Correlation between membrane potential changes and superoxide production in human granulocytes stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate. Evidence for defective activation in chronic granulomatous disease

The Role of Macula Densa Nitric Oxide Synthase 1 Beta Splice Variant in Modulating Tubuloglomerular Feedback

Abnormalities in renal electrolyte and water excretion may result in inappropriate salt and water retention, which facilitates the development and maintenance of hypertension, as well as acid-base and electrolyte disorders. A key mechanism by which the kidney regulates renal hemodynamics and electrolyte excretion is via tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF), an intrarenal negative feedback between tubules and arterioles. TGF is initiated by an increase of NaCl delivery at the macula densa cells. The increased NaCl activates luminal Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) of the macula densa cells, which leads to activation of several intracellular processes followed by the production of paracrine signals that ultimately result in a constriction of the afferent arteriole and a tonic inhibition of single nephron glomerular filtration rate. Neuronal nitric oxide (NOS1) is highly expressed in the macula densa. NOS1β is the major splice variant and accounts for most of NO generation by the macula densa, which inhibits TGF response. Macula densa NOS1β-mediated modulation of TGF responses plays an essential role in control of sodium excretion, volume and electrolyte hemostasis, and blood pressure. In this article, we describe the mechanisms that regulate macula densa-derived NO and their effect on TGF response in physiologic and pathologic conditions. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4215-4229, 2023.

The intimate and controversial relationship between voltage-gated proton channels and the phagocyte NADPH oxidase

One of the most fascinating and exciting periods in my scientific career entailed dissecting the symbiotic relationship between two membrane transporters, the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced form (NADPH) oxidase complex and voltage-gated proton channels (HV 1). By the time I entered this field, there had already been substantial progress toward understanding NADPH oxidase, but HV 1 were known only to a tiny handful of cognoscenti around the world. Having identified the first proton currents in mammalian cells in 1991, I needed to find a clear function for these molecules if the work was to become fundable. The then-recent discoveries of Henderson, Chappell, and colleagues in 1987-1988 that led them to hypothesize interactions of both molecules during the respiratory burst of phagocytes provided an excellent opportunity. In a nutshell, both transporters function by moving electrical charge across the membrane: NADPH oxidase moves electrons and HV 1 moves protons. The consequences of electrogenic NADPH oxidase activity on both membrane potential and pH strongly self-limit this enzyme. Fortunately, both consequences specifically activate HV 1, and HV 1 activity counteracts both consequences, a kind of yin-yang relationship. Notwithstanding a decade starting in 1995 when many believed the opposite, these are two separate molecules that function independently despite their being functionally interdependent in phagocytes. The relationship between NADPH oxidase and HV 1 has become a paradigm that somewhat surprisingly has now extended well beyond the phagocyte NADPH oxidase - an industrial strength producer of reactive oxygen species (ROS) - to myriad other cells that produce orders of magnitude less ROS for signaling purposes. These cells with their seven NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms provide a vast realm of mechanistic obscurity that will occupy future studies for years to come.

Membrane potential mediates the cellular binding of nanoparticles

The use of nanoparticles for cellular therapeutic or sensing applications requires nanoparticles to bind, or adhere, to the cell surface. While nanoparticle parameters such as size, shape, charge, and composition are important factors in cellular binding, the cell itself must also be considered. All cells have an electrical potential across the plasma membrane driven by an ion gradient. Under standard conditions the ion gradient will result in a -10 to -100 mV potential across the membrane with a net negative charge on the cytosolic face. Using a combination of flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy experiments and dissipative particle dynamics simulations, we have found that a decrease in membrane potential leads to decreased cellular binding of anionic nanoparticles. The decreased cellular binding of anionic nanoparticles is a general phenomenon, independent of depolarization method, nanoparticle composition, and cell type. Increased membrane potential reverses this trend resulting in increased binding of anionic nanoparticles. The cellular binding of cationic nanoparticles is minimally affected by membrane potential due to the interaction of cationic nanoparticles with cell surface proteins. The influence of membrane potential on the cellular binding of nanoparticles is especially important when considering the use of nanoparticles in the treatment or detection of diseases, such as cancer, in which the membrane potential is decreased.

Voltage-gated proton channels

Voltage-gated proton channels, HV1, have vaulted from the realm of the esoteric into the forefront of a central question facing ion channel biophysicists, namely, the mechanism by which voltage-dependent gating occurs. This transformation is the result of several factors. Identification of the gene in 2006 revealed that proton channels are homologues of the voltage-sensing domain of most other voltage-gated ion channels. Unique, or at least eccentric, properties of proton channels include dimeric architecture with dual conduction pathways, perfect proton selectivity, a single-channel conductance approximately 10(3) times smaller than most ion channels, voltage-dependent gating that is strongly modulated by the pH gradient, ΔpH, and potent inhibition by Zn(2+) (in many species) but an absence of other potent inhibitors. The recent identification of HV1 in three unicellular marine plankton species has dramatically expanded the phylogenetic family tree. Interest in proton channels in their own right has increased as important physiological roles have been identified in many cells. Proton channels trigger the bioluminescent flash of dinoflagellates, facilitate calcification by coccolithophores, regulate pH-dependent processes in eggs and sperm during fertilization, secrete acid to control the pH of airway fluids, facilitate histamine secretion by basophils, and play a signaling role in facilitating B-cell receptor mediated responses in B-lymphocytes. The most elaborate and best-established functions occur in phagocytes, where proton channels optimize the activity of NADPH oxidase, an important producer of reactive oxygen species. Proton efflux mediated by HV1 balances the charge translocated across the membrane by electrons through NADPH oxidase, minimizes changes in cytoplasmic and phagosomal pH, limits osmotic swelling of the phagosome, and provides substrate H(+) for the production of H2O2 and HOCl, reactive oxygen species crucial to killing pathogens.

