Low energy proton irradiation effects on alveolar macrophages from young and aged rats

A prospective study was undertaken to assess the radiotoxicity of accelerated particles in pulmonary alveolar macrophages (AM). We evaluated the effects of a single dose (10-75 Gy) of an external low-energy (20 MeV) proton beam on cultured AM oxidative metabolism and phagocytic function. Macrophages are the first line of defense against invading pathogens and are known to generate superoxide anion (O2), nitric oxide (NO), and mediators of antimicrobial and antitumoral defense mechanisms. We obtained AM by bronchoalveolar lavage from young (1-2 month old) and aged (9-12 month old) male Wistar rats. Cell viability, phagocytosis, O2 and NO production in control and proton-irradiated cultured AM were evaluated The effect of proton irradiation on cell viability was dose-dependent The higher doses induced a dramatic decrease in viability in the aged population. Phagocytosis increased 1.3-1.4 fold inboth populations irrespective of the dose delivered. Generation of O2 was always higher in the aged population for all the doses assayed and showed no significant variation from the control values. In the young population a clear increase was observed with doses of 25 and 50 Gy. NO production in AM from young animals rose in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, proton irradiation did not affect NO production in macrophages from aged animals. The results of this study demonstrate that AM isolated from young and aged rats are functionally different and show a distinct behavior when exposed to proton irradiation. These findings suggest that age may condition response and must be taken into account when accelerated particle-radiotherapy protocols are considered as a valid therapeutic option for the treatment of cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report comparing sham-irradiated and proton-irradiated young and aged AM.

Effect of gamma radiation on the activity of hemocytes and on the course of Schistosoma mansoni infection in resistant Biomphalaria tenagophila snails

High doses of gamma radiation (10 Krad) in Biomphalaria tenagophila snails (Taim strain), which have been found to be resistant to Schistosoma mansoni, were not sufficient to impair their resistance to the parasite. The number of hemocytes, as well as their phagocytic activity, were not affected by irradiation, thus showing resemblance with mammal macrophages, which are resistant to gamma irradiation also.

The retinal pigment epithelium of Cr-deficient rats

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Cr deficiency on the rat retina. Three-week-old Wistar Kyoto rats were divided into 2 groups. Cr-deficient rats were fed AIN-93G diet without Cr and deionized distilled water. Control rats were fed AIN-93G diet and deionized distilled water. The Cr and sugar concentrations in the whole blood and cholesterol concentration in the serum were measured. We observed the retina with an electron microscope, and counted phagocytized lamellar structures in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) before and after the start of light exposure on negative electron microscopic films. The whole blood Cr level of Cr-deficient rats was less than 0.2 microg/l. The blood sugar level of Cr-deficient rats was significantly higher than that of normal rats (p < 0.05). There were significantly more phagocytized lamellar structures in the RPE of Cr-deficient rats 1, 2, 7, 11 and 12 h after the start of light exposure than in that of normal rats (p < 0.05). However, no morphological abnormalities were found in the photoreceptor cells of Cr-deficient rats. Phagocytosis in the photoreceptor outer segment discs in the RPE was accelerated, but the pattern of the retinal circadian rhythm with maximum phagocytosis 2 h after exposure to light was unchanged. The Cr-deficient state may cause the membrane to degenerate, and phagocytosis of the photoreceptor outer segment discs in the RPE may be accelerated. This study provided an evidence of the nutritional importance of Cr in rat retina.

Effect of K, MG aspartate on some biological parameters of aging rats

The effect of K and Mg salts of aspartic acid (Cardilan) on the serum concentration of selected proteins and phagocytic activity in aging male Wistar rats was investigated. Cardilan was administered in tap water for 7 days a month for 3 months before the last observed interval (12, 18 and 24 month). In a part of animals, the aging process was accelerated by sublethally gamma-irradiation. The administration of Cardilan slowed down the changes in the concentration of prealbumin, albumin, haptoglobin, haemopexin, C3 complement in non-irradiated rats (DC). This effect was extended to the changes in transferrin level in irradiated rats (IDC). The phagocytic activity in both DC, IDC rats was lower compared with controls drinking water (DW, IDW), but not significantly. The effect of Cardilan administration appears to be the greatest in 24-month-old rats, when the treated animals survived better by 25% in IDC group and by 26% better in DC rats, compared with those of the same age controls. Potassium and magnesium salts of aspartates are suitable compounds for life prolongation in the experimental conditions.

