Perindopril effects on angiotensin I elimination in lung after experimental myocardial injury induced by intracoronary microembolization in rats

The objective of the study was to determine whether angiotensin (Ang) I elimination in lung circulation depends on the degree of myocardial damage with and without early long-term perindopril treatment in a rat model of myocardial injury induced by intracoronary microembolization. Twenty-one days after surgery, steady-state arterial [125I]-Ang I and [125I]-Ang II blood concentrations were measured after high-performance liquid chromatography separation during i.v. infusion of [125I]-Ang I in three groups of male Wistar conscious rats: (a) sham-operated rats receiving saline (sham group, n = 6); (b) rats after coronary microembolization receiving saline (saline group, n = 7); and (c) rats after coronary microembolization receiving perindopril (2 mg/kg/day; from days 2-20 after embolization; perindopril group, n = 6). Ang I clearance and the Ang I-to-Ang II concentration ratio (R) were estimated. The embolization per se resulted in focal fibrosis, appearance of hypertrophic and dystrophic cardiac myocytes, and was accompanied by increased Ang I clearance (1,479 vs. 314 ml/min in sham group), 1.8-fold decreased [125I]-Ang II arterial level, and decreased R (0.5 vs. 1.2 in sham group; p < 0.05). Only Ang I concentrations and R were correlated with number of scars (r = -0.77; p < 0.05; and r = -0.82; p < 0.01, respectively). Captopril bolus (1 mg/kg, i.v.) caused similar reduction in [125I]-Ang II blood concentration in both sham and saline groups, but a significant increase of [125I]-Ang I blood concentration was detected in the sham group only. Thus in rats with coronary microembolization, a higher proportion of Ang I in lung circulation is eliminated by pathways independent of angiotensin-converting enzyme. In the perindopril group, a reduced number of scars (seven vs. 17 per slice in the saline group; p < 0.05), density of dystrophic and hypertrophic cardiac myocytes, and increased content of cell glycogen were observed. It was accompanied by normalized arterial [125I]-Ang I concentration, Ang I clearance, and R; [125I]-Ang II concentration tended to that in sham group. Only in the sham and perindopril groups was there significant correlation between Ang I and Ang II concentrations. The clear relation between number of scars per slice and R (r = -0.83; p < 0.01) was observed in all rats with embolized coronary vessels (saline and perindopril groups together). In conclusion, in this experimental, model Ang I elimination in the lung circulation was directly related to the degree of myocardial damage. Early perindopril treatment prevented maladaptive changes in Ang I processing and led to significant reduction of the undesirable aftereffects of myocardial tissue damage. Our data demonstrate the cardioprotective action of perindopril based on its beneficial influence on the renin-angiotensin system disturbances.

Localization and expression of AQP5 in cornea, serous salivary glands, and pulmonary epithelial cells

Aquaporin (AQP) 5 gene was recently isolated from salivary gland and identified as a member of the AQP family. The mRNA expression and localization have been examined in several organs. The present study was focused on elucidation of AQP5 expression and localization in the eye, salivary gland, and lung in rat. RNase protection assay confirmed intense expression of AQP5 mRNA in these organs but negligible expression in other organs. To examine the mRNA expression sites in the eye, several portions were microdissected for total RNA isolation. AQP5 mRNA was enriched in cornea but not in other portions (retina, lens, iris/ciliary body, conjunctiva, or sclera). AQP5 was selectively localized on the surface of corneal epithelium in the eye by immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy using an affinity-purified anti-AQP5 antibody. AQP5 was also localized on apical membranes of acinar cells in the lacrimal gland and on the microvilli protruding into intracellular secretory canaliculi of the serous salivary gland. In the lung, apical membranes of type I pulmonary epithelial cells were also immunostained with the antibody. These findings suggest a role of AQP5 in water transport to prevent dehydration or to secrete watery products in these tissues.

