Cyclosporine A enhances leukocyte binding by human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells through inhibition of p38 MAPK and iNOS. Paradoxical proinflammatory effect on the microvascular endothelium

The calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) modulates leukocyte cytokine production but may also effect nonimmune cells, including microvascular endothelial cells, which regulate the inflammatory process through leukocyte recruitment. We hypothesized that CsA would promote a proinflammatory phenotype in human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (HIMEC), by inhibiting inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS, NOS2)-derived NO, normally an important mechanism in limiting endothelial activation and leukocyte adhesion. Primary cultures of HIMEC were used to assess CsA effects on endothelial activation, leukocyte interaction, and the expression of iNOS as well as cell adhesion molecules. CsA significantly increased leukocyte binding to activated HIMEC, but paradoxically decreased endothelial expression of cell adhesion molecules (E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1). In contrast, CsA completely inhibited the expression of iNOS in tumor necrosis factor-alpha/lipopolysaccharide-activated HIMEC. CsA blocked p38 MAPK phosphorylation in activated HIMEC, a key pathway in iNOS expression, but failed to inhibit NFkappaB activation. These studies demonstrate that CsA exerts a proinflammatory effect on HIMEC by blocking iNOS expression. CsA exerts a proinflammatory effect on the microvascular endothelium, and this drug-induced endothelial dysfunction may help explain its lack of efficacy in the long-term treatment of chronically active inflammatory bowel disease.     

Lipoxin A4 inhibits immune cell binding to salivary epithelium and vascular endothelium

Lipoxins are formed by leukocytes during cell-cell interactions with epithelial or endothelial cells. Native lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) binds to the G protein-coupled lipoxin receptors formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2)/ALX and CysLT1. Furthermore, LXA(4) inhibits recruitment of neutrophils, by attenuating chemotaxis, adhesion, and transmigration across vascular endothelial cells. LXA(4) thus appears to serve as an endogenous "stop signal" for immune cell-mediated tissue injury (Serhan CN; Annu Rev Immunol 25: 101-137, 2007). The role of LXA(4) has not been addressed in salivary epithelium, and little is known about its effects on vascular endothelium. Here, we determined that interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptor activation in vascular endothelium and salivary epithelium upregulated the expression of adhesion molecules that facilitates the binding of immune cells. We hypothesize that the activation of the ALX/FPR2 and/or CysLT1 receptors by LXA(4) decreases this cytokine-mediated upregulation of cell adhesion molecules that enhance lymphocyte binding to both the vascular endothelium and salivary epithelium. In agreement with this hypothesis, we observed that nanomolar concentrations of LXA(4) blocked IL-1β- and TNF-α-mediated upregulation of E-selectin and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Binding of Jurkat cells to stimulated HUVECs was abrogated by LXA(4). Furthermore, LXA(4) preincubation with human submandibular gland cell line (HSG) also blocked TNF-α-mediated upregulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in these cells, and it reduced lymphocyte adhesion. These findings suggest that ALX/FPR2 and/or CysLT1 receptor activation in endothelial and epithelial cells blocks cytokine-induced adhesion molecule expression and consequent binding of lymphocytes, a critical event in the pathogenesis of Sj?gren's syndrome (SS).     

Endothelial activation during interleukin 2 immunotherapy. A possible mechanism for the vascular leak syndrome

A major sequela of immunotherapy with interleukin 2 (IL-2) is development of a vascular leak syndrome. The pathogenesis of this toxic effect is not known. We have examined pre- and post-treatment skin biopsies from 14 patients undergoing systemic administration of IL-2 for evidence of endothelial cell activation. Specifically, we have used the immunoperoxidase technique to detect the expression of three different activation antigens: endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule 1, detected with monoclonal antibody H4/18; intercellular adhesion molecule 1, detected with antibody RR1/1; and histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-DQ, detected with antibody Leu 10. Each of these antigens may be induced on cultured endothelial cells by various cytokines (although not by IL-2) and is expressed during endothelial cell activation in vivo at sites of delayed hypersensitivity and other immune responses. Pretreatment biopsies from each patient showed no endothelial expression of endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 and only weak to moderate expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-DQ (except for one specimen unreactive with Leu 10). After 5 days of treatment, every patient showed marked endothelial expression of all three antigens (except for the same patient who remained unreactive with Leu 10). Endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 expression was confined to postcapillary venular endothelium whereas intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and Leu 10 also were expressed on stromal cells and mononuclear cells. Thus, we conclude that i.v. administration of IL-2 leads to endothelial cell activation. Because IL-2 fails to induce the same antigens on cultured endothelial cells, we infer that IL-2 acts in vivo by inducing the production of other cytokines (e.g., interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor, lymphotoxin, and interferon-gamma). Finally, since endothelial cell activation at sites of cell-mediated immune responses is well known to result in vascular leakiness to macromolecules, we propose that the vascular leak syndrome accompanying IL-2 therapy may arise from widespread inappropriate endothelial cell activation.     

