Role of free radical processes in stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Phagocytic killing of microorganisms by radical processes: consequences of the reaction of hydroxyl radicals with chloride yielding chlorine atoms

Chloride anions and hydrogen peroxide serve as substrates for myeloperoxidase (MPO) in order to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as one of the major killing agents of phagocytic leukocytes. Apart from this role of being a substrate for the MPO-reaction the chloride anion has been considered as unreactive and has not been implicated in radical reactions which contribute to the killing process. From the inherent reactivities of the pertinent radicals (as determined by pulse radiolysis experiments), the great abundance of chloride, and the most probable distribution of reactants within the phagosome, we deduce estimates for the average life-time and free diffusion path-length in this milieu and arrive at a model according to which chloride ions enter into radical chains and influence the killing of ingested bacteria to an extraordinarily high extent. We propose that hydroxyl radicals--despite some controversial arguments in the literature--may still be considered as important contributors to cell killing especially since we show that their reactions are made more effective by producing chlorine radicals in a cyclic process. We furthermore present arguments how the phagocyte may protect itself from harmful actions of HOCl and H2O2 after the superoxide-generating activity of NADPH oxidase is turned off.

Oxidative modification of high-density lipoprotein 3 induced by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Protective effect of pentoxifylline

The function of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) in reverse cholesterol transport is impaired if HDLs are subjected to oxidative stress. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), which have been detected in the earliest stages of atherosclerotic lesions, are one of the most likely sources of the reactive oxygen species that cause such stress. In this study, we investigated the effect of a PMN oxidative burst on HDL3. We also studied the impact on these events of pentoxifylline, a drug that regulates granulocyte function. HDL3 (370 nmol.mL-1 cholesterol-HDL) was incubated with PMNs (2 x 106. mL-1) in NaCl/Pi in the presence or absence of an iron chelate complex (10 microm Fe-nitrilotriacetic acid) at 37 degreesC for 60 min or 24 h. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or formyl-methionylleucyphenylalanine (fMetLeuPhe) was used to stimulate PMNs. In iron-free NaCl/Pi medium, PMA-stimulated PMNs had a 40% lower HDL3 alpha-tocopherol content, whatever the incubation time. In NaCl/Pi medium containing iron, there was 80% less HDL3 alpha-tocopherol at 60 min, and HDL3 alpha-tocopherol had almost disappeared after 24 h. In this latter condition, the amount of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was significantly higher than the respective control HDL3 (P < 0.05) and oxidation of HDL3 by PMA-stimulated PMNs was associated with cross-linking of apoprotein AI, which was detected by SDS/PAGE. Similar results were obtained with fMetLeuPhe-stimulated PMN except that HDL3 alpha-tocopherol was consumed much more slowly during the first 60 min. Pretreatment of PMNs with various concentrations of pentoxifylline (0.001-20 mm) led to the concentration-dependent inhibition of oxidative modification of HDL3 induced by stimulated PMNs. The addition of 20 mm pentoxifylline in the most extreme oxidative stress conditions resulted in 70% of HDL3 alpha-tocopherol being maintained, with no formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and a lower level of apoprotein AI cross-linking. Thus HDL3 is susceptible to oxidative modifications induced by stimulated PMNs, in the presence of an exogenous source of iron. Pentoxifylline inhibited the oxidative modification of HDL3 by PMNs.

Novel aspect on metal fume fever: zinc stimulates oxygen radical formation in human neutrophils

Exposure to zinc fume may cause metal fume fever, an acute reaction characterized by an invasion of neutrophils into the airways. This investigation was conducted to examine the possibility that Zn2+ and ZnO might stimulate the formation of oxygen radicals by human neutrophils. Luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL) was monitored during 2 h from human neutrophils exposed to Zn2+ or ZnO. The response was compared to that of other metal ions and to that of endotoxin and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Zn2+ (6-50 microM) gradually caused a 2-6-fold increase of CL that reached an optimum after 70- 80 min. By contrast, Cd2+, Cr2+, Cr3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Ni2+ or Co2+ in corresponding concentrations did not increase the CL. Similar to Zn2+, endotoxin (40-640 micrograms/ml) caused a 2-5-fold increase of CL with an optimum after 70 min, and endotoxin (40 micrograms/ml) together with Zn2+ (50 microM) synergistically increased the CL. ZnO (12-100 micrograms/ml) also augmented CL, with a 1.5-5-fold increase at 25-100 micrograms/ml ZnO but with a time response similar to that found after PMA stimulation, in which CL peaked after 20-40 min incubation. Both Zn(2+)- and ZnO-induced CL was inhibited by manoalide, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, with IC50 of 0.25 microM and 0.66 microM respectively. These results indicate that Zn2+ and ZnO both stimulates oxygen radical formation in human neutrophils and that this might contribute to the pathogenesis of zinc fume fever.

