Degradation of connective tissue matrices by macrophages. I. Proteolysis of elastin, glycoproteins, and collagen by proteinases isolated from macrophages

Cell culture approaches to the analysis of glomerular inflammation

In this paper, we have attempted to provide an overview of the methods and findings of a large number of investigators who have dealt with an analysis of the glomerular inflammatory response using tissue culture techniques. These observations represent only a beginning. With the growing interest in this aspect of kidney disease, it is to anticipated that many further advancements in the understanding of the cell biology of the glomerulus are forthcoming. The translation of this fundamental information into new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities is an exciting challenge to investigative nephrology.

The major neutral proteinase of Entamoeba histolytica

FPLC anion-exchange and chromatofocusing chromatography were used to purify the major neutral proteinase from secretions of axenically cultured Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. HM-1 strain trophozoites, which were more proteolytically active than the less virulent HK-9 strain, were used for purification of the enzyme. It is a thiol proteinase with a subunit Mr of approximately 56,000, a neutral pH optimum, and a pI of 6. The importance of this enzyme in extraintestinal amoebiasis is suggested by its ability to degrade a model of connective tissue extracellular matrix as well as purified fibronectin, laminin, and type I collagen. The enzyme caused a loss of adhesion of mammalian cells in culture, probably because of its ability to degrade anchoring proteins. Experiments with a peptide substrate and inhibitors indicated that the proteinase preferentially binds peptides with arginine at P-1. It is also a plasminogen activator, and could thus potentiate host proteinase systems.

The effects of an enhanced inflammatory reaction on the surface properties of cast Biomer

The ability of a biomaterial to withstand the rigors of the harsh biologic environment is an important consideration when considering a material for long-term biomedical applications. Using a cage implant system, the effects of an intense inflammatory reaction on cast Biomer have been investigated. The inflammatory response to cast Biomer was greatly increased by coimplanting Biomer films with a cytotoxic poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) in rats for a period of 21 days. Cast Biomer films were characterized by weight, advancing contact angle with water in air, attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analyses were performed before any treatment, after autoclaving and sonication, and after 21 days implantation with the cytotoxic (PVC) in rats. The results of the study indicated that cast Biomer does not undergo significant chemical degradation when subjected to the effects of an intense inflammatory reaction for 21 days. Implantation does, however, lead to rearrangement that results in a more polar and hydrophilic surface, suggesting that the polymer adapts to the hydrophilic environment of the inflammatory exudate.

Degradation of cartilage by macrophages in culture: evidence for the involvement of an enzyme which is associated with the cell surface

A cell culture system is described in which purified mononuclear phagocytes may be cultured with a cartilage substrate which is radiolabelled in its proteoglycan. Resident mouse peritoneal macrophages degraded this substrate, and did so more avidly if cultured in direct contact with it. There was no evidence for complete intralysosomal degradation of the proteoglycan of the cartilage. Lysates were found to contain considerable activity at pH 7, which was inhibited by the presence of 10% serum, or by boiling the lysate. Proximity of macrophages to the substrate did not induce selective release of the lysosomal marker enzyme hexosaminidase, and concentrated enzymes secreted from the macrophages after treatment with the lysosomotropic agent ammonium chloride were ineffective in degrading cartilage at neutral pH. The active enzyme in macrophage lysates at neutral pH was found to be sedimentable by 100,000 X g centrifugation for 1 hour, in absence of lysosomal protective agents. There is evidence for a cell membrane-associated process in the degradation of cartilage by these cells, which may be a proteolytic, endoglycosidic or free radical-mediated event.

Cathepsin B and D activity in stimulated peritoneal macrophages

Highly sensitive and specific synthetic substrates were used to quantitate cathepsin B and D activity in peritoneal macrophages in response to stimulation in vivo with mineral oil and thioglycollate. After intraperitoneal instillation of mineral oil the activity of cathepsin B increased significantly (to 15 300 units/mg protein versus 7 340 in saline controls), reaching values approaching those found in alveolar macrophages (18 400 units/mg protein). Significantly greater stimulation of enzyme activity was obtained after intraperitoneal instillation of thioglycollate (23 600 units/mg protein). Cathepsin D activity also increased significantly after both mineral oil and thioglycollate. However, the increase was moderate (from 806 to about 1 200 units/mg protein), remaining still more than six times lower than in alveolar macrophages. The data are the first to demonstrate that cathepsin B activity can be stimulated in vivo in peritoneal macrophages by instillation of agents that induce acute inflammation. They also point to a differential control of expression of cathepsin B and D activity in both peritoneal and alveolar macrophages in spite of the common lysosomal origin of the two enzymes.

