Augmentation of intraocular inflammation by melanin

The inflammatory response in endogenous uveitis or after anterior segment surgery was noted to be substantially greater in heavily pigmented eyes. Because varying amounts of melanin are released into the anterior chamber after intraocular inflammation, it was hypothesized that a proinflammatory effect of melanin might account for the enhanced inflammatory response in these eyes. To test this hypothesis, albino (BALB/c) or pigmented (C57BL/6) mice were challenged in the anterior chamber 2 weeks after a subcutaneous foot pad injection of horse serum or conalbumin dissolved in Freund's complete adjuvant. The degree of inflammation in the challenged eyes was determined by histologic examination 72 hr after the challenge. In all cases, the inflammatory infiltrate consisted mainly of polymorphonuclear leukocytes suggestive of an Arthus reaction. An anterior chamber challenge of horse serum-sensitized BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice with horse serum alone resulted in mild inflammation, which was augmented markedly by challenge with a combination of horse serum and melanin. The presence of melanin in the anterior chamber similarly increased the inflammatory response of conalbumin-sensitized mice to anterior chamber challenge with conalbumin. Melanin in the anterior chamber also significantly (P less than 0.05) augmented the inflammatory response of conalbumin-sensitized mice to a horse serum challenge, but it did not significantly augment the inflammatory response of horse serum-sensitized mice to a conalbumin challenge. The heterologous antigens induced minimal inflammation in the absence of melanin. Injection of melanin alone did not evoke an inflammatory response. Ocular challenge with melanin alone or in combination with antigen induced minimal inflammation in nonsensitized mice. However, preincubation of melanin with sera from horse serum-sensitized mice significantly increased its proinflammatory capacity when injected with horse serum into the anterior chamber of nonsensitized mice. In vitro binding studies using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated mouse immunoglobulin G showed a high binding capacity of melanin for immunoglobulin G. It was concluded that the presence of free melanin in the anterior chamber can increase intraocular inflammation. Although the mechanism(s) by which melanin augments inflammation has not been defined, these data suggest that the binding of serum components (such as antibodies) to melanin may contribute to its proinflammatory effect.

[Effects of ferulic acid on allergic reaction]

Ferulic acid (FA) 70, 140 mg.kg-1 ip clearly inhibited homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and degranulation of mast cells of calvarial periosteum, active and passive Arthus reactions in rats. Reversed cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats and Forssman cutaneous vasculitis in guinea pigs were suppressed by FA 140 mg.kg-1. The delayed hypersensitivity reaction induced by sheep red blood cell (SRBC) or dinitrochlorbenzene (DNCB) in mice were also dramaticaly inhibited by FA 100, 200 mg.kg-1. FA 200, 400 mg.kg-1 ig significantly enhanced phagocytic function of mononuclear phagocyte. These results suggest that FA has extensive inhibitory effects on type I, II, III, and IV allergic reactions.

In vivo effect of prothymosin-alpha 1 on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in the young rat

There is a large body of evidence for the role of thymosin peptides in immunogenesis and immunity. In this paper we report on the influence of prothymosin alpha 1 (ProT-alpha 1), a hormone-like peptide derived from the calf thymus, on humoral and cellular immune reactions in the rat. Young adults received intraperitoneal injections of ProT-alpha 1 in the periods before and after immunization with cellular and soluble antigens. ProT-alpha-treatment produced a dose-dependent increase of both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The thymus weight increased but not that of spleen. Treatment of nonimmunized rats with this polypeptide significantly elevated the number of CD4+ and decreased the number of CD8+ cells in the peripheral blood. The results suggest a potent immunostimulatory activity of ProT-alpha 1 and imply direct action of this polypeptide on T lymphocytes.