Isolation, characterisation and embryonic expression of WNT11, a gene which maps to 11q13.5 and has possible roles in the development of skeleton, kidney and lung

The Wnt gene family encodes a set of signalling molecules, thought to play an important role in key processes of embryonic development. In vertebrates as a whole 20 different Wnt genes have been identified to date, however, a complement of only 16 have been identified in man and for some of these the complete coding sequences are unavailable. We have recently isolated the full-length cDNA sequence of a new human WNT gene, WNT11, investigated its genomic organisation and performed detailed expression studies in early human embryos. These have shown that the expression of human WNT11 is restricted to the perichondrium of the developing skeleton, lung mesenchyme, the tips of the ureteric buds and other areas of the urogenital system and the cortex of the adrenal gland. This, for the first time, provides information for the embryonic expression of human WNT11. We have mapped WNT11 to 11q13.5 and this together with its expression in the perichondrium of the developing skeleton, makes it a plausible candidate gene for HBM, which has been previously linked to markers from this region.

Distribution of endothelin-1 in transplanted human lungs

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to assess which cells in transplanted lungs express endothelin-1 (ET-1) and if expression of the peptide can be used to discriminate between rejection and infection in transplanted lungs.

METHODS

Transbronchial biopsies (n=104) from 29 human lung transplant recipients were stained immunohistochemically for ET-1. Cells expressing ET-1 (pneumocytes, endothelial cells, airway epithelial cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages) were quantified and correlated with clinical histopathology findings.

RESULTS

ET-1 was expressed in airway epithelial cells (93% of the biopsies), infiltrating macrophages (86%), and lymphocytes (19%) but not in endothelial cells or pneumocytes. ET-1 expression did not vary with rejection, obliterative bronchiolitis, or infection. ET-1 expression did not correlate with age, grade of rejection, pulmonary function, or time after transplantation.

CONCLUSION

In transplanted human lungs, ET-1 is expressed in airway epithelial cells and infiltrating macrophages, and expression does not vary with pathological processes. Therefore, immunostaining for ET-1 probably cannot be used to discriminate between rejection and infection in transplanted lungs.

Expression of tissue factor in hepatic ischemic-reperfusion injury of the rat

BACKGROUND

Tissue factor (TF) is a membranous protein normally present on the surface of the fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells of vessels. TF is an initiation factor for blood coagulation, and its expression is induced on macrophages and endothelial cells during the inflammatory or immune response. We studied the significance of TF expression in warm ischemic-reperfusion injury of the liver using a rat model.

METHODS

Following laparotomy of Lewis rats, the branches of the hepatic artery and portal vein leading to the median, left, and caudate lobes of the liver were clamped for 2 hr. The liver was reperfused after 120 min of ischemia. Rats were killed at 0, 1, 3, 5, 8, and 12 hr after reperfusion, and liver tissues were harvested. TF activity was measured by the chromophilic substrate S-2222. TF expression was studied by immunohistochemical staining with the monoclonal antibody HTF-K108.

RESULTS

TF activity in the blood showed a peak at 3 hr after reperfusion (8.9+/-0.5 U/L), then decreased and returned to the normal level by 12 hr (0.9+/-0.3 U/L). TF activity in ischemic liver tissue increased gradually over 12 hr after reperfusion (1223+/-275 U/g dry weight before ischemia and 2545+/-284 U/g weight at 12 hr after reperfusion). Histologically spotty necroses were observed in the liver tissue 5 hr after reperfusion. The necrotic area extended and encompassed almost all of the ischemic liver by 12 hr after reperfusion. Histochemically, TF staining was negative on the hepatocytes and slightly positive on sinusoid cells of the normal liver. On the other hand, TF was strongly stained, especially on the hypertrophic monocytic cells accumulating at the site of the necrosis, but staining was not evident on the necrotic hepatocytes. A slight degree of TF staining was observed on the alveolar epithelium of the lung, irrespective of liver ischemia and reperfusion.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that TF plays an important role in the development of the hepatic ischemic-reperfusion injury, and the subsequent microcirculatory incompetence might cause the formation of microthrombus and the development of necrosis.

