The respiratory burst of phagocytic cells: facts and problems

Non-Contact Interaction Between Phorbol Myristate Acetate and Aqueous Alcohol Solutions Under Combined Magnetic Fields

Previous research has demonstrated that a combined magnetic field (CMF) plays a critical role in modifying the properties of aqueous solutions, leading to an increase in the luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence of neutrophils. Using this model, the distant interaction between aqueous solutions was demonstrated, and the role of a CMF in the regulation of this phenomenon was established. In the current study, highly diluted (HD) phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) solution (the donor) was incubated with aqueous ethanol (the acceptor), both in a CMF-generating device and under geomagnetic field (GMF), for 0, 20, and 60 min. After a 60 min incubation at a 0 cm distance with HD PMA under both GMF and CMF, acceptor samples added to neutrophils increased neutrophil chemiluminescence by approximately sevenfold. The ability of HD PMA, which had been incubated with an acceptor, to activate ROS production diminished within 60 min of observation. However, the HD PMA sample remained an effective donor for up to 6 days after preparation. At a 10 cm distance between the donor and acceptor, the activation of the acceptor did not occur. These findings provide new insights into the phenomenon of distant interaction of solutions, whose mechanisms are suggested to be related to the quantum electrodynamics of water molecular dynamic structures.

Inflammatory fatigue and sickness behaviour - lessons for the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome

Persistent and severe fatigue is a common part of the presentation of a diverse range of disease processes. There is a growing body of evidence indicating a common inflammatory pathophysiology underlying many conditions where fatigue is a primary patient concern, including chronic fatigue syndrome. This review explores current models of how inflammatory mediators act on the central nervous system to produce fatigue and sickness behaviour, and the commonality of these processes in conditions as diverse as surgical trauma, infection, various cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, connective tissue diseases and autoimmune diseases. We also discuss evidence indicating chronic fatigue syndrome may have important pathophysiological similarities with cytokine mediated sickness behaviour, and what lessons can be applied from sickness behaviour to chronic fatigue syndrome with regards to the diagnosis and management.

A new assay to monitor the degranulation process in phagocytizing human neutrophils

oxidation, we set up a method for measuring MPO intraphagosomal release in human neutrophils. The method is based on the passive engulfment of DAB together with the phagocytosable particle. Inside the vacuole, this substrate is oxidized by MPO released from the azurophilic granules. The colorimetrical evaluation of the amount of DAB oxidized allows for cheap, rapid quantification of MPO intraphagosomal secretion in whole cells. Using this method, we show that the degranulation process, involving azurophilic granules, can be monitored carefully during phagocytosis. It takes place after the ingestion of zymosan particles opsonized with normal human serum, as well as during IgG-mediated phagocytosis and under conditions where beta2 integrins are blocked. However our findings also show that the extent of intraphagosomal secretion depends on either the extent of opsonization or the type of receptor engaged during the phagocytic event.

Superoxide-induced changes in endothelin (ET) receptors in hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Reactive oxygen species are mediators of various pathophysiologic events, including postischemic reperfusion injury and inflammation. Generation of reactive oxygen species and consequent organ injury are associated with increased levels of a powerful vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1. Current evidence suggests that actions of endothelin-1 on the contractile and fibrogenic transdifferentiated stellate cells may play a critical role in hepatic pathophysiology. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether reactive oxygen species modulate the synthesis of endothelin-1 and its receptors in stellate cells.

METHODS

Primary cultures of transdifferentiated stellate cells were exposed to reactive oxygen species-generating system, hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase, before determination of endothelin-1 and its receptors.

RESULTS

The treatment caused an initial decrease in ET-1 receptor density (about 30% at 30 min), followed by a significant increase over the basal level at 6 h. The increase in the receptors, which occurred specifically in the ET(B) subtype, progressed thereafter up to 24 h and was accompanied by an augmented functional response, as indicated by an enhanced endothelin-1-induced release of [3H]arachidonic acid from the prelabeled cells. Furthermore, treatment of cells for 24 h but not 30 min caused increased expression of ET(B) mRNA as determined by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The release of endothelin-1 in the culture medium was also enhanced by hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase treatment. These effects of hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase were inhibited by superoxide dismutase and dimethyl sulfoxide. ET-1-induced [3H]arachidonic acid release was also inhibited by the ET(B) receptor antagonist BQ788, but not by the ET(A) receptor antagonist BQ123.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that interactions between ET-1 and stellate cells during episodes of the generation of reactive oxygen species can be an important mechanism in the pathophysiology of hepatic disorders.

