Cytochalasin B: effect on lysosomal enzyme release from human leukocytes

Phagocytosis: a review

Primitive unicellular organisms depend greatly on internalization of particulate matter for nourishment. In metazoa, this process is further developed to play a major role in mechanisms of defense. This review analyzes, mainly in mammalian systems, the various phenomena surrounding the phagocytic act. Much of the emphasis is placed on experimental work which has recently elucidated some of its features. Both the structural and functional aspects of phagocytosis are considered throughout the review, which is subdivided into an examination of chemotaxis and the various agents inducing it, the mode of recognition of particles to be phagocytized, and the mechanisms of ingestion. The last includes a discussion of the possible means whereby recognition is translated into ingestion, the modes of adhesion of particles onto the surface of phagocytes, the formation and fusion of pseudopodia during engulfment and ingestion, and process and significance of degranulation. In addition, the metabolic changes in phagocytes during the processes of chemotaxis, ingestion, and digestion are described. A discussion of the various ways phagocytes may destroy microorganisms incorporates an appreciation of the importance of the microbicidal action of the acidic environment of the phagosome, the various lysosomal contents, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, singlet oxygen, and chemiluminescence. The interdependence and interrelationship of the induction and cooperation of these mechanisms are examined.

Thromboxane generation by human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes were stimulated to generate thromboxane B2 in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion upon exposure to serum-treated zymosan particles. Conversion by stimulated PMN of [14C] arachidonic acid to [14C]thromboxane B2 was confirmed by thin-layer radiochromatography, radio-gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Generation of thromboxane B2 was independent of platelet contamination and could be inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin. Cells rendered incapable of ingesting particles by treatment with cytochalasin B generated comparable amounts of thromboxane B2. These results suggest that human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes synthesize thromboxanes in response to surface stimulation independently of phagocytosis.

Microfilaments and microtubules in calcium ionophore-induced secretion of lysosomal enzymes from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Human peripheral blood leukocytes (PMN) are induced to release lysosomal enzymes by the calcium ionophore A23187 in the presence but not the absence of extracellular Ca++. Whereas secretion induced by particulate or immune stimuli is accompanied by an increase in visible microtubules and is inhibitable by colchicine, secretion induced by A23187 and Ca++ was not accompanied by an increase in microtubule numbers and was not inhibited by colchicine. Ca++ did not appear to regulate microtubule assembly in these cells since resting PMN had a mean of 22.3 +/- 2.0 microtubules in the centriolar region as compared to 22.3 +/- 1.1 in ionophore-treated cells and 24.9 +/- 1.5 in cells exposed to ionophore and 1 mM Ca++. Bipolar filaments, 10 nm thick and 300--400 nm long, were numerous in the pericortical cytoplasm of cells exposed to both reagents. Microtubules in these cells were decorated with an electron-opaque fibrillar material. PMN exposed to A23187 and Ca++ were contracted in two directions at right angles to each other: (a) Contractions parallel to the plasma membrane resulted in extensive plication of the cell membrane. The cytoplasm subjacent to the plicae contained dense filamentous webs. Plication was prevented by cytochalasin B or reversed by subsequent exposure to an endocytic stimulus such as zymosan. (b) Contractions perpendicular to the plasma membrane, toward the cytocenter, resulted in the formation of vacuoles in normal PMN and of membrane invaginations in cytochalasin B-treated PMN. Whereas contractions parallel to the plasma membrane could occur in the absence of enzyme release (ionophore alone) and enzyme release could occur in the absence of such contractions (ionophore plus calcium plus cytochalasin B), contraction toward the cytocenter occurred in all experimental conditions in which significant enzyme release was obtained. Thus, lysosomal enzyme secretion in PMN involves contractile movements in the plasma membrane toward the lysosomes rather than the reverse. These calcium-mediated contractile events are mediated by cytochalasin B-insensitive microfilaments but not by microtubule assembly.

Leukocytes as secretory organs of inflammation

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes secrete substances that defend against foreign invaders by mechanisms that bear remarkable resemblances to those of exocrine and endocrine glands. Similarly, leukocyte secretions can also damage the very host they are intended to protect. Like other secretory cells, leukocytes also bear surface receptors to detect signals that initiate secretion. Clinical implications are detailed.

In vitro conversion of proinsulin to insulin by cathepsin B and role of C-peptide

Cathepsin B, purified from isolated islets of Langerhans, when incubated with proinsulin under in vitro conditions could convert proinsulin to insulin and C-peptide, releasing free arginine and lysine. When C-peptide, prepared from rat pancreas, was added to the incubation system consisting of proinsulin and cathepsin B, it completely inhibited the conversion of proinsulin to insulin.

