Comparative biochemical and cytochemical studies on superoxide and peroxide in mouse macrophages

Antimicrobial reactive oxygen and nitrogen species: concepts and controversies

Phagocyte-derived reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are of crucial importance for host resistance to microbial pathogens. Decades of research have provided a detailed understanding of the regulation, generation and actions of these molecular mediators, as well as their roles in resisting infection. However, differences of opinion remain with regard to their host specificity, cell biology, sources and interactions with one another or with myeloperoxidase and granule proteases. More than a century after Metchnikoff first described phagocytosis, and more than four decades after the discovery of the burst of oxygen consumption that is associated with microbial killing, the seemingly elementary question of how phagocytes inhibit, kill and degrade microorganisms remains controversial. This review updates the reader on these concepts and the topical questions in the field.

Are second messengers crucial for opening the pore associated with P2X7 receptor?

Stimulation of the P2X7 receptor by ATP induces cell membrane depolarization, increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and, in most cases, permeabilization of the cell membrane to molecules up to 900 Da. After the activation of P2X7, at least two phenomena occur: the opening of low-conductance (8 pS) cationic channels and pore formation. At least two conflicting hypotheses have been postulated to reconcile these findings: 1) the P2X7 pore is formed as a result of gradual permeability increase (dilation) of cationic channels, and 2) the P2X7 pore represents a distinct channel, possibly activated by a second messenger and not directly by extracellular nucleotides. In this study, we investigated whether second messengers are necessary to open the pore associated with the P2X7 receptor in cells that expressed the pore activity by using the patch-clamp technique in whole cell and cell-attached configurations in conjunction with fluorescent imaging. In peritoneal macrophages and 2BH4 cells, we detected permeabilization and single-channel currents in the cell-attached configuration when ATP was applied outside the membrane patch in a condition in which oxidized ATP and Lucifer yellow were maintained within the pipette. Our data support Ca2+ as a second messenger associated with pore formation because the permeabilization depended on the presence of intracellular Ca2+ and was blocked by BAPTA-AM. In addition, MAPK inhibitors (SB-203580 and PD-98059) blocked the permeabilization and single-channel currents in these cells. Together our data indicate that the P2X7 pore depends on second messengers such as Ca2+ and MAP kinases.

Mitochondrial transmembrane potential is diminished in phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated peritoneal resident macrophages isolated from wild-type mice, but not in those from gp91-phox-deficient mice

Macrophages produce superoxide (O2-) during phagocytosis or upon stimulation with a variety of agents including phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) through the activation of NADPH oxidase, and the formed O2- is converted to other reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of the intracellularly produced ROS on mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) in mouse (C57BL/6) peritoneal resident macrophages stimulated with PMA. Using a fluorescent dye, succinimidyl ester of dichlorodihydrofluorescein (H2DCFDA), O2- was visualized in intracellular compartments in a certain subpopulation of macrophages isolated from wild-type mice. Cells deficient in gp91-phox, one of the membrane components of NADPH oxidase, were negative for the fluorescence. When cells were loaded with both H2DCFDA and MitoCapture, a fluorescent dye for mitochondria, mitochondrial fluorescence was diminished in O2- -producing cells, but not in O2- -deficient cells. Flow cytometry also revealed the decrease of mitochondrial fluorescence in wild-type cells, but not in gp91-phox-deficient cells. The loss of mitochondrial fluorescence was prevented by microinjection of catalase into cells. The present findings demonstrate that MTP is diminished by ROS, including the H2O2 dismutated from O2-, produced intracellularly by activation of the NADPH oxidase in mouse peritoneal resident macrophages stimulated with PMA.

In vitro antiphagocytic effect of basil oil on mouse macrophages

The effect of basil oil on the phagocytic capability and respiratory burst response of mouse peritoneal macrophages was studied. The oil inhibited the phagocytosis of opsonized sheep erythrocytes. This inhibition was both dose- and time-dependent and reverted 24 h after removing the extract from the culture medium. On the other hand, the oil showed no effect on concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation.