Magnetic fields, brain and immunity: effect on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses

Magnetic fields (MF) can influence biological systems in a wide range of animal species and humans. We report here on the influence of static MF, locally applied to the brain area, on immune system performances in the rat. In the first series of experiments two AKMA micromagnets (M) with the influx density of 600 Gauss were bilaterally implanted (with "N" polarity facing the cranial bones) and fixed to the skull posterior to the fronto-parietal suture (parietal brain exposure). Rats implanted with iron beads (I) and sham-operated (SO) rats served as controls. Animals were exposed to MF or I during different periods of time before and after immunization with several soluble or cellular antigens. We report here on the in vivo immunoregulating effects of centrally applied MF on plaque-forming cell (PFC) response, local hypersensitivity skin reactions and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. The selective influence of MF applied to different brain regions on PFC response was evaluated, as well. For this purpose, two M were bilaterally implanted in the area of (a) frontal, (b) parietal and (c) occipital brain regions. Rats were under the influence of MF for 20 days before and 4 days after immunization with sheep red blood cells. Groups of nonimmunized rats were exposed for 14, 24 and 34 days to parietally implanted M or I, and the number of peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ cells determined by mouse anti-rat W3/25 and MRC OX 8 monoclonal antibodies. The results show an overall in vivo immunopotentiation of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in rats exposed to MF. Furthermore, these immunomodulating effects of centrally applied MF depend on at least two basic parameters, time of exposure and brain region exposed. The highest immune performance was obtained after exposure of the occipital brain region for a total period of 24 days. The results provide further evidence of the complex interrelationship between the environment, the central nervous system and the immune system.

Effect of dopamine, L-dopa, carbidopa and L-dopa/carbidopa on arthus and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions in the rat

This study deals with the effects of dopamine (DA), L-dopa, carbidopa and L-dopa/carbidopa on immuno-inflammatory skin reactions in the rat. For this purpose, male Wistar rats immunized with bovine serum albumin in Freund's adjuvant were treated subcutaneously with different doses of DA, L-dopa, carbidopa and L-dopa/carbidopa, for a period of 14 consecutive days or 3 days before skin-testing with BSA. An additional group of rats received 1 injection of a dopamine-related drug 4 hours before and 1 injection 4 hours after skin-testing. Corresponding controls were treated with saline. Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions were read at 4 and 24 hours respectively. The results showed that repeated injections of DA, L-dopa and L-dopa/carbidopa significantly suppressed Arthus and delayed reactions. The highest suppression was recorded in rats treated with L-dopa plus carbidopa. Concerning the dose required for immunosuppression it appears that DA was the most effective. Carbidopa did not affect hypersensitivity skin reactions. These results suggest the in vivo relationship between dopamine-related compounds (L-dopa and DA) and immuno-inflammatory reactions. Most probably, L-dopa when is given alone converts into DA and this increase of DA content in periphery depresses immune reactions. However, L-dopa given together with carbidopa (an enzyme which prevents decarboxylation of L-dopa into DA, and enables the penetration of L-dopa into CNS) augments the content of DA in the brain and thus affects immune responses. It appears, therefore, that L-dopa and DA act both peripherally and centrally on immune responsiveness.

Studies on immunopotentiating activities of antitumor polysaccharide from aerial parts of Taraxacum platycarpum

The polysaccharide fraction from Taraxii Herba showed potent immunopotentiating activities with antitumor activities. The fraction having small amount of protein inhibited the growth of solid tumor and increased peritoneal exudate cells and immunoorgan weights in normal mice, and also increased hypersensitivities in tumor bearing mice.