An endothelin receptor antagonist TAK-044 ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury and portal hypertension in rats

Hepatic levels of a powerful vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptors increase in human and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether antagonism of hepatic ET-1 receptors ameliorates CCl4-induced hepatic injury and portal hypertension in rats. Acute liver injury was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (0.3 ml/kg), whereas cirrhosis and portal hypertension were induced by CCl4 treatment (0.15 ml/kg twice a week) for 8 weeks. Hepatic morphology, ET-1 and its receptors, and portal venous pressures were determined. Increases in ET-1 and its receptors occurred within 24 h of CCl4 administration, and progressively thereafter during the development of cirrhosis. The acute CCl4-induced hepatic injury was characterized by significant increases in portal pressure (from 8.7+/-1.8 to 17.6+/-3.3 mmHg; p<0.01) and serum levels of liver enzymes, as well as massive hepatocellular necrosis (62+/-8%). Intravenous administration of an ET-1 receptor antagonist TAK-044 reduced portal pressure to 13.6+/-2.8 mmHg (p<0.05), and ameliorated hepatocellular necrosis by about 35% (p<0.001). TAK-044 treatment also produced significant reduction in serum levels of liver enzymes. In cirrhotic rats, portal venous infusion of TAK-044 reduced portal hypertension by about 40% (p<0.05). In conclusion, these results indicate involvement of ET-1 in acute liver injury as well as portal hypertension associated with hepatic cirrhosis, and a potential for ET-1 receptor antagonists in the treatment of these pathologic conditions.

Activation of the oxygen-radical-generating system in granules of intact human neutrophils by a calcium ionophore (ionomycin)

Subcellular fractionation studies were performed on human neutrophils stimulated with ionomycin (a Ca(2+)-specific ionophore). The results of these studies revealed NADPH-oxidase activity, without any additive, both in the plasma membrane and in the specific granule fractions. After comparing these results with the NADPH oxidase activity induced by the ionophore in intact neutrophils, in differentiated HL-60 cells and in neutrophil cytoplasts, we conclude that ionomycin preferentially activates the NADPH oxidase pool located in the membrane of specific granules. Furthermore, we suggest that incorporation of granule membrane into the plasma membrane makes the associated NADPH oxidase less sensitive to activation induced by a rise in [Ca(2+)]i.

Identification of the defective NADPH-oxidase component in chronic granulomatous disease: a study of 57 European families

Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) manifests as a predisposition to infection as a result of defective function of the NADPH oxidase of phagocytic cells. Proteins identified as part of this system include two subunits of a cytochrome b (cytochrome b-245) and two cytosolic factors. The affected oxidase component was determined in 63 CGD patients from 57 families, by Western blotting of extracts of their neutrophils with antibodies to those proteins. 38 (67%) of the families were X-linked with a defect of the beta subunit of the cytochrome. 13 (23%) lacked p47-phox, 3 (5%) p67-phox, and 3 (5%) the alpha subunit of the cytochrome.

Chemiluminescence assays of Cu2Zn2 superoxide dismutase mimicking Cu-complexes

The aqueous decay of K3CrO8 was used to compare the reactivity of Cu2Zn2 superoxide dismutase and two active centre analogues where the first shell atoms around the copper are four unsaturated nitrogens. Unlike the acetate or biuret type Cu(II) chelates these di-Schiff-base complexes had an identical reactivity compared to that of the intact enzyme. Nanomolar concentrations of copper coordinated in these complexes were sufficient to inhibit the K3CrO8 induced chemiluminescence by 50%. Furthermore, a lucigenin amplified chemiluminescence assay based on isolated polymorph nuclear leucocytes in the absence and presence of whole, unseparated blood was developed and successfully employed. CuPu(Im)2 and CuPu(Py)2 equivalent to 0.5 and 0.8 SOD units, only, were required to inhibit the photon emission by 50% in the absence of bovine serum albumin. Even in the presence of 600 microM albumin mimicking the competitive copper chelation in biological fluids Cu-Pu(Py)2 and CuPu(Im)2 remained active, whereas the carboxylate- and biuret type chelates Cu(Sal)2 and Cu(Ser)2 reacted like CuSO4. The same reactivity of these low M, SOD mimics was seen in human blood.

