI/R induces coronary vascular expression of P-selectin, E-selectin, and ICAM-1 in mice. Furthermore, genetic deficiency of P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, or CD18 attenuates PMN sequestration and myocardial injury after in vivo MI/R. We conclude that P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1, and CD18 are involved in the pathogenesis of MI/R injury in mice.     

Expression of adhesion molecules during cadmium hepatotoxicity

Inflammatory processes play a major role in the secondary injury of the liver produced by cadmium (Cd), and infiltration of neutrophils at the site of necrosis is a common observation. Although the infiltration of leukocytes (mainly neutrophils) into sites of injuried tissue within liver during Cd toxicity is mediated by adhesion molecules, little is known about expression of these adhesion molecules during Cd hepatotoxicity. In the present study, the expression of E-, P-selectin, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and platelet-endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluoresence during Cd-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. In contrast to E-, and P-selectin, ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 were constitutively expressed on sinusoidal endothelial cells of control liver. However, P-selectin was not induced within the liver by Cd administration, whereas E-selectin expression was induced in the liver with a marked increase in immunostaining on sinusoidal endothelial cells from 12 h to 7 days. Also, there was an upregulation in ICAM-1 immunostaining on sinusoidal endothelial cells from 12 h to 7 days after Cd administration, whereas there was no obvious change of PECAM-1 immunostaining on sinusoidal endothelial cells until 24 h. However, PECAM-1 expression was markedly decreased at 48 h but significantly increased at 7 days after Cd administration compared to control liver. Taken together, upregulation of E-selectin and ICAM-1 with biphasic changes in PECAM-1 expression within liver after Cd administration suggests an important role for these adhesion molecules during Cd hepatoxicity.     

Targeted disruption of ICAM-1, P-selectin genes improves cardiac function and survival in TNF-alpha transgenic mice

We have developed a transgenic mouse model in which tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is overexpressed exclusively in the heart under the regulation of the alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter. These animals develop chronic heart failure associated with severe leukocyte infiltration in both the atria and the ventricles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of adhesion molecules in mediating cardiac dysfunction in the TNF-alpha transgenic model. TNF-alpha transgenic mice were bred with mice null for intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and P-selectin genes to obtain a lineage of ICAM-1 and P-selectin null mice with selective overexpression of TNF-alpha in the heart. TNF-alpha transgenic animals showed marked upregulation of ICAM-1 mRNA and protein; however, P-selectin mRNA and protein remained undetectable despite chronic TNF overexpression. Cardiac function was markedly improved in the ICAM-1(-/-), P-selectin(-/-), TNF-alpha transgenic group versus the ICAM(+/+), P-selectin(+/+), TNF-alpha transgenic group. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed statistically significant prolonged survival in the ICAM-1(-/-), P-selectin(-/-), TNF-alpha transgenic animals. These data suggest that ICAM-1 mediates at least in part the cardiac dysfunction induced by TNF-alpha expression by cardiac myocytes.     

Thrombin, TNF-alpha, and LPS exert overlapping but nonidentical effects on gene expression in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells

Thrombin, TNF-alpha, and LPS have each been implicated in endothelial cell and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation. We wanted to test the hypothesis that these three agonists display mediator and/or cell type-specific properties. The addition of thrombin to human pulmonary artery endothelial cells resulted in an upregulation of PDGF-A, tissue factor (TF), ICAM-1, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), whereas TNF-alpha and LPS failed to induce PDGF-A. These effects were mimicked by protease-activated receptor-1 activation. In VSMC, thrombin induced expression of TF and PDGF-A but failed to consistently induce ICAM-1 or u-PA expression. In contrast, TNF-alpha and LPS increased expression of all four genes in this cell type. Inhibitor studies in endothelial cells demonstrated a critical role for PKC in mediating thrombin, TNF-alpha, and LPS induction of ICAM-1, TF, and u-PA and for p38 MAPK in mediating thrombin, TNF-alpha, and LPS induction of TF. Taken together, these results suggest that inflammatory mediators engage distinct signaling pathways and expression profiles in endothelial cells and VSMC. The data support the notion that endothelial cell activation is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon but rather is dependent on the nature of the extracellular mediator.     

