The effect of human eosinophil granule major basic protein on airway responsiveness in the rat in vivo. A comparison with polycations

An essential role for interleukin-5 and eosinophils in helminth-induced airway hyperresponsiveness

Infection with the parasitic helminth Brugia malayi can result in development of a severe asthmatic response termed tropical pulmonary eosinophilia. This disease, thought to result from a host inflammatory response to blood parasites which become trapped in the lung microvasculature, is characterized by a profound eosinophilic infiltration into the lungs. Recruitment of eosinophils also correlates with the development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to cholinergic agonists and severe asthmatic symptoms. Our studies examined the role of interleukin-5 (IL-5) in helminth-induced pulmonary eosinophilia and AHR. C57BL/6 mice immunized with killed B. malayi microfilariae and challenged intravenously with live microfilariae exhibit many of the characteristics of human disease, including peripheral and pulmonary eosinophilia. Cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage of sensitized mice consisted of 3.8% eosinophils on day 1 postchallenge and 84% on day 10. Extracellular major basic protein was present on the surface of airway epithelial cells as early as day 1 and continued to be evident after 8 days, indicating sustained activation and degranulation of eosinophils in the lung. These histologic changes correlated with the development of AHR to carbachol. In contrast to immunocompetent mice, immunization and challenge with B. malayi in IL-5(-/-) mice did not induce peripheral or pulmonary eosinophilia, and these mice failed to show AHR in response to cholinergic agonists. Taken together, these data indicate that IL-5 and eosinophils are required for the induction of AHR by filarial helminths.

Stem Cell Factor Influences Mast Cell Mediator Release in Response to Eosinophil-Derived Granule Major Basic Protein

Stem cell factor (SCF) is an important mast cell growth, differentiation, and survival factor. We investigated whether SCF influenced the response of mouse mast cells to an IgE-independent stimulus, eosinophil-derived granule major basic protein (MBP). Mouse bone marrow cultured mast cells (BMCMC) were derived in either concanavalin-stimulated mouse spleen conditioned medium (CM) or SCF. The cloned growth, factor-independent mast cell line Cl.MC/C57.1 was also studied. BMCMC in SCF exhibited cytochemical staining properties, protease and histamine content, and increased serotonin uptake consistent with more mature differentiated mast cells as compared with BMCMC in CM or Cl.MC/ C57.1 cells. BMCMC in SCF released serotonin,14C-labeled arachidonic acid metabolites and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on stimulation with MBP, while no response was seen from either BMCMC in CM or Cl.MC/C57.1 cells. All three mast cell populations released mediators on stimulation with the cationic MBP analog, poly-L-arginine, indicating that the cationic charge did not explain the selective response of BMCMC in SCF to eosinophil-derived granule MBP. These findings show that SCF significantly influences mast cell differentiation and the responsiveness of mast cells to eosinophil-derived granule MBP.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Stem Cell Factor Influences Mast Cell Mediator Release in Response to Eosinophil-Derived Granule Major Basic Protein

Stem cell factor (SCF) is an important mast cell growth, differentiation, and survival factor. We investigated whether SCF influenced the response of mouse mast cells to an IgE-independent stimulus, eosinophil-derived granule major basic protein (MBP). Mouse bone marrow cultured mast cells (BMCMC) were derived in either concanavalin-stimulated mouse spleen conditioned medium (CM) or SCF. The cloned growth, factor-independent mast cell line Cl.MC/C57.1 was also studied. BMCMC in SCF exhibited cytochemical staining properties, protease and histamine content, and increased serotonin uptake consistent with more mature differentiated mast cells as compared with BMCMC in CM or Cl.MC/ C57.1 cells. BMCMC in SCF released serotonin,14C-labeled arachidonic acid metabolites and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on stimulation with MBP, while no response was seen from either BMCMC in CM or Cl.MC/C57.1 cells. All three mast cell populations released mediators on stimulation with the cationic MBP analog, poly-L-arginine, indicating that the cationic charge did not explain the selective response of BMCMC in SCF to eosinophil-derived granule MBP. These findings show that SCF significantly influences mast cell differentiation and the responsiveness of mast cells to eosinophil-derived granule MBP.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Eosinophils, major basic protein, and polycationic peptides augment bovine airway myocyte Ca2+ mobilization

