Lymphokine regulation of activated (G1) lymphocytes. I. Prostaglandin E2-induced inhibition of interleukin 2 production

PGE2-induced inhibition of the proliferatory response of PHA-stimulated human PBL and Con A-stimulated murine thymocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. It was found that the activation process (G0-G1a transition) was not influenced by PGE2 over a wide range of concentrations (10(-10) to 10(-6) M), nor was the formation of IL 2 receptors inhibited. Similarly, the viability of human lymphocytes was practically unaltered. In contrast, the IL 2-dependent cell cycle event (G1a-G1b transition), which is required for proliferation, was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion. The addition of IL 2-containing supernatants to such cultures prevented the PGE2-mediated block in the G1a phase and reconstituted a normal lymphocyte proliferation. Furthermore, lower IL 2 titers were measured in supernatants from PHA-stimulated human PBL treated with PGE2. These findings strongly suggest that PGE2 primarily exerts its inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation through an inhibition of IL 2 production.     

The role of rat Crry, a complement regulatory protein, in proliferation of thymocytes

In our previous work we showed that 3F10 monoclonal antibody (mAb), which recognizes the rat complement receptor 1-related/gene protein y (Crry), induces homotipic aggregation of thymocytes. In this work we studied the effect of 3F10 mAb on proliferation of rat thymocytes stimulated with concanavalin A (ConA) or by cross-linking the T cell receptor (TCR) by anti-alphabetaTCR mAb (R73), in vitro, and the mechanisms involved in the process. Our results show that 3F10 mAb stimulates proliferation of total thymocytes triggered by suboptimal concentrations of ConA or TCR cross-linking, in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal stimulation was observed using 10 microg/ml and 20 microg/ml of 3F10 mAb, respectively. The 3F10-induced stimulation of thymocytes proliferation in the presence of ConA, that was followed by increased production of interleukin-2 (IL-2), up-regulation of the expression of IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2Ralpha) and was inhibited by anti-CD11a and anti-CD18 mAbs. Purified thymocytes did not respond by proliferation to 3F10 mAb, either alone or in combination with R73 mAb or ConA. Proliferation of these cells was achieved only in the presence of OX-6+ antigen-presenting cells (APC) and additional signals transmitted by TCR or ConA. These results suggest that Crry is involved in the LFA-1 dependent proliferation of thymocytes, a phenomenon that has not been recognized so far.     

Monoclonal antibodies to human recombinant interleukin 1 (IL 1)beta: quantitation of IL 1 beta and inhibition of biological activity

Monoclonal antibodies (McAb) were developed to the Mr 17,500 form of human recombinant interleukin 1, IL 1 beta. Four McAb have been identified that inhibit the biological activity of IL 1 beta. McAb H34 and H67, at 1 microgram/ml (6 X 10(-9) M), completely inhibit the capacity of 1 ng/ml (6 X 10(-11) M) recombinant IL 1 beta to stimulate the proliferation of murine thymocytes or human fibroblasts in vitro. McAb H6 and H21 are approximately 10-fold less potent, and completely inhibit IL 1 beta activity at 10 micrograms/ml (6 X 10(-8) M) in both assays. The McAb do not have a significant effect on the biological activity of human recombinant IL 1 alpha in either assay. These McAb block the binding of recombinant [125I]IL 1 beta to IL 1 receptors on mouse 3T3 fibroblasts and have affinity constants for IL 1 beta in the range of 10(9) to 10(10) liters/mol. Competition studies suggest that two nonoverlapping epitopes on the IL 1 beta molecule are recognized by the McAb. H6 and H34 recognize one epitope, and H21 and H67 another. McAb H6 and H67 have been used together in a two-site ELISA to detect IL 1 beta. The sensitivity of the ELISA, which is 15 pg/ml (0.86 pM), approaches the limit of sensitivity of the thymocyte proliferation assay. The ELISA and thymocyte proliferation assay were used to quantitate IL 1 beta in E. coli LPS-stimulated human monocyte culture supernatants (HMCS). The level of IL 1 beta detected by ELISA in culture supernatants from eight donors ranged from 1.7 to 5.6 ng/ml, with a mean value of approximately 3 ng/ml. By comparison, the thymocyte proliferation assay gave levels of IL 1 in HMCS that were eight fold higher when quantitated by using recombinant IL 1 beta as a standard. This discrepancy with the bioassay used was reflected by the three fold higher maximum stimulation of thymocyte proliferation by HMCS as compared with recombinant IL 1 alpha or IL 1 beta, and only 45% inhibition of HMCS IL 1 activity by McAb. Thus, factors other than IL 1 beta account for the IL 1-like activity in monocyte culture supernatant as measured by the bioassay. The ILB1 McAb and ELISA allow for the first time-sensitive, accurate, and convenient quantitation of IL 1 beta levels in biological fluids or specimens.     