[Effects of YM-13650 on type I to type IV allergic reactions and immune responses in animals]

The effects of YM-13650 on experimental animal models of cell-mediated immune responses (type IV), antibody formation and type I to type III allergic reactions were investigated. YM-13650 in the dose range of 6.3 to 100 mg/kg, p.o., inhibited the picrylchloride-induced delayed type hypersensitivity (Pc-DTH) in mice when administered during the induction and the effector phases. The compound also inhibited the Pc-DTH enhanced by the pretreatment with cyclophosphamide, and even bilateral adrenalectomy failed to reduce the inhibitory effect of the compound on Pc-DTH in mice. YM-13650 in doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o., prolonged the survival time of allogenic skin grafts in mice. However, no significant effect was observed on hapten-specific IgE and HA antibody production and PFC formation in mice in doses up to 300 mg/kg, p.o. YM-13650 inhibited the passive Arthus reaction in guinea pigs and the reversed passive Arthus reaction in rats (type III). On the other hand, YM-13650 did not show any inhibitory effect on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats (type I), Forssman shock in guinea pigs (type II) and carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats. These results indicate that YM-13650 suppresses not only cell-mediated immune responses but also type III allergic reactions without any influence on type I and type II allergic reactions as well as an acute inflammatory reaction.

Suppression of vascular injury at the Arthus reaction site by a complement inhibitor, 5,5',5''-(1,3,6-naphthalene-triyl-tris[sulfonylimino])-tris (1,3-benzene disulfonic acid) hexasodium salt

A novel polyanionic complement inhibitor 5,5,5''-(1,3,6-naphthalene-triyl-tris[sulfonylimino])-tris(1 ,3-benzene- disulfonic acid) hexasodium salt (compound IIb) was tested for its ability to suppress vascular injury at the site of the Arthus reaction (AR). In control animals in which AR was evoked without drug treatment, venules at AR sites ranged from normal (arbitrarily defined as stage I) to destroyed (stage V). Between these two ends of the spectrum were venules with an accumulation of cells and deposits of electron dense material (stage II), accumulations of cells and deposits and small endothelial gappings (stage III), and accumulations of cells and depositions which had spread into perivascular tissue and small gappings (stage IV). In animals treated with compound IIb, the AR stopped at stage III or IV depending on the dose, it never reached stage V. In other words compound IIb treatment resulted in protection of endothelium, basal lamina and other structures from the destruction which is characteristically observed in the AR. The effect of high doses of compound IIb was similar to that described before for suramin.

Recombinant soluble human complement receptor type 1 inhibits inflammation in the reversed passive arthus reaction in rats

The human CR1 was genetically engineered by site directed mutagenesis into a truncated form which was secreted from transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. This soluble recombinant CR1 (sCR1) was purified from the supernatants of the Chinese hamster ovary cells cultured in a hollow fiber bioreactor. sCR1 inhibits the C3 and C5 convertases of the classical and the alternative pathways in vitro. The ability of sCR1 to inhibit the immune complex-mediated inflammation in vivo was tested in a rat reversed passive Arthus reaction model. Administration of sCR1 at the dermal sites reduced the Arthus vasculitis in a dose-dependent manner as judged by both gross and microscopic examination, as well as by immunohistologic localization of C3 and C5b-9 neoantigen deposits. These data suggest that sCR1 inhibits the Arthus reaction by interrupting the activation of the C cascade, hence limiting the detrimental immune complex-induced tissue damage in vivo.

Inhibitors of immune complex-induced inflammation: 5-substituted 3-[1-(2-benzoxazolyl)hydrazino]propanenitrile derivatives

A number of 5-substituted 3-[1-(2-benzoxazolyl)hydrazino]propanenitrile analogues have been studied as inhibitors of the rat pleural reverse passive Arthus reaction, and quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) of these analogues have been examined. The QSAR equations indicate that hydrophilic substituents at the 5-position produce more potent compounds, while electron-releasing groups decrease activity. The results supplement QSAR data we previously obtained from the dermal reverse passive Arthus reaction.

