Potent and specific inhibition of IL-8-, IL-1 alpha- and IL-1 beta-induced in vitro human lymphocyte migration by calcium channel antagonists

The role of calcium in interleukin- (IL) 8-, IL-1 alpha- and IL-1 beta-induced lymphocyte migration has been investigated by using the calcium channel antagonists, verapamil, nifedipine, diltiazem (IL-8) and the optical isomers of the dihydropyridine analogue SDZ 202-791 (IL-8, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta). Potent inhibition of IL-8-induced migration was observed in response to nifedipine (IC50 = 10 nM), verapamil (IC50 = 60 nM) and diltiazem (IC50 = 10 nM). The (+)-isomer of SDZ 202-791 was without effect on any of the agonists tested, however, the (-)-isomer induced dose-related inhibition of stimulated migration, IC50 values being 0.1 nM, 10 pM and 1.0 nM, for IL-8-, IL-1 alpha- and IL-1 beta-induced migration, respectively. Reversal of the inhibitory effects of the (-)-isomer was obtained in the presence of increasing concentrations of (+)-isomer. The induction of lymphocyte migration by IL-8, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta therefore appears to be a process dependent on calcium channel activation.     

Induction of gene expression by IL-1 in NIH 3T3 cells. Possible requirement of protein kinase C activity and independence from arachidonic acid metabolism

NIH 3T3 fibroblasts were transfected with the chloramphenicol-acetyltransferase (CAT) gene under the control of the SV40 early promoter, which can be stimulated by IL-1. CAT activity in cell lysates and PGE2 release in the supernatants were measured in control and stimulated cell cultures in parallel. Human IL-1 beta (180 pM) and human rTNF-alpha (3 nM) significantly stimulated both CAT activity and PGE2 release. The combined incubation of the two cytokines resulted in a synergistic effect on PGE2 release. The addition of AA (30 microM) greatly stimulated PGE2 release without affecting CAT activity. Similarly, drugs interfering with AA metabolism were without effect on CAT activity although profoundly reducing PGE2 release. Forskolin (0.1 microM) did not modify either parameter. The glucocorticoid fluocinolone (20 nM) was able to decrease both parameters. Protein kinase inhibitors H7 (5-50 microM) and sphingosine (50 microM) inhibited only IL-1-induced CAT activity, whereas H8 (5-50 microM) and HA1004 (50 microM) were ineffective on both parameters. PMA (0.5 microM) and R59 022, a diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor (10 microM), did not modify either control or IL-1-induced CAT activity. IL-1-stimulated PGE2 release was potentiated by PMA, although this effect was not inhibited by H7. The data suggest that: 1) in NIH 3T3 cells the activation of AA metabolism by IL-1 is not involved in IL-1-induced gene expression; 2) protein kinase C activity is required but not sufficient for IL-1-induced gene expression; and 3) PMA may stimulate AA metabolism by a mechanism in part independent of protein kinase activity.     

Cholera and pertussis toxins inhibit differently hypothermic and anti-opioid effects of neuropeptide FF

In mice pretreated intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with pertussis or cholera toxins, effects of neuropeptide FF (NPFF), on hypothermia and morphine-induced analgesia, were assessed. NPFF and a potent NPFF agonist, 1DMe (0.005-22 nmol) injected into the lateral ventricle decreased morphine analgesia and produced naloxone (2.5 mg x kg(-1), s.c.)-resistant hypothermia after administration into the third ventricle. Cholera toxin (CTX 1 microg, i.c.v.) pretreatment (24 or 96 h before) inhibited the effect of 1DMe on body temperature, but failed to reverse its anti-opioid activity in the tail-flick test. CTX reduced hypothermia induced by a high dose of morphine (8 nmol, i.c.v.) but not the analgesic effect due to 3 nmol morphine. Pertussis toxin (PTX) pretreatment inhibited both morphine-hypothermia and -analgesia but did not modify hypothermia induced by 1DMe. The present results suggest that NPFF-induced hypothermia depends on the stimulation of Gs (but not Gi) proteins. In contrast, anti-opioid effects resulting from NPFF-receptor stimulation do not involve a cholera toxin-sensitive transducer protein.     