Previous studies in vivo or in isolated airway preparations have suggested that eosinophil-derived polycationic proteins enhance airway smooth muscle tone in an epithelium-dependent manner. We assessed the direct effects of activated human eosinophil supernatant, major basic protein (MBP), and polycationic polypeptides on basal and agonist-stimulated intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in cultured bovine tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) cells. A 1-h incubation of myocytes with activated eosinophil buffer resulted in a doubling of basal [Ca2+]i and increased responsivity to histamine compared with myocytes that were exposed to sham-activated eosinophil buffer. In addition, concentration-dependent acute transient increases and subsequent 1-h sustained elevations of basal [Ca2+]i were observed immediately after addition of MBP and model polycationic proteins. Finally, both peak and plateau [Ca2+]i responses to bradykinin addition were augmented significantly in cultured myocytes that had been exposed to low concentrations of MBP or model polycationic proteins but were inhibited at greater concentrations. This elevated [Ca2+]i to polycationic proteins was manifest in epithelium-denuded bovine TSM strips as concentration-dependent increased basal tone. We conclude that activated eosinophil supernatant, MBP, and other polycationic proteins have a direct effect on both basal and subsequent agonist-elicited Ca2+ mobilization in cultured TSM cells; TSM strips in vitro demonstrated, respectively, augmented and diminished responses to the contractile agonist acetylcholine. It is possible that alteration in myocyte Ca2+ mobilization induced by these substances may influence clinical states of altered airway tone, such as asthma.

Eosinophils retain their granule major basic protein in a murine model of allergic pulmonary inflammation

Accumulation of eosinophils in the lung with concomitant tissue damage are defining histopathologic features of human asthma. Through degranulation and the release of proinflammatory proteins such as major basic protein (MBP), eosinophils may perpetuate this inflammatory response. We investigated the extent of eosinophil degranulation in a murine model of allergic pulmonary inflammation. In this paradigm, the mice develop pulmonary eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, tissue damage, and airway edema and hyperreactivity. To evaluate the degree of eosinophil degranulation, we used a polyclonal antibody to murine MBP (mMBP) to perform dot blot analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and fluids, and immunohistochemical fluorescent analysis of lung tissue sections. After ovalbumin antigen challenge, we were unable to detect immunoreactive mMBP in the BAL fluids from either nonsensitized or sensitized mice. However, after lysis of the recoverable BAL cells, we were able to detect mMBP by immunoblot analysis, with the levels of immunoreactive mMBP directly related to the number of recoverable eosinophils. We also examined paraffin-embedded, lung tissue sections for patterns of mMBP deposition. Whereas lung sections from allergic mice revealed prominent peribronchial eosinophilia after antigen challenge, tissue sections from nonsensitized animals rarely displayed eosinophils. Despite the presence of numerous eosinophils, no immunohistologic evidence of extracellular mMBP could be found in antigen-challenged allergic mice. Furthermore, rechallenged allergic mice displayed a significant increase in the number of recruited pulmonary eosinophils but all immunoreactive mMBP was still intracellular. We conclude that the recruited pulmonary eosinophils have not substantially degranulated. These results suggest that, in this murine model of allergic inflammation, eosinophil degranulation and release of mMBP does not contribute to the observed pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperreactivity.

Role for neurokinin-2 receptor in interleukin-5-induced airway hyperresponsiveness but not eosinophilia in guinea pigs

In the guinea pig, interleukin-5 (IL-5) has been shown to induce airway hyperresponsiveness as well as eosinophilia, which are important symptoms in asthma. IL-5 seems to be a critical cytokine since it selectively affects eosinophil functions. The mechanism of action by which IL-5 leads to airway hyperresponsiveness may be important for our understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma. Neurogenic inflammation, which is mediated by nonadrenergic noncholinergic nerves (NANC), may play a role in the IL-5-induced effects in guinea pig airways. In this study, the role of neuropeptides in the IL-5-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia in the guinea pig was examined using selective neurokinin receptor antagonists. Intra-airway application of IL-5 (1 microgram, twice) induces a selective eosinophil migration (control: 12 [8-22] x 10(5) cells and IL-5: 90 [67-187] x 10(5) cells, p < 0.05) and activation (control: 6.3 +/- 0.9 ng eosinophil peroxidase [EPO]/ml bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] fluid and IL-5: 29.3 +/- 4.9 ng EPO/ml BAL fluid, p < 0.05) and a pronounced airway hyperresponsiveness in vivo. The maximal responses to histamine are increased by 160 +/- 16% (p < 0.05) after IL-5. Treatment of guinea pigs with either the nonselective neurokinin (NK)-receptor antagonist, FK224, or the selective NK2-receptor antagonist, SR48968, results in a complete inhibition of the in vivo hyperresponsiveness found after application of IL-5. Vice versa, intra-airway administration of substance P (10 micrograms, twice) results in an airway hyperresponsiveness (increased maximal response after substance P: 166 +/- 15% [p < 0.05]) without inducing migration or activation of eosinophils. All examined NK-receptor antagonists do not influence the IL-5-induced eosinophil accumulation. In addition, no effect of the NK-receptor antagonists is observed on the IL-5-induced eosinophil activation, as determined by BAL fluid EPO levels. The release of NK2-receptor active tachykinins plays an important role in the development of IL-5-induced airway hyperresponsiveness. This feature appears to be a step following eosinophil infiltration and activation since there are no effects on eosinophil function by pretreatment of the used NK-receptor antagonists.

