Enhancement of phagocytosis by dynorphin A in mouse peritoneal macrophages

The role of kappa opioid receptors in immune system - An overview

Opioids are one of the most effective anti-nociceptive agents used in patients with cancer pain or after serious surgery in most countries. The endogenous opioid system participates in pain perception, but recently its role in inflammation was determined. κ-opioid receptors (KOP receptors), a member of the opioid receptor family, are expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as on the surface of different types of immune cells, e.g. T cells, B cells and monocytes. In this review, we focused on the involvement of KOP receptors in the inflammatory process and described their function in a number of conditions in which the immune system plays a key role (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, vascular dysfunction) and inflammatory pain. We summed up the application of known KOP ligands in pathophysiology and we aimed to shed new light on KOP receptors as important elements during inflammation.

An in Vitro Assay to Study the Role of Opioids in Modulating Immune Cell Adhesion

Opioids play a pivotal role in pain transmission but are also able to modulate immune cell functions. In the last decades a connection between opioids and integrins-adhesion molecules involved, among many other processes, in leukocyte recruitment at inflamed site-has been established. To study immune cell integrin-mediated adhesion, cell adhesion assay is a simple, reproducible, and valuable tool capable of unraveling concentration-dependent effects of a test candidate on integrin-mediated cell adhesion.

Inhibitory effects of dynorphin 3-14 on the lipopolysaccharide-induced toll-like receptor 4 signalling pathway

Dynorphin 1-17 (DYN 1-17) is biotransformed rapidly to a range of fragments in rodent inflamed tissue with dynorphin 3-14 (DYN 3-14) being the most stable and prevalent. DYN 1-17 has been shown previously to be involved in the regulation of inflammatory response following tissue injury, in which the biotransformation fragments of DYN 1-17 may possess similar features. This study investigated the effects of DYN 3-14 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nuclear factor-kappaB/p65 (NF-κB/p65) nuclear translocation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in differentiated THP-1 cells. Treatment with DYN 3-14 (10nM) resulted in 35% inhibition of the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB/p65. Furthermore, DYN 3-14 modulated both IL-1β and TNF-α release; inhibiting IL-1β and paradoxically augmenting TNF-α release in a concentration-independent manner. A number of opioids have been implicated in the modulation of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), highlighting the complexity of their immunomodulatory effects. To determine whether DYN 3-14 modulates TLR4, HEK-Blue™^-hTLR4 cells were stimulated with LPS in the presence of DYN 3-14. DYN 3-14 (10μM) inhibited TLR4 activation in a concentration-dependent fashion by suppressing the LPS signals around 300-fold lower than LPS-RS, a potent TLR4 antagonist. These findings indicate that DYN 3-14 is a potential TLR4 antagonist that alters cellular signaling in response to LPS and cytokine release, implicating a role for biotransformed endogenous opioid peptides in immunomodulation.

Identification of Human Cathelicidin Peptide LL-37 as a Ligand for Macrophage Integrin αMβ2 (Mac-1, CD11b/CD18) that Promotes Phagocytosis by Opsonizing Bacteria

LL-37, a cationic antimicrobial peptide, has numerous immune-modulating effects. However, the identity of a receptor(s) mediating the responses in immune cells remains uncertain. We have recently demonstrated that LL-37 interacts with the α_MI-domain of integrin α_Mβ₂ (Mac-1), a major receptor on the surface of myeloid cells, and induces a migratory response in Mac-1-expressing monocyte/macrophages as well as activation of Mac-1 on neutrophils. Here, we show that LL-37 and its C-terminal derivative supported strong adhesion of various Mac-1-expressing cells, including HEK293 cells stably transfected with Mac-1, human U937 monocytic cells and murine IC-21 macrophages. The cell adhesion to LL-37 was partially inhibited by specific Mac-1 antagonists, including mAb against the α_M integrin subunit and neutrophil inhibitory factor, and completely blocked when anti-Mac-1 antibodies were combined with heparin, suggesting that cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans act cooperatively with integrin Mac-1. Coating both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with LL-37 significantly potentiated their phagocytosis by macrophages, and this process was blocked by a combination of anti-Mac-1 mAb and heparin. Furthermore, phagocytosis by wild-type murine peritoneal macrophages of LL-37-coated latex beads, a model of foreign surfaces, was several fold higher than that of untreated beads. By contrast, LL-37 failed to augment phagocytosis of beads by Mac-1-deficient macrophages. These results identify LL-37 as a novel ligand for integrin Mac-1 and demonstrate that the interaction between Mac-1 on macrophages and bacteria-bound LL-37 promotes phagocytosis.

