Chondrocyte activation by interleukin-1: analysis of the synergistic properties of fibroblast growth factor and phorbol myristate acetate

Following activation, monolayers of lapine articular chondrocytes secreted into their culture media large amounts of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the neutral metalloproteinases collagenase and gelatinase. Partially purified preparations of synovial "chondrocyte activating factors" (CAF), which contain interleukin-1 (IL-1), generally proved stronger activators of chondrocytes than recombinant, human, IL-1 alpha (rHIL-1 alpha) or IL-1 beta (rHIL-1 beta). The presence of synergistic cytokines within the synovial material provides one possible explanation of this discrepancy. As first reported by K. Phadke (1987, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 142, 448-453) fibroblast growth factor (FGF) synergized with rHIL-1 in promoting the synthesis of neutral metalloproteinases. In our hands FGF alone did not induce neutral metalloproteinases and increased PGE2 synthesis only modestly. However, at doses from 1 ng/ml to 1 microgram/ml, FGF progressively enhanced the synthesis of PGE2, collagenase, and gelatinase by chondrocytes responding to rHIL-1. Acidic and basic FGF synergized equally well with both rHIL-1 alpha and rHIL-1 beta. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), but not the Ca2+-ionophore A23187, could substitute for FGF as a synergist. PMA alone was a poor inducer of collagenase or gelatinase but, unlike FGF, it greatly enhanced the synthesis of PGE2 by chondrocytes. Dot-blot analyses with a cDNA probe to collagenase mRNA confirmed that partially purified synovial CAF induced collagenase mRNA more effectively than rHIL-1, with rHIL-1 alpha being superior to rHIL-1 beta in this regard. The synergistic effects of both FGF and PMA upon IL-1-mediated collagenase induction were associated with increased abundance of collagenase mRNA.     

Multifactorial regulation of prostaglandin synthesis in preovulatory goldfish ovarian follicles.

Goldfish preovulatory ovarian follicles (prior to germinal vesicle breakdown) were utilized for studies investigating the actions of activators of different signal transduction pathways on prostaglandin (PG) production. The protein kinase C (PKC) activators phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 100-400 nM), 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (5 and 25 micrograms/ml), and 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (10 and 50 micrograms/ml) stimulated PGE production; the inactive phorbol 4 alpha-phorbol didecanoate, which does not activate PKC, had no effect. Calcium ionophore A23187 (0.25-4.0 microM) stimulated PGE production and acted in a synergistic manner with activators of PKC. Although produced in lower amounts than PGE, PGF was stimulated by PMA and A23187. The direct activator of phospholipase A2, melittin (0.1-1.0 microM), stimulated a dose-related increase in PGE production, whereas chloroquine (100 microM), a putative inhibitor of phospholipase A2, blocked basal and PMA + A23187-stimulated PGE production. Several drugs known to elevate intracellular levels of cAMP including the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (0.1-1.0 mM), forskolin (10 microM), and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP; 5 mM) attenuate PMA + A23187-stimulated PGE production. Melittin-stimulated production of PGE was inhibited by dbcAMP, suggesting that the action of cAMP was distal to the activation of phospholipase A2. In summary, these studies demonstrate that activation of PKC and elevation of intracellular calcium levels stimulate PG production, in part, through activation of phospholipase A2. The adenylate cyclase/cAMP signalling pathway is inhibitory to PG production by goldfish ovarian follicles.     