Adoptive transfer of allergen-specific CD4+ T cells induces airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in brown-Norway rats

Following allergen exposure, sensitized Brown-Norway rats develop airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and eosinophilic inflammation together with an increase in activated T cells (CD25+) in the airways. We tested the hypothesis that CD4+ T cells are involved directly in the acquisition of AHR. Spleen T cells from animals that were injected intraperitoneally on three consecutive days with ovalbumin/Al(OH)3, showed a dose-dependent proliferative response in vitro to ovalbumin, but not to bovine serum albumin, as measured by [3H]thymidine uptake. For total T-cell transfer, spleen cells obtained from donor rats 4 days after sensitization were depleted of adherent cells by a nylon wool column separation. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were purified by immunomagnetic beads cell separation. Recipient naive rats were injected intravenously with 50 x 10(6) total T cells, 20 x 10(6) and 5 x 10(6) CD4+ cells, and 5 x 10(6) CD8+ cells, and were exposed to ovalbumin aerosol 24 hr afterwards. After a further 24 hr, airway responsiveness to acetylcholine (ACh) was measured and provocative concentration (PC) values PC100, PC200 and PC300) (the ACh concentration needed to achieve 100, 200 and 300% increase in lung resistance above baseline) were calculated. Airway responsiveness was significantly increased in recipients of sensitized total T cells compared with recipients of cells from saline-injected donor rats (P < 0.05). There were significantly increased eosinophil major basic protein (MBP)+ cell counts/mm2 in airway submucosal tissue in the hyperreactive rats and a significant correlation was found between the number of MBP+ cells and PC100 (r = 0.75; P < 0.03) in recipients of sensitized total T cells. Purified CD4+ T cells from sensitized donors induced AHR in naive recipients (P < 0.05), while sensitized CD8+ and naive CD4+ cells failed to do so. Our data indicate that T cells may induce AHR through an eosinophilic airway inflammation and that CD4+ T cells may have a direct effect in this process in Brown-Norway rats.

Kinetics of eosinophilia and eosinophil activation in the development of non-allergic bronchial hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs injected with Sephadex beads

Eosinophils are believed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). In the present study, the involvement of blood and pulmonary eosinophilia as well as the eosinophil activation in the onset of non-allergic AHR caused by the injection of G-50 Sephadex beads in guinea pigs was investigated. Reactivity of the isolated lower bronchus to histamine was measured ex vivo in a bioassay system. The increase of reactivity of the isolated lower bronchus of Sephadex-injected animals to histamine was observed as early as 3 h after the Sephadex injection and was maximal between 6-24 h. Sephadex-induced blood eosinophilia was characterized by two successive increases of blood eosinophil counts peaking at 3 and 12 h respectively. The recruitment of inflammatory cells into the lungs as measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) have shown that the neutrophils were initially increased at 3 h whereas the number of eosinophils increased only 6 h after the bead injection; both cell populations were maximal 24 h later. Eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity was used as a marker for the apparent number of eosinophils in airways and the degree of activation of eosinophils recovered in BALF. Results have shown that EPO activity in the lower bronchus of Sephadex-injected animals increased at 6 h, decreased at 12 h and was maximal 24 h later. The EPO activity recovered in BALF was maximal between 6 to 24 h after the bead injection in guinea pigs. Correlation between the number of eosinophils and the EPO activity in BALF suggests that BALF eosinophils have been activated and have degranulated in airways. Correlation studies also indicated that both Sephadex induced blood eosinophilia and eosinophil activation were associated to the development of AHR. In contrast, the increase of EPO activity in the lower bronchus and BALF eosinophilia were not correlated to the development of AHR in our model. In conclusion, our results suggest that Sephadex induced non-allergic AHR in guinea pigs could be related, at least in part, to blood eosinophilia and eosinophil activation. Whether blood, airway and BALF eosinophilia as well as eosinophil activation are relevant factors to determine the potential role of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of AHR is discussed.