1,25(OH)2-D3 is a potent regulator of interleukin-1 induced interleukin-8 expression and production

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a potent leukocyte chemotactic and activating cytokine produced by keratinocytes, fibroblasts, peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) and endothelial cells. IL-8 is believed to play an important role in the development of inflammation and is thus an obvious target for therapeutical modulation. We studied the possible effect of an endogenous immune modulator 1,25(OH)2-cholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2-D3) on the IL-1-induced IL-8-production by several types of cells. 1,25(OH)2-D3 inhibited the IL-1-alpha induced IL-8 production and mRNA expression in keratinocytes, fibroblasts and PBMC, but not in endothelial cells. Optimal vitamin concentrations varied between 10(-10) and 10(-11) M. These results suggest a potential role of this hormone in the regulation of chemotactic cytokine production.     

IL-1alpha but not IL-1beta-induced prostaglandin synthesis is inhibited by corticotropin-releasing factor

Interleukin (IL)-1alpha and IL-1beta share low amino acid homology, but exhibit a very similar array of biological activities. The authors previously showed negative regulation of IL-1alpha-induced prostaglandin (PG) production by corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). In this study, the authors compared the effect of CRF on IL-1alpha- and IL-1beta-induced PG synthesis. IL-1alpha (100 U/ml) increased prostacyclin (PGI2) (measured as 6-keto PGF1alpha[6K]) synthesis in endothelial cells and the production of PGE2in fibroblasts. The PG response to IL-1alpha was suppressed by simultaneous exposure to CRF (2.5x10(-11)-2.5x10(-8) M) in both cell types. IL-1alpha enhanced both phospholipase A2(PLA2) and prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS) activities, and the two effects were completely abrogated by CRF. IL- 1beta (100 U/ml) was as active as IL-1alpha in triggering release of PGI2 from endothelial cells and PGE2 from fibroblasts. However, CRF (2.5x10(-11)-2.5x10(-8) M) failed to alter the IL-1beta-induced PG synthesis in both cell types. Following IL-1beta PGHS activity, and to a lesser extent PLA2 activity, were enhanced, however CRF only inhibited PGHS and not PLA2 activity. It is concluded that although IL-1alpha and IL-1beta usually produce similar biological effects, here they seem to act via different mechanisms. The different regulation of IL-1alpha and IL-1beta pro-inflammatory activities by CRF may attribute special precision and specificity to the neuroendocrine-immune control of inflammatory processes.     

Spontaneous production of a suppressor factor by the human macrophage-like cell line U937. I. Suppression of interleukin 1, interleukin 2, and mitogen-induced blastogenesis in mouse thymocytes

The human macrophage-like cell line U937 spontaneously produced a nondialyzable factor that inhibited interleukin 1 (IL 1), interleukin 2 (IL 2), and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced blastogenesis in mouse thymocytes. The suppression by U937 supernatant factor occurred independently of the concentration of IL 1 or PHA, indicating that it was noncompetitive. The U937 suppressor factor was not cytotoxic for thymocytes, nor did it affect the spontaneous proliferation of T lymphoblastoid cell lines and U937. Physicochemical characterization showed that the U937 suppressor factor was nondialyzable, partially inactivated by heat treatment (56 degrees C), ammonium sulfate (67% saturation) precipitable, sensitive to pH 2.5, and resistant to freeze-thawing. Molecular weight of the factor inhibiting co-mitogenic IL 1 activity was approximately 85,000, as estimated by gel filtration. The U937 cell line may provide a model for the study of mechanisms and mediators of immunosuppression by mononuclear phagocytes.     