Effect of undernourishment on Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 ocular infection in the Wistar rat model

We have studied the susceptibility to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) infection in malnourished rats. Groups of 10 rats were undernourished during suckling by offspring duplication. The animals were put on commercial diet and at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 weeks after weaning, infected in the eye by scarification with HSV-1, strain F. Significant differences in morbidity and mortality were observed between malnourished and control groups infected three weeks after weaning. Viral titres were higher in ocular washings and brains obtained from the malnourished group. This group showed a diminution in antigen dependent lymphocyte proliferation compared to control, and significantly lower delayed type hypersensitivity reaction against inactivated virus (malnourished = 0.16 +/- 0.02 mm, control = 0.26 +/- 0.03 mm, p < 0.05). Neutralizing antibodies in serum were lower in the malnourished group and lower levels of interferon were obtained in the malnourished group 24 h post-infection. We conclude that malnutrition during suckling induces a delay in the capability to overcome HSV infection.

Anti-inflammatory activities of Trichilia glabra aqueous leaf extract

Trichilia glabra L. aqueous leaf extract exerted a significant antiinflammatory effect 'in vivo' in the zymosan-induced inflammation model. The extract impaired the 'in vitro' activities of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and complement, components of mouse immune system closely related to the inflammatory response induced by zymosan. In particular, a significant reduction in the phagocytic capability and respiratory burst response of mouse polymorphonuclear leukocytes together with an inhibition in the hemolytic activity of mouse complement was observed.

Trichilia glabra: effect on the phagocytic activity and respiratory burst response of peritoneal macrophages

A diminution in the phagocytic capability and respiratory burst response of murine peritoneal macrophages was observed when these cells were treated 'in vitro' with Trichilia glabra leaf aqueous extract. The effect was not observed when non-specific phagocytosis was tested. The extract also inhibited binding of opsonized erythrocytes to macrophages, thus indicating that the observed antiphagocytic effect is possibly due to the failure of opsonized particles to bind to these cells. A low molecular weight fraction is responsible for the reported activities.

Quantification of reactive oxygen species generated by alveolar macrophages using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence--methodical aspects

Alveolar macrophages lavaged from bovine lungs using Ca2(+)- and Mg2(+)-deprived saline containing EGTA for calcium chelation were cultivated in RPMI-1640 medium. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed by determination of lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (LUC-CL) using a LB 9505 C Biolumat. Monitoring of LUC-CL depends on various methodical parameters: besides medium constituents, the method of cell harvesting and the time-schedule of the protocol appear to be essential parameters that influence ROS-generation. In addition, the cell number (cell density) as well as the ratio of cell number to particle mass influence the amount of ROS-generation. Following exposure of cells to micronized quartz, we observed a dose-related increase in the generation of ROS.

Induction of erythrophagocytic activity in cultured mouse trophoblast cells by phorbol myristate acetate and all-trans-retinal

Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and all-trans-retinal (retinal) were evaluated as possible phagocytic stimulators of cultured, post implantation, trophoblast cells. Ectoplacental cones dissected from 7.5 day-old mouse embryos provided the source of trophoblastic cells. Co-cultures were performed using stimulated and non-stimulated trophoblast cells and erythrocytes under standard conditions. Phagocytic activity was expressed as the total number of phagocytic cells per ectoplacental cone, and as phagosomic vacuoles per trophoblast giant cell, either in the presence or absence of the stimulators. Both chemical agents had similar effects, less than 12 h after stimulation, statistically significant numbers of erythrophagosomes appear in the trophoblast giant cells (TGC). These findings demonstrate that TGC, like neutrophils and macrophages, can be activated to phagocytosis by exogenous factors. This enhanced activity may result from the generation and release of reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, our data suggest that, because stimulation was provided, the remarkable in vivo phagocytic activity of the trophoblast can be maintained under in vitro conditions, allowing study of the pathways and regulatory steps involved in this process.

