The immediate phase of c-kit ligand stimulation of mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells elicits rapid leukotriene C4 generation through posttranslational activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and 5-lipoxygenase

Regulation of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 and IL-6 expression in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells by exogenous but not endogenous prostanoids

Mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC), stimulated with stem cell factor, IL-1beta, and IL-10, secrete IL-6 and demonstrate a delayed phase of PGD(2) generation that is dependent upon the induced expression of PG endoperoxide synthase (PGHS)-2. We have examined the potential for exogenous prostanoids, acting in a paracrine fashion, and endogenous prostanoids, acting in an autocrine fashion, to regulate PGHS-2 induction and IL-6 secretion in mouse BMMC. Exogenous PGE(2), which acts through G protein-coupled receptors, and 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2), which is a ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma, elicited a 2- to 3-fold amplification of PGHS-2 induction, delayed-phase PGD(2) generation, and IL-6 secretion in response to stem cell factor, IL-1beta, and IL-10. The effect of PGE(2) was reproduced by the E prostanoid (EP)1 receptor agonist 17-trinor-PGE(2), and the EP1/EP3 agonist, sulprostone, but not the EP2 receptor agonist, butaprost. Although BMMC express PPARgamma, the effects of 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) were not reproduced by the PPARgamma agonists, troglitazone and ciglitazone. PGHS-2 induction, but not IL-6 secretion, was impaired in cPLA(2)-deficient BMMC. However, there was no impairment of PGHS-2 induction in BMMC deficient in hematopoietic PGD synthase or PGHS-1 in the presence or absence of the PGHS-2 inhibitor, NS-398. Thus, although exogenous prostanoids may contribute to amplification of the inflammatory response by augmenting PGD(2) generation and IL-6 secretion from mast cells, endogenous prostanoids do not play a role.

IgG-dependent activation of human mast cells following up-regulation of FcgammaRI by IFN-gamma

It has been reported that FcgammaRI is up-regulated on human mast cells (huMC) by IFN-gamma and aggregation of this receptor using mouse F(ab')(2) specific for receptor-bound, mouse anti-CD64 F(ab')(2) results in activation. To determine whether huMC can similarly be stimulated by aggregation of FcgammaRI-bound human IgG, IFN-gamma-treated, CD34(+)-derived, cultured huMC were sensitized with human immunoglobulins and activation was evaluated following addition of antibodies specific for each IgG isotype. Degranulation was also examined following simultaneous IgG- and IgE-dependent aggregation of FcgammaRI and Fc(epsilon)RI. Activation of IFN-gamma-treated huMC sensitized with 100 ng/ml IgG(1) resulted in 40% beta-hexosaminidase (beta-hex) release; minimal degranulation was observed using IgG(2), IgG(3) or IgG(4). IgG(1)-dependent activation led to PGD(2) and LTC(4) generation as well as elevated cytokine production, most notably TNF-alpha. Preincubation of cells with F(ab')(2) from CD64-specific clones 10.1 and 32.2 reduced IgG(1)-mediated beta-hex release by 46% and 74%, respectively. While IgG-dependent cell stimulation induced half-maximal degranulation by 11 min, IgE-dependent activation resulted in half maximal responses within 1 min. Simultaneous activation of huMC via FcgammaRI and Fc(epsilon)RI led to additive degranulation using suboptimal concentrations of IgG(1) and IgE. Activation of huMC thus may occur via monomeric IgG and FcgammaRI thereby providing a novel paradigm for huMC recruitment into inflammation.

Regulation of the inflammatory response in asthma by mast cell products

In airways, mast cells lie adjacent to nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics, which highlights their pivotal importance in regulating allergic inflammatory processes. In asthma, mast cells are predominantly activated by IgE receptor cross linking. In response to activation, preformed mediators that are stored bound to proteoglycans, for example, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-13, histamine, tryptase and chymase, are released. New synthesis of arachidonic acid metabolites (leukotriene C4 (LTC4), leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)) and further cytokines is stimulated. Mediators from degranulating mast cells are critical to the pathology of the asthmatic lung. Mast cell proteases stimulate tissue remodelling, neuropeptide inactivation and enhanced mucus secretion. Histamine stimulates smooth muscle cell contraction, vasodilatation and increased venular permeability and further mucus secretion. Histamine induces IL-16 production by CD8+ cells and airway epithelial cells; IL-16 is an important early chemotactic factor for CD4+ lymphocytes. LTC4, LTB4 and PGD2 affect venular permeability and can regulate the activation of immune cells. The best characterized mast cell cytokine in asthmatic inflammation is TNF-alpha, which induces adhesion molecules on endothelial cells and subsequent transmigration of inflammatory leucocytes. IL-13 is critical to development of allergic asthma, although its mode of action is less clear.

Role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in the production of lipid mediators and histamine release in mouse bone-marrow-derived mast cells

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) plays a critical role in mast-cell-related allergic responses [Uozumi, Kume, Nagase, Nakatani, Ishii, Tashiro, Komagata, Maki, Ikuta, Ouchi et al. (1997) Nature (London) 390, 618-622]. Bone-marrow-derived mast cells from mice lacking cPLA(2) (cPLA(-/-)(2) mice) were used in order to better define the role of cPLA(2) in the maturation and degranulation of such cells. Cross-linking of high-affinity receptors for IgE (FcepsilonRI) on cells from cPLA(-/-)(2) mice led to the release of negligible amounts of arachidonic acid or its metabolites, the cysteinyl leukotrienes and prostaglandin D(2), indicating an essential role for cPLA(2) in the production of these allergic and pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. In addition, the histamine content of the mast cells and its release from the cells were reduced to 60%. While these results are in agreement with a reduced anaphylactic phenotype of cPLA(-/-)(2) mice, the ratios of release of histamine and beta-hexosaminidase were, paradoxically, significantly higher for cells from cPLA(-/-)(2) mice than for those from wild-type mice. Consistently, IgE-induced calcium influx in mast cells was greater and more prolonged in cells from cPLA(-/-)(2) mice than in those from wild-type mice. Thus the loss of cPLA(2) not only diminishes the release of lipid mediators, but also alters degranulation. While the overall effect is still a decrease in the release of mast cell mediators, explaining the in vivo findings, the present study proposes a novel link between cPLA(2) and the degranulation machinery.