Substances which aggregate neutrophils. Mechanism of action

Several agents which influence calcium fluxes in neutrophils were tested for their influence on human neutrophil aggregation. Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, a synthetic chemotactic tripeptide, aggregated the cells. Cytochalasin B and high levels of extracellular calcium or phosphate enhanced this effect; 10(-6) M to 10(-5) M lanthanum inhibited it. In addition, the calcium ionophore A23187 aggregated the cells. Aggregation induced by the chemotactic factor and A23187 required extracellular calcium. These results correlate with the known or postulated ability of chemotactic factors, A23187, calcium, phosphate, lanthanum, and cytochalasin B to enhance or inhibit the influx and intracellular accumulation of the calcium ion. Transmembrane fluxes or intracellular levels of calcium may modulate PMN aggregation. Aggregation induced by the chemotactic tripeptide and A23187 also required extracellular magnesium. Since calcium and magnesium cannot substitute for each other in the aggregation response to the chemotactic factor or A23187, each bivalent cation must play a separate role in PMN aggregation. The role of magnesium is unknown. Since magnesium, unlike calcium, is known to be necessary for PMN adherence to glass, it may play a permissive role in PMN aggregation. Thus, magnesium may foster the formation of cell-cell adhesions. In addition to inhibiting chemotactic factor-induced aggregation at concentrations of 10(-6) M to 10(-5) M, lanthanum, at concentrations of 10(-4) M to 10(-3) M, aggregated the cells. Lanthanum-induced aggregation did not require extracellular calcium or magnesium. This aggregation may result from the formation of intercellular adhesions by the lanthanum ion directly.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes as secretory organs of inflammation

Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes mediate that phase of inflammation at which vascular responses become translated into tissue injury. After phagocytosis, the PMN leukocyte generates derivatives of molecular oxygen (O2-.,OH., and H2O2) that stimulate a metabolic burst and assist in the killing of microorganisms. They also release oxidation products of membrane fatty acids (e.g., arachidonate), which are detected as thromboxanes and protaglandins. After interaction of phagocytic ligands (immune complexes and C3b-opsonized particles), the PMN leukocyte secretes lysosomal enzymes from open phagocytic vacuoles, and, especially when phagocytosis is blocked by cytochalasin B, secretes them directly into the cell's surrounding fluids. Secretion is enhanced by agents that elevate intracellular levels of cyclic GMP, and inhibited by agents that raise cyclic AMP. These reciprocal changes are associated with assembly and disassembly (respectively) of cytoplasmic microtubules. These cytoskeletal structures, together with contractile elements, regulate in part the secretory events of inflammation in which lysosomal constituents (e.g., elastase, collagenase, and cathepsin G) are diverted from their intracellular depots to an inappropriate assault on the tissues of the host.

Human leukocytic pyrogen induces release of specific granule contents from human neutrophils

The ability of highly purified human leukocytic pyrogen (LP) to induce neutrophil lysosomal protein release is described. Human peripheral blood neutrophils isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque and dextran sedimentation were exposed to purified human LP. The specific granule-associated proteins, lysozyme and lactoferrin were selectively released, whereas primary granule (beta-glucuronidase) and cytoplasmic (lactic dehydrogenase) enzyme markers were not. Optimum release was observed after 45 min in the presence of Ca++ and Mg++. Cytochalasin B (5 microgram/ml) had no effect on LP-induced lysosomal enzyme release. Since the pyrogenicity of LP is dependent on prostaglandin synthesis, the effect of two potent inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis on lysozyme release was studied. Both indomethacin and naproxen failed to inhibit specific granule protein release. These observations suggest that the concommitance of fever, elevated serum or urine lysozyme and hypoferremia may, in part, be explained by the interaction of LP and peripheral blood neutrophils.

Attack of sea urchin eggs by dogfish phagocytes: model of phagocyte-mediated cellular cytotoxicity

To test whether lysosomal degranulation of phagocytes is associated with antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, eggs of Arbacia punctulata were used as targets for blood phagocytes of Mustelus canis. Eggs were coated with heat-aggregated dogfish IgM and exposed to phagocytes, and cytolysis of eggs was observed by Nomarski optics. Phagocytes adhered, degranulated, and raised fertilization membranes resembling those induced by sperm or ionophore A23187. Lysis was then observed as damage radiating from the point of phagocyte-egg contact. By 4 hr, coated eggs exposed to phagocytes released 8.9, 12.3, and 7.4% of total catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), beta-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31), and superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) into the medium. Cytotoxic enzyme release significantly exceeded that from uncoated eggs incubated with phagocytes or eggs alone (uncoated or coated). Because activated eggs release a neutral protease, it was considered possible that this enzyme might be responsible for autolysis of eggs. This possibility was excluded because (i) lysis of eggs was not inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) whereas the egg protease was sensitive to SBTI, and (ii) the major trypsin-like activity of phagocytes was not inhibited by SBTI. These experiments demonstrate that Ig-coated cells are first activated, and then killed, when exposed to degranulating phagocytes and suggest that enzymes from attacking phagocytes, and not target cells, are responsible for cell death.

The polymorphonuclear leukocyte

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are one of the main sources of enzymes responsible for tissue damage in inflammatory processes. These enzymes are stored in two types of cytoplasmic granules. Azurophil granules contain lysosomal hydrolases, neutral serine proteinases, and bactericidal elements (myeloperoxidase and lysozyme). Specific granules contain collagenase, lysozyme and lactoferrin but lack lysosomal hydrolases. PMNs store all four classes of tissue proteinases, carboxyl, thiol and serine proteinases in the azurophil granules, and metallo proteinases in the specific granules. Three serine proteinases have been identified, elastase, cathepsin G and a third enzyme, which together account for a large proportion of the protein of the azurophil granules. In the course of phagocytic events, all these enzymes are released extracellularly. The neutral proteinases degrade proteoglycans and collagen. In vitro, they stimulate B-lymphocytes, which suggests that they may have immuno-potentiating activity when they are released at sites of chronic inflammation.