The extracellular matrix of normal chick embryo fibroblasts: its effect on transformed chick fibroblasts and its proteolytic degradation by the transformants

Extracellular matrix (ECM), prepared from chick embryo fibroblasts, contains fibronectin as the major structural protein along with collagen and other polypeptides as less abundant protein components. When Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chick embryo fibroblasts are cultured on the ECM in the presence of the tumor promoter tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate, the transformed cells lose their characteristic rounded morphology and align on and within the ECM fibrillar network. This restrictive aspect of ECM is only temporary, however, and with time (24-72 h) the transformed cells progressively degrade the ECM fibers and resume their rounded appearance. The matrix degradation can be monitored by employing biosynthetically radiolabeled ECM. The addition of purified chicken plasminogen to the Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chick embryo fibroblast cultures enhances the rate and extent of ECM degradation, due to the elevated levels in the transformed cultures of plasminogen activator. Plasminogen-dependent and -independent degradation of ECM has been characterized with regard to sensitivity to various natural and synthetic protease inhibitors and to the requirement of cell/ECM contact. Plasminogen-dependent degradation of ECM occurs rapidly when ECM and cells are in contact or separated, whereas plasminogen-independent degradation is greatly reduced when ECM and cells are separated, which suggests that cell surface-associated proteolytic enzymes are involved. A possible role in ECM degradation has been indicated for cysteine proteases, metallo enzymes, and plasminogen activator, the latter as both a zymogen activator and a direct catalytic mediator.

Proteinases from invasive larvae of the trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni degrade connective-tissue and basement-membrane macromolecules

Larvae of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni, which invade the vascular system through the skin, secrete proteinases that degrade radioactively labeled extracellular matrices produced by smooth-muscle cells, dermal fibroblasts and endothelial cells. The proteinase purified from one larval form, the cercaria, degrades fibronectin and laminin and is a type-specific collagenase with activity against basement-membrane collagens IV and VIII, but not interstitial collagens I, III and V. The substrate specificity of this enzyme resembles that of the proteolytic enzymes which facilitate tissue invasion by inflammatory cells and tumour cells.

Role of macrophages in regression of atherosclerosis

The exact role of macrophages in regression is still not clear. It appears that some of their functions are beneficial, while others are detrimental. Among their beneficial functions are: (1) their ability to phagocytize cellular and extracellular debris and remove them outside the arterial wall. This function may be enhanced by the macrophage's own secretion of fibronectin; (2) their ability to solubilize necrotic debris by their complement of hydrolytic enzymes, thus, rendering them diffusible through the arterial wall; and, (3) their secretion of SMC mitogen and components of the arterial wall. Our work supports the role of macrophages in the removal of necrotic debris by the mechanisms cited in (1) and (2) above. On the other hand, macrophages may be detrimental to regression if they secrete an excess of the same hydrolytic enzymes, mentioned above as being beneficial, and if directed towards normal arterial wall components. This can result in disorganization and degradation of these components, and in more necrosis, as was seen at the six-week regression period in our sequential study. Cell debris resulting from necrosis of SMC and from death of macrophages themselves may form nidi for calcific bodies to occur. Our work suggests this may be the case during regression. Finally, excess stimulation of SMC, mitogen, and the secretion of the arterial wall components may contribute to the lesion growth and could explain the lack of regression in some species and under certain conditions. In conclusion, our hypothesis that the macrophage is a "friend" during regression appears to be only partially true, and their presence at this phase of the disease may be a "two-edged sword." On one hand, they may help in the removal of necrosis, while on the other hand, they may accelerate calcification.

Degradation of heparan sulfate in the subendothelial extracellular matrix by a readily released heparanase from human neutrophils. Possible role in invasion through basement membranes

Freshly isolated human neutrophils were investigated for their ability to degrade heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by cultured corneal and vascular endothelial cells. The ECM was metabolically labeled with Na2(35S)O4 and labeled degradation products were analyzed by gel filtration over Sepharose 6B. More than 90% of the released radioactivity consisted of heparan sulfate fragments 5-6 times smaller than intact heparan sulfate side chains released from the ECM by either papain or alkaline borohydride. These fragments were sensitive to deamination with nitrous acid and were not produced in the presence of either heparin or serine protease inhibitors. In contrast, degradation of soluble high molecular weight heparan sulfate proteoglycan, which was first released from the ECM, was inhibited by heparin but there was no effect of protease inhibitors. These results indicate that interaction of human neutrophils with the subendothelial ECM is associated with degradation of its heparan sulfate by means of a specific, newly identified, heparanase activity and that this degradation is facilitated to a large extent by serine proteases. The neutrophil heparanase was readily and preferentially released (15-25% of the cellular content in 60 min) by simply incubating the cells at 4 degrees C in the absence of added stimuli. Under these conditions, less than 5% of the cellular content of lactate dehydrogenase, lysozyme, and globin degrading proteases was released. Further purification of the neutrophil heparanase was achieved by its binding to heparin-Sepharose and elution at 1 M NaCl. It is suggested that heparanase activity is involved in the early events of extravasation and diapedesis of neutrophils in response to a threshold signal from an extravascular inflamed organ.

Analysis of effects of lipopolysaccharide and interferon on murine macrophages: modulation of elastase secretion in vitro

Macrophages are able to produce and secrete elastase in response to a variety of agents which induce macrophage differentiation. In this study, we compared elastase levels in macrophage cultures derived from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responsive and LPS-hyporesponsive mice. After the in vivo administration of fluid thioglycolate, both types of macrophages exhibited increased secretion of elastase, and further enhancement was observed after in vitro stimulation with colchicine or phorbol myristic acetate or ingestion of latex beads. In contrast, phenol- and water-extracted, protein-free preparations of LPS (Ph-LPS) markedly inhibited elastase secretion below basal levels in LPS-responsive macrophages. The LPS-induced inhibition was reversible with polymyxin B and was not observed in Ph-LPS-stimulated C3H/HeJ (LPS-hyporesponsive) macrophage cultures. Stimulation of either LPS-responsive or -hyporesponsive macrophage cultures with interferon (IFN) also resulted in a significant reduction in elastase secretion below basal levels. LPS-induced inhibition of elastase secretion could be reversed and elastase secretion could be augmented in the presence of an antibody directed against IFN-alpha/beta. These findings suggest that LPS induces the production of both elastase and IFN, and that the latter product acts to suppress secretion of the proteinase.

