Regulation of T-cell activation and T-cell growth factor (TCGF) production by hydrogen peroxide

Activated macrophages are known to release a variety of immunoregulatory substances including the low-molecular-weight substances hydrogen peroxide and lactate. We report here that lactate but not hydrogen peroxide is capable of supporting a substantial production of T-cell growth factor (TCGF) in cultures of accessory cell-depleted splenic T-cell populations after stimulation with concanavalin A. Hydrogen peroxide and its biosynthetic precursor superoxide anion (O2-) mediate, however, a strong augmentation of the TCGF production by accessory cell-depleted T-cell populations in the presence of lactate. Lactate inhibits the incorporation of [3H]thymidine in short-term cultures (18-26 hr) of accessory cell-depleted T cells. This confirms the rule that (optimal) production of T-cell growth factor requires a growth inhibitory signal. Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide which augment TCGF production most effectively (i.e., 1 X 10(-5) M) do not inhibit the incorporation of [3H]thymidine; and higher concentrations (3 X 10(-5)-1 X 10(-4) M) of hydrogen peroxide inhibit both the production of TCGF and the incorporation of [3H]thymidine. In agreement with the augmenting effect of hydrogen peroxide on TCGF production, it was observed that the proliferative response in mixed lymphocyte cultures is suppressed by catalase and augmented by 1 X 10(-5) M H2O2. Proliferative and cytotoxic responses in mixed lymphocyte cultures with an external source of interleukin 2 (IL-2) in contrast, are not augmented by 1 X 10(-5) M H2O2. The relatively high concentration of 1 X 10(-4) M hydrogen peroxide was found to inhibit the proliferative responses in mixed lymphocyte cultures with or without external IL-2 but not the cytotoxic response in the presence of IL-2. This indicates that CTL precursor cells may be relatively resistant against H2O2.     

Interleukin-2 mRNA expression, lymphokine production and DNA synthesis in glutathione-depleted T cells

The stimulation of DNA synthesis in lymphocyte populations was previously shown to depend strongly on the intracellular glutathione (GSH) level. Since T cell growth is known to depend on interleukin 2 (IL-2), the experiments in this report were designed to determine whether intracellular GSH depletion may inhibit IL-2 production or the IL-2 dependent DNA synthesis. Our experiments revealed that IL-2 production and DNA synthesis of mitogenically stimulated splenic T cells have indeed different requirements for GSH. The addition of relatively high concentrations of GSH (5 mM) to cultures of concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated splenic T cells was found to augment strongly the DNA synthesis but inhibited the production of IL-2. Moderate intracellular GSH levels, however, are apparently not inhibitory for IL-2 production, since intracellular GSH depletion by cysteine starvation or by graded concentrations of DL-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) had virtually no effect on IL-2-specific mRNA expression and the production of T cell growth factor (TCGF). The DNA synthesis activity, in contrast, was strongly suppressed after GSH depletion with either method. As in cultures of splenic T cells, GSH depletion had no substantial effect on the induction of IL-2 mRNA and TCGF production in several mitogenically stimulated T cell clones. Taken together, our experiments suggest that complex immune response may operate best at intermediate GSH levels that are not too high to inhibit IL-2 production but sufficient to support DNA synthesis.     

Regulation of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activation by L-lactate and pyruvate

The activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in vivo was found to be strongly augmented by two injections of 0.2 ml 1 X 10(-1) M pyruvate in spite of the relatively high concentration of glucose (approximately 10(-2) M) in the blood. The repeated injection of 1 X 10(-1) M L-lactate, in contrast, was found to suppress cytotoxic responses in vivo. The activation of CTL and DNA synthesis in mixed lymphocyte cultures, on the other hand, was found to be suppressed by pyruvate (1 X 10(-2) M), and was substantially augmented by 1 X 10(-2) M L-lactate. The glucose concentration in the culture medium was also approximately 10(-2) M. Taken together, these results suggest that the utilization of glucose is relatively ineffective and that the respiratory metabolism is a more effective source of energy during the early T cell activation. The results suggest also that the aerobic glycolysis of macrophages and their release of L-lactate may contribute to their function as accessory cells in immune responses. The differences between the in vivo and in vitro results are discussed.     