Respiratory syncytial virus infection of human lung endothelial cells enhances selectively intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is worldwide the most frequent cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants requiring hospitalization. In the present study, we supply evidence that human lung microvascular endothelial cells, human pulmonary lung aorta endothelial cells, and HUVEC are target cells for productive RSV infection. All three RSV-infected endothelial cell types showed an enhanced cell surface expression of ICAM-1 (CD54), which increased in a time- and RSV-dose-dependent manner. By using noninfectious RSV particles we verified that replication of RSV is a prerequisite for the increase of ICAM-1 cell surface expression. The up-regulated ICAM-1 expression pattern correlated with an increased cellular ICAM-1 mRNA amount. In contrast to ICAM-1, a de novo expression of VCAM-1 (CD106) was only observed on RSV-infected HUVEC. Neither P-selectin (CD62P) nor E-selectin (CD62E) was up-regulated by RSV on human endothelial cells. Additional experiments performed with neutralizing Abs specific for IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, respectively, excluded an autocrine mechanism responsible for the observed ICAM-1 up-regulation. The virus-induced ICAM-1 up-regulation was dependent on protein kinase C and A, PI3K, and p38 MAPK activity. Adhesion experiments using polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) verified an increased ICAM-1-dependent adhesion rate of PMN cocultured with RSV-infected endothelial cells. Furthermore, the increased adhesiveness resulted in an enhanced transmigration rate of PMN. Our in vitro data suggest that human lung endothelial cells are target cells for RSV infection and that ICAM-1 up-regulated on RSV-infected endothelial cells might contribute to the enhanced accumulation of PMN into the bronchoalveolar space.     

1,4-dihydroxyxanthone modulates the adhesive property of endothelial cells by inhibiting intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin

Cell adhesion molecules, particularly intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) and E-selectin, play important roles in the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. Blocking the expression of these molecules or preventing their interaction with the receptors has been shown to be important in controlling various inflammatory diseases. These cell adhesion molecules are induced on endothelial cells by various proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1beta and TNF-alpha and also by bacterial LPS. We demonstrate here that 1,4-Dihydroxyxanthone (1,4 DHX) inhibits the expression of cell adhesion molecules, such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin, on endothelial cells in a concentration and time dependent manner. The inhibition by 1,4 DHX is reversible. On further analysis, our results also show that 1,4 DHX inhibits the adhesion of peripheral neutrophils to the endothelial cell monolayers. 1,4 DHX, therefore, could be used as a novel target for controlling various pathological conditions associated with upregulation of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecules.     

CB2-receptor stimulation attenuates TNF-alpha-induced human endothelial cell activation, transendothelial migration of monocytes, and monocyte-endothelial adhesion

Targeting cannabinoid-2 (CB(2)) receptors with selective agonists may represent a novel therapeutic avenue in various inflammatory diseases, but the mechanisms by which CB(2) activation exerts its anti-inflammatory effects and the cellular targets are elusive. Here, we investigated the effects of CB(2)-receptor activation on TNF-alpha-induced signal transduction in human coronary artery endothelial cells in vitro and on endotoxin-induced vascular inflammatory response in vivo. TNF-alpha induced NF-kappaB and RhoA activation and upregulation of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, increased expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein, enhanced transendothelial migration of monocytes, and augmented monocyte-endothelial adhesion. Remarkably, all of the above-mentioned effects of TNF-alpha were attenuated by CB(2) agonists. CB(2) agonists also decreased the TNF-alpha- and/or endotoxin-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in isolated aortas and the adhesion of monocytes to aortic vascular endothelium. CB(1) and CB(2) receptors were detectable in human coronary artery endothelial cells by Western blotting, RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence staining. Because the above-mentioned TNF-alpha-induced phenotypic changes are critical in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and restenosis, our findings suggest that targeting CB(2) receptors on endothelial cells may offer a novel approach in the treatment of these pathologies.     

Omega-3 fatty acids suppress monocyte adhesion to human endothelial cells: role of endothelial PAF generation

Monocyte-endothelium interaction is a fundamental process in many acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are fish oil-derived alternative (omega-3) precursor fatty acids implicated in the suppression of inflammatory events. We investigated their influence on rolling and adhesion of monocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) under laminar flow conditions in vitro. Exposure of HUVEC to tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) strongly increased 1) surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), and E-selectin, 2) platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis as assessed by thrombin challenge, and 3) rate of rolling and adhesion of monocytes. Preincubation of HUVEC with EPA or DHA markedly suppressed PAF synthesis, monocyte rolling, and adherence, whereas expression of endothelial adhesion molecules was unchanged. Also, PAF receptor antagonists markedly suppressed the adhesion rate of monocytes, and EPA or DHA revealed no additional inhibitory capacity. In contrast, arachidonic acid partially reversed the effect of the antagonist. We conclude that omega-3 fatty acids suppress rolling and adherence of monocytes on activated endothelial cells in vitro by affecting endothelial PAF generation.     