Matrix-associated transforming growth factor-beta1 primes mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells for increased high-affinity Fc receptor for immunoglobulin E-dependent eicosanoid biosynthesis

Mast cells at different tissue locations are heterogeneous with respect to histochemical staining characteristics, granule protease and proteoglycan content, and eicosanoid biosynthesis. We used Matrigel, an extract from the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm mouse sarcoma that is enriched in basement-membrane proteins, to investigate the effect of tissue matrix proteins on the differentiation of mouse mast cells, with particular attention to eicosanoid biosynthesis. Culture of mouse bone-marrow cells in interleukin-3 on Matrigel for 3 to 4 wk provided a population of mast cells with more intense metachromasia and increased safranin counterstaining compared with mast cells derived in the absence of Matrigel (bone marrow-derived mast cells [BMMC]). High-affinity Fc receptor for immunoglobulin E-dependent biosynthesis of prostaglandin D(2) and leukotriene (LT) C(4) was 6- and 11-fold higher, respectively, from mast cells derived in the presence of Matrigel compared with conventional BMMC derived in its absence. BMMC derived in the presence of Matrigel also generated substantial quantities of 6-trans-LTB(4) diastereoisomers and LTB(4), which were minimally generated by conventional BMMC. When conventional BMMC derived in the absence of Matrigel were then cultured on Matrigel for 5 d, eicosanoid biosynthesis was upregulated without any change in granule staining characteristics. This upregulation in eicosanoid biosynthesis was inhibited by neutralizing anti- transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1-specific antibodies, was reproduced by 1 ng/ml TGF-beta1, and was attributed to increased expression of cytosolic phospholipase A(2).

Stem cell factor plays a major role in the recruitment of eosinophils in allergic pleurisy in mice via the production of leukotriene B4

The understanding of the mechanisms underlying eosinophil migration into tissue is an essential step in the development of novel therapies aimed at treating allergic diseases where eosinophil recruitment and activation are thought to play an essential role. In this study, we have examined the effects of the in vivo administration of stem cell factor (SCF) on eosinophil recruitment and tested whether endogenous SCF was involved in mediating eosinophil recruitment in response to Ag challenge in sensitized mice. The intrapleural injection of SCF induced a time- and concentration-dependent recruitment of eosinophils in mice. In allergic mice, SCF message was expressed early after Ag challenge and returned to baseline levels after 8 h. In agreement with the ability of SCF to induce eosinophil recruitment and its expression in the allergic reaction, an anti-SCF polyclonal Ab abrogated eosinophil recruitment when given before Ag challenge. SCF increased the levels of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in the pleural cavity of mice and an LTB4 receptor antagonist, CP105,696, abrogated the effects of SCF on eosinophil recruitment. Similarly, recruitment of eosinophils in the allergic reaction was virtually abolished by CP105,696. Together, our data favor the hypothesis that the local release of SCF following Ag challenge may activate and/or prime mast cells for IgE-mediated release of inflammatory mediators, especially LTB4. The mediators released in turn drive the recruitment of eosinophils. Inhibition of the function of SCF in vivo may reduce the migration of eosinophils to sites of allergic inflammation and may, thus, be a relevant principle in the treatment of allergic diseases.

Impaired kit- but not FcepsilonRI-initiated mast cell activation in the absence of phosphoinositide 3-kinase p85alpha gene products

The class I(A) phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) consist of a 110-kDa catalytic domain and a regulatory subunit encoded by the p85alpha, p85beta, or p55gamma genes. We have determined the effects of disrupting the p85alpha gene on the responses of mast cells stimulated by the cross-linking of Kit and FcepsilonRI, receptors that reflect innate and adaptive responses, respectively. The absence of p85alpha gene products partially inhibited Kit ligand/stem cell factor-induced secretory granule exocytosis, proliferation, and phosphorylation of the serine/threonine kinase Akt. In contrast, p85alpha gene products were not required for FcepsilonRI-initiated exocytosis and phosphorylation of Akt. LY294002, which inhibits all classes of PI3Ks, strongly suppressed Kit- and FcepsilonRI-induced responses in p85alpha -/- mast cells, revealing the contribution of another PI3K family member(s). In contrast to B lymphocytes, mast cell proliferation was not dependent on Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a downstream effector of PI3K, revealing a distinct pathway of PI3K-dependent proliferation in mast cells. Our findings represent the first example of receptor-specific usage of different PI3K family members in a single cell type. In addition, because Kit- but not FcepsilonRI-initiated signaling is associated with mast cell proliferation, the results provide evidence that distinct biologic functions signaled by these two receptors may reflect differential usage of PI3Ks.

Mast-cell responses in the development of asthma

Many cells participate in the pathogenesis of asthmatic inflammation. The mast cell is localized at the interface of the internal and external environment within the lung where it may respond to allergens and other exogenous stimuli. The activation of mast cells leads to the release of mediators that contribute to the early phase of asthmatic inflammation. Mast-cell-derived products may also contribute to the late-phase asthmatic response. This review summarizes the developmental biologic features of the mast cell, its receptor-mediated activation, and its range of preformed, newly synthesized, and induced mediators that contribute to asthmatic inflammation.

Mast cells and basophils

Mast cells and basophils are effector cells in IgE-associated immune responses, such as those that contribute to asthma and other allergic diseases and to host resistance to parasites. Recent work shows that mast cells can also participate in innate immunity to bacterial infection and that the expression of such mast cell-dependent natural immunity can be significantly enhanced by long-term treatment of mice with the kit ligand, stem cell factor. However, mast cells may also influence many other biologic responses, including tissue remodeling and angiogenesis. This review discusses certain recent findings about the differentiation, phenotype, and function of basophils and mast cells, as well as briefly considering evolving concepts about the roles of these cells in health and disease.

Inhibition by troglitazone of the antigen-induced production of leukotrienes in immunoglobulin E-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells

1. The effect of troglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug with insulin-sensitizing action, on antigen-induced production of leukotriene (LT) B(4), C(4) and E(4) and prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) was examined in dinitrophenol (DNP)-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE)-sensitized RBL-2H3 mast cells following stimulation by the antigen, DNP-conjugated human serum albumin. Levels of LTB(4), C(4) and E(4) and PGD(2) in the conditioned medium were enzyme-immunoassayed. 2. Troglitazone inhibited the antigen-induced production of LTB(4), C(4) and E(4) and the potency of the inhibition was comparable to that of zileuton, a specific inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and a clinically used anti-asthmatic drug. Neither troglitazone nor zileuton affected antigen-induced production of PGD(2), arachidonic acid release from membrane phospholipids and degranulation. 3. Troglitazone inhibited LTB(4) production by the supernatant fraction of RBL-2H3 cell lysate with similar potency to zileuton, suggesting that troglitazone inhibits LT production by direct inhibition of 5-LOX activity. 4. Furthermore, it was shown that troglitazone as well as zileuton inhibited LTB(4) production in A23187-stimulated rat peritoneal neutrophils. 5. These findings suggest that troglitazone inhibits antigen-induced LT production in the IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells and A23187-stimulated rat peritoneal neutrophils by direct inhibition of 5-LOX activity.