Initial characterization of sheep T-cell growth factor and its species-restricted activity on human, rat, and mouse cells

Sheep T-cell growth factor (TCGF) was prepared from concanavalin A-activated sheep peripheral blood cells and subsequently characterized by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel exclusion chromatography, and isoelectric focussing. The TCGF was found in the 60-80% ammonium sulfate fraction and was shown to have an apparent molecular weight of 32,500 and an isoelectric point in the range pI 5.2-5.5. The ability of the sheep TCGF to promote proliferation of activated human, sheep, mouse, and rat cells was compared with that of human TCGF prepared by phytohemagglutinin stimulation of lymphocytes from multiple donors and TCGF prepared from concanavalin A-stimulated rat and mouse spleen cells. Human TCGF was found to act across all species barriers, rat TCGF supported the growth of cells of all species except human, and mouse only promoted the growth of activated mouse and rat cells. Sheep TCGF was unique in being unable to support the growth of any cells except autologous cells.     

Urtica dioica agglutinin, a new mitogen for murine T lymphocytes: unaltered interleukin-1 production but late interleukin 2-mediated proliferation

Urtica dioica agglutinin, a small-molecular-weight lectin purified from stinging nettle rhizomes, induces murine cell proliferation. U. dioica agglutinin is a specific T-cell mitogen for both thymocytes and spleen T lymphocytes; its mitogenic properties are strictly dependent on the presence of accessory cells. The kinetics of proliferation are markedly different from those of the classical T-cell mitogen concanavalin A, with a 2 to 3-day delay for both splenic and thymic populations and a rate of DNA synthesis twofold lower than that observed with concanavalin A. The late T-lymphocyte proliferation induced by U. dioica agglutinin correlates well with (i) the observed late interleukin-2 production and interleukin-2 receptor expression, and (ii) the long-lasting cyclosporin A-sensitive early activation period. In contrast, the production of interleukin-1 is not different, both in terms of concentration and kinetics, from that observed with concanavalin A.     

Analysis of the activation of lymphoid cells by mitogens in vitro with limiting dilution methods: adherent peritoneal cells suppress B-cell activation and synergize with WEHI-3 in the activation of T cells by Con A

Adherent peritoneal cells (APC) have often been used as a pure and effective macrophage population. Using partition analysis and small numbers of lymphoid cells activated by mitogens (concanavalin A for T cells (in the presence of TCGF) and LPS + DxS for B cells) we found that APC were accessory cells for T cell activation and growth but were not effective for B cells. Although APC were effective in assisting T-cell mitogenesis, they were not especially efficient. However, when APC were mixed with irradiated WEHI-3 cells (a tissue culture line previously shown to exhibit accessory cell activity in vitro for mitogenic activation T and B cells), the APC and WEHI-3 showed apparent synergy. One reason for failure of APC to assist B-cell mitogenesis was traced to the presence of a suppressor cell population which overcame the accessory cell help given by irradiated WEHI-3 cells to LPS-DxS stimulated murine B cells. It is thus possible to find "helper" effects (synergy of APC and WEHI-3 assisting the mitogenesis of T cells), as well as suppressor effects within the range of cells found in adherent accessory cells.     

Comparative analysis of splenic cell proliferation induced by interleukin 3 and by syngeneic accessory cells (syngeneic mixed leukocyte reaction): evidence that autoreactive T-cell functioning instructs hematopoietic phenomena