Prostaglandin F2 stimulates the generation of lipoxygenase products in guinea pig isolated trachea

The generation of lipoxygenase products on the contraction elicited by prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha was investigated in the guinea-pig isolated trachea. Indomethacin (5 x 10(-6) M) inhibited the response at low concentrations of PGF2 alpha while enhanced the response at higher concentrations of PGF2 alpha. Phenidone (10(-4) M) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, 3 x 10(-5) M) appeared to inhibit the PGF2 alpha response. The PGF2 alpha response augmented by indomethacin was dose-dependently inhibited by NDGA and a leukotriene (LT) antagonist, FPL55712. NDGA had no effect on the contraction elicited by histamine but markedly inhibited the contraction elicited by LTD4. The inhibition by NDGA of the LTD4-induced contraction was abolished in the presence of indomethacin (5 x 10(-6) M). FPL55712 inhibited the LTD4-induced contraction but the extent of the antagonism was not changed by indomethacin. In the presence of indomethacin PGF2 alpha (10(-8) M) did not affect the LTD4 (3 x 10(-9) M) response but significantly enhanced the arachidonic acid (AA, 6.6 x 10(-5) M)-induced contraction. FPL55712 (3 x 10(-6) M) completely inhibited the AA response augmented by PGF2 alpha. These results suggest that lipoxygenase-mediated LT-like substances are released in the response at higher concentrations of PGF2 alpha on the guinea-pig isolated trachea, and the mode of action of PGF2 alpha is different from those of histamine and LTD4.     

Accessory cell-T cell interactions involved in anti-CD3-induced T4 and T8 cell proliferation: analysis with monoclonal antibodies

The effect of monoclonal antibodies (Mab) directed at T cell and accessory cell (AC) surface molecules on OKT3-induced T4 and T8 cell proliferation was examined. Mab directed at nonpolymorphic class I (W6/32, MB40.5) and class II (L243) major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded gene products, an epitope common to LFA-1, CR3, and the p150, 95 molecule (60.3), and a heterodimer present on monocytes (M phi) and activated T cells (4F2) inhibited M phi-supported OKT3-induced proliferation of both T4 and T8 cells. Moreover, an Mab directed at the CD4 molecule (66.1) inhibited OKT3-induced T4 but not T8 cell proliferation, whereas an Mab directed at the CD8 molecule (OKT8) inhibited T8 but not T4 cell responses. With the exception of 66.1, each inhibited OKT3-induced T cell proliferation when added as late as 15 hr after the initiation of culture. Inhibition could not be explained by competition for Fc receptors on the AC. A variety of other Mab including OKT11 and those directed at other HLA-DR and DQ determinants were not inhibitory. The inhibitory Mab were found to diminish T4 cell IL 2 production and IL 2 receptor expression. Consequently, IL 2 reversed some but not all of the Mab-mediated inhibition of T cell proliferation. In contrast to the effects noted with M phi-supported responses, 60.3 and 66.1 but neither L243 nor 4F2 inhibited OKT3-induced T4 cell proliferation supported by Ia- or IFN-gamma-treated Ia+ endothelial cells. None of the Mab tested inhibited T cell proliferation induced by the AC-independent stimuli OKT3 and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or calcium ionophore and PMA in the presence or absence of added AC. The data therefore suggest that the Mab inhibit OKT3-induced activation of T4 and T8 cells by preventing necessary interactions between AC and T cell surface proteins. Moreover, the results suggest that different arrays of interaction molecules are involved in OKT3-induced T cell proliferation depending on the nature of the AC and the responding T cell subset.     

