Evidence for hydroxyl radical production by human neutrophils

Hydroxyl radical generation by polymorphonuclear leukocytes measured by electron spin resonance spectroscopy

Electron spin resonance spectroscopy using the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) was employed to detect the formation of hydroxyl radicals (OH.) by phagocytosing polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). An electron spin resonance signal with the identical g value and splitting characteristics of the DMPO/OH). adduct was detected on incubation of normal PMN with opsonized zymosan. Adduct formation was strongly inhibited by superoxide dismutase and by the OH. scavenger mannitol, but catalase had little or no effect. (DMPO/OH). was not formed by PMN from a patient with chronic granulomatous disease; in contrast, adduct formation by PMN which lack myeloperoxidase was greater than normal. These findings are discussed in relation to the formation of OH. by PMN.

Production of hydroxyl radical by human alveolar macrophages

Stimulated human alveolar macrophages were demonstrated to oxidize B-methyl proprionaldehyde (methional) or 2-keto-4-thiomethylbutyric acid to ethylene (C2H4). Agents which are believed to scavenge the hydroxyl radical (.OH), sodium benzoate, and mannitol, as well as scavengers of superoxide anion (O2-) or hydrogen peroxide, decreased C2H4 production, implicaing .OH as the oxidizing radical. Differences in C2H4 rpoduction, as well as oxygen uptake and O2- release between human alveolar macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, were also documented.

Generation of hydroxyl radical by enzymes, chemicals, and human phagocytes in vitro. Detection with the anti-inflammatory agent, dimethyl sulfoxide

Methane (CH(4)) production from the anti-inflammatory agent, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), was used to measure .OH from chemical reactions or human phagocytes. Reactions producing .OH (xanthine/xanthine oxidase or Fe(++)/EDTA/H(2)O(2)) generated CH(4) from DMSO, whereas reactions yielding primarily O-(2) or H(2)O(2) failed to produce CH(4). Neutrophils (PMN), monocytes, and alveolar macrophages also produced CH(4) from DMSO. Mass spectroscopy using d(6)-DMSO showed formation of d(3)-CH(4) indicating that CH(4) was derived from DMSO. Methane generation by normal but not chronic granulomatous disease or heat-killed phagocytes increased after stimulation with opsonized zymosan particles or the chemical, phorbol myristate acetate. Methane production from DMSO increased as the number of stimulated PMN was increased and the kinetics of CH(4) production approximated other metabolic activities of stimulated PMN. Methane production from stimulated phagocytes and DMSO was markedly decreased by purportedly potent .OH scavengers (thiourea or tryptophane) and diminished to lesser degrees by weaker .OH scavengers (mannitol, ethanol, or sodium benzoate). Superoxide dismutase or catalase also decreased CH(4) production but urea, albumin, inactivated superoxide dismutase, or boiled catalase had no appreciable effect. The results suggest that the production of CH(4) from DMSO may reflect release of .OH from both chemical systems and phagocytic cells. Interaction of the nontoxic, highly permeable DMSO with .OH may explain the anti-inflammatory actions of DMSO and provide a useful measurement of .OH in vitro and in vivo.

Unique characteristics of superoxide production by human eosinophils in eosinophilic states

Eosinophils from patients with peripheral blood eosinophilia and human neutrophils from normal subjects and patients with neutrophilia produced superoxide anion (O2-) in vitro at similar rates in the absence of stimulation and exhibited comparably increased rates of O2- production during the initial 1 h of incubation with opsonized zymosan. In the presence of opsonized zymosan, the rate of O2- production by eosinophils was constantly high for 3 h, whereas the rate of production by neutrophils fell by more than 65% after 1 h. Consequently, the amount of superoxide produced by phagocytizing leukocytes was twofold higher for eosinophils than for neutrophils at 3 h. O2- production by cell-free sonicates of zymosan-stimulated eosinophils and neutrophils exhibited the same preference for NADPH over NADH. One mM sodium azide significantly decreased the generation of O2- by phagocytizing eosinophils, but lacked an effect on neutrophils. the prolonged release of O2- by eosinophils engaged in phagocytosis may contribute both to their unique microbicidal profile and to the capacity of eosinophils to injure host tissues in some eosinophilic syndromes.

Enhancement of granulocyte chemiluminescence with hydroxyl radical scavengers

Addition of hydroxyl radical scavengers (benzoate, ethanol, and mannitol) to granulocyte chemiluminescent reactions significantly enhanced light generation without altering granulocyte oxygen consumption or superoxide production.