Lipid mediators, tumor necrosis factor and nitric oxide and their interactions in immune-complex-induced lung injury

We investigated the contribution of eicosanoids, platelet-activating factor, tumor necrosis factor and nitric oxide to the neutrophil influx and development of pulmonary haemorrhagic lesions following immune-complex-induced pneumonitis in rats and possible interactions between these mediators. Increased levels of leukotriene B4 and tumor necrosis factor, measured by enzyme immunoassay and L-929 cytotoxicity assay, were found in the bronchoalveolar lavage 1 and 4 h after induction of the reaction, respectively, and their release was dependent on the previous generation of platelet activating factor. Antagonism of leukotriene B4 receptors by RO-0254094 (2-[(5-carboxypentyl])oxy]-6-[6-[3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopy ran-7-yl)oxy]hexyl] benzenepropanoic acid), inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by L-NAME (Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) and antagonism of PAF-receptors by WEB-2170 (5-(2-chlorphenyl)-3-4-dihydro-10-methyl-3-((4-morpholinyl)carbony l)-2 H,7H-cyclopenta (4,5)thieno(3,2-f)(1,2,4)-triazolo-4,3,a)91,4)diazepine), significantly inhibited the intensity of haemorrhage, evaluated by the increased levels of extravascular hemoglobin in homogenates of lung tissues. Little evidence support the role of tumor necrosis factor in these lesions. The infiltration of neutrophils, evaluated by measuring myeloperoxidase in homogenates of lungs, was reduced by compounds L-663,536 (3-[1-(4 chlorobenzyl)-3-t-butyl thio-5-isopropylindol-2-yl]-2-2-dimethylpropanoic acid), WEB-2170 and L-NAME. These results indicate that neutrophil infiltration and haemorrhagic lesions in immune-complex-induced lung inflammation are mediated by platelet activating factor, leukotriene B4 and nitric oxide and point out to interesting interactions between these mediators.

Effects of enalapril on vasoactive intestinal peptide metabolism and tissue levels

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor therapy results in an increase in cardiac output without an increase in heart rate suggesting a positive inotropic effect. This cannot be explained by changes in angiotensin II and bradykinin concentrations. Angiotensin converting enzyme may also metabolise vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a vasodilator and positive inotrope whose concentration in the heart declines in heart failure. We sought to determine whether changes in plasma VIP or its metabolism might explain the positive inotropic effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. We also measured VIP in the heart to determine whether a local increase in VIP might explain this effect. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised to control and enalapril groups (2 mg kg(-1) day(-1)). After 7 days, rats were anaesthetised and underwent metabolic clearance studies for VIP or had hearts, lungs and kidneys removed and snap frozen. VIP concentrations in plasma, infusate and tissue extracts were measured by radioimmunoassay. Plasma concentrations of VIP were unchanged by treatment with enalapril (control: 7.7 +/- 0.8 pmol l(-1); enalapril: 7.9 +/- 0.8 pmol l(-1) ), while the metabolic clearance rate of) VIP increased significantly (control: 10.4 +/- 1.4 ml min(-1) 100 g(-1); enalapril: 17.3 +/- 1.6 ml min(-1) 100 g(-1); p < 0.005). Secretion rate) also increased in enalapril treated rats (139.1 +/- 25.0 pmol min(-1) 100 g(-1) compared with controls (96.3 +/- 13.4 pmol min (-1) 100 g(-1); P< 0.01). VIP in the heart increased after enalapril (control: 208.4 +/- 39.0 pmol g (-1); enalapril: 928.9 +/- 123.6 fmol g(-1); P < 0.0005). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition increases the metabolism of VIP. However, the significant increase in the myocardial concentration of VIP may contribute to the beneficial haemodynamic inotrope effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

Biodistribution and gene expression of lipid/plasmid complexes after systemic administration

The objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of physicochemical properties of lipid/plasmid complexes on in vivo gene transfer and biodistribution characteristics. Formulations based on 1,2-di-O-octadecenyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTMA) and novel biodegradable cationic lipids, such as ethyl dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine (EDOPC), ethyl palmitoyl myristyl phosphatidylcholine (EPMPC), myristyl myristoyl carnitine ester (MMCE), and oleyl oleoyl L-carnitine ester (DOLCE), were assessed for gene expression after tail vein injection of lipid/plasmid complexes in mice. Gene expression was influenced by cationic lipid structure, cationic lipid-to-colipid molar ratios, plasmid-to-lipid charge ratios, and precondensation liposome size. Detectable levels of human growth hormone (hGH) in serum, human factor IX (hFIX) in plasma, and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) in the lung and liver were observed with positively charged lipid/plasmid complexes prepared from 400-nm extruded liposomes with a cationic lipid-to-colipid ratio of 4:1 (mol/mol). Intravenous administration of lipid/CAT plasmid complexes resulted in distribution of plasmid DNA mainly to the lung at 15 min after injection. Plasmid DNA accumulation in the liver increased with time up to 24 hr postinjection. There was a 10-fold decrease in the amount of plasmid DNA in the lung at 15 min after injection, when the lipid/plasmid complex charge ratio was decreased from 3:1 to 0.5:1 (+/-). Bright fluorescent aggregates were evident in in vivo-transfected lung with the positively charged pCMV-CAT/DOLCE:dioleyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) (1:1, mol/mol) complexes, while more discrete punctate fluorescence was observed with a 4:1 molar ratio of cationic lipid:colipid formulations. Preinjection of polyanions such as plasmid, dextran sulfate, polycytidic acid, and polyinosinic acid decreased hGH expression, whereas the preinjection of both positively charged and neutral liposomes had no effect on hGH serum levels. Of the cationic lipids tested, DOLCE was found to be the most effective potentially biodegradable cationic lipid. A correlation between gene expression and cationic lipid:colipid ratios and lipid-to-plasmid charge ratio was also observed for DOTMA- and DOLCE-based formulations.

2-Nitropropane-induced lipid peroxidation: antitoxic effects of melatonin

The degree of lipid peroxidation (LPO) as indicated by the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HDA), and the activity of sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) in serum as parameters of hepatotoxicity were studied in rats treated with a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the hepatocarcinogen 2-nitropropane (2-NP). Since melatonin, the main secretory product of the pineal gland, has been shown to protect against a number of toxic agents, it was given 30 min before 2-NP to test its protective effect against 2-NP toxicity. Significant increases in LPO in liver (P<0.0001), lung (P<0.05) and kidney (P<0.0001) were observed 24 h after 4 mmol/kg 2-NP while serum SDH activity was increased 470-fold. All parameters showed time (0, 4, 8, 24 h) and dose (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 mmol/kg) dependency. The induction of LPO by 2-NP was significantly reduced in lung and kidney when melatonin (2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg) was given prior to 2-NP administration. The elevation in serum SDH caused by 2-NP was also reduced when melatonin was given. These findings show that 2-NP induces LPO and that pharmacological levels of melatonin can reduce the toxicity of this hepatocarcinogen.

Effects of inhibitors of CYP1A and CYP2B on styrene metabolism in mouse liver and lung microsomes

Much of the toxicity of styrene is associated with its bioactivation to styrene oxide. Both liver and lung have been shown to carry out this metabolic step, but there are differences reported as to which isomers of cytochrome P450 are responsible for this biotransformation in various species and tissues. CYP2E1, CYP2F, CYP2B, CYP1A1/2 and CYP2C11 have all been implicated. In the current study, alpha-naphthoflavone (alphaNF) and alpha-methylbenzylaminobenzotriazole (MBA), selective inhibitors of CYP1A and CYP2B, were used to ascertain the contributions of these isomers to styrene metabolism in mouse hepatic and pulmonary microsomes. AlphaNF did not inhibit styrene metabolism with microsomal preparations from either tissue. This indicates that CYP1A is unimportant in the metabolism of styrene to styrene oxide. MBA at a very low concentration of 1 microM inhibited the hepatic metabolism of benzyloxyresorufin (a CYP2B substrate) by 87% but caused only a 16 to 19% inhibition of R- and S-styrene oxide formation. This demonstrates that CYP2B plays a minor role in styrene metabolism. At 10 microM, MBA caused an even greater inhibition of styrene metabolism but at that level it also inhibited p-nitrophenol hydroxylation, a CYP2E1-dependent reaction, suggesting a loss of selectivity for this inhibitor at higher concentrations.