Critical role of endothelial cell activation in hypoxia-induced vasoocclusion in transgenic sickle mice

Activation of vascular endothelium plays an essential role in vasoocclusion in sickle cell disease. The anti-inflammatory agents dexamethasone and adhesion molecule-blocking antibodies were used to inhibit endothelial cell activation and hypoxia-induced vasoocclusion. Transgenic sickle mice, expressing human alpha-, beta(S)-, and beta(S-Antilles)-globins, had an activated vascular endothelium in their liver, lungs, and skin, as exhibited by increased activation of NF-kappaB compared with normal mice. NF-kappaB activation increased further in the liver and skin after sickle mice were exposed to hypoxia. Sickle mice had decreases in red blood cell (RBC) velocities and developed vasoocclusions in subcutaneous venules in response to hypoxia. Dexamethasone pretreatment prevented decreases in RBC velocities and inhibited vasoocclusions and leukocyte-endothelium interactions in venules after hypoxia. Dexamethasone treatment inhibited NF-kappaB, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 expression in the liver, lungs, and skin of sickle mice after hypoxia-reoxygenation. VCAM-1 or ICAM-1 blockade with monoclonal antibodies mimicked dexamethasone by inhibiting vasoocclusion and leukocyte adhesion in sickle mice, demonstrating that endothelial cell activation and VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression are necessary for hypoxia-induced vasoocclusion in sickle mice. VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and vasoocclusion increased significantly 3 days after dexamethasone discontinuation, possibly explaining rebounds in vasoocclusive crises observed after withdrawal of glucocorticosteroids in sickle patients. We conclude that anti-inflammatory treatments that inhibit endothelial cell activation and adhesion molecule expression can inhibit vasoocclusion in sickle cell disease. Rebounds in vasoocclusive crises after dexamethasone withdrawal are caused by rebounds in endothelial cell activation.     

Mechanisms for vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 activation of ERK1/2 during leukocyte transendothelial migration

Background

During inflammation, adhesion molecules regulate recruitment of leukocytes to inflamed tissues. It is reported that vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) activates extracellular regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), but the mechanism for this activation is not known. Pharmacological inhibitors of ERK1/2 partially inhibit leukocyte transendothelial migration in a multi-receptor system but it is not known whether VCAM-1 activation of ERK1/2 is required for leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) on VCAM-1.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study, we identified a mechanism for VCAM-1 activation of ERK1/2 in human and mouse endothelial cells. VCAM-1 signaling, which occurs through endothelial cell NADPH oxidase, protein kinase Cα (PKCα), and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), activates endothelial cell ERK1/2. Inhibition of these signals blocked VCAM-1 activation of ERK1/2, indicating that ERK1/2 is activated downstream of PTP1B during VCAM-1 signaling. Furthermore, VCAM-1-specific leukocyte migration under physiological laminar flow of 2 dynes/cm² was blocked by pretreatment of endothelial cells with dominant-negative ERK2 K52R or the MEK/ERK inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126, indicating for the first time that ERK regulates VCAM-1-dependent leukocyte transendothelial migration.

Conclusions/Significance

VCAM-1 activation of endothelial cell NADPH oxidase/PKCα/PTP1B induces transient ERK1/2 activation that is necessary for VCAM-1-dependent leukocyte TEM.     

Junctional adhesion molecule-C regulates the early influx of leukocytes into tissues during inflammation

Leukocyte recruitment from blood to inflammatory sites occurs in a multistep process that involves discrete molecular interactions between circulating and endothelial cells. Junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-C is expressed at different levels on endothelial cells of lymphoid organs and peripheral tissues and has been proposed to regulate neutrophil migration by its interaction with the leukocyte integrin Mac-1. In the present study, we show that the accumulation of leukocytes in alveoli during acute pulmonary inflammation in mice is partially blocked using neutralizing Abs against JAM-C. To confirm the function of JAM-C in regulating leukocyte migration in vivo, we then generated a strain of transgenic mice overexpressing JAM-C under the control of the endothelial specific promotor Tie2. The transgenic animals accumulate more leukocytes to inflammatory sites compared with littermate control mice. Intravital microscopy shows that this is the result of increased leukocyte adhesion and transmigration, whereas rolling of leukocytes is not significantly affected in transgenic mice compared with littermates. Thus, JAM-C participates in the later steps of the leukoendothelial adhesion cascade.     

