Noninvasive detection of radiation-induced optic neuropathy by manganese-enhanced MRI

Available imaging techniques have a limited ability to detect radiation-induced injury of the normal brain. In particular, there is no noninvasive method available for detection of structural or functional neuronal damage induced by radiation. This study was designed to determine whether MRI enhanced using the neuronal track tracer MnCl(2) can detect radiation-induced optic neuropathy. A single dose of radiation (35 Gy) was delivered to produce optic neuropathy in Fischer 344 rats by using a stereotactic method with a 6-mm dorsoventral secondary collimator. At 6 months after irradiation, MRI was performed in 1-mm sections using a 7-T magnetic field with the neuronal tracer MnCl(2) injected into the vitreous of the eye 24 h prior to imaging. The rats were then killed humanely for a histological study with hematoxylin and eosin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (Gfap) for the detection of astrocytic activity, Luxol Fast Blue/Periodic Acid Schiff (LFB/PAS) for the detection of myelinization status, and Bielschowski silver stain for axon status. In nonirradiated control animals, T1-weighted MRI with manganese vitreous injection revealed an optic nerve track that was brightly enhanced from the orbit to the optic chiasm. In the irradiated animals, there was clear evidence of the damage at the optic chiasm and optic nerves, with loss of axon and demyelinization within the site of irradiation upon histological examination. T1-weighted MRI with manganese vitreous injection showed an enhancing optic nerve posterior to the orbit. However, this enhancement disappeared at the site of irradiation. The area of loss of manganese contrast on the MRI scan correlated well with the area of histological abnormality showing axonal degeneration and demyelinization. Radiation-induced optic neuropathy was thus detected noninvasively by MRI with the antegrade neuronal tracer manganese, which exhibited negative contrast enhancement by causing loss of signal. This study represents the first demonstration of MR imaging of radiation-induced neuronal damage and could provide a means to explore the biological and functional integrity of neuronal pathways.     

Noninvasive detection of hydroxyl radical generation in lung by diesel exhaust particles

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) induce pulmonary tumors, asthma-like symptoms, and the like in experimental animals. The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is suggested in the injuries induced by DEP, though the generation of ROS has not been proven. The present study provided the first direct evidence of *OH generation in the lungs of living mice after intratracheal instillation of DEP, using noninvasive L-band ESR spectroscopy and a membrane-impermeable nitroxyl probe. *OH generation is confirmed with the enhancement of in vivo ESR signal decay rate of the probe. The decay rate at mid-thorax was significantly enhanced in DEP-treated mice compared to that in vehicle-treated mice. The enhancement was completely suppressed by the administration of either *OH scavengers, catalase, or desferrioxamine, while the administration of SOD further increased the rate. The administration of Fenton's reagents into the lung also enhanced the decay rate of the probe at mid-thorax of mice. These results clearly provided evidence that the intratracheal exposure to DEP in mice produced *OH in the lung through an iron-catalyzed reaction of superoxide/H(2)O(2). This first direct evidence of *OH generation in DEP-treated mice lung may be utilized to determine treatments for DEP-induced lung injury.     

A MARCKS-related peptide blocks mucus hypersecretion in a mouse model of asthma

Mucus hypersecretion is a crucial feature of pulmonary diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. Despite much research, there is still no effective therapy for this condition. Recently, we showed that the myristoylated, alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) protein is required for mucus secretion by human bronchial epithelial cells in culture. Having synthesized a peptide corresponding to the N-terminal domain of MARCKS, we now show that the intratracheal instillation of this peptide blocks mucus hypersecretion in a mouse model of asthma. A missense peptide with the same amino acid composition has no effect. Based on quantitative histochemical analysis of the mouse airways, the peptide seems to act by blocking mucus release from goblet cells, possibly by inhibiting the attachment of MARCKS to membranes of intracellular mucin granules. These results support a pivotal role for MARCKS protein, specifically its N-terminal region, in modulating this secretory process in mammalian airways. Intratracheal administration of this MARCKS-related peptide could therapeutically reduce mucus secretion in the airways of human patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis.     

