Determination of cyclooxygenase products and prostaglandin metabolites using high-pressure liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay

In vivo rectal inflammatory mediator changes with radiotherapy to the pelvis

In vivo changes in the rectal values of eicosanoid inflammatory mediators induced by pelvic radiotherapy were measured to study the pathophysiology of the early radiation bowel reaction. Ten patients having pelvic radiotherapy, aged 57 to 78, had rectal dialysis. Values of the eicosanoids leukotriene B4 (LTB4), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured before radiotherapy, at the end of radiotherapy, and at least four weeks after radiotherapy. Values of LTB4 rose with radiotherapy from 0.21 ng.ml-1 (median) to 1.14 ng.ml-1 (p = 0.012); PGE2 rose from 0.60 ng.ml-1 to 1.58 ng.ml-1 (p = 0.038), and TXB2 rose from 0.365 ng.ml-1 to 1.6 ng.ml-1 (p = 0.005). The rise in eicosanoid inflammatory mediators may have an important role in the pathophysiology of the early radiation bowel reaction.

The basics of immunological tests

This review article describes the cells and the humoral factors of the immune system. It also explains what tests are available to assess the immune functions of patients. Each test listed states the amount of blood needed and the time required to perform the assays.

Blood components contribute to rise in gerbil brain levels of leukotriene-like immunoreactivity after ischemia and reperfusion

The mean +/- SEM concentrations of immunoreactive leukotriene C4 and D4 (iLTD4) and prostaglandin D2 (iPGD2) increased from 3.0 +/- 1.2 and 0.71 +/- 0.33 to 16.3 +/- 4.7 and 3.0 +/- 1.14 ng/g forebrain, respectively (p less than 0.05, iLTD4; p less than 0.01, iPGD2), in the forebrains of 12 gerbils after 15 minutes of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and 15 minutes of reperfusion. Removal of blood from ischemic brain of 11 gerbils by intracardiac perfusion with ice-cold saline for 10 minutes decreased iLTD4 concentrations significantly to 7.0 +/- 0.9 (p less than 0.05) but did not change iPGD2 concentrations. Severe granulocytopenia (4.98 +/- 1.79 to 0.05 +/- 0.03 x 10(3)/mm3, p less than 0.01) in seven gerbils following intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg busulfan was associated with decreased iLTD4 accumulation in the brain to 3.46 +/- 1.36 ng/g forebrain (p less than 0.01). Taken together, our results suggest that blood components (most likely leukocytes) are a source of leukotriene-like immunoreactivity in the ischemic and reperfused brain.

Selective inhibition by minoxidil of prostacyclin production by cells in culture

The effect of minoxidil on arachidonic acid metabolism by cells in culture was studied. In bovine aorta endothelial cells, treatment with minoxidil in the presence of various stimulators of arachidonic acid metabolism was accompanied by a dose-dependent inhibition of prostacyclin production (measured as 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha). Synthesis of the other cyclooxygenase products (prostaglandins E2, F2 alpha and thromboxane) was not inhibited. When the bovine aorta endothelial cells were stimulated by the Ca2+ ionophore A-23187, the inhibition was seen as early as 2 min. Minoxidil also inhibited prostacyclin production by a second cell line of bovine aorta endothelial cells (the established CPAE cell line), bovine aorta smooth muscle cells, porcine aorta endothelial cells, and rat liver cells (the C-9 cell line)--the latter, less effectively. Again, formation of all the other cyclooxygenase products studied was not inhibited. Minoxidil did not affect significantly prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha production by newborn rat keratinocytes (the NBR cell line)--a cell that does not produce PGI2. The clinical, biochemical, and pharmacologic implications are discussed.

Calcium ionophore synergizes with bacterial lipopolysaccharides in activating macrophage arachidonic acid metabolism

LPS, a major component of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls, prime macrophages for greatly enhanced arachidonic acid [20:4] metabolism when the cells are subsequently stimulated. The LPS-primed macrophage has been used as a model system in which to study the role of Ca2+ in the regulation of 20:4 metabolism. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (0.1 microM) triggered the rapid release of 20:4 metabolites from LPS-primed macrophages but not from cells not previously exposed to LPS. Macrophages required exposure to LPS for at least 40 min before A23187 became effective as a trigger. A23187 (0.1 microM) also synergized with PMA in activating macrophage 20:4 metabolism. The PMA effect could be distinguished from that of LPS since no preincubation with PMA was required. A23187 greatly increased the amount of lipoxygenase products secreted from LPS-primed macrophages, leukotriene C4 synthesis being increased 150-fold. LPS-primed macrophages, partially permeabilized to Ca2+ with A23187, were used to titrate the Ca2+ concentration dependence of the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. Cyclooxygenase metabolites were detected at an order of magnitude lower Ca2+ concentration than were lipoxygenase products. The data suggest that Ca2+ regulates macrophage 20:4 metabolism at two distinct steps: an increase in intracellular Ca2+ regulates the triggering signal and relatively higher Ca2+ concentrations are required for 5-lipoxygenase activity.