Cathepsin B activity in human blood monocytes during differentiation in vitro

The activity of cathepsin B was assayed in human blood monocytes during differentiation into macrophages in vitro. Freshly isolated monocytes showed negligible cathepsin B activity. On day 3 in culture the enzyme activity was still very low, but it was markedly increased on day 7, concomitant with the monocytes' morphological differentiation into tissue macrophage-like cells. A further rise in enzyme activity was seen on day 10 in culture. Acid phosphatase activity showed similar, but less marked, increases in human monocytes during 10 days' culture. Generally, higher enzyme levels were seen in monocytes isolated from buffy coat preparations than from whole blood. Both the level and the rate of appearance of cathepsin B activity were further enhanced by endocytosis of carrageenan in the monocytes. Stimulation with endotoxin from Escherichia coli caused variable enzyme responses, as certain pools of human cells expressed cathepsin B activity compared with controls, whereas others showed no change in activity. Endocytosis of carrageenan had no effect on acid phosphatase activity, whereas stimulation with endotoxin led to increased levels of this enzyme activity in all cultures. The present data suggest that a rise in cathepsin B activity may be a component in the differentiation of human monocytes into macrophages. They further indicate separate regulation of lysosomal enzyme activity in human monocytes after some types of stimulation, as previously shown for mouse macrophages.

Proteases in normal and diseased human skeletal muscle: a preliminary histochemical survey

Seven proteases assumed to be aminopeptidases A, B and M, dipeptidyl peptidases II and IV, esteroproteinase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were localized histochemically, using semipermeable membrane simultaneous coupling techniques, in unfixed cryostat sections of skeletal muscle removed from one healthy volunteer, six patients with disuse muscle atrophy, and 15 patients with some form of muscle disease. Normal muscle fibres showed weak reactions for aminopeptidases A and M and for the dipeptidyl peptidases, but no reactivity for gamma-glutamyltransferase or esteroproteinase. No change was detected in diseased muscle fibres except that low gamma-glutamyltransferase and esteroproteinase activities appeared in some cases. The activities of the seven enzymes were stronger in the intermyosial connective tissue than in the muscle fibres, but were also unchanged in disease. The strongest reactions were found in some interstitial cells (mast cells and macrophages) and these were much increased in diseased muscle, particularly for dipeptidyl peptidases II and IV. The findings are interpreted in terms of the release of proteases from such cells and their subsequent involvement in the breakdown of myofibrillar proteins in muscle disease.

Drug influences on rat hepatic macrophage enzyme production and release in vitro

Drug influences on hepatic macrophage enzyme release have been investigated using a rat model of macrophage recruitment and activation. N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG), a lysosomal enzyme, and plasminogen activator (PA), a cytosolic enzyme, have been measured in both cell lysates and supernatants after 24 h in culture. 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and azathioprine significantly decreased (P less than 0.03) the enhanced production of NAG by recruited macrophages following stimulation in vitro (total NAG activity, nmol substrate hydrolysed/microgram cell protein; recruited macrophages exposed to endotoxin, no drug exposure 0.63 +/- 0.08, azathioprine 0.44 +/- 0.08, 6MP 0.36 +/- 0.06). Prednisolone, azathioprine and 6MP significantly reduced (P less than 0.05) the supernatant release of PA in response to endotoxin exposure in vitro by both cell types (supernatant PA values after 24 h in culture, recruited macrophages exposed to endotoxin, no drug 26.0 +/- 2.9 units, prednisolone 18.5 +/- 1.7 units, levamisole 27.3 +/- 4.7 units, azathioprine 18.1 +/- 2.3 units, 6MP 17.3 +/- 1.5 units). The results from this study indicate that certain drugs used in human liver disease are able to modify the secretory activity of rat hepatic macrophages.

Blockage of tropoelastin secretion by monensin represses tropoelastin synthesis at a pretranslational level in rat smooth muscle cells

The blockage of protein secretion in the R22 cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cell strain with monensin repressed tropoelastin gene expression at the mRNA level by ca. 50-fold as measured by biosynthetic pulse-labeling, in vitro translation, and hybridization with a tropoelastin genomic DNA probe. These results suggest that tropoelastin gene expression is autoregulated, and they represent the first reported effect of monensin on gene expression.