Role of hyaluronan and CD44 in reactive oxygen species-induced mucus hypersecretion

5-bromo-2-deoxyurudine (BrdU) can be used as a methodological tool for in vivo investigations following in vitro prelabeling of isolated stem cells for subsequent cell tracking within the recipient host. The objective of this study was to determine how useful BrdU may be as a labeling modality for adipose derived stem cells (ASC) by examining BrdU toxicity, BrdU intracellular stability, and potential effects on ASC differentiation. Porcine and human ASC (pASC and hASC, respectively) were labeled with BrdU at 5 or 10 μM for 2, 6, 24, and 48 h. BrdU toxicity and stability over time in monolayer cultures, in 3-D collagen scaffolds implanted to a porcine model and after thawing from long-term storage were evaluated by MTT assays and immunohistochemistry. ASC differentiation was evaluated by Oil Red O staining. BrdU was not cytotoxic at all tested concentrations and incubation times. BrdU color intensity within each cell and the number of ASC labeled with BrdU decreased as a function of both incubation time and BrdU concentrations. Labeling intensities decreased over time and were undetectable after 6 passages for pASC and 4 passages for hASC. In 3-D scaffolds, BrdU-labeled ASC were identifiable after 90 days of in vitro cultures and for 30 days in a porcine model. BrdU did not prevent preadipocyte differentiation and BrdU labeling was still detectable after subsequent thawing after long-term storage of ASC. BrdU is an excellent candidate reagent to label and track ASC that will allow distinction between BrdU-labeled donor cells and host cells. The data provides a foundation for conducting future tissue engineering projects using BrdU-labeled ASC.     

ITGB4 deficiency induces mucus hypersecretion by upregulating MUC5AC in RSV-infected airway epithelial cells

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the main cause of bronchiolitis in children. Excessive mucus secretion is one of the primary symbols in RSV related lower respiratory tract infections (RSV-related LRTI), which is closely associated with the occurrence and development of asthma in later life. Integrin β4 (ITGB4) is down-regulated in the airway epithelial cells (AECs) of asthma patients which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of asthma. However, whether ITGB4 is involved in the pathological processes of RSV infection remains unclear. In this study, we found that decreased expression of ITGB4 was negatively correlated with the level of MUC5AC in childhood AECs following RSV infection. Moreover, ITGB4 deficiency led to mucus hypersecretion and MUC5AC overexpression in the small airway of RSV-infected mice. MUC5AC expression was upregulated by ITGB4 in HBE cells through EGFR, ERK and c-Jun pathways. EGFR inhibitors treatment inhibited mucus hypersecretion and MUC5AC overexpression in ITGB4-deficient mice after RSV infection. Together, these results demonstrated that epithelial ITGB4 deficiency induces mucus hypersecretion by upregulating the expression of MUC5AC through EGFR/ERK/c-Jun pathway, which further associated with RSV-related LRTI.     

MRI detection of hyperoxia-induced lung edema in Zn-deficient rats

In a pioneering application of proton Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), lung edema has been monitored in vivo in Zn-deficient rats exposed to 85% oxygen. Dietary Zn appears to play a role in protecting against hyperoxia-induced lung damage.     

Glycosaminoglycan synthesis in endotoxin-induced lung injury

Endotoxin-induced lung injury has previously been shown to produce lesions that resemble emphysema morphologically and biochemically as demonstrated by the reduction in the content of lung elastin. The purpose of this study was to define the changes in one other connective tissue component, glycosaminoglycans, during the acute phase of the lung injury. Intravenous administration of a single dose of endotoxin in rats resulted in an increase in the total synthesis of glycosaminoglycans by the pulmonary parenchyma. There was a significant increase in the proportion of dermatan sulfate synthesized during the first 48 hr and a concomitant decrease in heparin/heparan sulfate synthesis. At 48 hr the increased synthesis of dermatan sulfate had reached 7.3 times control values and began to decline, whereas the synthesis of chondroitin-4-sulfate rose from 4.1 to 10.7 times control values between 48 and 72 hr. Analysis of the rates of synthesis revealed that the total amount of heparin/heparan sulfate remained constant while the synthesis of chondroitin-6-sulfate increased proportionally to the overall synthesis of glycosaminoglycans. These findings indicate that dramatic changes in glycosaminoglycan synthesis are an integral part of endotoxin lung injury.     

Role of pulmonary intravascular macrophages in endotoxin-induced lung inflammation and mortality in a rat model

Background

Bile-duct ligated (BDL) rats recruit pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs) and are highly susceptible to endotoxin-induced mortality. The mechanisms of this enhanced susceptibility and mortality in BDL rats, which are used as a model of hepato-pulmonary syndrome, remain unknown. We tested a hypothesis that recruited PIMs promote endotoxin-induced mortality in a rat model.