Release and effect ofγ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) on rat pineal melatonin productionin vitro

1. 3H-gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) release elicited by a depolarizing K+ stimulus or by noradrenergic transmitter was examined in rat pineals in vitro. 2. The release of 3H-GABA was detectable at a 20 mM K+ concentration in medium and increased steadily up to 80 mM K+. 3. In a Ca2+-free medium 3H-GABA release elicited by 30 mM K+, but not that elicited by 50 mM K+, became blunted. 4. Norepinephrine (NE; 10(-6)-10(-4) M) stimulated 3H-GABA release from rat pineal explants in a dose-dependent manner. 5. The activity of 10(-5) M NE on pineal GABA release was suppressed by equimolecular amounts of prazosin or phentolamine (alpha 1- and alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptor blockers, respectively) and was unaffected by propranolol (beta-adrenoceptor blocker). 6. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (10(-7)-10(-5) M) and the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol (10(-5) M) mimicked the GABA releasing activity of NE, while 10(-7) M isoproterenol failed to affect it; the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (10(-7)-10(-5) M) did not modify 3H-GABA release. 7. The addition of 10(-4) M GABA or of the GABA transaminase inhibitor gamma-acetylenic GABA or aminooxyacetic acid inhibited the melatonin content and/or release to the medium in rat pineal organotypic cultures. 8. GABA at concentrations of 10(-5) M or greater partially inhibited the NE-induced increase in melatonin production by pineal explants. 9. The depressant effect of GABA on melatonin production was inhibited by the GABA type A receptor antagonist bicuculline; bicuculline alone increased the pineal melatonin content. Baclofen, a GABA type B receptor agonist, did not affect the pineal melatonin content or release. 10. The decrease in serotonin (5-HT) content of rat pineal explants brought about by NE was not modified by GABA; GABA by itself increased 5-HT levels. 11. These results indicate that (a) GABA is released from rat pineals by a depolarizing stimulus of K+ through a mechanism which is partially Ca2+ dependent; (b) NE releases rat pineal GABA via interaction with alpha 1-adrenoceptors; (c) GABA inhibits melatonin production in vitro via interaction with GABA type A receptor sites; and (d) GABA's effect on NE-induced melatonin release does not correlate with the lack of effect on the NE-induced decrease in pineal 5-HT content.     

Interaction of lipopolysaccharide with human small intestinal lamina propria fibroblasts favors neutrophil migration and peripheral blood mononuclear cell adhesion by the production of proinflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules

Fibroblasts are important effector cells having a potential role in augmenting the inflammatory responses in various diseases. In infantile diarrhea caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), the mechanism of inflammatory reactions at the mucosal site remains unknown. Although the potential involvement of fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of cryptococcus-induced diarrhea in pigs has been suggested, the precise role of lamina propria fibroblasts in the cellular pathogenesis of intestinal infection and inflammation caused by EPEC requires elucidation. Earlier we reported the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cell proliferation, and collagen synthesis and downregulation of nitric oxide in lamina propria fibroblasts. In this report, we present the profile of cytokines and adhesion molecules in the cultured and characterized human small intestinal lamina propria fibroblasts in relation to neutrophil migration and adhesion in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from EPEC 055:B5. Upon interaction with LPS (1-10 micrograms/ml), lamina propria fibroblasts produced a high level of proinflammatory mediators, interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and cell adhesion molecules (CAM) such as intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM), A-CAM, N-CAM and vitronectin in a time-dependent manner. LPS induced cell-associated IL-1alpha and IL-1beta, and IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha as soluble form in the supernatant. Apart from ICAM, vitronectin, A-CAM, and N-CAM proteins were strongly induced in lamina propria fibroblasts by LPS. Adhesion of PBMC to LPS-treated lamina propria fibroblasts was ICAM-dependent. LPS-induced ICAM expression in lamina propria fibroblasts was modulated by whole blood, PBMC and neutrophils. Conditioned medium of LPS-treated lamina propria fibroblasts remarkably enhanced the neutrophil migration. The migration of neutrophils was inhibited by anti-IL-8 antibody. Co-culture of fibroblasts with neutrophils using polycarbonate membrane filters exhibited time-dependent migration of neutrophils. These findings indicate that the coordinate production of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules in lamina propria fibroblasts which do not classically belong to the immune system can influence the local inflammatory reactions at the intestinal mucosal site during bacterial infections and can influence the immune cell population residing in the lamina propria.     