Primitive Myeloid Cells Express High Levels of Phospholipase A2 Activity in the Absence of Leukotriene Release: Selective Regulation by Stem Cell Factor Involving the MAP Kinase Pathway

The activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) with release of eicosanoids and prostanoids in mature myeloid cells and the augmentation (priming) of this activity by cytokines such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are central to the inflammatory process. Yet, there are few data concerning PLA2 activity and its regulation by growth factors in primary hematopoietic cells. We therefore analyzed the PLA2activity of mobilized human CD34 antigen-positive (CD34+) stem cells by quantitation of the extracellular release of3H-arachidonate. The PLA2 activity of CD34+ cells stimulated with calcium ionophore (A23187) was of similar magnitude to that of mature neutrophils and monocytes. Preincubation of CD34+ cells with stem cell factor (SCF) before A23187-stimulation resulted in primed PLA2 activity, whereas interleukin-3 (IL-3), GM-CSF, and tumor necrosis factor  had no significant effect. When CD34+ cells were induced to differentiate, PLA2 activity remained responsive to SCF for several days, but after 8 days, at which stage morphological and functional evidence of maturation was occurring, priming of PLA2 by SCF could no longer be elicited, whereas responses to GM-CSF and IL-3 had developed. The further metabolism of arachidonic acid to eicosanoids by CD34+ cells was not detected by either thin-layer chromatography, enzyme immunoassay, or differential spectroscopy. SCF stimulated the rapid but transient activation of ERK2 (p42 MAP kinase) in CD34+ cells, and we used the MAP kinase kinase inhibitor, PD 098059, which at 30 μmol/L blocks ERK2 activation in CD34+ cells, to investigate whether SCF-mediated priming of arachidonate release was mediated by this kinase. PD 098059 only partially inhibited A23187-stimulated PLA2 activity primed by SCF, suggesting the involvement of ERK2 and possibly a further signal transduction pathway. Methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (5 μmol/L), a dual inhibitor of i and cPLA2 isoforms, completely inhibited arachidonate release without affecting ERK2 activation, demonstrating the lack of cellular toxicity. These data provide the first evidence that primitive myeloid cells have the capacity to release arachidonate, which is regulated by an early acting hematopoietic growth factor important for the growth and survival of these cells.

Primitive Myeloid Cells Express High Levels of Phospholipase A2 Activity in the Absence of Leukotriene Release: Selective Regulation by Stem Cell Factor Involving the MAP Kinase Pathway

The activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) with release of eicosanoids and prostanoids in mature myeloid cells and the augmentation (priming) of this activity by cytokines such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are central to the inflammatory process. Yet, there are few data concerning PLA2 activity and its regulation by growth factors in primary hematopoietic cells. We therefore analyzed the PLA2activity of mobilized human CD34 antigen-positive (CD34+) stem cells by quantitation of the extracellular release of3H-arachidonate. The PLA2 activity of CD34+ cells stimulated with calcium ionophore (A23187) was of similar magnitude to that of mature neutrophils and monocytes. Preincubation of CD34+ cells with stem cell factor (SCF) before A23187-stimulation resulted in primed PLA2 activity, whereas interleukin-3 (IL-3), GM-CSF, and tumor necrosis factor  had no significant effect. When CD34+ cells were induced to differentiate, PLA2 activity remained responsive to SCF for several days, but after 8 days, at which stage morphological and functional evidence of maturation was occurring, priming of PLA2 by SCF could no longer be elicited, whereas responses to GM-CSF and IL-3 had developed. The further metabolism of arachidonic acid to eicosanoids by CD34+ cells was not detected by either thin-layer chromatography, enzyme immunoassay, or differential spectroscopy. SCF stimulated the rapid but transient activation of ERK2 (p42 MAP kinase) in CD34+ cells, and we used the MAP kinase kinase inhibitor, PD 098059, which at 30 μmol/L blocks ERK2 activation in CD34+ cells, to investigate whether SCF-mediated priming of arachidonate release was mediated by this kinase. PD 098059 only partially inhibited A23187-stimulated PLA2 activity primed by SCF, suggesting the involvement of ERK2 and possibly a further signal transduction pathway. Methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (5 μmol/L), a dual inhibitor of i and cPLA2 isoforms, completely inhibited arachidonate release without affecting ERK2 activation, demonstrating the lack of cellular toxicity. These data provide the first evidence that primitive myeloid cells have the capacity to release arachidonate, which is regulated by an early acting hematopoietic growth factor important for the growth and survival of these cells.

Synthesis and biological acitivity of annulated pyrazoles as selective COX-2 inhibitors. I

A series of disubstituted 4,5-polymethylenepyrazoles were synthesized and evaluated their inhibitory activities against COX-2. Some compounds showed strong (0.3 nM) inhibitory activity on COX-2 and were found somewhat selective (up to 16) on COX-2 over COX-1.

The inhibition of mammalian 15-lipoxygenases by the anti-inflammatory drug ebselen: dual-type mechanism involving covalent linkage and alteration of the iron ligand sphere

Mammalian lipoxygenases have been implicated in inflammation and atherosclerosis and, thus, lipoxygenase inhibitors may be of pharmacological interest. In cells, lipoxygenases occur in a catalytically silent ground state that requires activation to become active. We found that the seleno-organic drug ebselen [2-phenyl-1, 2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one], which exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, irreversibly inhibited pure rabbit 15-lipoxygenase, with an IC50 in the nM range when preincubated with the enzyme in the absence of fatty acid substrates. Subsequent dialysis, gel filtration, or substrate addition did not restore the enzyme activity, and experiments with [14C]ebselen indicated a covalent linkage of the drug. The presence of sulfhydryl compounds in the incubation mixture prevented both enzyme labeling and inactivation, but we did not see any reactivation when sulfhydryl compounds were added afterward. X-ray absorption studies indicated that ebselen did alter the geometry of the iron ligand sphere, and the data are consistent with an iron complexation by the drug. When fatty acid substrate was present during lipoxygenase-ebselen interaction, the inhibitory potency was strongly reduced and a competitive mode of action was observed. These data suggest that ebselen inactivated the catalytically silent ground-state lipoxygenase irreversibly by covalent linkage and alteration of the iron ligand sphere. In contrast, it functions as a competitive inhibitor of the catalytically active enzyme species. The pharmacological relevance of ebselen as a potential in vivo lipoxygenase inhibitor will be discussed.