A cation non-selective channel induced by extracellular ATP in macrophages and phagocytic cells of the thymic reticulum

Extracellular ATP4- can bind to P2Z purinergic receptors including depolarization and cytoplasmic membrane permeabilization to small molecular weight solutes in macrophages, thymocytes, mast cells, phagocytic cells of the thymic reticulum and other cell types. An ATP(4-)-induced cation current has been described in whole-cell records of some of these cells but it is currently not clear whether these currents and the phenomenon of membrane permeabilization are a consequence of only one type of P2Z-associated channel/pore or two different phenomena triggered by one or more receptors. Here we use the outside-out patch-clamp technique to describe a single channel associated with this cation current in two murine phagocytic cells: intraperitoneal macrophages and phagocytic cells of the thymic reticulum. Multi channel currents could be readily observed in 77% of the outside-out patches of macrophages. Single channels of 7.8 pS could usually be resolved only in tail currents. Reversal potential measurements and ion replacement experiments indicated a lack of cation selectivity, similarly to what has already been described for the ATP(4-)-induced whole-cell inward current. No large-conductance channels that could explain the permeabilization to small molecular weight studies solutes was observed under our experimental conditions. A single channel of approx. 5 pS was also observed in phagocytic cells of the thymic reticulum under similar conditions. We conclude that the channel here described is the main carrier of cation current usually associated with the binding of ATP4- to P2Z receptors in whole-cell and outside-out patch-clamp experiments.

The NADPH oxidase complex of phagocytic leukocytes: a biochemical and cytochemical view

The NADPH oxidase complex catalyzes the formation of superoxide (O2.-) in phagocytic leukocytes. This paper reviews recent advances in our understanding of this enzyme system. Recent studies have defined conditions for reconstitution of this enzymatic activity with purified proteins in a cell-free system. The role of the individual proteins that make up the active complex, their regulation and the effects of mutations in these proteins are discussed. While these studies represent major achievements, it is clear from cytochemical investigations that additional levels of complexity exist in the modulation of the NADPH oxidase complex in vivo. A major role for cytochemical analysis in understanding the cell biological aspects of the generation of reactive oxygen species is discussed.

NADPH-oxidase expression and in situ production of superoxide by osteoclasts actively resorbing bone

Recent reports have suggested that production of superoxide or other reactive oxygen species by activated osteoclasts may play a role in the complex process of bone resorption; however, the enzyme responsible for production of superoxide by osteoclasts has not been characterized. To determine if osteoclasts express NADPH-oxidase, a superoxide-generating enzyme found in phagocytic leukocytes, immunohistochemical studies were performed on tibia from 1-5-d-old rats using mAbs 449 and 48 and an antiserum specific for p47-phox. These antibodies recognize epitopes on the alpha and beta subunits of cytochrome b558, respectively, and the p47 cytosolic component of NADPH-oxidase. We found that osteoclasts attached to bone surfaces in tibia expressed all three components, as did mature polymorphonuclear and some mononuclear leukocytes in the bone marrow. In many adherent osteoclasts, the cytochrome b558 subunits were localized to the ruffled-border and bone interfaces. Studies were also performed on mature rat tibia that had undergone controlled fracture. By two weeks the healing fractures develop a callus rich in actively resorbing osteoclasts. Osteoclasts within the calluses, and attached to bone surface, also expressed the cytochrome b558 proteins. In addition to demonstrating the expression of NADPH-oxidase, the active production of superoxide by osteoclasts was also demonstrated in situ in freshly isolated tibia using 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB)-Mn2+, a histochemical method specific for superoxide localization. Osteoclasts attached to bone surfaces contained deposits of oxidized DAB which were observed by light microscopy. Nonstimulated polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leukocytes in the bone marrow did not contain DAB deposits unless stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate, a known activator of NADPH-oxidase. These findings indicate that osteoclasts contain NADPH-oxidase, and during the process of resorbing bone, are actively producing superoxide.