Defective initiation of oxidative metabolism in polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The polymorphonuclear leukocytes of a two-year-old boy who had multiple episodes of bacterial infections demonstrated defective oxidative metabolism with phagocytic, but not with soluble (non-phagocytic), metabolic stimuli. We used a chemiluminescence assay to examine the patient's polymorphonuclear leukocyte responses to numerous particulate and soluble stimuli. The patient's polymorphonuclear leukocytes had substantially depressed chemiluminescent responses during phagocytosis of opsonized particles (latex, pneumococci, pseudomonas, streptococci and zymosan); however, we observed normal chemiluminescent responses when these leukocytes were stimulated with soluble agents (sodium fluoride, concanavalin A, cytochalasin E, calcium ionophore A23187 or phorbol myristate acetate). Polymorphonuclear leukocyte oxygen consumption and superoxide production were impaired during phagocytosis, even though phagocytosis was normal. In addition to the metabolic defect, this patient's polymorphonuclear leukocytes had depressed chemotactic and bactericidal activities. This study provides evidence that polymorphonuclear leukocytes have more than one mechanism for initiating oxidative metabolism.

Light generation with Fenton's reagent. Its relationship to granulocyte chemiluminescence

A simple chemical system consisting of FeSO4 and H2O2 (Fenton's reagent) was shown to emit light (chemiluminescence). The addition of tryptophan to the reaction markedly enhanced light production. Very little chemiluminescence was observed when H2O2 was omitted from the reaction and when ferric, instead of ferrous, ions were used. Hydroxyl radical (OH.) and singlet oxygen (1 deltagO2) quenchers suppressed chemiluminescence of the FeSO4 + tryptophan + H2O2 system; and, deuterium oxide (2H2O) enhanced chemiluminescence of both FeSO4 reactions. These observations suggest that a radical chain reaction involving both OH. and 1 deltag O2 is responsible for the chemiluminescent reactions. Six iron-containing proteins, some of which are located within granulocytes, all emitted light in the presence of H2O2. Since iron and H2O2 are present in metabolically stimulated granulocytes, it is likely that chemiluminescent reactions similar to the ones demonstrated in this study account for part of the chemiluminescence of activated granulocytes.

Chemical evidence for production of hydroxyl radicals during microsomal electron transfer

Rat liver microsomes generate methane from dimethyl sulfoxide and ethylene from either methional or 2-keto-4-thiomethylbutyric acid during electron transfer initiated by reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). Hydrocarbon gas production is suppressed by hydroxyl radical scavenging agents. Azide, an inhibitor of catalase, augments the production of hydrocarbon gases. These observations constitute chemical evidence for the generation of hydroxyl radicals by microsomes.

Generation of chemiluminescence by a particulate fraction isolated from human neutrophils. Analysis of molecular events

A particulate fraction isolated from human neutrophils by homogenization, then centrifugation at 27,000 g, was demonstrated to generate chemiluminescence. This luminescence required the addition of reduced pyridine nucleotide and was very low in fractions from resting normal cells. Stimulation of neutrophils with opsonized zymosan, phorbol myristate acetate, or ionophore A23187 resulted in marked enhancement of the chemiluminescence measured in subsequently isolated particulate fractions. Stimulation did not boost the luminescence produced by fractions from cells of patients with chronic granulomatous disease. The chemiluminescence of particulate fractions from stimulated neutrophils was linear with increasing protein concentration, had a pH optimum of 7.0, and was higher with NADPH as substrate than with NADH. These results confirm previous studies suggesting that the enzyme system responsible for the respiratory burst in neutrophils is present in this fraction. The particulate fraction was used to examine the nature and origin of neutrophil luminescence by investigating the effect on this phenomenon of certain chemical and enzymatic scavengers of oxygen metabolites. Results suggest that the energy responsible for the luminescence of particulate fractions and, presumably, the intact cell, is derived from more than one oxygen species and that luminescence is a product of the interaction of these species and excitable substrates within the cell.