Effects of protein synthesis inhibition on PGE2 production in rabbit colonic explants cultured in vitro

Colonic mucosal biopsies cultured for 6 h in the presence of cycloheximide (CH) showed a dose-dependent inhibition of protein synthesis but a biphasic PGE2 production pattern with an increase in both basal and A23187 stimulated PGE2 release at 0.2 microM. At 10 microM CH both protein synthesis as well as basal and PMA induced PGE2 production was inhibited by 90% whereas A23187 stimulated release showed a 50% decrease. At a dose of 100 microM, CH totally blocked also A23187 stimulated PGE2 release without much further decrease in protein synthesis. The effects of 10 microM CH were time-dependently reversible. In biopsies loaded with 3H-arachidonic acid (AA), 10 microM CH had no apparent effect on phospholipase A2 activity, nor could exogenous AA overcome the CH inhibition of basal PGE2 release. No inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase (PS) activity was found in homogenates of biopsies treated with 10 microM CH for 6 h. No direct effect of CH (up to 1 mM) was seen in control homogenates. It is concluded that at least one step in the PGE2 production is protein synthesis dependent. The effect is however not due to a limitation in the enzymes of the major PS system but more likely to one of its co-factors. This factor only plays a role in the intact cell and its importance seems to be reduced during A23187 conditions possibly due to altered cell status and/or other sources of PS. Commonly used high doses (100 microM) of CH give unspecific effects unrelated to inhibition of protein synthesis.     

Development of selective tolerance to interleukin-1beta by human chondrocytes in vitro

Interleukin-1 induces release of NO and PGE(2) and production of matrix degrading enzymes in chondrocytes. In osteoarthritis (OA), IL-1 continually, or episodically, acts on chondrocytes in a paracrine and autocrine manner. Human chondrocytes in chondron pellet culture were treated chronically (up to 14 days) with IL-1beta. Chondrons from OA articular cartilage were cultured for 3 weeks before treatment with IL-1beta (0.05-10 ng/ml) for an additional 2 weeks. Spontaneous release of NO and IL-1beta declined over the pretreatment period. In response to IL-1beta (0.1 ng/ml), NO and PGE(2) release was maximal on Day 2 or 3 and then declined to near basal level by Day 14. Synthesis was recovered by addition of 1 ng/ml IL-1beta on Day 11. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), detected by immunofluorescence, was elevated on Day 2 and declined through Day 14, which coordinated with the pattern of NO release. On the other hand, IL-1beta-induced MMP-13 synthesis was elevated on Day 3, declined on Day 5, and then increased again through Day 14. IL-1beta increased glucose consumption and lactate production throughout the treatment. IL-1beta stimulated proteoglycan degradation in the early days and inhibited proteoglycan synthesis through Day 14. Chondron pellet cultures from non-OA cartilage released the same amount of NO but produced less PGE(2) and MMP-13 in response to IL-1beta than OA cultures. Like the OA, IL-1beta-induced NO and PGE(2) release decreased over time. In conclusion, with prolonged exposure to IL-1beta, human chondrocytes develop selective tolerance involving NO and PGE(2) release but not MMP-13 production, metabolic activity, or matrix metabolism.     

Vitamin E inhibits PGE2 and O2- production in rat peritoneal macrophages.

In order to examine the possible role of vitamin E on the modulation of macrophages, we investigated the effect of vitamin E on O2- and PGE2 production in macrophages. The production of both PGE2 and O2- in rat peritoneal macrophages was dose-dependently stimulated by the addition of PMA and calcium ionophore A23187. However, the macrophages obtained after intraperitoneal injection of vitamin E for six successive days showed less PGE2 and O2- production when stimulated with PMA or A23187 as compared to those of control macrophages. O2- production in control macrophages stimulated with 139 nM PMA and 1 microM A23187 as 4.2 +/- 0.3 and 3.0 +/- 0.2 nmol/min per 10(6) cells, respectively. On the other hand, O2- production by the macrophages from vitamin E-treated rats was 1.5 +/- 0.4 nmol/min per 10(6) cells when stimulated with the PMA, and was not detectable when stimulated with A23187. As for the production of PGE2, control macrophages produced 2.59 +/- 0.70 ng/30 min per 10(6) cells when stimulated with PMA and 8.96 +/- 3.26 ng/30 min per 10(6) cells with the A23187, whereas PGE2 production by the macrophages from vitamin E-treated rats was reduced to 12-20% of the control. By analyzing alpha-tocopherol content and intracellular concentration of calcium ion [( Ca2+]i) in the macrophages isolated from control and vitamin E-treated rats, vitamin E treatment augmented alpha-tocopherol content (384.7 +/- 76.1 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.4 ng/10(6) cells) and decreased free [Ca2+]i when stimulated with A23187 (652 +/- 14 vs. 1201 +/- 223 nM).     