Hypochlorite-induced peroxidation of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine is mediated by hydroperoxides

Using a chemiluminescent method, the consumption of HOCl/OCl- was investigated during interaction with liposomes prepared from dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC). The concentration of HOCl/OCl-decreased with time in the suspension of EYPC that contain unsaturated lipids and did not change in DMPC liposome suspensions. HOCl/OCl- was consumed more rapidly in peroxidized EYPC. The amount of double bonds was lowered by 40% in peroxidized liposomes and decreased by approximately one-third under the action of HOCl/OCl- in both native and peroxidized EYPC samples. Second-order rate constants for the interaction between HOCl and phospholipid double bonds of 0.50 M-1 s-1 were calculated for native EYPC on basis of the consumption of HOCl/OCl- or from the decrease in concentration of double bonds. In peroxidized EYPC this reaction constant was similar as determined following changes in double bonds. It is concluded that the consumption of HOCl/OCl- increased in peroxidized liposomes due to additional reactions with lipid peroxidation products. tert-Butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide, or organic peroxides or epoxides (cis-9,10-epoxystearic acid; cholesterol-5 alpha,6 alpha-epoxide; trans-2,3-epoxy-butane; cis-2,3-epoxy-butane) were incorporated into liposomes and investigated in respect to their ability (1) to increase the consumption of HOCl/OCl- in DMPC liposomes, (2) to generate a non-enhanced chemiluminescence with HOCl/OCl- and (3) to evoke an accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS) in EYPC liposomes in the absence and presence of NaOCl. None of peroxides or epoxides tested showed any effect on the consumption of HOCl/OCl- or the generation of chemiluminescence. Nor increase of TBARS both in the absence or presence of HOCl/OCl-. In contrast, tert-butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide increased the consumption of HOCl/OCl- in DMPC liposomes and mediated a higher accumulation of TBARS in EYPC liposomes in the presence of HOCl/OCL- over the control. These data suggest that lipid peroxidation in EYPC can be initiated by the reaction of HOCl/OCL- with organic hydroperoxides.

Inhibition by activated neutrophils of the Ca2+ pump ATPase of intact red blood cells

Human neutrophils, activated by phorbol myristate acetate in the presence of intact red blood cells (RBCs), caused inhibition of the Ca2+ pump ATPase of the RBCs and fragmentation of the enzyme as well as other membrane proteins. Inhibition of the Ca2+ pump ATPase of intact RBCs was directly related to the neutrophil concentration and the time of incubation. Ca2+ pump ATPase activity was partially protected by the addition of exogenous glutathione-glutathione peroxidase, but not by superoxide dismutase. The addition of sodium azide, a potent inhibitor of endogenous RBC catalase, enhanced inhibition of the Ca2+ pump ATPase of intact RBCs. Examination by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of membrane proteins isolated from RBCs preincubated with activated neutrophils showed gross changes in banding patterns as compared to controls. Thus, a significant amount of methemoglobin appeared to be associated with the membrane proteins, and, in general, protein bands appeared to be more diffuse and less defined than proteins in control lanes. In addition, there was an increase in the low molecular weight protein bands. Using a monoclonal antibody to the Ca2+ pump ATPase, it was shown that the 140 kDa band representing the Ca2+ pump ATPase decreased, with concomitant appearance of two low molecular weight bands running at 8.2 and 6.8 kDa in the membrane proteins from RBCs preincubated with activated neutrophils. The data are interpreted to suggest that inhibition of the Ca2+ pump ATPase in intact RBCs under these conditions occurred as a result of: neutrophil-derived superoxide, dismutation of superoxide, to H2O2, diffusion of H2O2 into RBCs, a Fenton type reaction between oxyhemoglobin, and H2O2 producing hydroxyl radical and/or a ferryl radical capable of promoting protein fragmentation of RBC membrane proteins, including the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump ATPase.

The role of free radicals and antioxidants: how do we know that they are working?