Cytochalasin B-dependent release of azurophil granule enzymes from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The dose-response effects of phorbol myristate acetate and cytochalasin B on secretion of azurophil and specific granule enzymes from viable human polymorphonuclear leukocytes have been examined. Secretion of the azurophil granule enzymes elastase and beta-glucuronidase from cells exposed to 50 ng/ml of phorbol myristate acetate is dependent on prior exposure of the cells to greater than 0.5 mg/ml of cytochalasin B. In contrast, the secretion of the specific granule enzyme lysozyme is not dependent on pretreatment with cytochalasin B. The concentration of phorbol myristate acetate needed to elicit maximal secretion of specific versus azurophil granule enzymes differs, being 5.0 ng/ml and 50 ng/ml, respectively. The results suggest that cytochalasin B-sensitive cellular components, possibly microfilaments, may selectively modulate some step in the exocytosis of azurophil granule enzymes from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes exposed to phorbol myristate acetate.

Influence of local anesthetics upon human polymorphonuclear leukocyte function in vitro. Reduction of lysosomal enzyme release and superoxide anion production

Cationic local anesthetics have been reported to influence cellular responses to surface stimuli by interfering with the function of microtubules and microfilaments. Since unimpaired microtubule and microfilament functions are required by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in order to respond normally to surface stimulation, we have studied effects of the local anesthetic, tetracaine on the function and morphology of these cells in vitro. Tetracaine (0.25--1.0 mM) significantly reduced extracellular release of the lysosomal enzymes, beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme from polymorphonuclear leukocytes exposed to serum-treated zymosan (a particulate stimulus), zymosan-treated serum (a soluble stimulus), and to the surface-active lectin, concanavalin A. Tetracaine also significantly reduced superoixde anion production (superoxide dismutase-inhibitable cytochrome c reduction) by these cells. Tetrancaine was not cytotoxic and its effects could be reversed completely by washing cells once with buffer. Electron microscope examination of tetracaine-treated cells revealed marked alterations of surface membranes. Microtubules and microfilaments appeared normal in "resting" polymorphonuclear leukocytes, but the increase in microtubules normally observed in stimulated cells was not seen after tetracaine treatment. These results suggest that tetracaine interferes with those interactions between immune reactants and the polymorphonuclear leukocyte cell surface which provoke exocytosis and increased oxidative metabolism.

The role of Fc and C3b receptors in phagocytosis by inflammatory polymorphonuclear leucocytes in man

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes from the gingival crevice (CREV-PMN) in man have a defective capacity to phagocytose Candida albicans blastospores. Phagocytosis of zymosan particles, which detect C3b receptors, is also impaired but ingestion of latex beads coated with heat-aggregated IgG, which detects Fc receptors, is normal compared to peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PB-PMN). If phagocytosis is inhibited by Cytochalasin B, fewer CREV-PMN bind Candida and zymosan but the binding of IgG-coated latex beads remains unchanged. CREV-PMN have IgG (88%), IgM (45%) and C3 (48%) on their cell membrane, whilst less than 5% of PB-PMN have any of these components. Incubation of PB-PMN in fluid from the gingival crevice confers surface IgG and C3 to the cells. Such treatment also inhibits the subsequent binding of IgG coated latex beads. The results suggest that the deficiency of phagocytosis by CREV-PMN is due to decreased binding of particles to the C3b receptor of PMN, whilst the Fc receptor system remains intact.

Inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release from rat leukocytes by auranofin. A new chrysotherapeutic agent

Auranofin (SK&F D-39162), a new antiarthritic gold compound reported to be orally effective in animal (adjuvant rat) and human (rheumatoid) arthritic conditions, is a potent in vitro inhibitor of the release of lysosomal enzymes from phagocytizing rat leukocytes. Auranofin, at micromolar concentrations (1-10 microM), produced a dose-dependent reduction in extracellular levels of lysosomal enzyme markers (beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme) which are selectively released from rat leukocytes during phagocytosis of zymosan particles. The reduction in extracellular levels of lysosomal enzymes appears to be caused by inhibition of their selective cellular release, since effective concentrations of auranofin did not produce leukocyte cytotoxicity or inhibition of cell-free lysosomal enzyme activity. Morphologic and biochemical evidence indicated that auranofin also interferes with phagocytosis of zymosan particles. The potent in vitro activity of auranofin appears to result from its unique gold complex, since neither structurally related nongold compounds nor clinically used gold compounds (gold sodium thiomalate and gold thioglucose) were potent inhibitors of lysosomal enzyme release. The results of this investigation suggest that the antiarthritic activity of auranofin may be caused at least in part, by inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release and/or cellular processing of antigens.

Decreased H2 histamine response of granulocytes of asthmatic patients

Increased bronchial sensitivity to inhaled histamine in asthma is well known. The mechanism of this increased bronchial sensitivity is not known nor has it been demonstrated that isolated cells respond abnormally to histamine. Polymorpho-nuclear leukocytes (PMNs) provide a homogeneous cell population to study agonist response. Release of granulocyte lysosomal enzymes is inhibited by agonists increasing the PMN cyclic AMP concentration. The release of the lysosomal enzyme beta glucuronidase by serum-activated particles of zymosan was similar in PMNs isolated from normal and asthma subjects. Histamine (100-0.01 muM) inhibited enzyme release. Except at the maximal concentration of histamine (100 muM), the response to histamine was decreased in asthma. The inhibition of enzyme release paralleled an increase in intracellular PMN cyclic AMP. In asthma, the cyclic AMP response to histamine was reduced. The H2 antihistamine metiamide blocked histamine inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release and the increase in cyclic AMP. The effect was maximal at concentrations equimolar to those of histamine. The H1 antihistamine chlorpheniramine had no effect on histamine inhibition of granulocyte lysosomal enzyme release. A decrease in the inhibition of the release of the inflammatory lysosomal enzymes from granulocytes in asthma may contribute to an enhanced bronchial inflammatory reaction.