The contributions of UVA and UVB to connective tissue damage in hairless mice

UVA, in high-dose single exposures, can, like UVB, be deleterious to skin. Dermal damage resulting from chronic exposure to UVA has not been studied. To investigate the long-term effects, we irradiated albino hairless mice for 30-34 weeks with UVA radiation, alone, from two sources with differing spectral qualities, and in combination with UVB as solar-simulating radiation. The results were compared to UVB alone. Like UVB, the UVA waveband, especially that with a spectral distribution similar to solar UVA, caused elastic fiber damage, increased glycosaminoglycan levels, and produced hypertrophy of deep dermal tissues. There were, however, striking differences between UVB- and UVA-irradiated skin. A combination of UVA and UVB summated the effects of both wavebands. Substantial protection against these effects was afforded by a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Expression of the alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor gene in human monocytes and macrophages

Expression of the alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1PI) gene was studied in human mononuclear cells. Using RNA blot and dot hybridization, alpha 1PI mRNA was detected in human peripheral blood monocytes, bronchoalveolar and breast milk macrophages, but not in B or T lymphocytes. Using incorporation of a radiolabeled amino acid precursor, synthesis and secretion of alpha 1PI were demonstrated in human monocytes and macrophages, but not in lymphocytes. In addition, alpha 1PI was secreted in functionally active form as shown by complexing with serine proteases. Biosynthesis of alpha 1PI by mononuclear phagocytes was greatest during the first 24 hr in culture and progressively decreased over the next 10 days. The reduction in alpha 1PI biosynthesis in vitro involved a mechanism acting at the pretranslational level as alpha 1PI mRNA content also progressively declined over 10 days in culture. The ease of sampling human monocytes and macrophages now permits examination of the biochemical defect in homozygous PiZ and PiS alpha 1PI deficiencies and study of the functional significance of locally produced alpha 1PI in normal tissues and sites of injury or inflammation.

Glycosidases in cancer and invasion

Glycosidases have been demonstrated to be elevated in the interstitial fluid of tumors, sera of animals and patients with tumors, and in some tumor tissue as compared to normal adjacent tissue. Elevations of serum beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and beta-glucuronidase most commonly have been found to occur and these enzymes have been shown to be secreted into the extracellular medium by many different tumor cell types in vitro. The mechanism of cellular release of these hydrolytic enzymes probably involves tumor lysosomal exocytosis. Increased tumor glycosidase levels may promote increased tumor cell shedding from primary tumors, local invasion and perhaps be responsible directly, or indirectly for structural changes in tumor cell surface glycoconjugates. These cell surface changes could facilitate tumor cell thrombus formation, secondary site implantation and attachment in the microcirculation to endothelial cells and/or subendothelial basement membrane components. Other studies have demonstrated a correlation between metastatic cell potential and increased endoglycosidase and polysaccharide lyase activity. Generally, metastatic tumor cell variants have been found to be more invasive and capable of degrading proteoglycan basement membrane components, in part due to these increased levels of degradative enzymes. Hence, it is of considerable interest to develop inhibitors against these enzymes. Initial studies with glucuronidase inhibitors in the therapy of bladder tumors have been promising and with the advent of better agents and the use of appropriate in vitro metastatic models it may be possible to design and develop agents which interfere in various metastatic events and limit tumor progression.

Modulation of formation of tumor metastases by peritoneal macrophages elicited by various agents

We have studied the formation of experimental B16 melanoma metastases in the lungs of mice inoculated IV with tumoricidal or nontumoricidal peritoneal macrophages elicited by various agents. IV inoculation of peritoneal M phi elicited by Brewer's thioglycollate medium (TG-M phi) 1 day before the injection of B16 melanoma cells dramatically increased the number of metastatic foci in the lungs. NIH thioglycollate broth and proteose peptone each elicited a relatively low number of M phi, which were morphologically distinguishable from TG-M phi and did not influence the yield of B16 melanoma colonies in the lungs. Resident or C. pravum-elicited M phi also did not augment metastasis formation. TG-M phi became highly tumoricidal after IP stimulation with poly I:C. However, tumoricidal TG-M phi inoculated IV 1 day before IV inoculation of B16 melanoma cells did not have an antimetastatic effect. On the contrary, both tumoricidal and nontumoricidal TG-M phi augmented metastasis formation. Poly I:C treatment had a substantial antimetastatic effect in the normal mice, but not in mice with adoptively transferred TG-M phi. Histological analysis revealed that IV-inoculated TG-M phi (tumoricidal or nontumoricidal, either viable or disrupted) induced severe intravascular reaction in the lungs, but not in the liver or kidney. This reaction manifested in the aggregation of the various blood cells, preferentially neutrophils. These reactions were not observed after IV inoculation of PM phi or NIH TG-M phi. Intravascular inflammatory reactions induced by TG-M phi may be responsible for the augmentation of metastasis formation, partly by suppression of NK reactivity and mostly by the acceleration of the processes of tumor cell extravasation. These data may provide some insight into the failure to achieve systemic adoptive immunotherapy using activated peritoneal TG-M phi.

Binding and processing of immunostimulatory Fc gamma 1 fragments by the murine macrophage cell line P388D1

Previous data from this laboratory indicated that human Fc gamma fragments induce murine B cells to proliferate and that the induction is macrophage-dependent. To further investigate the role of macrophages in this phenomenon, biologically active Fc gamma fragments from a human IgG1 myeloma protein and the murine macrophage-like cell line P388D1 were utilized. Fc gamma 1 fragments bound specifically and to a single class of receptor on P388D1 cells with a Ka value of 4 X 10(6) M-1 and to approximately 2.4 X 10(5) binding sites/cell. The binding was not effectively inhibited by two immunostimulatory Fc gamma 1 subfragments that were macrophage independent, i.e., pFc' fragments approximating the C gamma 3 domain of IgG1 and synthetic peptides representing residues 335-357 in IgG1. P388D1 cells were able to process Fc gamma 1 fragments but not intact IgG1 into subfragments that were able to induce lymphocyte proliferation in the absence of macrophages. The processing was rapid and resulted in active subfragments of several size classes. These findings not only further document the molecular and cellular events in these systems but underscore the usefulness of the P388D1 cell line in future studies on Fc fragment-induced lymphocyte regulation.