Methods

Rats were subjected to BDL to induce PIM recruitment followed by treatment with gadolinium chloride (GC) to deplete PIMs. Normal and BDL rats were treated intravenously with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without GC pre-treatment followed by collection and analyses of lungs for histopathology, electron microscopy and cytokine quantification.

Results

BDL rats recruited PIMs without any change in the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10. GC caused reduction in PIMs at 48 hours post-treatment (P < 0.05). BDL rats treated intravenously with E. coli LPS died within 3 hours of the challenge while the normal LPS-treated rats were euthanized at 6 hours after the LPS treatment. GC treatment of rats 6 hours or 48 hours before LPS challenge resulted in 80% (1/5) and 100% (0/5) survival, respectively, at 6 hours post-LPS treatment. Lungs from BDL+LPS rats showed large areas of perivascular hemorrhages compared to those pre-treated with GC. Concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 were increased in lungs of BDL+LPS rats compared to BDL rats treated with GC 48 hours but not 6 hours before LPS (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We conclude that PIMs increase susceptibility for LPS-induced lung injury and mortality in this model, which is blocked by a reduction in their numbers or their inactivation.     

Inhibition of endotoxin-induced lung inflammation by interleukin-10 gene transfer in mice

Interleukin (IL)-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that has great potential for use in the treatment of inflammatory and immune illnesses. In this study, gene transfer was used to induce IL-10 transgene expression in murine lungs for treatment of endotoxin-induced lung inflammation. Gene transfer was performed with a cytomegalovirus (CMV)-IL-10 plasmid with the aid of the liposomal agents LipofectAMINE and N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyl)propyl]-N,N, N-trimethylammonium methylsulfate (DOTAP). Administration of the endotoxin caused a marked increase in lung inflammation as indicated by increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release and neutrophil count. Pretreatment of the mice with IL-10 plasmid with and without LipofectAMINE had no inhibitory effect on lung inflammation and IL-10 transgene expression. LipofectAMINE by itself induced lung inflammation, an effect that was not observed with DOTAP. IL-10 plasmid when codelivered with DOTAP expressed biologically active IL-10 protein and caused a reduction in endotoxin-induced inflammation. Transgene expression was observed as early as 3 h after administration, peaked at 12 h, and declined thereafter. We conclude that IL-10 gene transfer is a feasible approach for the treatment of lung inflammation.     

Flagellin/TLR5 responses induce mucus hypersecretion by activating EGFR via an epithelial cell signaling cascades

Mucus hypersecretion is an important manifestation in patients with chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Excessive production of mucin leads to airway mucus obstruction and contributes to morbidity and mortality in these diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying mucin overproduction, however, still remain largely unknown. Here, we report that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), an important human respiratory pathogen, induced MUC5AC mucin expression via an epithelial cell signaling cascade in human airway epithelial cells. The flagellin purified from P. aeruginosa up-regulated MUC5AC expression by activating its receptor Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) in 16HBE cells. This effect was inhibited by NADPH oxidase inhibitor (DPI), small interfering RNA of dual oxidase 2 (Duox2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers (nPG and DMSO). Flagellin induced TGF-α release, and stimulated phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and MUC5AC overproduction. These effects were prevented by EGFR and TGF-α neutralizing antibodies, metalloprotease inhibitors (GM6001 and TNF-α protease inhibitor-1) and specific knockdown of TNF-α-converting enzyme (TACE) with TACE siRNA. These findings may bring new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa infections and lead to novel therapeutic intervention for mucin overproduction in patients with P. aeruginosa infections.     

人中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶诱导气道黏液高分 泌细胞模型的建立及其机制的初步研究

目的：以人中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶(HNE)为诱导因素,研究建立黏蛋白(MUC)5AC和5B高表达的细胞模型,同时对黏蛋白高表达机制进行初步研究。方法：培养人肺腺癌细胞A549,以HNE为刺激因素,EGFR中和抗体、表皮细胞生长因子受体（EGFR）磷酸化阻断剂AG1478为干预因素,分组培养。采用四甲基偶氮唑盐光吸收法（MTT法）检测HNE对细胞活性的影响;逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）检测MUC5AC mRNA、MUC5B mRNA的变化;酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)定量分析MUC5AC和MUC5B蛋白含量的差异;细胞免疫化学以及激光共聚焦技术进一步直观观察MUC5AC、MUC5B、p-EGFR蛋白表达的变化。结果：HNE对A549细胞活力的影响呈剂量依赖性;HNE刺激组的MUC5AC、MUC5B基因转录和蛋白表达水平均明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（均P<0.01）;HNE刺激组p-EGFR蛋白表达显著增多,EGFR中和抗体、AG1478能显著降低HNE诱导的MUC5AC高表达,但对MUC5B高表达无干预作用。结论：人肺腺癌细胞A549同时表达MUC5AC和MUC5B,HNE能有效刺激A549细胞高表达MUC5AC和MUC5B,黏蛋白高表达细胞模型的建立为研究气道粘液高分泌疾病提供了实验基础。HNE通过激活EGFR信号转导通路诱导MUC5AC的高表达,但MUC5B高表达机制与之不同,有待进一步研究。     