Dynorphin 1-17 and Its N-Terminal Biotransformation Fragments Modulate Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Nuclear Factor-kappa B Nuclear Translocation, Interleukin-1beta and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha in Differentiated THP-1 Cells

Dynorphin 1–17, (DYN 1–17) opioid peptide produces antinociception following binding to the kappa-opioid peptide (KOP) receptor. Upon synthesis and release in inflamed tissues by immune cells, DYN 1–17 undergoes rapid biotransformation and yields a unique set of opioid and non-opioid fragments. Some of these major fragments possess a role in immunomodulation, suggesting that opioid-targeted therapeutics may be effective in diminishing the severity of inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to examine the immunomodulatory effects of DYN 1–17 and major N-terminal fragments found in the inflammatory environment on nuclear factor-kappaB/p65 (NF-κB/p65) nuclear translocation and the release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated, differentiated THP-1 cells. The results demonstrate that NF-κB/p65 nuclear translocation was significantly attenuated following treatment with DYN 1–17 and a specific range of fragments, with the greatest reduction observed with DYN 1–7 at a low concentration (10 nM). Antagonism with a selective KOP receptor antagonist, ML-190, significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of DYN 1–17, DYN 1–6, DYN 1–7 and DYN 1–9, but not other DYN 1–17 N-terminal fragments (DYN 1–10 and 1–11) on NF-κB/p65 nuclear translocation. DYN 1–17 and selected fragments demonstrated differential modulation on the release of IL-1β and TNF-α with significant inhibition observed with DYN 1–7 at low concentrations (1 nM and 10 pM). These effects were blocked by ML-190, suggesting a KOP receptor-mediated pathway. The results demonstrate that DYN 1–17 and certain N-terminal fragments, produced in an inflamed environment, play an anti-inflammatory role by inhibiting NF-κB/p65 translocation and the subsequent cytokine release through KOP receptor-dependent and independent pathways.

The opioid peptide dynorphin A induces leukocyte responses via integrin Mac-1 (αMβ2, CD11b/CD18)

Background

Opioid peptides, including dynorphin A, besides their analgesic action in the nervous system, exert a broad spectrum of effects on cells of the immune system, including leukocyte migration, degranulation and cytokine production. The mechanisms whereby opioid peptides induce leukocyte responses are poorly understood. The integrin Mac-1 (α_Mβ₂, CD11b/CD18) is a multiligand receptor which mediates numerous reactions of neutrophils and monocyte/macrophages during the immune-inflammatory response. Our recent elucidation of the ligand recognition specificity of Mac-1 suggested that dynorphin A and dynorphin B contain Mac-1 recognition motifs and can potentially interact with this receptor.

Results

In this study, we have synthesized the peptide library spanning the sequence of dynorphin AB, containing dynorphin A and B, and showed that the peptides bound recombinant α_MI-domain, the ligand binding region of Mac-1. In addition, immobilized dynorphins A and B supported adhesion of the Mac-1-expressing cells. In binding to dynorphins A and B, Mac-1 cooperated with cell surface proteoglycans since both anti-Mac-1 function-blocking reagents and heparin were required to block adhesion. Further focusing on dynorphin A, we showed that its interaction with the α_MI-domain was activation independent as both the α7 helix-truncated (active conformation) and helix-extended (nonactive conformation) α_MI-domains efficiently bound dynorphin A. Dynorphin A induced a potent migratory response of Mac-1-expressing, but not Mac-1-deficient leukocytes, and enhanced Mac-1-mediated phagocytosis of latex beads by murine IC-21 macrophages.

Conclusions

Together, the results identify dynorphins A and B as novel ligands for Mac-1 and suggest a role for the Dynorphin A-Mac-1 interactions in the induction of nonopiod receptor-dependent effects in leukocytes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12990-015-0027-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dynorphins in regulation of immune system functions

Dynorphins constitute a family of opioid peptides manifesting the highest affinity for κ-opiate receptors. Immune system cells are known to express a κ-receptor similar to that in the central nervous system, and as a consequence dynorphins are involved in the interaction between cells of the nervous and immune systems. In this review, data on dynorphin structure are analyzed and generalized, the κ-opiate receptor is characterized, and data on the regulation by dynorphins of functioning of the innate and adaptive immunity cells are summarized.

