Technical Considerations in Evaluating the Adhesion of Leukocytes to Aortic Endothelium of the Rat

Comments on techniques for characterizing leukocytes adhered to the aortic endothelium of the rat are given. Alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase positive leukocytes were studied by optical microscopy of en face intima-media preparations. Results indicate 1) 1% paraformaldehyde-2% glutaraldehyde is a better fixative than formalin-calcium or 4% paraformaldehyde with or without 1.5 mM CaCl₂; the latter produces distortion of leukocytes, endothelial desquamation and enzymate inhibition, 2) washing the aorta with phosphate-buffered saline for 90 sec prior to fixation-perfusion produces a notable decrease in the number of leukocytes adhered, 3) diazotized pararosaniline is better than fast blue RR salt as coupling agent in the esterase reaction, and 4) counterstaining with 1% methyl green for 1 min, before or after the esterase reaction, is not adequate because of limited contrast and the heavy staining of smooth muscle. Counterstaining with Gill's hematoxylin No. 3 for 90 sec is adequate only when done before the esterase reaction. Inhibition of endothelial esterase activity by hematoxylin decreases background, favors contrast of adhered leukocytes and makes it possible to observe nucleus-cytoplasm relations.     

Pharmacokinetics,Tissue Distribution and Metabolism of Intravenously Administered Digalactosyldiacylglycerol and Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol in the Rat

Abstract

A bilayer forming galactolipid, digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGalDG) has been identified as a tool with suitable physicochemichal properties for pharmaceutical formulation work. One possible application is as a carrier for liposome entrapped drugs for intravenous administration. The fate of intravenously administered galactolipids is not known. In this study liposomal dispersions of galactolipids, containing [³H]fatty acid labelled DGalDG or monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGalDG) were injected intravenously in the rat and the disappearance from blood and uptake by tissues were examined. The T1/2 of [³H]DGalDG in plasma was 3 to 5 minutes. Of the tissues examined (liver, spleen, kidneys, lung, heart, stomach, upper and lower small intestine and colon), the liver contained the highest radioactivity per g tissue after both 15 min. and 4 h. Autoradiographic examinations after 15 min, 1 h and 4 h showed that the uptake of radiolabeled DGalDG and MGalDG occurred mainly to the hepatocytes. Less than 6 % of the injected [³H]DGalDG remained in liver and plasma as [³H]DGalDG after 4 h. [³H]MGalDG exhibited a similar pattern of metabolism although the initial disappearance rate was faster than for [³H]DGalDG. The study thus shows that the hepatocytes take up and hydrolyse galactolipids after intravenous administration.     

Phagocytosis is coupled to the formation of phagosome-associated podosomes and a transient disruption of podosomes in human macrophages

Phagocytosis consists in ingestion and digestion of large particles, a process strictly dependent on actin re-organization. Using synchronized phagocytosis of IgG-coated latex beads (IgG-LB), zymosan or serum opsonized-zymosan, we report the formation of actin structures on both phagocytic cups and closed phagosomes in human macrophages. Their lifespan, size, protein composition and organization are similar to podosomes. Thus, we called these actin structures phagosome-associated podosomes (PAPs). Concomitantly to the formation of PAPs, a transient disruption of podosomes occurred at the ventral face of macrophages. Similarly to podosomes, which are targeted by vesicles containing proteases, the presence of PAPs correlated with the maturation of phagosomes into phagolysosomes. The ingestion of LB without IgG did not trigger PAPs formation, did not lead to podosome disruption and maturation to phagolysosomes, suggesting that these events are linked together. Although similar to podosomes, we found that PAPs differed by being resistant to the Arp2/3 inhibitor CK666. Thus, we describe a podosome subtype which forms on phagosomes where it probably serves several tasks of this multifunctional structure.     

Phagocytosis and elimination of amelocyte debris by stratum intermedium cells in the transitional zone of the enamel organ of the rat incisor

Summary In the transitional zone of the enamel organ (rat) some of the amelocytes perish. Their debris is phagocytized and digested by stratum intermedium cells and macrophages. These two cell types also seem to remove cytosegresomes expelled from those amelocytes which survive and redifferentiate into transporting amelocytes. Digestion of the amelocyte debris in the stratum intermedium cells is effected rapidly and completely. Degeneration of stratum intermedium cells was not observed in the transitional zone.This work was supported by grants from The Danish Medical Research Council (512-149/69 and 512-1008/71) and The Danish Science Research Council (512-1009/71).     

