Basophil variants with impaired cromoglycate binding do not respond to an immunological degranulation stimulus

Mast cell stabilization alleviates acute lung injury after orthotopic autologous liver transplantation in rats by downregulating inflammation

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most severe complications after orthotopic liver transplantation. Amplified inflammatory response after transplantation contributes to the process of ALI, but the mechanism underlying inflammation activation is not completely understood. We have demonstrated that mast cell stabilization attenuated inflammation and ALI in a rodent intestine ischemia/reperfusion model. We hypothesized that upregulation of inflammation triggered by mast cell activation may be involve in ALI after liver transplantation.

Methods

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats received orthotopic autologous liver transplantation (OALT) and were executed 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after OALT. The rats were pretreated with the mast cell stabilizers cromolyn sodium or ketotifen 15 min before OALT and executed 8 h after OALT. Lung tissues and arterial blood were collected to evaluate lung injury_. β-hexosaminidase and mast cell tryptase levels were assessed to determine the activation of mast cells. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum and lung tissue were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 translocation was assessed by Western blot.

Results

The rats that underwent OALT exhibited severe pulmonary damage with a high wet-to-dry ratio, low partial pressure of oxygen, and low precursor surfactant protein C levels, which corresponded to the significant elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, β-hexosaminidase, and tryptase levels in serum and lung tissues. The severity of ALI progressed and maximized 8 h after OALT. Mast cell stabilization significantly inhibited the activation of mast cells, downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and translocation of NF-κB, and attenuated OALT-induced ALI.

Conclusions

Mast cell activation amplified inflammation and played an important role in the process of post-OALT related ALI.

Galectin-9 is a high affinity IgE-binding lectin with anti-allergic effect by blocking IgE-antigen complex formation

Galectin (Gal)-9 was first described as an eosinophil chemoattractant. With the progress in research, Gal-9 has come to be known as a versatile immunomodulator that is involved in various aspects of immune regulations, and the entire picture of the function still remains elusive. To uncover as-yet unknown activity of Gal-9, we have been examining the effect of the protein in various disease animal models. Here we show that Gal-9 attenuated asthmatic reaction in guinea pigs and suppressed passive-cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice. These results indicate the mast cell stabilizing effect of Gal-9. In vitro studies of mast cell degranulation involving RBL-2H3 cells demonstrated that Gal-9 suppressed degranulation from the cells stimulated by IgE plus antigen and that the inhibitory effect was completely abrogated in the presence of lactose, indicating lectin activity of Gal-9 is critical. We found that Gal-9 strongly and specifically bound IgE, which is a heavily glycosylated immunoglobulin, and that the interaction prevented IgE-antigen complex formation, clarifying the mode of action of the anti-degranulation effect. Gal-9 is expressed by several mast cells including mouse mast cell line MC/9. The fact that immunological stimuli of MC/9 cells augmented Gal-9 secretion from the cells implies that Gal-9 is an autocrine regulator of mast cell function to suppress excessive degranulation. Collectively, these findings shed light on a novel function of Gal-9 in mast cells and suggest a beneficial utility of Gal-9 for the treatment of allergic disorders including asthma.

Galectin-9 is a high affinity IgE-binding lectin with anti-allergic effect by blocking IgE-antigen complex formation

Galectin (Gal)-9 was first described as an eosinophil chemoattractant. With the progress in research, Gal-9 has come to be known as a versatile immunomodulator that is involved in various aspects of immune regulations, and the entire picture of the function still remains elusive. To uncover as-yet unknown activity of Gal-9, we have been examining the effect of the protein in various disease animal models. Here we show that Gal-9 attenuated asthmatic reaction in guinea pigs and suppressed passive-cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice. These results indicate the mast cell stabilizing effect of Gal-9. In vitro studies of mast cell degranulation involving RBL-2H3 cells demonstrated that Gal-9 suppressed degranulation from the cells stimulated by IgE plus antigen and that the inhibitory effect was completely abrogated in the presence of lactose, indicating lectin activity of Gal-9 is critical. We found that Gal-9 strongly and specifically bound IgE, which is a heavily glycosylated immunoglobulin, and that the interaction prevented IgE-antigen complex formation, clarifying the mode of action of the anti-degranulation effect. Gal-9 is expressed by several mast cells including mouse mast cell line MC/9. The fact that immunological stimuli of MC/9 cells augmented Gal-9 secretion from the cells implies that Gal-9 is an autocrine regulator of mast cell function to suppress excessive degranulation. Collectively, these findings shed light on a novel function of Gal-9 in mast cells and suggest a beneficial utility of Gal-9 for the treatment of allergic disorders including asthma.