Influence of external calcium and thapsigargin on the uptake of polystyrene beads by the macrophage-like cell lines U937 and MH-S

Background

Macrophages are equipped with several receptors for the recognition of foreign particles and pathogens. Upon binding to these receptors, particles become internalized. An interaction of particles with macrophage surface receptors is accompanied by an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration. This calcium is provided by intracellular stores and also by an influx of external calcium upon activation of the calcium channels. Nevertheless, the role of calcium in phagocytosis remains controversial. Some researchers postulate the necessity of calcium in Fc-receptor-mediated phagocytosis and a calcium-independent phagocytosis of complement opsonized particles. Others refute the need for calcium in Fc-receptor-mediated phagocytosis by macrophages.

Methods

In this study, the influence of external calcium concentrations and thapsigargin on the phagocytosis of polystyrene latex beads by the macrophage-like cell lines MH-S (murine) and differentiated U937 (human) was analyzed. The phagocytosis efficiency was determined by flow cytometry and was evaluated statistically by ANOVA test and Dunett’s significance test, or ANOVA and Bonferroni’s Multiple Comparison.

Results

Acquired data revealed an external calcium-independent way of internalization of non-functionalized polystyrene latex beads at free calcium concentrations ranging from 0 mM to 3 mM. The phagocytosis efficiency of the cells is not significantly decreased by a complete lack of external calcium. Furthermore, the presence of thapsigargin, known to lead to an increase of cytosolic calcium levels, did not have a significant enhancing influence on bead uptake by MH-S cells and only an enhancing effect on bead uptake by macrophage-like U937 cells at an external calcium concentration of 4 mM.

Conclusion

The calcium-independent phagocytosis process and the decrease of phagocytosis efficiency in the presence of complement receptor inhibitor staurosporine lead to the assumption that besides other calcium independent receptors, complement receptors are also involved in the uptake of polystyrene beads. The comparison of the phagocytosis efficiencies of both cell types in bivalent cation-free HBSS buffer and in cell medium, leads to the conclusion that it is more likely that other media ingredients such as magnesium are of greater importance for phagocytosis of non-functionalized polystyrene beads than calcium.

Immunostimulatory response induced by supplementation of Ficus benghalensis root powder, in the artificial feed the Indian freshwater murrel, Channa punctatus

Methanol extract from the dried aerial root of Ficus benghalensis, was used to evaluate antibacterial activity on the bacterial strains of Aeromonas hydrophila and Escherichia coli, by disc diffusion method. In order to study, if there is any immunostimulatory response of F. benghalensis, immunized fish were fed with supplementary artificial feed containing 5% F. benghalensis dried root powder. There was no marked difference in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in control and treated fish, suggesting that the supplementary feed had no adverse effect on liver or kidney. Serum lysozyme, tissue super oxide dismutase (SOD), percentage phagocytosis, phagocytotic index, nitric oxide (NO), total serum protein and immunoglobulin increased significantly in the treated fish compared to control fish. Serum immunoglobulin levels were estimated by development of a sandwich ELISA, and levels were found to increase with successive immunizations of BSA.

Dynorphin regulates the phagocytic activity of splenic phagocytes in wall lizards: involvement of a κ-opioid receptor-coupled adenylate-cyclase-cAMP-PKA pathway

This in vitro study of the wall lizard Hemidactylus flaviviridis demonstrates the role of the opioid peptide dynorphin A((1-17)) [dyn A((1-17))] in the regulation of the phagocytic activity of splenic phagocytes. Dyn A((1-17)) in a concentration-dependent manner inhibited the phagocytic activity, and the maximum inhibition was recorded at a concentration of 10(-9) mol l(-1). To explore the receptor-mediated effect of dyn A((1-17)), cells were treated simultaneously with the non-selective opioid receptor blocker naltrexone and dyn A((1-17)). Naltrexone completely blocked the inhibitory effect of dyn A((1-17)) on phagocytosis. Moreover, the involvement of selective opioid receptors was investigated using selective opioid receptor antagonists. CTAP and naltrindole, selective μ- and δ-opioid receptor blockers, respectively, failed to block the inhibitory effect of dyn A((1-17)) on phagocytosis. However, the selective κ-opioid receptor blocker NorBNI completely antagonized the inhibitory effect of dyn A((1-17)). Regarding the κ-opioid receptor-coupled downstream signaling cascade, the adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitor SQ 22536 and protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89 decreased the inhibitory effect of dyn A((1-17)) on phagocytosis. Furthermore, treatment with dyn A((1-17)) caused an increase in intracellular cAMP content in splenic phagocytes. Thus, it can be concluded that, in H. flaviviridis, dyn A((1-17)) negatively regulates the phagocytic activity of splenic phagocytes by acting through κ-opioid receptors that are coupled with the AC-cAMP-PKA signal transduction mechanism.