Cleavage of Mer Tyrosine Kinase (MerTK) from the Cell Surface Contributes to the Regulation of Retinal Phagocytosis

Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages and spent photoreceptor outer segments (POS) by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells requires several proteins, including MerTK receptors and associated Gas6 and protein S ligands. In the retina, POS phagocytosis is rhythmic, and MerTK is activated promptly after light onset via the αvβ5 integrin receptor and its ligand MFG-E8, thus generating a phagocytic peak. The phagocytic burst is limited in time, suggesting a down-regulation mechanism that limits its duration. Our previous data showed that MerTK helps control POS binding of integrin receptors at the RPE cell surface as a negative feedback loop. Our present results show that a soluble form of MerTK (sMerTK) is released in the conditioned media of RPE-J cells during phagocytosis and in the interphotoreceptor matrix of the mouse retina during the morning phagocytic peak. In contrast to macrophages, the two cognate MerTK ligands have an opposite effect on phagocytosis and sMerTK release, whereas the integrin ligand MFG-E8 markedly increases both phagocytosis and sMerTK levels. sMerTK acts as a decoy receptor blocking the effect of both MerTK ligands. Interestingly, stimulation of sMerTK release decreases POS binding. Conversely, blocking MerTK cleavage increased mostly POS binding by RPE cells. Therefore, our data suggest that MerTK cleavage contributes to the acute regulation of RPE phagocytosis by limiting POS binding to the cell surface.     

Phagocytosis of the protozoan parasite, Marteilia sydneyi, by Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) hemocytes

QX disease is a fatal disease in Sydney rock oysters caused by the protozoan parasite Marteilia sydneyi. The current study investigates the phagocytosis of M. sydneyi by Sydney rock oyster hemocytes. It also compares the in vitro phagocytic activities of hemocytes from oysters bred for QX disease resistance (QXR) with those of wild-type oysters. After ingestion of M. sydneyi, hemocyte granules fused with phagosome membranes and the pH of phagosomes decreased. Significantly (p = <0.05) more phagosomes in QXR hemocytes showed obvious changes in pH within 40 min of phagocytosis, when compared with wild-type hemocytes. Phenoloxidase deposition was also evident in phagosomes after in vitro phagocytosis. Most importantly, ingested and melanised M. sydneyi were detected in vivo among hemocytes from infected oysters. Overall, the data suggest that Sydney rock oyster hemocytes can recognise and phagocytose M. sydneyi, and that resistance against QX disease may be associated with enhanced phagolysosomal activity in QXR oysters.     

Effects of Cytochalasins B and D on Staphylococcus aureus Adherence to and Ingestion by Mouse Renal Cells from Primary Culture

Cytochalasin B (CB) and cytochalasin D (CD), inhibitors of microfilament function of host cell, were examined for their effects on Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I adherence to and ingestion by several types of the hyperosmolarity-tolerant (HOT) cells obtained from primary culture of mouse kidney. Staphylococcal adherence to the HOT cells with epithelial appearance was extraordinarily enhanced by the treatment of those cells with both 5 μg/ml of CB and CD. In particular, staphylococci adhered to the periphery rather than the center of each cytochalasintreated cell. Staphylococcal ingestion by all types of the HOT cells was markedly inhibited by CD in spite of the enhanced adherence. Contrary to our expectation, inhibition by CB was incomplete, and the enhanced adherence of staphylococci to CB-treated cells resulted in the enhanced ingestion.     

Inhibition of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression by Endothelin in Rat Glial Cells Prepared from the Neonatal Rat Brain

Abstract: In primary cultured rat glial cells, a combination of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) stimulates production of nitrite via expression of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In these cells, simultaneous addition of endothelin (ET) decreased iNOS expression and nitrite accumulation induced by TNF-α/IL-1β. The inhibitory effect of ET on TNF-α/IL-1β-stimulated iNOS expression appears to be mediated by ET_B receptors, because (1) both ET-1 and ET-3 inhibited the effects of TNF-α/IL-1β on iNOS expression and nitrite accumulation, (2) a selective ET_B receptor agonist, Suc-[Glu⁹,Ala^11,15]-ET-1 (8–21) (IRL1620), decreased the effects of TNF-α/IL-1β, and (3) a selective ET_B receptor antagonist, N-cis -2,6-dimethylpiperidinocarbonyl- l -γ-methylleucyl- d -1-methoxycarbonyltryptophanyl- d -norleucine, abolished the inhibitory effects of ETs and IRL1620. Incubation of glial cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) caused an increase in iNOS expression. Simultaneous addition of ET-3 decreased the effects of LPS (10 and 100 ng/ml) on iNOS expression. Furthermore, cyclic AMP-elevating agents (dibutyryl cyclic AMP and forskolin) inhibited TNF-α/IL-1β-induced and LPS-induced iNOS expression and nitrite accumulation. These findings suggest that ETs can decrease TNF-α/IL-1β-induced and LPS-induced iNOS expression via ET_B receptors and that cyclic AMP may be involved in this process.     