Interleukin 1 and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induce collagenase and PGE2 production through a PKC-independent mechanism in chondrocytes.

In the present study we demonstrate that interleukin 1 (IL 1) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulate collagenase production by bovine chondrocytes in monolayer culture. Since it has been well established that PMA stimulates protein kinase C (PKC), we examined whether IL 1 and PMA also stimulate PKC in chondrocytes. In agreement with other studies, PMA induced the translocation of PKC, reflecting PKC activation by PMA. In contrast, IL 1 did not induce the translocation of PKC. Both IL 1 and PMA stimulated the release of [14C]arachidonic acid from chondrocyte phospholipids, suggesting that both agents stimulate phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Concomitantly, IL 1 and PMA also induced a pronounced increase in the production of PGE2. Pre-incubation of chondrocytes with staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, did not affect the stimulation of collagenase production by IL 1 and only minimally that induced by PMA. Similarly, high concentrations of staurosporine did not inhibit prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production induced by IL 1 or PMA. These data show that IL 1 and PMA stimulate the PLA2 pathway and collagenase production, however, these processes can occur in the absence of PKC activation.     

Gene expression of arachidonate cyclooxygenase pathway leading to the delayed synthesis of prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and action of these prostanoids during life cycle of adipocytes

Several types of prostaglandin (PG)s are synthesized in adipocytes and involved differently in the control of adipogenesis. To elucidate how the PG synthesis is regulated at different stages in the life cycle of adipocytes, we examined the gene expression of arachidonate cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway leading to the delayed synthesis of PGE2 and PGF2alpha and their roles in adipogenesis after exposure of cultured cells to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which is a useful system for monitoring mitogen-induced changes. While the expression of COX-1 remained constitutive, mRNA and protein levels of COX-2 were up-regulated by treatment with PMA. Preadipocytes exhibited higher gene expression of cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2alpha) and PGF synthase. In contrast, three isoforms of PGE synthase are expressed constitutively during all phases. The delayed synthesis of PGE2 and PGF2alpha following the stimulation for 24 with a mixture of PMA and calcium ionophore A23187 was the highest in preadipocytes, reflecting the increased expression levels of cPLA2alpha and COX-2. Cultured cells treated with PMA during the differentiation phase and then exposed to the maturation medium, or cells treated with PMA in the maturation medium after the differentiation phase showed the suppression of adipogenesis in adipocytes. The attenuating effect of PMA was additionally enhanced when the cell were treated along with A32187 during the differentiation phase, suggesting the involvement of endogenous PGs. The cells at the stages of the differentiation and maturation phases were highly sensitive to exogenous PGE2 and PGF2alpha, respectively, resulting in the marked suppression of the stored fats in adipocytes. Taken together, these results provided the evidence for the distinct gene expression of isoformic enzymes in the COX pathway leading to the synthesis of PGE2 and PGF2alpha and the specific action of these prostanoids at different cycle stages of adipocytes.     

Dynamic compression inhibits the synthesis of nitric oxide and PGE(2) by IL-1beta-stimulated chondrocytes cultured in agarose constructs

Both mechanical loading and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) are known to regulate metabolic processes in articular cartilage through pathways mediated by nitric oxide ((*)NO) and PGE(2). This study uses a well-characterized model system involving isolated chondrocytes cultured in agarose constructs to test the hypothesis that dynamic compression alters the synthesis of (*)NO and PGE(2) by IL-1beta-stimulated articular chondrocytes. The data presented demonstrate for the first time that dynamic compression counteracts the effects of IL-1beta on articular chondrocytes by suppressing both (*)NO and PGE(2) synthesis. Inhibitor experiments indicated that the dynamic compression-induced inhibition of PGE(2) synthesis and stimulation of proteoglycan synthesis were (*)NO mediated, while compression-induced stimulation of cell proliferation was (*)NO independent. The inhibition of (*)NO and PGE(2) by dynamic compression is a finding of major significance that could contribute to the development of novel strategies for the treatment of cartilage-degenerative disorders.     

