Histamine and leukotriene C4 effects on in vitro ciliary beat frequency of human upper respiratory cilia

In vivo visualization and analysis of ciliary motion in allergic rhinitis models induced by ovalbumin

Due to the lack of an assessment approach, the image of in vivo nasal ciliary motion of allergic rhinitis (AR) has never been captured and analyzed to date. Here, we have used an optimized approach to analyze the nasal ciliary function in vivo in AR rats. The digital microscopy system, a method for direct observation of ciliary motion in a living AR rat model, was applied to visualize and measure ciliary motion in vivo, including ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and ciliary beat distance (CBD). The AR rat model was established by ovalbumin sensitization. Comparisons of nasal ciliary motion in vivo between the experimental group (ovalbumin sensitization, allergen, or histamine) and the control group were analyzed. In the living rat model of allergic rhinitis, CBF and CBD decreased to 57.8 and 73.1% of the control group, respectively, but were restored after administration of chlorpheniramine maleate. Ovalbumin (OVA) significantly inhibited the ciliary motion of normal mucosa in vivo. However, responding to the OVA challenge, the ciliary motion of OVA-sensitized mucosa would not decrease further and stay at a stable level. Histamine stimulated in vivo ciliary motion quickly within 30 min, but afterward, the ciliary motion gradually decreased below the baseline. These results have clarified that in vivo ciliary motion was impaired by nasal mucosal sensitization, and this impairment was most likely related to allergen challenge and histamine. In addition, the short-term stimulation and long-term inhibition effects of histamine on in vivo ciliary motion were first reported in this study.

The effect of drugs and other compounds on the ciliary beat frequency of human respiratory epithelium

BACKGROUND

Cilia in the human respiratory tract play a critical role in clearing mucus and debris from the airways. Their function can be affected by a number of drugs or other substances, many of which alter ciliary beat frequency (CBF). This has implications for diseases of the respiratory tract and nasal drug delivery. This article is a systematic review of the literature that examines 229 substances and their effect on CBF.

METHODS

MEDLINE was the primary database used for data collection. Eligibility criteria based on experimental design were established, and 152 studies were ultimately selected. Each individual trial for the substances tested was noted whenever possible, including concentration, time course, specific effect on CBF, and source of tissue.

RESULTS

There was a high degree of heterogeneity between the various experiments examined in this article. Substances and their general effects (increase, no effect, decrease) were grouped into six categories: antimicrobials and antivirals, pharmacologics, human biological products, organisms and toxins, drug excipients, and natural compounds/other manipulations.

CONCLUSION

Organisms, toxins, and drug excipients tend to show a cilioinhibitory effect, whereas substances in all other categories had mixed effects. All studies examined were in vitro experiments, and application of the results in vivo is confounded by several factors. The data presented in this article should be useful in future respiratory research and examination of compounds for therapeutic and drug delivery purposes.

Effects of histamine on ciliary beat frequency of ciliated cells from guinea pigs nasal mucosa

We aimed to investigate the effect of histamine on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) through combining high-speed digital microscopy and patch-clamp technology. Ciliated cells were obtained from septum and turbinate of 90-120-day-old healthy male guinea pigs. Tight seal was formed by applying negative pressure on the glass electrode after the drawing and pushing progress. Then, we enrolled high-speed digital microscopy to measure CBF before and after treatment with histamine of different concentrations ranging from 10(-6) to 10(-1) mol/L in Hank's solution and D-Hank's solution as well as after administrating adenosine triphosphate. One-way ANOVA, Student's t test or Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical comparisons. Glass electrode fix up ciliated cell is available at tip diameter of 2-5 μm and negative pressure of 10-20 cmH2O column. The baseline CBF in Hank's solution was higher than in D-Hank's solution. Treatment with 10(-6)-l0(-3) mol/L histamine of concentrations can stimulate a rise of CBF. Nevertheless, CBF in all groups decreased to baseline CBF within 20 min. Generally, 10(-2) mol/L histamine can stimulate a rise of CBF; meanwhile, the high concentration of histamine killed 50% ciliated cell. Histamine at 10(-1) mol/L killed all ciliated cells. Ciliary beating activity decreased in Ca(2+)-free solution. Moreover, adenosine triphosphate could increase CBF effectively after the stimulation effect of histamine. We construct an effective technology integrating patch-clamp technique with CBF measurements on ciliated cells. Extracellular histamine stimulation could increase CBF effectively.