Differential cellular response of resistant and susceptible rodents to the early stages of infection of Taenia taeniaeformis

Taenia taeniaeformis infection course in C3H/He and BALB/c mice (susceptible and resistant respectively to T. taeniaeformis) was compared for 10 days post-infection (p.i.). Light microscopic observation of early organisms in BALB/c revealed host cell infiltration as early as 2 days p.i. By day 4 p.i. the larvae presented an inconspicuous acellular halo and were surrounded by a dense mass of leukocytes, mainly eosinophils. The amorphous substance reacted positive for sulphated acid mucopolysaccharides. By day 6 p.i. the parasite-host interface was filled by leukocytes and fibroblasts, staining with alcian blue was limited to small areas and the parasites appeared disrupted and lightly stained by haematoxylin-eosin. At day 10 p.i. the parasite had been destroyed by the host. In rats and C3H/He mice, the parasites at day 2 p.i. were 10 μm in diameter, bounded by a larger amorphous acellular halo that reacted positive to alcian blue stain, an indication of the presence of acidic muco-polysaccharides. By day 4 p.i. the clear halo became larger and reacted strongly positive for acid mucopolysaccharides particularly close to the organism. By day 6 p.i. alcian blue positive material appeared more diffuse, covering a broad area well inside the host tissue. By this time a layer of inflammatory cells were often present at some distance from the parasite tegument. By day 10 p.i. the larvae continued growing and increasing the number of tegumental cells. The presence of sulfated acid mucopoly-saccharides around the larvae probably serves as a protective barrier for the parasite by triggering the alternative pathway of complement, consuming C3 and C5, thus preventing cell attachment and humoral antibody attack. The early destruction of the parasite by cell defense mechanism implies a major role of cellular immunity in T. taeniaeformis elimination.     

Association between the frequency of class II HLA antigens and the susceptibility to intrauterine infection of hepatitis B virus

Multiple factors determine the susceptibility to intrauterine hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. These factors include the HBV structure, HBV mutation, HBV DNA level, placental barrier, the immune status of the mother, and the genetic make-ups of the newborn infants. Since HLA system is an integral component of the immune response, we hypothesized that the highly polymorphic HLA genes are the key determinants of intrauterine HBV infection. In this study, we selected newborn infants of HBsAg-positive mothers, and divided the infants into 2 groups: intrauterine infection group and non-intrauterine infection group according to the status whether or not they were infected at birth. Each infected infant was compared with 2 controls from the same birth cohort. HLA-DR allele typing was performed using a PCR-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) for 24 subjects with intrauterine infection and 48 controls without infection. We found that, among the fifteen (15) HLA-DR alleles assessed, HLA-DRB1*07 was the one, and the only one, significantly in excess (OR = 6.66, P = 0.004) in the intrauterine infection group compared to the non-intrauterine infection group. Our findings thus suggest that high frequency of HLA class II molecules, e.g. HLA-DRB1*07, is associated with the susceptibility of the infants to intrauterine HBV infection.     

Regulation of the adhesion ofPseudomonas fluorescens cells to glass by extracellular volatile compounds

The effect of the gaseous metabolites of onePseudomonas fluorescens culture on the attachment of cells of anotherP. fluorescens culture to glass was studied. Gaseous metabolites increased the number of unattached cells by 10–30% and the mean residence time of cells attached to glass by 100%. These effects were presumably due to the yet unidentified compound, which we called volatile antiadhesin. This compound could be adsorbed by activated charcoal and HAYESEP-Q adsorbent.     

Adhesion to extracellular materials by neural crest cells at the stage of initial migration

Summary Trunk-level neural anlagen bearing neural crest cells at the stage of initiation of migration were isolated from chick embryos and explanted in serum-free medium onto glass substrates which had previously been treated with extracellular materials. After 0.5–2 h incubation, the expiants were dislodged with a stream of culture medium and the substrate examined for adherent crest cells. Crest cells adhered to collagen gels, and adhered to and spread on adsorbed fibronectin; antiserum to fibronectin prevented adhesion to fibronectin but not to collagen gels. Air-dried collagen gels and collagen solutions were less adhesive, the adhesivity declining with longer drying time and lower collagen concentration. Crest cells adhered poorly to dried gelatin and not at all to adsorbed collagen. Fibronectin increased the adhesion to dried collagen and gelatin. Pretreatment of collagen gels with hyaluronate retarded adhesion. Hyaluronate pretreatment also retarded adhesion to adsorbed fibronectin but only when adsorbed collagen was also present. Pretreatment of collagen gels with the proteoglycan monomer from bovine nasal cartilage had no effect of the adhesion of crest cells, but the proteoglycan almost completely inhibited adhesion to adsorbed fibronectin, but only when absorbed collagen was also present. The results are discussed in terms of the control of migration of neural crest cells by extracellular materials.     