Isolation of the respiratory burst oxidase: the role of a flavoprotein component

The article reviews the enzymatic and electron transfer properties of a low-potential FAD-dependent flavoprotein that is a component of the NADPH-dependent O2-.-generating respiratory burst oxidase of phagocytes. Current methods available for isolation of the respiratory burst oxidase and the flavoprotein component of the complex are also reviewed. These studies and data obtained from affinity-labeling of respiratory burst oxidase components, suggest that the flavoprotein has a molecular weight of 65-67 kD. The prevailing evidence suggests that the flavoprotein functions as a dehydrogenase/electron transferase and can directly catalyse NADPH-dependent O2-.formation when isolated. However, in neutrophil plasma membranes, the prevailing evidence suggests that the flavoprotein functions primarily to transfer electrons from NADPH to cytochrome b-245 and that this latter redox component is the catalytic side of O2-.formation. A working model for the arrangement of the flavoprotein and cytochrome b-245 components of the respiratory burst oxidase in neutrophil membranes is proposed.

Bile and bile salts potentiate superoxide anion release from activated, rat peritoneal neutrophils

Certain bile salts cause hepatotoxicity as well as injury to extrahepatic organs when administered to animals. Activated neutrophils (PMNs) may cause tissue injury by releasing reactive oxygen species and other products. Since PMNs may come in contact with biliary components, such as bile salts, following chemical insult to the liver or during cholestasis, we examined the capacity of bile and bile salts to stimulate superoxide anion (O2-) release from rat peritoneal PMNs in vitro. Neither bile nor bile salts, with the exception of lithocholate, could by themselves stimulate O2- release from PMNs. Lithocholate (32 microM) caused small but statistically significant release of O2- from PMNs. When PMNs were primed with a barely suprathreshold concentration of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (PMA), a classic stimulus for PMNs, the addition of bile and certain bile salts markedly enhanced O2- release from PMNs. The monohydroxy bile salt, lithocholate, had the greatest stimulatory activity toward PMA-primed PMNs, causing approximately an eightfold increase in O2- release. The enhancing effect of lithocholate was maximal between 10 and 32 microM, and it also occurred with PMNs isolated from rat blood. Dihydroxy bile salts, deoxycholate and chenodeoxycholate (100 microM), caused more modest enhancement of O2- release (two- to threefold) from primed PMNs. Cholate, a trihydroxy bile salt, was not active at these concentrations. Conjugation of either lithocholate or chenodeoxycholate with either glycine or taurine markedly reduced the ability of the bile salt to enhance O2- release from primed PMNs. Structural alterations on the hydrophilic side chain or within the planar, hydrophobic portion of the bile salt molecule reduced the capacity to enhance O2- release from PMA-primed PMNs. These results indicate that bile salts can potentiate the respiratory burst in PMNs and suggest a role for this interaction in toxicoses or disease states characterized by elevated serum bile salts.

Modulation of hepatotoxicity by macrophages in the liver

In an attempt to elucidate the role of hepatic macrophages in liver injury, we investigated galactosamine-treated rats (500 mg per kg body weight). The rats received an i.v. injection of latex particles (2 x 10(9) particles per animal) prior to (latex-galactosamine) or 12 to 16 hr subsequent to the galactosamine treatment (galactosamine-latex). Effect of superoxide dismutase on hepatic injury induced by galactosamine or galactosamine-latex treatment was also examined. Oxygen-derived free radical-generating capacity of isolated hepatic macrophages was measured as chemiluminescence with the stimulation of phorbol myristate acetate or latex particles. As compared with normal rats, chemiluminescence of hepatic macrophages from galactosamine-treated rats was 5- to 10-fold enhanced 12 hr following galactosamine treatment and remained elevated for 48 hr. Chemiluminescence of the latex particle-pretreated macrophages in the liver was markedly suppressed even following the galactosamine treatment (p less than 0.01). Compared to galactosamine-treated rats, both lipid peroxide level in the liver tissue and AST and ALT concentration in serum were significantly decreased in the latex-galactosamine-treated rats (p less than 0.01) and increased in the galactosamine-latex-treated rats (p less than 0.01). Furthermore, superoxide dismutase supplementation protected against liver injury induced by the galactosamine-latex treatment. From these results, pretreatment with latex particles suppressed the free radical-generating capacity of hepatic macrophages and protected against hepatic injury induced by galactosamine. In contrast, injection of latex particles after galactosamine treatment aggravated hepatic injury, which was prevented by superoxide dismutase. These data suggest that liver injury induced by galactosamine is modulated by oxygen-derived free radicals from hepatic macrophages.