Decrease in cytosolic free Ca2+ and enhanced proteoglycan synthesis induced by cartilage derived growth factors in cultured chondrocytes

Cartilage-derived growth factors, enhance proteoglycan synthesis in cultured chick-embryo chondrocytes, and have almost no effect on cell proliferation. Addition of cartilage derived growth factors to cartilage cells loaded with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator quin 2, caused a rapid, concentration dependent decrease in cytoplasmic free Ca2+. This decrease persisted also in Ca2+-free medium, indicating that it is not mediated by a decrease in the passive permeability of cell membrane to Ca2+. Addition of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, with or without cartilage derived factors, caused an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ together with inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis and enhanced cell proliferation. The results may indicate that whereas cell proliferation in chondrocytes is signaled by an increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]in), proteoglycan synthesis is signaled by a decrease in [Ca2+]in. The data lead to suggesting a mechanism for antagonistic regulation of cell proliferation and the expression of the differentiated state.     

Prostaglandin E2 exerts catabolic effects in osteoarthritis cartilage: evidence for signaling via the EP4 receptor

Elevated levels of PGE(2) have been reported in synovial fluid and cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis (OA). However, the functions of PGE(2) in cartilage metabolism have not previously been studied in detail. To do so, we cultured cartilage explants, obtained from patients undergoing knee replacement surgery for advanced OA, with PGE(2) (0.1-10 muM). PGE(2) inhibited proteoglycan synthesis in a dose-dependent manner (maximum 25% inhibition (p < 0.01)). PGE(2) also induced collagen degradation, in a manner inhibitable by the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor ilomastat. PGE(2) inhibited spontaneous MMP-1, but augmented MMP-13 secretion by OA cartilage explant cultures. PCR analysis of OA chondrocytes treated with PGE(2) with or without IL-1 revealed that IL-1-induced MMP-13 expression was augmented by PGE(2) and significantly inhibited by the cycolooygenase 2 selective inhibitor celecoxib. Conversely, MMP-1 expression was inhibited by PGE(2), while celecoxib enhanced both spontaneous and IL-1-induced expression. IL-1 induction of aggrecanase 5 (ADAMTS-5), but not ADAMTS-4, was also enhanced by PGE(2) (10 muM) and reversed by celecoxib (2 muM). Quantitative PCR screening of nondiseased and end-stage human knee OA articular cartilage specimens revealed that the PGE(2) receptor EP4 was up-regulated in OA cartilage. Moreover, blocking the EP4 receptor (EP4 antagonist, AH23848) mimicked celecoxib by inhibiting MMP-13, ADAMST-5 expression, and proteoglycan degradation. These results suggest that PGE(2) inhibits proteoglycan synthesis and stimulates matrix degradation in OA chondrocytes via the EP4 receptor. Targeting EP4, rather than cyclooxygenase 2, could represent a future strategy for OA disease modification.     

Secretory and cytosolic phospholipase A(2)regulate the long-term cytokine-induced eicosanoid production in human keratinocytes