Voltage-gated proton channels find their dream job managing the respiratory burst in phagocytes

The voltage-gated proton channel bears surprising resemblance to the voltage-sensing domain (S1-S4) of other voltage-gated ion channels but is a dimer with two conduction pathways. The proton channel seems designed for efficient proton extrusion from cells. In phagocytes, it facilitates the production of reactive oxygen species by NADPH oxidase.

Voltage-gated proton channels: what's next?

This review is an attempt to identify and place in context some of the many questions about voltage-gated proton channels that remain unsolved. As the gene was identified only 2 years ago, the situation is very different than in fields where the gene has been known for decades. For the proton channel, most of the obvious and less obvious structure-function questions are still wide open. Remarkably, the proton channel protein strongly resembles the voltage-sensing domain of many voltage-gated ion channels, and thus offers a novel approach to study gating mechanisms. Another surprise is that the proton channel appears to function as a dimer, with two separate conduction pathways. A number of significant biological questions remain in dispute, unanswered, or in some cases, not yet asked. This latter deficit is ascribable to the intrinsic difficulty in evaluating the importance of one component in a complex system, and in addition, to the lack, until recently, of a means of performing an unambiguous lesion experiment, that is, of selectively eliminating the molecule in question. We still lack a potent, selective pharmacological inhibitor, but the identification of the gene has allowed the development of powerful new tools including proton channel antibodies, siRNA and knockout mice.

The phagocytes: neutrophils and monocytes

The production and deployment of phagocytes are central functions of the hematopoietic system. In the 1950s, radioisotopic studies demonstrated the high production rate and short lifespan of neutrophils and allowed researchers to follow the monocytes as they moved from the marrow through the blood to become tissue macrophages, histiocytes, and dendritic cells. Subsequently, the discovery of the colony-stimulating factors greatly improved understanding the regulation of phagocyte production. The discovery of the microbicidal myeloperoxidase-H2O2-halide system and the importance of NADPH oxidase to the generation of H2O2 also stimulated intense interest in phagocyte disorders. More recent research has focused on membrane receptors and the dynamics of the responses of phagocytes to external factors including immunoglobulins, complement proteins, cytokines, chemokines, integrins, and selectins. Phagocytes express toll-like receptors that aid in the clearance of a wide range of microbial pathogens and their products. Phagocytes are also important sources of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus participating in host defenses through a variety of mechanisms. Over the last 50 years, many genetic and molecular disorders of phagocytes have been identified, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment of conditions which predispose patients to the risk of recurrent fevers and infectious diseases.

Depolarization of the macula densa induces superoxide production via NAD(P)H oxidase

Superoxide (O2−) enhances tubuloglomerular feedback by scavenging nitric oxide at the macula densa. However, the singling pathway of O2−production in the macula densa is not known. We hypothesized that the increase in tubular NaCl concentration that initiates tubuloglomerular feedback induces O2−production by the macula densa via NAD(P)H oxidase, which is activated by macula densa depolarization. We isolated and microperfused the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle and attached macula densa in rabbits. A fluorescent dye, dihydroethidium, was used to detect O2−production at the macula densa. When luminal NaCl was switched from 10 to 80 mM, a situation of initiating maximum tubuloglomerular feedback response, O2−production significantly increased. To make sure that the shifts in the oxyethidium/dihydroethidium ratio were due to changes in O2−, we used tempol (10−4M), a stable membrane-permeant superoxide dismutase mimetic. With tempol present, when we switched from 10 to 80 mM NaCl, the increase in oxyethidium/dihydroethidium ratio was blocked. To determine the source of O2−, we used the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor apocynin. When luminal NaCl was switched from 10 to 80 mM in the presence of apocynin, O2−production was inhibited by 80%. To see whether the effect of increasing luminal NaCl involves Na-K-2Cl cotransporters, we inhibited them with furosemide. When luminal NaCl was switched from 10 to 80 mM in the presence of furosemide, O2−production was blocked. To test whether depolarization of the macula densa induces O2−production, we artificially induced depolarization by adding valinomycin (10−6M) and 25 mM KCl to the luminal perfusate. Depolarization alone significantly increases O2−production. We conclude that increasing luminal NaCl induces O2−production during tubuloglomerular feedback. O2−generated by the macula densa is primarily derived from NAD(P)H oxidase and is induced by depolarization.

De novo ICAM-1 synthesis in the mouse lung: model of assessment of protein expression in lungs

Because most studies addressing the regulatory mechanisms of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression have used cultured endothelial cells, we set out to develop an isolated mouse lung preparation to study gene and protein expression in its proper cellular context in the organ. Lungs from CD1 mice were isolated and perfused (2 ml/min, 37°C) with a recirculating volume of RPMI 1640 solution supplemented with 3 g/100 ml albumin. Lungs maintained their isogravimetric state for 4 h. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α; 2,000 U/ml) was added to the perfusate for 0.5, 1, 2, or 3.5 h to induce ICAM-1 expression or lungs received no treatment (control). After quick-freezing the lungs using liquid nitrogen at different time points, the prepared tissue homogenates were analyzed for ICAM-1 protein expression by Western blotting and NF-κB activation by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. TNF-α caused a progressive increase in NF-κB activity after 0.5 h and ICAM-1 protein expression two- to threefold of basal after 2 h. Untreated lungs expressed a low and constant level of ICAM-1 between 0 and 3.5 h. TNF-α failed to induce NF-κB activation and ICAM-1 expression in lungs of NADPH oxidase-deficient mice lacking p47phox. We disaggregated mouse lungs using collagenase and stained the cells for ICAM-1 and VE-cadherin (used as an endothelial marker) to assess the in situ endothelial-specific expression of ICAM-1. We observed that TNF-α challenge resulted in increased ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells freshly isolated from lungs. These data show the role of NADPH oxidase-derived oxidant signaling in the mechanism of NF-κB activation and ICAM-1 expression in mouse lung endothelial cells. Moreover, the general method presented herein has potential value in assessing mechanisms of gene and protein expression in the isolated-perfused mouse lung model.