Neutrophil function and host resistance

The part played by the phagocytic cells against invading pathogens has been known since the work of Metchnikoff nearly a century ago. This review deals primarily with the role of the neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocyte in host defense against microbial infections. The overall function of these cells in protection from infection is dependent on a number of steps. First, an adequate number of functionally mature neutrophils have to be produced and released into the circulation by the bone marrow. Cells must circulate normally and be capable of adhering to capillary and venule walls overlying inflammatory sites. The next step involves the exit of phagocytes from the blood stream through the capillary wall and emigration into the tissues to establish contact with the invading pathogens. This process is accomplished by the locomotive characteristics of these cells and chemotaxis. Most organisms must then be phagocytized to be killed. Two discrete phases are involved in phagocytosis; the "recognition" and attachment phase followed by the ingestion phase. After phagocytosis a series of coordinated morphologic and biochemical events are set into motion which leads to eventual death and lysis of the ingested microbes. A variety of antimicrobial mechanisms are involved in this final step and indicate that these cells have an appreciable reserve capacity if one mechanism is impaired. Recent evidence which clarifies mechanisms involved in all these stages is discussed.

Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in polymorphonuclear leucocytes

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) protect aerobic organisms against the toxic superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, which are generated during phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs). PMNs of children with bacterial infections and with infectious hepatitis contained significantly elevated SOD activity, whereas GPX activity remained in the normal range. In contrast, PMNs of children with viral infections and rheumatoid arthritis exhibited a decreased SOD activity, while GPX activity was again unchanged. The children's age, sex or treatment did not effect the enzyme activities in PMNs. Since SOD generates bactericidal hydrogen peroxide and regulates the release of the toxic superoxide radical into the surrounding tissues, this study may add new understanding to the pathophysiological aspects of acute and chronic inflammatory processes.

Extracellular cytolysis by activated macrophages and granulocytes. II. Hydrogen peroxide as a mediator of cytotoxicity

When deprived of oxygen, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-activated macrophages no longer lysed P388 lymphoma cells. Both H2O2 release and cytotoxicity by BCG-activated macrophages and by granulocytes triggered with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were markedly inhibited when the glucose concentration in the medium was reduced to 0.03 mM or less, or if glucose were replaced with galactose. Catalase abolished PMA-triggered cytotoxicity by both types of effector cells, whereas superoxide dismutase had no effect. Ferricytochrome C reduced the cytotoxicity of BCG-activated macrophages, an effect which was largely reversed by superoxide dismutase. 10 drugs, thought to quench singlet oxygen and/or scavenge hydroxyl radical, did not affect cytotoxicity in this system. Neither azide nor cyanide reduced cytolysis, but there was marked inhibition by lactoperoxidase and iodide. This suggested that cytotoxicity was not dependent upon myeloperoxidase, and that lactoperoxidase may have diverted H2O2 from the oxidation of target cells to oxidation of substances in serum. Mouse erythrocytes, although sensitive targets, interfered with the cytolysis of lymphoma cells, probably by competition for H2O2. Starch particles with covalently bound glucose oxidase resembled macrophages in their spatial relation to the target cells and in the flux of H2O2 they generated from their surface, but were not expected to produce any other potentially toxic products. Such particles lysed lymphoma cells, and the lysis was prevented by catalase. Neither arginase nor thymidine appeared to be involved in cytolysis by BCG-activated macrophages under the conditions used. These findings demonstrated that release of H2O2 was both necessary and sufficient for cytolysis by BCG-activated macrophages and by granulocytes when pharmacologically triggered.

Ethylene formation by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Role of myeloperoxidase

Ethylene formation from the thioethers, beta-methylthiopropionaldehyde (methional) and 2-keto-4-thiomethylbutyric acid by phagocytosing polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) was found to be largely dependent on myeloperoxidase (MPO). Conversion was less than 10% of normal when MPO-deficient PMNs were employed; formation by normal PMNs was inhibited by the peroxidase inhibitors, azide, and cyanide, and a model system consisting of MPO, H2O2, chloride (or bromide) and EDTA was found which shared many of the properties of the predominant PMN system. MPO-independent mechanisms of ethylene formation were also identified. Ethylene formation from methional by phagocytosing eosinophils and by H2O2 in the presence or absence of catalase was stimulated by azide. The presence of MPO-independent, azide-stimulable systems in the PMN preparations was suggested by the azide stimulation of ethylene formation from methional when MPO-deficient leukocytes were employed. Ethylene formation by dye-sensitized photooxidation was also demonstrated and evidence obtained for the involvement of singlet oxygen (1O2). These findings are discussed in relation to the participation of H2O2, hydroxyl radicals, the superoxide anion and 1O2 in the formation of ethylene by PMNs and by the MPO model system.