ATP- and UTP-induced currents in macrophages and macrophage polykaryons

We have investigated the currents induced by extracellular ATP (ATPo), extra-cellular UTP, and other related compounds in macrophages. At potentials of -20 to -60 mV, a typical response to ATPo puffs consists of a fast-activating inward current followed by a transient outward current. The phenomenon lasts 5-20 s, but for sustained exposure to ATP the inward current persists for up to 10 min (our longest recording time). Both currents are inhibited by Mg2+, suggesting that the phenomenon is mediated by ATP4-. The outward current can be ascribed to a Ca(2+)-dependent K+ conductance, and release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is at least in part responsible for this current. The inward current has a reversal potential of approximately 0 mV, and it is nonspecific for monovalent cations. UTP, a nucleotide that induces an increase in the cytoplasmic concentration of free Ca2+ but does not permeabilize macrophages, and ATP-gamma-S can also induce inward and outward current similar to those described for ATP, but higher doses are required. Adenosine and AMP produce no detectable effect, whereas ADP induces a small outward current. The implications of these results to the phenomenon of ATPo-induced permeabilization of macrophage membranes to large molecules are discussed.

Alterations in the functional characteristics of macrophages induced by hypercholesterolemia

Intimal accumulation of monocyte-derived lipid-filled macrophages is an important early event in diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. To better understand the functional alterations in macrophages in hypercholesterolemia, we determined several variables in rat peritoneal macrophages putatively associated with atherogenesis including adhesion to, spreading and locomotion on an endothelial monolayer, migration and phagocytic capacities, and superoxide anion (O2-) production. Compared with macrophages from normal rats (NM0s), macrophages from hypercholesterolemic rats (HM0s) revealed a higher rate of adherence to endothelial cells (ECs) and plastic with more extensive cytoplasmic spreading. Towards a chemoattractant of zymosan-activated serum, HM0s exhibited greater chemotactic migration and more prominent aggregation than NM0s. A computerized film analysis using time-lapse cinemicrophotography disclosed that HM0s moved faster on ECs; the average speed of HM0s was almost twice that of NM0s. HM0 phagocytic activity of fluorescent latex beads was significantly heightened (P less than 0.01). By contrast, there was no significant difference in O2- production between the two groups. These results indicate that hypercholesterolemia may initiate and accelerate the atherosclerotic process, at least in part, by modifying a number of functional properties of macrophages.

Accelerated endocytosis and incomplete catabolism of radical-damaged protein

Native bovine serum albumin (BSA) was endocytosed and degraded at a steady rate by resident peritoneal murine macrophages with barely detectable amounts remaining within the cells. Radical-damaged BSA was endocytosed and degraded up to 2.5-fold more rapidly than native BSA, but some radical-damaged BSA accumulated within the cells in a time-dependent manner. The extent of accumulation increased in parallel with that of radical damage. Thus, some radical-damaged BSA was processed less efficiently than native BSA. Such inefficient catabolism of radical-damaged proteins may contribute to certain diseases such as atherosclerosis.

Human neutrophils produce free radicals from the cell-zymosan interface during phagocytosis and from the whole plasma membrane when stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187

The production of free radicals, superoxide anions (O2-), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was histochemically investigated in human neutrophils that were stimulated by either phagocytosis or the calcium ionophore A23187. To demonstrate O2-, peripheral neutrophils from healthy donors were incubated at 37 degrees C in a medium containing nitroblue tetrazolium and glucose in the presence of either opsonized zymosan A and/or A23187. To demonstrate H2O2, neutrophils pretreated with a stimulant for 10 min were washed and incubated in a cerium medium containing CeCl3 and glucose in a Tris-maleate buffer. In cells engaged in phagocytosis, diformazan (for O2-) and cerium perhydroxide deposits (for H2O2) were restricted to the neutrophil-particle interface and on the inner surface of phagosomes. The remaining free surface of the plasma membrane was devoid of reaction products. In the case of neutrophils stimulated with A23187, the production of O2- and H2O2 was visualized over the whole surface of the plasma membrane. These histochemical reactions were inhibited by p-benzoquinone, superoxide dismutase, ferricytochrome c or catalase, and p-diazobenzenesulfonate (a membrane-impermeable protein denaturant). The results showed that human neutrophils produce free radicals exocellularly and that the site of production varies with different stimuli.