Influence of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and ultraviolet radiation on the transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes

The epidermal melanin unit in human skin is composed of melanocytes and keratinocytes. Melanocytes, located in the basal layer of the epidermis, manufacture melanin-loaded organelles called melanosomes. Through their dendritic processes, melanocytes distribute melanosomes to neighboring keratinocytes, where their presence confers to the skin its characteristic color and photoprotective properties. In this study, we used murine melanocytes and keratinocytes alone and in coculture to characterize the processes involved in melanosome transfer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induced an accumulation of melanosomes in melanocytes, whereas treatment with a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) induced exocytosis of melanosomes accompanied by ruffling of the melanocyte membrane. We found that keratinocytes phagocytose melanosomes and latex beads equally well and that this phagocytic process was increased by exposure of keratinocytes to UV radiation or to MSH. Coculture of melanocytes and keratinocytes resulted in an increase in MSH released to the medium. Gene array analysis of MSH-treated melanocytes showed up-regulation of many genes associated with exocytosis. In our studies, we never observed cytophagocytosis of melanosome-filled processes. This result, together with the other findings, suggests that a combination of signals that increase melanosome production and release by melanocytes and that stimulate phagocytosis by keratinocytes are the most relevant mechanisms involved in skin tanning.

Stimulation of phagocytosis and free radical production in murine macrophages by 50 Hz electromagnetic fields

Effects of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields on phagocytosis and free radical production were examined in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. Macrophages were in vitro exposed to electromagnetic fields using different magnetic field densities (0.5-1.5 mT). Short-time exposure (45 min) to electromagnetic fields resulted in significantly increased phagocytic uptake (36.3% +/- 15.1%) as quantified by measuring the internalization rate of latex beads. Stimulation with 1 nM 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) showed the same increased phagocytic activity as 1 mT electromagnetic fields. However, co-exposure to electromagnetic fields and TPA showed no further increase of bead uptake, and therefore we concluded that because of the absence of additive effects, the electromagnetic fields-induced stimulation of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages does not involve the protein kinase C signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, a significant increased superoxide production after exposure to electromagnetic fields was detected.

[Experimental studies of the value of SPIO for MRI of bone marrow before and after whole body irradiation]

PURPOSE

Evaluation of the value of superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIO; Endorem) for MRI-derived quantifications of the permeability of the blood-bone marrow barrier and the phagocytic activity of reticuloendothelial system (RES) bone marrow cells before and after TBI.

METHODS

12 New Zealand white rabbits underwent MRI of the lumbar spine and os sacrum using T1-weighted spinecho (SE) and T2-weighted Turbo-SE (TSE) sequences before and after injection of SPIO (Endorem). Four animals each were examined without irradiation, after 4 Gy total body irradiation (TBI), and after 12 Gy TBI. Changes in bone marrow signal intensities (SI) after contrast agent injection were quantified as delta SI(%) = SIpost-SIpre)/SIpre) x 100% and these data were correlated with bone marrow histopathology.

RESULTS

Histopathology of the bone marrow revealed a radiation-induced decline of all hematopoetic cell lines. SPIO were phagocytosed by bone marrow RES cells and caused a significant bone marrow signal decline on postcontrast T2-weighted images (p < 0.05). delta SI(%) data for T2-weighted images were significantly higher for the irradiated bone marrow as compared to non-irradiated controls (p < 0.05). Dynamic T1-weighted images directly after contrast medium injection were not able to characterize the permeability of the blood-bone marrow barrier.

CONCLUSION

Hematopoetic bone marrow can be labelled with SPIO. Irradiation does not impair the phagocytic activity of bone marrow RES cells. However, the bone marrow enhancement with SPIO is smaller as compared to previous results obtained by our group with USPIO.