Pulmonary hypertension and leukosequestration after lower torso ischemia

Ischemia stimulates thromboxane (Tx) synthesis. This study tests the hypothesis that the cardiopulmonary dysfunction that may follow aortic declamping is related to Tx. Anesthetized dogs (N = 15) were subjected to 4 hours of infrarenal aortic cross-clamping. In untreated control animals (N = 7), plasma levels of TxB2 rose from 654 +/- 74 pg/mL to 1238 +/- 585 pg/mL at 5 min (p less than 0.05), and to 3174 +/- 912 pg/mL 3 hours after declamping (p less than 0.05). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) rose 5 min after declamping from 13 +/- 2 mmHg to 21 +/- 2 mmHg (p less than 0.05). Cardiac Index (CI) declined during ischemia from 181 +/- 30 mL/kg.min to 128 +/- 16 mL/min.kg (p less than 0.05), and to 80 +/- 8 mL/min.kg after 4 hours of reperfusion (p less than 0.05). Platelet counts declined but platelets labeled with In 111 did not accumulate in the lungs, whereas quantitative counts of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in the lungs 4 hours after declamping yielded 213 +/- 33 PMN/25 high power fields (HPF) in dependent areas of the lung and 153 +/- 26 PMN/25 HPF in nondependent areas. The wet/dry weight ratio of the lungs was not elevated, although foci of proteinaceous exudate and PMNs in alveoli were noted. Another group of dogs (N = 8) were pretreated by random choice with the Tx synthase inhibitor OKY-046 2 mg/kg IV every 2 hours, which led to: lower TxB2 levels at baseline 95 +/- 35 pg/mL (p less than 0.05), 5 min after ischemia 140 +/- 93 pg/mL and after 3 hours of reperfusion 122 +/- 36 (p less than 0.05); lower MPAP, 16 +/- 2 mmHg (p less than 0.05); higher CI throughout (p less than 0.05); normal histology and reduced pulmonary PMN sequestration both in dependent 127 +/- 15 PMN/25 HPF and nondependent areas of the lungs 95 +/- 11 PMN/25 HPF (p less than 0.05). In animals undergoing sham ischemia (N = 3), levels of TxB2 and cardiopulmonary function remained unchanged from baseline. There were 150 PMN/25 HPF in dependent and 85 PMN/25 HPF in nondependent lung areas. The results indicate that ischemia-generated Tx mediates a rise in MPAP, a fall in CI, and PMN entrapment in the lungs.

Pulmonary leukosequestration induced by hind limb ischemia

Lower torso ischemia leads to acute respiratory failure, an event associated with the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lungs. This study tests whether ischemia-induced eicosanoid synthesis leads to polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) accumulation in the lungs. Anesthetized rats (N = 51) were randomized into five groups: nonischemic sham rats (N = 10); the remaining four groups were rats made ischemic for 4 hours with bilateral thigh tourniquets treated just before tourniquet release with saline vehicle (N = 17): the thromboxane (Tx) synthase inhibitor OKY-046 (Ono Pharmaceutica, Osaka, Japan) 2 mg/kg intravenously every 2 hours (N = 8); the lipoxygenase inhibitor diethylcarbamazine (DEC) (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) 0.2 mg/kg/min intravenously (N = 8); the platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist SRI (Sandoz Inc., East Hanover, NJ) 63-072 3 mg/kg intravenously every 30 minutes (N = 8). Four hours after ischemia, plasma TxB2 levels in the ischemic placebo-treated group was 3570 +/- 695 pg/mL, compared with 495 +/- 73 pg/mL in sham rats (p less than 0.001). Lung microscopy showed foci of proteinaceous exudate in alveoli and 121 +/- 10 PMN/20 high power fields (HPF) compared with 59 +/- 9 PMN/20 HPF in the sham group (p less than 0.001). One day after ischemia PMN accumulations remained elevated at 119 PMN/20 HPF. Pretreatment with OKY-046 led to reduced TxB2 levels of 149 +/- 17 pg/mL, normal lung histology, and 83 +/- 13 PMN/20 HPF, a value similar to that of the sham group and lower than that of the placebo-treated group (p less than 0.05). Treatment with DEC yielded TxB2 levels of 1419 +/- 492 pg/mL, which was lower than that of the placebo group (p less than 0.05) but higher than that of the sham group (p less than 0.05). Microscopy showed normal lungs with 79 +/- 7 PMN/20 HPF lower than the placebo group (p less than 0.05). SRI 63-072 did not inhibit Tx synthesis or leukosequestration in the lungs. Platelet counts decreased in all groups relative to sham animals (p less than 0.05). The results indicate that Tx synthesis induced by ischemia moderates PMN accumulations in the lungs. Inhibition of lipoxygenase is believed to prevent PMN accumulations both by limiting leukotriene-induced Tx synthesis as well as by limiting production of chemoattractants.

Separation and quantification of prostaglandins E1 and E2 as their panacyl derivatives using reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography

Separation and quantification of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were achieved using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Panacyl bromide (p-(9-anthroyloxy)phenacyl bromide) (PAB) derivatives of PGE2 and PGE1 were prepared. Reverse phase HPLC using a linear gradient of 56% to 80% acetonitrile in water containing 0.10% acetic acid gave baseline resolution of the two derivatives. A 3 um diameter particle, C18 column provided good resolution and reproducible recoveries. Human synovial tissue cells were incubated with the precursor fatty acids for PGE1 or PGE2 and stimulated with a crude Interleukin 1 (IL-1) preparation. Cells grown in the presence of dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA), the precursor for PGE1, made significantly more PGE1 than cells grown in control medium or in the presence of arachidonic acid, precursor for PGE2. PGE2 synthesis was reduced when DGLA was added to cells (resting or IL-1-stimulated).