This review briefly discusses how free radicals are formed and the possible participation of free radicals in disease. The review describes the basic radical reactions and the types of products that are formed from the free-radical reactions of cellular constituents. In many cases, in vivo free-radical oxidation can be detected by measuring products that were derived from radical reactions. Since aerobic organisms generate oxygen-containing free radicals during oxygen metabolism, they carry chemicals and enzymes that reduce the threat posed by these radicals. The more common sources of in vivo free radicals are described in the article as well as the methods used by cells to protect themselves from free-radical damage. Generation of free radicals in vivo also may be the result of exposure to certain chemical agents present in the environment. Many of these agents cause pathologic changes to the exposed tissues and organs by initiating free-radical reactions.

Human macrophage metabolism of low density lipoprotein oxidized by stimulated neutrophils and ferritin

The metabolism of low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidized with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulated neutrophils plus ferritin (LDLox) by human monocyte-derived macrophage (HMDM) was studied. Binding of 125I-labeled LDLox to HMDM and further uptake and degradation were higher than for native 125I-labeled LDL. LDLox seems to be taken up by HMDM through the scavenger receptor as indicated by competition studies with unlabeled native and autoxidized LDL. An increased concentration of cellular cholesteryl esters was observed in HMDM exposed to LDLox. Oxidative modification of LDL increased its electrophoretic migration on agarose gel and also the fragmentation of apolipoprotein B. Data suggest that LDLox is incorporated by human macrophages and can potentially induce foam-cell formation.

The role of lactoferrin as an anti-inflammatory molecule

The formation of hydroxyl radical via the iron catalyzed Haber-Weiss reaction has been implicated in phagocyte-mediated microbicidal activity and inflammatory tissue injury. The fact that neutrophils contain lactoferrin and mononuclear phagocytes have the capacity to acquire exogenous iron has suggested that iron bound to lactoferrin may influence the nature of free radical products generated by these cells. Over the years the iron-lactoferrin complex has been heralded as both a promoter and inhibitor of hydroxyl radical formation. This manuscript is intended to provide an overview of work performed to date related to this controversy and to present results of a number of preliminary studies which shed further light on the role of lactoferrin in inflammation.

Increased ethane exhalation, an in vivo index of lipid peroxidation, in alcohol-abusers

Ethane exhalation was measured in 42 control subjects, 52 patients with various non-alcoholic liver diseases, and 89 alcohol abusers who had been admitted to hospital for alcohol withdrawal and assessment of liver disease (six with normal liver tests, 10 with steatosis with or without fibrosis, six with alcoholic hepatitis, 29 with cirrhosis, 34 with both cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis, and four with both cirrhosis and a hepatocellular carcinoma). Ethane exhalation was similar in control subjects and in patients with non-alcoholic liver diseases, but was five times higher in alcohol abusers. Ethane exhalation in alcohol abusers was significantly, but very weakly, correlated with the daily ethanol intake before hospital admission, and the histological score for steatosis, but not with the inflammation or alcoholic hepatitis scores. Ethane exhalation was inversely correlated with the duration of abstinence before the test. In nine alcoholic patients, the exhalation of ethane was measured repeatedly, and showed slow improvement during abstinence. Ethane exhalation was significantly but weakly correlated with the Pugh's score in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. It is concluded that the mean ethane exhalation is increased in alcohol abusers. One of the possible mechanisms may be the presence of oxidizable fat in the liver. The weak correlation with the Pugh's score is consistent with the contribution of many other factors in the progression to severe liver disease.

Low density lipoprotein oxidation by stimulated neutrophils and ferritin

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation mediated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)- and formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (FMLP) -stimulated human neutrophils was enhanced by 70% in the presence of ferritin. Iron released from ferritin by the superoxide anion generated in the respiratory burst of stimulated neutrophils is shown to be involved in lipoprotein oxidation. Ascorbate (100 microM), superoxide dismutase (10 micrograms/ml) and uric acid (430 microM) showed inhibitory effects of 30% [corrected], 70% and 50% on LDL oxidation, respectively. Ceruloplasmin (2.7 microM) potentiated LDL oxidation by stimulated neutrophils and ferritin, both alone and in the presence of methionine. Methionine (1 mM) and catalase (30 micrograms/ml) increased LDL oxidation by stimulated neutrophils and ferritin. These data suggest that LDL oxidation by stimulated neutrophils and ferritin may be relevant in inflammation when both neutrophils and ferritin are increased.