Alveolar type II cells inhibit fibroblast proliferation: role of IL-1alpha

Alveolar type II (ATII) cells inhibit fibroblast proliferation in coculture by releasing or secreting a factor(s) that stimulates fibroblast production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In the present study, we sought to determine the factors released from ATII cells that stimulate PGE2 production in fibroblasts. Exogenous addition of rat IL-1alpha to cultured lung fibroblasts induced PGE2 secretion in a dose-response manner. When fibroblasts were cocultured with rat ATII cells, IL-1alpha protein was detectable in ATII cells and in the coculture medium between days 8 and 12 of culture, correlating with the highest levels of PGE2. Furthermore, under coculture conditions, IL-1alpha gene expression increased in ATII cells (but not fibroblasts) compared with either cell cultured alone. In both mixed species (human fibroblasts-rat ATII cells) and same species cocultures (rat fibroblasts and ATII cells), PGE2 secretion was inhibited by the presence of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) or selective neutralizing antibody directed against rat IL-1alpha (but not IL-1beta). Conditioned media from cocultures inhibited fibroblast proliferation, and this effect was abrogated by the addition of IL-1Ra. Addition of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) resulted in an earlier increase in PGE2 secretion and fibroblast inhibition (day 8 of coculture). This effect was inhibited by indomethacin but was not altered by IL-1Ra. We conclude that in this coculture system, IL-1alpha secretion by ATII cells is one factor that stimulates PGE2 production by lung fibroblasts, thereby inhibiting fibroblast proliferation. In addition, these studies demonstrate that KGF enhances ATII cell PGE2 production through an IL-1alpha-independent pathway.     

Fibroblasts inhibit mineralised bone nodule formation by rat bone marrow stromal cells in vitro

The ability of rat skin fibroblasts (RSF) and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPL) to inhibit the formation of mineralised bone nodules in rat bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) cultures was studied. Co-culture of HPL or RSF with BMSC resulted in a large reduction of bone nodule formation when compared with controls. Conditioned medium from HPL or RSF cultures inhibited bone nodule formation in a dose-dependent manner. HPL-conditioned medium depressed cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase expression in BMSC cultures. These effects were not due to increased cytotoxicity or nutrient depletion. Inhibitory activity was recovered in a fraction of less than 1 kD following ultrafiltration and was insensitive to freeze-thawing. The inhibitory activity was blocked when HPL cultures were grown in the presence of 10(-5) M indomethacin. Dose-dependent inhibiton of bone nodule formation was also observed in cultures incubated with prostaglandins E2 (at 10(-6) M) or F2 alpha (at 10(-7) M). The results indicate that fibroblasts may inhibit osteoblast differentiation and function in part by release of soluble factors including prostaglandins.     

Proliferation in vitro and interleukin production by 14 day fetal and adult Lyt-2-/L3T4- mouse thymocytes

When 14 day fetal mouse thymocytes, which are phenotypically Lyt-2-/L3T4-(2-4-), were stimulated in vitro with a combination of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and the calcium ionophore ionomycin, they proliferated without addition of exogenous interleukins and/or growth factors. Addition of exogenous IL 2 resulted in a slight enhancement of fetal thymocyte proliferation. By using factor-dependent indicator cell lines, this proliferation was shown to be accompanied by the production of IL 2 and IL 3. However, phenotypic analysis by using flow microfluorometry and monoclonal antibodies to Lyt-2 and L3T4 showed little differentiation among proliferating 2-4-fetal thymocytes. Interestingly, the in vitro growth of PMA + ionomycin-stimulated fetal thymocytes appeared to be IL 2 dependent in that it was inhibited by a monoclonal antibody to the IL 2 receptor. The results obtained with fetal thymocytes were compared with those obtained when using 2-4- thymocytes from adult mice.     