A sensitive and specific assay for superoxide anion released by neutrophils or macrophages based on bioluminescence of polynoidin

Using the luminescent protein polynoidin, present in the bioluminescent system isolated from the marine annelid Harmothoe lunulata, we have developed a new method to measure, specifically, superoxide anion (O2-) released by macrophages or neutrophils. A small quantity of an aqueous crude extract of polynoidin is used to detect O2- released by stimulated cells. Light emission is linearly dependent on the number of cells over a wide range (10(3) to 10(7) cells), and the assay is thus more sensitive than either luminol or ferricytochrome c reduction. Luminescence is enhanced 20% by mannitol, 80% by catalase, and is totally quenched by superoxide dismutase. For the same number of cells, neutrophils showed a threefold higher release of O2- and a twofold faster first-order light decay than stimulated macrophages, in accordance with data obtained by other methods.

Zymosan but not phorbol myristate acetate induces an oxidative burst in rat bone marrow-derived macrophages

We found that rat bone marrow-derived macrophages responded to opsonized zymosan by releasing superoxide anion. However, these cells were defective in the response to the potent oxidative burst activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). This result was observed whatever the concentration of agonist used and with different concentrations of cells. Since it is strongly suspected that protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the transductional pathway induced by PMA in numerous cell types, and particularly in phagocytes, we studied PKC and we observed that it was functional in rat bone marrow-derived macrophages, but only present at a low level. Thus, we suggest that our results are consistent with the possibility that zymosan-induced respiratory burst may be independent of PKC and that these cells may not possess the minimal level of PKC required for responding to PMA.

The superoxide-forming enzymatic system of phagocytes

The formation of oxygen-derived free radicals by the phagocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and macrophages) is catalysed by a membrane-bound NADPH oxidase which is dormant in resting cells and becomes activated during phagocytosis or following interaction of the cells with suitable soluble stimulants. This enzyme is under investigation in many laboratories but its molecular structure remains to be clarified. Possible components such as flavoproteins, cytochrome b558, and quinones have been proposed on the basis of enzyme purification studies, effects of inhibitors, kinetic properties and analysis of genetic defects of the oxidase. An extensive discussion of the evidence for the participation of these constituents is reported. On the basis of the available information on the structure and the catalytic properties of the NADPH oxidase, a series of possible models of the electron-transport chain from NADPH to O2 is presented. Finally, the triggering mechanism of the respiratory burst is discussed, with particular reference to the stimulus-response coupling and the final modification(s) of the oxidase (phosphorylation, assembly, change of lipid environment, etc.) which are involved in its activation.

Cell surface dynamics of neutrophils stimulated with phorbol esters or retinoids

Neutrophils undergo rapid morphological changes as well as metabolic perturbations when stimulated with certain phorbol esters. Stimulated cells initially exhibit pronounced projections emanating from the cell bodies, followed by rounding of the cells, reduction in granule number, and the appearance of intracellular vesicles. We show these vesicles to be derived, at least in part, from the plasmalemma. The experimental approach involved labeling stimulated and unstimulated cells with native ferritin and cationized ferritin, along with the cytochemical localization of ecto-5'-nucleotidase. The labeling patterns of the vesicles indicate that these structures are involved in both phorbol ester-stimulated adsorptive and fluid-phase endocytosis. Neutrophils stimulated with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) exhibit two distinct rates of superoxide release in which the second, prolonged level is approximately 50% of the initial rate. All-trans-retinal, which we have recently shown to stimulate O2- release but not granule exocytosis or cell vesiculation, induces a single prolonged rate of maximal O2- release. Neutrophils treated with both all-trans-retinal and TPA exhibit only a single sustained rate of maximal O2- release similar to that observed with all-trans-retinal alone. Moreover, treatment of cells with all-trans-retinal blocks the vesiculation of neutrophils induced by TPA in a dose-dependent manner. This observation provides a possible explanation for the differences in the kinetics of superoxide release.