Histamine content and secretion in basophils and mast cells

Biochemical determinations of the histamine content and secretion from basophils and mast cells have been available for some time, and much of the complex anatomy of these cellular populations and their release reactions has been documented using the electron microscope. The ultrastructural analyses led to the description of vesicular transport between secretory granules and the plasma membrane as a mechanism for secretion from basophils and mast cells--a process termed piecemeal degranulation. Proof of concepts incorporated in a general degranulation model put forth in 1975 (DVORAK, H.F. and DVORAK, A.M.) requires high magnification imaging of a granule constituent in trafficking vesicles in the process of a stimulated release reaction in which the constituent release is monitored biochemically. Development and application of a new enzyme-affinity method to detect histamine at high magnifications in well-preserved ultrastructural samples have provided the necessary means to establish proof that appropriate secretagogues can stimulate the vesicular transport of histamine in basophils and mast cells during release reactions monitored biochemically. The background information necessary to the understanding of this result is presented here, as well as the development and verification of the diamine oxidase-gold method to image histamine in human mast cell granules as the test system. Also presented are applications using this technology to examine histamine stores and secretion in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo in human basophils and mast cells and in mouse mast cells. Specifically examined are histamine stores developing in maturing mast cells induced to develop de novo from cultured human cord blood cells, secretagogue-stimulated release and recovery of histamine stores from isolated, purified human lung mast cells ex vivo, cytokine-stimulated degranulation of human skin mast cells and their histamine stores in vivo, piecemeal degranulation of human gut mast cells and their histamine stores in inflammatory bowel disease in vivo, piecemeal degranulation of mouse skin mast cells and their histamine stores in inflammatory eye disease in an interleukin-4 transgenic mouse model in vivo, and the stimulated secretion and recovery of histamine from human basophils ex vivo.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 is essential for both the immediate and the delayed phases of eicosanoid generation in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells

We have used mice in which the gene for cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) has been disrupted to demonstrate the absolute requirement for cPLA2 in both the immediate and the delayed phases of eicosanoid generation by bone marrow-derived mast cells. For the immediate phase, quantitative analysis of the products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway showed that gene disruption of cPLA2 prevented the provision of arachidonic acid substrate for biosynthesis of proximal intermediates. By analogy, we conclude that arachidonic acid substrate was also not available to prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 1 in the immediate phase of prostaglandin (PG) D2 generation. These defects occurred with two distinct stimuli, stem cell factor and IgE/antigen, which were, however, sufficient for signal transduction defined by exocytosis of beta-hexosaminidase. Whereas cPLA2 is essential for immediate eicosanoid generation by providing arachidonic acid, its role in delayed-phase PGD2 generation is more complex and involves the activation-dependent induction of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 and the supply of arachidonic acid for metabolism to PGD2.

Stem cell factor and interleukin-4 induce murine bone marrow cells to develop into mast cells with connective tissue type characteristics in vitro

In this study, we have developed a method to obtain mast cells with connective tissue type mast cell (CTMC) characteristics directly from mouse bone marrow (BM) cells. BM cells were grown for 3 weeks in presence of interleukin-4 (IL-4) plus stem cell factor (SCF). SCF alone poorly supported growth and development of mast cells. IL-4 dose-dependently enhanced the expression of c-kit and high-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc(epsilon)RI) on the cell surface of SCF-cultured BM cells. Furthermore, cytoplasmic granulation and histamine synthesis of BM-derived mast cells were increased in presence of IL-4 and SCF. Histochemical staining demonstrated that granules were safranin positive. BM-derived mast cells could be activated for granule exocytosis (beta-hexosaminidase release) and lipid mediator generation (LTC4 production) via Fc(epsilon)RI after sensitization with IgE and subsequent crosslinking with multivalent antigen. In addition, mast cells derived from BM cells cultured with SCF plus IL-4 could be activated by substance P, a nonimmunologic stimulus, to release beta-hexosaminidase. The results presented indicate that IL-4 and SCF both have a prominent role in the development of mast cells from murine BM cells in vitro. Mast cells can directly be derived from BM cells in presence of SCF and IL-4 and the cultured cells show typical hallmarks of CTMC, indicating that precursor cells for CTMC may be present in BM. The described culture procedure may be useful to investigate the molecular aspects of the development of committed mast cell lineages.

Stem cell factor-induced airway hyperreactivity in allergic and normal mice

The induction of airway hyperreactivity during allergic responses involves multiple ill-defined mechanisms. Recently a role for stem cell factor (SCF) in the development of allergic eosinophilic airway inflammation has been identified. In the present study we demonstrate that SCF has a role in both the inflammatory response and airway hyperreactivity. Neutralization of SCF or examination of SCF-mutant mice, which were deficient in SCF and pulmonary mast cells, demonstrated significant alterations in the allergen-induced airway hyperreactive responses. The reduced hyperreactivity response was accompanied by a significant reduction in eosinophil accumulation. To examine the direct role of SCF on airway hyperreactivity, we administered SCF into the airways of normal mice via intratracheal injections and demonstrated a dose dependent increase in airway hyperreactivity at 4 hours that was maintained at 24 hours after administration. Instillation of SCF into SCF-deficient (mast cell deficient) mice demonstrated significantly lower increases in airway hyperreactivity compared with the littermate controls with normal mast cell numbers. These studies demonstrate that locally expressed SCF can induce changes in airway physiology via mast cell activation, verifying the role of SCF in allergic airway inflammation and hyperreactivity.

Mast cells as sentinels of innate immunity

Mast cells are widely regarded as important effector cells in immune responses associated with Th2 cells and IgE. Recent work shows that they can also contribute significantly to the expression of innate immunity; furthermore, survival in a model of acute bacterial infection that is dependent on complement and mast cells can be greatly enhanced by long-term treatment of mice with the kit ligand (stem cell factor) at least in part because of the effects of such treatment on mast cell numbers and/or function. These findings not only indicate that mast cells can represent a critical component of host defense in natural immunity but also suggest that mast cell function in this setting can be manipulated for therapeutic ends.