Cilia dysfunction in lung disease

A characteristic feature of the human airway epithelium is the presence of ciliated cells bearing motile cilia, specialized cell surface projections containing axonemes composed of microtubules and dynein arms, which provide ATP-driven motility. In the airways, cilia function in concert with airway mucus to mediate the critical function of mucociliary clearance, cleansing the airways of inhaled particles and pathogens. The prototypical disorder of respiratory cilia is primary ciliary dyskinesia, an inherited disorder that leads to impaired mucociliary clearance, to repeated chest infections, and to the progressive destruction of lung architecture. Numerous acquired lung diseases are also marked by abnormalities in both cilia structure and function. In this review we summarize current knowledge regarding airway ciliated cells and cilia, how they function to maintain a healthy epithelium, and how disorders of cilia structure and function contribute to inherited and acquired lung disease.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide regulates sinonasal mucociliary clearance and synergizes with histamine in stimulating sinonasal fluid secretion

Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is the primary physical airway defense against inhaled pathogens and particulates. MCC depends on both proper fluid/mucus homeostasis and epithelial ciliary beating. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neurotransmitter expressed in the sinonasal epithelium that is up-regulated in allergy. However, the effects of VIP on human sinonasal physiology are unknown, as are VIP's interactions with histamine, a major regulator of allergic disease. We imaged ciliary beat frequency, mucociliary transport, apical Cl(-) permeability, and airway surface liquid (ASL) height in primary human sinonasal air-liquid-interface cultures to investigate the effects of VIP and histamine. VIP stimulated an increase in ciliary beat frequency (EC50 0.5 μM; maximal increase ∼40% compared with control) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-dependent and Na(+)K(+)2Cl(-) cotransporter-dependent fluid secretion, all requiring cAMP/PKA signaling. Histamine activated Ca(2+) signaling that increased ASL height but not ciliary beating. Low concentrations of VIP and histamine had synergistic effects on CFTR-dependent fluid secretion, revealed by increased ASL heights. An up-regulation of VIP in histamine-driven allergic rhinitis would likely enhance mucosal fluid secretion and contribute to allergic rhinorrhea. Conversely, a loss of VIP-activated secretion in patients with CF may impair mucociliary transport, contributing to increased incidences of sinonasal infections and rhinosinusitis.

The effect of histamine on ciliary beat frequency in the acute phase of allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

There have been few studies about the effect of histamine on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in the acute phase of allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to investigate CBF in the acute phase of allergic rhinitis and the effect of histamine on CBF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nasal septal mucosae were obtained from 13 mice that had been systemically immunized and locally challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) (group A), 11 OVA immunized and phosphate-buffered saline-challenged mice (group B), and 12 nontreated negative control mice (group C). The CBFs were observed within 20 minutes of local challenge with OVA. Ciliary beat frequencies were measured before and after treatment with 10(-5), 10(-3), and 10(-1) mol/L histamine and after administering antihistamine or Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium to histamine-exposed mucosa.

RESULTS

The baseline CBF in group A was higher than in groups B and C. After treatment with 10(-1) mol/L histamine, CBF in all groups decreased to 0 within 5 to 7 minutes, whereas treatment with 10(-5) or 10(-3) mol/L histamine had no effect. The application of 100 μmol/L fexofenadine or Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium solution restored histamine-induced ciliostasis to near baseline CBF after 10 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Ciliary beat frequency increased in the acute phase of a mouse model of allergic rhinitis. Physiologic concentrations of histamine had no effect on CBF, and thus, it appears that other mechanisms control CBF in the acute phase of allergic rhinitis.

Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1 as a novel therapeutic target for allergic rhinitis treatment

BACKGROUND

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LTs) play an important role in allergic rhinitis because CysLT(1) receptor antagonists relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE

I overview the clinical pharmacology of CysLT(1) receptor antagonists and their potential role in patients with allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

I review the evidence regarding the release of cys-LTs and localization of CysLT(1) receptor on nasal mucosa, and evaluate the clinical efficacy of CysLT(1) receptor antagonist in allergic rhinitis.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

Immunohistochemical studies show that in allergic rhinitis, the major target of CysLT(1) receptor antagonists are the vascular bed and infiltrated leukocytes such as mast cells, eosinophils and macrophages. CysLT(1) receptor antagonists provide a new opportunity for simultaneous management of allergic diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Ciliogenesis in submersion and suspension cultures of human nasal epithelial cells

Human nasal respiratory cells lose cilia in submerged cultures. This study compares the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules of the basal lamina on ciliogenesis in submerged cell cultures to ECM-free suspension cultures. Respiratory mucosa of nasal turbinates was the routine source for the cultures of nasal epithelial cells. For the submersion cultures, enzymatically isolated cells were seeded either on a layer of lethally irradiated ((60)Co, 60 Gy) murine 3T3-feeder fibroblasts or on an ECM-coated culture flask. For suspension cultures, the flasks were rotated for 3 days after cell seeding. In ECM-coated flasks, epithelial cell attachment and confluence was promoted and always much better than in cultures on a feeder layer. Respiratory cells lost cilia during the first 5 weeks in submerged cultures. Genesis of new, actively beating cilia was seen after 5-6 weeks when plastic culture dishes were coated with ECM molecules. Cells grown on uncoated plastic dishes together with 3T3-fibroblasts showed no ciliogenesis. Spheroids of epithelial cells in suspension cultures lost cilia during the 1st week and developed new cilia after 1-2 weeks in vitro. Our results suggest that ECM molecules are not the only signal for ciliary differentiation of respiratory cells in vitro, because suspension cultures are ECM free. However, the presence of ECM molecules in submerged cell cultures promotes the attachment and early confluence of seeded epithelial cells with a high density of cuboidal epithelial cells. The specific cellular shape and intense intercellular contact of these cuboidal cells may be among the most important signals inducing terminal differentiation and ciliogenesis.

A comparison of nasal clearance after treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis with budesonide and mometasone

OBJECTIVE

Evidence in vitro suggests that benzalkonium chloride, a preservative in many intranasal preparations, interferes with ciliary function and thus could potentially interfere with mucociliary transport, the mechanism for clearing secretions from the nasal cavity.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a parallel randomized study with 10 subjects in each arm comparing Rhinocort AQUA (an intranasal steroid [budesonide] spray without benzalkonium chloride) and Nasonex (an intranasal steroid [mometasone furoate] spray with benzalkonium chloride). Before and after 2 weeks of treatment, subjects completed a Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and underwent a measurement of nasal clearance of a radioactive colloidal spray into the nose.

RESULTS

The groups were matched at entry for nasal clearance, even though there was variability among subjects. The amount of change after 2 weeks of treatment (Delta before versus after treatment) showed a significant difference in nasal clearance favoring budesonide. After 2 weeks of treatment, both budesonide and mometasone demonstrated overall improvement in quality of life as assessed by the RQLQ. Both treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Our study extends the observation in vitro that demonstrates the adverse effect of benzalkonium chloride on cilia to a measurement in vivo of clearance. The effects after 2 weeks might not reflect changes after longer periods of treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

To determine the clinical significance of the small improvement in mucociliary transport will require large clinical trials.