Effects of cytochalasin B on pancreatic acinar cell structure and secretion

The effects of cytochalasin B (CB) on pancreatic structure and amylase release were studied by use of pancreatic fragments, isolated acini and isolated acinar cells. In pancreatic fragments and isolated acini CB caused the disappearance of microfilaments underlying the apical plasma membrane, loss of apical microvilli and luminal swelling, the last of which was greatly enhanced by addition of protein secretagogues. CB had no effect on basal amylase release but inhibited bethanechol-stimulated amylase in both fragments and acini. Isolated acinar cells, while retaining overall polarity, had lost most of the apical specialization including the microfilament and microvillous complex. Cells were still able to release amylase in response to bethanechol but this release was not affected by CB. The only structural effect of CB on isolated cells was margination of zymogen granules against the plasma membrane. This was, however, not accompanied by increased amylase release. It is concluded that microfilaments are important in maintaining the pancreatic acinar structure. Interference with this structure by CB leads to inhibition of bethanechol-stimulated amylase release. Microfilaments, however, may not play a direct role in secretion.

Role of microtubule assembly in lysosomal enzyme secretion from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. A reevaluation

The dose-related inhibition by colchicine of both lysosomal enzyme release and microtubule assembly was studied in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) exposed to the nonphagocytic stimulus, zymosan-treated serum (ZTS). Cells were pretreated with colchicine (60 min, 37 degrees C) with or without cytochalasin B (5 microng/ml, 10 min) and then stimulated with ZTS (10%). Microtubule numbers in both cytochalasin B-treated and untreated PMN were increased by stimulation and depressed below resting levels in a dose-response fashion by colchicine concentrations above 10(-7) M. These concentrations also inhibited enzyme release in a dose-response fashion although the inhibition of microtubule assembly was proportionately greater than the inhibition of enzyme release. Other aspects of PMN morphology were affected by colchicine. Cytochalasin B-treated PMN were rounded, and in thin sections the retracted plasma membrane appeared as invaginations oriented toward centrally located centrioles. Membrane invaginations were restricted to the cell periphery in cells treated with inhibitory concentrations of colchicine, and the centrioles and Golgi apparatus were displaced from their usual position. After stimulation and subsequent degranulation, the size and number of membrane invaginations greatly increased. They remained peripheral in cells pretreated with greater than 10(-7) M colchicine but were numerous in the pericentriolar region in cells treated with less than 10(-7) M. Similarly, untreated PMN that were permitted to phagocytose immune precipitates had many phagosomes adjacent to the centriole. After colchicine treatment, phagosomes were distributed randomly, without any preferential association with the centrioles. These data suggest that microtubules are involved in maintaining the internal organization of cells and the topologic relationships between organelles and the plasma membrane.

Ultrastructural characteristics of developing eosinophil leukocytes in human bone marrow during acute leukemia: evidence for extracellular granule release from human eosinophils

Developing eosinophils from the bone marrow of a patient with acute "eosinophilic" leukemia were characterized by electron microscopy. It was suggested that the first sequential step in granule formation occurred at the level of the endoplasmic reticulum without actual participation of the Golgi complex. Progressive densification of the former profiles, presumably mediated by Golgi vesicles, resulted in the formation of dense immature granules. Ultrastructural observations of the "leukemic" eosinophils which were generally arrested at an intermediate stage of maturation revealed also large vacuoles containing sequestered immature granules, without any indication of phagocytic activity. Morphological evidence that has been accumulated indicates that the membrane of these vacuoles fused with the cell membrane, thus being in contact with the extracellular space. These profiles strongly suggested that granules and/or granule-associated material were secreted by developing bone marrow eosinophils.

Glucocorticosteroid inhibition of nonphagocytic discharge of lysosomal enzymes from human neutrophils

Glucocorticosteroids and mineralocorticosteroids were tested for their capacity to inhibit the nonphagocytic discharge of two lysosomal enzymes--a cartilage matrix-degrading neutral protease and beta-glucuronidase--from highly purified human neutrophils. Lysosomal enzyme discharge from neutrophils adherent to nonphagocytizable, immobilized, heat-aggregated IgG was inhibited by the four glucocorticosteroids--methylprednisolone sodium succinate, triamcinolone acetonide hemisuccinate, para methasone acetate, and hydrocortisone sodium succinate. These glucocorticoids also inhibited zymosan-induced release of beta-glucuronidase from neutrophils that had been pretreated with cytochalasin B in order to completely prevent the onset of phagocytosis. Inhibition by the glucocorticoids of lysosomal enzyme discharge provoked by a soluble divalent cation ionophore was also observed. Neither desoxycorticosterone acetate nor aldosterone hemisuccinate, two mineralocorticosteroids, inhibited lysosomal enzyme release. Similarly, the salt moieties of some of the steroids tested, such as sodium succinate and sodium acetate, failed to elicit an effect on enzyme release. Therefore interference with lysosomal enzyme discharge was restricted to the glucocorticosteroid ring structure. Because interference either with the adherence of neutrophils to immune reactants or with the activities of the discharged lysosomal enzymes by the glucocorticoids could be interpreted as inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release, steroidal effects on these parameters were examined. None of the glucocorticoids tested elicited any significant effects on neutrophil adherence or lysosomal enzyme activity. Thus it appears that glucocorticosteroids are capable of inhibiting directly the nonphagocytic discharge of lysosomal enzymes from human neutrophils.