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides prime macrophages for enhanced release of arachidonic acid metabolites

Preincubation of resident peritoneal macrophages with 10-100 ng/ml LPS for 60 min resulted in the cells becoming primed for enhanced (three-to eightfold higher) arachidonic acid (20:4) secretion in response to a variety of triggers. The half-maximal concentration of LPS required for priming was 10 ng/ml irrespective of whether the trigger was particulate (examples: zymosan or immune complexes) or soluble (such as PMA or A23187). Similarly, the time required for half-maximal priming of macrophages was 20 min irrespective of which trigger was used. The primed state persisted for at least 30 h. LPS-priming of macrophages also affected the kinetics of 20:4 metabolite secretion. The lag phase characteristically observed when 20:4 secretion is triggered was reduced in LPS-primed cells. Furthermore, LPS-primed cells secreted 20:4 metabolites when challenged with latex beads, while unprimed cells did not. These data suggest that stimuli such as zymosan, which elicit 20:4 secretion in macrophages, promote two signals, a priming signal and a triggering signal. LPS is capable of establishing the priming signal but not the triggering signal, while latex promotes the triggering signal but is unable to prime the cells for 20:4 release. LPS did not effect the profile of 20:4 metabolites secreted in response to any of the triggers, nor did it effect the profile of products synthesized from exogenously added 20:4, suggesting that it did not regulate the 20:4 cascade at the level of either the cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase pathways. Macrophages respond to LPS without the intervention of T lymphocytes, since the macrophages from nude mice could be primed for enhanced 20:4 secretion.

Protective effect of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in apoferritin induced murine glomerulonephritis

The effects of increasing two dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic and linoleic, on the glomerulonephritis induced by repeated injections of apoferritin in the mouse were studied. Urinary protein excretion was measured serially; serum creatinine, aortic and renal production of eicosanoids and kidney histology were measured at sacrifice at 8 weeks. Both high EPA and LA feedings were associated with lesser proteinuria, normalization of renal function and profound changes in the tissue production of prostaglandin and thromboxane, which may explain their protective effect in this model of renal disease.

Ionophore A23187 stimulates Entamoeba histolytica to release prostaglandin F2 alpha

High performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay were used to identify the prostaglandins synthesized by Entamoeba histolytica (NIH:200 Strain). Ca2+ionophore A 23187 stimulated amebae produced elevated levels of prostaglandin F2 alpha when compared with the control cells. There were no significant differences in the levels of prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2. This is the first report of a stimulated non-mammalian cell producing prostaglandin F2 alpha.

Vascular permeability responses and the role of prostaglandin E2 in an experimental allergic inflammation of air pouch type in rats

Rats were sensitized with azobenzene arsonate-conjugated acetyl bovine serum albumin. An allergic inflammation was induced in the preformed air pouch in the dorsum of the sensitized rats by injecting the antigen dissolved in a 2% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution into the air pouch. Time course changes of vascular permeability, accumulated pouch fluid volume and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in the pouch fluid were compared in sensitized and non-sensitized rats to characterize the allergic inflammatory reaction. Effects of three cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (indomethacin, diclofenac sodium and tiaprofenic acid) on vascular permeability and accumulated pouch fluid volume 4 and 24 h after the immunological challenge injection were examined to elucidate a possible role of PGE2 in the inflammatory response. Four h after initiating the allergic reaction, although the level of PGE2 in the pouch fluid reached a high level, the vascular permeability response, measured over the period 3.5-4 h, was not suppressed by treatment with the three cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors and neither was the pouch fluid volume measured over the period 0-4 h. However, vascular permeability and accumulated pouch fluid volume at 24 h were suppressed by the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors in a dose-dependent manner. These observations suggest that in this model, endogenous PGE2 does not affect oedema formation measured at 4 h. However, oedema formation measured at 24 h may be dependent on PGE2 generation.

Measurement of prostaglandin E3 and other eicosanoids in biologic samples using high pressure liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay

A method to measure PGE3 in biologic samples is described. Complete resolution of PGE3 from PGE1 and PGE2 is achieved by reversephase high pressure liquid chromatography. Quantification is carried out by radioimmunoassay using an antibody directed against PGE2 that has high cross-reactivity with PGE3. Using this method, a marked increase in PGE3 production by mouse kidney tissue and in rat urine was demonstrated after supplemental feeding of omega-3 fatty acids. This method can also be applied to measurement of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2 in the same samples.

Evidence for sequential signals in the induction of the arachidonic acid cascade in macrophages

We have examined the requirement for Na+, Ca2+, and protein synthesis in the induction of the arachidonic acid (20:4) cascade in cultured murine peritoneal macrophages. Replacement of extracellular Na+ with choline or with K+ inhibited receptor-mediated 20:4 release by 60-90%, but did not inhibit release stimulated by the soluble triggers PMA and A23187. Cells that had preingested zymosan particles in a K+ medium could be induced to secrete 20:4 metabolites merely by changing the medium to one containing Na+. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 caused cells in Na+-free medium to release and metabolize 20:4 to prostacyclin, PGE2, leukotriene C, and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, suggesting that the phospholipase(s), cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase enzymes do not have a requirement for extracellular Na+. These data suggest that receptor-mediated 20:4 secretion has a requirement for extracellular Na+, while 20:4 release triggered by soluble stimuli do not. Immune complex- and A23187-induced 20:4 release was absolutely dependent on extracellular Ca2+. PMA-triggered 20:4 secretion was inhibited 50% in Ca2+-free medium, but could be inhibited completely by preloading the cells with the Ca2+ antagonist quinine. Protein and RNA synthesis was required for 20:4 release induced by zymosan, immune complex, and PMA, but not by A23187. Cycloheximide and emetine were effective within 15 min of addition, while actinomycin D was an effective inhibitor within 45 min. We suggest that receptor-mediated signal response coupling in the 20:4 cascade in macrophages comprises a sequential series of signals that includes an Na+ influx, synthesis of a rapid turnover-protein, and finally an increase in intracellular Ca2+.