Signal transduction in esophageal and LES circular muscle contraction

Contraction of normal esophageal circular muscle (ESO) in response to acetylcholine (ACh) is linked to M2 muscarinic receptors activating at least three intracellular phospholipases, i.e., phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC), phospholipase D (PLD), and the high molecular weight (85 kDa) cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) to induce phosphatidylcholine (PC) metabolism, production of diacylglycerol (DAG) and arachidonic acid (AA), resulting in activation of a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathway. In contrast, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) contraction induced by maximally effective doses of ACh is mediated by muscarinic M3 receptors, linked to pertussis toxin-insensitive GTP-binding proteins of the G(q/11) type. They activate phospholipase C, which hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2), producing inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and DAG. IP3 causes release of intracellular Ca++ and formation of a Ca++-calmodulin complex, resulting in activation of myosin light chain kinase and contraction through a calmodulin-dependent pathway. Signal transduction pathways responsible for maintenance of LES tone are quite distinct from those activated during contraction in response to maximally effective doses of agonists (e.g., ACh). Resting LES tone is associated with activity of a low molecular weight (approximately 14 kDa) pancreatic-like (group 1) secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) and production of arachidonic acid (AA), which is metabolized to prostaglandins and thromboxanes. These AA metabolites act on receptors linked to G-proteins to induce activation of PI- and PC-specific phospholipases, and production of second messengers. Resting LES tone is associated with submaximal PI hydrolysis resulting in submaximal levels of inositol trisphosphate (IP3-induced Ca++ release, and interaction with DAG to activate PKC. In an animal model of acute esophagitis, acid-induced inflammation alters the contractile pathway of ESO and LES. In LES circular muscle, after induction of experimental esophagitis, basal levels of PI hydrolysis are substantially reduced and intracellular Ca++ stores are functionally damaged, resulting in a reduction of resting tone. The reduction in intracellular Ca++ release causes a switch in the signal transduction pathway mediating contraction in response to ACh. In the normal LES, ACh causes release of Ca++ from intracellular stores and activation of a calmodulin-dependent pathway. After esophagitis, ACh-induced contraction depends on influx of extracellular Ca++, which is insufficient to activate calmodulin, and contraction is mediated by a PKC-dependent pathway. These changes are reproduced in normal LES cells by thapsigargin-induced depletion of Ca++ stores, suggesting that the amount of Ca++ available for release from intracellular stores defines the signal transduction pathway activated by a maximally effective dose of ACh.

The c-kit ligand, stem cell factor, can enhance innate immunity through effects on mast cells

Mast cells are thought to contribute significantly to the pathology and mortality associated with anaphylaxis and other allergic disorders. However, studies using genetically mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-KitW/KitW-v and congenic wild-type (WBB6F1-+/+) mice indicate that mast cells can also promote health, by participating in natural immune responses to bacterial infection. We previously reported that repetitive administration of the c-kit ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), can increase mast cell numbers in normal mice in vivo. In vitro studies have indicated that SCF can also modulate mast cell effector function. We now report that treatment with SCF can significantly improve the survival of normal C57BL/6 mice in a model of acute bacterial peritonitis, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Experiments in mast cell-reconstituted WBB6F1-KitW/KitW-v mice indicate that this effect of SCF treatment reflects, at least in part, the actions of SCF on mast cells. Repetitive administration of SCF also can enhance survival in mice that genetically lack tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, demonstrating that the ability of SCF treatment to improve survival after CLP does not solely reflect effects of SCF on mast cell- dependent (or -independent) production of TNF-alpha. These findings identify c-kit and mast cells as potential therapeutic targets for enhancing innate immune responses.

Induction of Cyclooxygenase-2 by Secretory Phospholipases A2 in Nerve Growth Factor-Stimulated Rat Serosal Mast Cells Is Facilitated by Interaction with Fibroblasts and Mediated by a Mechanism Independent of Their Enzymatic Functions

Mast cells exhibit a biphasic (immediate and delayed) eicosanoid-biosynthetic response after stimulation with particular cytokines or FcεRI (high affinity receptor for IgE) cross-linking. Treatment of rat serosal connective tissue mast cells (CTMC) with nerve growth factor (NGF) induced only the delayed phase of PGD2 generation that depended on inducible cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), but not constitutive COX-1, even though the subcellular distributions of these isoforms were similar. Experiments using several phospholipase A2 (PLA2) isozyme-specific probes and inhibitors suggested that both constitutive cytosolic PLA2 and inducible type IIA secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) are involved in NGF-initiated, COX-2-dependent, delayed PGD2 generation in rat CTMC. A type IIA sPLA2 inhibitor, but neither cytosolic PLA2 nor COX inhibitors, reduced, while adding exogenous type IIA sPLA2 augmented, NGF-induced COX-2 expression and its attendant PGD2 generation, indicating that the sPLA2-mediated increase in delayed PGD2 generation was attributable mainly to enhanced COX-2 expression. Type IIA sPLA2 and its close relative type V sPLA2 associated with fibroblastic cell surfaces increased NGF-induced COX-2 expression more efficiently than the soluble enzymes, revealing a particular juxtacrine sPLA2 presentation route. Surprisingly, catalytically inactive type IIA sPLA2 mutants, which were incapable of promoting arachidonic acid release from cytokine-primed cells, retained the ability to enhance COX-2 expression in CTMC, indicating that the COX-2-inducing activities of sPLA2 are independent of their catalytic functions.

Regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and endogenous cytokine expression by bacterial lipopolysaccharide that acts in synergy with c-kit ligand and Fc epsilon receptor I crosslinking in cultured mast cells

Emerging evidence has suggested the pivotal role of mast cells in a host defense against bacterial infection. In this paper, we report that bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent enhancer of the cytokine- and IgE-dependent delayed responses of IL-3-dependent mouse bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMMC). LPS, although showing minimal effects, significantly augmented the c-kit ligand (KL)- or IgE-dependent expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and the attendant delayed PGD2 generation, with IL-10 and IL-4 acting as potentiating and inhibitory cytokines, respectively. The COX-2-inducing activity of LPS was mimicked by exogenous IL-1 beta. Assessment of endogenous cytokine induction revealed that IL-1 beta expression was stimulated by either LPS or exogenous IL-1 beta. IL-6 expression occurred in parallel with COX-2 expression. IL-10 expression, which lagged behind COX-2 expression, depended on exogenous IL-10, but not on LPS and IL-1 beta. Thus, LPS and IL-1 beta exhibited similar biological activities in terms of COX-2 and endogenous cytokine expression. However, adding an antibody against the type I IL-1 receptor to BMMC, which abrogated the effects of IL-1 beta, failed to neutralize the effects of LPS. These results suggest that LPS activates BMMC through the signal transduction pathway shared with exogenous IL-1 beta, rather than exerting its action indirectly via the production of endogenous IL-1 beta.