Identification of a novel ankyrin isoform (AnkG190) in kidney and lung that associates with the plasma membrane and binds alpha-Na, K-ATPase

Ankyrins are a family of adapter molecules that mediate linkages between integral membrane and cytoskeletal proteins. Such interactions are crucial to the polarized distribution of membrane proteins in transporting epithelia. We have cloned and characterized a novel 190-kDa member of this family from a rat kidney cDNA library, which we term AnkG190 based on the predicted size and homology with the larger neuronal AnkG isoform. AnkG190 displays a unique 31-residue amino terminus, a repeats domain consisting of 24 repetitive 33-residue motifs, a spectrin binding domain, and a truncated regulatory domain. Probes derived from the unique amino terminus hybridize to an 8-kilobase message exclusively in kidney and lung and specifically to the kidney outer medullary collecting ducts by in situ hybridization. Transfections of Madin-Darby canine kidney and COS-7 epithelial cell lines with a full-length AnkG190 construct result in (a) expression at the lateral plasma membrane, (b) functional assembly with the cytoskeleton, and (c) interaction with at least one membrane protein, the Na,K-ATPase. Two independent Na,K-ATPase binding domains on AnkG190 are demonstrated as follows: one within the distal 12 ankyrin repeats, and a second site within the spectrin binding domain. Thus, ankyrins may interact with integral membrane proteins in a pleiotropic manner that may involve complex tertiary structural determinants.

Functional effects of FGF-13 on human lung fibroblasts, dermal microvascular endothelial cells, and aortic smooth muscle cells

We studied the effects of FGF-13 and FGF-2 on human lung fibroblasts, dermal microvascular endothelial cells, and aortic smooth muscle cells. FGF-13 induced cell growth of lung fibroblasts and aortic smooth muscle cells but had no effect on dermal vascular endothelial cells. FGF-2 induced cell growth in all the three cell types. FGF-13 and FGF-2 had little effect on IL-6 production by lung fibroblasts and aortic smooth muscle cells and substantially enhanced that induced by IL-1alpha. In contrast, FGF-13 and FGF-2 had little effect on IL-6 production by dermal vascular endothelial cells, either alone or in synergy with IL-1alpha.

Lipid peroxidation in lung tissue after chest trauma and correlation with the duration of the post-trauma survival period

Blunt chest trauma is a frequently encountered cause of death in forensic pathology and one of the organs most likely to be affected are the lungs. Assuming that the victim survives the initial trauma, reperfusion processes take place, free radicals are formed and lipid peroxidation occurs. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the length of the survival time is correlated with the extent of lipid peroxidation in the lung tissue following such ischaemia-reperfusion processes. A study of 470 samples taken from all five pulmonary lobes from 94 cadavers was carried out. Cases were allocated to different groups according to whether there was chest trauma and/or a known survival period. Lipid peroxidation was investigated by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The lowest mean level of peroxidation was found in control cases showing no evidence of chest trauma at autopsy and no apparent survival period. Our results suggest that the level of lipid peroxidation in lung tissue can be a reliable indicator of survival processes.

Effects of arachidonic acid metabolism on hypoxic vasoconstriction in rabbit lungs

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is an essential mechanism that matches lung perfusion to ventilation, thus optimising pulmonary gas exchange. Despite its pathophysiological relevance, the mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction still remains enigmatic. We investigated whether arachidonic acid metabolism is involved in the regulation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in isolated, buffer-perfused rabbit lungs. Seven inhibitors were employed to determine the contribution of different vasoactive lipoxy- and cyclooxygenase mediators as well as cytochrome P450 products on the magnitude of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was not affected by (i) the cyclooxygenase inhibitor acetylsalicylic acid, (ii) the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist BM13.505, (iii) the 5'-lipoxygenase inhibitor MK886, and (iv) the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase inhibitor BW755c. The hypoxia-elicited pressor response was prominently inhibited by (i) nordihydroguaiaretic acid (50-150 microM), an inhibitor of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase and (ii) methoxsalen (100 microM) and 1-aminobenzotriazole (1-10 mM), two inhibitors of cytochrome P450-derived metabolites. However, no specificity for the regulation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was found, as corresponding inhibitory potency of these agents was noted when vasoconstriction was achieved by the stable thromboxane analogue U46619 under conditions of normoxia. We conclude that there is no evidence for a specific involvement of different pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism in the mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in rabbits.