The effect of cytochalasin B,colchicine and vinblastine on the adhesion of Trichomonas vaginalis to glass surfaces

The attachment of Trichomonas vaginalis to glass surfaces was studied in the presence of cytochalasin B, colchicine and vinblastine. Marked inhibition of adhesion was noted with high concentrations of cytochalasin B. Colchicine and vinblastine were without effect. These findings suggest that Trichomonas vaginalis adhesion is at least partially mediated by the extension of cellular probes, due to the action of cytochalasin-sensitive microfilaments.     

Phytochrome A, phytochrome B and HY4 are involved in hypocotyl growth responses to natural radiation in Arabidopsis: weak de-etiolation of the phyA mutant under dense canopies

The roles of phytochrome A (phyA), phytochrome B (phyB) and a putative blue-light (BL) photoreceptor (HY4) in the control of hypocotyl growth by natural radiation were investigated using phyA, phyB and hy4 mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana. Full sunlight inhibited hypocotyl growth to a larger extent in wild-type (WT) than in phyA, phyB and, particularly, hy4 seedlings. In WT seedlings, hypocotyl growth was promoted by selectively lowering BL irradiance, lowering red-light (R) plus far-red-light (FR) irradiance or lowering the R/FR ratio (which was achieved either by increasing FR or by reducing R). The effects of lowering BL were reduced in hy4 and exaggerated in phyA seedlings. The effects of lowering R+FR were reduced in phyA and exaggerated in hy4 seedlings. Neither phyB nor hy4 mutants responded to low R/FR ratios. Neighbouring plants reflecting FR without shading caused subtle reductions of the R/FR ratio. This signal promoted hypocotyl growth in WT but not in phyA, phyB or hy4 seedlings. Intermediate canopy shade produced similar effects in all genotypes. Under deep shade, de-etiolation was severely impaired in phyA seedlings, which died prematurely. Thus, the FR ‘high-irradiance reaction’ mediated by phyA could be important for seedling survival under dense canopies.     

In Vitro Modulation by Avermectin B1a of the GABA/Benzodiazepine Receptor Complex of Rat Cerebellum

Avermectin B1a, a macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic agent, causes a concentration-dependent increase of [3H]flunitrazepam binding to membranes from rat cerebellum by increasing the affinity and the number of binding sites. This effect appears to be independent of the concentration of chloride ions. The effects of avermectin B1a occur with high affinity (EC50 = 70 nM), and they persist after washing of the membranes with drug-free buffer. Pretreatment of the membranes with Triton X-100 completely abolishes the action of avermectin B1a. GABA and the GABA-mimetic compounds piperidine-4-sulfonic acid and THIP diminish the effects of avermectin B1a on benzodiazepine receptor binding in a bicuculline-methiodide-sensitive mode. In addition, the stimulation of [3H]flunitrazepam binding by avermectin B1a is decreased by the pyrazolopyridines etazolate and cartazolate. These observations suggest that avermectin B1a stimulates benzodiazepine receptor binding by acting on a modulatory site which is independent of the GABA recognition site and of the drug receptor for the pyrazolopyridines, but which is in functional interaction with these sites.     

Negative regulation of the protein kinase C activator-induced ICAM-1 expression in the human bronchial epithelial cell line NCI-H292 by p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase

The role of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in NCI-H292 cells, a human bronchial epithelial cell line, was analyzed. Treatment with the protein kinase C (PKC) activator 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) (16.2 nM) or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) (100 U/ml) induced phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK. The MEK inhibitor U0126 (0.1 to 10 microM) enhanced the TPA-induced ICAM-1 expression but not the IFN-gamma-induced one. U0126 also enhanced the ICAM-1 expression induced by two other PKC activators teleocidin (22.5 nM) and aplysiatoxin (14.9 nM). Furthermore, PD98059 (0.5 to 50 microM), another MEK inhibitor, enhanced the TPA-induced ICAM-1 expression as well. The inhibitor of p38 MAPK SB203580 did not affect the TPA-induced ICAM-1 expression. BAY11-7082, an inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, and MG132, a 26S proteasome inhibitor, reduced the TPA-induced ICAM-1 expression but not the IFN-gamma-induced one. TPA partially decreased the level of IkappaB-alpha and the reduction was further augmented by U0126 in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggested that, in NCI-H292 cells, p44/42 MAPK suppresses PKC activator-induced NF-kappaB activation, thus negatively regulating the PKC activator-induced ICAM-1 expression but not the IFN-gamma-induced one.     