VEGF₁₆₄ differentially regulates neutrophil and T cell adhesion through ItgaL- and ItgaM-dependent mechanisms

Leukocyte recruitment to inflamed tissues is the cornerstone of inflammatory responses and the driving force behind the establishment of inflammatory bowel disease, consisting of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It has been reported that angiogenic cytokines contribute to this inflammatory response that facilitates the chronic nature of disease. We have previously reported (Goebel S, Huang M, Davis WC, Jennings M, Siahaan TJ, Alexander JS, Kevil CG. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 290: G648-G654, 2006) that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A can stimulate neutrophil adhesion to colon microvascular endothelial cells in a β?-integrin (Itgb2)-dependent manner. However, it is not known which of the specific leukocyte integrins are critical for VEGF-A-dependent neutrophil and T cell recruitment. Here we examine the differential importance of either α-integrin (Itga)L or ItgaM in governing neutrophil and T cell adhesion to VEGF-A-activated colonic endothelium. Using an in vitro parallel-plate flow chamber model, we found that genetic deficiency of ItgaM completely blunted neutrophil adhesion to VEGF-A-stimulated endothelium, whereas ItgaL deficiency only partly blocked neutrophil adhesion. Deficiency of ItgaM did significantly decrease neutrophil rolling, whereas deficiency of ItgaL did not. We found that genetic deficiency of either ItgaL or ItgaM did significantly blunt T cell adhesion to VEGF-A-stimulated colon endothelium. We also found that genetic deficiency of these Itgas significantly attenuated T cell rolling behavior. Lastly, we examined whether VEGF-A-mediated leukocyte recruitment occurred through different VEGF receptor (VEGFR) pathways and found that VEGFR2 activation regulates neutrophil recruitment, whereas both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 modulate T cell recruitment. Together, these data identify differential molecular mechanisms of VEGF-A-mediated leukocyte recruitment.     

Endothelial Japanese encephalitis virus infection enhances migration and adhesion of leukocytes to brain microvascular endothelia via MEK‐dependent expression of ICAM1 and the CINC and RANTES chemokines

Currently, the underlying mechanisms and the specific cell types associated with Japanese encephalitis‐associated leukocyte trafficking are not understood. Brain microvascular endothelial cells represent a functional barrier and could play key roles in leukocyte central nervous system trafficking. We found that cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells were susceptible to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection with limited amplification. This type of JEV infection had negligible effects on cell viability and barrier integrity. Instead, JEV‐infected endothelial cells attracted more leukocytes adhesion onto surfaces and the supernatants promoted chemotaxis of leukocytes. Infection with JEV was found to elicit the elevated production of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1, and regulated‐upon‐activation normal T‐cell expressed and secreted, contributing to the aforementioned leukocyte adhesion and chemotaxis. We further demonstrated that extracellular signal‐regulated kinase was a key upstream regulator which stimulated extensive endothelial gene induction by up‐regulating cytosolic phospholipase A₂, NF‐κB, and cAMP response element‐binding protein via signals involving phosphorylation. These data suggest that JEV infection could activate brain microvascular endothelial cells and modify their characteristics without compromising the barrier integrity, making them favorable for the recruitment and adhesion of circulating leukocytes, thereby together with other unidentified barrier‐disrupting mechanisms contributing to Japanese encephalitis and associated neuroinflammation.     

Mechanisms of selective leukocyte recruitment from whole blood on cytokine-activated endothelial cells under flow conditions

Selective recruitment of eosinophils to sites of allergic and parasitic inflammation involves specific adhesion and activation signals expressed on or presented by stimulated endothelial cells. Here we examined leukocyte recruitment on cytokine-activated HUVEC under flow conditions. We perfused whole blood through a flow chamber to examine mechanisms of selective leukocyte recruitment. Although there was substantial recruitment of leukocytes on TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVEC, we found no selective accumulation of any particular leukocyte subpopulations. In contrast, fewer leukocytes were recruited to IL-4-stimulated HUVEC, but the recruitment was selective for eosinophils. We examined the role of adhesion molecules in these interactions and found that eosinophil recruitment was completely blocked with an alpha4 integrin mAb at the shear rates examined. A significant number of neutrophils were also recruited to IL-4-stimulated HUVEC, and these interactions required P-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1. Thus, whole blood perfusion over cytokine-activated endothelium revealed that IL-4-stimulated HUVEC support selective recruitment of eosinophils, whereas TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVEC lack selectivity for any leukocyte subclass.     