Blockage of tropoelastin secretion by monensin represses tropoelastin synthesis at a pretranslational level in rat smooth muscle cells

The blockage of protein secretion in the R22 cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cell strain with monensin repressed tropoelastin gene expression at the mRNA level by ca. 50-fold as measured by biosynthetic pulse-labeling, in vitro translation, and hybridization with a tropoelastin genomic DNA probe. These results suggest that tropoelastin gene expression is autoregulated, and they represent the first reported effect of monensin on gene expression.

The production of collagenase by adherent mononuclear cells cultured from human peripheral blood

Mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood by Ficoll-Hypaque centrifugation, and the cells adherent to plastic substrata were cultured in serum-free media supplemented with lactalbumin hydrolysate. These cell cultures, which consisted predominantly of monocyte-macrophages as judged by nonspecific esterase staining, accumulated collagenase in the medium. This collagenase resembled other vertebrate collagenases in that it cleaved native triple-helical type I collagen at a locus 3/4-length away from the amino-terminal end of the molecule. The collagenase activity was inhibited by Na2EDTA, dithiothreitol, and fetal calf serum, while the addition of Ca++ or N-ethylmaleimide enhanced the enzyme activity. The accumulation of collagenase in the culture media was markedly enhanced by the incubation of cells with concanavalin A or phorbol myristic acetate. In the presence of cycloheximide, the levels of collagenase activity were markedly reduced, suggesting that active protein synthesis was required to express the enzyme activity. In additional experiments, monocytes were further purified by counterflow centrifugation-elutriation. The collagenase production was markedly increased in cultures enriched in monocyte-macrophages and devoid of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The accumulation of collagenase in monocyte cultures incubated for 48 hours in the presence of concanavalin A or phorbol myristic acetate was of the same order of magnitude as in parallel cultures containing the same number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes purified by Ficoll-Hypaque centrifugation and Plasmagel sedimentation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acid proteases of vitreal macrophages

Macrophage invasion in rabbits was elicited by intravitreal injection of trypan blue or latex particles; as after hemorrhage, there are two periods of macrophage invasion with elevated numbers of intravitreal cells at three and 21 days. Release of acid proteolytic activity by macrophages from both time periods was assayed by analysis of the cell-free vitreal supernate and of the medium of cultured cells. Lysates of freshly-isolated macrophages and of adjacent ocular tissues were also analyzed. Although some quantitative differences were observed, a similar profile of acid proteolytic activity toward hemoglobin at pH 2.0 to 6.5 was found in the vitreal supernate and in the cells from both periods. Most macrophages invade via the ciliary processes and during invasion elevated levels of acid proteolytic activity were found in this tissue. Although some macrophages transmigrate the retina, normal acid protease levels were low in sensory retina and essentially unchanged during macrophage invasion. Protease inhibitor studies indicated the presence of carboxyl, cysteinyl, serine and metallo proteases in macrophages and in macrophage-containing tissues. The inhibitor data also suggested qualitative differences in acid protease activities in macrophages from the two invasive periods. During macrophage invasion vitreal pH was reduced from 7.4 to 6.2 suggesting that some macrophage-derived acid proteases may be active in that compartment. Thus, although the phagocytic activity of macrophages aids vitreal clearing, action of macrophage proteases may also contribute to vitreal pathology by cleavage of vitreal proteins.

Neutrophils degrade subendothelial matrices in the presence of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor. Cooperative use of lysosomal proteinases and oxygen metabolites

Triggered neutrophils rapidly degraded labeled matrices secreted by cultured, venous endothelial cells via a process dependent on elastase but not oxygen metabolites. In the presence of high concentrations of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor, the ability of the stimulated neutrophil to solubilize the matrix was impaired. However, at lower concentrations of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor the neutrophil could enhance the degradative potential of its released elastase by a H2O2-dependent process. Coincident with this increase in matrix damage, the stimulated neutrophil destroyed the elastase inhibitory activity of the alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor via a catalase-inhibitable process. The ability of the triggered neutrophil to solubilize the matrix in the presence of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor was unaffected by superoxide dismutase or hydroxyl radical scavengers but was markedly impaired by catalase, azide, or hypochlorous acid scavengers. We conclude that neutrophils can cooperatively use an oxidant with characteristics similar, if not identical, to hypochlorous acid and the lysosomal proteinase elastase to negate the protective effects of alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor in order to attack the subendothelial matrix.