A cholera toxin-sensitive G-protein stimulates exocytosis in sea urchin eggs

To identify guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins) in sea urchin eggs and to investigate their role in signal transduction at fertilization, we used cholera toxin (CTX) and pertussis toxin (PTX), which catalyze the specific ADP-ribosylation of G-proteins. Cell surface complex, consisting of plasma membranes and adhering cortical vesicles, was prepared from eggs of Lytechinus variegatus and incubated with 32P-labeled NAD in the presence of CTX or PTX. CTX catalyzed the ADP-ribosylation of a 47-kDa polypeptide, whereas PTX catalyzed the ADP-ribosylation of a 40-kDa polypeptide. Microinjection of approximately 30 micrograms/ml whole CTX or approximately 20 micrograms/ml CTX subunit A into intact eggs caused exocytosis of cortical vesicles. However, if the eggs were first injected with EGTA (0.6-1.4 mM), injection of CTX did not cause exocytosis. Eggs injected with 0.8-2.8 mM cAMP or 1.0-4.0 mM adenosine 3':5'-monophosphotioate cyclic Sp-isomer (cAMP-S), a hydrolysis-resistant analog of cAMP, did not undergo exocytosis. These results suggest that a CTX-sensitive G-protein is involved in regulating Ca2+ release and exocytosis of cortical vesicles in sea urchin eggs.     

The effects of pertussis toxin and cholera toxin on mitogen-induced interleukin-2 production: evidence for G protein involvement in signal transduction

GTP-binding proteins, known as G proteins, play important roles in transducing signals generated by the binding of specific ligands to cell surface receptors. We examined the possibility that a G protein is involved in transducing the concanavalin A (Con A) signal for IL-2 production using a T-cell hybridoma, FS6-14.13, and the bacterial toxins, pertussis toxin (PTX) and cholera toxin (CTX). These toxins are known to interact with and modify the functions of G proteins. High concentrations of PTX (25-50 micrograms/ml) stimulated IL-2 production in the FS-6 cells in the absence of Con A, presumably due to the ability of its B subunit to crosslink membrane proteins. However, in the presence of Con A, PTX inhibited IL-2 production at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 50 micrograms/ml. It is unlikely that this inhibition was due to a competitive interaction between Con A and PTX for binding sites at the cell surface, since high concentrations of PTX only minimally reduced Con A-FITC binding, evaluated by FACS analysis. In addition, concentrations of PTX which were not able to stimulate IL-2 production in the absence of Con A, retained their ability to inhibit IL-2 production in the presence of Con A. These data suggest the involvement of the PTX A subunit in this activity. In support of this possibility, PTX catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a Mr = 41,000-Da protein in FS-6 membranes. This strongly suggests that a PTX substrate is involved in transducing the Con A signal for IL-2 production in FS-6 cells. CTX also inhibited Con A-induced IL-2 production, an effect mimicked by the addition of dibutyryl-cAMP. This suggests that a CTX substrate linked to the adenylyl cyclase-cAMP pathway is probably not involved in transducing the stimulatory Con A signal, but may play a role in downregulating T-cell activation.     

Activation of macrophage CD8: pharmacological studies of TNF and IL-1 beta production

Previously, we demonstrated that rat macrophages express CD8 and that Ab to CD8 stimulates NO production. We confirm that CD8 is expressed by rat macrophages and extend understanding of its functional significance. Activation of CD8 alpha (OX8 Ab) on alveolar macrophages stimulated mRNA expression for TNF and IL-1 beta and promoted TNF and IL-1 beta secretion. Similarly, OX8 Ab (CD8 alpha) stimulated NR8383 cells to secrete TNF, IL-1 beta, and NO. Activation of CD8 beta (Ab 341) on alveolar macrophages increased mRNA expression for TNF and IL-1 beta and stimulated secretion of TNF, but not IL-1 beta. Interestingly, anti-CD8 Abs did not stimulate IFN-gamma or PGE2 production, or phagocytosis by macrophages. OX8 (CD8 alpha)-induced TNF and IL-1 beta production by macrophages was blocked by inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase(s), PP1, and genistein, but not by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitor, wortmannin. Moreover, OX8 stimulated protein tyrosine kinase activity in NR8383 cells. Further analysis of kinase dependence using antisense to Syk kinase demonstrated that TNF, but not IL-1 beta, stimulation by CD8 alpha is Syk dependent. By contrast, protein kinase C inhibitor Ro 31-8220 had no effect on OX8-induced TNF production, whereas OX8-induced IL-1 beta production was blocked by Ro 31-8220. Thus, there are distinct signaling mechanisms involved in CD8 alpha (OX8)-induced TNF and IL-1 beta production. In summary, macrophages express CD8 molecules that, when activated, stimulate TNF and IL-1 beta expression, probably through mechanisms that include activation of Src and Syk kinases and protein kinase C. These findings identify a previously unknown pathway of macrophage activation likely to be involved in host defense and inflammation.     