Free zinc inhibits transport of vitamin C in differentiated HL-60 cells during respiratory burst

Zinc is an essential trace element for the immune system. It is known to be essential for highly proliferating cells, especially for cells of the immune system. However, zinc and other divalent cations are known to inhibit the human neutrophilic NADPH oxidase. Differentiated HL-60 cells were found to accumulate large quantities of vitamin C (ascorbate) after activation of the NADPH oxidase by phorbol esters (PMA). This increase in vitamin C transport is due to the generation of superoxide and subsequent oxidation of ascorbate to dehydroascorbate (DHA) which is preferentially taken up by the cells. We found that zinc reversibly inhibits both PMA-stimulated ascorbate uptake and superoxide generation with a half-maximal effect at 20 microM of free zinc ions. Higher residual extracellular ascorbate concentrations were measured with increasing zinc concentrations, indicating that less ascorbate was oxidized and taken up by the cells. When the fluorescent dye diSC3(5) was used to monitor shifts in membrane potential, we found that depolarization with PMA was prolonged after preincubation of the cells with zinc. Suppression of the respiratory burst as well as inhibition of the uptake of the antioxidant vitamin C may disturb the balance between oxidative damage of invading particles and antioxidant protection in activated neutrophils.

Charge compensation during the phagocyte respiratory burst

The phagocyte NADPH oxidase produces superoxide anion (O(2)(.-)) by the electrogenic process of moving electrons across the cell membrane. This charge translocation must be compensated to prevent self-inhibition by extreme membrane depolarization. Examination of the mechanisms of charge compensation reveals that these mechanisms perform several other vital functions beyond simply supporting oxidase activity. Voltage-gated proton channels compensate most of the charge translocated by the phagocyte NADPH oxidase in human neutrophils and eosinophils. Quantitative modeling of NADPH oxidase in the plasma membrane supports this conclusion and shows that if any other conductance is present, it must be miniscule. In addition to charge compensation, proton flux from the cytoplasm into the phagosome (a) helps prevent large pH excursions both in the cytoplasm and in the phagosome, (b) minimizes osmotic disturbances, and (c) provides essential substrate protons for the conversion of O(2)(*-) to H(2)O(2) and then to HOCl. A small contribution by K+ or Cl- fluxes may offset the acidity of granule contents to keep the phagosome pH near neutral, facilitating release of bactericidal enzymes. In summary, the mechanisms used by phagocytes for charge compensation during the respiratory burst would still be essential to phagocyte function, even if NADPH oxidase were not electrogenic.

Gallium-Inducible Transferrin-Independent Iron Acquisition Is a Property of Many Cell Types: Possible Role of Alterations in the Plasma Membrane

BACKGROUND

We have previously shown that human myeloid cell types can acquire large amounts of iron (Fe)3+ from low-molecular-weight chelates by a process that is independent of adenosine triphosphate and dramatically increased by gallium (Ga) and other multivalent cationic metals.

METHODS

To provide further insight into the mechanism responsible and its relevance to other cellular systems, we investigated Fe acquisition from nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) by several myeloid and nonmyeloid cell lines in the presence and absence of Ga.

RESULTS

Most nonmyeloid cells examined exhibited similar ability to acquire Fe from NTA. Ga increased the apparent maximum velocity (Vmax), with minimal changes in apparent Michaelis constant (Km), of all cell lines. Both erythrocytes and erythrocyte ghosts acquired Fe from NTA, which increased with Ga exposure, analogous to nucleated cells. However, liposomes made from phospholipids did not exhibit Ga-inducible Fe association. Enzymes that modify surface proteins and carbohydrates did not alter HL-60 cell Fe acquisition. Modifying HL-60 membrane fatty acid content had only a minimal effect. Ga exposure did not change membrane potential or fluidity. However, electron microscopy suggested that Ga alters plasma membrane physical properties.

CONCLUSION

Multivalent cations appear to induce changes in cell membranes that may alter their interaction with Fe3+ and probably other multivalent cations.

Regulation of eosinophil membrane depolarization during NADPH oxidase activation

Protein kinase C (PKC) activation in human eosinophils increases NADPH oxidase activity, which is associated with plasma membrane depolarization. In this study, membrane potential measurements of eosinophils stimulated with phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate; PMA) were made using a cell-permeable oxonol membrane potential indicator, diBAC4(3). Within 10 minutes after PMA stimulation, eosinophils depolarized from -32.9+/-5.7 mV to +17.3+/-1.8 mV. The time courses of depolarization and proton channel activation were virtually identical. Blocking the proton conductance with 250 microM ZnCl2 (+43.0+/-4.2 mV) or increasing the proton channel activation threshold by reducing the extracellular pH to 6.5 (+44.4+/-1.4 mV) increased depolarization compared with PMA alone. Additionally, the protein kinase C (PKC) delta-selective blocker, rottlerin, inhibited PMA-stimulated depolarization, indicating that PKCdelta was involved in regulating depolarization associated with eosinophil NADPH oxidase activity. Thus, the membrane depolarization that is associated with NADPH oxidase activation in eosinophils is sufficient to produce marked proton channel activation under physiological conditions.