Thromboxane A2 moderates permeability after limb ischemia

Reperfusion after limb ischemia results in muscle edema as well as excess secretion of thromboxane A2 (TxA2), an agent associated with permeability increase in other settings. This study tests whether TxA2 moderates the permeability following limb ischemia. A tourniquet inflated to 300 mmHg was applied for 2 hours around the hind limb of four groups of dogs. In untreated animals (N = 25), 2 hours following tourniquet release, plasma TxB2 values rose from 320 pg/ml to 2416 pg/ml (p less than 0.001), and popliteal lymph values rose from 378 pg/ml to 1046 pg/ml (p less than 0.001). Platelet TxB2 was unaltered and plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels did not vary. Following ischemia, lymph flow (QL) increased from 0.07 to 0.37 ml/h (p less than 0.05), while the lymph/plasma (L/P) protein ratio was unchanged at 0.41. These measurements indicate increased permeability since increase in hydrostatic pressure in a second group by tourniquet inflation to 50 mmHg (N = 7) led to a rise in QL from 0.07 to 0.22 ml/h, but a fall in the L/P ratio to 0.32, a value lower than the ischemic group (p less than 0.05). Pretreatment with the imidazole derivative ketoconazole (N = 11) reduced platelet Tx synthesis from 42 ng to 2 ng/10(9) platelets, but lymph TxB2 levels rose to 1703 pg/ml after ischemia, indicating an extravascular or vessel wall site of synthesis not inhibited by ketoconazole. Pretreatment with a lower molecular weight imidazole derivative OKY 046 (N = 9) inhibited all Tx synthesis after ischemia. Prior to tourniquet inflation, both OKY 046 and ketoconazole lowered plasma TxB2 levels as well as the L/P ratio (p less than 0.05). After ischemia, OKY 046, but not ketoconazole, maintained the L/P ratio at 0.33, a value below that of untreated animals (p less than 0.05). These results indicate that nonplatelet-derived TxA2 modulates both baseline and ischemia-induced increases in microvascular permeability in the dog hind limb.

Reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography of arachidonic acid metabolites formed by cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenases

High-pressure liquid chromatography is required to resolve the complex mixtures of arachidonic acid metabolites synthesized by many tissues. We have investigated some of the factors which affect the retention times of these substances in reversed-phase HPLC on columns of 5-micron octadecylsilyl silica. There are considerable differences in selectivity between mobile phases based on methanol and those based on acetonitrile, the latter being much better for cyclooxygenase products. The chromatographic behavior of peptidoleukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4) is quite different from that of other arachidonic acid metabolites which do not contain amino acids. Addition of phosphoric acid to the mobile phase results in very long retention times for peptidoleukotrienes. Very low concentrations of trifluoroacetic acid have effects similar to that of phosphoric acid, but as its concentration is raised, the retention times of peptidoleukotrienes decrease, whereas those of other arachidonic acid metabolites are unaffected. Changing the concentration of acetonitrile in the mobile phase also affects the retention times of peptidoleukotrienes differently from those of other metabolites. This information has been used to devise simple linear gradients which separate most of the major cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism.

Increased excretion of immunoreactive thromboxane B2 in cerebral ischemia

Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) is the stable metabolite of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a potent vasoconstrictor which induces irreversible platelet aggregation. The inhibition of TXA2 by aspirin and other agents has been associated with improved outcome following cerebral ischemia in clinical and laboratory studies. To investigate the relation of TXA2 production to cerebral ischemia, we measured the urinary excretion of TXA2 metabolites in 30 patients with acute cerebral ischemia. Urinary immunoreactive TXB2 for this group of ischemic patients was elevated compared to normals, 1818 +/- 344 pg/mg Cr (mean +/- SE) vs 880 +/- 122 pg/mg Cr (p less than .05). Among various subsets of the ischemic patients, those with severe stroke (2108 +/- 536 pg/mg Cr), large vessel disease (1646 +/- 335 pg/mg Cr), and cardiogenic stroke (2712 +/- 1045 pg/mg Cr) were all significantly elevated. Of the stroke patients, only the males demonstrated this significant elevation. These elevations of urinary immunoreactive TXB2 are consistent with a role for increased platelet activation in the pathogenesis of some forms of cerebral ischemia and suggest that gender differences in arachidonate metabolism may exist for stroke patients.