Subcellular localization of prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthases-1 and -2 by immunoelectron microscopy

Prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthases-1 and -2 (PGHS-1 and -2) are the major targets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. These enzymes catalyze the committed step in the formation of prostanoids from arachidonic acid. Although PGHS-1 and -2 are similar biochemically, a number of studies suggest that PGHS-1 and PGHS-2 function independently to form prostanoids that subserve different cellular functions. We have hypothesized that these isozymes may reside, at least in part, in different subcellular compartments and that their compartmentation may affect their access to arachidonic acid and serve to separate the functions of the enzymes. To obtain high resolution data on the subcellular locations of PGHS-1 and -2, we employed immunoelectron microscopy with multiple antibodies specific to each isozyme. Both PGHS-1 and -2 were found on the lumenal surfaces of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope of human monocytes, murine NIH 3T3 cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Within the nuclear envelope, PGHS-1 and -2 were present on both the inner and outer nuclear membranes and in similar proportions. Western blotting data showed a similar distribution of PGHS-1 and -2 in subcellular fractions, and product analysis using isozyme-specific inhibitors suggested that both enzymes generate the same products in NIH 3T3 cells. Thus, we are unable to attribute the independent functioning of PGHS-1 and PGHS-2 to differences in their subcellular locations. Instead, the independent operation of these isozymes may be attributable to subtle kinetic differences (e.g. negative allosteric regulation of PGHS-1 at low concentrations of arachidonate (500-1000 nM)). A further conclusion of importance from a cell biological perspective is that membrane proteins such as PGHS-1 and -2, which are located on the lumenal surface of the ER, are able to diffuse freely among the ER and the inner and outer membranes of the nuclear envelope.

Segregated Coupling of Phospholipases A2, Cyclooxygenases, and Terminal Prostanoid Synthases in Different Phases of Prostanoid Biosynthesis in Rat Peritoneal Macrophages

We examined herein the functional linkage of enzymes regulating the initial, intermediate, and terminal steps of PG biosynthesis to provide PGs in rat peritoneal macrophages stimulated with LPS and/or A23187. Quiescent cells stimulated with A23187 produced thromboxane B2 (TXB2) in marked preference to PGE2 within 30 to 60 min (constitutive immediate response), which was mediated by preexisting cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), and TX synthase. Cells treated with LPS predominantly produced PGE2 during culture for 3 to 24 h (delayed response), where cPLA2 and secretory PLA2 functioned cooperatively with inducible COX-2, which was, in turn, coupled with inducible PGE2 synthase. Cells primed for 12 h with LPS and stimulated for 30 min with A23187 produced PGE2 in marked preference to TXB2 (induced immediate response), in which three inducible enzymes, cPLA2, COX-2, and PGE2 synthase, were functionally linked. Preferred coupling of the two inducible enzymes, COX-2 and PGE2 synthase, was further confirmed by the ability of LPS-treated cells to convert exogenous arachidonic acid to PGE2 optimally at a time when both enzymes were simultaneously induced. These results suggest that distinct PG biosynthetic enzymes display segregated functional coupling following different transmembrane stimulation events even when enzymes that catalyze similar reactions in vitro coexist in the same cells.

Diamine Oxidase-Gold Ultrastructural Localization of Histamine in Human Skin Biopsies Containing Mast Cells Stimulated to Degranulate In Vivo by Exposure to Recombinant Human Stem Cell Factor

Stem cell factor (SCF ) has a major role in hematopoiesis and in the regulation of mast cell development and function. For example, recombinant human SCF (rhSCF ) can induce the development of human mast cells from precursor cells in vitro, stimulate mediator release from human skin mast cells in vitro, and promote both the development and functional activation of human skin mast cells in vivo. In the present study, we used a new ultrastructural enzyme-affinity method, employing diamine oxidase (DAO)-conjugated gold particles (DAO-gold), to detect histamine in skin biopsies obtained from patients with breast carcinomas who were receiving daily subcutaneous (SC) injections of rhSCF in a phase I study of this cytokine. We examined control biopsies obtained at sites remote from rhSCF injection as well as biopsies of rhSCF-injected skin that were obtained within 2 hours and 30 minutes of the SC injection of rhSCF at that site. The rhSCF-injected sites (which clinically exhibited a wheal-and-flare response), but not the control sites, contained mast cells undergoing regulated secretion by granule extrusion. The DAO-gold-affinity method detected histamine in electron-dense granules of mast cells in control and injected skin biopsies; however, the altered matrix of membrane-free, extruded mast cell granules was largely unreactive with DAO-gold. Notably, DAO-gold bound strongly to fibrin deposits and collagen fibers that were adjacent to degranulated mast cells. These findings represent the first morphologic evidence of histamine secretion by classical granule exocytosis in human mast cells in vivo.

Detection of secretory phospholipase A2s related but not identical to type IIA isozyme in cultured mast cells

We previously reported that BALB/cJ mouse-derived bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) exhibited two sequential phases of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) generation in response to Fc(epsilon) receptor I (Fc(epsilon)RI) crosslinking and cytokine stimulation, the late phase of which was suppressed by an antibody raised against type IIA secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). Here we report that BMMC derived from C57BL/6J mice, which are genetically deficient in type IIA sPLA2, display both immediate and delayed PGD2 generation normally. Lysates of C57BL/6J-derived BMMC contained a Ca2+-dependent PLA2 that was absorbed to a column conjugated with anti-type IIA sPLA2 antibody and had a similar molecular mass of 14 kDa, as assessed by immunoblotting. Therefore we speculate that a sPLA2 similar to, but distinct from, type IIA sPLA2 would compensate for type IIA sPLA2 deficiency in C57BL/6J-derived BMMC. We found that the two type IIA-related sPLA2 family members, type V and type IIC sPLA2s, were expressed in BMMC as well as in rat mastocytoma RBL-2H3 cells.