Voltage-gated proton channels and other proton transfer pathways

Proton channels exist in a wide variety of membrane proteins where they transport protons rapidly and efficiently. Usually the proton pathway is formed mainly by water molecules present in the protein, but its function is regulated by titratable groups on critical amino acid residues in the pathway. All proton channels conduct protons by a hydrogen-bonded chain mechanism in which the proton hops from one water or titratable group to the next. Voltage-gated proton channels represent a specific subset of proton channels that have voltage- and time-dependent gating like other ion channels. However, they differ from most ion channels in their extraordinarily high selectivity, tiny conductance, strong temperature and deuterium isotope effects on conductance and gating kinetics, and insensitivity to block by steric occlusion. Gating of H(+) channels is regulated tightly by pH and voltage, ensuring that they open only when the electrochemical gradient is outward. Thus they function to extrude acid from cells. H(+) channels are expressed in many cells. During the respiratory burst in phagocytes, H(+) current compensates for electron extrusion by NADPH oxidase. Most evidence indicates that the H(+) channel is not part of the NADPH oxidase complex, but rather is a distinct and as yet unidentified molecule.

NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phox: a proton pathway

The generation of superoxide by the NADPH oxidase is an electrogenic process resulting in a rapid depolarisation of the membrane potential of the cell. The efflux of H+ ions through an arachidonate-activatable, Zn(2+)-inhibitable H+ pathway accompanies the efflux of electrons and provides the necessary charge compensation. Inhibition of H+ flux leads to inhibition of superoxide generation. The protein gp91phox, a transmembrane component of the NADPH oxidase, was demonstrated to be capable of acting as the NADPH oxidase-associated H+ channel in a stable CHO cell line, CHO91. The N-terminal 230 amino acids contain all that is required for the protein to form an H+ channel and specifically histidine 115 is important to the ability of gp91phox to conduct H+ ions. The recording of outward currents from CHO91 cells, in the whole-cell configuration, demonstrated that gp91phox is also capable of functioning as a voltage-gated H+ conductance pathway. The similarity in properties between voltage-elicited outward currents, from both wild type and the mutations, and the arachidonate-activated H+ flux strongly suggests that these H+ pathways are one in the same. Among the recently identified homologues of gp91phox only NOH-1S has so far been demonstrated to also act as an H+ conductance pathway.

The small G-protein Rac mediates depolarization-induced superoxide formation in human endothelial cells

Superoxide anions impair nitric oxide-mediated responses and are involved in the development of hypertensive vascular hypertrophy. The regulation of their production in the vascular system is, however, poorly understood. We investigated whether changes in membrane potential that occur in hypertensive vessels modulate endothelial superoxide production. In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, changes in membrane potential were induced by high potassium buffer, the non-selective potassium channel blocker tetrabutylammonium chloride (1 mm), and the non-selective cation ionophore gramicidin (1 micrometer). Superoxide formation was significantly elevated to a similar degree by all three treatments (by approximately 60%, n = 23, p < 0.01), whereas hyperpolarization by the K(ATP) channel activator Hoe234 (1 micrometer) significantly decreased superoxide formation. Depolarization also induced an increased tyrosine phosphorylation of several not yet identified proteins (90-110 kDa) and resulted in a significant increase in membrane association of the small G-protein Rac. Accordingly, the Rac inhibitor Clostridium difficile toxin B blocked the effects of depolarization on superoxide formation. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (30 micrometer, n = 15) abolished depolarization-induced superoxide formation and also prevented depolarization-induced Rac translocation associated with it. It is concluded that depolarization is an important stimulus of endothelial superoxide production, which involves a tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent translocation of the small G-protein Rac.

Melatonin regulates the respiratory burst of human neutrophils and their depolarization

The effect of different doses of melatonin on the respiratory burst as well as on the membrane potential changes of human neutrophils stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was investigated. The intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in stimulated neutrophils was quantified in individual cells by flow cytometry, measuring the oxidation of nonfluorescent dihydrorhodamine 123 to the green fluorescent rhodamine 123. The transmembrane potential change was measured using the fluorescent probe oxonol. Preincubating the cells with micromolar concentrations of the indole resulted in an increase of the response to PMA. In two of six subjects investigated, the respiratory burst was also increased by a 10 nM concentration of the indole, but when the melatonin concentration was increased to 2 mM the respiratory burst was inhibited. The change in the transmembrane potential of neutrophils paralleled the respiratory burst. Indeed, the treatment of the cells with doses of melatonin up to 0.5 mM increased the depolarization occurring subsequent to PMA stimulation, whereas 2 mM melatonin concentration decreased the extent of depolarization. To investigate whether melatonin could directly affect the transmembrane potential changes of neutrophils, the extent of depolarization, induced by increasing the extracellular potassium concentration, was measured in cells preincubated with 2 mM melatonin. This treatment resulted in a decrease of the extent of depolarization, which suggests that melatonin can directly alter membrane ion conductance in human neutrophils.

Regulation of capacitative Ca2+ influx in human neutrophil granulocytes. Alterations in chronic granulomatous disease

Ca2+ entry through the capacitative (store-regulated) pathway was shown to be inhibited in neutrophil granulocytes by the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and the chemoattractant N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) by a hitherto unknown mechanism. Measuring both Ca2+ and Mn2+ entry into store-depleted cells we show in the present study that inhibition of the capacitative pathway is absent in various forms of chronic granulomatous disease. To establish the possible relationship between inhibition of the capacitative pathway and ability of O-2 production and consequent membrane depolarization, gradual changes of the membrane potential were evoked in neutrophils of healthy individuals. This was accomplished by pharmacological manipulation of the membrane potential and by variations of the concentration and type of the stimulant. Close relationship was observed between membrane depolarization and inhibition of Mn2+ entry through the capacitative transport route. Our results provide an explanation for the inhibitory action of fMLP and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate on capacitative cation influx and reveal that upon physiological stimulation, Ca2+ entry into neutrophils is restricted by the depolarization accompanying O-2 production.