Induction of IL 2 receptor expression and cytotoxicity of thymocytes by stimulation with TCF1

We investigated the role of T cell cytotoxicity inducing factor 1 (TCF1) in the induction of a cytotoxic T cell response. We found that help-deficient thymocyte cultures supplied with saturating amounts of purified IL 2 did not develop CTL in a 5-day culture. The expression of cytotoxicity was dependent on the addition of TCF1 derived from the T cell hybridoma K15. TCF1 also induced proliferation of thymocytes in the presence of IL 2. Only the PNA- thymocyte subpopulation responded to TCF1 with proliferation and cytotoxicity in the presence of IL 2. The monokine IL 1 also induced proliferation in this subpopulation but failed to induce cytotoxicity. IL 1 was further distinguished from TCF1 by inhibition of IL 1-induced but not TCF1-induced proliferation by anti-IL 1 antibodies. In addition, using anti-IL 2 receptor antibodies (AMT 13), we showed that TCF1 in the presence of IL 2 substantially increased IL 2 receptor expression in thymocytes. IL 1 had the same effect on induction of IL 2 receptor expression as TCF1. Because some effects of IL 1 and TCF1 are distinct and some overlap, we discuss whether IL 1 and TCF1 induce different subsets of PNA- thymocytes.     

Blockade of JAK2 by tyrphostin AG-490 inhibits antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment into the mouse airways

We studied the effect of tyrphostin AG-490, a specific Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor, on antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment into the airways of sensitized mice and on IL-5-induced chemokinesis and adhesiveness of eosinophils. The in vivo administration of AG-490 prevented antigen-induced eosinophil infiltration in the airways of sensitized mice in a dose-dependent manner. However, the administration of AG-490 did not affect antigen-induced IL-5 production in the airways nor in vitro antigen-induced IL-5 production and T cell proliferation of spleen cells. Furthermore, AG-490 inhibited IL-5-induced chemokinesis and beta1-integrin adhesiveness of eosinophils in vitro. Because antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment into the airways is mediated by IL-5, these results indicate that JAK2 activation is critical for antigen-induced, IL-5-dependent mobilization of eosinophils into the tissue.     

Regulatory role of a monomorphic determinant of HLA Class I antigens in T cell proliferation

The role of HLA Class I antigens in T cell proliferation was investigated by using the anti-HLA Class I monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) CR10-215, CR10-325, and CR11-115. MoAb CR10-215 and CR11-115 recognize the same (or spatially close) monomorphic determinant, which is distinct and spatially distant from that reacting with MoAb CR10-325. Addition of MoAb CR10-215 and CR11-115 to cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with MoAb OKT3, MoAb Pan T2, PHA, or PPD inhibited cell proliferation. The blocking is specific in that the anti-HLA Class I MoAb CR10-325 and the Pan T MoAb Pan T1 had no effect on the proliferation. The inhibitory activity of MoAb CR10-215 and CR11-115 does not reflect i) toxic effects, ii) induction of suppressor cells and factors, iii) blocking of the binding of mitogens to lymphocytes, iv) inhibition of the production of interleukin 1 (IL 1) and interleukin 2 (IL 2), or v) function of IL 2 receptor. Anti-HLA Class I MoAb were able to inhibit the proliferation of purified, Tac-, T cells. The inhibited cells did not express Tac antigen, as assayed by direct immunofluorescence, with MoAb anti-Tac, but released a normal amount of IL 2 in culture medium. These results indicate that monomorphic determinants of the HLA Class I complex are involved in the regulation of T cell proliferation. The effect appears to occur at the level of IL 2 receptor expression.     

A monoclonal antibody recognizing 68- to 75-kilodalton protein(s) associated with the human IL-1 receptor