The role of CD38 in Fcγ receptor (FcγR)-mediated phagocytosis in murine macrophages

Phagocytosis is a crucial event in the immune system that allows cells to engulf and eliminate pathogens. This is mediated through the action of immunoglobulin (IgG)-opsonized microbes acting on Fcγ receptors (FcγR) on macrophages, which results in sustained levels of intracellular Ca(2+) through the mobilization of Ca(2+) second messengers. It is known that the ADP-ribosyl cyclase is responsible for the rise in Ca(2+) levels after FcγR activation. However, it is unclear whether and how CD38 is involved in FcγR-mediated phagocytosis. Here we show that CD38 is recruited to the forming phagosomes during phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized particles and produces cyclic-ADP-ribose, which acts on ER Ca(2+) stores, thus allowing an increase in FcγR activation-mediated phagocytosis. Ca(2+) data show that pretreatment of J774A.1 macrophages with 8-bromo-cADPR, ryanodine, blebbistatin, and various store-operated Ca(2+) inhibitors prevented the long-lasting Ca(2+) signal, which significantly reduced the number of ingested opsonized particles. Ex vivo data with macrophages extracted from CD38(-/-) mice also shows a reduced Ca(2+) signaling and phagocytic index. Furthermore, a significantly reduced phagocytic index of Mycobacterium bovis BCG was shown in macrophages from CD38(-/-) mice in vivo. This study suggests a crucial role of CD38 in FcγR-mediated phagocytosis through its recruitment to the phagosome and mobilization of cADPR-induced intracellular Ca(2+) and store-operated extracellular Ca(2+) influx.

Endogenous opioid peptides in regulation of innate immunity cell functions

Endogenous opioid peptides comprise a group of bioregulatory factors involved in regulation of functional activity of various physiological systems of an organism. One of most important functions of endogenous opioids is their involvement in the interaction between cells of the nervous and immune systems. Summary data on the effects of opioid peptides on regulation of functions of innate immunity cells are presented.

Kappa-opioid receptor-mediated modulation of innate immune response by dynorphin in teleost Channa punctatus

The immunomodulatory role of endogenous opioid peptides released during stress has been extensively studied in mammals, but least explored in lower vertebrates. The present in vitro study for the first time reports the specific opioid receptor-mediated immunomodulatory role of dynorphin-A((1-17)) in ectotherms. Dynorphin-A((1-17)) had pleiotropic effects on phagocyte functions, stimulatory on phagocytosis and superoxide production while inhibitory on the nitrite release. However, the effect of dynorphin-A((1-17)), whether stimulatory or inhibitory, markedly declined at high (10(-5)M) concentration. Dynorphin-A((1-17)) seems to mediate its action through opioid receptors since non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone, completely blocked the effect of dynorphin-A((1-17)) on phagocytosis, superoxide production and nitrite release. Moreover, among specific opioid receptors antagonists, only selective kappa (kappa)-opioid receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine was capable to antagonize the pleiotropic effects on phagocyte functions. The present study provides the direct evidence of immunomodulatory role of dynorphin-A((1-17)) via kappa-opioid receptor in freshwater teleost Channa punctatus.