Modulation of Neisseria porin (PorB) by cytosolic ATP/GTP of target cells: parallels between pathogen accommodation and mitochondrial endosymbiosis

PorB of the pathogenic Neisseria species belongs to the large family of pore-forming proteins (porins) produced by gram-negative bacteria. PorB is exceptional in that it is capable of translocating vectorially into membranes of infected target cells and functions in the infection process. Here we report on an unexpected similarity between Neisserial PorB and mitochondrial porins. Both porin classes interact with purine nucleoside triphosphates, which down-regulate pore size and cause a shift in voltage dependence and ion selectivity. Patch-clamp analyses indicate that PorB channel activity is tightly regulated in intact epithelial cells. In light of recent findings on the pivotal role of PorB in virulence and the prevention of phagosome lysosome fusion, these data provide important mechanistic clues on the intracellular pathogen accommodation reminiscent of mitochondrial endosymbiosis.

Some biochemical responses of buffalo PMN cells to various stimuli

In view of great species differences in biology of polymorphonuclear cells, and non-availability of basic data on buffalo PMN cells for assessing their functional activity, the present work on the immuno-defence system involving protein synthesis and O2- production was undertaken to highlight the immunomodulatory role of thyroxine. Digitonin, LPS and Con-A activation generated superoxide, which was monitored by NBT reduction. The study suggested that concanvalin A (Con-A) and T4 were able to synergetically increase the production of superoxide and H2O2. The likely involvement of thyroxine in activation was studied by [125I]thyroxine incorporation, which was significantly increased due to activation. In contrast, aflatoxin B1 together with Con-A caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in incorporation of [125I]T4. Optimum time dependence in [14C]leucine incorporation by buffalo PMN cells was found to be 30 min and the factors like T4 (7.7 ng/ml) and glutathione (400 micrograms/ml) significantly enhanced the incorporation. In contrast, antiinflammatory agent, indomethacin (40 micrograms/ml) inhibited protein synthesis in PMN cells; while puramycin also significantly lowered the [14C]leucine incorporation. Total [14C]leucine incorporation in acid extractable cationic proteins and peptides, known for their antibacterial properties was found to be 30-40% when separated on AU-PAGE. The studies revealed the in vitro immunomodulatory role of T4 in O2-, H2O2 production and cationic protein synthesis by the activated PMN cells of buffalos.

Simultaneous detection of free radical release and membrane current during phagocytosis

Stimulation of macrophages induces the "respiratory burst" response which is associated with the generation of superoxide (O2-), a drop in cytoplasmic pH, and a pronounced depolarization of the membrane potential. The purpose of the present studies was to determine whether an increase in O2- was temporally related to changes in membrane potential and transmembrane current. Release of O2- at the single cell level was photometrically monitored during phagocytosis of immune complexes while simultaneously measuring whole-cell current. Membrane depolarization and the generation of a non-selective current followed an increase in O2- production with a variable lag time which was correlated with the state of cellular maturation in culture. In the absence of phagocytosis, the exposure of macrophages to O2- generated by a xanthine-xanthine oxidase reaction activated a non-selective current similar to that seen after phagocytosis. These results provide the first demonstration of the relationship between free radical release and the ensuing electrophysiological signaling events which are linked to particle engulfment in phagocytic cells.

Activation of murine macrophages by hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide at concentrations from 0.1 to 20 microM enhances phagocytosis and oxidative burst of murine peritoneal macrophages. The activation of these macrophage functions is paralleled by prolonged hyperpolarization and a transient increase in cytoplasmic free calcium concentration. All the effects are dose- and time-dependent. The results obtained for H2O2 are compared with those for a natural activator, peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. The data demonstrate the ability of small doses of hydrogen peroxide to stimulate macrophages through the intracellular mechanisms of ion transduction.

Proton conductance of the plasma membrane: properties, regulation, and functional role

H+ conductive pathways have been detected in the plasma membranes of a variety of cell types. The large exquisitely H(+)-selective permeability of the conductive pathway can support sizable net H+ fluxes. Although subtle differences exist among tissues and species, certain common features suggest that related transport systems are involved in all cases. The H+ conductance is gated by depolarizing voltages and is promoted by intracellular acidification. Conversely, extracellular acidification inhibits the conductance. These features facilitate net H+ efflux, while precluding potentially deleterious H+ uptake. In some cell types, activation of the conductance is additionally controlled by physiological ligands and by second messengers. The conductance most likely functions in the regulation of intracellular pH, contributing to the extrusion of H+ during repetitive depolarization of the plasma membrane, as occurs in neurons and muscle cells. This pathway may be particularly relevant in the case of phagocytes. When stimulated, these cells undergo a sustained depolarization, while generating large amounts of metabolic acid. In addition, conductive H+ fluxes may also provide counterions to neutralize the activity of electrogenic enzymes, as suggested for the phagocyte NADPH oxidase.