Murine syngeneic mixed leukocyte reaction (SMLR) was studied under totally autologous culture conditions using syngeneic normal mouse serum in the culture. SMLR was detected in splenic, but not in lymph node, nonadherent responding cell populations (NWNAC). In the absence of stimulator, accessory cells (AC), IL3-containing fluids also induced splenic, but not lymph node, NWNAC growth. SMLR-derived supernatants contained IL3, but not IL2, activity, and production of this IL3 activity could be prevented by adding anti-CD4 mAbs to SMLR cultures. Precursor frequencies of both SMLR and IL3 splenic responses were very low and similar, and there was a synergism between IL3 and AC in induction of NWNAC growth. Growth of responding NWNAC was further enhanced by T-cell depletion with anti-Thy1 mAb and complement. Lack of T-cell proliferation in the SMLR was confirmed by BUdR and light protection experiments. Autoradiographs indicated that the same cell type grew in both SMLR and IL3-induced NWNAC cultures. Besides blast cells, cells with the appearance of immature monocytes with 3H-labeled nuclei were found in both kinds of culture. No labeled lymphocytes could be found. Both SMLR and IL3-induced NWNAC cultures contained expanded numbers of M-CSF-responsive monocyte precursors. On the other hand, SMLR- but not IL3-induced cultures contained expanded numbers of IL3-responsive, immature precursors capable of giving rise to large colonies of monocytic-like cells. Although IL2 could not be detected in SMLR supernatants, both cell growth and IL3 production could be blocked with anti-IL2 receptor and anti-IL2 mAbs. Exogenous IL2, on the other hand, enhanced both cell growth and IL3 production in the SMLR. These results indicate that, under totally autologous conditions, CD4+ autoreactive T-cells do not proliferate in the SMLR, but rather instruct the growth of splenic hematopoietic precursors capable of differentiating along the monocytic lineage. Autoreactive T-cell activation in the SMLR seems to involve minimal IL2 production, which is critically necessary for triggering IL3 production in a markedly amplified manner. These results suggest a link between normal regulation of hematopoiesis and MHC-restricted, autoreactive T-cell activation.     

Inhibition of lactate glucogneogenesis in rat kidney by dichloroacetate.

1. Sodium dichloroacetate (1mM) inhibited glucose production from L-lactate in kidney-cortex slices from fed, starved or alloxan-diabetic rates. In general gluconeogenesis from other substrates was no inhibited. 2. Sodium dichloracetate inhibited glucose production from L-lactate but no from pyruvate in perfused isolated kidneys from normal or alloxan-diabetic rats. 3. Sodium dichloroacetate is an inhibitor of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase reaction and it effected conversion of pyruvate dehydrogenase into its its active (dephosphorylated) form in kidney in vivo. In general, pyruvate dehydrogenase was mainly in the active form in kidneys perfused or incubated with L-lactate and the inhibitory effect of dichloroacetate on glucose production was not dependent on activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase. 4. Balance data from kidney slices showed that dichloroacetate inhibits lactate uptake, glucose and pyruvate production from lactate, but no oxidation of lactate. 5. The mechanism of this effect of dichloroactetate on glucose production from lactate has not been fully defined, but evidence suggests that it may involve a fall in tissue pyruvate concentration and inhibition of pyruvate carboxylation.     

L-lactate dehydrogenase from leaves of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Med.

By ammonium sulfate fractionation and gel filtration an enzyme preparation which catalyzed NAD⁺-dependent L-lactate oxidation (10^-4 kat kg^-1 protein), as well as NADH-dependent pyruvate reduction (10^-3 kat kg^-1 protein), was obtained from leaves of Capsella bursa-pastoris. This lactate dehydrogenase activity was not due to an unspecific activity of either glycolate oxidase, glycolate dehydrogenase, hydroxypyruvate reductase, alcohol dehydrogenase, or a malate oxidizing enzyme. These enzymes could be separated from the protein displaying lactate dehydrogenase activity by gel filtration and electrophoresis and distinguished from it by their known properties. The enzyme under consideration does not oxidize D-lactate, and reduces pyruvate to L-lactate (the configuration of which was determined using highly specific animal L-lactate dehydrogenase). Based on these results the studied Capsella leaf enzyme is classified as L-lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27). It has a K_m value of 0.25 mmol l^-1 (pH 7.0, 0.3 mmol l^-1 NADH) for pyruvate and of 13 mmol l^-1 (pH 7.8, 3 mmol l^-1 NAD⁺) for L-lactate. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was also detected in the leaves of several other plants.Abbreviation FMN flavin adenine mononucleotide     