Quantitative structure-activity relationships of inhibitors of immune complex-induced inflammation: 1-phenyl-3-aminopyrazoline derivatives

Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) of the 1-phenyl-3-aminopyrazoline analogues as inhibitors of immune complex-induced inflammation have been studied. The correlation suggests that the overall size of the phenyl substituents are of importance, and bulky groups have negative effects on potency. The negative steric effects are gradually increased from ortho to meta to para positions. The negative steric effects were sometimes altered by the electronic effects of the substituents. Electron-releasing groups on the phenyl ring increased potency, while electron-withdrawing groups decreased it. Ortho substituents, however, have unaccounted for additional deleterious effects described here with an indicator variable. The octanol-water partition coefficient (log P) and dissociation constants (pKa) of the 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-aminopyrazoline analogue have been experimentally determined.

Stimulation of anaphylaxis in the mouse footpad by dietary fish oil fatty acids

The effect of fish oil-derived omega-3 (omega-3) fatty acids on anaphylaxis, Arthus and delayed type hypersensitivity reactions in mice has been investigated. Mice on a normal chow diet were fed eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid at a dose of 500 and 333 mg/kg/day, respectively, by a gastric tube over a period of 61 days. Control groups were given water, safflower oil or oleic acid. Anaphylactic and Arthus type reactions were induced in the mouse footpad using bovine serum albumin as an antigen. Carrageenin was utilized to produce a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The animals fed omega-3 fatty acids induced a more anaphylactic foodpad reaction. There was no significant effect of the diet on Arthus and delayed type hypersensitivity responses. There was no effect of the fish oil-supplemented diet on production of antibodies to bovine serum albumin. Synthesis of prostaglandin E2 by peritoneal macrophages was significantly inhibited in the animals fed omega-3 fatty acid-enriched fish oil, while leukotriene B4 production was not affected. These results suggest that a diet enriched in omega-3 fatty acids modulates production of arachidonic acid metabolites and this may influence anaphylaxis, but not Arthus and cellular mediated hypersensitivity responses.

Accumulation of 111In-neutrophils in rabbit skin in allergic and non-allergic inflammatory reactions in vivo. Inhibition by neutrophil pretreatment in vitro with a monoclonal antibody recognizing the CD18 antigen

The mAb 60.3 recognizes the neutrophil CD18 Ag. We have investigated the effect of in vitro pretreatment of radiolabeled neutrophils with mAb 60.3 on their accumulation in vivo. Further, we have compared the in vivo effects of mAb 60.3 with its effects on neutrophil adherence in vitro. Neutrophil accumulation in vivo was measured in response to: 1) exogenous mediators FMLP, C5a des Arg, LTB4 and IL-1; 2) endogenous mediators generated in a non-allergic inflammatory reaction induced by zymosan; and 3) endogenous mediators generated in two allergic inflammatory reactions, a passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction and a reversed passive Arthus reaction in rabbit skin. Pretreatment of neutrophils with mAb 60.3 inhibited their accumulation in all the responses. The results demonstrate that there is a common mechanism mediating neutrophil accumulation in these inflammatory reactions. Neutrophils pretreated with mAb 60.3 were also unresponsive to chemoattractants in in vitro adherence assays. However, the antibody-treated neutrophils responded normally to FMLP and C5a with respect to granular enzyme release. These results suggest that the basal expression of CD18 Ag is important for the adherence of neutrophils to microvascular endothelial cells stimulated by the local generation, or administration, of chemical mediators in vivo. Despite the fact that mediators such as FMLP can increase CD18 expression in vitro, it appears more likely that such mediators act in vivo by inducing a conformational change in the basally expressed neutrophil adhesive molecules.