UVB IRRADIATION SUPPRESSES CYTOKINE PRODUCTION AND INNATE CELLULAR IMMUNE FUNCTIONS IN MICE

We examined whether ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation (6 kJ/m2) alters cytokine production and other innate immune reactions by murine peritoneal macrophages and peripheral neutrophils. Along with these experiments, serum IgG levels were also assessed. In addition, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) we observed macrophages that had been exposed to UVB in vitro. Results showed that UVB irradiation: (1) decreased IL-12 production while increasing IL-1alpha secretion from macrophages, but had no effect on IL-1alpha from neutrophils; (2) suppressed phagocytosis of macrophages but not of neutrophils; (3) diminished active oxygen production of macrophages but not of neutrophils; (4) had no effect on serum IgG levels; and (5) caused significant cell destruction of macrophages in vitro. These results suggested: (1) that UVB irradiation could induce characteristic suppression of innate immunity; (2) that innate cellular immunity was more susceptible to the effects of UVB irradiation than humoral immunity.

Morphological observation on cell death and phagocytosis induced by ultraviolet irradiation in a cultured human lens epithelial cell line

The purpose of this study is to observe dynamic morphological changes induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in a cultured human lens epithelial cell line using electron microscopy, cell viability staining, time-lapsed videography and immunohistochemistry. Human lens epithelial cell line SRA 01-04 was cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) containing 20% fetal bovine serum. Subconfluent cells were irradiated under a bank of UV lamps, which emitted 275-400 nm radiation with a maximum at 310 nm. The UV intensity was 20 microW cm(-2)at dosages from 0 to 10 mJ cm(-2). Alterations in the morphology of the living cells were monitored and recorded with phase-contrast microscopy and time-lapsed videography. At different times, the cells were fixed and examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diamidinophenolindole (DAPI) staining, and in situ immunohistochemistry using TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). Cell viability was also assessed with crystal violet staining. At low doses of UV exposure (2-5 mJ cm(-2)), time-lapsed videography revealed definitive cell death that appeared to be primarily apoptotic. The dead cell debris was engulfed and phagocytosed by neighboring living cells. Phase-contrast microscopy and TEM demonstrated that, at UV 10 mJ cm(-2), the cells not only showed typical apoptosis such as nuclear membrane shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and fragmentation into apoptotic bodies, but also necrosis such as swelling of the nucleus and cell body, and disruption of the plasma membrane. In support, DNA staining and in situ immunohistochemical reactions in the UV irradiated cells were both positive. The phagocytotic process was also seen with TEM. UV irradiation thus appears to cause both apoptosis and necrosis in the cultured human lens epithelial cell line. Active migration and phagocytosis of the cells appear to be stimulated by UV-induced damage. These findings may also aid in the understanding of UV injury and repair mechanisms of lens epithelial cells in vivo.

[Cytological parameters of bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis exposed to laser radiation of blood]

AIM

Clinicocytological evaluation of efficacy of combined treatment of chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB) in exacerbation with application of laser radiation of blood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Combined treatment with the use of He-Ne intravenous and transcutaneous radiation of blood was given to 32 patients with COB. 27 COB patients treated without blood irradiation served control. Mean age of the patients (39 males and 20 females) was 59 +/- 9.5 years. In addition to conventional methods of examination and control of the treatment effect, cytological and bacteriological tests of BAL precipitate smears were made.

RESULTS

Combined COB treatment with the use of laser blood radiation has an antiinflammatory action, promotes normalization of mucociliary transport, activation of phagocytosis and immune defense, cleansing of bronchial tree, reduction of obstruction (by FEV per 1 s), effective management of exacerbations. Hospital stay decreased by 3-4 days. Blood irradiation has the advantages as a noninvasive method.

CONCLUSION

Clinical, cytological and bacteriological tests, determination of FEV provide a significant assessment of treatment efficacy in dynamics and facilitate the choice of the most effective regimen for management of COB in exacerbation.