Role of the plasma membrane in signal transduction in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

To more closely examine the role of the cell surface in transmembrane signal transduction in human neutrophils, sealed right-side-out membrane vesicles free of organellar membrane components were used as models of the plasma membrane. These vesicles, incubated with a fluorescent analogue of the chemotactic peptide fMLP, bound this ligand similarly in extent and kinetics to intact neutrophils. Vesicles responded to this stimulation with a slow increase in internal [Ca++] which was inhibited by EGTA but not by verapamil; the cytosolic Ca++ transient seen in intact cells within 10 sec of stimulation was absent in vesicles. The vesicles also maintained a transmembrane potential (psi) and were depolarized by the K+ ionophore valinomycin. However, unlike intact cells which hyperpolarized and then depolarized in response to fMLP, the vesicles demonstrated only a sustained hyperpolarization. Vesicles also differed from intact cells by not producing superoxide (O2-) in response to fMLP. Finally, fMLP caused dramatic alterations in membrane vesicle lipid metabolism: at early time points (within 5-10 sec), there was a transient production of diacylglycerol (DAG) concomitant with inositol lipid breakdown, with no apparent hydrolysis of non-inositol phospholipids. For up to 5 min after stimulation, there was no increase in the levels of phosphatidic acid or of inositol lipids. Thus, a significant portion of the signalling pathway in neutrophils is located at the cell surface or in the plasma membrane and functions independently of intracellular components. Furthermore, the plasma membrane is intimately involved in events occurring during both the early (DAG generation) and late (slow, prolonged rise in [Ca++]) phases of cellular response. In contrast, several of the responses to fMLP (the Ca++ transient, depolarization, generation of O2-, recycling of lipid metabolites) involve signalling machinery not constitutively resident on the neutrophil surface.

Comparison of the response of bovine and human neutrophils to various stimuli

Elastase release, oxidant production and cytoplasmic Ca2+ fluxes by bovine and human neutrophils were compared using sensitive kinetic assays on a photon-counting spectrofluorometer. The stimulants used were phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), cytochalasin B, zymosan opsonized with bovine complement (bOZ) or human complement (hOZ), calcium ionophore, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) and concanavalin A (Con A). The respiratory burst of bovine and human neutrophils was stimulated by PMA and OZ but not by cytochalasin B, or calcium ionophore. Con A weakly stimulated this response in human neutrophils but not bovine. FMLP stimulated the respiratory burst of human but not bovine neutrophils. For evaluation of elastase release, human neutrophils were pretreated with cytochalasin B for 5 min and then stimulated. Cytochalasin B alone did not stimulate elastase release from human neutrophils. Phorbol myristate acetate, calcium ionophore, hOZ, FMLP and Con A did stimulate human neutrophils pretreated with cytochalasin B to release elastase. Human serum OZ was also able to stimulate elastase release from human neutrophils not pretreated with cytochalasin B. Some bovine neutrophils released elastase in response to cytochalasin B alone. Those bovine neutrophils that did not release elastase in response to cytochalasin B alone released elastase when stimulated with Con A or calcium ionophore after cytochalasin B pretreatment. Bovine neutrophils did not release elastase in response to FMLP or PMA with or without cytochalasin B pretreatment, but did release elastase in response to bOZ alone. Total elastase activity of bovine neutrophils was determined to be about 50 times less than that of human neutrophils. Intracellular calcium fluxes were stimulated in human neutrophils by calcium ionophore, FMLP, hOZ and Con A but not by PMA or cytochalasin B. Bovine neutrophil calcium fluxes were stimulated by calcium ionophore, Con A and bOZ; cytochalasin B also stimulated bovine neutrophils to increase cytoplasmic calcium concentration. Cytoplasmic calcium fluxes were not stimulated in bovine neutrophils by PMA or FMLP. In summary, human and bovine neutrophils respond similarly to calcium ionophore and OZ, but differently to PMA, cytochalasin B, Con A and FMLP.

Phorbol ester-stimulated human neutrophil membrane depolarization is dependent on Ca2(+)-regulated Cl- efflux

The ionic basis of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated membrane depolarization in the human neutrophil has not previously been established. Alterations in cation permeability are probably not directly responsible for the depolarization response, since the rate or Rb+ influx or efflux is unchanged upon PMA stimulation, and although Na+ fluxes are increased, depolarization is not changed by either the addition of ouabain or reduction of extracellular Na+ from 140 to 0 meq. Furthermore, the enhanced Na+ influx in stimulated cells is blocked by amiloride at 10(-3) M, but not by 10(-5) M, suggesting Na+ influx proceeds through the electroneutral Na(+)-H+ antiporter and is therefore not responsible for depolarization. Upon stimulation, Cl- content of PMA-stimulated neutrophils decreases without change in Na+ or K+ content, as determined by electron probe analysis. In addition, acute reduction in extracellular Cl- enhances the rate and extent of depolarization induced by PMA. This change in intracellular Cl- and effect of reduction in extracellular Cl- concentration on depolarization can best be accounted for by an enhanced efflux via an electrogenic mechanism. Thus enhanced conductive Cl- efflux can account for the observed depolarization. That Ca2+ regulates depolarization is evidenced by the dependence of depolarization on external Ca2+ (Cao2+). Depolarization is absent in Ca2(+)-depleted cells [internal Ca2+ (Cai2+) less than 15 nM] and is restored with titration of extracellular Ca2+, exhibiting a 50% effective dose (ED50) of 100 mM. Thus PMA-initiated depolarization is regulated by Ca2+, either from intra- or extracellular sources, but the Ca2(+)-dependent activity responsible for control of Cl- efflux is as yet uncharacterized.