Expression and localization of the cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor in human nasal mucosa

BACKGROUND

The cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) are lipid mediators that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Pharmacological studies using CysLTs indicate that two classes of receptors, named CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor, exist. The former is sensitive to the CysLT1 antagonist currently used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Recently, the cDNA for human CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor have been cloned, making it now possible to study the gene expression of CysLTs receptors.

OBJECTIVE

We have used reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to study the gene expression of CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor and in situ hybridization to determine the distribution of CysLT1 receptor mRNA in human nasal mucosa. In addition, the distribution of the CysLT1 receptor protein was studied by immunohistochemistry.

METHODS

Human turbinates were obtained after turbinectomy from six patients with nasal obstruction refractory to medical therapy. Total RNA was isolated from human nasal mucosa and both CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor mRNA was detected in these tissues by using RT-PCR. For in situ hybridization study of human nasal mucosa, we used biotin-labelled oligonucleotides probes encoding human CysLT1 receptor cDNA. To identify the cells expressing the CysLT1 receptor protein, double immunostaining was performed by using anti-CysLT1 receptor antibody and monoclonal antileucocyte antibodies.

RESULTS

RT-PCR analysis of total nasal RNA demonstrated the expression of both CysLT1 receptor and CysLT2 receptor mRNA. In situ hybridization indicated high levels of CysLT1 receptor hybridization in blood vessels and the interstitial cells, but a sparse signal in airway epithelium and submucosal glands. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that anti-CysLT1 receptor antibody labelled eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages, neutrophils and vascular endothelial cells in the nasal mucosa.

CONCLUSION

The results may have an important clinical implication and also promote further investigation of the regulation of CysLT1 receptor in health and disease.

Leukotrienes C4 and D4 increase the ciliary beat frequency in human upper airway mucosa in vitro

It has been suggested that leukotrienes C4 (LTC4) and D4 (LTD4) released from upper respiratory mucosa influence mucociliary transport during allergic reactions. We studied the in vitro effects of leukotrienes C4 and D4 on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of human adenoid explants over a 5-hour period. Tissue explants were cultured at 35 degrees C in Minimum Essential Medium Eagle (MEM). The CBF was measured using phase contrast microscopy and microphotometry. Measurements of CBF were recorded in medium alone and in medium containing LTC4 or LTD4 at concentrations of 10(-8) and 10(-6) M. LTC4 and LTD4 increased CBF at concentrations of 10(-8) and 10(-6) M with increases of 20.51% +/- 2.69% and 29.84% +/- 4.06%, respectively. To determine the specificity of the LTC4 and LTD4 effects, the ciliated epithelium was treated with the specific leukotriene receptor antagonist LY-171,883 before administration of LTC4 and LTD4. LY-171,883 (10(-6) M) significantly inhibited the ciliostimulatory effects of both leukotrienes. Our findings indicate that LTC4 and LTD4 increase CBF in vitro by activation of the LTD4 receptor.

Leukotriene activity modulation in asthma

Leukotrienes constitute a class of inflammatory mediators synthesised from arachidonic acid, a product of cell membrane metabolism. Synthesis occurs in the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme pathway, which produces several species of leukotrienes, each with characteristic biological activities. With regard to asthma, the leukotrienes are particularly important because of their ability to directly and potently mediate bronchoconstriction; in addition, they specifically stimulate the secretion of mucus into the airways and the extravasation of fluids and proteins into the airway tissues, both of which contribute to airway obstruction. A number of antileukotriene agents have been developed with the goal of modulating the inflammatory process in various disease states. These agents fall into 2 general classes: leukotriene receptor antagonists and leukotriene synthesis inhibitors. Results of antileukotriene agents in preclinical and clinical trials indicate that antileukotriene agents attenuate the response to challenges with inhaled leukotrienes, cold air, exercise, aspirin and allergen; in addition, they have shown efficacy in clinical asthma and have not been associated with serious adverse effects. Although results to date indicate that these medications are well tolerated and effective in the treatment of asthma, the recent approval by the FDA of 2 antileukotriene agents will give physicians further insight into how patients with asthma respond to them.