The involvement of cytosolic phospholipase A(2)(cPLA(2)) and secretory non-pancreatic PLA(2)(npPLA(2)) in release of arachidonic acid (AA) preceding eicosanoid formation in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT was examined. Interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A(23187)increased the extracellular AA release, and stimulated eicosanoid synthesis as determined by HPLC analysis. The main metabolites after stimulation with IL-1beta, PMA or A(23187)were PGE(2), an unidentified PG and LTB(4), while TNF stimulated HETE-production. Both cPLA(2)and npPLA(2)message and enzyme activity were detected in unstimulated HaCaT cells. IL-1beta, PMA and TNF increased both cPLA(2)enzyme activity and expression, but did not lead to any increase in npPLA(2)expression or activity. The selective npPLA(2)inhibitors LY311727 and 12-epi-scalaradial, or the cPLA(2)inhibitor arachidonyl trifluoro methyl ketone (AACOCF(3)) reduced IL-1beta-induced eicosanoid production in a concentration dependent manner. The results presented strongly suggest that both cPLA(2)and npPLA(2)contribute to the long-term generation of AA preceding eicosanoid production in differentiated, human keratinocytes. Inhibitors against npPLA2 or cPLA2 enzymes should be useful in treating inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis.     

Phorbol ester, 1,2-diacylglycerol, and collagen induce inhibition of arachidonic acid incorporation into phospholipids in human platelets

We have shown that phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) enhanced A-23187-induced arachidonate release and thromboxane synthesis in human platelets (Mobley, A., and Tai, H. H. (1985) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 130, 717-723). The mechanism of enhancement by PMA was not elucidated. In the present study, we have shown that PMA-treated platelets exhibited significantly less [1-14C]arachidonate incorporation than did control platelets. However, no significant change in uptake of labeled linoleate or oleate was observed by PMA treatment. Examination of the two enzyme activities involved in arachidonate incorporation into phospholipids indicated that both arachidonoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthase and arachidonoyl-CoA lysophosphatide acyltransferase were inactivated following treatment with PMA or 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl glycerol. When platelets were stimulated with A-23187 plus PMA which produced a significant synergism in thromboxane synthesis, both enzyme activities were substantially less than those in platelets treated with A-23187 alone. In addition to PMA and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl glycerol induced decreases in both enzyme activities, collagen, a platelet agonist which can activate protein kinase C (Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent enzyme), was also found to cause a concentration-dependent attenuation of both enzyme activities. These results suggest that protein kinase C activation induced by PMA or collagen may cause inactivation of both arachidonoyl-CoA synthase and arachidonoyl-CoA lysophosphatide acyltransferase resulting in inhibition of the reincorporation of arachidonate released by A-23187 and, consequently, greater availability of arachidonate for thromboxane synthesis.     

PGE2-induced cyclic AMP accumulation in human CD4+ T cells is strongly enhanced during the CD2-mediated activatory process

The effect of a mitogenic combination of two different anti-CD2 monoclonal antibodies on the PGE2-stimulated and basal cAMP production in human CD4+ T cell clones was investigated. The anti-CD2 stimulation strongly potentiates the PGE2-induced cAMP production while both PMA and A23187 produced a less potent effect. On the opposite the anti-CD2 treatment is without any effect on the basal cAMP level contrasting with a marked increase of intracellular cAMP concentrations with A23187 or the combination of A23187 and PMA. These results suggest that activation of CD4+ human T cells via the CD2 molecule significantly influences the cAMP-related transduction pathway. Although PMA and A23187 also modulate the activity of this pathway, their effect in this model is more likely mediated through an amplification of basal cAMP production.     

Interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor potentiate angiotensin II- and calcium ionophore-stimulated prostaglandin E2 synthesis in rat renal mesangial cells

In resting mesangial cells, angiotensin II and the calcium ionophore A23187 stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) formation. After pretreatment with interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), which are themselves potent stimuli for PGE2 synthesis, mesangial cells displayed an amplified response to angiotensin II and A23187. The cytokine-induced effects occurred in a time- and dose-dependent manner and were attenuated by actinomycin D, cycloheximide and dexamethasone. IL-1 beta and TNF alpha treatment also increased the amount of arachidonic acid released after stimulation of cells with angiotensin II and A23187. In addition, IL-1 beta but not TNF alpha treatment augmented the formation of PGE2 from exogenous arachidonic acid by mesangial cells. Furthermore, the conversion of prostaglandin H2 to PGE2 was not changed by IL-1 beta and TNF alpha. These results suggest that IL-1 beta and TNF alpha exert a priming effect on PGE2 production in mesangial cells.     