Bactericidal activity of peroxynitrite

Peroxynitrite is a strong oxidant formed by macrophages and potentially by other cells that produce nitric oxide and superoxide. Peroxynitrite was highly bactericidal, killing Escherichia coli in direct proportion to its concentration with an LD50 of 250 microM at 37 degrees C in potassium phosphate, pH 7.4. The apparent bactericidal activity of a given concentration peroxynitrite at acidic pH was less than that at neutral and alkaline pH. However, after taking the rapid pH-dependent decomposition of peroxynitrite into account, the rate of the killing was not significantly different at pH 5 compared to pH 7.4. Metal chelators did not decrease peroxynitrite-mediated killing, indicating that exogenous transition metals were not required for toxicity. The hydroxyl radical scavengers mannitol, ethanol, and benzoate did not significantly affect toxicity while dimethyl sulfoxide enhanced peroxynitrite-mediated killing. Dimethyl sulfoxide is a more efficient hydroxyl radical scavenger than the other three scavengers and increased the formation of nitrogen dioxide from peroxynitrite. In the presence of 100 mM dimethyl sulfoxide, 60.0 +/- 0.3 microM nitrogen dioxide was formed from 250 microM peroxynitrite as compared to 2.0 +/- 0.1 microM in buffer alone. Thus, formation of nitrogen dioxide may have enhanced the toxicity of peroxynitrite decomposing in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide.

Chlorohydrin formation from unsaturated fatty acids reacted with hypochlorous acid

Stimulated neutrophils produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl) via the myeloperoxidase-catalyzed reaction of hydrogen peroxide with chloride. The reactions of HOCl with oleic, linoleic, and arachidonic acids both as free fatty acids or bound in phosphatidylcholine have been studied. The products were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the methylated and trimethylsilylated derivatives. Oleic acid was converted to the two 9,10-chlorohydrin isomers in near stoichiometric yield. Linoleic acid, at low HOCl:fatty acid ratios, yielded predominantly a mixture of the four possible monochlorohydrin isomers. Bischlorohydrins were also formed, in increasing amounts at higher HOCl concentrations. Arachidonic acid gave a complex mixture of mono- and bischlorohydrins, the relative proportions depending on the amount of HOCl added. Linoleic acid appears to be slightly more reactive than oleic acid with HOCl. Reactions of oleic and linoleic acids with myeloperoxidase, hydrogen peroxide, and chloride gave chlorohydrin products identical to those with HOCl. Lipid chlorohydrins have received little attention as products of reactions of neutrophil oxidants. They are more polar than the parent fatty acids, and if formed in cell membranes could cause disruption to membrane structure. Since cellular targets for HOCl appear to be membrane constituents, chlorohydrin formation from unsaturated lipids could be significant in neutrophil-mediated cytotoxicity.

Urate causes the human polymorphonuclear leukocyte to secrete superoxide

The human polymorphonuclear leukocyte generates O2-. and H2O2 when it is treated with uric acid. A transition metal catalyzed reaction between O2-. and H2O2 can give the hydroxyl radical and myeloperoxidase forms hypochlorous acid from H2O2 and chloride. Therefore, the uric acid-induced secretion of oxidants may be responsible for a large part of the inflammation associated with gout.

Possible involvement of myeloperoxidase in lipid peroxidation

1. Exposure of liposomes to the MPO-H2O2-Cl- system results in oxidation of lipids. Malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal are formed. 2. Oxidation of liposomes by stimulated rat neutrophils, assessed by malondialdehyde formation, is inhibited by KCN. This indicates involvement of MPO in the process. 3. The MPO-H2O2 system oxidizes mildly LDL but in the presence of chloride a propagation phase, with a rapid increase of conjugated diene formation, was observed.