G蛋白调节剂对梨花粉萌发及花粉胞内Ca2+浓度变化的影响

用激光共聚焦技术研究了异三聚体G蛋白活性调节剂对梨花粉萌发、花粉管生长及花粉细胞内游离钙离子浓度动态的影响。结果表明：异三聚体G蛋白激活剂霍乱毒素(CTX)可促进梨花粉萌发与花粉管生长,而其抑制剂百日咳毒素(PTX)则抑制花粉萌发与花粉管生长;霍乱毒素处理后,花粉细胞内产生特异性的“钙瞬变”信号,而百日咳毒素处理后则引起花粉细胞内游离钙离子浓度的持续下降。这表明：异三聚体G蛋白可能参与了梨花粉萌发与花粉管生长的调控过程,G蛋白的活性变化对花粉萌发的效应可能是通过调控花粉细胞内游离Ca^2 浓度的动态变化产生特异性的钙信号来实现的。     

Enhanced IPC by activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive G protein-coupled purinoceptors

Extracellular ATP plays an important role in ischemic preconditioning (IPC) through the activation of P(2y) purinoceptors. This study examined whether ATP-stimulated P(2y) purinoceptors are coupled to pertussis toxin (PTX)-insensitive G protein and whether activation of this pathway enhances myocardial protection afforded by IPC. The rat was treated with PTX for 48 h, and the heart was then isolated and buffer perfused. The heart underwent IPC by three cycles of 5-min ischemia and 5-min reperfusion before 25 min of global ischemia. Isovolumic left ventricular function was measured, and functional recovery at 30 min after reperfusion was taken as an end point of myocardial protection. PTX pretreatment partially inhibited functional protection by IPC. Treatment with 100 microM 8-(p-sulfophenyl) theophylline (SPT) during IPC had no further effect on PTX-induced inhibition of functional protection by IPC, whereas suramin (300 microM) or reactive blue (RB) (10 microM) completely abolished myocardial protection in the preconditioned heart pretreated with PTX. Supplementation with adenosine (30 microM), ATP (30 microM), or UTP (50 microM) significantly enhanced IPC-induced functional protection, although preconditioning with these nucleotides without IPC had no protective effect. Adenosine-enhanced IPC was inhibited by pretreatment with PTX and SPT but not by suramin or RB, whereas ATP-enhanced IPC was inhibited by suramin or RB in combination with PTX pretreatment. On the other hand, UTP-enhanced IPC was not affected by PTX pretreatment but was inhibited by suramin or RB. Adenosine supplemented IPC without PTX pretreatment and ATP supplemented IPC with PTX pretreatment were not affected by nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 microM). Although the protein kinase C inhibitor Ro318425 (0.3 microM) or tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (50 microM) had no significant effect on the functional protection afforded by adenosine-supplemented IPC without PTX pretreatment and ATP-supplemented IPC with PTX pretreatment, the combination of Ro318425 and genistein attenuated functional protection afforded by both the purinoceptor agonist-supplemented IPC. These results suggest the crucial involvement of PTX-sensitive and -insensitive G protein coupled purinoceptors in enhanced IPC by supplementation with adenosine, ATP, and UTP.     

Pharmacomechanical coupling in rat vas deferens: effects of agents that modulate intracellular release of calcium and protein kinase C activation.