Inhibition of prostaglandin action and bone resorption by copper

Mouse calvaria were maintained in organ culture without serum additives. The effects of Cu2+ on bone resorption and on the synthesis and action of prostaglandins were studied. Non-toxic concentrations of copper sulphate (5 microM) were found to decrease active resorption, measured by 45Ca release, to 54% control values (p less than 0.001), while prostaglandin F (PGF), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), determined by radioimmunoassay, were increased above controls (p less than 0.05). These effects of Cu2+ on prostaglandin synthesis were confirmed by the isolation and quantitation of [3H]-labelled metabolites released from calvaria which had been pre-labelled with [3H]-arachidonic acid. PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) were all higher in copper-exposed calvaria, but their relative amounts remained unchanged. There was no evidence that Cu2+ influenced the mobilisation of [3H]-arachidonic acid from prelabelled calvaria. The stimulation of bone resorption by exogenous prostaglandins was decreased in the presence of Cu2+ (p less than 0.005), while parathormone-mediated bone resorption was virtually unaffected. Cu2+ also increased the inhibition of bone resorption seen with indomethacin (p less than 0.05). In addition to the effects of the metal on prostaglandin action Cu2+ also decreased beta-glucuronidase activity in the media to 86% of the control values (p less than 0.001). The action of Cu2+ in inhibiting bone resorption in vitro appears complex but does not involve inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. It is likely that Cu2+ has more than one inhibitory locus.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric profiling with negative-ion chemical ionization detection of prostaglandins and their 15-keto and 15-keto-13,14-dihydro catabolites in rat blood

A method was set up in which the primary prostaglandins (PGF2 alpha, PGD2, PGE2, thromboxane B2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and 6-keto-PGE1) and their catabolites (15-keto and 15-keto-13,14-dihydro) could be analyzed in the same sample at the same time. The method makes use of long capillary columns (60 m) to resolve the complex mixture during gas chromatography and mass fragmentography to provide the specificity of detection of these products. Selectivity and sensitivity is provided through use of appropriate derivatives (pentafluorobenzyl esters) which allow detection by negative-ion chemical ionization in which high-abundance fragments in the high end of the mass spectrum (M-pentafluorobenzyl) are observed. A purification procedure of whole blood is described involving diethyl ether extraction, C18 Sep-Pak chromatography, derivatization into the pentafluorobenzyl-O-methyloxime, C18 Sep-Pak and silicic acid chromatography followed by final derivatization into trimethylsilyl ethers for gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis. Recovery of added [3H]PGF2 alpha was 73.8 +/- 2.2% (n = 10). Sample workup and analysis takes ten days for six samples. The method is sufficiently sensitive for the profiling of a 10-ml sample of whole blood (limit approximately 1 pg/ml; 1-pg injection on column).

A selective defect in arachidonic acid release from macrophage membranes in high potassium media

Murine peritoneal macrophages cultured in minimal essential medium (alpha-MEM; 118 mM Na+, 5 mM K+) released arachidonic acid (20:4) from phospholipids on encountering a phagocytic stimulus of unopsonized zymosan. In high concentrations of extracellular K+ (118 mM), 3H release from cells prelabeled with [3H]20:4 was inhibited 80% with minimal reduction (18%) in phagocytosis. The inhibitory effect of K+ on 20:4 release was fully reversed on returning cells to medium containing Na+ (118 mM). Preingestion of zymosan particles by macrophages maintained in high K+ medium resulted in cells being "primed" for 20:4 release, which was only effected (without the further addition of particles) by changing the medium to one containing Na+. In contrast, 20:4 release from cells stimulated with the calcium ionophore A23187 was unimpaired by the elevated K+ medium, suggesting no direct effect of high K+ on the phospholipase. Macrophages stimulated with zymosan in alpha-MEM metabolized the released 20:4 to prostacyclin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and leukotriene C (LTC). The smaller quantity of released 20:4 in high K+ medium was recovered as 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha, the breakdown product of prostacyclin, and PGE2. No LTC was synthesized. In high K+, resting (no zymosan) macrophages synthesized hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids from exogeneously supplied 20:4 in proportions similar to cells maintained in alpha-MEM. These findings and the similarity of products (including LTC) produced by A23187 stimulated cells in alpha-MEM and high K+ medium indicated that the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathway enzymes were not directly inhibited by high extracellular K+. We conclude that high concentrations of extracellular K+ uncouple phagocytosis of unopsonized zymosan from the induction of the phospholipase responsible for the 20:4 cascade and suggest that the lesion is at the level of signal transduction between the receptor-ligand complex and the phospholipase.

Lectins modulate prostaglandin E2 production by rat peritoneal macrophages

The effect of Aloctin A (Alo A), a lectin having anti-inflammatory activities, on prostaglandin (PG) E2 production by activated rat peritoneal macrophages was compared with that of concanavalin A (Con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), plsum sativum agglutinin (PSA) and soybean agglutinin (SBA). Alo A, WGA, Con A and PSA at 10 micrograms per ml inhibited PG E2 production. But SBA, even at a dose of 1 microgram per ml, stimulated PG E2 production. The inhibition by Alo A treatment of the release of radioactivity from (3H)arachidonic acid-labeled macrophages and the stimulation of this release by SBA treatment were observed. The uptake of (51Cr)-labeled sheep red blood cells by the macrophage was inhibited by Alo A, Con A, and PSA, all at 10 micrograms per ml and SBA at 1 microgram per ml, however, WGA at 10 micrograms per ml stimulated the uptake of the sheep red blood cells. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory properties of Alo A was discussed.

Eicosapentaenoic acid: its effects on arachidonic acid metabolism by cells in culture

Some eukaryotic cells in culture synthesize a variety of lipoxygenase and/or cyclooxygenase products when stimulated by appropriate agonists. Under normal nutritional conditions, these products are derived from the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), arachidonic acid, which before metabolism must be liberated from cellular lipids by deesterification. If the cellular lipids are preloaded with 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and cells are then stimulated to metabolize the PUFAs, levels of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products synthesized are altered. Cyclooxygenase products decrease, while lipoxygenase products are not significantly affected and may even increase. The decrease in the production of cyclooxygenase products results from reduced utilization of the substrate (ETA). Decreased prostaglandin production by rat basophil leukemia-1 cells preloaded with EPA and radiolabeled with [3H]ETA and [14C]EPA can also be demonstrated by high-performance liquid chromatographic analyses of [3H]- and [14C] radiolabeled metabolites in culture fluids of cells stimulated to metabolize PUFA by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187.