Enhancement of the Arthus reaction and suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) by pluronic F-68, a detergent frequently used to prepare perfluorocarbon emulsions

The effect of a 20% w/v RM101 (perfluorobutyltetrahydrofuran) emulsion containing 5% w/v of the detergent Pluronic F-68 or 5% w/v Pluronic F-68 given alone on the Arthus reaction and on delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) were evaluated in female A/J mice. The test substances were administered i.v. at 1% body weight at 0,4,7,14 and 28 days prior to the i.p. immunization with 10(7) sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The increase in footpad swelling at 4 h (Arthus reaction) and at 24 h (DTH) after elicitation with the s.c. administration of 10(8) SRBC into the left footpad was used to assess immune competence. Pluronic F-68 given alone enhanced the Arthus reaction only when administered on day 0 of immunization. Pluronic F-68 given alone, as well as the perfluorocarbon emulsion containing Pluronic F-68, suppressed the 24 h DTH for as long as 4 days prior to immunization. Nonemulsified perfluorocarbon, on the other hand, had no effect on either the Arthus reaction or on DTH. The immunostimulatory agent, levamisole, administered (10 mg/kg i.p.) 1.5-2 h prior to immunization with SRBC counteracted both the Arthus reaction and the DTH response produced by Pluronic F-68. The present data clearly demonstrate that the changes in Arthus reaction and the DTH response are due to the Pluronic F-68 used to emulsify the RM101 perfluorocarbon; the changes induced by the detergent in these two immune parameters probably involve separate mechanisms.

Pharmacological properties of YM-11124, a selective immunosuppressive agent for cell-mediated immunity

Effect of YM-11124 on cell-mediated immune responses, type I to type III allergic reactions and inflammatory reaction was determined in mice, rats and guinea pigs. YM-11124 inhibited picryl chloride- and methylated bovine serum albumin-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions by the treatment during both the sensitization and the elicitation phases in mice. Bilateral adrenalectomy did not prevent the suppression of DTH response by YM-11124. YM-11124 significantly prolonged the survival time of allogenic skin grafts in mice. Furthermore, YM-11124 inhibited the passive Arthus reaction in guinea pigs and the reversed passive Arthus reaction in rats. However, YM-11124 did not affect the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in rats, Forssman shock in guinea pigs and paw edema in rats. These results indicate that YM-11124 suppresses not only cell-mediated immune responses (type IV allergic reactions) but also type III allergic reactions without influence on types I and II allergic reactions as well as acute inflammation.

Effects of FR50948, a new orally active antiallergic agent, in experimental allergic models

The antiallergic activity of sodium 10-(2,3-dimethyl pentanamido)-4-oxo-4H-pyrimido [1,2-C] quinazoline-3-carboxylate-hydrate (FR50948) was studied and compared with the activities of sodium cromoglycate (SCG) and lodoxamide. FR50948 had inhibitory effects on type I and type III allergic reactions, but not on type II and IV allergic reactions. FR50948 also had weak inhibitory effects on inflammation (carrageenin paw edema and adjuvant arthritis) and SRS release from rat neutrophils, but no antagonistic effects to histamine and serotonin. The inhibitory effect of FR50948 on IgE-mediated type I allergic reactions was essentially the same as those of SCG and lodoxamide, because FR50948 inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells and had cross tachyphylaxis with SCG in the rat PCA test. However, FR50948, like lodoxamide, had a stronger activity than SCG and was effective by the oral route, unlike SCG which was effective only by the parenteral route. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of FR50948 on type III reactions and inflammatory reactions were much more potent than those of SCG and equal to those of lodoxamide, and the effect on IgG-mediated PCA was stronger than that of either reference drug. These results suggest that FR50948 will be beneficial in clinical use.

Relationship between antigen levels in middle ear and antigen passage through round window membrane in antigen-induced otitis media

By using an antigen-induced (Arthus) otitis media (OM) model in chinchillas sensitized with human serum albumin (HSA), we investigated the passage of HSA through the round window membrane (RWM) by measuring HSA levels in both the middle ear fluid (MEF) and the perilymph (PL). The effect of corticosteroid treatment on HSA passage was also studied. Mean HSA levels in both the MEF and the PL were proportional to the HSA dose administered (0.5, 5, 50 mg/ml). The proportion of HSA-positive PL samples was significantly lower in the sensitized group than that of the control (p less than 0.01). HSA levels in the PL appear to depend on HSA levels in the MEF, which were significantly depressed in the sensitized animals. These results suggest that an immunological reaction may be involved in the reduction of antigen (HSA) passage through the RWM by reducing antigen concentrations in the MEF. Corticosteroid treatment reduces the passage of HSA into the PL in non-sensitized animals.