Effect of cellular fatty acid composition on the phospholipase A2 activity of bone marrow-derived macrophages, and their ability to induce lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence

Mouse bone marrow macrophages were obtained by cultivation in serum-free medium. Addition of specific fatty acids to the medium leads to macrophage populations which differ in their fatty acid composition. The fatty acid composition of the cellular membranes directly modulates functional abilities of the macrophages such as the generation of superoxide anion and phospholipase A2 activity in response to phorbol ester and zymosan. Both capacities were lowest in macrophages cultured serum-free without lipids. Incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids into macrophage phospholipids leads to an increase of O2- production as measured by lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence and to an increased phospholipase A2 activity after challenge with phorbol ester or zymosan.

Muramyl peptides and serotonin interact at specific binding sites on macrophages and enhance superoxide release

Serotonin at low micromolar concentrations inhibited binding of two [125I]-labeled muramyl peptides to resident mouse peritoneal cells and to a macrophage-derived cell line, PU5-1.8-F7. Binding of [3H]serotonin was inhibited in parallel fashion. Overnight incubation with serotonin or muramyl peptide enhanced the release of superoxide by both types of cells when later stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate. Serotonin antagonists decreased binding of muramyl peptide and serotonin and diminished the subsequent enhancement of superoxide release. A cell line variant lacking detectable binding sites for muramyl peptide was far less responsive (superoxide release) than the parent line, to either drug. The data are consistent with sharing of a common set of receptors on the macrophage by muramyl peptide and serotonin and with involvement of these receptors in enhancing superoxide release.

Release of superoxide and change in morphology by neutrophils in response to phorbol esters: antagonism by inhibitors of calcium-binding proteins

The ability of phorbol derivatives to function as stimulating agents for superoxide (O2-) release by guinea pig neutrophils has been evaluated and compared to the known ability of each compound to activate protein kinase C. Those that activate the kinase also stimulate O2- release, while those that are inactive with respect to the kinase have no effect on O2- release. The same correlation was observed with respect to the ability of phorbol esters to induce morphological changes in neutrophils, i.e., vesiculation and reduction in granule content. Certain phenothiazines and naphthalene sulfonamides that are known antagonists of calcium-binding proteins blocked both phorbol ester-induced O2- release and morphological changes in these cells.

Oxygen-centred free radicals can efficiently degrade the polypeptide of proteoglycans in whole cartilage

Bovine nasal cartilage slices, biosynthetically labelled in their proteoglycan with 35SO4, were used as substrate for the attack of free radicals generated on exposure to a Co60 source (which allows study of single radical species), and by chemical and enzymatic means. Systems generating hydroxyl (OH.) and superoxide (O2.-) radicals degraded the proteoglycan efficiently, while the hydroperoxy radical (HO2.) was less efficient; addition of appropriate radical scavengers inhibited degradation. The radioactive products were heterogeneous in molecular size, but with doses up to 3600 Gy were the same size range as intact chondroitin sulphate. The contained free amino groups, and more were liberated by aminopeptidase M digestion, implying that at least a small peptide was present. Thus a major site of radical attack may be the polypeptide chain. We suggest that free-radical fragmentation of polypeptides may be important both in extracellular catabolism and in intracellular proteolysis.

Regulation of Fc mu receptor-mediated functions of resident and provoked peritoneal macrophages

Modifying and/or regulating effects on Fc mu receptor (R) mediated phagocytic and ADCC activity of both resident (r) and provoked (p) peritoneal macrophages (PM) was studied applying drugs affecting the cytoskeleton and cation transport. In addition, the effects of exogenous PGE2 and cyclic nucleotides were also examined. Fc mu-receptors appear to be functionally less significant in provoked PMs than in resident ones since both Fc mu-receptor mediated phagocytosis and ADCC were lower in the formers. The cytoskeletal system is important in the regulation of both Fc mu-receptor-mediated functions. Phagocytosis through Fc mu-receptor is decreased by Cytochalasin B and by Vinblastine treatment, whereas ADCC is enhanced by Cytochalasin B. Extracellular PGE2 and cAMP induced a higher phagocytic activity and suppressed ADCC, whereas cGMP displayed an opposite effect. The sensitivity of Fc mu R-mediated activities to ionophoric and to cytoskeleton-damaging drugs was lower in provoked than in resident PMs. In addition, the regulatory role of PGE2 and of cyclic nucleotides on the same activities was less marked on provoked PMs. In contrast, ouabain inhibits Fc mu R-dependent antigen incorporation and ADCC on provoked PM monolayers only. These findings suggest differing regulatory mechanisms for Fc mu R-mediated functions in provoked PMs as compared with resident ones.