Synthesis of compounds with properties of leukotrienes C4 and D4 in gerbil brains after ischemia and reperfusion

6-Sulfidopeptide-containing leukotriene-like immunoreactivity was synthesized in gerbil forebrains after bilateral common carotid occlusion and reperfusion. At 5, 10, or 15 minutes of ischemia, concentrations increased significantly and became more marked on reperfusion. Immunoreactivity was highest in forebrain gray matter and was below the detection limit of the assay in brain regions remote from the zone of ischemia. In vitro experiments with vascular cells and organ cultures of cerebral arteries indicate that the cerebral blood vessel wall is not a major source of biosynthetic activity in the brain. These experiments demonstrate leukotriene biosynthesis by the brain. Because synthesis occurs during ischemia and reperfusion and because leukotrienes are potent vasoconstrictors and promoters of tissue edema, they may play a role in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia.

Urinary excretion of thromboxane B2 in patients with venous thromboembolic disease

Platelet activation occurs in the initial phase of venous thrombus formation. To determine if thromboxanes (Tx) are released during this process and if Tx measurements are useful in the diagnosis, urinary immunoreactive TxB2 was measured by a rapid, inexpensive assay in 100 consecutive patients with suspected thromboembolic disease. Urinary iTxB2 was not increased in patients who took aspirin, nor in patients studied several weeks after onset of symptoms. Of the remaining patients, iTxB2 was increased in 11 of 15 with confirmed deep vein thrombosis and in seven of ten with confirmed pulmonary emboli. Of the 54 patients in whom acute thrombosis was excluded, iTxB2 was increased in only four (7 percent). A second study evaluated 25 additional patients with nondiagnostic lung scans who required pulmonary angiography; iTxB2 was increased in seven of ten with positive angiograms and in 0 of 15 with negative angiograms. The three patients with negative iTxB2 and positive angiograms were receiving heparin when studied. These data suggest that, in the absence of aspirin, platelet Tx is released during thrombus formation. In combination with other noninvasive tests, urinary iTxB2 is a useful adjunct to diagnosing acute thromboembolic disease.

The prostanoid content in peritoneal fluid and plasma of women with endometriosis

Peritoneal fluid and plasma collected at laparoscopy in women with and without endometriosis were evaluated for prostanoid content. 6-Keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-F1 alpha), thromboxane B2 (TxB2), 15-keto- 13, 14-dihydroprostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM), prostaglandin F (PGF) and prostaglandin E (PGE) were assayed in peritoneal fluid, with 6-keto-F1 alpha, TxB2, and PGFM being studied in plasma. The concentrations of these prostanoids in women with endometriosis were not significantly different from the concentrations in the disease-free group, nor was a significant difference seen in any of the prostanoids studied in relationship to the severity of the endometriosis. The results suggest that routine study of prostanoid levels in patients with endometriosis may not be of a diagnostic or prognostic value.

Arachidonic acid metabolism by human monocytes. Studies with platelet-depleted cultures

Purified human monocytes release and metabolize endogenous arachidonic acid (20:4) from phospholipid stores when challenged with particulate inflammatory stimuli or the calcium ionophore A23187. Using radiolabeled cultures, the percentage of total [3H]20:4 released was similar with each type of stimulus. However, the spectrum of 20:4 metabolites differed. With opsonized zymosan (OpZ) or Sephadex beads coated with IgG immune complexes (Ig-beads), the predominant product was thromboxane (25% of the total) together with smaller amounts of other cyclo-oxygenase products and lipoxygenase metabolites. Levels of thromboxane synthesis by monocytes were comparable to those by platelets, as measured by radioimmunoassay. In contrast, exposure to the nonspecific agent A23187 led to mainly lipoxygenase products (70% of the total). Monocytes isolated from mononuclear cell fractions of peripheral blood contain platelets specifically rosetted to their surfaces. These platelet contaminants were removed by sequential incubations of monocytes in serum and EDTA followed by adherence and detachment from tissue culture vessels. The presence of platelets in routinely isolated monocytes presented a major difficulty in the study of human monocyte 20:4 metabolism since platelets also synthesize thromboxane. Loss of 12-HETE synthesis (16-fold reduction relative to 5-HETE) in A23187-stimulated cultures provided a convenient measure of platelet depletion. This together with the response to monocyte-specific stimuli (OpZ and Ig-beads) allowed for the distinction between monocyte and platelet 20:4 metabolism.