T cell-dependent regulation of eotaxin in antigen-induced pulmonary eosinophila

T lymphocytes have been implicated in controlling the recruitment of eosinophils into the lung in murine models of allergic asthma. The mechanism by which T cells assist in the recruitment of eosinophils to the lung in these models is not completely understood. We hypothesized that eosinophil-active chemokines might be regulated by antigen (Ag)-induced T cell activation in vivo and thereby mediate T cell-dependent eosinophil recruitment. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of an anti-CD3 mAb on Ag-induced pulmonary eosinophilia and correlated this with the expression of three eosinophil-active chemokines: eotaxin, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1 alpha, and RANTES. We found that Ag-induced pulmonary eosinophilia was associated with the induction of eotaxin and MIP-1 alpha, but not RANTES mRNA. Prechallenge treatment with anti-CD3 mAb inhibited eotaxin, but not MIP-1 alpha and RANTES mRNA induction, and significantly reduced eosinophil accumulation in the lung. In addition, Ag-specific antibody responses and mast cell degranulation after Ag challenge in sensitized mice were not affected by T cell elimination, and were not sufficient to induce the expression of eotaxin and cause pulmonary eosinophilia. These findings suggest that eotaxin is one of the molecular links between Ag-specific T cell activation and the recruitment of eosinophils into the airways.

Expression of Th-2 cytokines interleukin-4 and -5 and of Th-1 cytokine interferon-gamma in ovalbumin-exposed sensitized Brown-Norway rats

We determined the expression of Th-2 type cytokines, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5, and of the Th-1 type cytokine, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), in the Brown-Norway rat. Rats were intraperitoneally sensitized with ovalbumin and 21 days later were either exposed to ovalbumin or saline aerosol. The value -log PC300 (PC300 = concentration of acetylcholine needed to increase baseline lung resistance by 300%) was 2.49 +/- 0.15 in sensitized, exposed rats, was higher than in sensitized, saline-exposed or naive rats (1.54 +/- 0.27 and 1.63 +/- 0.06 respectively, P < 0.05). There was a significant increase in eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in airway submucosal airway tissues in the sensitized exposed group. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed on total lung RNA using primers for IL-4, IL-5, IFN-gamma and beta-actin. IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA levels in control and sensitized saline-exposed rats were not detectable, but increased levels were found in sensitized and ovalbumin-exposed rats with levels of 0.25 +/- 0.01 and 0.98 +/- 0.02% of beta-actin mRNA as assessed by densitometric measurements. Expression of IFN-gamma mRNA was significantly reduced in sensitized and ovalbumin-exposed rats. As in asthmatic airways, there is an increased expression of Th-2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-5, together with a reduction in the Th-1 cytokine, IFN-gamma, thus supporting a role for Th-2 cytokines in allergic eosinophilic inflammation.

In vivo neutralization of eosinophil-derived major basic protein inhibits antigen-induced bronchial hyperreactivity in sensitized guinea pigs

This study examines the effect of purified rabbit antiguinea pig eosinophil-derived major basic protein (MBP) Ig on antigen-induced bronchial hyperreactivity to inhaled acetylcholine in aerosol-sensitized guinea pigs. Ovalbumin inhalation by sensitized guinea pigs induced a rise in the numbers of eosinophils and in the levels of MBP in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which peaked at 24 h and resolved at 72 h. Antigen-challenged animals exhibited bronchial hyperreactivity to inhale acetylcholine at 72 h, but not at 6 or 24 h. The intranasal administration of 200 microliter of purified rabbit anti-guinea pig MBP Ig, at 2.5 mg/ml, but not of the control preimmune rabbit Ig, 1 h before and 5 h after ovalbumin inhalation suppressed bronchial hyperreactivity to acetylcholine at 72 h without affecting the number of eosinophils accumulating in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These findings indicate that antigen challenge in sensitized guinea pigs is followed by early eosinophil infiltration and activation within the airways and by late bronchial hyperreactivity. Neutralization of endogenously secreted MBP by a specific antiserum prevented antigen-induced bronchial hyperreactivity, suggesting that eosinophil degranulation plays an important role in the alterations of bronchopulmonary function in the guinea pig.