Carrier-mediated uptake of lactate in rat hepatocytes. Effects of pH and possible mechanisms for L-lactate transport

The rate of uptake and the distribution ratio between intra- and extracellular compartments of L- and D-lactate were studied in hepatocyte preparations from fed rats. L- and D-lactate uptake apparently depended on both passive diffusion and carrier-mediated components. The apparent Km of the high-affinity carrier for L-lactate was in the range of 1.8 mM. The reciprocal competitive inhibitions between isomers of lactate suggest that L- and D-lactate might be transported by distinct carriers. Lactate transport was inhibited by various anions; pyruvate was the most potent anion, whereas only high concentrations of ketone bodies were effective. Acidic extracellular pH enhanced lactate uptake, this effect being more pronounced for L-lactate. At low pH, L-lactate was concentrated into hepatocytes, but its affinity for the carrier appeared unchanged, suggesting the existence of a process gaining energy from the pH gradient across the cell membrane. In the hypothesis of a lactate/H+ symport, the affinity for H+ was not dependent on lactate concentration and the apparent Km for H+ corresponded to a pH of 7.34. No trans-stimulation of lactate uptake after prior loading of the cells with pyruvate or lactate was observed. The present data suggest that, at physiological concentrations, lactate uptake by the liver might be largely carrier-mediated and the rate of transport across the liver cell membrane may be of a magnitude relatively comparable to the rate of metabolism.     

Accessory cell function of thoracic duct nonlymphoid cells, dendritic cells, and splenic adherent cells in the Brown-Norway rat

Thoracic duct lymph of lymphadenectomized Brown-Norway (BN) rats is highly enriched for nonlymphoid cells (NLC) which share several characteristics with splenic dendritic cells (DC), e.g., the binding of monoclonal antibody OX2. The accessory cell activity of NLC was analyzed by comparing these cells with DC and splenic adherent cells (SAC). In concanavalin A (Con A)-induced T-cell proliferation NLC, like DC, were very effective accessory cells at low cell numbers, as a consequence of an efficient induction of interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and IL-2 responsiveness. Responses in the presence of SAC were poor, even after the addition of excess IL-2. A fourfold enhancement of accessory cell activity of SAC was achieved by the depletion of FcR-positive cells, which were responsible for suppression of the Con A response. Low responsiveness of BN rats with respect to Lewis rats can in part be explained by a higher suppressive activity of macrophages in the BN rat.     

T cell growth factor from human splenic cell cultures: conditions for its production, and its utilization for maintenance of cytotoxic T cell lines

We prepared the T cell growth factor (TCGF) from human spleen cell cultures stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Various cell culture conditions and agents supporting the active TCGF production of the spleen cells were examined. The highest TCGF activity was obtained in the supernatants under the conditions that 2 x 10(6)/ml spleen cells were stimulated with PHA for 48 hr. Production of TCGF from spleen cells depended markedly on their individual sources. Addition of indomethacin to the culture or irradiation of the responding spleen cells increased TCGF activity in the supernatant of the culture. Further, addition of irradiated cells of an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) to spleen cell cultures stimulated with PHA greatly enhanced TCGF production. Human splenic TCGF facilitated the establishment of human cytotoxic T cell (Tc) lines specific for EBV-transformed LCL cells when those Tc line cells were stimulated periodically with irradiated autologous LCL cells but not with the other two types (K-562 or Molt-4) of cells. Allogeneic LCL stimulators allowed the Tc line cells to proliferate. However, Tc line cells cocultured once with allogeneic LCL stimulators no longer exhibited EBV-specificity in their cytotoxicities.     