Inhibitory effect of the intrauterine infusion of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol on the decidual cell reaction in rats

In rats, prostaglandins (PGs) have an essential role in the decidual cell reaction (DCR), but their mechanism of action at the cellular level within the endometrium is at present uncertain. To test the hypothesis that both protein kinase C activation and calcium mobilization mediate the action of PGs within the endometrium during decidualization, the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or the synthetic diacylglycerol 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (OAG), activators of protein kinase C in vitro, and the calcium ionophore A23187, which causes calcium mobilization, were infused, alone or combined, into the uterine lumen of rats sensitized for the DCR. The results obtained indicate that both PMA and OAG have an inhibitory effect on the DCR in rats. The calcium ionophore A23187, although having no apparent effect by itself, had a synergistic effect with PMA, but not with OAG, in inhibiting the DCR. The intrauterine infusion of PMA and/or A23187 had no effect on the increase in endometrial vascular permeability (EVP), which precedes the DCR. The inhibitory effect of PMA or PMA plus A23187 on decidualization is probably not mediated by a decrease in uterine PG synthesis, as assessed by the measurement of uterine prostaglandin E concentrations at various times during the intraluminal infusion. These data suggest that activation of protein kinase C can modulate the DCR.     

Dynamic compression counteracts IL-1beta induced iNOS and COX-2 activity by human chondrocytes cultured in agarose constructs

*NO and PGE2 are inflammatory mediators derived from the inducible iNOS and COX enzymes and are potentially important pharmacological targets in OA. Both mechanical loading and IL-1beta will influence the release of *NO and PGE2. Accordingly, the current study examines the effect of dynamic compression on *NO and PGE2 release by human chondrocytes cultured in agarose constructs in the presence and absence of selective iNOS and COX-2 inhibitors. The current data demonstrate that IL-1beta induced nitrite and PGE2 release and inhibited [3H]-thymidine and 35SO4 incorporation. Inhibitor experiments indicate that 1400W and NS-398 either partially reversed or abolished IL-1beta induced nitrite and PGE2 release. IL-1beta induced inhibition of cell proliferation and proteoglycan synthesis was partially reversed with 1400W but was not influenced by NS-398. For the dynamic loading experiments, 1400W and NS-398 either reduced or abolished the compression-induced inhibition of *NO and PGE2 release in the presence of IL-1beta. The IL-1beta induced inhibition of cell proliferation was not influenced by 1400W or NS-398 whereas strain-induced stimulation of proteoglycan synthesis in the presence of IL-1beta was enhanced by 1400W. The data obtained using human chondrocytes demonstrate that IL-1beta induced *NO and PGE2 release via an iNOS-driven-COX-2 inter-dependent pathway. This response could be reversed by dynamic compression. These data indicate interactions exist between the NOS and COX pathways, a finding which will provide new insights in the development of pharmacological or biophysical treatments for cartilage disorders such as OA.     

Epidermal growth factor is synergistic with phorbol esters and vasopressin in stimulating arachidonate release and prostaglandin production in renal glomerular mesangial cells.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is produced in large quantities by the kidney. We identified EGF-binding sites on cultured rat renal glomerular mesangial cells. These cells serve as a model system for the investigation of renal prostaglandin biosynthesis. Since EGF has been shown to modulate phospholipase activity in other cell lines, we studied the ability of EGF to increase arachidonate release and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in mesangial cells. We found that EGF stimulated arachidonate release and PGE2 production in the presence of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. This stimulation was markedly potentiated by the addition of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), which activates protein kinase C. However, down-regulation of protein kinase C by prolonged PMA treatment did not block the ability of EGF to stimulate PGE2 production in the presence of A23187. EGF also markedly potentiated the stimulation of PGE2 production by vasopressin, which increases intracellular Ca2+ and activates protein kinase C in these cells. The stimulatory effects of EGF were not the result of prolongation or enhancement of an increase in intracellular Ca2+ produced by ionophore or vasopressin. Furthermore, the synergistic interaction of EGF with PMA and vasopressin occurred despite the fact that these agents markedly decreased EGF binding in mesangial cells, presumably owing to protein-kinase-C-mediated phosphorylation of the EGF receptor. We conclude that there exists a distinct pathway for EGF-stimulated arachidonate release and PGE2 production in rat renal glomerular mesangial cells, which is synergistic with, but not dependent on, activation of protein kinase C. In contrast with long-term mitogenic responses to EGF, this rapid response may allow delineation of the membrane phospholipid changes and signalling steps involved in this aspect of EGF action.     