Post-transcriptional regulation of LTC4 synthase activity by retinoic acid in rat basophilic leukemia cells

Calcium ionophore-stimulated production of leukotriene (LT) C4 was enhanced by 16- to 26-h incubation with retinoic acid (RA) in rat basophilic leukemia-1 cells. Production of LTC4 by enzyme assay using cell lysates as the enzyme source and LTA4 as the substrate was also enhanced by RA-treatment. Production of LTB4 was not enhanced under these two experimental conditions, suggesting the preferential activation of LTC4 synthase activity. The RA-induced enhancement of LTC4 synthesis by the cells was suppressed by co-incubation with dexamethasone (DEX) or cyclosporine A (CSA). However, the expression of mRNA for LTC4 synthase was not affected by the exposure to RA, DEX or CSA. These results indicate that RA-induced enhancement of LTC4 production and its inhibition by DEX and CSA was determined by post-transcriptional regulation of LTC4 synthase.

Activated mast cells release extracellular type platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase that contributes to autocrine inactivation of platelet-activating factor

IgE-dependent and -independent activation of mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) elicited rapid and transient production of platelet-activating factor (PAF), which reached a maximal level by 2-5 min and was then degraded rapidly, returning to base-line levels by 10-20 min. Inactivation of PAF was preceded by the release of PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity, which reached a plateau by 3-5 min and paralleled the release of beta-hexosaminidase, a marker of mast cell exocytosis. Immunochemical and molecular biological studies revealed that the PAF-AH released from activated mast cells was identical to the plasma-type isoform. In support of the autocrine action of exocytosed PAF-AH, adding exogenous recombinant plasma-type PAF-AH markedly reduced PAF accumulation in activated BMMC. Furthermore, culture of BMMC with a combination of c-kit ligand, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-10 for > 24 h led to an increase in plasma-type PAF-AH expression, accompanied by a reduction in stimulus-initiated PAF production. Collectively, these results suggest that plasma-type PAF-AH released from activated mast cells sequesters proinflammatory PAF produced by these cells, thereby revealing an intriguing anti-inflammatory aspect of mast cells.

Human peripheral blood eosinophils express a functional c-kit receptor for stem cell factor that stimulates very late antigen 4 (VLA-4)-mediated cell adhesion to fibronectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)

We evaluated mature peripheral blood eosinophils for their expression of the surface tyrosine kinase, c-kit, the receptor for the stromal cell-derived cytokine, stem cell factor (SCF). Cytofluorographic analysis revealed that c-kit was expressed on the purified peripheral blood eosinophils from 8 of 8 donors (4 nonatopic and 4 atopic) (mean channel fluorescence intensity 2.0- 3. 6-fold, average 2.8 +/- 0.6-fold, greater than the negative control). The uniform and selective expression of c-kit by eosinophils was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of peripheral blood buffy coats. The functional integrity of c-kit was demonstrated by the capacity of 100 ng/ml (5 nM) of recombinant human (rh) SCF to increase eosinophil adhesion to 3, 10, and 30 microg/ml of immobilized FN40, a 40-kD chymotryptic fragment of plasma fibronectin, in 15 min by 7.7 +/- 1.4-, 5.3 +/- 3.3-, and 5.4 +/- 0. 2-fold, respectively, and their adhesion to 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 microg/ml vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), by 12.7 +/- 9. 2-, 3.8 +/- 2.5-, and 1.7 +/- 0.6-fold, respectively. The SCF-stimulated adhesion occurred without concomitant changes in surface integrin expression, thereby indicating an avidity-based mechanism. rhSCF (100 ng/ml, 5 nM) was comparable to rh eotaxin (200 ng/ml, 24 nM) in stimulating adhesion. Cell adhesion to FN40 was completely inhibited with antibodies against the alpha4 and beta1 integrin subunits, revealing that the SCF/c-kit adhesion effect was mediated by a single integrin heterodimer, very late antigen 4 (VLA-4). Thus, SCF represents a newly recognized stromal ligand for the activation of eosinophils for VLA-4-mediated adhesion, which could contribute to the exit of these cells from the blood, their tissue localization, and their prominence in inflammatory lesions.

Differential Release of Mast Cell Interleukin-6 Via c-kit

Mast cells represent a potential source of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other cytokines that have been implicated in host defense, tissue maintenance/remodeling, immunoregulation, and many other biologic responses. In acquired immune responses to parasites or allergens, the extensive IgE-dependent activation of mast cells via FcεRI can result in the release of large quantities of biogenic amines that are stored in the cells' cytoplasmic granules as well as the production of lipid mediators and many cytokines; these products together can orchestrate an intense inflammatory response. We now report that activation of mouse mast cells via c-kit, the receptor for the pleiotropic survival/growth factor, stem cell factor (SCF ), can induce the release of IL-6. Upon challenge with SCF, bone marrow-derived cultured mouse mast cells (BMCMCs) released amounts of IL-6 that were greater than 100-fold more than those produced by unstimulated cells, but that were substantially less than those produced in response to IgE and specific antigen. Moreover, BMCMCs released IL-6 upon challenge with concentrations of SCF that resulted in little or no detectable release of tumor necrosis factor-α, leukotriene C4 , histamine, or serotonin. These findings indicate that SCF, a widely expressed protein that is critical for mast cell development and survival, can also regulate the differential release of mast cell mediators.

Cross-linking of the high-affinity IgE receptor induces the expression of cyclo-oxygenase 2 and attendant prostaglandin generation requiring interleukin 10 and interleukin 1 beta in mouse cultured mast cells

When mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) developed in interleukin (IL)-3 were activated with IgE and antigen (IgE/antigen) in the presence of both IL-10 and IL-1 beta, two sequential phases of prostaglandin (PG)D2 generation were elicited, in which the first phase occurred by 1 h and the second phase from 2 to 10 h. The delayed phase of PGD2 generation was accompanied by a marked induction of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA, which reached a peak at 1-2 h, followed by that of its protein from 2-10 h, with a peak at 5 h. The immediate phase of PGD2 generation was completely abrogated by the irreversible inhibition of pre-existing COX-1 by aspirin pretreatment, whereas the delayed phase of PGD2 generation was almost undetectable in the presence of the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. A detailed analysis of the individual effects of IgE/antigen, IL-10 and IL-1 beta on COX-2 expression revealed that IgE/antigen and IL-10 each initiated and stabilized COX-2 mRNA expression, leading to an increase in the expression of its protein. Conversely, IL-1 beta stabilized the COX-2 protein without affecting its mRNA level. The induction of COX-2 by IgE/antigen with IL-10 and IL-1 beta preceded the induction of transcripts for endogenous cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1 beta and IL-10. The inhibition of PGD2 generation by indomethacin did not affect the induction of COX-2 or these cytokines. Thus the two major delayed-phase responses of BMMC after IgE-dependent activation, namely COX-2-dependent PGD2 generation and cytokine production, are regulated independently.