The role of calcium signaling in phagocytosis

Immune cells kill microbes by engulfing them in a membrane-enclosed compartment, the phagosome. Phagocytosis is initiated when foreign particles bind to receptors on the membrane of phagocytes. The best-studied phagocytic receptors, those for Igs (FcgammaR) and for complement proteins (CR), activate PLC and PLD, resulting in the intracellular production of the Ca(2+)-mobilizing second messengers InsP3 and S1P, respectively. The ensuing release of Ca(2+) from the ER activates SOCE channels in the plasma and/or phagosomal membrane, leading to sustained or oscillatory elevations in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration. Cytosolic Ca(2+) elevations are required for efficient ingestion of foreign particles by some, but not all, phagocytic receptors and stringently control the subsequent steps involved in the maturation of phagosomes. Ca(2+) is required for the solubilization of the actin meshwork that surrounds nascent phagosomes, for the fusion of phagosomes with granules containing lytic enzymes, and for the assembly and activation of the superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase complex. Furthermore, Ca(2+) entry only occurs at physiological voltages and therefore, requires the activity of proton channels that counteract the depolarizing action of the phagocytic oxidase. The molecules that mediate Ca(2+) ion flux across the phagosomal membrane are still unknown but likely include the ubiquitous SOCE channels and possibly other types of Ca(2+) channels such as LGCC and VGCC. Understanding the molecular basis of the Ca(2+) signals that control phagocytosis might provide new, therapeutic tools against pathogens that subvert phagocytic killing.

Altered subcellular signaling in murine peritoneal macrophages upon chronic morphine exposure

Alterations in opioid signaling that take place in murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro are variably dependent on opiate exposure conditions. Acute exposure to morphine inhibits Fc-mediated phagocytosis by a pertussis toxin (PT)-sensitive mechanism, but has no effect on cAMP levels. In contrast, chronic exposure to morphine results in a "tolerant" state, wherein test and control values for both phagocytosis and cAMP are equivalent. However, drug withdrawal after chronic exposure to morphine results in inhibition of phagocytosis and a concomitant 4-fold increase in cAMP by a PT-insensitive mechanism. This increase is causally related to inhibition of phagocytosis since an artificial increase in cAMP inhibits phagocytosis in non-withdrawn cells exposed chronically to morphine. We suggest that macrophage opioid receptors signaling switches from a Gi/o-mediated mechanism that does not involve adenylate cyclase in acute exposure to a non-Gi/o-mediated adenylate cyclase superactivation during chronic exposure.

Endomorphin-2 modulates productions of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-10, and IL-12, and alters functions related to innate immune of macrophages

We evaluate immunological effects of opioid peptide endomorphin-2 on the production of cytokines related to inflammation and Th1/Th2 balance, and functions related to innate immune of rat peritoneal macrophages. Endomorphin-2 inhibited TNF-alpha, IL-10, and IL-12 productions, but potentiated IL-1beta production by macrophages. Moreover, endomorphin-2 potentiated macrophage adhesion to fibronectin, and the expression of adhesion molecule Mac-1 on macrophages. In contrast, endomorphin-2 suppressed phagocytosis of opsonized E. coli by macrophages, without affecting phagocytosis of non-opsonized E. coli. In addition, endomorphin-2 inhibited macrophage chemotaxis, and the production of superoxide anion by macrophages. These results suggest that endomorphin-2 may alter macrophage functions such as cytokine productions and functions related to innate immune.

Endomorphins 1 and 2 inhibit IL-10 and IL-12 production and innate immune functions, and potentiate NF-kappaB DNA binding in THP-1 differentiated to macrophage-like cells

We evaluated immunological effects of opioid peptides endomorphins 1 and 2 on the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-12 cytokines, functions related to innate immunity and NF-kappaB DNA binding in human cell line THP-1. Endomorphins 1 and 2 inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated IL-10 and IL-12 production in THP-1 differentiated to macrophage-like cells by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Similarly, they suppressed LPS-stimulated IL-10 and IL-12 production in THP-1 matured to monocytes by 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. In addition, endomorphins 1 and 2 led to marked potentiation of NF-kappaB binding in THP-1 differentiated to macrophage-like cells. Furthermore, these endomorphins further potentiated LPS-induced NF-kappaB binding. Moreover, they inhibited chemotaxis, phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and PMA-stimulated production of hydrogen peroxide in THP-1 differentiated to macrophage-like cells. These results suggest that endomorphins 1 and 2 may inhibit THP-1 functions, such as cytokine production and functions related to innate immune, and potentiate NF-kappaB DNA binding in THP-1.