[Formation of the fertilization membrane of the egg inArtemia salina]

The unfertilized egg ofArtemia salina is not covered with any extracellular structure. No special organelles are found in the sub-cortical plasma. From the moment of fertilization, a membrane is progressively secreted by the egg. The membranogenous substance is first seen as large granules in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, presumably transformed within Golgi elements and extruded in vesicles liberated from the Golgi apparatus. Retained by a glycocoat or by contact with the fluid of the genital tract, it spreads out into a fertilization membrane, soon surrounding a perivitelline space. The process lasts till 1 1/2 h after fertilization.

Histamine inhibition of neutrophil lysosomal enzyme release: an H2 histamine receptor response

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes treated with cytochalasin B release the lysosomal enzyme beta glucuronidase during contact with serum-activated zymosan particles. Histamine increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate and inhibits release of this enzyme. The H2 antihistamine metiamide blocks the histamine inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release and the increase in the intracellular adenoisine 3,5'-monophosphate of granulocytes. Chlorpheniramine, an H1 antihistamine, did not block the histamine inhibition of granulocyte lysosomal enzyme release.

Some interrelations of neutrophil chemotaxis, lysosomal enzyme secretion, and phagocytosis as revealed by synthetic peptides

Synthetic oligopeptides of appropriate structure stimulate neutrophil random locomotion, chemotaxis, lysosomal enzyme secretion, and phagocytosis. The structure-activity relationships found for enhanced migration and lysosomal enzyme secretion strongly suggest that the peptides bind to a structurally specific receptor on the neutrophil surface. It is further suggested that the binding of a peptide to the same receptor initiates all of these neutrophil functions. It is postulated that this is accomplished by the receptor-peptide combination initiating a series of parallel but coordinated and interdependent biochemical sequences leading to either microfilament or microtubule activation in addition to other processes. The various functions of the neutrophil differentially utilize the microfilament and microtubule systems.

Cytotoxicity for tumor cells of cationic proteins from human neutrophil granules

Cationic proteins purified from human polymorphonuclear leukocyte granules exert a cytotoxic effect on mammalian tumor cells. This effect is time and concentration dependent, is inhibited by the anionic agent heparin, and is enhanced by preheating the cationic proteins. Other strongly basic proteins (histone, protamine) also exhibited cytotoxic activity. Myeloperoxidase isolated from human leukocytes is cytotoxic when combined with H2O2 and chloride. Under these conditions, the potency of the myeloperoxidase-mediated system is greater than that of the cationic proteins.

Influence of corticosteroids on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte function in vitro : Reduction of lysosomal enzyme release and superoxide production

In an experimental system in which phagocytosis or adherence of cells to surfaces were excluded as variables, we have investigated the possibility that corticosteroids may inhibit release of lysosomal constituents from viable human polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the extracellular environment. Release ofΒ-glucuronidase and lysozyme from cytochalasin B-treated cells exposed to serum-treated zymosan, heat-aggregated human IgG, and the complement component C5a was significantly reduced by pretreatment with hydrocortisone sodium succinate and methylprednisolone sodium succinate (5×10(-4) M). Both steroids also reduced superoxide production by these cells. These in vitro studies provide evidence that corticosteroids influence membrane-dependent responses of intact, viable polymorphonuclear leukocytes to immune reactants. Inhibition of these responses (lysosomal enzyme release, superoxide production) may explain, in part, both the antiinflammatory actions of steroids and their deleterious effects on host defenses.

Complement and immunoglobulins stimulate superoxide production by human leukocytes independently of phagocytosis

Human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes, when exposed to appropriate stimuli, generate significant amounts of superoxide anion (O-.2), a highly reactive molecule which is possibly involved in bacterial killing. Since the subcellular localization and mechanism of activation of O-.2 generating systems are unknown, we have investigated superoxide dismutase-inhibitable cytochrome c reduction (attributable to O-.2) by, and lysosomal enzyme release from, normal polymorphonuclear leukocytes and cells rendered incapable of ingesting particles by treatment with cytochalasin B. Neither phagocytosis nor lysosomal degranulation were prerequisites for enhanced O-.2 generation. Cytochalasin B-treated cells exposed to (a) serum-treated zymosan, a C3b receptor stimulus; (b) heat aggregated human IgG, an Fc receptor stimulus; and (c) the complement component, C5a, generated enhanced amounts of O-.2 in a time and concentration-dependent fashion. These cells also responded by releasing lysosomal enzymes, but there was no correlation between the ability of any immune reactant to provoke enzyme release and its ability to stimulate O-.2 generation. The three stimuli also enhanced O-.2 generation by normal (untreated) polymorphonuclear leukocytes, but only serum-treated zymosan and aggregated IgG were capable of provoking lysosomal enzyme release from normal cells. Untreated zymosan and native IgG neither stimulated O-.2 production nor provoked lysomal enzyme release. Since enhanced O-.2 production was stimulated by immune reactants in the absence of phagocytosis, the O-.2 generating system is very likely associated with the external plasma membrane of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte. Leukocyte membrane receptors for complement and immunoglobulins may therefore not only serve in particle recognition but also may initiate biochemical events which accompany phagocytosis and killing.