The role of myeloperoxidase in the microbicidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Myeloperoxidase (MPO), H2O2 and a halide form a powerful antimicrobial system effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses and mammalian cells. After phagocytosis, MPO is released into the phagosome from adjacent granules where it interacts with H2O2 generated either by leukocytic or microbial metabolism and a halide such as chloride or iodide to form agents toxic to the ingested organisms. Evidence for H2O2 and MPO participation in the microbicidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) has been obtained from patients with neutrophil dysfunction. In chronic granulomatous disease, PMNs have a microbicidal defect associated with the absence of the respiratory burst. The importance of H2O2 deficiency in the PMN dysfunction is emphasized by its reversal by H2O2. PMNs which lack MPO also have a major fungicidal and bactericidal defect. Bactericidal activity is particularly low during the early postphagocytic period, after which the organisms are killed. Although emphasizing the importance of MPO-mediated antimicrobial systems particularly during the early postphagocytic period, these findings also indicate the presence of MPO-independent systems which develop slowly but are ultimately effective. The MPO-independent antimicrobial systems may be oxygen-dependent or oxygen-independent. The acetaldehyde-xanthine oxidase system has been used as a model of the MPO-independent, oxygen-dependent antimicrobial systems of the PMN. A microbicidal effect by this system was observed which was inhibited by superoxide dismutase, catalase and scavengers of hydroxyl radicals (OH') and singlet oxygen (1O2). The microbicidal activity of acetaldehyde and xanthine oxidase is increased considerably by MPO and chloride. The formation of ethylene from methional or 2-oxo-4-methylthiobutyric acid by PMNs has been regarded as evidence for OH' formation. We have found ethylene formation to be largely dependent on MPO and evidence for the initiation of ethylene formation by 1O2 has been obtained. Both the xanthine oxidase system and the MPO-H2O2-halide system convert diphenylfuran into cis-dibenzoylethylene, an effect which is compatible with, although not proof of, the formation of 1O2 by these systems.

Damage to hyphal forms of fungi by human leukocytes in vitro. A possible host defense mechanism in aspergillosis and mucormycosis

Evidence suggests that neutrophils are important in host defenses against invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis, although hyphae in these lesions are too large to be phagocytized. Interactions of neutrophils with hyphae of Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus oryzae were studed in vitro. Light and electron microscopic observations indicated that neutrophils attached to and spread over the surfaces of hyphae, even in the absence of serum. This was followed by dramatic morphologic changes which suggested severe damage and probably death of hyphae. An assay of neutrophil-induced reduction of uptake of radioisotopes was used to quantitate damage to the fungi by neutrophils from normal subjects. Damage to hyphae was inhibited by a variety of compounds which are known to affect neutrophil surface functions, motility, and metabolism. Use of inhibitors of oxidative microbicidal mechanisms of neutrophils indicated the central importance of these mechanisms in damage to hyphae. Inhibitors of neutrophil cationic proteins altered damage only to Rhizopus. Damage to hyphae by lysozyme suggested that it may play a secondary role in the neutrophil, primarily against Aspergillus. This new nonphagocytic mechanism may play an important role in host defenses against these and other hyphal forms of fungi.

Inhibition of human neutrophil oxidative metabolism and degranulation in vitro by nitroblue tetrazolium and vitamin E

The effect of a mixture of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and vitamin E on the metabolism and ultrastructure of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) from normal subjects or patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) was determined in vitro. Increasing concentrations of NBT and vitamin E progressively decreased rates of oxygen consumption and 1-14C-glucose oxidation by normal PMN stimulated with particulates to a degree that exceeded either agent alone. NBT-vitamin-E also inhibited vacuole formation and the cytochemical release of myeloperoxidase-positive granules. The depressed oxidative metabolism and degranulation of NBT-vitamin-E-treated control PMN closely approximated the blunted responses of CGD PMN which were similar alone or in the presence of NBT-vitamin-E. In contrast to these effects, the highest concentration of NBT-vitamin-E used in the study did not damage, decrease rates of unstimulated oxidative metabolism of, or impair ingestion of particulates by control or CGD PMN. NBT and vitamin E impose a state on normal PMN which is remarkably similar to that observed in PMN from patients with CGD.

Human granulocyte generation of hydroxyl radical

Human granulocytes were capable of oxidizing 2-keto-4 thiomethylbutyric acid to ethylene during phagocytosis or membrane perturbation. The reaction required hydrogen peroxide and superoxide and in addition was inhibited by various hydroxyl radical (OH) scavengers. These observations represent direct evidence for the generation of OH by human granulocytes. Further, inhibition of ethylene generation by azide and cyanide suggests that OH generation in granulocytes may be linked to myeloperoxidase.