Pseudomonas and neutrophil products modify transferrin and lactoferrin to create conditions that favor hydroxyl radical formation

In vivo most extracellular iron is bound to transferrin or lactoferrin in such a way as to be unable to catalyze the formation of hydroxyl radical from superoxide (.O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). At sites of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection bacterial and neutrophil products could possibly modify transferrin and/or lactoferrin forming catalytic iron complexes. To examine this possibility, diferrictransferrin and diferriclactoferrin which had been incubated with pseudomonas elastase, pseudomonas alkaline protease, human neutrophil elastase, trypsin, or the myeloperoxidase product HOCl were added to a hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase .O2-/H2O2 generating system. Hydroxyl radical formation was only detected with pseudomonas elastase treated diferrictransferrin and, to a much lesser extent, diferriclactoferrin. This effect was enhanced by the combination of pseudomonas elastase with other proteases, most prominently neutrophil elastase. Addition of pseudomonas elastase-treated diferrictransferrin to stimulated neutrophils also resulted in hydroxyl radical generation. Incubation of pseudomonas elastase with transferrin which had been selectively iron loaded at either the NH2- or COOH-terminal binding site yielded iron chelates with similar efficacy for hydroxyl radical catalysis. Pseudomonas elastase and HOCl treatment also decreased the ability of apotransferrin to inhibit hydroxyl radical formation by a Fe-NTA supplemented hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase system. However, apotransferrin could be protected from the effects of HOCl if bicarbonate anion was present during the incubation. Apolactoferrin inhibition of hydroxyl radical generation was unaffected by any of the four proteases or HOCl. Alteration of transferrin by enzymes and oxidants present at sites of pseudomonas and other bacterial infections may increase the potential for local hydroxyl radical generation thereby contributing to tissue injury.

Isolation of human salivary polymorphonuclear leukocytes and their stimulation-coupled responses

A simple method was developed to isolate viable human salivary polymorphonuclear leukocytes (SPMN) from the oral cavity, and stimulation-coupled responses of these cells were examined. From morphological characteristics and the presence of neutrophil-specific annexin protein (39-kDa protein), we found that these cells seemed to be very similar to human peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PPMN), although they were in rather young stages. Stimulation-coupled responses of these cells were observed in terms of superoxide (O2.-) genration, luminol chemiluminescence response (LCL), membrane depolarization, and changes in intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i). The rates of superoxide generation by various stimuli, such as formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (FMLP), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and opsonized zymosan (OZ) were different. Superoxide generation and strong chemiluminescence response were observed without addition of any stimuli. This endogenous LCL was inhibited by azide and superoxide dismutase (SOD), but not by uric acid (UA). The intensity of the endogenous LCL decreased with time after isolation from the oral cavity. This decrease was accompanied by the appearance of a FMLP-coupled response. Furthermore, the endogenous activity which produced active oxygen species was maintained in the medium at 4 degrees C for a long period after isolation. From these results, it is suggested that SPMN have the ability to show characteristic responses to various stimuli, and that SPMN play important roles in the defense mechanisms in the oral cavity.

DNA damage by oxygen-derived species. Its mechanism and measurement in mammalian systems

When cells are exposed to oxidative stress, DNA damage frequently occurs. The molecular mechanisms causing this damage may include activation of nucleases and direct reaction of hydroxyl radicals with the DNA. Several oxygen-derived species can attack DNA, producing distinctive patterns of chemical modification. Observation of these patterns and measurement of some of the products formed has been used to determine the role of different oxygen-derived species in DNA cleavage reactions, to assess the extent of oxidative damage to DNA in vivo and to investigate the mechanism of DNA damage by ionizing radiation and chemical carcinogens.

Application of spin trapping to human phagocytic cells: insight into conditions for formation and limitation of hydroxyl radical

In recent years spin trapping techniques have been used extensively to better understand the free radical biology of phagocytic cells. These results demonstrate that spin trapping is of adequate sensitivity to detect superoxide and/or hydroxyl radical generated by these cells, and that spin trapping is capable of measuring phagosomal radicals as well. However, neither neutrophils, monocytes, nor monocyte derived macrophages generate hydroxyl radical in the absence of exogenous iron. Furthermore, neutrophil lactoferrin and myeloperoxidase limit the magnitude (and in the case of lactoferrin the duration) of hydroxyl radical formed by neutrophils in an iron catalyzed system. Since monocytic phagocytes possess no lactoferrin, and limited myeloperoxidase, hydroxyl radical may play an important role in the inflammatory behavior of mononuclear phagocytes.

The use of water-soluble radical scavengers to detect hydroxyl radical formation by polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The polymorphonuclear leukocyte secretes both O2- and H2O2 when stimulated by various soluble or particulate stimuli. Since a reaction involving iron, O2-, and H2O2 could generate the hydroxyl radical (HO.) there has been speculation that the HO. may participate in the bactericidal activity of the neutrophil. A variety of water-soluble HO. scavengers have been used to test for the participation of HO. and the results imply that HO. might participate. However, other workers have not been able to detect the formation of significant amounts of HO. by the activated neutrophil. We have examined the effect of several commonly used HO. radical scavengers on the ability of the neutrophil to secrete O2- and H2O2. Several of these compounds actively inhibit secretion without affecting the viability of the neutrophil. After considering the various complications inherent in using water soluble radical scavengers, we suggest that they only be used with well defined experimental systems.