The effects of agents that modulate intracellular release of calcium and protein kinase C (PKC) activation on noradrenaline (NA)-induced contractions of epididymal vas deferens in calcium-free/EGTA (1 mM) medium were investigated. NA (100 microM) or methoxamine (100 microM) evoked repeatable contractions. Clonidine (100-300 microM) was ineffective. The contractions to NA were reduced by procaine (1-10 mM) but not by thapsigargin (0.1-30 microM), ryanodine (1-30 microM) or TMB-8 (1-30 microM). Contractions to cumulative additions of NA (1-100 microM) were enhanced in the presence of cyclopiazonic acid (10 & 30 microM) but not ryanodine (10 & 30 microM). Sequential contractions to NA were not blocked by PKC inhibitors, calphostin C (1 microM) or Ro 31-8220 (1-30 microM) but were reduced by H-7 (1-30 microM), a broad spectrum protein kinase inhibitor. Although RT-PCR experiments detected mRNA for some Ca2+-dependent/DAG-activated and Ca2+-independent/DAG-activated PKC isoforms in epididymal vas deferens, the PKC activators, phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (100 microM) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (100 microM) failed to activate the tissues in calcium-free medium but enhanced subsequent contractions to NA. These results indicate a limited role for intracellular calcium stores and phorbol ester/DAG-sensitive PKC isoforms in NA-induced contraction of epididymal rat vas deferens in calcium-free medium. The results suggest that pharmacomechanical coupling triggered by NA may involve the sensitization of contractile myofilaments to Ca2+ or a Ca2+-independent mechanism. The possible involvement of Ca2+-independent/DAG-insensitive PKC isoforms and agonist-dependent but PKC-independent sensitization pathway is discussed.     

Glucagon-(19-29) exerts a biphasic action on the liver plasma membrane Ca2+ pump which is mediated by G proteins

We have recently shown that nanomolar concentrations of glucagon-(19-29), which can derive from native glucagon by proteolytic cleavage of the dibasic doublet Arg17-Arg18, inhibit the Ca2+ pump in liver plasma membrane vesicles independently of adenylyl cyclase activation (Mallat, A., Pavoine, C., Dufour, M., Lotersztajn, S., Bataille, D., and Pecker, F. (1987) Nature 325, 620-622). We report here that the regulation of the Ca2+ pump by glucagon-(19-29) is dependent on guanine nucleotides. In the presence of 10 microM guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio) triphosphate (GTP gamma S) or 75 microM GTP, glucagon-(19-29) caused a biphasic regulation of the Ca2+ pump. ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport was inhibited in the presence of 10 pM to 1 nM glucagon-(19-29), while higher concentrations of the peptide (1-100 nM) reversed the inhibition caused by lower ones. GTP gamma S alone, at high concentrations (100 microM), reproduced the inhibitory effect of glucagon-(19-29) and induced a 40% inhibition of the basal activity of the Ca2+ pump which was reversed by low concentrations of glucagon-(19-29) (10 pM to 1 nM). Treatment of rats with cholera toxin resulted in a 70% increase in the basal activity of the Ca2+ pump, a loss of sensitivity to GTP gamma S and to the biphasic regulation by glucagon-(19-29). Treatment with pertussis toxin did not affect the response of the Ca2+ pump to GTP gamma S and glucagon-(19-29). We conclude that glucagon-(19-29) can exert a biphasic effect on the Ca2+ pump which is mediated by G protein(s) sensitive to cholera toxin.     

Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 Increases Tetrodotoxin-Resistant Sodium Currents Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons via Different Mechanisms

Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1)/chemokine CXC motif ligand 12 (CXCL12), a chemokine that is upregulated in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) during chronic pain models, has recently been found to play a central role in pain hypersensitivity. The purpose of present study is to investigate the functional impact of SDF-1 and its receptor, chemokine CXC motif receptor 4 (CXCR4), on two TTXR sodium channels in rat DRG using electrophysiological techniques. Preincubation with SDF-1 caused a concentration-dependent increase of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 currents amplitudes in acutely isolated small diameter DRG neurons in short-term culture. As to Nav1.9, changes in current density and kinetic properties of Nav1.9 current evoked by SDF-1(50 ng/ml) was eliminated by CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002. The increase in Nav1.9 current was also blocked by pertussis toxin (PTX) but not cholera toxin (CTX), showing involvement of Gi/o but not Gs subunits. As to Nav1.8, inhibitors (AMD3100, PTX, CTX, LY294002) used in present study didn’t inhibit the increased amplitude of Nav1.8 current and shifted activation curve of Nav1.8 in a hyperpolarizing direction in the presence of SDF-1 (50 ng/ml). In conclusion, our data demonstrated that SDF-1 may excite primary nociceptive sensory neurons by acting on the biophysical properties of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 currents but via different mechanisms.     