A requirement for microglial TLR4 in leukocyte recruitment into brain in response to lipopolysaccharide

To study the mechanisms involved in leukocyte recruitment induced by local bacterial infection within the CNS, we used intravital microscopy to visualize the interaction between leukocytes and the microvasculature in the brain. First, we showed that intracerebroventricular injection of LPS could cause significant rolling and adhesion of leukocytes in the brain postcapillary venules of wild-type mice, while negligible recruitment was observed in TLR4-deficient C57BL/10ScCr mice and CD14 knockout mice, suggesting recruitment is mediated by TLR4/CD14-bearing cells. Moreover, we observed reduced but not complete inhibition of recruitment in MyD88 knockout mice, indicating both MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways are involved. The leukocyte recruitment responses in chimeric mice with TLR4-positive microglia and endothelium, but TLR4-negative leukocytes, were comparable to normal wild-type mice, suggesting either endothelium or microglia play a crucial role in the induction of leukocyte recruitment. LPS injection induced both microglial and endothelial activation in the CNS. Furthermore, minocycline, an effective inhibitor of microglial activation, completely blocked the rolling and adhesion of leukocytes in the brain and blocked TNF-alpha production in response to LPS in vivo. Minocycline did not affect activation of endothelium by LPS in vitro. TNFR p55/p75 double knockout mice also exhibited significant reductions in both rolling and adhesion in response to LPS, indicating TNF-alpha signaling is critical for the leukocyte recruitment. Our results identify a TLR4 detection system within the blood-brain barrier. The microglia play the role of sentinel cells detecting LPS thereby inducing endothelial activation and leading to efficient leukocyte recruitment to the CNS.     

Interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells in gout: lessons from a self-limiting inflammatory response

Interactions with endothelium are necessary for leukocytes to pass from the blood into extravascular tissues, and such interactions are facilitated in inflammation by the coordinated expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and chemoattractants. Although the general mechanisms and intracellular pathways of endothelial activation are now fairly well characterised in vitro, relatively little detailed information exists on how endothelial activation changes during the course of inflammatory responses and how such change influences the amount of leukocyte recruitment and the types of leukocytes recruited. Having developed a radiolabelled-antibody-uptake technique for quantifying the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules in relation to leukocyte trafficking, we have analysed the acute, self-limiting inflammatory response to injection of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. Our studies have supported the view that endothelial activation is closely paralleled by leukocyte recruitment at the onset of the response and have highlighted separate vascular and extravascular stages of downregulation. More recent studies addressing the extravascular contribution to downregulation point to an important role for monocyte-macrophage differentiation in limiting further endothelial activation as a consequence of phagocytosis of MSU crystals.     

β3-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation Induces E-Selectin-mediated Adipose Tissue Inflammation

Inflammation induced by wound healing or infection activates local vascular endothelial cells to mediate leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and extravasation by up-regulation of leukocyte adhesion molecules such as E-selectin and P-selectin. Obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation has been suggested to cause insulin resistance, but weight loss and lipolysis also promote adipose tissue immune responses. While leukocyte-endothelial interactions are required for obesity-induced inflammation of adipose tissue, it is not known whether lipolysis-induced inflammation requires activation of endothelial cells. Here, we show that β₃-adrenergic receptor stimulation by CL 316,243 promotes adipose tissue neutrophil infiltration in wild type and P-selectin-null mice but not in E-selectin-null mice. Increased expression of adipose tissue cytokines IL-1β, CCL2, and TNF-α in response to CL 316,243 administration is also dependent upon E-selectin but not P-selectin. In contrast, fasting increases adipose-resident macrophages but not neutrophils, and does not activate adipose-resident endothelium. Thus, two models of lipolysis-induced inflammation induce distinct immune cell populations within adipose tissue and exhibit distinct dependences on endothelial activation. Importantly, our results indicate that β₃-adrenergic stimulation acts through up-regulation of E-selectin in adipose tissue endothelial cells to induce neutrophil infiltration.     