Management of asthma with zafirlukast. Clinical experience and tolerability profile

This article reviews the literature on the use of zafirlukast in the treatment of asthma, with particular focus on its ability to attenuate the asthma-causing effects of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes produced by the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme pathway have various biological activities. These include the specific inflammatory effects associated with asthma, such as increased vascular permeability, enhanced mucus production and decreased mucociliary transport. Leukotriene receptors in the airways also mediate a potent bronchoconstriction and this is particularly important in asthma. Zafirlukast was developed with the goal of attenuating the inflammatory effects of leukotrienes in asthma. Zafirlukast attenuates the responses to inhaled leukotrienes and allergen challenges, and produces beneficial effects in cold air- and exercise-induced asthma. Zafirlukast has been compared with placebo and sodium cromoglycate in clinical trials involving asthma patients. Zafirlukast brings about a significant bronchodilation within 1 hour of administration that is additive to the effects of beta 2 agonists. These studies showed that zafirlukast improves pulmonary function and reduces the symptoms of asthma. Zafirlukast is well tolerated with an incidence of adverse events similar to that seen with the use of placebo. As an oral twice-daily formulation, zafirlukast may improve patient adherence to therapy. As an anti-inflammatory agent, zafirlukast may in the future find a role in the treatment of a variety of diverse inflammatory conditions.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide in vitro stimulation of ciliary beat in human upper respiratory cilia

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is one of the neuropeptides that is released in the human nasal mucosa after trigeminal nerve stimulation. We investigated the in vitro effect of CGRP on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of human upper respiratory cilia. Ciliated epithelium of freshly removed adenoidal tissues was used in all experiments. CBF was measured using a computerized photo-electric method. The results showed that CGRP exerted a significant dose-dependent stimulation on CBF in concentrations of 10(-9)-10(-6) M (n = 10), with a maximum of 23%. Our findings indicate that CGRP in vivo may help to protect the airway epithelium by directly stimulating ciliary beat.

Substance P and ciliary beat of human upper respiratory cilia in vitro

On stimulation of trigeminal nerve endings, neuropeptides are released into the nasal mucosa. Among these neuropeptides is substance P(SP). In this study, we determined the effect in vitro of SP, as well as SP together with thiorphan, a blocker of the SP-degrading enzyme neutral endopeptidase, on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of the human upper respiratory tract. Ciliated epithelium of human adenoid tissue was used in the experiments. The CBF was measured by means of a computer-assisted photoelectric method. Substance P(10(-8) to 10(-5) mol/L, n = 7) showed a small but statistically significant dose-dependent decrease in CBF. On perfusion with SP (10(-8)) to 10(-5) mol/L, n = 8) in combination with thiorphan, no statistically significant effect was found. We conclude that SP does not have a direct effect on ciliary activity to such an extent that it will affect mucociliary transport in vivo.

Effects of prostaglandins D2 and E2 on ciliary beat frequency of human upper respiratory cilia in vitro

Diminished mucociliary transport can occur in a type-I (Ig-E mediated) allergic reaction. We determined the effects of the allergy mediators prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of human upper respiratory cilia in vitro. Human adenoid tissue was used as the source for ciliated epithelium. CBF was measured by a computerized photo-electric method. PGD2 (10(-8)-10(-5) M, n = 7) showed no statistically significant effect on CBF. PGE2 (10(-9)-10(-6) M, n = 10) caused a significant dose-dependent stimulation, with a maximum of 37% (ANOVA, p < 0.001). Thus prostaglandins D2 and E2 do not exert a direct negative influence on ciliary activity, which could account for a decrease in mucociliary transport. The stimulating effect of PGE2 may be relevant in promoting mucociliary clearance in vivo.