Protein kinase Calpha mediates feedback inhibition of EGF receptor transactivation induced by Gq-coupled receptor agonists

While a great deal of attention has been focused on G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-induced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation, it has been known for many years that the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR is inhibited in cells treated with tumor-promoting phorbol esters, a process termed EGFR transmodulation. Because many GPCR agonists that elicit EGFR transactivation also stimulate the G_q/phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase C (PKC) pathway, we hypothesized that PKC-mediated inhibition of EGFR transactivation operates physiologically as a feedback loop that regulates the intensity and/or duration of GPCR-elicited EGFR transactivation. In support of this hypothesis, we found that treatment of intestinal epithelial IEC-18 cells with the PKC inhibitors GF 109203X or Ro 31-8220 or chronic exposure of these cells to phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) to downregulate PKCs, markedly enhanced the increase in EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation induced by angiotensin II or vasopressin in these cells. Similarly, PKC inhibition enhanced EGFR transactivation in human colonic epithelial T84 cells stimulated with carbachol, as well as in bombesin-stimulated Rat-1 fibroblasts stably transfected with the bombesin receptor. Furthermore, cell treatment with inhibitors with greater specificity towards PKCα,  including Gö6976, Ro 31-7549 or Ro 32-0432, also increased GPCR-induced EGFR transactivation in IEC-18, T84 and Rat-1 cells. Transfection of siRNAs targeting PKCα  also enhanced bombesin-induced EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation in Rat-1 cells. Thus, multiple lines of evidence support the hypothesis that conventional PKC isoforms, especially PKCα, mediate feedback inhibition of GPCR-induced EGFR transactivation.     

Nonpeptidic antagonists of ETA and ETB receptors reverse the ET-1-induced sustained increase of cytosolic and nuclear calcium in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells

Our previous work showed that ET-1 induced a concentration-dependent increase of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca]c) and nuclear Ca2+ ([Ca]n) in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs). In the present study, using hVSMCs and 3-dimensional confocal microscopy coupled to the Ca2+ fluorescent probe Fluo-3, we showed that peptidic antagonists of ETA and ETB receptors (BQ-123 (10(-6) mol/L) and BQ-788 (10(-7) mol/L), respectively) prevented, but did not reverse, ET-1-induced sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n. In contrast, nonpeptidic antagonists of ETA and ETB (respectively, BMS-182874 (10(-8)-10(-6) mol/L) and A-192621 (10(-7) mol/L)) both prevented and reversed ET-1-induced sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n. Furthermore, activation of the ETB receptor alone using the specific agonist IRL-1620 (10(-9) mol/L) induced sustained increases of [Ca]c and [Ca]n, and subsequent administration of ET-1 (10(-7) mol/L) further increased nuclear Ca2+. ET-1-induced increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n was completely blocked by extracellular application of the Ca2+ chelator EGTA. Pretreatment with the G protein inhibitors pertussis toxin (PTX) and cholera toxin (CTX) also prevented the ET-1 response; however, strong membrane depolarization with KCl (30 mmol/L) subsequently induced sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n. Pretreatment of hVSMCs with either the PKC activator phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate or the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide did not affect ET-1-induced sustained increase of intracellular Ca2+. These results suggest that both ETA- and ETB-receptor activation contribute to ET-1-induced sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n in hVSMCs. Moreover, in contrast to the peptidic antagonists of ET-1 receptors, the nonpeptidic ETA-receptor antagonist BMS-182874 and the nonpeptidic ETB-receptor antagonist A-192621 were able to reverse the effect of ET-1. Nonpeptidic ETA- and ETB-receptor antagonists may therefore be better pharmacological tools for blocking ET-1-induced sustained increase of intracellular Ca2+ in hVSMCs. Our results also suggest that the ET-1-induced sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n is not mediated via activation of PKC, but via a PTX- and CTX-sensitive G protein calcium influx through the R-type Ca2+ channel.     