Degradation of fibrin and elastin by intact human alveolar macrophages in vitro. Characterization of a plasminogen activator and its role in matrix degradation

Fibrin deposition is prominent in the histopathology of a number of inflammatory lung diseases. Plasmin, activated locally in the lung, can degrade not only this fibrin but potentially structural proteins important to normal lung architecture. Because alveolar macrophages are prominent in inflammatory processes of the lung, we examined the plasminogen activator (PA) activity of human alveolar macrophages. Intact alveolar macrophages from each of 10 healthy subjects expressed PA activity. There was no difference in activity between smoking and nonsmoking individuals. The activator activity was largely cell-associated, but under certain culture conditions, macrophages released a soluble activator into the culture medium. The membrane-bound activator had an apparent molecular mass of 52-55 kD in nonreduced sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gels, and monospecific antibody to urokinase neutralized the enzyme activity. Immunoprecipitation of [35S]methionine-labeled cells showed that human alveolar macrophages actually synthesize the PA in vitro. SDS-gel analysis of the immunoprecipitated material revealed the predominant species of PA to be structurally similar to reduced, active urokinase. We also examined the role of PA in the degradation of both insoluble fibrin and elastin matrices by live macrophages. Cells degraded an insoluble fibrin matrix in the presence of plasminogen whether or not the macrophages contacted the fibrin as long as proteinase inhibitors were not in the culture medium. In the presence of serum proteinase inhibitors, macrophages still degraded a fibrin matrix, but only if they were in contact with the fibrin. Live macrophages also degraded insoluble elastin only when in contact with the elastin but could do so even in the presence of serum proteinase inhibitors. In matrices containing a mixture of fibrin and elastin, cells did not degrade elastin unless plasminogen was added to the medium. These results indicate that normal alveolar macrophages synthesize and express, probably at the cell surface, a PA. The PA is physically and immunochemically similar to urokinase but is membrane bound. The PA is critical to the degradation of fibrin matrices by normal alveolar macrophages. Under tissue conditions where elastin is embedded within other structural proteins, the activator may be rate-limiting in elastin degradation as well. The findings also suggest that live macrophage proteolytic activity is relatively insensitive to the presence of serum proteinase inhibitors, suggesting a mechanism for proteolytic lung injury even in the presence of proteinase-proteinase inhibitor balance in the soluble phase.

Interaction of T lymphocytes and macrophages with cultured vascular endothelial cells: attachment, invasion, and subsequent degradation of the subendothelial extracellular matrix

Circulating macrophages and T lymphocytes can invade the vascular endothelium and migrate from the circulatory system to an extravascular compartment such as inflammatory organs. In an in vitro model system we have examined the capacity of murine T lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages to attach and invade a confluent vascular endothelial cell monolayer and to degrade sulfated proteoglycans in the subendothelial extracellular matrix. Concanavalin A and antigen-specific (egg albumin) activated T lymphocytes labeled with [3H]thymidine attached to the apical surface of the vascular endothelium in a time-dependent manner. A subsequent invasion of the endothelial cell monolayer was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Both activated T lymphocytes and murine macrophages degraded the [35S]O4 = -containing fragments in a process which required cell-matrix contact but was not dependent on serum proteases. Sulfated glycosaminoglycan chains produced from matrix proteoglycans by treatment with papain or alkaline borohydride were 3-4 times larger than the cell-mediated degradation fragments. This suggests that both macrophages and T lymphocytes elaborate upon stimulation an endoglicosidase capable of cleaving glycosaminoglycans specifically and releasing heparan sulfate-rich fragments. The ability of activated cells of the immune system to attach and invade the vascular endothelium and to degrade sulfated proteoglycans is very similar to that reported for highly metastatic tumor cells.

Topical retinoic acid enhances the repair of ultraviolet damaged dermal connective tissue

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces excessive accumulations of elastic fibers in animal and human skin. Collagen is damaged and glycosaminoglycans are vastly increased. Formerly considered an irreversible change, we recently showed, post-irradiation, that a band of normal connective tissue was laid down subepidermally . Because of its ability to stimulate fibroblasts and enhance healing of wounds, we thought it likely that retinoic acid (RA) would promote the formation of this subepidermal zone of reconstruction. Hairless mice were irradiated for 10 weeks with Westinghouse FS20 sunlamps for a total UV dose of 7 J/cm2. Then, 0.05% RA was applied for 5 and 10 weeks. Observations were made by light and electron microscopy. In contrast to controls treated with vehicle, the reconstruction zone was significantly wider in RA-treated mice. The enhanced repair was dose related. Histochemically and ultrastructurally, collagen was normal, fibroblasts were numerous and in a configuration of high metabolic activity.

Secretory products of macrophages and their physiological functions

Macrophages secrete a variety of biologically active substances into their local milieu, including proteins, lipids, nucleotide metabolites, and oxygen metabolites. To date, more than 50 substances secreted by macrophages have been reported: enzymes; enzyme inhibitors; plasma proteins such as complement components, coagulation factors, and apolipoprotein E; factors that regulate the functions of other cells such as interferon, interleukin 1, mitogens, and angiogenesis factor; and low molecular weight substances such as reactive metabolites of oxygen and derivatives of arachidonic acids. Macrophage-derived products are probably important in the local environment, and they are believed to be important in the physiological and pathological functions of macrophages in inflammation, tissue repair, lipoprotein metabolism, acute phase response, and in microbicidal, antiviral, tumoricidal, and immunoregulatory activities; however, macrophages may not be the sole source for the secretion of some of these products. The secretion of these products is intricately regulated, developmentally and environmentally.

Alterations in the mechanical properties of peripheral nerve following crush injury

The mechanical properties of injured nerves have been studied. At specific times following unilateral nerve crush, the sciatic nerves of mice were tested mechanically. Photographs and longitudinal force measurements were obtained as nerve segments were elongated to mechanical failure. Stress and strain at the proportional limit and apparent elastic modulus were used as indicators of strength, elasticity and stiffness. Injury led to time-dependent increases in strength and stiffness and decreases in elasticity. These changes were apparent in both damaged and contralateral, undamaged nerves. Many of the changes appear to be related to the epineurium. Some mechanical changes in nerve could have important consequences for the integrity and function of nerves and mechanically interfaced structures.