Phagolysosome formation in normal and colchicine-treated macrophages

Intracellular lysosomal fusion has been evaluated in cultivated mouse peritoneal macrophages by measurement of transfer of acid phosphatase to polyvinyltoluene (PVT)-containing phagolysosomes. Enzyme transfer was found to be directly and significantly related to the uptake of PVT and to be independent of time allowed for phagolysosome formation over time periods of 15 min to 18 h. In addition, the extent of transfer of lysosomal enzyme to phagolysosomes was unaffected by treatment of the cells with 10(-6) M colchicine, a dose which eradicates morphologically identifiable microtubules in this cell type within 2 h. The data indicate that intracellular fusion of lysosomes with phagosomes in the macrophage does not require formed microtubules and suggest that fusion occurs promptly after interiorization of inert particles.

Mechanisms of lysosomal enzyme release from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Effects of phorbol myristate acetate

PMA enhanced release of the azurophil granule enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, as well as lysozyme, from cytochalasin B-treated PMN's exposed to either zymosan particles or C5a. PMA was active at nanomolar concentrations, was not toxic to the cells, and was most effective when present for brief durations (0-1 min) before exposure of the cells to the stimuli. Beta-glucuronidase was not released in significant amounts from PMN's exposed to PMA alone, in the absence of stimuli such as zymosan or C5a. In contrast, only the specific granule enzyme, lysozyme, was released from unstimulated cells. Electron micrographs of cells exposed to PMA revealed an increase in the number of visible cytoplasmic microtubules as compared to control cells. Enhancement of lysosomal enzyme (beta-glucuronidase) release by PMA appears to be independent of effects on release of specific granule enzymes (lysozyme), but rather is likely due to PMA-induced elevations of cellular cGMP.

Colchicine effects on lysosomal enzyme induction and intracellular degradation in the cultivated macrophage

The effects of colchicine on lysosomal fusion and lysosomal enzyme induction in the cultivated mouse peritoneal macrophage have been examined. Colchicine (10- minus 6 M), but not lumicolchicine, inhibited lysosomal enzyme induction by both phagocytic and pinocytic stimuli. In addition, the drug significantly retarded pinocytic uptake of [3-H] sucrose and transport of the amino acids [3-H] alpha aminoisobutyric acid and L-[3-H] leucine. In contrast, lumicolchicine had no effect on pinocytosis or amino acid transport. Thus, a role for intact microtubules in lysosomal enzyme induction, pinocytosis, and amino acid uptake in these cells is suggested. That colchicine inhibited lysosomal enzyme induction by phagocytic stimuli under conditions in which pinocytosis contributed little to the enzyme rise indicated that inhibition of pinocytosis was unlikely to account for colchicine effects on lysosomal enzyme induction. Effects of colchicine on degradation of phagocytized and pinocytized substrates were examined to determine if intact microtubules are required for fusion among lysosomes, pinosomes, and phagosomes. Colchicine did not alter the rate of intracellular digestion of radiolabeled bacteria by the cultivated macrophage. Similarly, it had no effect on enzymatic hydrolysis of intracellular [3-H] sucrose resulting from uptake of exogenous invertase. The finding that colchicine had no effect on the functional consequences of fusion of lysosomes with endosomes suggests that intact microtubules are not required for fusion among these constituents of the vacuolar apparatus.

Mechanisms of lysosomal enzyme release from leukocytes. IV. Interaction of monosodium urate crystals with dogfish and human leukocytes

In order to determine the possible mechanisms whereby interactions between phagocytic cells and crystals of monosodium urate (MSU) lead to cell death with simultaneous release of both cytoplasmic and lysosomal enzymes, phagocytic leukocytes of the smooth dogfish shart Mustelus canis were studied by means of light and electron microscopy, and biochemistry. Lysosomes of these cells can be stained supravitally with toluidine blue and are large enough (0.7-0.8 mu) to be clearly resolved with the light microscope. Light microscopic observations showed that of cells exposed to MSU 87% of those containing visible ingested crystals died within 1 hour, whereas 92% of adjacent cells in the same wet mount without such srystals survived. Cell death occured after a latent period of 10-15 minutes following fusion of lysosomes with crystal-containing phagosomes. Electron microscopic examination of both dogfish and human leukocytes exposed to MSU for more than 1 hour and then fixed in situ revealed occasional discontinuities or ruptures in secondary lysosome membranes. Endogenous peroxidase activity could be cytochemically localized in primary and secondary lysosomes and in the cytoplasm adjacent to such ruptured secondary lysosomes. It was not seen adjacent to primary lysosomes, a result indicating that the cytoplasmic reaction product was not a diffusion artifact. To exclude the possibility that crystals were exercising their affect primarily upon the plasma membrane, suspensions of dogfish buffy coat cells were incubated with cytochalasin B (5 mug/ml, 10 minutes), which inhibits phagocytosis but not exocytosis of lysosomal enzymes by stimulated phagocytes. Whereas cells exposed to MSU crystals released 30% of their content of lysosomal beta-glucuronidase activity and 28% of their cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity within 3 hours, preincubation with cytochalasin B reduced the release of LDH activity within that period to 6% but reduced the release of beta-glucuronidase activity only to 20%. Preincubation with 10-3 M cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and theophylline (10-3 M), which inhibit lysosomal fusion, reduced the release of both LDH and beta-glucuronidase activities to 7% and 6% respectively. Cells that were preincubated with both cytochalasin B and cAMP + theophylline released only 1% LDH activity and 4% beta-blucuronidase activity. These results are compatible with the "suicide sac" hypothesis of lysosomal enzyme release mediated by MSU for the following reasons: a) cell death was seen to follow uptake, not mere exposure to crystals, b) ultrastructural studies indicated that the primary injury was to the secondary lysosome membrane, and c) cell death was reduced when either phagocytosis or lysosomal fusion was inhibited.