Mutual dependence of VIP/PACAP and CCK receptor signaling for a physiological role in duck exocrine pancreatic secretion

Unlike in rodents, CCK has not been established as a physiological regulator in avian exocrine pancreatic secretion. In the isolated duck pancreatic acini, 1 nM CCK was required for stimulation of amylase secretion, maximal effect being achieved at 10 nM; picomolar CCK was without effect. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)/pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) receptor (VPAC) agonists PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 (10(-12)-10(-7) M) alone had no effect, but made picomolar CCK effective. VPAC agonist VIP 10(-10)-10(-7) M stimulated amylase secretion marginally, but made CCK 10(-12)-10(-10) M effective also. PACAP-27 and VIP both shifted the maximal CCK concentration from 10(-8) to 10(-9) M. This sensitizing effect was mimicked by forskolin. CCK dose dependently induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) oscillations. PACAP-38 (1 nM), PACAP-27 (1 nM), VIP (10 nM), or forskolin (10 microM) alone did not stimulate [Ca2+]i increase, neither did they modulate CCK (1 nM)-induced oscillations; but when they were added to cells simultaneously exposed to subthreshold CCK (10 pM), calcium spikes emerged. Amylase secretion induced by the simultaneous presence of 10 pM CCK and VPAC agonists was completely blocked by removing extracellular calcium, but the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine (1 microM) was without effect. CCK (10 nM)-induced secretion was inhibited by CCK1 receptor antagonist FK480 (1 microM). Gastrin from 10(-12) to 10(-6) M did not stimulate amylase secretion nor did it (100 nM) induce [Ca2+]i increase. The above data suggest that duck pancreatic acini possess both CCK1 and VPAC receptors; simultaneous activation of both is required for each to play a physiological role.     

Effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF-acether) and its specific receptor antagonist, BN 52021, on interleukin 1 (IL1) release and synthesis by rat spleen adherent monocytes

PAF-acether, at doses ranging from 1pM to 0.1 microM did not induce a significative release and/or synthesis of IL1 from monocytes. In contrast, depending upon the dose of the mediator, adverse effects on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL1 release and synthesis were observed. PAF-acether at 1pM increased IL1 release by 120 +/- 39% and synthesis by 87 +/- 27% whereas at 0.1 microM a decrease of IL1 release of 52 +/- 9% and synthesis of 46 +/- 6% were observed. BN 52021, a specific PAF-acether receptor antagonist, reversed by more than 70% the increase of inhibition of LPS-induced IL1 release and synthesis induced by 1pM and 0.1 microM of the autacoid, respectively. No direct effect of BN 52021 on IL1 release and synthesis from adherent monocytes was noted. These results indicate that PAF-acether modulates monocytes functions, possibly via specific binding sites.     

Modification of biological responses to interleukin-1 by agents that perturb signal transduction pathways.

In this study we have examined the effect of agents known to perturb certain signal transduction pathways on the biological responses of target cells to stimulation with interleukin-1 (IL-1). In the murine thymoma cell line EL4, IL-1 stimulation results in the secretion of interleukin-2 (IL-2), which was subsequently measured by proliferation of an IL-2-dependent cell line. Agents that elevated intracellular cAMP blocked or partially blocked IL-1 induction of IL-2 secretion, whereas agents that activated protein kinase C (PKC) resulted in a synergistic enhancement. Both pertussis and cholera toxins also inhibited IL-1-induced IL-2 secretion, although probably by acting at different levels. IL-1 simulation of human and murine fibroblasts resulted in release of prostaglandin E2. This response was inhibitable by pertussis toxin but not by cholera toxin, whereas co-stimulation of the fibroblasts with IL-1 and phorbol ester resulted in a synergistic response. Murine fibroblasts could also be stimulated to proliferate by IL-1, and this response was also inhibitable by pertussis toxin. These findings are consistent with coupling of the IL-1 receptor to a signalling pathway via a pertussis toxin substrate.     