Human Thy-1 (CD90) on activated endothelial cells is a counterreceptor for the leukocyte integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18)

Leukocyte recruitment in response to inflammatory signals is in part governed by interactions between endothelial cell receptors belonging to the Ig superfamily and leukocyte integrins. In our previous work, the human Ig superfamily glycoprotein Thy-1 (CD90) was identified as an activation-associated cell adhesion molecule on human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, the interaction of Thy-1 with a corresponding ligand on monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells was shown to be involved in the adhesion of these leukocytes to activated Thy-1-expressing endothelial cells. In this study, we have identified the specific interaction between human Thy-1 and the leukocyte integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18; alphaMbeta2) both in cellular systems and in purified form. Monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells were shown to adhere to transfectants expressing human Thy-1 as well as to primary Thy-1-expressing human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, leukocyte adhesion to activated endothelium as well as the subsequent transendothelial migration was mediated by the interaction between Thy-1 and Mac-1. This additional pathway in leukocyte-endothelium interaction may play an important role in the regulation of leukocyte recruitment to sites of inflammation.     

IL-17 and TNF-α sustain neutrophil recruitment during inflammation through synergistic effects on endothelial activation

IL-17A (IL-17) is the signature cytokine produced by Th17 cells and has been implicated in host defense against infection and the pathophysiology of autoimmunity and cardiovascular disease. Little is known, however, about the influence of IL-17 on endothelial activation and leukocyte influx to sites of inflammation. We hypothesized that IL-17 would induce a distinct pattern of endothelial activation and leukocyte recruitment when compared with the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ. We found that IL-17 alone had minimal activating effects on cultured endothelium, whereas the combination of TNF-α and IL-17 produced a synergistic increase in the expression of both P-selectin and E-selectin. Using intravital microscopy of the mouse cremaster muscle, we found that TNF-α and IL-17 also led to a synergistic increase in E-selectin-dependent leukocyte rolling on microvascular endothelium in vivo. In addition, TNF-α and IL-17 enhanced endothelial expression of the neutrophilic chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL5 and led to a functional increase in leukocyte transmigration in vivo and CXCR2-dependent neutrophil but not T cell transmigration in a parallel-plate flow chamber system. By contrast, endothelial activation with TNF-α and IFN-γ preferentially induced the expression of the integrin ligands ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, as well as the T cell chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL5. These effects were further associated with a functional increase in T cell but not neutrophil transmigration under laminar shear flow. Overall, these data show that IL-17 and TNF-α act in a synergistic manner to induce a distinct pattern of endothelial activation that sustains and enhances neutrophil influx to sites of inflammation.     

Adhesion molecules and their role in cancer metastasis

This article describes various adhesion molecules and reviews evidence to support a mechanistic role for adhesion molecules in the process of cancer metastasis. A variety of evidence supports the involvement of specific adhesion molecules in metastasis.

1. For example, some cancer cells metastasize to specific organs, irrespective of the first organ encountered by the circulating cancer cells. This ability to colonize a specific organ has been correlated with the preferential adhesion of the cancer cells to endothelial cells derived from the target organ. This suggests that cancer cell/endothelial cell adhesion is involved in cancer cell metastasis and that adhesion molecules are expressed on the endothelium in an organ-specific manner.
2. Further, inclusion of peptides that inhibit cell adhesion, such as the YIGSR- or RGD-containing peptides, is capable of inhibiting experimental metastasis.
3. Metastasis can be enhanced by acute or chronic inflammation of target vessels, or by treatment of animals with inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1. In vitro, cancer cell/endothelial cell adhesion can be enhanced by pretreating the endothelial cell monolayer with cytokines, such as interleukin-1 or tumor necrosis factor-α. This suggests that, in addition to organ-specific adhesion molecules, a population of inducible endothelial adhesion molecules is involved and is relevant to metastasis.
4. Further support for this model is found in the comparison to leukocyte/endothelial adhesion during leukocyte trafficking. Convincing evidence exists, both in vivo and in vitro, to demonstrate an absolute requirement for leukocyte/endothelial adhesion before leukocyte extravasation can occur. The relevance of this comparison to metastasis is reinforced by the observation that some of the adhesion molecules involved in leukocyte/endothelial adhesion are also implicated in cancer cell/endothelial adhesion. The involvement of adhesion molecules suggests a potential therapy for metastasis based on interrupting adhesive interactions that would augment other treatments for primary tumors.