Ferritin-dependent lipid peroxidation by stimulated neutrophils: inhibition by myeloperoxidase-derived hypochlorous acid but not by endogenous lactoferrin

Human neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate or formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine caused superoxide-dependent release of iron from feritin, measured as the formation of a ferrous-ferrozine complex. The stimulated cells also caused ferritin-dependent peroxidation of phospholipid liposomes. Peroxidation was inhibited by lactoferrin, but only at concentrations considerably in excess of what could be achieved by release of endogenous lactoferrin. Peroxidation was enhanced by catalase and methionine, especially when stimulants that release myeloperoxidase were used. Peroxidation was inhibited by added myeloperoxidase. These results are explained by myeloperoxidase catalysing the formation of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and the HOCl reacting with the lipid to inhibit peroxidation. Thus, neutrophils are able to use ferritin to promote lipid peroxidation. This may be limited under some conditions by iron binding to lactoferrin or transferrin, and more generally by reactions of the lipid with myeloperoxidase-derived HOCl. However, the latter reactions themselves may be harmful.

Possible role of bacterial siderophores in inflammation. Iron bound to the Pseudomonas siderophore pyochelin can function as a hydroxyl radical catalyst

Tissue injury has been linked to neutrophil associated hydroxyl radical (.OH) generation, a process that requires an exogenous transition metal catalyst such as iron. In vivo most iron is bound in a noncatalytic form. To obtain iron required for growth, many bacteria secrete iron chelators (siderophores). Since Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are associated with considerable tissue destruction, we examined whether iron bound to the Pseudomonas siderophores pyochelin (PCH) and pyoverdin (PVD) could act as .OH catalysts. Purified PCH and PVD were iron loaded (Fe-PCH, Fe-PVD) and added to a hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase superoxide- (.O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-generating system. Evidence for .OH generation was then sought using two different spin-trapping agents (5.5 dimethyl-pyrroline-1-oxide or N-t-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone), as well as the deoxyribose oxidation assay. Regardless of methodology, .OH generation was detected in the presence of Fe-PCH but not Fe-PVD. Inhibition of the process by catalase and/or SOD suggested .OH formation with Fe-PCH occurred via the Haber-Weiss reaction. Similar results were obtained when stimulated neutrophils were used as the source of .O2- and H2O2. Addition of Fe-PCH but not Fe-PVD to stimulated neutrophils yielded .OH as detected by the above assay systems. Since PCH and PVD bind ferric (Fe3+) but not ferrous (Fe2+) iron, .OH catalysis with Fe-PCH would likely involve .O2(-)-mediated reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ with subsequent release of "free" Fe2+. This was confirmed by measuring formation of the Fe2(+)-ferrozine complex after exposure of Fe-PCH, but not Fe-PVD, to enzymatically generated .O2-. These data show that Fe-PCH, but not Fe-PVD, is capable of catalyzing generation of .OH. Such a process could represent as yet another mechanism of tissue injury at sites of infection with P. aeruginosa.

Superoxide enhances hypochlorous acid production by stimulated human neutrophils

Stimulated neutrophils undergo a respiratory burst discharging large quantities of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. They also release myeloperoxidase, which catalyses the conversion of hydrogen peroxide and Cl- to hypochlorous acid. Human neutrophils stimulated with opsonized zymosan promoted the loss of monochlorodimedon. This loss was entirely due to hypochlorous acid, since it did not occur in Cl(-)-free buffer, was inhibited by azide and cyanide, and was enhanced by adding exogenous myeloperoxidase. It was not inhibited by desferal, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, mannitol or dimethylsulfoxide, which excluded involvement of the hydroxyl radical. Approx. 30% of the detectable superoxide generated was converted to hypochlorous acid. As expected, formation of hypochlorous acid was completely inhibited by catalase, but it was also inhibited by up to 70% by superoxide dismutase. Superoxide dismutase also inhibited the production of hypochlorous acid by neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate. Our results indicate that generation of superoxide by neutrophils enables these cells to enhance their production of hypochlorous acid. Furthermore, inhibition of neutrophil processes by superoxide dismutase and catalase does not necessarily implicate the hydroxyl radical. It is proposed that superoxide may potentiate oxidant damage at inflammatory sites by optimizing the myeloperoxidase-dependent production of hypochlorous acid.