We produced an IgM mAb termed 4.9 against an EBV-containing lymphoblastoid cell line, termed 3B6. This mAb reacted with both various B and T cell lines such as HSB2 cells, with an NK-like cell line YT-C3 cells, and with human fibroblast MCR-5 cells. It also reacted with normal resting peripheral B lymphocytes, monocytes, and anti-CD2- or anti-CD3-activated T lymphocytes. The 4.9 mAb immunoprecipitated two bands estimated to be of Mr 68 and 75 kDa from iodinated 3B6 cells. The 4.9 mAb inhibited the proliferation of peripheral T lymphocytes induced either by anti-CD3 mAb or anti-CD2 mAb. The 4.9 mAb inhibited also the proliferation of murine thymocytes both in the presence of PHA and IL-1 and the proliferation of human fibroblasts in the presence of IL-1. Radiolabeled IL-1 binding on 3B6 cells revealed two types of IL-1 binding sites with high and low affinity for IL-1 (300 sites/cell with a Kd of 6 x 10(-11)M and 6000 sites/cell with a Kd of 3 x 10(-9)M). On both 3B6 and YT-C3 cells, mAb 4.9 inhibited specifically the binding of 125I-labeled rIL-1, alpha or beta, whereas the irrelevant IgM mAb did not. Conversely, rIL-1, alpha or beta, could inhibit specifically the binding of radioiodinated 4.9 mAb to 3B6 or YT-C3 cells, whereas rIL-2, rIFN, or the irrelevant IgM mAb were ineffective. 125I-4.9 mAb bound 3B6 cells with an association constant (Ka) of 2 x 10(8)/M and demonstrated 6000 binding sites/cell. We thus conclude that mAb 4.9 recognizes a protein complex (68 to 75 kDa) closely associated with the IL-1R.     

The effect of vitreous humour on prostaglandin production by cultured rabbit chorioretinal fibroblasts

Factors in vitreous humour which regulate prostaglandin production were investigated using cultured rabbit chorioretinal fibroblasts. These cells produced predominantly prostaglandin E2, 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, a compound likely to be a metabolite of prostaglandin E2 and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. The synthesis of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha was nearly completely inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor aspirin and partially inhibited by 10(-6) M dexamethasone (49%) and 10(-5) M forskolin (68%). Addition of 10% rabbit vitreous humour to subconfluent cells maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium plus 1% fetal bovine serum resulted in stimulation of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha production by as much as 246% as measured by radioimmunoassay. Chorioretinal fibroblasts labelled by [3H]arachidonic acid incorporation into cellular phospholipids synthesised greater amounts of all labelled arachidonic acid metabolites in response to vitreous humour. It was concluded, therefore, that there are factors present in vitreous humour of molecular weight above 10 kDa which are capable of stimulating cellular cyclooxygenase activity. Confluent cells also responded to a factor(s) present in vitreous humour. The fraction of less than 10 kDa inhibited 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha production by 50% when used at a concentration of 10%. Furthermore, 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha production in confluent cells (but not subconfluent cells) was inhibited to 40% of control levels by vitamin C at a concentration of 1 mg/100 ml. The latter result points to an inhibitory role for vitamin C in vitreous humour. We conclude, therefore, that vitreous humour contains factors important for the regulation of prostaglandin metabolism in the eye.     

Role of HIF-1alpha and VEGF in human mesenchymal stem cell proliferation by 17beta-estradiol: involvement of PKC, PI3K/Akt, and MAPKs

17beta-Estradiol (E(2)) is a steroid hormone well known for its roles in the regulation of various cell functions. However, the precise role that E(2) plays in the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) has not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we examined the effects of E(2) on cell proliferation and the related signaling pathways using hMSCs. We showed that E(2), at > or =10(-9) M, significantly increased [3H]thymidine incorporation after 24 h of incubation, and E(2) also increased [3H]thymidine incorporation at >6 h. Also, E(2) significantly increased the percentage of the cell population in the S phase based on FACS analysis. Moreover, E(2) increased estrogen receptor (ER), PKC, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, and MAPK phosphorylation. Subsequently, these signaling molecules were involved in an E(2)-induced increase of [3H]thymidine incorporation. E(2) also increased hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and VEGF protein levels. These levels of protein expression were inhibited by ICI-182,780 (10(-6) M, an ER antagonist), staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide I (10(-6) M, a PKC inhibitor), LY-294002 (10(-6) M, a PI3K inhibitor), Akt inhibitor (10(-5) M), SP-600125 (10(-6) M, a SAPK/JNK inhibitor), and PD-98059 (10(-5) M, a p44/42 MAPKs inhibitor). In addition, HIF-1alpha small interfering (si)RNA and ICI-182,780 inhibited E(2)-induced VEGF expression and cell proliferation. VEGF siRNA also significantly inhibited E(2)-induced cell proliferation. In conclusion, E(2) partially stimulated hMSC proliferation via HIF-1alpha activation and VEGF expression through PKC, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways.