Epidermal growth factor actions on arachidonic acid metabolism in human amnion cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) from human and murine sources increased prostaglandin E2 production by human amnion cells. An anti-EGF receptor monoclonal antibody abolished this stimulatory action of EGF and reduced the basal rate of amnion prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis. The rates of formation of arachidonate lipoxygenase products were also enhanced by EGF.     

Dexamethasone stimulates arachidonic acid conversion to prostaglandin E2 in human amnion cells

The purpose of this investigation was to study the mechanism of stimulation of PGE2 output from human amnion epithelial cells by the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Cells incubated in serum-free pseudo-amniotic fluid produced very low levels of PGE2, even when arachidonic acid (1 microM) was present. Pretreatment of cells with dexamethasone (50 nM) for 21 h increased the PGE2 output 6- to 7-fold in 2-h incubations only in the presence of arachidonic acid. The RNA synthesis inhibitor, actinomycin D (1 microgram/ml), and the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (40 micrograms/ml), each blocked dexamethasone-stimulated arachidonic acid conversion to PGE2. The time course of these events suggests that dexamethasone first initiates RNA synthesis. Acetylsalicylic acid, a specific and irreversible blocker of prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase (cyclooxygenase), was used to determine whether dexamethasone could stimulate new enzyme synthesis. Cells treated first with acetylsalicylic acid (30 min) then dexamethasone (22 h) produced as much PGE2 in response to 1 microM arachidonate as did cells exposed to dexamethasone only. Exposing cells to acetylsalicylic acid after dexamethasone completely eliminated PGE2 output. These data suggest that dexamethasone stimulates the synthesis of prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase.     

Characteristics of arachidonic acid metabolism of human endothelial cells in culture

Human umbilical endothelial cells in culture retain differentiated morphological and functional characterization in primary culture and even in the early subcultures, after which they begin to degenerate. We have studied the morphological and biochemical characterization (ability to produce prostacyclin, prostaglandin E₂ and thromboxane A₂ in culture) of endothelial cells in the first seven subcultures. In addition the influence of serum and endothelial cell growth factor added to the culture medium have been evaluated. With 20% normal human serum, cell proliferation is faster than with the same concentration of human fetal or bovine fetal serum.After the 3rd passage, morphological and growth alterations become observable in the endothelial cells. However, prostacyclin, prostaglandin E₂ and thromboxane A₂ production showed no variations during the study.     

The mechanisms of preterm labour; the interaction between amnion cells and leukocytes in the metabolism of arachidonic acid

Chorioamnionitis is frequently associated with preterm labour. We have used a cell culture model system to examine the effects of leukocytes upon the metabolism of endogenous arachidonic acid from within amnion cells. We have demonstrated that activated leukocytes release substances which increase the overall release and metabolism of endogenous arachidonic acid within amnion cells causing an increase in prostaglandin E₂ production as well as a smaller increase in non-cyclooxygenase metabolism. When amnion cells and leukocytes are cultured together, in addition to prostaglandin E₂ production by amnion cells, arachidonic acid released by the amnion cells appears to be metabolised by leucocytes to prostaglandin F_2α, prostacyclin and thromboxane A₂. Prostaglandins E₂ and F_2α are the principal cyclo-oxygenase products of this interaction.We postulate that chorioamnionitis stimulates preterm labour not only by causing an increase in prostaglandin E2 synthesis by amnion cells but by metabolism of amnion derived arachidonic acid to the powerfully oxytocic prostaglandin F_2α by leukocytes.     

The mechanisms of preterm labour; the interaction between amnion cells and leukocytes in the metabolism of arachidonic acid.

Chorioamnionitis is frequently associated with preterm labour. We have used a cell culture model system to examine the effects of leukocytes upon the metabolism of endogenous arachidonic acid from within amnion cells. We have demonstrated that activated leukocytes release substances which increase the overall release and metabolism of endogenous arachidonic acid within amnion cells causing an increase in prostaglandin E2 production as well as a smaller increase in non-cyclo-oxygenase metabolism. When amnion cells and leukocytes are cultured together, in addition to prostaglandin E2 production by amnion cells, arachidonic acid released by the amnion cells appears to be metabolised by leucocytes to prostaglandin F2 alpha, prostacyclin and thromboxane A2. Prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha are the principal cyclo-oxygenase products of this interaction. We postulate that chorioamnionitis stimulates preterm labour not only by causing an increase in prostaglandin E2 synthesis by amnion cells but by metabolism of amnion derived arachidonic acid to the powerfully oxytocic prostaglandin F2 alpha by leukocytes.     

Tumor necrosis factor alpha stimulates arachidonic acid metabolism in human osteoblastic osteosarcomal cells

The effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) on arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism were investigated by prelabeling the human osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line, G292, with [³H]AA. TNF-α differentially stimulates cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of AA metabolism in a dose response manner in the cells. The highest concentration of TNF-α (10⁻⁸ M) significantly increased the cyclooxygenase pathway, with prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) being a major product. However, at the lowest concentration (10⁻¹⁰ M) of TNF-α, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) production was significantly increased, with no significant effects on the other identifiable products. When the concentration of TNF-α was increased to 10⁻⁹ M leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), 15-, 12-, and 5-HETE were significantly increased. The calcium ionophore A23187 (10⁻⁶ M) significantly increased 15-HETE production, without significantly affecting cyclooxygenase metabolites. However, a combination of TNF-α (10⁻⁸ M) and A23187 (10⁻⁶ M) caused an inhibitory effect on each agent-induced PGE₂ or 15-HETE production.     

大田软海绵酸对人胚胎羊膜细胞FL凋亡的影响

大田软海绵酸（Okadaic acid,OA）是一种C38的长链脂肪酸,属聚醚类海洋毒素,是腹泻性贝毒（Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning,DSP）的主要成分,化学结构见下图。最初从大田软海绵（Halichondria Okadai）和隐瓜海绵（H．melanodocia）中分离得到,后发现实际上是由共生于上述两种海绵的利马原甲藻（Prorocentrum lima）所产生。     

Effect of alcohols on arachidonic acid metabolism in murine mastocytoma cells and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The effects of alcohols on the formation of leukotrienes, 5-HETE and prostaglandin D2 in mastocytoma cells and human neutrophils were studied. In murine mastocytoma cells, alcohols appear to have at least two different effects on the production of these arachidonic acid metabolites. At low levels of cellular arachidonic acid achieved after stimulation with calcium ionophore A23187 or addition of low levels of exogenous arachidonic acid, alcohols appear to have a general inhibitory effect on the production of lipoxygenase metabolites. In the presence of higher concentrations of cellular arachidonic acid, ethanol and methanol stimulated the production of lipoxygenase metabolites, but had no large stimulatory effect on the cyclo-oxygenase metabolite, prostaglandin D2. Under these conditions, n-propanol and t-butanol have inhibitory effects on leukotriene production. Human neutrophils are less sensitive to ethanol than mastocytoma cells, but stimulatory effects were still found at high ethanol concentrations (220-430 mM).     

Enhanced arachidonic acid metabolism and human neutrophil migration in asthma

In stable state asthmatic patients (AP) without any airway obstruction, the capacity of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) to produce 5-lipoxygenase metabolites and to migrate, was investigated and compared with the response in healthy subjects (HS). After calcium-ionophore A23187 stimulation, PMN from AP and HS produced LTB4, its hydroxylated derivatives: omega-OH-and omega-CO2H-LTB4) (omega-LTB4, i.e 6-trans-LTB4 and 5,6-diHETE isomers, and 5-HETE. We found an increase in LTB4 (+59%), omega-LTB4 (+39%), 6-trans-LTB4 (+128%), and free 5-HETE (+63%) generation of AP as compared with HS. Unstimulated migration was enhanced in AP (122 +/- 27 PMN/10 high power fields (hpf) in AP versus 74 +/- 25 PMN/10 hpf in HS, p less than 0.025) and suggested a greater capacity of PMN from AP to migrate. This was confirmed by the PAF-induced chemotaxis studies which showed, in AP, a greater PAF-sensitivity of PMN (10(-6) M versus 10(-5) M in HS) and a greater chemotaxis response (600 +/- 50 PMN versus 200 +/- 35 PMN in HS). In AP, we compared the capacity of PMN to generate LTB4 and 5-HETE with their capacity to migrate. We found an inverse correlation (r = 0.86, p less than 0.007) of intracellular free 5-HETE with chemotaxis to PAF.     

Surfactant-induced alteration of arachidonic acid metabolism of mammalian cells in culture

Primary irritancy in human and animal skin is characterized by an inflammatory reaction mediated, in part, by membrane-derived arachidonate metabolites. One of the mechanisms of this reaction was investigated in cultured mammalian cells using three surfactants: linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS), alkyl ethoxylate sulfate (AEOS), and TWEEN 20. These compounds listed in order in vivo irritancy are LAS greater than AEOS greater than TWEEN 20. Each of these compounds was studied in C3H-10T1/2 cells and human keratinocytes which had been prelabeled with 3H-labeled arachidonic acid (AA). After labeling, media were removed, cells were washed, and fresh media with or without surfactant were added. Cells were then incubated for 2 hr, media were removed and centrifuged, and an aliquot was assayed by liquid scintillation for release of label. In C3H-10T1/2 cells LAS and AEOS in 5-50 microM concentration stimulated 2 to 10 times the release of [3H]AA as compared to controls. In contrast, concentrations of 50-100 microM of TWEEN were required to release [3H]AA. With keratinocytes the same rank order of surfactant concentrations necessary for release was obtained as found with C3H-10T1/2 cells. High-performance liquid chromatography of media extracts of both cell systems revealed surfactant stimulation of the production of cyclooxygenase AA metabolites. These results confirm the induction of release by primary irritants of fatty acid groups from membrane phospholipids. Subsequent metabolism of these fatty acid groups are an integral part of the primary irritant response. Data presented with three known irritants in this in vitro model show a direct correlation with in vivo studies.     

Actions of vanadate of arachidonic acid metabolism by cells in culture

Sodium vanadate (11 μM) amplified the PGI₂ production of rat liver cells (the C-9 cell line) incubated with thrombin, platelet activating factor, lysine-vasopressin, the Ca²⁺-ionophore A-23187, interleukin-1ß, 12-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, teleocidin, epidermal growth factor, palytoxin, thapsigargin and colchicine but not that stimulated by exogenous arachidonic acid. Sodium vanadate (2.2 μM) also amplified PGF_2α production of dog kidney cells (the MDCK cell line) incubated with norepinephrine and, at 0.4 μM, PGI₂ production of bovine aorta smooth muscle cells stimulated by serotonin. Sodium vanadate (55 μM) did not affect production of PGE₂ and PGF_2α in rat basophil leukemia cells (the RBL-1 cell line) stimulated by the Ca²⁺-ionophore A-23187, but did inhibit synthesis of peptide-containing leukotrienes and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. When used with cultured cells at micromolar concentrations, vanadate is known to inhibit protein tyrosine-phosphate phosphatases. These results suggest that in some cells deesterification of lipids is positively regulated, at least in part, by phosphorylation of tyrosine whereas in leukocytes, lipoxygenase activities are negatively regulated, at least in part, by phosphorylation of tyrosine.     

Stimulus-specific induction of phospholipid and arachidonic acid metabolism in human neutrophils

Phospholipid remodeling resulting in arachidonic acid (AA) release and metabolism in human neutrophils stimulated by calcium ionophore A23187 has been extensively studied, while data obtained using physiologically relevant stimuli is limited. Opsonized zymosan and immune complexes induced stimulus-specific alterations in lipid metabolism that were different from those induced by A23187. [3H]AA release correlated with activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) but not with cellular activation as indicated by superoxide generation. The latter correlated more with calcium-dependent phospholipase C (PLC) activation and elevation of cellular diacylglycerol (DAG) levels. When cells that had been allowed to incorporate [3H]AA were stimulated with A23187, large amounts of labeled AA was released, most of which was metabolized to 5-HETE and leukotriene B4. Stimulation with immune complexes also resulted in the release of [3H]AA but this released radiolabeled AA was not metabolized. In contrast, stimulation with opsonized zymosan induced no detectable release of [3H]AA. Analysis of [3H]AA-labeled lipids in resting cells indicated that the greatest amount of label was incorporated into the phosphatidylinositol (PI) pool, followed closely by phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine, while little [3H]AA was detected in the phosphatidylethanolamine pool. During stimulation with A23187, a significant decrease in labeled PI occurred and labeled free fatty acid in the pellet increased. With immune complexes, only a small decrease was seen in labeled PI while the free fatty acid in the pellets was unchanged. In contrast, opsonized zymosan decreased labeled PI, and increased labeled DAG. Phospholipase activity in homogenates from human neutrophils was also assayed. A23187 and immune complexes, but not zymosan, significantly enhanced PLA2 activity in the cell homogenates. On the other hand, PLC activity was enhanced by zymosan and immune complexes. Stimulated increases in PLC activity correlated with enhanced superoxide generation induced by the stimulus.     

Thymocytes stimulate metabolism of arachidonic acid in rat thymic epithelial cells

Arachidonic acid metabolites play an important role in the development of T cells in the thymus. In the normal animal, prostaglandin levels in the thymus are significantly higher than in plasma. Herein, we have studied the regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism using the thymic endocrine epithelial cell line, TEA3A1, and thymocytes. We have found that TEA3A1 cells, but not thymocytes, produced prostaglandins and thromboxanes. We have also found that thymocytes could stimulate the production of arachidonic acid metabolites in TEA3A1 cells when both cells were cocultured. The strongest stimulation was observed when TEA3A1 cells were cocultured with thymocyte subpopulations either negative for OX8 or W3/25 functional surface markers (either double-negative or single-positive thymocytes). Furthermore, cell-cell contact seems to be absolutely required for the activation of arachidonic acid metabolism in TEA3A1 cells. The study presented here describes the existence of a novel regulatory mechanism of arachidonic acid metabolism which may play an important role in the development of T cells in the thymus.     

Water transport across isolated term human amnion

Summary The hydrodynamic permeability of normal term human amnion is measured using pressure-driven bulk flows. The permeability coefficient is found to vary widely, variations between tissues taken from different subjects being significantly greater than those from samples taken from one subject. No correlation is observed between this coefiicient and either tissue thickness or the diffusional permeability coefficient measured using tritiated water; it is, however, found to be very sensitive to epithelial damage.The results indicate that the bulk transport of water through amnion is largely controlled by the amniotic epithelium alone. This contrasts with water diffusion which is a function of total membrane thickness. The two permeability coefficients cannot therefore be employed to formulate an equivalent pore model of the whole tissue. An equivalent pore model of the epithelial layer only is considered and the results assessed in the light of other evidence bearing on the structure of amnion. It is concluded that the epithelial layer is intersected by a large number of pores with radius 10 to 30 Å, and a smaller number of much broader pores.     

The effect of conjugated linoleic acid on arachidonic acid metabolism and eicosanoid production in human saphenous vein endothelial cells

The effects of a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) mixture of single isomers (50:50, w/w, cis9,trans11:trans10,cis12) and the individual isomers on (a) the production of resting and calcium ionophore stimulated (14)C-eicosanoids and (b) the incorporation of (14)C-arachidonic acid (AA) into membrane phospholipids of human saphenous vein endothelial cells were investigated. The CLA mixture and the individual isomers were found to inhibit resting production of (14)C-prostaglandin F(2a) by 50, 43 and 40%, respectively. A dose dependent inhibition of stimulated (14)C-prostaglandins was observed with the CLA mixture (IC(50) 100 microM). The cis9,trans11 and trans10,cis12 (50 microM) isomers individually inhibited the overall production of stimulated (14)C-prostaglandins (between 35 and 55% and 23 and 42%, respectively). When tested at a high concentration (100 microM), cis9,trans11 was found to inhibit eicosanoid production in contrast to trans10,cis12 that caused stimulation. The overall degree of (14)C-AA incorporation into membrane phospholipids of the CLA (mixture and individual isomers) treated cells was found to be lower than that of control cells and the cis9,trans11 isomer was found to increase the incorporation of (14)C-AA into phosphatidylcholine. Docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and linoleic acid did not alter the overall degree of incorporation of (14)C-AA. The results of this study suggest that both isomers inhibit eicosanoid production, and although trans10,cis12 exhibits pro-inflammatory activity at high concentrations, the CLA mixture maintains its beneficial anti-inflammatory action that contributes to its anti-carcinogenic and anti-atherogenic properties.     