In vitro generation of hydrogen peroxide and of superoxide anion by bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes, blood monocytes, and alveolar macrophages

Studies were conducted to compare the capacity of bovine blood monocytes, polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs), and alveolar macrophages (AMs) to generate hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion. Following stimulation with opsonized zymosan, bovine PMNs respond with an immediate and vigorous liberation of both oxygen species, generating 4.7 +/- 0.3 nmol H2O2/10(6) cell and 12.3 +/- 1.8 nmol O2-/10(6) cell during the initial 15 min. This is more than twice the amount generated by AMs (1.2 nmol H2O2/10(6) cell; 2.5 and nmol O2-/10(6) cell) and blood monocytes (0.5 nmol H2O2/10(6) cell; 2.1 nmol O2-/10(6) cell) during the same period. However, AMs continue generating H2O2 and O2- at a steady rate for a longer period and consequently produce amounts equal to those of PMNs when measured over a longer time span. Also, AMs can be stimulated with nonopsonized zymosan in contrast to PMNs. However, the AM population appears to comprise at least two subpopulations, which can be clearly distinguished by their capacity for generation of reactive oxygen species, and which correlate with their tendency for adherence to a plastic surface. In contrast to what has been found in other species, the bovine phagocytes were found to lack receptors for tuftsin and formylated oligopeptides, and thus remained unresponsive to these compounds. The in vitro activity of the three cell types was found to be very dependent on culture conditions, such as cell density and an adherent versus suspended state. In addition, a comparison with macrophages and PMNs elicited into the mammary gland suggest that in vivo factors can significantly influence the in vitro activities. The mammary gland cells have lower activity than blood and alveolar cells, even though they have been "primed" by chemotactic factor(s), and this is probably caused by milk components, i.e., the microenvironment. Our observations are discussed with respect to the results obtained from different laboratories, different species, and different cell types; emphasis is placed on the problem of drawing conclusions about in vivo functions of cells from parameters assayed in vitro.

The macrophage adherence phenomenon: its relationship to prostaglandin E2 and superoxide anion production and changes in transmembrane potential

Mononuclear phagocytes are undoubtedly the sine qua non of chronic inflammatory reactions. This is demonstrated by their unique ability to function as phagocytic, secretory, or effector cells during the course of an immune event. Although macrophages can perform a variety of immune tasks, their ability to function appropriately is dependent upon the mode of elicitation, the stimulus under investigation, the source of the macrophages (peritoneal, alveolar, etc.), and whether the macrophages are monolayers or in suspension. We have examined the relationship between adherent and non-adherent elicited peritoneal macrophages in terms of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and superoxide anion (O2-) production; in addition, we have studied these elicited macrophages in suspension for their ability to undergo transmembrane potential changes in response to several stimuli. Non-adherent, elicited peritoneal macrophages demonstrated an increase in basal PGE2 production, and were refractory to particulate stimulus. After monolayer formation, basal PGE2 levels dropped and the cells could respond to both soluble and particulate stimuli. Only adherent macrophages could respond to a specific challenge and synthesize O2-. Both O2- production and depolarization of the transmembrane potential were suppressed in cells in suspension. Furthermore, both exogenous PGE2 and supernatant from macrophages in suspension could modulate O2- production by PMA challenged macrophages monolayers. These studies indicate that PGE2 may modulate macrophage function and dictate activity as macrophages go from the non-adherent to adherent state.