[The efficacy of the transcutaneous magnetic-laser irradiation of the blood in acute salpingo-oophoritis]

The effect of including transcutaneous low-intensity magnetic-laser radiation of blood in combined antiinflammatory therapy of salpingo-oophoritis was studied. This physiotherapy stimulates phagocytic activity of neutrophilic leukocytes of the peripheral blood, promotes faster normalization of enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems of these cells.

Decreased phagocytic capacity of rat peritoneal macrophages following photon abdominal irradiation

Photon irradiation of the abdomen may be accompanied by complications due to a decrease in the immune defense of the recipient. Since peritoneal macrophages are an important component of the immune system, we examined the phagocytic activity and oxygen superoxide anion generation by peritoneal macrophages from rats 2 and 4 weeks after abdominal irradiation with 6 MV photons applying a single dose of 2 Gy. Two and 4 weeks after irradiation, peritoneal macrophages were harvested and their capacity to engulf latex particles and to produce oxygen superoxide anions was determined. Non-irradiated rats, treated identically otherwise, served as controls. Two weeks after irradiation the phagocytic capacity and oxygen superoxide anion generation decreased by 61 and 70%, respectively, compared with controls. This tendency persisted after 4 weeks post irradiation, the decrease in both functions being 50 and 74%, respectively. It is suggested that the altered function of peritoneal macrophages following irradiation may further compromise the immune defense in patients receiving abdominal radiotherapy.

[The assessment of the immune status of women exposed to the action of radiation and chemical factors]

Some results of a complex medical study of Chernobyl disaster liquidators and its contaminated catchment areas population. The immunity status of 279 women had been analyzed as compared to that of control groups of 92 women, living in similar conditions. It was found out, that long after the disaster factors' disappearance, in the women's immunity system a derangement has been noticed in the form of T-lymphocyte increased content and a suppressed functional activity of immune-competent cells, which should be born in mind at the regular medical check-ups. Long-time and low-intensive radiation usually resulted in cell and humoral immunity disorders. That in combination with chemical factors lead to a secondary immunodeficiency state development with a following pharmacological correction necessity (by cytokines).

Systemic suppression of human peripheral blood phagocytic leukocytes after whole-body UVB irradiation

We examined systemic effects of whole-body UVB irradiation on human peripheral blood phagocytes. We found that 24 h after a single erythemal dose of UVB radiation two phagocyte functions, adhesion and phagocytosis, were reduced by 50%. This functional suppression was accompanied by a significant decrease in the expression of complement receptors (CR1 and CR3) and IgG Fc receptors (FcRII and FcRIII). The greatest reduction (47%) was observed in CR3, which is important for both adhesion and phagocytosis. A kinetic analysis showed that both CR1 and CR3 levels started to decrease 15 min after the UVB exposure, reaching the lowest levels at 4.5- and 24-h time points, respectively. The down-modulation of CRs after whole-body UVB exposure was not due to a defective receptor synthesis or translocation from internal stores to plasma membrane because the maximal CR levels in stimulated cells were not affected by UVB. No change in the serum soluble ICAM-1 was detected after UVB, which rules out CD1 1b epitope masking by sICAM-1. UVB did not release low-receptor-density myeloid progenitor cells from storage pools into circulation. Interleukin 10, a mediator of UVB-induced immunosuppression, was unable to modulate CR expression in vitro. When seven suberythemal whole-body UVB exposures were given repeatedly within 2 weeks, a significant decrease in CR expression was seen, which was greatest after three irradiations. Our data suggest that an exposure to UVB has systemic effects in humans which, possibly due to the down-modulation of preexisting cell-surface receptors, suppress some important functions of circulating phagocytic cells.

[The possibility of immunocorrection in spinal-spinal cord trauma by using intravenous laser irradiation]

The natural defense factors of the body and the cell factors of immunity were studied in 60 patients with acute and early spinal trauma. Immunodeficiency develops in 100% of cases with acute and early spinal trauma. Blood intravenous laser radiation at wave lengths of 632 and 830 nm was shown to produce an immunostimulating effect.