Enhanced 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and metabolism in splenocytes from diabetic and diabetes-prone BB rats. Further evidence to support prior in vivo activation

Glucose metabolism in splenocytes from the BB rat was studied for the presence of abnormalities in [14C] 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-dGlc) uptake, [U-14C]glucose conversion to 14CO2, and the production of lactate and pyruvate. Cells were studied freshly isolated ("resting"), and following culture both unstimulated (control) and stimulated with concanavalin A (ConA) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) + ionomycin. Both resting and control cells from diabetic (BBd) and diabetes-prone (BBdp) rats transported more (p less than 0.05) 2-dGlc than did cells from nondiabetes-prone (BBn) rats. Consistent with prior in vivo activation, sustained in vitro, lactate production was higher (p less than 0.05) under control conditions in BBd and BBdp than in BBn cells. Lactate production increased less with ConA and PMA + ionomycin in both BBd and BBdp than in BBn cells. PMA + ionomycin increased 2-dGlc uptake as much in BBd and BBdp cells as in BBn cells. Elevated rates of pyruvate production were observed in BBd cells under resting, control, and (especially) ConA conditions, suggesting an abnormality in pyruvate conversion to lactate. Few changes were observed in 14CO2 production. The presence of similar abnormalities in BBdp cells to those of the BBd cells suggests that the diabetic state is not causal, and the absence of an in vitro effect of 15 mmol/liter glucose in BBn cells further tends to exclude hyperglycemia as a cause of these alterations.     

Recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor restores deficient immune responses in mice with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infections

Spleen cells from mice with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection generate a minimal plaque-forming response to SRBC in vitro. Addition of granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF to cultures of spleen cells from chronically infected mice restored the plaque-forming cells (PFC) response to normal levels. Splenic adherent cells from chronically infected mice were deficient in their ability to reconstitute the PFC response of accessory cell-depleted normal spleen cells. Preincubation of splenic adherent cells from infected mice with GM-CSF restored their ability to reconstitute the PFC response of adherent cell depleted cultures. Ia Ag expression by splenic adherent cells from chronically infected mice was significantly lower compared to Ia Ag expression of cells from normal mice. Incubation of splenic adherent cells from chronically infected mice for 48 h with GM-CSF increased levels of Ia Ag expression to approximately those of uninfected mice. Peritoneal macrophages from infected mice produced IL-1 after incubation with GM-CSF at levels equivalent to those produced by similarly treated control macrophages. Spleen cells from chronically infected mice showed significant induction of IL-2 mRNA after GM-CSF treatment, and the addition of the anti-IL-2 mAb to GM-CSF supplemented cultures of spleen cells from infected mice blocked the restoration of the anti-SRBC PFC response. Thus, the ability of GM-CSF to restore the anti-PFC response to SRBC appears to involve the up-regulation of accessory cell function that includes increased Ia Ag expression and the induction of IL-1 production. These events also involve increased IL-2 production with resultant up-regulation of the response to SRBC by spleen cells from infected mice. Finally, it was shown that treatment of infected mice with rGM-CSF completely restored their depressed PFC production in vivo.     

Electrochemical evaluation of lactate dehydrogenase immobilized in polyacrylamide gels

Lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) has been immobilized in polyacrylamide gels over a platinum grid matrix. The immobilized enzyme is used to oxidize L-lactate in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and ferricyanide. The NADH produced is then chemically oxidized back to NAD+ by ferricyanide. The coupled reduction of ferricyanide ions to ferrocyanide ions results in a measurable electrochemical potential. This measurable zero-current potential is found to be Nernstian in nature and directly proportional to the logarithm values of L-lactate concentration over the range of 2 X 10(-5) to 5 X 10(-2)M. The results indicate that immobilized lactate dehydrogenase can be incorporated into a system to detect L-lactate acid in aqueous solutions.     

A non-T: Non-B cell bears I-A,I-E,I-J,and Tla (Qa-1?) determinants

A non-T:non-B accessory cell in peritoneal washout or spleen-cell suspensions facilitates T-cell proliferative responses to the mitogen, concanavalin A. Utilizing monoclonal antibody, we show that this accessory cell bears the same I-A- and I-E-subregion controlled determinants as found on B cells. In addition, the same accessory cell bears a Tla (Qa-1?)-region and an I-J-subregion controlled determinant. This I-J determinant is also present on splenic accessory cells involved in in vitro antibody responses to sheep red blood cells. Data in a companion paper show that not all anti-I-J sera contain antibody reactive with the accessory cell, and suggest that T cells involved in the generation of suppressor activity and accessory cells bear different I-J-subregion controlled determinants.     