Protein kinase and phosphatases from human polymorphonuclear leucoytes

Purified preparations of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes contain a protein kinase in the cytosol which is stimulated by cyclic AMP and cyclic IMP but not by other cyclic nucleotides. The holoenzyme had a molecular weight of 66000 estimated by gel filtration; when it was incubated with histone or cyclic AMP, it dissociated into two smaller subunits of molecular weight 45000 and 30000; the former remained cyclic AMP-sensitive, whereas the latter had become independent of added cyclic AMP. By means of substrate-affinity chromatography on histone-Sepharose 4B, cyclic [3H5AMP-binding activity (regulatory or R subunit) could be resolved into two peaks of enzyme activity, one again independent of added cyclic AMP, with a molecular weight of 30000 (catalytic or C subunit). Also by means of substrate-affinity chromatography it was possible to resolve 'specific' polymorphonuclear leukocyte histone phosphatases from 'non-specific' phosphomonesterases capable of dephosphorylating histone previously phosphorylated by the protein kinase. Specific histone phosphatase displayed greatest affinity for histone-Sepharose 4B, followed by acid p-nitrophenyl phosphatase, and the unretained acid beta-glucerophosphatase. Polymorphonuclear leucocyte histone phosphatase, purified approx. 40-fold, was further resolved from the other phosphatases by gel filtration on Sephadex G-150 from which it was eluted with apparent molecular weights of 45000 and 18700. The apparent Km values for dephosphorylation of histone are 4.3 X 10-6M and 3.6 X 10-6M. Most (69%) of cytoplasmic histone phosphatase was found in the cell sap, whereas 20% remained tightly associated with polymorphonuclear leucocyte lysosomes from which it could not be solubilized by treatments (Triton X-100, freeze-thawing) that released approx. 70% of lysosomal beta-glucuronidase or acid phosphatases. Although both soluble and particulate enzymes required 5-10 mM-Mn2 for maximal activation, and showed a pH maximum of 6.5-7.0, only the particulate enzyme was partly inhibited by ammonium molybdate. Polymorphonuclear leucocyte histone phosphatases were neither inhibited nor stimulated by those cyclic nucleotides that greatly stimulate the protein kinase of the same subcellular fraction

A general method for the introduction of enzymes, by means of immunoglobulin-coated liposomes, into lysosomes of deficient cells

Phagocytes of the smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis) contain no endogenous peroxidase within their lysosomes and constitute models for cells genetically deficient in lysosomal enzymes such as myeloperoxidase. We have obtained uptake of over 50% of exogenous horseradish peroxidase, provided the enzyme is exhibited to cells after incorporation into liposomes coated with heat-aggregated (62 degrees, 10 min), isologous IgM. Trapping of horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) by liposomes was established by chromatographic resolution (Sephadex G-200; Sepharose 2B and 4B) of free enzyme from that associated with liposomes; liposome-associated horseradish peroxidase, together with trapped markers of the aqueous compartment (glucose, CrO4 equals), were excluded, and free enzyme and markers were retained. Enzyme and marker trapping was not electrostatic, varied with the molar ratio of charged membrane components, and was reversed by detergent lysis (Triton X-100) of liposomes. Uptake at 30 degrees of aggregated IgM-coated liposomes containing trapped horseradish peroxidase exceeded that of free enzyme of 100-fold, and was more efficient than uptake of horseradish peroxidase presented in uncoated liposomes or in liposomes coated with native IgM. After phagocytosis, peroxidase-rich liposomes were localized exclusively in lysosomes of the phagocytes by ultrastructural histochemistry; the enzyme displayed over 50% latency to osmotic lysis. This method may prove to be of general use in the provision of exogenous enzymes to phagocytic cells genetically deficient in lysosomal hydrolases.

Glucose-6-phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.9) and esterase (EC 3.1.1.1) activities of microsomes prepared from perfused rat livers after partial outflow block or phalloidin poisoning

Microsomes were prepared from perfused rat livers after different perfusion procedures. The yield of microsomal protein and the kinetic data (Km, Vmax) of glucose-6-phosphatase (3.1.3.9) and esterase (3.1.1.1) activities were analysed in each preparation. No marked differences were detected between conventionally prepared liver microsomes and those from livers perfused 1 hr with an erythrocytes-free medium under the conditions of open outflow. If the outflow pressure was increased artificially, the yield of microsomal protein decreased. The Vmax of both enzymes was markedly increased, whereas the Km values remained unchanged. The same microsomal alterations occurred when perfused rat livers were poisoned with phalloidin in vitro under the condition of open outflow. Our findings indicate that microsomal alterations in livers from poisoned animals might be due to microcirculatory disturbances, and not primary effects of the toxin on the endoplasmatic reticulum.