Measurement of superoxide release in the phagovacuoles of immune complex-stimulated human neutrophils

Immune complex stimulation of human neutrophils elicits, among other events, the formation of phagocytic vacuoles into which the products of the stimulus activated oxidative burst and degranulation are released. In order to monitor burst activity in the phagocytic vacuole, we have developed a fluorochrome-coupled derivative of this neutrophil agonist. The fluorochrome 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH) (the nonfluorescent, reduced form of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF] has been covalently linked to bovine serum albumin (BSA), which can be used to form an immune complex with anti-BSA immunoglobulin. The resultant complex is an effective agonist for stimulating all immune complex-mediated neutrophil responses, as compared to nonderivatized controls. Upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide the stimulus-linked probe is converted to its oxidized, fully fluorescent form, the fluorescence of which is linearly related to the extent of probe oxidation. Using flow cytometry, we have demonstrated that the probe-stimulus complex is capable of monitoring the kinetics of the production of activated oxygen species by the membrane bound NADPH-oxidase enzyme, presumably within the phagocytic vacuoles of immune complex-activated neutrophils. We have found that the immune complex-mediated activation of the oxidative burst within the phagocytic compartment is preceded by a lag of approximately 30 s followed by a large sustained release of superoxide dependent hydrogen peroxide. Neutrophils from patients with chronic granulomatous disease, however, demonstrated no sustained increase in probe fluorescence, a finding consistent with the lack of oxidative burst activity in these cells. The DCFH-immune complex conjugate therefore provides an effective probe for monitoring the kinetics of the localized release of oxidative products within the forming phagocytic vacuoles of activated neutrophils, and may be used to further examine both the activation and activity of human neutrophils in response to 'physiologic' host defense agonists such as immune complexes.

Effects of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSFrh) on transmembrane electrical potentials in granulocytes: relationship between enhancement of ligand-mediated depolarization and augmentation of superoxide anion (O2-) production

When human granulocytes that have been primed with recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSFrh) are activated by ligands that stimulate the respiratory burst, the amount of superoxide anion (O2-) they generate is significantly increased. We have found that the accelerated rate of O2- release occurring under these conditions is accompanied by an antecedent increase in membrane depolarization. We examined the nature of the enhancement of membrane depolarization in GM-CSFrh-primed granulocytes and investigated its relationship to the increase in O2- generation by N-formyl methionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP)-activated granulocytes. We found that augmented depolarization could not be accounted for by a change in the resting membrane potential induced by the growth factor and was still present after either blocking passive transmembrane Na+ movement with dimethylamiloride or by increasing the membrane's permeability to K+ with valinomycin. When their ability to depolarize was virtually eliminated by dissipating the transmembrane K+ gradient, GM-CSFrh-pretreated cells continued to generate more O2- after fMLP than did control cells. These results indicate that augmentation of the granulocyte's ability to generate O2- anions, which is induced by priming with GM-CSFrh, is independent both of the resting transmembrane potential and of alterations in the extent of membrane potential change induced by stimuli such as fMLP.

Phorbol myristate acetate potentiates superoxide release and membrane depolarization without affecting an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium in human granulocytes stimulated by the chemotactic peptide, lectins and the calcium ionophore

We investigated the inter-relationships of superoxide (O2-) release, membrane depolarization and an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+, [Ca2+]i, in human granulocytes stimulated by various agonists. When concanavalin A or the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin was used as stimulus, an increase in [Ca2+]i clearly preceded the onset of membrane depolarization, which was followed by O2- release. On the other hand, when N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine or wheat-germ agglutinin was used as stimulus, no demonstrable lag was seen in any of the responses. O2- release and membrane depolarization stimulated by all these agonists were markedly potentiated in parallel by pretreatment of cells with a low concentration of phorbol myristate acetate (0.25 ng/ml), whereas an increase in [Ca2+]i was not affected or minimally potentiated. The lag time between addition of the stimulus (concanavalin A or ionomycin) and onset of membrane depolarization or O2- release was significantly reduced by pretreatment of cells with phorbol myristate acetate, whereas the lag time between addition of concanavalin A and onset of the increase in [Ca2+]i was not affected. The dose-response curves for triggering of O2- release and membrane depolarization by each of receptor-mediated agonists in phorbol myristate acetate-pretreated or control cells were identical. These findings suggest that; (a) an increase in [Ca2+]i stimulates membrane depolarization indirectly; (b) a low concentration of phorbol myristate acetate potentiates membrane depolarization and O2- release by acting primarily at the post-receptor level, in particular, at the level distal to an increase in [Ca2+]i, but not by augmenting an increase in [Ca2+]i; and (c) the system provoking membrane depolarization and the system activating NADPH oxidase share a common pathway, which may be susceptible to a low concentration of phorbol myristate acetate.

The role of transmembrane cationic gradients in immune complex stimulation of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The role of monovalent cationic gradients in human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) stimulation was investigated by monitoring immune complex-stimulated transmembrane depolarization and superoxide production, events which accompany--and have been used as indicators of --PMNL activation. Abolishing only the Na+ gradient by substitution of choline for extracellular Na+ did not affect the resting membrane potential but reduced the rate of stimulus-induced transmembrane depolarization to 50% of control. In contrast, collapsing both Na+ and K+ gradients by suspension in K+ buffer (high K-PRK) depolarized the cells and reduced the stimulus-induced rate of depolarization to 11% of control. Pretreatment of cells suspended in Na+ buffers with 5-(N,N-dimethyl)amiloride hydrochloride (DMA) or with valinomycin reduced by one-half the rate of immune complex induced membrane depolarization. Conversely, in the absence of either or of both Na+ or K+ gradients, or in the presence of valinomycin, immune complex elicited an enhanced rate of superoxide production. However, PMNL prepared via NH4Cl (NH4Cl-PMNL) instead of H2O (H2O-PMNL) lysis of residual red blood cells exhibited an absolute requirement for an intact Na+ gradient in cell stimulation. The present results thus demonstrate that: 1) both Na+ and K+ gradients participate equally in the membrane depolarization elicited by immune complex; 2) neither a Na+ or a K+ gradient is required for immune complex activation, or for activity of the respiratory burst; and 3) an artifactual requirement for an intact Na+ gradient occurs in neutrophils prepared by the NH4Cl lysis technique.