Regulation of T cell growth factor production: arrest of TCGF production after 18 hours in normal lectin-stimulated mouse spleen cell cultures

The detailed kinetics of TCGF accumulation in Con A-stimulated spleen cell cultures shows a maximum at 24 hr, with a subsequent decrease in activity. This decrease is not due to the appearance of inhibitory substances "masking" TCGF activity. Pulse experiments show that the rate of TCGF production falls sharply after 18 hr and is completely arrested after 24 hr of Con A stimulation. The arrest in TCGF production is the result neither of culture depletion in medium components nor of limiting accessory cell function or inactivation of the lectin, and it thus seem to be the result of inactivation of TCGF-producing T cells. This regulation is not the result of a TCGF-mediated feedback mechanism but rather of lectin-induced suppressive cells that appear in culture after 24 hr and turn off de novo production of TCGF in fresh cultures.     

Comparative metabolic analysis of lactate for CHO cells in glucose and galactose

t-PA producing CHO cells have been shown to undergo a metabolic shift when the culture medium is supplemented with a mixture of glucose and galactose. This metabolic change is characterized by the reincorporation of lactate and its use as an additional carbon source. The aim of this work is to understand lactate metabolism. To do so, Chinese hamster ovary cells were grown in batch cultures in four different conditions consisting in different combinations of glucose and galactose. In experiments supplemented with glucose, only lactate production was observed. Cultures with glucose and galactose consumed glucose first and produced lactate at the same time, after glucose depletion galactose consumption began and lactate uptake was observed. Comparison of the metabolic state of cells with and without the shift by metabolic flux analysis show that the metabolic fluxes distribution changes mostly in the reactions involving pyruvate metabolism. When not enough pyruvate is being produced for cells to support their energy requirements, lactate dehydrogenase complex changes the direction of the reaction yielding pyruvate to feed the TCA cycle. The slow change from high fluxes during glucose consumption to low fluxes in galactose consumption generates intracellular conditions that allow the influx of lactate. Lactate consumption is possible in cell cultures supplemented with glucose and galactose due to the low rates at which galactose is consumed. Evidence suggests that an excessive production and accumulation of pyruvate during glucose consumption leads to lactate production and accumulation inside the cell. Other internal conditions such as a decrease in internal pH, forces the flow of lactate outside the cell. After metabolic shift the intracellular pool of pyruvate, lactate and H⁺ drops permitting the reversal of the monocarboxylate transporter direction, therefore leading to lactate uptake. Metabolic analysis comparing glucose and galactose consumption indicates that after metabolic shift not enough pyruvate is produced to supply energy metabolism and lactate is used for pyruvate synthesis. In addition, MFA indicates that most carbon consumed during low carbon flux is directed towards maintaining energy metabolism.     

Use of dye affinity chromatography for the purification of Aerococcus viridans lactate oxidase

Lactate oxidase was purified from Aerococcus viridans (A. viridans) by dye affinity chromatography and FPLC ion exchange chromatography. The lactate oxidase could be purified by comparatively simple procedures, the purification achieved from a crude extract of A. viridans was 41-fold with a specific activity of 143 units/(mg of protein). The purified enzyme was a L-lactate oxidase, which catalyses the conversion of L-lactate in the presence of molecular oxygen to pyruvate and H(2)O(2). This purified lactate oxidase showed an apparent molecular mass of 48,200 in SDS-PAGE and the native molecular weight, as estimated by FPLC gel filtration, was 187,300. This molecular weight indicates that lactate oxidase exists in tetrameric form after gel filtration. To differing degrees, all the triazine dyes tested were inhibitors of lactate oxidase, solutions of free triazine dyes showing an inhibition mechanism which was both time- and pH-dependent.