Bioaccumulation of selected trace elements in lung nematodes, Pseudalius inflexus, of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in a Polish zone of the Baltic Sea

Concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Mn and Fe were determined by AAS in lung nematodes and their host organ of harbor porpoise in the Polish zone of the Baltic Sea. Correlation coefficients computed for all element pairs indicate significant co-associations between concentrations of Zn and Mn as well as Mn and Fe in P. inflexus and the host organ, and for the pair Cu-Cr in the parasite. Based on both concentration and discrimination factors it is well documented that the metals studied, especially Fe, Mn and Zn are bioaccumulated in P. inflexus with respect to the host lung, showing significant inter-specimen variations.

Tyrosine phosphorylation regulates H2O2 production in lung fibroblasts stimulated by transforming growth factor beta1

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a multifunctional, profibrotic cytokine involved in cellular growth and differentiation. We have previously described a cell surface-associated H2O2-generating NADH:flavin:O2 oxidoreductase (referred to as NADH oxidase) activity in human lung fibroblasts induced by TGF-beta1 (Thannickal, V. J., and Fanburg, B. L. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 30334-30338). In this study, the potential for regulation of this novel TGF-beta1-activated oxidase in fibroblasts by protein tyrosine phosphorylation was examined. Immunoblots using anti-phosphotyrosine antibody demonstrated a time-dependent but delayed phosphorylation of two proteins of 115 and 103 kDa in cells stimulated with TGF-beta1 (2 ng/ml). Similar to the effect on TGF-beta1-induced H2O2 production, phosphorylation of these proteins was blocked by the addition of actinomycin D. The protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and herbimycin A inhibited TGF-beta1-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation, NADH oxidase activation, and H2O2 production in a dose-dependent manner. Catalase, diphenyliodonium (an inhibitor of flavoenzymes), and suramin (an inhibitor of receptor activation, added 4 h after TGF-beta1) had no effect on the induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of the 115- and 103-kDa proteins preceded the generation of H2O2 production and returned to control levels when H2O2 was undetectable at 48 h after TGF-beta1 exposure. These results suggest that protein tyrosine phosphorylation by a nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinase(s) regulates the activity of the TGF-beta1-responsive H2O2-generating NADH oxidase in human lung fibroblasts. Additionally, this study demonstrates that TGF-beta1, which binds to a serine-threonine kinase receptor, is able to induce protein tyrosine phosphorylation in a delayed manner via a signaling pathway that requires transcriptional activation.

Pulmonary and cardiac expression of preproendothelin-1 mRNA are increased in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats. Localization of preproendothelin-1 mRNA and endothelin peptide

OBJECTIVES

Recent reports indicate that endothelin (ET) plays an important pathophysiological role in congestive heart failure (CHF). However, existing data on local cardiopulmonary ET production are few. No studies have hitherto examined the specific anatomic localization of cardiopulmonary ET synthesis in CHF. Thus, the aims of the present study were to examine whether cardiopulmonary preproET-1 mRNA synthesis is upregulated in CHF and to determine the anatomic localization of preproET-1 mRNA and the mature peptide.