Superoxide anion generating capacity and lysosomal enzyme activities of Kupffer cells in galactosamine induced hepatitis

To elucidate the function of the reticuloendothelial system of liver in hepatic injury, we investigated the effect of endotoxins on superoxide anion (O-2) generating capacity and lysosomal enzyme activities of Kupffer cells isolated from rats treated with galactosamine (Gal N), with Gal N supplemented with polymyxin B (Polymyxin B-Gal N), with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and from control rats. After collagenase digestion of the liver and centrifugation over metrizamide gradient, Kupffer cells were prepared by the dish adherence procedure. O-2 production by the cells was examined as chemiluminescence during phagocytosis of latex particles and beta-glucuronidase activities were analyzed. High titers of endotoxemia were detected in LPS and Gal N rats by limulus test, while a low endotoxemia titer was found in Polymyxin B-Gal N rats. Hepatocyte damage was found in Gal N rats, but little was recognized in LPS and Polymyxin B-Gal N rats. In the latter groups, Kupffer cells, activated by endotoxins, showed the enhancement of chemiluminescence and a release of lysosomal enzyme. Though lysosomal enzyme was released from Kupffer cells in Gal N rats, chemiluminescence was slightly suppressed in spite of the high titer of endotoxemia. These results appear to be related to the consumption of O-2 during liver injury. The functional state of Kupffer cells was thus changed by the grade of endotoxemia and hepatic injury.

Superoxide anion generating capacity of polymorphonuclear cells in patients with liver cirrhosis

The superoxide anion generating capacity of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in patients with liver cirrhosis and the effect of lipopolysaccharide on rat PMNs were examined. Superoxide anion generating capacity of PMNs was measured as luminol-dependent photon emission (chemiluminescence) during phagocytosis of peptide in vitro. Chemiluminescence of PMNs from patients with liver cirrhosis was significantly enhanced compared with normal healthy volunteers, and endotoxemia was detected in 3 out of 20 cases of liver cirrhosis by the limulus gelatin test. Serial studies revealed that chemiluminescence of PMNs and endotoxin in plasma decreased after administration of polymyxin B (3 X 10(6) u/day). Chemiluminescence of rat PMNs was also markedly enhanced after the injection of lipopolysaccharide, and persisted for more than 8 days even though endotoxemia was not detected. These results indicate that the enhancement of chemiluminescence by PMNs is related to endotoxins spilling over from the liver in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Fluorescent redox dyes. 1. Production of fluorescent formazan by unstimulated and phorbol ester- or digitonin-stimulated Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

The reduction of a new series of tetrazolium salts to red fluorescent formazans by Ehrlich ascites tumor cells is described. The qualitative effect on this reaction of two cell surface-active compounds and of six exogenous electron carriers was investigated by varying the incubation conditions. After incubation of Ehrlich ascites cells with the new colourless, water soluble 5-cyan-2.3-ditolyltetrazolium salts, bright red water-insoluble formazan crystals on the cell surface can be observed under fluorescence microscopy. The production of formazan is enhanced by 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or digitonin (DIG), two potent stimulators of oxygen consumption or by the electron carriers phenazine methosulphate (PMS), 1-methoxy-phenazine methosulphate (MPMS), meldola blue (MB), methylene blue (MTB), and 2.6-dichlorindophenol (DCIP). These results provide further evidence for the existence of redox enzymes bound to the plasma membrane of intact ascites cells and for a free radical mechanism of tetrazolium salt reduction. The fluorescence property of the new redox dyes offers the advantage of high sensitivity. Moreover, their greater homogeneity relative to the commonly used di-tetrazolium salts lowers the chances of misinterpretations due to impurities. The possible application of these new mono-tetrazolium salts to cytochemical investigations of oxidative metabolic reactions is discussed.

The measurement of superoxide anion production by granulocytes In whole blood. A clinical test for the evaluation of phagocyte function and serum opsonic capacity

The paper reports a simple, sensitive and time-saving procedure for the assay of the function of the phagocytes on microsamples of whole blood. The method consists in the evaluation of the stimulation of superoxide anion (O-2) production (as superoxide dismutase-sensitive cytochrome c reduction) by leukocytes in whole blood challenged with (a) phagocytosable particles (opsonized zymosan); (b) particles that become phagocytosable by virtue of the opsonizing capacity of the plasma of blood samples (zymosan); and (c) a soluble agent such as phorbol myristate acetate. Preliminary studies indicate that this procedure can be used as a routine test because it enables information to be obtained about the respiratory responsiveness of phagocytes and about cellular and humoral defects of phagocytosis.