Regulation of elastase and plasminogen activator secretion in resident and inflammatory macrophages by receptors for the Fc domain of immunoglobulin G

We have determined that the interaction of IgG-coated erythrocytes (EIgG) and complement-coated erythrocytes (EIgMC) with macrophage Fc and complement receptors, respectively, modulates the secretion of the neutral proteinases, elastase, and plasminogen activator. EIgG binding and ingestion stimulated secretion of elastase and plasminogen activator less than or equal to 6-fold and 20-fold, respectively, over the 3 d following treatment. Stimulation was dependent on the IgG titer bound to each erythrocyte and was detectable at greater than 6.2 X 10(3) molecules IgG/ erythrocyte (total 0.99 nM IgG in the culture). Cytochalasin B did not inhibit stimulation, indicating that the ingestion of ligands was not necessary. Binding of EIgG to the three subclass-specific Fc receptors (IgG2a, IgG2b/IgG1, IgG3) was effective. Stimulation of elastase secretion required continued exposure of ligands to cells for up to 24 h, whereas production of plasminogen activator, which has plasma membrane-bound forms as well as secreted forms, was stimulated by exposure for 2 h. The stimulated production of elastase and plasminogen activator by triggering Fc receptors was seen only when the initial secretion rates were low. Periodate- or thioglycollate-elicited macrophages, which have high rates of proteinase secretion, were not stimulated further. EIgMC, which are bound but not ingested by resident macrophages, stimulated elastase secretion transiently, and the rate of secretion returned to the control level by 24 h. Therefore, the mode of stimulation of neutral proteinase secretion by complement receptor differed from that of Fc receptor; stimulation by complement receptor possibly involves a limited release of enzyme from intracellular stores, rather than stimulating accelerated synthesis of enzyme. Erythrocytes coated with both complement and IgG showed both the transient increase in elastase typical of complement-mediated secretion and the sustained increase typical of Fc receptor-mediated secretion. These results suggest that macrophage Fc and complement receptors regulate secretion of proteinases by receptor-specific mechanisms.

Biomaterial biocompatibility and the macrophage

The biocompatibility of biomaterials at implant sites is controlled by the tissue/material interaction. A major cell in the tissue reaction is the macrophage. A summary is presented on macrophage mediation of cellular and humoral regulatory pathways in inflammatory and immune responses.

Elastolysis of insoluble elastin

We developed an assay for measurement of elastolytic activity using insoluble 3H-labelled particulate elastin adherent to plastic that is capable of detecting 150 picograms of pancreatic elastase. This equals or exceeds the sensitivity of the most sensitive previously reported systems, without requiring sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment of the elastin. Elastin digestion is dependent upon substrate and elastase concentration, but is not linearly related to time. This is partially attributable to elastase denaturation or autolysis under the assay conditions. The assay could easily detect elastase secreted by either peritoneal or alveolar macrophages. Compared to previously described assays using substrates that closely resemble the physiologic substrate, this represents a considerable increase of sensitivity of detection of elastolytic activity of enzymes.

Apoprotein E is synthesized and secreted by resident and thioglycollate-elicited macrophages but not by pyran copolymer- or bacillus Calmette-Guerin-activated macrophages

Macrophages are active secretory cells that display functionally distinct phenotypes that are regulated by inflammation. We have found that apoprotein E (ApoE), a component of plasma lipoproteins, was synthesized and secreted by resident and nonspecifically stimulated macrophages elicited with thioglycollate broth, but not by activated macrophages obtained from mice treated with bacillus Calmette-Guerin, pyran copolymer, whole Corynebacterium parvum, or bacterial endotoxin. ApoE represented approximately 1% of the newly synthesized protein and approximately 10% of secreted protein of resident and thioglycollate-elicited macrophages. ApoE from thioglycollate-elicited macrophages was indistinguishable from ApoE in mouse plasma lipoproteins, as determined by immunoreactivity, peptide mapping, and molecular weight. When specific antibodies were used to localize cell-associated ApoE, strong immunofluorescence was seen in the Golgi region of resident and thioglycollate-elicited macrophages immediately after removal from the peritoneal cavity, as well as after culture for up to 7 d. In contrast, activated macrophages did not synthesize or secrete ApoE to an appreciable extent and had no immunocytochemically detectable intracellular ApoE. When activated macrophages were cultured in medium containing serum, their activated state, as judged by production of H2O2, declined within 48-72 h in parallel with the induction of synthesis and secretion of ApoE and detection of intracellular ApoE by immunofluorescence. During prolonged culture the rate of synthesis and secretion of ApoE increased in both resident and activated macrophages. Therefore, the synthesis and secretion of ApoE may serve as markers for the functional state of macrophages.

Oxygen tension regulates the expression of angiogenesis factor by macrophages

When cultured in a hypoxic environment similar to that found in the center of a wound, macrophages secreted active angiogenesis factor into the medium. Under conditions similar to those of well-oxygenated tissue, macrophages did not secrete active angiogenesis factor. Macrophages that secreted the factor at hypoxic conditions stopped secreting it when returned to room air. Thus the control of angiogenesis in wound healing may be the result of macrophages responding to tissue oxygen tension without the necessity of interacting with other cell types or biochemical signals.