METHODS

CHF was induced in rats by occluding the left coronary artery. Only animals with a left ventricular end-diastolic pressure above 15 mmHg after one week were included (n = 28). Sham-operated animals served as controls (n = 24). Hearts and lungs were examined by mRNA slot blot analyses, in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

In CHF-rats, slot blot analyses revealed a 3.5 +/- 1.1-fold and a 6.4 +/- 0.8-fold upregulation of preproET-1 mRNA in the noninfarcted and the infarcted area of the left ventricles, respectively (p < 0.05 for both). ISH revealed that the preproET-1 mRNA was localized predominantly over the granulation tissue in the infarcted region. The ET peptide was predominantly localized to inflammatory cells and remaining cardiomyocytes in the infarcted region as determined by IHC. Lungs from CHF-rats showed a 1.5 +/- 0.1-fold upregulation of preproET-1 mRNA (p = 0.01). The most abundant preproET-1 mRNA and ET-1-like-immunoreactivity (ET-1-ir) was seen over inflammatory cells and over airway epithelial cells. Some ET-1-ir was also located to bronchial and vascular smooth muscle cells.

CONCLUSION

Increased cardiopulmonary ET synthesis strongly suggest a pathophysiological role for ET in CHF.

[Biosynthesis of prostaglandins E2 and F2a by lung tissue in hypoxia and hyperthermia]

Effect of a hypoxia and hyperthermia on endogenous biosynthesis of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha by tissues of lungs was studied. The effect of high temperature (43 degrees C-45 degrees C during I hour) and tissue hypoxemia by, exposition in an atmosphere with carbon monoxide, stimulated rise of formation of derivative of prostaglandins in the right and left lung: PGF2 alpha in 1.2-2.6, and PG E2-in 1.48-2.7 times accordingly. The parity between prostaglandins after experiment remained same, as well as in control group. The increase of a level of biosynthesis of investigated prostaglandins had more expressed character in a right lung, than in left. The reasons, leading to such significant growth of amounts of prostaglandins can be a few. One of them--it, apparently, growth of an amount of substrates for a phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase, as to for want of given temperature of a body is sharply increased a state of fluidity of membranes, leading to violation stability of membrane of phospholipids and further their destruction. Second--possible increase of activity of enzymes, leading to derivation of eicosanoids-cyclooxygenase and (or) of the phospholipase A2, leading to mobilization of an arachidonic acid from phospholipids of membranes. In a tissue of lungs after the hyperthermia and hypoxemia the decrease of amount of c-AMP on a background of c-GMP amount growth in the right and in the left lung was observed. For want of than, described above legitimacy was saved, in which the amount c-AMP in a right lung prevails over left. During realization of experiment interesting legitimacy-process, leading to growth the contents PG E2 was detected, also conducted to decrease of an amount c-AMP. The reduction of an amount c-AMP is possible, apparently, to explain the cell destruction, as heating in these parameters stimulates the cell apoptosis development, which conducts to reduction of an amount c-AMP inside a cell.

Alterations in superoxide dismutase activities, lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels in thinner inhaled rat lungs: relationship between histopathological properties

Paint thinner has widespread use in industry. The use of thinner among children as a narcotic agent has become a social and health problem. There is some evidence that organic solvents may express their toxicity by the way of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced cell damage. ROS has been shown to induce lipid peroxidation in biological membranes. This study examined peroxidative and histopathological changes in the rat lung, during 5 weeks of thinner inhalation. Significant increases were found in lipid peroxidation (MDA+4-DHA) levels related to the duration of inhalation. As opposed to increases in the lipid peroxidation levels, significant decreases in superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione levels were observed from the third inhalation week to the end of the fifth week. At the beginning of the inhalation slight inflammatory changes, intraalveolar and interstitial extravasation and oedema in lung parenchyma were noted. As the inhalation period extended, chronic inflammatory changes, alveolar epithelial proliferation, collapse, emphysematous changes and interstitial fibrosis in lung were detected.

Sonic hedgehog is essential to foregut development

Congenital malformation of the foregut is common in humans, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 3000 live births, although its aetiology remains largely unknown. Mice with a targeted deletion of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) have foregut defects that are apparent as early as embryonic day 9.5, when the tracheal diverticulum begins to outgrow. Homozygous Shh-null mutant mice show oesophageal atresia/stenosis, tracheo-oesophageal fistula and tracheal and lung anomalies, features similar to those observed in humans with foregut defects. The lung mesenchyme shows enhanced cell death, decreased cell proliferation and downregulation of Shh target genes. These results indicate that Shh is required for the growth and differentiation of the oesophagus, trachea and lung, and suggest that mutations in SHH and its signalling components may be involved in foregut defects in humans.