Time dependence of transmembrane potential changes and intracellular calcium flux in stimulated human monocytes

An important characteristic of the functional differentiation of the blood monocyte is the development of its capacity to recognize and respond to stimuli. This ability is mediated to a large extent by specific receptor glycoproteins located on the cell surface. Stimulation of mononuclear phagocytes via these receptors results in a rapid rise in intracellular Ca++ concentration, accompanied or followed by a change in membrane potential, generation of oxidative products, degranulation, and effector functions such as phagocytosis, aggregation, or locomotion. While the development of these characteristics is difficult to characterize in vivo, several investigators have demonstrated in vitro changes in these cells that correlate with the development of effector function. To examine the mechanisms of specific membrane-stimulus interactions of monocytes as they differentiate into macrophage-like cells, we studied the responses of human monocytes and of monocytes incubated in serum-containing medium for up to 96 hr to the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Freshly isolated monocytes exhibited little change in transmembrane potential following stimulation with an optimal concentration of peptide and underwent a significant increase only after 48 hr in culture. While constant resting intracellular Ca++ concentrations were maintained during the culture period, intracellular Ca++ levels following fMLP stimulation increased with with incubation in serum, for up to 96 hr. In contrast, fMLP-induced respiratory burst activity increased from 0 to 24 hr in culture; it remained elevated at 48 hr but declined again by 96 hr. Incubation of the cells for 24 hr increased their random (unstimulated) motility in modified Boyden chambers but did not alter the cells' directed (chemotactic) response to fMLP in comparison to the response of freshly isolated monocytes. Peptide binding to the cells did not increase during the incubation period, indicating that an increase in receptor number or in affinity for fMLP was not responsible for the enhanced responsiveness to fMLP as incubation time increased. These studies indicate that incubation of monocytes in serum-containing medium leads to a complex, altered series of responses to fMLP that correlate with the differentiation of the original monocytes in vitro and may relate to the in vivo differentiation of monocytes to macrophages.

The superoxide-forming enzymatic system of phagocytes

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

Tetradecanoylphorbol acetate and terbutaline stimulate surfactant secretion in alveolar type II cells without changing the membrane potential

Alveolar type II cells were isolated from adult rat lungs after tissue dissociation with elastase. The effect of known secretagogues on transmembrane potential was examined in freshly isolated cells (day 0 cells) and in cells after one day of primary culture (day 1 cells). Freshly isolated type II cells were incubated with 3,3'-dipentyloxacarbocyanine (di-O-C5(3)) or 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine (di-S-C3(5)), dyes whose intracellular fluorescence intensity is a direct function of the cellular transmembrane potential. Fluorescence was continuously recorded by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Type II cells rapidly incorporated the dyes, and the addition of gramicidin (1 microgram/ml) depolarized the cells as indicated by a change in fluorescence. Neither 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) nor terbutaline plus 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), which stimulate surfactant secretion from isolated alveolar type II cells, changed the transmembrane potential. The lipophilic cation triphenylmethylphosphonium (TPMP+) was used to quantitate the transmembrane potential of type II cells cultured for one day. Addition of TPA or terbutaline plus IBMX induced surfactant secretion but did not alter the transmembrane potential. To study further the relationship of secretion to the transmembrane potential, secretion was also determined in the presence of high extracellular potassium which depolarizes the cells and in the presence of choline in place of sodium. High potassium enhanced the basal secretion of phosphatidylcholine from 1.8% to 3.4% (P less than 0.01, n = 7). Substitution of sodium chloride by choline chloride had no effect on basal secretion but enhanced TPA-induced secretion (P less than 0.01). We conclude that high extracellular potassium induces membrane depolarization and stimulates surfactant secretion, but TPA or terbutaline plus IBMX stimulates secretion without detectable membrane depolarization and stimulation of secretion by TPA does not require extracellular sodium.

Effect of vitamin E on FMLP-induced activation of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Granulocytes of vitamin E-treated rabbits were compared to granulocytes from placebo-treated rabbits. Granulocytes were isolated from rabbit peripheral blood by a new method employing Percoll and gelatin sedimentation. Vitamin E-treated cells showed less adherence to rabbit aortic endothelium when stimulated with FMLP. FMLP receptor numbers and affinity were not significantly different. Resting cell surface and baseline transmembrane potential were similar in both cell types. Decrease in cell surface potential with FMLP was comparable in vitamin E- and placebo-treated cells. Vitamin E-treated PMN depolarized more and hyperpolarized more rapidly than placebo cells. Thus vitamin E-treated PMNs show differences in the early events of PMN activation. These may contribute to the lower stimulated adherence observed with vitamin E-treated cells.

Fluorometer based multi-parameter analysis of phagocytic cell activation

Simultaneous measurements of the calcium rise, membrane potential change, and 90 degrees light scatter (shape change) responses exhibited by neutrophils upon activation, can be obtained with identical result as that obtained when independently performing each measurement. The putative intracellular mediator diacylglycerol depolarizes membrane potential and causes a decrease in light scatter. Leukotriene B4 causes a rise in calcium and a decrease in light scatter. The chemotactic peptide, N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, causes a depolarization of membrane potential, a calcium rise, and a decrease in light scatter. The fura 2 measurements of intracellular free calcium indicate that the calcium concentration of unstimulated cells is much lower than previously thought based on quin 2 studies.