Airway eosinophilic inflammation, epithelial damage, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in patients with mild-moderate, stable asthma

Allergic asthma is characterized by chronic recruitment of eosinophils in the airways. Once activated, eosinophils release toxic products, including eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), able to damage airway epithelial cells. To test the hypothesis that also in mild-moderate stable asthma, a significant eosinophil activation could occur, we studied 25 asthmatic patients (34 +/- 19 years old), of whom 18 were allergic (27 +/- 12 years) and seven nonallergic (42 +/- 10 years), with FEV1 values > or = 70% of predicted, and eight normal volunteers (controls, 33 +/- 11 years). All subjects underwent methacholine (MCh) challenge on the first visit, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on the second visit (approximately 3-4 days later). BAL cells were counted and albumin (Alb) (as index of protein dilution in BAL fluid) and ECP levels (as index of eosinophil activation) in BAL fluid were measured. As compared to controls, a significant increase in BAL eosinophil and in BAL epithelial cell numbers was observed in asthmatic patients (P > 0.05, each comparison), with no differences between the two asthmatic patient subgroups. Detectable ECP levels (> 2 micrograms/1) were found in BAL of 18 asthmatic patients (14 allergic and four nonallergic asthmatic patients), while Alb levels were measurable in 25 BAL fluids and found to be similar in controls and asthmatic patients, and in the two asthmatic patient subgroups (P > 0.05, each comparison). In BAL of asthmatic patients, positive correlations were found between eosinophil numbers and 1) ECP/Alb levels (r = 0.50, P = 0.020); 2) epithelial cell numbers (r = 0.50, P = 0.014). In asthmatic patients, a significant negative correlation was found between bronchial reactivity to MCh (log Pd15) and ECP/Alb levels in BAL fluid (r = -0.6, P = 0.005), whereas no correlation was found between log Pd15 MCh and BAL eosinophil or epithelial cell number (P > 0.1, each correlation). These data suggest that bronchial eosinophil recruitment and activation may occur also in mild-moderate stable asthma and that bronchial epithelium damage and airway responsiveness may be partially associated with the eosinophilic inflammatory reaction.

Cationic proteins increase the permeability of cultured rabbit tracheal epithelial cells: modification by heparin and extracellular calcium

Airway inflammation is a consistent finding in asthma, and increased amounts of eosinophil-derived cationic proteins are present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from asthmatic subjects. Tracheal instillation of a variety of naturally occurring and synthetic cationic proteins has been shown to induce airway hyperresponsiveness in animal models. Cationic proteins may alter the barrier function of airway epithelium, allowing increased access of agonists to underlying nerves and airway smooth muscle. To examine the effect of cationic proteins on airway epithelial cell function, rabbit tracheal epithelial cells were isolated and cultured on collagen-coated filter membranes. Both apical and basolateral exposure of the cell cultures to poly-L-lysine and poly-L-arginine decreased transepithelial electrical resistance (Rt) over 60 min. There were no discernable light microscopic changes in the morphology of the cultures at 60 min after poly-L-lysine exposure, but permeability to mannitol was increased compared to controls. Evidence for the critical role of cationic charge included the following observations: (1) Poly-L-aspartate, an anionic polyamino acid, had no significant effect on Rt, and (2) the addition of heparin prior to the addition of poly-L-lysine blocked the reduction in Rt. Furthermore, when applied after poly-L-lysine addition, heparin reversed the decrease in Rt in a time-dependent fashion. Increasing the [Ca2+] in the medium from 1 to 10 mM resulted in significant attenuation of the response to polycation addition. These findings suggest that cationic proteins significantly alter the barrier properties of airway epithelium and that cationic charge is a crucial factor. This alteration is not an "all or none" phenomenon, since subsequent addition of heparin resulted in a reversal of the effect. While the precise mechanisms responsible for these observations remain to be elucidated, cationic proteins may be modifying the interaction of extracellular calcium with tight junctions thereby resulting in increased permeability. The barrier function of the epithelium may be perturbed in asthma and a variety of other airway diseases through the presence of cationic proteins derived from inflammatory cells within the airway lumen and/or the subepithelium.