Differential alteration of functions of rat peritoneal macrophages responsive to endogenous opioid peptide endomorphin-1

Endomorphin-1 is a recently isolated endogenous opioid peptide, and potent and selective high affinity mu-opioid receptor agonist. We evaluate the role of endomorphin-1 on macrophage functions. Endomorphin-1 potentiated macrophage adhesion and the expression of adhesion molecule Mac-1 on macrophages. However, endomorphin-1 did not alter phagocytosis of Escherichia coli by macrophages. Moreover, endomorphin-1 inhibited macrophage chemotaxis and the production of superoxide anion by macrophages. On the contrary, endomorphin-1 inhibited TNF-alpha production by macrophages stimulated with both LPS and PMA, respectively. Similarly, endomorphin-1 suppressed IL-10 and IL-12 productions in response to LPS. In contrast, endomorphin-1 potentiated IL-1beta production by macrophages stimulated with PMA. These results suggest that endomorphin-1 may alter macrophage functions such as cytokine productions and functions related to natural host defense.

Special feature for the Olympics: effects of exercise on the immune system: neuropeptides and their interaction with exercise and immune function

It is known today that the immune system is influenced by various types of psychological and physiological stressors, including physical activity. It is well known that physical activity can influence neuropeptide levels both in the central nervous system as well as in peripheral blood. The reported changes of immune function in response to exercise have been suggested to be partly regulated by the activation of different neuropeptides and the identification of receptors for neuropeptides and steroid hormones on cells of the immune system has created a new dimension in this endocrine-immune interaction. It has also been shown that immune cells are capable of producing neuropeptides, creating a bidirectional link between the nervous and immune systems. The most common neuropeptides mentioned in this context are the endogenous opioids. The activation of endogenous opioid peptides in response to physical exercise is well known in the literature, as well as the immunomodulation mediated by opioid peptides. The role of endogenous opioids in the exercise-induced modulation of immune function is less clear. The present paper will also discuss the role of other neuroendocrine factors, such as substance P, neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal peptide, and pituitary hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin and adrenocorticotrophin, in exercise and their possible effects on immune function.

Special feature for the Olympics: effects of exercise on the immune system: neuropeptides and their interaction with exercise and immune function

It is known today that the immune system is influenced by various types of psychological and physiological stressors, including physical activity. It is well known that physical activity can influence neuropeptide levels both in the central nervous system as well as in peripheral blood. The reported changes of immune function in response to exercise have been suggested to be partly regulated by the activation of different neuropeptides and the identification of receptors for neuropeptides and steroid hormones on cells of the immune system has created a new dimension in this endocrine-immune interaction. It has also been shown that immune cells are capable of producing neuropeptides, creating a bidirectional link between the nervous and immune systems. The most common neuropeptides mentioned in this context are the endogenous opioids. The activation of endogenous opioid peptides in response to physical exercise is well known in the literature, as well as the immunomodulation mediated by opioid peptides. The role of endogenous opioids in the exercise-induced modulation of immune function is less clear. The present paper will also discuss the role of other neuroendocrine factors, such as substance P, neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal peptide, and pituitary hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin and adrenocorticotrophin, in exercise and their possible effects on immune function.

Reduction of lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity in mouse mixed cortical neuron/glia cultures by ultralow concentrations of dynorphins

Previously we reported that ultralow concentrations of dynorphins (10(-16) to 10(-12) M) inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines in mouse glia without the participation of kappa-opioid receptors. In the current study using mouse cortical neuron-glia cocultures, we examined the possibility that inhibition of glia inflammatory response by dynorphins might be neuroprotective for neurons. LPS, in a concentration-dependent manner, markedly increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an indicator of cellular injury. Ultralow concentrations (10(-14) to 10(-12) M) of dynorphin (dyn) A-(1-8) significantly prevented the LPS-induced release of LDH, loss of neurons, and changes in cell morphology, in addition to inhibition of LPS-induced nitrite production. Meanwhile, ultralow concentrations (10(-15) to 10(-13) M) of des-[Tyr(1)]-dyn A-(2-17), a nonopioid peptide which does not bind to kappa-opioid receptors, exhibited the same inhibitory effect as dyn A-(1-17). These results suggest that dynorphins at ultralow concentrations are capable of reducing LPS-induced neuronal injury and these neuroprotective effects of dynorphins are not mediated by classical opioid receptors.

Reversibility of morphine effects on phagocytosis by murine macrophages

Proneness of addicts to infections may be partially due to opiate effects on immune cells. We find that acute morphine inhibits phagocytosis in murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro with apparent desensitization at high concentrations, whereas chronic exposure results in a state akin to tolerance/dependence where macrophages seem to require morphine to phagocytize at a control level. However, both putative desensitization and tolerance/dependence are reversible, since drug re-addition several hours after withdrawal results in inhibition, as in acute exposure. This shows that opiate effects on immune cells are variably related to the experimental context in which they are administered, which is of relevance for understanding their potential role in immunosuppression.