The effects of insulin, glucose and diabetes on prostaglandin production by rat kidney glomeruli and cultured glomerular mesangial cells

Glomeruli isolated from streptozotocin-diabetic rats produced significantly greater amounts of immunoreactive prostaglandin (PG)E2, PGF2 alpha, and prostacyclin (PGI2) measured as the stable metabolite 6-keto-PGF1 alpha than control glomeruli. These data led to studies to determine whether the vasoactive glomerular mesangial cell exhibited alterations in arachidonic acid metabolism in diabetes. Therefore, we isolated and cultured under identical conditions, mesangial cells from normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Normal mesangial cells produced predominantly PGE2 (57-72%) with PGE2 greater than PGF2 alpha greater than PGI2 after stimulation of acylhydrolase with melittin. Mesangial cells from diabetic rats produced predominantly PGI2 (55-73%) with PGI2 greater than PGE2 greater than PGF2 alpha. A similar prostaglandin profile was obtained when arginine vasopressin (AVP) was used to stimulate acylhydrolase activity. In addition, diabetic mesangial cells synthesized greater amounts of prostaglandins than normal mesangial cells cultured for the same number of passages. When cultured under high-glucose conditions (in tissue culture medium with a final glucose concentration of 550 mg/dl) to mimic the diabetic state in vitro, normal mesangial cells produced proportionately greater amounts of PGE2, PGF2 alpha and PGI2; no alteration to predominantly PGI2 production was observed. Insulin addition to the high-glucose condition tended to attenuate prostaglandin production. Diabetic mesangial cells likewise produced more prostaglandins when cultured under high-glucose conditions; however, the increases were not proportional among the 3 prostaglandins examined. PGE2 production increased to a greater degree than PGI2. With insulin present in the high-glucose condition, there was a disproportional attenuation of all prostaglandins produced, with PGI2 decreasing more than PGE2. Thus, the streptozotocin-induced diabetic state resulted in an alteration in mesangial cell arachidonic acid metabolism.

Leukotriene C promotes prostacyclin synthesis by human endothelial cells

Cultured endothelial cells from human umbilical vein were labelled with [3H]arachidonic acid for 16 hr. The radiolabel was localized primarily in phospholipids (93%) and 73% was distributed equally between phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Leukotriene C (10-1,000 nM) promoted a dose-dependent release of radiolabel into the culture medium. This response was 3.3 times control values at 100 nM. The major arachidonic acid metabolite synthesized was prostacyclin, which was 33% of the total released radiolabel. Endothelial cells also released small amounts of prostaglandin F2 alpha (6.1%), unidentified lipoxygenase products (14.8%), and unreacted arachidonic acid (33%). The 30-min time course of release was independent of the leukotriene C concentration used. Leukotriene D at similar concentrations also promoted endothelial cells to release primarily prostacyclin and unreacted arachidonic acid. The release of prostacyclin, a potent vasodilator agent, may be an important mediator in slow reacting substance effects on the vasculature.

Cyclo-oxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism in rat osteoblasts in culture

The metabolism of arachidonic acid to its cyclo-oxygenase products was studied in monolayer cultures of osteoblast-rich rat calvarial cells and of clonal cell lines from a rat osteogenic sarcoma, enriched in the osteoblast phenotype. Prostanoids were measured by radioimmunoassay after extraction of media and fractionation by high pressure liquid chromatography. In both normal and malignant osteoblasts the major cyclooxygenase product was 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha, the hydration product of prostacyclin, with lesser amounts of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2 alpha. No significant thromboxane B2 was detected. Prostaglandins are thought to have a local role in the regulation of bone resorption. These results point to the possible importance of prostacyclin either in bone resorption or in some other local function, e.g., regulation of bone blood flow.

Inhibitory effect of insulin on prostacyclin production by isolated rat adipocytes

Physiologic concentrations of insulin completely inhibited the norepinephrine-induced increment in the production of 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F1 alpha, the stable derivative of prostacyclin (PGI2), by isolated rat adipocytes. The inhibition of PGI2 production by insulin in isolated rat adipocytes supports the view that the elevated plasma level of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in rats with non-ketotic diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis is derived at least in part from production of PGI2 by the adipocyte cell mass.

Prostacyclin inhibits 5-hydroxytryptamine release but stimulates thromboxane synthesis during cardiopulmonary bypass

The antiaggregating agent prostacyclin (PGI2) was infused into ten dogs during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to minimize thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction. The animals were anesthetized, placed on mechanical ventilation and underwent thoracotomy. After heparinization with 300 u/kg, animals were assigned to control (n=5) or PGI2 treated groups (n=5). Thoracotomy and then CPB decreased platelet numbers to below 30,000/mm3 (p less than 0.05) and fibrinogen to less than 150 mg/dl (p less than 0.05). PGI2 at 100 ng/kg.min was infused for the 2 h period of CPB. PGI2 infusion did not prevent these changes, but did prevent platelet serotonin release. In the control group after CPB, platelet serotonin fell from the baseline value of 1.11 microgram/10(9) to 0.35 microgram/10(9) platelets (p less than 0.05). In contrast, PGI2 treatment resulted in a serotonin increase to 2.27 micrograms/10(9) platelets (p less than 0.05). Thromboxane B2 concentrations of platelets and plasma rose during CPB (p less than 0.05). Surprisingly, PGI2 infusion accentuated this rise in platelet and plasma thromboxane B2 (p less than 0.05). These data indicate that during CPB, an infusion of PGI2: 1) does not prevent thrombocytopenia; 2) increases platelet serotonin uptake despite, 3) an associated rise in platelet and plasma thromboxane B2.

Identification and quantitation of arachidonic-acid metabolic products in rabbit, rat and human saliva

Arachidonic-acid metabolites were identified in salivary secretions of rabbits, rats and man and in homogenates of rabbit parotid and submandibular glands. The following levels were determined in mixed saliva of healthy volunteers: PGE2, 0.65 +/- 0.8 ng/ml; PGF2 alpha, 0.41 +/- 0.06 ng/ml; serologically active hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) 319.6 +/- 36.6 ng/ml; serologically active 6-sulphidopeptide-containing leukotrienes 1.72 +/- 0.21 ng/ml (all values mean +/- SEM). In all instances, HETE markedly predominated over all other arachidonic-acid metabolites.