Thrombin-induced expression of endothelial P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1: a mechanism for stabilizing neutrophil adhesion

Thrombin-induced expression of endothelial adhesivity toward neutrophils (PMN) was studied using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVEC were challenged with human alpha-thrombin for varying durations up to 120 min, after which the cells were fixed with 1% paraformaldehyde and 51Cr-labeled human PMN were added to determine PMN adhesion. Endothelial adhesivity increased within 15 min after alpha-thrombin exposure, and the response persisted up to 120 min. Expression of endothelial adhesion proteins, P-selectin (GMP-140, PADGEM, CD62), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54) on the endothelial surface was quantitated by increase in the specific binding of anti-P-selectin mAb G1 and anti-ICAM-1 mAb RR1/1 labeled with 125I. P-selectin expression was maximal at 5-15 min alpha-thrombin exposure and decayed to basal levels within 90 min. In contrast, ICAM-1 activity increased at 30 min and remained elevated for 120 min after alpha-thrombin challenge. The initial endothelial adhesivity was dependent on P-selectin expression since PMN adhesion occurring within the first 30 min after alpha-thrombin challenge was inhibited by mAb G1. The later prolonged PMN adhesion was ICAM-1 dependent since this response was inhibited by mAb RR1/1 and to the same degree by the anti-CD18 mAb IB4. Anti-ELAM-1 mAb BB11 had no effect on adhesion of PMN to the alpha-thrombin-challenged cells. The initial P-selectin expression and PMN adhesion responses were reproduced by the 14-amino peptide (SFLLRNPNDKYEPF) (thrombin-receptor activity peptide; TRP-14) which comprised the NH2 terminus created by thrombin's proteolytic action on its receptors. However, TRP-14-induced PMN adhesion was transient, and TRP-14 did not cause ICAM-1 expression. The ICAM-1-dependent PMN adhesion mediated by alpha-thrombin was protein synthesis independent since ICAM-1 expression and PMN adhesion were not inhibited by cycloheximide pretreatment of HUVEC. Moreover, Northern blot analysis indicated absence of ICAM-1 mRNA signal up to 180 min after alpha-thrombin challenge. In conclusion, thrombin-induced endothelial adhesivity involves early- and late-phase responses. The initial reversible PMN adhesion is mediated by rapid P-selectin expression via TRP-14 generation. Thrombin-induced PMN adhesion is stabilized by a protein synthesis-independent upregulation of the constitutive ICAM-1 activity which enables the interaction of ICAM-1 with the CD18 beta 2 integrin on PMN.     

Isolation and characterization of human esophageal microvascular endothelial cells: mechanisms of inflammatory activation

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most common malady of the esophagus, affecting 7% of the United States population. Histological assessment demonstrates classic inflammatory mechanisms including selective leukocyte recruitment and hemorrhage, suggesting a prominent role for the microvasculature. We isolated and characterized human esophageal microvascular endothelial cells (EC) (HEMEC), examined inflammatory activation in response to cytokines, LPS, and acidic pH exposure, and identified signaling pathways that underlie activation. HEMEC displayed characteristic morphological and phenotypic features including acetylated LDL uptake. TNF-alpha/LPS activation of HEMEC resulted in upregulation of the cell adhesion molecules (CAM) ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and mucosal addressin CAM-1 (MAdCAM-1), increased IL-8 production, and enhanced leukocyte binding. Both acid and TNF-alpha/LPS activation lead to activation of SAPK/JNK in HEMEC that was linked to VCAM-1 expression and U-937 leukocyte adhesion. Expression of constitutive inducible nitric oxide synthase in HEMEC was in marked contrast to intestinal microvascular endothelial cells. In this study, we demonstrate that HEMECs are phenotypically and functionally distinct from lower gut-derived endothelial cells and will facilitate understanding of inflammatory mechanisms in esophageal inflammation.