Budesonide inhalation ameliorates endotoxin-induced lung injury in rabbits

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious clinical problem that has a 30–50% mortality rate. Budesonide has been used to reduce lung injury. This study aims to investigate the effects of nebulized budesonide on endotoxin-induced ARDS in a rabbit model. Twenty-four rabbits were randomized into three groups. Rabbits in the control and budesonide groups were injected with endotoxin. Thereafter, budesonide or saline was instilled, ventilated for four hours, and recovered spontaneous respiratory. Peak pressure, compliance, and PaO₂/FiO₂ were monitored for 4 h. After seven days, PaO₂/FiO₂ ratios were measured. Wet-to-dry weight ratios, total protein, neutrophil elastase, white blood cells, and percentage of neutrophils in BALF were evaluated. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 in BALF were detected. Lung histopathologic injury and seven-day survival rate of the three groups were recorded. Peak pressure was downregulated, but compliance and PaO₂/FiO₂ were upregulated by budesonide. PaO₂/FiO₂ ratios significantly increased due to budesonide. Wet-to-dry weight ratios, total protein, neutrophil elastase, white blood cells and percentage of neutrophils in BALF decreased in the budesonide group. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 levels decreased in BALF, while IL-10 levels increased in the budesonide group. Lung injuries were reduced and survival rate was upregulated by budesonide. Budesonide effectively ameliorated respiratory function, attenuated endotoxin-induced lung injury, and improved the seven-day survival rate.     

Cough-enhanced mucus clearance in the normal lung

We studied the effectiveness of cough for clearing mucus in 12 nonsmoking subjects with normal lung function. On 2 separate study days, each subject breathed 6-microns Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter 99mTc-labeled iron oxide particles under controlled breathing conditions while they were seated in front of a gamma camera. Retention (R) of lung activity was measured over the initial 2 h and again at 24 h after particle inhalation. On the control day the subject sat quietly in front of the camera, while on the cough day each subject performed 60 controlled coughs during the 1st h of retention measurements. By paired analysis, retentions at both 1 and 2 h (R1 and R2, respectively) for the cough measurements were significantly less than control (mean control R1 = 85% vs. mean cough R1 = 72%, P less than 0.002; mean control R2 = 75% vs. mean cough R2 = 65%, P less than 0.02). Retention at 24 h (R24) was not significantly different between cough and control measurements (mean cough R24 = 35% and mean control R24 = 32%). Thus coughing increased the rate at which the radiolabeled particles were cleared from the bronchial airways in these individuals. Follow-up experiments with subjects performing rapid inhalations rather than cough showed similar enhanced particle clearance to that seen with cough. These results suggest that the observed enhancement of mucus clearance by cough (and rapid inhalation) in the normal lung may be due to a stimulation of the mucociliary apparatus rather than via a two-phase gas-liquid flow mechanism.     

An explanation of gastric hypersecretion in the pylorus-ligated rat

The hypersecretion of gastric acid in the pylorus-ligated rat has been shown to be of vagal origin. The present series of experiments were performed to identify the stimulus. The pyloric sphincter was ligated in a series of Sprague Dawley rats. Along with pylorus ligation, various other surgical manipulations were performed. Intestinal obstruction by ligation approximately 20 cm aboral to the cecum reduced unstimulated gastric secretion in the pylorus-ligated rat. However, perfusion of the lower small intestine with bicarbonate (143 mEq/L) stimulated secretion. Perfusion with either saline or deoxycholic acid (20 mEq/L) did not alter secretion. This supports a role for bicarbonate in the hypersecretion of gastric acid in the pylorus-ligated rat. The reflex appears to involve the myenteric plexus, since section of the pylorus seemed to attenuate gastric secretion. Plasma from animals with pylorus ligation, either alone or with intestinal ligation, equally inhibited gastric secretion. This suggests that while some factor inhibiting gastric secretion may be present, it appears to be unrelated to pylorus ligation.