Bacterial iron enhances oxygen radical-mediated killing of Staphylococcus aureus by phagocytes

It has been shown that increasing bacterial iron concentration enhances killing by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) but not by polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN). It is possible that owing to the multiple bactericidal mechanisms of the PMN, differences in the killing rate of iron-loaded bacteria and control bacteria are obscured. We decided, therefore, to compare the killing of iron-loaded bacteria with that of control bacteria using human monocytes (MN), PMN, and PMN-derived cytoplasts. Incubation of Staphylococcus aureus with increasing concentrations of ferrous ammonium sulfate (0 to 1,000 microM) progressively increased the iron content in the bacteria (from 0.01 to 0.24 mumol of iron per 10(9) bacteria). Iron loading of the bacteria markedly increased their susceptibility to killing by H2O2. After 1 h of incubation with 1 mM H2O2, 95 +/- 2% of the iron-loaded bacteria were killed compared with 18 +/- 4% of the control bacteria (P less than 0.0001). Iron loading of bacteria did not alter their susceptibility to killing by human PMN. However, iron-loaded bacteria were more susceptible to killing by MN (after 12 min of incubation, 81 +/- 2 versus 74 +/- 2% killing; P less than 0.008) and to killing by PMN-derived cytoplasts (after 60 min of incubation, 52 +/- 8 versus 33 +/- 5%; P = 0.003) than the controls. Moreover, iron loading enhanced luminol-mediated chemiluminescence of MN, PMN, and PMN-derived cytoplasts. The hydroxyl radical scavenger thiourea inhibited H2O2-mediated killing of iron-loaded staphylococci as well as luminol-mediated chemiluminescence. These results suggest that alterations in intrinsic iron content increase killing of staphylococci by H2O2, MN, and PMN-derived cytoplasts by a free radical-mediated mechanism.

Neutrophil degranulation inhibits potential hydroxyl-radical formation. Relative impact of myeloperoxidase and lactoferrin release on hydroxyl-radical production by iron-supplemented neutrophils assessed by spin-trapping techniques

Hydroxyl radical (.OH) formation by neutrophils in vitro requires exogenous iron. Two recent studies [Britigan, Rosen, Thompson, Chai & Cohen (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 17026-17032; Winterbourn (1987) J. Clin. Invest. 78, 545-550] both reported that neutrophil degranulation could potentially inhibit the formation of .OH, but differed in their conclusions as to the responsible factor, myeloperoxidase (MPO) or lactoferrin (LF). By using a previously developed spin-trapping system which allows specific on-line detection of superoxide anion (O2-) and .OH production, the impact of MPO and LF release on neutrophil .OH production was compared. When iron-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid-supplemented neutrophils were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate or opsonized zymosan, .OH formation occurred, but terminated prematurely in spite of continued O2- generation. Inhibition of MPO by azide increased the magnitude, but not the duration, of .OH formation. No azide effect was noted when MPO-deficient neutrophils were used. Anti-LF antibody increased both the magnitude and duration of .OH generation. Pretreatment of neutrophils with cytochalasin B to prevent phagosome formation did not alter the relative impact of azide or anti-LF on neutrophil .OH production. An effect of azide or anti-LF on spin-trapped-adduct stability was eliminated as a confounding factor. These data indicate that neutrophils possess two mechanisms for limiting .OH production. Implications for neutrophil-derived oxidant damage are discussed.

Intracellular spin-trapping of oxygen-centered radicals generated by human neutrophils

Phagocytosing neutrophils secrete superoxide into a vacuole generally inaccessible for direct study. However, the spin-trapping agent 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) enters the cytoplasm of several cell types where it can report free radical species including superoxide and hydroxyl radical. In the present study we employed a variety of experimental conditions to eliminate extracellular ESR signals and/or free radicals generated by stimulated neutrophils so that DMPO adducts reported events inside the cell. We identified a concentration of poly(ethylene glycol)-modified superoxide dismutase that permitted measurement of intracellular superoxide as determined by several criteria. It seems likely that poly(ethylene glycol)-modified superoxide dismutase is too large to enter the neutrophil phagosome. Under these conditions no hydroxyl radical was detected, as would be predicted from earlier studies with spin-trapping. Use of poly(ethylene glycol)-modified superoxide dismutase should allow on-line measurement of phagosomal events, thereby improving our understanding of microbicidal and inflammatory processes.