Potassium and amino acid transport in human leukocytes exposed to phagocytic stimuli

Influxes of potassium and amino acids were measured in suspensions of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) under resting conditions and after various phagocytic stimuli. Both ouabain-sensitive (or pump) and ouabain-insensitive (or leak) influxes of K were determined. In 5 mM external K, mean total K influx was 0.69 nmol/10(6) cells x min, of which 52% was ouabain-sensitive. Ouabain binding was irreversible, and, as in erythrocytes, was inhibited by K. At external concentrations of 0.1 mM, influxes of lysine and leucine were entirely carrier-mediated, with means of 0.021 nmol/10(6) cells x min, and 0.019 nmol/10(6) cells x min, respectively. After incubation of PMNs with zymosan or latex particles, the K pump was reduced more than 60%, whereas amino acid influxes were inhibited only by 30%. PMNs were also exposed to cytochalasin B before challenge by particles: the drug prevented phagocytosis but not surface binding of zymosan, nor did it influence transport of K or amino acids. After pretreatment of PMNs with cytochalasin B, interaction of zymosan with their surface resulted in the same degree of inhibition of influxes of K and amino acids as when the cells were permitted to phagocytose the particles. In contrast, exposure of PMN to latex particles, which do not bind to cytochalasin B-treated cells, after pretreatment of cells with cytochalasin B did not result in inhibition of influxes. Treatment of cells with colchicine had no effect on either membrane transport or its inhibition after exposure to various phagocytic stimuli. These results indicate that the surface membranes of PMNs are functionally heterogeneous with respect to the association of transport sites for the different solutes. Moreover, loss of specific membrane functions from phagocytosing cells may result from the surface-at-tachment phase of particle-cell interactions, since the interactions of zymosan particles with PMNs in the absence of phagocytosis also inhibited transport of solutes.

Modification of zymosan-induced release of lysosomal enzymes from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes by cytochalasin B

During the process of phagocytosis, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) release lysosomal enzymes into the extracellular medium. When the antibiotic cytochalasin B (CB) is present in the incubation medium along with phagocytable particles, enhanced recovery of enzyme activities from the incubation medium has been observed. These findings have led to the interpretation that CB enhances lysosomal enzyme release. Our results contradict this interpretation. The lysosomal enzymes acid phosphatase and beta-galactosidase are unstable after they are released from cells. During the first 5-15 min of phagocytosis, significant amounts of both acid phosphatase and beta-galactosidase can be recovered from the extracellular medium. After this, the recovery of enzyme from the medium declines, presumably because the rate of loss of lysosomal enzyme activity exceeds the rate of release at later time periods. In the presence of CB, the appearance of lysosomal enzymes in the extracellular medium of cells exposed to zymosan is retarded for 5-10 min, after which it begins and then continues for approximately 20 min. At the end of a 30-min incubation period, therefore, in the absence of CB, extracellular levels of lysosomal enzymes (especially those which are unstable) are declining toward low levels while, in the presence of CB, extracellular enzyme levels are continuing to rise. We also measured the lysosomal enzyme remaining within cells after exposure to zymosan. CB retarded the disappearance of enzyme from cells and resulted in significantly less total cell enzyme loss. Thus, in the presence of CB, a greater proportion of the lysosomal enzyme lost from cells is recovered in the extracellular medium. In contrast to the previous conclusions that CB enhances lysosomal enzyme release, our results indicate that CB delays and decreases the zymosan-stimulated release of lysosomal enzymes from PMN. Since CB inhibits phagocytosis by PMN, our results indicate that the antibiotic modifies the mechanism of release of lysosomal enzymes, resulting in zymosan stimulation of their release independently of phagocytosis.

Hormonal control of lysosomal enzyme release from human neutrophils. Effects of autonomic agents on enzyme release, phagocytosis, and cylic nucleotide levels

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of autonomic neurohormones, cyclic nucleotides, and related agents on the immunologic discharge of lysosomal enzymes from, and phagocytosis by, purified human neutrophils. In order to discern the possible intracellular mechanisms by which certain neurohormones influence neutrophil function, the concentrations of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in neutrophils were assessed during cell contact with phagocytizable particles and autonomic agents. The model system employed for study was the interaction of purified human neutrophils with rheumatoid arthritic (RA) serum-treated zymosan particles at 37 degrees C in a neutral, balanced salt solution containing glucose. Neutrophils ingested the particles and discharged beta-glucuronidase but not lactate dehydrogenase activity during 30 min of incubation. Treatment of zymosan particles with RA serum was more effective than treatment with normal serum with regard to the extent of both particle uptake and lysosomal enzyme release. During contact of neutrophils with RA serum-treated zymosan particles epinephrine, isoproterenol, and cyclic AMP inhibited both particle ingestion and beta-glucuronidase discharge. These actions of epinephrine were associated with a concomitant elevation of cyclic AMP levels. In contrast to the actions of catecholamines and cyclic AMP, acetylcholine and cyclic GMP accelerated lysosomal enzyme release without affecting particle uptake. The actions of acetylcholine were associated with a concomitant elevation of cyclic GMP levels. Increases in neutrophil levels of cyclic GMP but not of cyclic AMP were associated also with the discharge of beta-glucuronidase provoked by particles in the absence of added cholinergic agents. The data suggest that the immunologic release of lysosomal enzymes from human neutrophils can be regulated by autonomic neurohormones, perhaps via the selective formation of appropriate nucleotides.