Augmenting effect of opioids on nitrite production by stimulated murine macrophages

The effects of methionine-enkephalin and the selective agonists of mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptor subtypes [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]enkephalin, [D-Pen(2,5)]enkephalin U-50488 on the production of nitrite by activated peritoneal murine macrophages were studied. Macrophages were activated with interferon-gamma plus lipopolysaccharide in the presence or absence of graded concentrations of opioids. Methionine-enkephalin and mu-; delta- and kappa-agonists combined with interferon-gamma plus lipopolysaccharide caused an increase in nitrite release from cultured macrophages. Only 10 mM U-50488 led to a decrease in nitrite release from interferon-gamma and LPS-stimulated macrophages. This effect was not produced in a naloxone-sensitive manner. The opioids added to the fresh culture 8 h after the stimulation of macrophages by interferon-gamma plus lipopolysaccharide--when an inducible form of nitric oxide synthase activity is presumably expressed--did not alter the rate of nitrite production. This suggests that the effect of opioids on nitric oxide synthase is produced at the transcriptional level. The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone reduced the stimulatory effect of opioids on nitrite production by stimulated macrophages. Opioids added to the culture of resting macrophages did not change nitrite release from macrophages which were later induced with interferon-gamma plus lipopolysaccharide. The results of this study suggest that methionine-enkephalin can modulate the immune response by controlling, via opioid receptors, the production of nitric oxide.

Enhancement of phagocytosis in mouse peritoneal macrophages by fragments of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF)

To characterize the effects of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) in mouse peritoneal macrophages, the effects of aFGF fragments on phagocytosis were examined. Fragments that were tested included aFGF(1-15), aFGF(1-20), aFGF(1-29), Ala16-aFGF(1-29), aFGF(9-29) and aFGF(114-140). aFGF(1-29) induced an enhancement of phagocytosis in a dose-dependent manner and was more effective than any other fragments tested. Even in Ca2+-and Mg2+-free solutions, phagocytosis was enhanced by aFGF(1-29). However, the enhancement induced by aFGF(1-29) was completely inhibited in the presence of mannan (4 mg/ml). Furthermore, the enhancement of phagocytosis by aFGF(1-29) was suppressed by heparin (100 microg/ml). The results of the present study suggest that the active region of aFGF that is responsible for the enhancement of phagocytosis corresponds to residues 15-29 and that phagocytosis, which is modulated by aFGF, is independent of extracellular Ca2+ and is mediated by mannose receptors.

Structure-activity relationship studies of dynorphin A and related peptides

An up-to-date review is presented covering all the available information concerning the isolation, discovery, synthesis, conformation, receptor binding characteristics, pharmacological properties and SAR studies of dynorphin A and related peptides. The potential of dynorphin A and its analogs has yet to be fully realized.

Enhancement of phagocytosis by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is widely distributed in sensory neurons and nerve fibers. To clarify the function of CGRP on the immune system, the effect of CGRP on phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages was examined by means of flow cytofluorometry. CGRP enhanced phagocytosis of latex beads in a dose-dependent manner. Because the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl, 1-methylxanthine (IBMX) enhanced the CGRP-induced enhancement of phagocytosis, the enhancement might be mediated by cAMP. In the presence of mannan, the phagocytosis was suppressed and the CGRP-induced enhancement was also blocked, suggesting that mannose receptors on macrophages were involved in mediating the phagocytosis of latex beads, and CGRP enhanced the mannose receptor-mediated phagocytosis. The present results indicate that CGRP can modulate the function of macrophages in nerve terminals of sensory neurons during the development and maintenance of inflammation.

Endogenous opiates: 1995

This article is the eighteenth installment of our annual review of research concerning the opiate system. It includes articles published during 1995 reporting the behavioral effects of the opiate peptides and antagonists, excluding the purely analgesic effects. The specific topics covered this year include stress: tolerance and dependence; eating; drinking; gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic function; mental illness and mood; learning, memory, and reward; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; seizures and other neurological disorders; electrical-related activity; general activity and locomotion; sex, pregnancy, and development; immunological responses; and other behaviors.