Downstream signals initiated in mast cells by Fc epsilon RI and other receptors

The significant contributions this past year to our understanding of IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) signaling in mast cells include studies with truncated Syk in a vaccinia expression system and Syk-negative variants of rat basophilic (RBL-2H3) cells. These studies demonstrate an essential role for Syk in initiating signals for secretion and release of arachidonic acid via phospholipase A2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase. A newly recognized addition to the repertoire of Fc epsilon RI-mediated signaling systems is the activation of sphingosine kinase, which contributes to calcium mobilization in mast cells. Advances have been made in our understanding of other receptors that regulate proliferation and differentiation of mast cells, and in our understanding of the ability of mast cells to mount acquired and acute responses to antigenic and bacterial challenge.

Type II secretory phospholipase A2 associated with cell surfaces via C-terminal heparin-binding lysine residues augments stimulus-initiated delayed prostaglandin generation

Type II secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) has been shown to be induced by a variety of proinflammatory stimuli and, therefore, has been implicated in the inflammatory process. In order to determine whether association of sPLA2 with cell surfaces via heparan sulfate proteoglycan is important for its effects on cellular functions, we have identified the critical domain in sPLA2 for heparin and cell surface binding and examined its role in cellular prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis. Replacement of several conserved Lys residues in the C-terminal region of mouse and rat sPLA2s by Glu resulted in a marked reduction of their capacities to bind to heparin and mammalian cell surfaces without affecting their enzymatic activities toward dispersed phospholipid as a substrate. CHO cells stably transfected with wild-type sPLA2 released about twice as much arachidonic acid (AA) during culture for 10 h with fetal calf serum and interleukin-1beta than cells transfected with vector alone, whereas the ability to enhance AA release was impaired in sPLA2 mutants incapable of binding to cell surfaces. AA released by wild-type sPLA2-transfected CHO cells was metabolized to prostaglandin E2 via prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase (PGHS)-2 after IL-1beta stimulation, revealing a particular functional linkage of sPLA2 to PGHS-2. In contrast, A23187-initiated immediate AA release over 30 min was not affected by sPLA2 overexpression. Taken together, these results suggest that sPLA2 expressed endogenously and anchored on cell surfaces via its C-terminal heparin-binding domain is involved in the PGHS-2-dependent delayed PG biosynthesis initiated by growth factors and cytokines during long term culture.

Stem cell factor potentiates histamine secretion by multiple mechanisms, but does not affect tumour necrosis factor-alpha release from rat mast cells

The effect of stem cell factor (SCF) on histamine and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release from rat peritoneal mast cells (PMC) was determined and the intracellular pathways involved in the potentiation of histamine secretion were investigated. The effects of SCF (2-100 ng/ml) were examined following both short-term (0 and 20 min) and long-term (up to 24hr) preincubations with SCF. Pretreatment of PMC with SCF for 0 min (concurrent) or 20 min did not induce histamine secretion directly, but significantly increased antigen (Ag)-induced histamine secretion. SCF potentiated Ag-induced intracellular Ca2+ increase and calcium ionophore A23187-induced histamine secretion. Pertussis toxin (PT) inhibited SCF-induced potentiation of IgE-dependent histamine secretion, indicating that PT-sensitive G-proteins are involved in the immediate effects of SCF. In long-term incubation experiments, SCF pretreatment for 18-24 hr significantly enhanced Ag-induced histamine secretion, but did not affect Ag-induced intracellular Ca2+ levels. The effects of long-term incubation with SCF, but not the short-term effects, were blocked by cycloheximide. Interestingly, spontaneous and Ag-induced TNF-alpha release from rat PMC were not affected by pretreatment with SCF (2-500 ng/ml) for 1 to 24 hr. Thus, through immediate and delayed mechanisms, SCF potentiates histamine release from PMC, but has not effect on TNF-alpha release. The regulation of MC by SCF may be important in allergic and other inflammatory diseases.

Post-transcriptional stabilization by interleukin-1beta of interleukin-6 mRNA induced by c-kit ligand and interleukin-10 in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells

We demostrate that a specific combination of cytokines elicits high levels of interleukin (IL)-6 gene expression in mast cells and define the cellular mechanisms of the exogenous cytokine action. The addition of c-kit ligand (KL) and IL-10 to IL-3-derived mouse bone marrow mast cells (BMMC) elicited an approximately 2-fold increase in steady-state IL-6 mRNA levels that peaked after 0.5 h and was followed by the release of approximately 0.2 ng of IL-6/10(6) cells by 5-7 h. The addition of IL-1beta to KL + IL-10 elicited a prolonged approximately 12-fold increase in the level of IL-6 mRNA by 3-5 h and an approximately 50-fold increase in the level of IL-6 protein released by 7 h. As determined by nuclear run-on analysis, KL + IL-10 stimulated IL-6 gene transcription within 0.5 h, and the addition of IL-1beta did not increase transcription. Instead, IL-1beta slowed by approximately 8-fold the decay of IL-6 mRNA as compared to its decay in BMMC stimulated with KL + IL-10 alone. The exposure of BMMC to cycloheximide 0.5 h before the addition of the three exogenous cytokines inhibited by approximately 50% the level of IL-6 mRNA generated but did not inhibit the effects of KL + IL-10, indicating that IL-1beta induces the synthesis of a protein that stabilizes IL-6 mRNA. The stabilization of IL-6 mRNA was inhibited by the addition of actinomycin D at 0.5 but not 3 h after BMMC were stimulated with IL-1beta in combination with KL + IL-10, suggesting that once transcribed, the stabilizing protein is long-lived. The addition of cycloheximide to BMMC after stimulation with KL + IL-10 with or without IL-1beta increased the levels of steady-state IL-6 mRNA compared to levels in cells without drug, indicating that in addition to stimulating IL-6 transcription, KL + IL-10 induces a protein factor that destabilizes IL-6 mRNA. Thus, there exists a novel Fcepsilon receptor type I-independent mechanism by which a mast cell can provide substantial amounts of IL-6 protein in response to the synergistic action of KL and IL-10 to induce IL-6 gene transcription, and IL-1beta to stabilize otherwise short-lived IL-6 transcripts.