     

Exogenous stromal cell-derived factor-1 induces modest leukocyte recruitment in vivo

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1; CXCL12), a CXC chemokine, has been found to be involved in inflammation models in vivo and in cell adhesion, migration, and chemotaxis in vitro. This study aimed to determine whether exogenous SDF-1 induces leukocyte recruitment in mice. After systemic administration of SDF-1alpha, expression of the adhesion molecules P-selectin and VCAM-1 in mice was measured using a quantitative dual-radiolabeled Ab assay and leukocyte recruitment in various tissues was evaluated using intravital microscopy. The effect of local SDF-1alpha on leukocyte recruitment was also determined in cremaster muscle and compared with the effect of the cytokine TNFalpha and the CXC chemokine keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC; CXCL1). Systemic administration of SDF-1alpha (10 microg, 4-5 h) induced upregulation of P-selectin, but not VCAM-1, in most tissues in mice. It caused modest leukocyte recruitment responses in microvasculature of cremaster muscle, intestine, and brain, i.e., an increase in flux of rolling leukocytes in cremaster muscle and intestines, leukocyte adhesion in all three tissues, and emigration in cremaster muscle. Local treatment with SDF-1alpha (1 microg, 4-5 h) reduced leukocyte rolling velocity and increased leukocyte adhesion and emigration in cremasteric venules, but the responses were much less profound than those elicited by KC or TNFalpha. SDF-1alpha-induced recruitment was dependent on endothelial P-selectin, but not P-selectin on platelets. We conclude that the exogenous SDF-1alpha enhances leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions and induces modest and endothelial P-selectin-dependent leukocyte recruitment.     

Impaired Vitamin D Signaling in Endothelial Cell Leads to an Enhanced Leukocyte-Endothelium Interplay: Implications for Atherosclerosis Development

Endothelial cell activation leading to leukocyte recruitment and adhesion plays an essential role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Vitamin D has cardioprotective actions, while its deficiency is a risk factor for the progression of cardiovascular damage. Our aim was to assess the role of basal levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR) on the early leukocyte recruitment and related endothelial cell-adhesion-molecule expression, as essential prerequisites for the onset of atherosclerosis. Knockdown of VDR in endothelial cells (shVDR) led to endothelial cell activation, characterized by upregulation of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and IL-6, decreased peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) rolling velocity and increased PBMC rolling flux and adhesion to the endothelium. shVDR cells showed decreased IκBα levels and accumulation of p65 in the nucleus compared to shRNA controls. Inhibition of NF-κB activation with super-repressor IκBα blunted all signs of endothelial cell activation caused by downregulation of VDR in endothelial cells. In vivo, deletion of VDR led to significantly larger aortic arch and aortic root lesions in apoE^-/- mice, with higher macrophage content. apoE^-/-VDR^-/-mice showed higher aortic expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and IL-6 when compared to apoE^-/-VDR^+/+ mice. Our data demonstrate that lack of VDR signaling in endothelial cells leads to a state of endothelial activation with increased leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions that may contribute to the more severe plaque accumulation observed in apoE^-/-VDR^-/- mice. The results reveal an important role for basal levels of endothelial VDR in limiting endothelial cell inflammation and atherosclerosis.     

Tumor necrosis factor induction of endothelial cell surface antigens is independent of protein kinase C activation or inactivation. Studies with phorbol myristate acetate and staurosporine.

We have investigated whether TNF-induced changes in human endothelial cell (EC) surface Ag expression are mediated by protein kinase C (PKC). This suggestion arose from the observations that PMA, a potent PKC activator, can mimic TNF by inducing expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and class I MHC molecules on human EC. However, in contrast to the actions of PMA, TNF neither causes membrane translocation of PKC nor induces the phosphorylation of the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate, two measures of PKC activation. Moreover, the PKC inhibitor staurosporine can block PMA-induced endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 expression at 4 h, but does not inhibit the actions of TNF. At 24 h, staurosporine itself induces intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and class I MHC, and acts additively with TNF. Twenty four hour treatment with PMA causes loss of PKC. We propose that at 24 h, staurosporine and PMA share a mechanism of action, namely diminution of PKC activity. However, 24 h treatment with TNF does not reduce the amount of PKC nor does it prevent activation of PKC by PMA. We conclude that TNF effects in EC are not mediated by PKC activation or inactivation.