Adhesion of osteosarcoma cells to the 70-kDa core region of thrombospondin-1 is mediated by the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is an extracellular glycoprotein that is involved in a variety of physiological processes such as tumor cell adhesion, invasion, and metastasis. It has been hypothesized that TSP-1 provides an adhesive matrix for osteosarcoma cells. Here we present data showing that TSP-1 can promote cell substrate adhesion to U2OS and SAOS cells through the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin. The dose-dependent adhesion to TSP-1 was inhibited by anti-integrin antibodies directed against the alpha 4 or beta 1 subunit, but not by control antibodies against other integrins. To localize the potential alpha 4 beta 1-binding site within the TSP-1 molecule, the protein was subjected to limited proteolysis with chymotrypsin in the absence of calcium. The stable 70-kDa core fragment produced under these conditions promoted alpha 4 beta 1-dependent osteosarcoma cell adhesion in a manner similar to that of the intact protein. Moreover adhesion experiments with neutralizing antibodies revealed that the adhesion was totally dependent on the alpha 4 beta 1 interaction. Further blocking experiments with potential inhibitory peptides revealed that the alpha 4 beta 1-mediated adhesion was not influenced by peptides containing the RGD sequence. Attachment to the 70-kDa fragment was strongly inhibited by the CS-1 peptide, which represents the most active recognition domain for alpha 4 beta 1 integrin in fibronectin. The present data provide evidence that TSP-1 contains an alpha 4 beta 1 integrin-binding site within the 70-kDa core region.     

Inhibition of platelets and tumor cell adhesion by the disintegrin domain of human ADAM9 to collagen I under dynamic flow conditions

This work aimed to investigate the role of the disintegrin domain of the human ADAM9 (ADAM9D) on the adhesion of breast tumor cells and platelets to collagen I, in a dynamic flow assay to simulate in vivo shear conditions. Recombinant ADAM9D was able to support tumor cell adhesion through binding to the β1 integrin subunit and also to inhibit the invasion through matrigel in vitro. In a dynamic flow assay ADAM9D inhibited about 75% and 65% of MDA-MB-231 tumor cells and platelet adhesion to collagen I, respectively. In addition, it was demonstrated that αVβ3 integrin is new interacting partner for ADAM9D. In conclusion, these results suggest a role for the disintegrin domain of ADAM9 in the metastatic process. Also, ADAM9D may be a tool for investigating the role of ADAMs in metastasis and cancer progression and for the design of selective inhibitors against the adhesion and extravasation of cancer cells.     

Decolorization of Victoria blue by the white rot fungus, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phanerochaete chrysosporium</Emphasis>

Synthetic textile dyes are among the most dangerous chemical pollutants released in industrial wastewater streams. Recognizing the importance of reducing the environmental impact of these dyes, the ability of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium to decolorize various textile dyes was investigated. This fungus decolorized 6 of the 14 structurally diverse dyes with varying efficiency (between 14% and 52%). There was no discernable pattern of decolorization even among dyes of the same chemical class, suggesting that attack on the dyes is relatively non-specific. Among the three dyes which showed >40% decolorization, Victoria Blue B (VB) was chosen for further analysis because the ability of the fungus to decolorize VB was nearly independent over a relatively broad concentration range. Blocking lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) production by the fungus did not substantially affect VB decolorization. Inhibition of laccase production by adding various inhibitors to shaken cultures reduced VB decolorization significantly suggesting a role for laccase in VB decolorization. When sodium azide and aminotriazole were used to inhibit endogenous catalase and cytochrome P-450 oxygenase activities, there was 100% and 70% reduction in VB decolorization, respectively. Adding benzoate to trap hydrogen peroxide-derived hydroxyl radicals resulted in 50% decolorization of VB. Boiling the extracellular fluid (ECF) for 30 min resulted in approximately 50% reduction in VB decolorization. Collectively, these data suggest that laccase, and/or oxygenase/oxidase and a heat-stable non-enzymatic factor, but not Lip and MnP, play a role in VB decolorization by P. chrysosporium.