In vitro He-Ne laser effect on some immunological functions of the polymorphonuclears and monocytes in rabbits

The aim of this study is to evaluate in vitro the effect of Helium-Neon (He-Ne) laser irradiation on the viability, adherence, phagocytic activity of the polymorphonuclears and monocytes. Also the level of metabolic processes in phagocytizing blood cells, monocytes and polymorphonuclears was estimated and evaluated by the INT-test. Evaluation of the leukocyte adherence, the method of MacGregor was used. Phagocytic activity was examined by classical method using microspherical hydrophilic particles (Hema-particles). He-Ne laser in a small dosage (< or = 0.8 J) increases the leukocyte adherence, after higher laser irradiation dosage (> 1.2 J) the leukocyte adherence is decreased. The laser effect on the phagocytic activity of both types of blood cells, polymorphonuclears and monocytes is similar. Small dosage of the laser irradiation increases the phagocytic activity, and after higher laser irradiation phagocytic activity is decreased. Also the changes of the level of metabolic processes in the phagocytizing cells are very similar with the changes of phagocytic activity. The viability of the blood cells examined after higher laser irradiation is gradually decreased.

Ultrastructure of alveolar macrophages under endobronchial laser therapy of acute and chronic inflammatory lung disease

512 specimens of the bronchoalveolar fluid of 171 patients with acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the lung were studied. It was shown that significant qualitative and quantitative changes in cellular composition of the bronchoalveolar fluid occurred under the influence of a helium-neon laser: an increase in the percentage of macrophages and a decrease in the percentage of neutrophils. With the help of autoradiographic studies the induction of metabolic and proliferative activity (according to level of RNA- and DNA-synthesis) of alveolar macrophages after laser treatment was revealed. Based on morphologic changes of the respiratory compartment of the lung, conclusions were drawn about the stimulation of the functional activity of alveolar macrophages as a basis of the clinical effect of laser therapy on acute and chronic inflammatory processes.

Involvement of metallothioneins in regulation of macrophage activity after combined radiation and thermal injury

The levels of reduced metallothioneins (MT) in peritoneal macrophages and liver of mice subjected to combined radiation and chemical injury displayed opposite changes: the macrophage level of MT decreased and the liver MT increased. Simultaneously, there was an increase in luminol- and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence of phagocytizing macrophages. Stimulation with CdCl2, a MT inducer, for three days before the injury increased the levels of MT in macrophages but decreased its liver levels. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in the intensity of the luminol-dependent but not lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. Administration of CdCl2 after the injury facilitated the induction of reduced MT in liver cells; however, its levels in macrophages remained low, and the intensity of their chemiluminescence did not decrease. The data suggest that MT is involved in oxidative metabolism and regulation of macrophage activity after combined radiation and thermal injury.

Laser and serum opsonic activity

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low level laser (LLL: GaA1As diode laser; 830 nm) on serum opsonic activity, which was assessed by neutrophil-associated chemiluminescence (CL) response to zymosan opsonized with sera irradiated in vitro with various doses of LLL. We used both lucigenin-dependent CL (LgCL) for superoxide (O2-) detection and luminol-dependent CL (LmCL) which detects myeloperoxidase (MPO)-dependent formation of hypochlorous acid in combination with MPO inhibitor, sodium azide (NaN3). When serum opsonic activity was assessed by LgCl, NaN3, markedly enhanced the responses, suggesting that O2- is accumulated due to the MPO blockade, leading to the excitation of LgCl. However, LLL-irradiation had no effects on serum opsonic activity. On the other hand, when serum opsonic activity was assessed by LmCl, NaN3, strongly inhibited the response. The effects of LLL at different output powers were characterized by similar values, but significantly higher values were observed at the highest dose tested (60 mW for 1 min) in the absence of NaN3. Since this enhancement effect disappeared with NaN3, it was suggested that high dose LLL-irradiation probably activated the opsonic activity by facilitating neutrophils to degranulate MPO. However, lower doses used for therapeutic purposes had no effects at any output powers tested.