Inhibition by retinoids of antigen-induced IL-4 production in rat mast cell line RBL-2H3

The retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonists, Re80 and Am80, partially inhibited the antigen-induced IL-4 production by rat mast cell line RBL-2H3 in a concentration-dependent manner (0.1 to 1000 nM). Both Re80 and Am80 also reduced the antigen-induced increase in IL-4 mRNA levels. The RAR antagonist LE540 at 4 microM reversed Re80 (100 nM)- and Am80 (100 nM)-induced inhibition of IL-4 production. The retinoid X receptor agonist HX600 (1 microM) by itself did not affect IL-4 production, but enhanced the inhibitory effect of Re80 (10 nM) and of Am80 (10 nM). Cyclosporin A suppressed the antigen-induced IL-4 production almost completely at 0.3 microM. These findings indicated that the antigen-induced IL-4 production by RBL-2H3 cells is partially inhibited by retinoids via RAR-dependent mechanisms.     

Stimulation of macrophage colony-stimulating factor synthesis by interleukin-1.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1), which plays an important role in the inflammatory response, was found to induce colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) expression in the MIA PaCa-2 cells. IL-1-induced CSF-1 production was markedly suppressed (70%) by pertussis toxin. This inhibition by pertussis toxin was reversed by benzamide, an inhibitor of ADP-ribosylation reactions. Similarly, IL-1-induced CSF-1 production was inhibited by cholera toxin and this inhibition was reversed by an arginine analog, p-methoxy-benzylaminodecamethylene guanidine sulfate. Dibutyryl-cAMP as well as other cAMP elevating agents such as theophylline and forskolin also suppressed IL-1-induced CSF-1 production, suggesting that cAMP concentrations inversely regulate the biosynthesis of CSF-1. Measurement of cAMP concentration indicated that IL-1 treatment of MIA PaCa-2 cells did not change the cAMP level. IL-1-induced CSF-1 production was not suppressed by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, H7, under conditions in which 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced CSF-1 production was completely abolished. These data suggest that IL-1-induced CSF-1 production is not mediated via the activation of PKC. Analysis of oncogene c-fos and c-jun expression has shown the enhancement of expression of both protooncogenes prior to CSF-1, suggesting that the expression of these two oncogenes may be the mechanism which triggers CSF-1 gene expression.     

Lysophosphatidic Acid Enhanced the Angiogenic Capability of Human Chondrocytes by Regulating Gi/NF-kB-Dependent Angiogenic Factor Expression

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been found to mediate myeloid differentiation, stimulate osteogenesis, alter cell proliferation and migration, and inhibit apoptosis in chondrocytes. The effect of LPA on the angiogenic capability of chondrocytes is not clear. This study aimed to investigate its effect on the angiogenic capability of human chondrocytes and the underlying mechanism of these effects. Human chondrocyte cell line, CHON-001, commercialized human chondrocytes (HC) derived from normal human articular cartilage, and human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used as cell models in this study. The angiogenic capability of chondrocytes was determined by capillary tube formation, monolayer permeability, cell migration, and cell proliferation. An angiogenesis protein array kit was used to evaluate the secretion of angiogenic factors in conditioned medium. Angiogenin, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and protein expressions were evaluated by Q-RT-PCR and EIA, respectively. LPA receptor (LPAR) expression was determined by RT-PCR. Signaling pathways were clarified using inhibitors, Western blot analysis, and reporter assays. The LPA treatment promoted the angiogenic capability of CHON-001 cells and HC, resulting in enhanced HUVEC capillary tube formation, monolayer permeability, migration, and cell growth. Angiogenin, IGFBP-1, IL-8, MCP-1, MMP-9, and VEGF mRNA and protein expressions were significantly enhanced in LPA-treated chondrocytes. LPA2, 3, 4 and 6 were expressed in CHON-001 and HC cells. Pretreatment with the Gi/o type G protein inhibitor, pertussis toxin (PTX), and the NF-kB inhibitor, PDTC, significantly inhibited LPA-induced angiogenin, IGFBP-1, IL-8, MCP-1, MMP-9, and VEGF expressions in chondrocytes. The PTX pretreatment also inhibited LPA-mediated NF-kB activation, suggesting the presence of active Gi/NF-kB signaling in CHON-001 and HC cells. The effect of LPA on the angiogenesis-inducing capacity of chondrocytes may be due to the increased angiogenesis factor expression via the Gi/NF-kB signaling pathway.