Glycosaminoglycans and the control of cell surface proteinase activity

It is postulated that the metabolically variable fine structure of pericellular heparan glycosaminoglycans affects the ability of these molecules to influence cell proliferation-associated proteinase-catalysed reactions occurring at cell surfaces. Evidence suggesting the possibility of a wide repertoire of glycosaminoglycan-mediated positive and negative effects on such reactions is reviewed. It is suggested that clinical administration of compounds related chemically to heparins might usefully modulate cell proliferation-associated proteinase activity.

In vitro differentiation of human monocytes. Monocytes cultured on glass are cytotoxic to tumor cells but monocytes cultured on collagen are not

Cultivation of human blood monocytes on glass gives rise to cells nonspecifically cytotoxic to tumor cells. If the monocytes are cultured on collagen gels with no contact with glass, no such cytotoxic activity is induced. Killing appeared to be extracellular and probably contact dependent. The glass-induced cytotoxic activity was not related to protein content or cell viability. Rather, it appeared that the monocytes cultured on glass differentiated into cells resembling activated macrophages. On the other hand monocytes cultured on collagen differentiated into cells resembling resident tissue macrophages. These observations are compatible with numerous studies carried out in rodents, showing that activated macrophages, and not resident cells, are cytotoxic to tumor cells.

Selective proteolysis of immunoglobulins by mouse macrophage elastase

Mouse macrophage elastase, a metalloproteinase secreted by inflammatory macrophages, catalyzed the limited proteolysis of selected subclasses of mouse immunoglobulins, including monomeric IgG2a, IgG3, and some forms of IgG2b. Mouse IgG1 was resistant to elastase degradation; however, human IgG1 was degraded. IgG3 in immune complexes was cleaved in a manner similar to that of monomeric IgG3. Degradation by macrophage elastase was limited to the heavy chain, resulting in products that did not compete for binding to the macrophage Fc receptor. Macrophage elastase usually produced a pepsin-like rather than a papain-like pattern of proteolysis, resulting in the release of F(ab')2 and Fc' subfragments. This degradation of IgG differed from the papain-like cleavage of IgG by granulocyte elastase. Macrophage elastase degraded papain-generated Fc fragments of IgG2a into multiple fragments. Therefore, macrophage elastase at concentrations found in culture medium has the potential to regulate some aspects of cellular events associated with immunoglobulins.

Degradation of extracellular matrix by mouse trophoblast outgrowths: a model for implantation

During implantation the embryo attaches to the endometrial surface and trophoblast traverses the uterine epithelium, anchoring in the uterine connective tissue. To determine whether trophoblast can facilitate invasion of the uterus by degrading components of normal uterine extracellular matrix, mouse blastocysts were cultured on a radio-labeled extracellular matrix that contained glycoproteins, elastin, and collagen. The embryos attached to the matrix, and trophoblast spread over the surface. Starting on day 5 of culture there was a release of labeled peptides into the medium. The radioactive peptides released from the matrix by the embryos had molecular weights ranging from more than 25,000 to more than 200. By day 7 there were areas where individual trophoblast cells had separated from one another, revealing the underlying substratum that was cleared of matrix. When trophoblast cells were lysed with NH(4)OH on day 8, it was apparent that the area underneath the trophoblast outgrowth had been cleared of matrix. Scanning electron microscopy and time-lapse cinemicrography confirmed that the digestion of matrix was highly localized, taking place only underneath the trophoblast, with no evidence of digestion of the matrix beyond the periphery of the trophoblast outgrowth. The sharp boundaries of degredation observed may be due to localized proteinase secretion by trophoblast, to membrane proteinases on the surface of trophoblast, or to endocytosis. Digestion of the matrix was not dependent on plasminogen, thus ruling out a role for plasminogen activator. Digestion was not inhibited by a variety of hormones and inhibitors, including progesterone, 17beta-estradiol, leupeptin, EDTA, colchicine, NH(4)Cl, or epsilon-aminocaproic acid. This system of culturing embryos on extracellular matrix may be useful in determining the processes that regulate trophoblast migration and invasion into the maternal tissues during implantation.0

Neutral proteinase activity produced in vitro by cells of the glomerular mesangium

Cells derived from isolated glomerular tufts of rats were studied in primary tissue culture after the removal of epithelial cells by collagenase treatment. The cultured cells, fusiform or stellate in shape, grew readily over a 12-day period. Immunofluorescence staining was positive for myosin and fibronectin, while negative for Factor VIII, suggesting that the outgrowing cells were derived from the glomerular mesangium. In serum-free culture, these cells produced neutral proteinase activity that occurred as a latent trypsin-activable form (apparent molecular weight range, 78,000 to 100,000 daltons) and in an active form (44,000 to 58,000 daltons). Neutral proteinase activity was inhibited by EDTA and by cysteine, and exhibited a pH optimum of 7.2 to 7.8, characteristic of an extracellularly active metalloendopeptidase. The culture supernate which contained the neutral proteinase activity was capable of degrading purified rat glomerular basement membrane. The release of hydroxyproline-containing fragments from the basement membrane indicated that degradation of the type IV collagen component of the basement membrane was occurring. These findings suggest that the neutral proteinase activity generated by mesangium-derived cells may play a role in the physiologic turnover of glomerular structural proteins in vivo.