Human eosinophil-granule major basic protein and synthetic polycations induce airway hyperresponsiveness in vivo dependent on bradykinin generation

In the current series of experiments we investigated the role of bradykinin in airway hyperresponsiveness induced by human eosinophil-granule major basic protein (MBP). Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed after intratracheal instillation of MBP or poly-L-lysine in anesthetized, intubated rats, and levels of immunoreactive kinins and kallikrein-like activity were determined. Both MBP and poly-L-lysine induced a three- and eightfold increase in levels of kallikrein-like activity and i-kinins, respectively. To determine whether kinin production is required for the development of airway hyperresponsiveness induced by cationic proteins, dose-response curves to methacholine were constructed before and 1 h after intratracheal instillation of either MBP or poly-L-lysine (100 micrograms). MBP and poly-L-lysine induced an increase in airway responsiveness, which was inhibited by pretreatment with a selective BK-2 receptor antagonist, NPC 17713 (250 micrograms/ml). Our results demonstrate that MBP and poly-L-lysine activate kallikrein and stimulate the generation of i-kinins in vivo, an effect that may be related to the cationic charge of these proteins. Furthermore, the ability of these proteins to increase airway responsiveness appears to be dependent on the generation of i-kinins.

Cationic protein-induced sensory nerve activation: role of substance P in airway hyperresponsiveness and plasma protein extravasation

We have previously reported that human eosinophil granule major basic protein and synthetic cationic proteins such as poly-L-arginine and poly-L-lysine, can increase airway responsiveness in vivo. In the present study, we have investigated whether activation of sensory C-fibers is important in this phenomenon. Dose-response curves to methacholine were constructed before and 1 h after intratracheal instillation of poly-L-lysine in anaesthetized spontaneously breathing rats, and the concentration of methacholine required to induce a doubling in total lung resistance was calculated. Poly-L-lysine induced a fivefold increase in airway responsiveness, which was inhibited by neonatal capsaicin treatment and potentiated by phosphoramidon (100 micrograms/ml). Furthermore, pretreatment with either CP, 96-345, or RP-67580 two selective NK-1 receptor antagonists inhibited poly-L-lysine-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and plasma protein extravasation. In vitro, cationic proteins stimulated the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity from perfused slices of the main bronchi. Our results demonstrate that cationic proteins can activate sensory C-fibers in the airways, an effect which is important in the subsequent development of airway hyperresponsiveness and plasma protein extravasation. Cationic proteins may therefore function as a link between inflammatory cell accumulation and sensory nerve activation.

Role of cationic proteins in the airway. Hyperresponsiveness due to airway inflammation

Major basic protein (MBP) is a highly cationic protein found in the granules of eosinophils. It has been postulated that MBP may participate in the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness exhibited by asthmatic patients. Accordingly, we have employed a rat system to investigate the effect of human MBP instillation on airway responsiveness and the possible role of cationic charge in the determination of this effect. Major basic protein caused a significant increase in airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine. Two polycations, poly-L-arginine and poly-L-lysine, also increased airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine. Moreover, two other very different cationic proteins, platelet factor 4 (PF4) and cathepsin G were also capable of inducing airway hyperresponsiveness. These effects were dependent on their positive charge, since the charge--and, hence the effect--of these proteins was neutralized with low molecular weight heparin. In addition, other polyanions, such as low molecular weight heparin, albumin, or dextran sulfate, were also effective. We investigated whether two synthetic cationic proteins, poly-L-arginine and poly-L-lysine, could modify epithelial-dependent responses using a perfused guinea pig tracheal tube preparation. With an intact epithelium, methacholine was some 150 times less potent when applied intraluminally than when applied extraluminally. Perfusion of the luminal surface with cationic proteins increased the potency of intraluminally applied methacholine without modifying the responses to extraluminally applied methacholine. Cationic proteins also attenuated the relaxant effects of intraluminally applied KCl. These effects occurred in the absence of any overt epithelial cell damage. Our data demonstrates that cationic proteins can modify epithelial-dependent responses in the airways.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Contractile properties of synthetic cationic polypeptides in guinea-pig isolated trachea

1. The synthetic polypeptides, poly-L-arginine, poly-L-lysine and poly-D-lysine contract guinea-pig isolated trachea in a concentration-dependent, epithelium-independent manner. Indomethacin augmented the contractile response to poly-L-arginine. 2. The contractile response to poly-L-arginine was not significantly inhibited by nicardipine, a selective L-type calcium channel blocker or by the histamine H1-receptor antagonist, mepyramine nor significantly augmented by the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, phosphoramidon. 3. The contractile response to poly-L-arginine was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by prior incubation of guinea-pig tracheal rings with a number of anionic polypeptides including, low molecular weight heparin, poly-L-aspartic acid and bovine serum albumin. 4. In vitro capsaicin-induced desensitization failed to attenuate the contractile response to poly-L-arginine, suggesting little, if any role for sensory neuropeptides in the functional response in the guinea-pig. 5. Synthetic polypeptides induce an epithelium-independent, charge-dependent contraction of guinea-pig isolated trachea.