Leukocytic oxygen activation and microbicidal oxidative toxins

Following a brief introduction of cellular response to stimulation comprising leukocyte activation, three major areas are discussed: (1) the neutrophil oxidase; (2) myeloperoxidase (MPO)-dependent oxidative microbicidal reactions; and (3) MPO-independent oxidative reactions. Topics included in section (A) are current views on the activation mechanism, redox composition, structural and topographic organization of the oxidase, and its respiratory products. In section (B), emphasis is placed on recent research on cidal mechanisms of HOCl, including the oxidative biochemistry of active chlorine compounds, identification of sites of lesions in bacteria, and attendant metabolic consequences. In section (C), we review the (bio)chemistry of H2O2 and .OH microbicidal reactions, with particular attention being given to addressing the controversial issue of probe methods to identify .OH radical and critical assessment of the recent proposal that MPO-independent killing arises from site-specific metal-catalyzed Fenton-type chemistry.

The superoxide-dependent transfer of iron from ferritin to transferrin and lactoferrin

By the use of gel filtration and [59Fe]ferritin, apotransferrin and apolactoferrin were shown to take up iron released from ferritin by superoxide generated by hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase. Apotransferrin also inhibited uptake of released iron by ferrozine. Ferritin and the xanthine oxidase system induced lipid peroxidation in phospholipid liposomes. This peroxidation was inhibited by apotransferrin or apolactoferrin. Thus, although superoxide and other free radicals can release iron from ferritin, either iron-binding protein, if present, should take up this iron and prevent its catalysing subsequent oxidative reactions.

Susceptibility of Canine, Feline and Human Erythrocytes to Oxidant-Mediated Injury

e relative susceptibilities of feline, canine and human erythrocytes to in vitro hydrogen peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation and hemolysis were studied. At 15 minutes following exposure to hydrogen peroxide, cat erythrocytes had higher concentrations of lipid peroxidation by-products and a greater percent hemolysis as compared to dogs and humans. Erythrocytes from cats with induced sterile abscesses had lower concentrations of the antioxidant glutathione, but they did not have detectable concentrations of lipid peroxides nor were they more susceptible to in vitro lipid peroxidation or hemolysis.

Do humans neutrophils form hydroxyl radical? Evaluation of an unresolved controversy

Hydroxyl radical is a potent oxidizing agent of potential importance in human pathobiology. Since neutrophilic phagocytes make superoxide and hydrogen peroxide during phagocytosis, it has been proposed that hydroxyl radical is also formed. In this paper we review the literature which supports or refutes formation of hydroxyl radical by neutrophils and the mechanism(s) by which this radical might be formed. We conclude that there is no definitive proof for hydroxyl radical formation by neutrophils. In fact, neutrophil release of lactoferrin and myeloperoxidase appears to limit formation of this radical. Future studies are likely to determine whether superoxide released by neutrophils interacts with target substrates to allow formation of hydroxyl radical.

Cerebroside sulfuric ester (sulfatide) induces oxygen radical generation in guinea-pig leukocytes

Previous studies on experimental allergic encephalomyelitis have shown that a number of leukocytes appear in demyelinating lesions of guinea-pig brain. The present studies showed that cerebroside sulfuric ester (sulfatide), a typical component of myelin membranes, stimulated the oxidative metabolism of guinea-pig neutrophils and macrophages, leading to marked generation of oxygen radicals and light emission. Formation of a spin adduct of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide by leukocytes was dependent on the concentration of sulfatide, and correlated well with the generation of superoxide anion and the intensity of chemiluminescence measured in the absence of luminol. The addition of myelin membranes to the sulfatide-stimulated neutrophils amplified the light emission, suggesting an interaction between myelin membranes and those of leukocytes. Assay of the thiobarbituric acid reaction in the mixture of membranes and cells showed that sulfatide-stimulated cells induced lipid peroxidation in myelin membranes. These results suggest that sulfatide released from demyelinating lesions stimulates leukocytes to release toxic oxygen radicals, which attack myelin membranes, leading to a chain reaction of demyelination.