Sensorineural hearing loss in antigen-induced otitis media

Chinchillas were sensitized with human serum albumin (HSA). When circulating antibody-titers were sufficiently elevated as to induce local inflammation, 1 ml of HSA (50, 5, 0.5 mg/ml) was instilled into the left middle ear cavity from the superior bulla. HSA containing a steroid agent was instilled into the right ear. Non-sensitized animals were used as control. In the sensitized animals, a significant hearing loss occurred at higher frequencies. The loss was dose-related. Less severe hearing loss was found following steroid treatment. We conclude that sensorineural hearing loss can occur in antigen-induced otitis media.

Ferritin selectively suppresses delayed-type hypersensitivity responses at induction or effector phase

The effect of ferritin on the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and Arthus-type reaction as assessed by footpad reaction using methylated human serum albumin, human serum albumin, or sheep red blood cells as antigens was investigated. Intraperitoneally administered ferritin was short acting and suppressed either induction or expression of DTH depending on the time of ferritin injection although it did not inhibit the antibody-mediated inflammatory response, the Arthus reaction. Investigation of ferritin's effect on the primary antibody response revealed that the number of IgG plaque-forming cells (PFC) was moderately decreased but IgM PFC were not. These results indicate that the afferent limb, ferritin selectively suppresses antigen presentation and/or clonal expansion of effector cells of cell-mediated immunity, but not that of the antibody response. Antigen presentation by Ia-positive cells and/or lymphokine-responsive inflammatory mononuclear cells at the efferent limb of DTH is suggested to be affected by ferritin. This conclusion is based upon the observations of successful TDTH effector cell transfer from sensitized but ferritin-treated donors and of successful reversal of ferritin-induced suppression of expression of DTH by supplementing normal bone marrow-derived cells containing Ia-positive ones. Thus our in vivo experimental system might be useful for the differential analysis of immunopathological lesions such as a T-cell-mediated, monocyte-dependent and an antibody-mediated inflammatory lesions.

Inhibition by SRI 63-072 and SRI 63-119 of PAF-acether and immune complex effects in the guinea pig

We have examined two PAF-acether receptor antagonists, SRI 63-072 and SRI 63-119, for their ability to inhibit PAF-acether and immune complex effects in the guinea pig. Both compounds exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of bronchoconstriction and hemoconcentration induced by 0.1 micrograms kg-1 PAF-acether, where the ED50 values of SRI 63-072 were 0.3/0.4 mg kg-1 i.a. and 0.14/0.17 mg kg-1 i.a. for SRI 63-119 for each response, respectively. The d and 1 chiral forms of both antagonists were equipotent towards inhibition of hemoconcentration and bronchoconstriction, suggesting a lack of enantiomeric selectively. SRI 63-072 was further evaluated for its ability to inhibit dermal extravasation in the reverse passive Arthus reaction. Guinea pigs given 125I-BSA i.v as antigen and anti-BSA antibodies by intradermal injection exhibited plasma leakage that was dose- and time-dependent relative to the antibody amount. SRI 63-072 exhibited 46% maximal inhibition of dermal plasma leakage when injected in the skin (100 micrograms site-1 i.d.) with the antibody but less than 10% inhibition when administered intra-arterially (3.0 mg kg-1 i.a.) with the antigen. Therefore, these antagonists effectively inhibit systemic effects of PAF-acether and are partially effective towards inhibition of the dermal extravasation induced by immune complexes. Furthermore, unlike the enantiomeric differences between R and S PAF-acether, the chiral molecules of 63-119 and 63-072 effectively antagonized hemoconcentration and bronchoconstriction induced by PAF-acether.