The heat shock response inhibits RANTES gene expression in cultured human lung epithelium

The chemokine RANTES is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of inflammation-associated acute lung injury. Although much is known regarding signals that induce RANTES gene expression, relatively few data exist regarding signals that inhibit RANTES gene expression. The heat shock response, a highly conserved cellular defense mechanism, has been demonstrated to inhibit a variety of lung proinflammatory responses. We tested the hypothesis that induction of the heat shock response inhibits RANTES gene expression. Treatment of A549 cells with TNF-alpha induced RANTES gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Induction of the heat shock response inhibited subsequent TNF-alpha-mediated RANTES mRNA expression and secretion of immunoreactive RANTES. Transient transfection assays involving a RANTES promoter-luciferase reporter plasmid demonstrated that the heat shock response inhibited TNF-alpha-mediated activation of the RANTES promoter. Inhibition of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation with isohelenin inhibited TNF-alpha-mediated RANTES mRNA expression, indicating that RANTES gene expression is NF-kappaB dependent in A549 cells. Induction of the heat shock response inhibited degradation of the NF-kappaB inhibitory protein, I-kappaBalpha but did not significantly inhibit phosphorylation of I-kappaBalpha. We conclude that the heat shock response inhibits RANTES gene expression by a mechanism involving inhibition of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and subsequent inhibition of RANTES promoter activation. The mechanism by which the heat shock response inhibits NF-kappaB nuclear translocation involves stabilization of I-kappaBalpha, without significantly affecting phosphorylation of I-kappaBalpha.

Cytokines in sarcoidosis

Although the cause of sarcoidosis is still unknown, the combination of the characteristic morphologic aspect and the immunohistologic pattern of the sarcoid granulomatous lesions suggest that they are the result of an antigen-driven process. In particular, sarcoid granuloma is considered to be the consequence of an exaggerated immunological response against an undefined antigen which has persisted at the sites of disease involvement. Taking advantage of the availability of pure recombinant cytokines and molecular probes for cytokines and their receptors, in the last few years it has been possible to keenly study the involvement of several cytokines in the pathologic changes associated with sarcoidosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the interactions between cytokines and their receptors which define regulatory networks ultimately contributing to the sarcoid granuloma formation at sites of disease activity. After a concise overview of the main cytokines involved in the sarcoid inflammatory response, we will briefly discuss the biological effects of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in sarcoid lung and then concentrate on the importance of the local production of those molecules whose release has been recently shown within the lung of patients with sarcoidosis, such as interleukin-12, interleukin-15, and chemokines. Furthermore, we will focus the discussion on the cytokines which, pivotal to the activation of the host defenses, may contribute to lung damage and the consequent lung fibrosis. The final section of this article reviews the lung release of cytokines in the context of recent hypotheses claiming microbial pathogens as putative causative agents of sarcoidosis.

Target specific optimization of cationic lipid-based systems for pulmonary gene therapy

PURPOSE

Cationic lipids are capable of transferring foreign genes to the pulmonary epithelium in vivo. It is becoming increasingly clear that factors other than lipid molecular structure also influence efficiency of delivery using cationic lipid systems. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of formulation variables such as cationic lipid structure, cationic lipid/DNA ratio, particle size, co-lipid content and plasmid topology on transgene expression in the lung.

METHODS

The effect of varying the surface and colloidal properties of cationic lipid-based gene delivery systems was assessed by intratracheal instillation into rats. An expression plasmid encoding chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) was used to measure transgene expression.

RESULTS

Cationic lipid structure, cationic lipid/DNA ratio, particle size, co-lipid content and topology of the plasmid, were found to significantly affect transgene expression. Complexation with lipids was found to have a protective effect on DNA integrity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). DNA complexed with lipid showed enhanced persistence in rat lungs as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluorescence microscopy analysis indicated that the instilled formulation reaches the lower airways and alveolar region. Data also suggests cationic lipid-mediated gene expression is primarily localized in the lung parenchyma and not infiltrating cells isolated from the BALF.