Anti-inflammatory drugs, prostanoid and proteoglycan production by cultured bovine articular chondrocytes

The effect of various anti-inflammatory drugs on the production of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha, 6 keto PGF1 alpha and thromboxane B2 by bovine articular chondrocytes was measured by radioimmunoassay. While indomethacin and meclofenamic acid caused a dose-dependent inhibition of all prostanoids measured, the effects of hydrocortisone and colchicine varied with respect to different prostanoids. Hydrocortisone (10(-7)M - 10(-13)M) both in the presence and absence of added arachidonic acid, resulted in an inhibition of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha, and to a lesser extent, 6 keto PGF 1 alpha, but TxB2 production was only slightly inhibited by the drug in the absence of arachidonic acid and markedly increased in its presence. Colchicine (10(-7)M-10(-3)M) had the opposite effect, causing an inhibition of TxB2 and stimulating PGE2 and 6 keto PGF1 alpha production. These findings suggest that certain anti-inflammatory drugs may, in addition to their action on phospholipase A2 and cyclo-oxygenases, exert potent effects at the level of the different synthetases. In order to see whether these alterations in relative prostanoid levels affected proteoglycan metabolism, the effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on proteoglycan synthesis by cultured chondrocytes was tested using 35SO4 labeling methodology. The results showed that at the concentrations tested (10(-5)M to 10(-7)M), indomethacin, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone and colchicine inhibited 35SO4 incorporation into newly synthesized proteoglycan molecules both in the presence (10(-6)M) and absence of exogenous arachidonic acid. In the same concentration range chloroquine had no effect. These results do not support the hypothesis of direct prostanoid involvement in the modulation of proteoglycan synthesis in articular cartilage.     

Intracellular measurement of prostaglandin E2: effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on cyclooxygenase activity and prostanoid expression.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandin (PG) H2, which is further metabolized to various prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane A2. COX exists in at least two different isoforms. COX-1 is constitutively expressed, whereas COX-2 is induced by proinflammatory stimuli. Prostaglandin E2 is a major metabolite of COX activation. In order to compare the activity of target ligands and COX inhibitors on PGE2 synthesis and release, the responsiveness of several cell lines to the calcium ionophore A23187, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and the glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, were investigated. For intracellular measurements, the culture supernatant was aspirated, and the cells were thoroughly washed and lysed with dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide. Intracellular and secreted PGE2 were measured with an enzyme immunoassay. A23187 and LPS increased intracellular PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner. Kinetic experiments with A23187-stimulated mouse 3T3 fibroblast cells revealed a distinct biphasic response in COX activity. In the presence of NSAIDs or dexamethasone, there was a dose-dependent inhibition in intracellular PGE2 with A23187-stimulated 3T3 cells. Inhibitory studies demonstrated an apparent increased sensitivity of COX activity to the action of inhibitors when measuring intracellular PGE2 compared with using cell culture supernatants. Indeed, intracellular PGE2 levels were comprehensively reduced in the presence of low concentrations of inhibitor. The utilization of cell culture lysates and, in particular, measurement of intracellular PGE2 should prove useful for identifying new COX inhibitors.