Separation of unlabeled metabolites of arachidonic acid from their deuterium- and tritium-labeled analogs by argentation high-pressure liquid chromatography

Deuterium- and tritium-labeled analogs of high isotopic purity are required for the analysis of metabolites of arachidonic acid (20:4) by mass spectrometry and radioimmunoassay. We prepared a number of 2H-labeled standards by incubating [5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15-2H]20:4 with soybean lipoxygenase, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, or homogenates of rat spleen or bovine lung. The unlabeled and 2H-labeled forms of the following products were completely resolved by argentation high-pressure liquid chromatography: 20:4; 5-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5h-20:4); 11h-20:4; 12h-20:4; 15h-20:4; 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid; leukotriene B4; prostaglandin D2 (PGD2); and PGF2 alpha. The corresponding forms of PGE2 and thromboxane B2 were also separated, but not quite as well as the above compounds. Analysis by mass spectrometry indicated that the amounts of unlabeled material in approx 1:1 mixtures of unlabeled and 2H-labeled products could be reduced to 0.1% or less after two steps of argentation high-performance liquid chromatography. Metabolites of 20:4 labeled with tritium were also separated from their unlabeled counterparts and had retention times longer than those of the corresponding 2H-labeled analogs.

The pericardium as a source of prostacyclin in the dog, ox and rat

Cyclo-oxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism formed by the pericardium and epicardial surface of dog heart were identified and quantitated by radioimmunoassay after separation by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Pieces of parietal pericardium, of dog, ox and rat, when incubated in vitro produced mainly 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, with lesser amounts of PGE2, PGF2 alpha and thromboxane B2. Biosynthesis of all prostanoids increased during incubation of the parietal pericardium of each species with arachidonic acid, but 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was still the major metabolite. When slices of dog heart were incubated with arachidonic acid (1 microgram/ml) the rates of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha formation by the parietal pericardium was much greater than that of the myocardium and endocardium. Epicardial slices appeared to be intermediate in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha formation. The hearts of anesthetized dogs were also irrigated in situ with Krebs' solution, and during the first 5 min of epicardial irrigation the pericardial fluid leaving the heart again contained high levels of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, with lesser amounts of the other prostanoids. Addition of arachidonic acid (3 micrograms/ml) to the irrigating fluid caused an increase in all measured prostanoid levels, although 6-keto-PGF1 alpha remained the predominant metabolite. In contrast, intravenous infusion of isoproterenol selectively increased the release of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha from the irrigated heart. It is concluded that the pericardium and epicardium continuously release prostacyclin into the pericardial fluid, and that the increased release of this substance observed when cardiac workload increases derives mainly from these membranous sources. This raises the interesting possibility that pericardial prostacyclin might influence coronary vascular tone and chemoreflexes which arise from the epicardium during myocardial ischemia.

Secretion of leukotriene C and other arachidonic acid metabolites by macrophages challenged with immunoglobulin E immune complexes

Resident mouse peritoneal macrophages release the slow-reacting substance leukotriene C (LTC) on exposure to particulate IgE immune complexes. Because these cells lose their responsiveness to an IgE stimulus after 4 h in culture, maximum release of 20:4 metabolites is observed before this time. However, a similar diminution in 20:4 metabolism was not observed with a zymosan stimulus. Freshly explanted cells are deficient in intracellular glutathione (GSH) (12.4 +/- 0.4 pmol/micrograms cell protein), but GSH increases to a steady state value of 30-35 pmol/micrograms of cell protein between 3 and 9 h of culture. Because GSH is required for the synthesis of LTC and prostaglandin (PG)E2, cultures challenged immediately after explanation have a diminished capacity to synthesize these 20:4 metabolites and release prostacyclin as the major product. By 4-5 h in culture, macrophages form significant amounts of LTC and PGE2. Under optimum conditions of maximum responsiveness to an IgE stimulus and GSH content (after 4 h of culture), macrophages challenged with latex beads coated with IgE immune complexes synthesize 1.0 +/- 0.3 pmol of LTC/microgram cell protein (60 +/- 18 pmol/10(6) cells) in addition to prostacyclin (8.2 +/- 0.8 pmol/micrograms cell protein) and PGE2 (4.7 +/- 1.5 pmol/micrograms cell protein). These amounts are quantitatively similar to the arachidonic acid metabolites produced by macrophages challenged with IgG immune complex-coated latex beads or zymosan. These data demonstrate that macrophages produce large quantities of LTC and other 20:4 metabolites in response to particle-bound IgE and antigen, provided that the appropriate in vitro conditions are met. The macrophage might, therefore, be a major source of slow-reacting substance and other 20:4 metabolites generated during IgE-mediated reactions in vivo.

Prostaglandin production by homogeneous cultures of rat glomerular epithelial and mesangial cells

Prostaglandin production was measured in homogeneous cultures that had been characterized as glomerular epithelial and mesangial cells. Glomerular epithelial cells produced ten times more cyclooxygenase products than mesangial cells; 88 to 95% of its products were prostacyclin. Mesangial cells produced predominantly prostaglandin E2 (57 to 66%); only 14 to 15% of the prostaglandins produced by mesangial cells was PGI2. Cultured glomerular epithelial and mesangial cells produced little prostaglandin D2, thromboxane, 12-L-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, or 6-sulfido-peptide-containing leukotrienes.