Melittin-stimulated arachidonic acid metabolism by cultured malignant human epidermal keratinocytes

Upon melittin stimulation, cultured SCC-13 keratinocytes release prostaglandins E₂, F_2α, 6-keto-F_1α, thromboxane B₂, leukotriene B₄, and 6-sulfido-peptide-containing leukotrienes (SRS) into serum free medium. Release of prostaglandins E₂, F_2α, and SRS, normalized to cell protein, is 3- to 10-fold higher from rapidly growing than confluent cultures. Cells growing with hydrocortisone in the medium produce approximately twice the level of the cyclooxygenase-mediated metabolites PGE₂ and PGF_2α as those without hydrocortisone, but similar levels of the lipoxygenase-mediated metabolite SRS. The results demonstrate the potential utility of squamous carcinoma lines for investigating biochemical pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism in keratinocytes.     

Differential distribution and metabolism of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid by human placental choriocarcinoma (BeWo) cells

The time course of incorporation of [¹⁴C]arachidonic acid and [³H]docosahexaenoic acid into various lipid fractions in placental choriocarcinoma (BeWo) cells was investigated. BeWo cells were found to rapidly incorporate exogenous [¹⁴C]arachidonic acid and [³H] docosahexaenoic acid into the total cellular lipid pool. The extent of docosahexaenoic acid esterification was more rapid than for arachidonic acid, although this difference abated with time to leave only a small percentage of the fatty acids in their unesterified form. Furthermore, uptake was found to be saturable. In the cellular lipids these fatty acids were mainly esterified into the phospholipid (PL) and the triacyglycerol (TAG) fractions. Smaller amounts were also detected in the diacylglycerol and cholesterol ester fractions. Almost 60% of the total amount of [3H]Docosahexaenoic acid taken up by the cells was esterified into TAG whereas 37% was in PL fractions. For arachidonic acid the reverse was true, 60% of the total uptake was incorporated into PL fractions whereas less than 35% was in TAG. Marked differences were also found in the distribution of the fatty acids into individual phospholipid classes. The higher incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid was found in PC and PE, respectively. The greater cellular uptake of docosahexaenoic acid and its preferential incorporation in TAG suggests that both uptake and transport modes of this fatty acid by the placenta to fetus is different from that of arachidonic acid.     

Endogenous arachidonic acid metabolism by cultured arterial smooth muscle cells

Cultured aortic smooth muscle cells originated from healthy and atherosclerotic rabbits produce prostaglandins (namely prostacyclin) at a basal state. Prostaglandin secretion is dramatically reduced in atherosclerotic cells. This impairment was not correlated with any alteration of acyl hydrolase activities and probably involved a decrease of cyclooxygenase activities.     

Role of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase in human platelet arachidonic acid metabolism

Selective removal of intracellular glutathione (GSH) and inhibition of the GSH-dependent peroxidase (GSH-Px) by 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) was used to evaluate the role of GSH and GSH-Px in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism in human platelets. Although total conversion of AA through the lipoxygenase pathway is lowered by GSH depletion, significant 12-HETE formation was observed suggesting that GSH and GSH-Px are not required for the generation of 12-HETE in human platelets. Prolonged treatment of platelets with CDNB (2 h) completely destroyed GSH-Px activity creating a model in which the effects of GSH alone could be determined. Platelet homogenates replenished with GSH, but lacking GSH-Px activity converted significantly higher amounts of AA to 12-HPETE and 12-HETE than control. Platelet cytosolic metabolism of 15-HPETE to 15-HETE decreased after CDNB, while the membrane metabolism remained similar to control due to high GSH-independent peroxidase activity associated with the membranes. These results indicate that GSH and GSH-Px function to enhance lipoxygenase activity, rather than catalyse the reduction of 12-HPETE to 12-HETE.