Mast cell stabilization improves cardiac contractile function following hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) is associated with cardiac contractile dysfunction. Mast cell (MC) degranulation is hypothesized to mediate the cardiodepressant effect. Cardiac function was assessed after HS and resuscitation (HS/R) with the administration of the MC stabilizers to prevent MC degranulation. Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to sham-operated control or HS/R groups and underwent 60 min of HS followed by 2 h of resuscitated reperfusion. Animals in the HS/R groups were randomized to receive cromolyn (5 mg/kg), ketotifen (1 mg/kg), or saline 15 min before shock. Hearts were excised following HS or 2 h of reperfusion, and function was assessed on a Langendorff apparatus. A second group of randomized animals had serial blood samples taken to assess MC degranulation by quantifying levels of serum beta-hexosaminidase. Hearts were excised at 0 min (before HS) and following 60 min of HS (before resuscitation) for a histological evaluation of MC density and degranulation. In vivo MC stabilization using ketotifen and cromolyn improved cardiac peak systolic pressure (P < 0.05), contractility (P < 0.05), and relaxation (P < 0.05) compared with that of HS controls. Serum beta-hexosaminidase increased during HS/R and was inhibited by MC stabilization (P < 0.05). Degranulation was inhibited when assessed by histochemistry and immune fluorescence. The inhibition of MC degranulation can significantly improve cardiac function following HS/R.

Non-specific effects of calcium entry antagonists in mast cells

Calcium entry in non-excitable cells occurs through calcium-selective currents activated secondarily to store depletion and/or through non-selective cation channels (e.g., receptor- or second-messenger-activated channels). The driving force for calcium influx can be modified by chloride or potassium channels, which set the membrane potential of cells. Together, these conductances determine the extent of calcium entry. Mast cells are an excellent model system for studying calcium influx, because calcium-release-activated calcium currents (ICRAC), second-messenger-activated non-selective currents and chloride currents are present in these cells. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were used to test the effects of the commonly used calcium entry blockers econazole and SK&F 96365, as well as the antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs tenidap, ketotifen and cromolyn on these channels. All tested drugs blocked the three different channel types with a similar order of magnitude (IC50 values ranging from micromolar to millimolar). Hence, these drugs cannot be used to discriminate between different calcium entry mechanisms.

Characterization of a new type of variant of rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 cells presenting a different pattern of calcium signal

We selected a new type of variant (designated 3C7) derived spontaneously from parental RBL-2H3 cells. 3C7 cells showed lower contact inhibition, anchorage dependency, and serotonin release activity than those of RBL-2H3 cells. We conclude that 3C7 cells are a transformant of RBL-2H3 cell with greater malignancy. The production of inositol bisphosphate and the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores induced by IgE-antigen stimulation were enhanced in 3C7. Oscillation of [Ca2+]i in individual 3C7 cells was observed by a digital imaging microscopic technique. We propose that 3C7 cells are a useful model system for studies on the mechanisms of stimulus-secretion coupling and the relationships between malignant alterations and disorders of signal transduction.

The protective effect of a new antiallergic agent, KP-136 on mast cell activation: a comparison with disodium cromoglycate

The protective effects on mast cell activation were compared between a new antiallergic agent, KP-136 and disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), both of which inhibited the immunological degranulation of rat peritoneal mast cells. The IC50 was 0.03 micrograms/ml for KP-136 and 4.7 micrograms/ml for DSCG. KP-136 predominantly acted on the early stage of mast cell activation processes and inhibited the immunological increase in 45Ca uptake. KP-136 also inhibited A23187- and heat-induced degranulation and heat-induced hemolysis. In addition, KP-136 was effective on phospholipase A2-induced degranulation, although the compound did not directly affect the enzyme activity. In all tests for comparison, KP-136 and DSCG had similar profiles of action and the parallel experiments indicated that KP-136 was a more potent inhibitor of mast cell activation than DSCG, having a DSCG-like membrane stabilizing activity.

Activation of rat basophilic leukemia cells. Temporal identification of the signal calcium influx mediated by the receptor-operated channel pathway

Antigen-induced 45calcium influx into rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells was examined with emphasis on the early time domain under conditions that exclude loss of the cation during the subsequent washing step. Such preparations demonstrate a distinct, temporally separate influx peaking at 3 min, followed by a substantial efflux. This internalized 45Ca2+ approaches millimolar total intracellular concentration and is therefore either sequestered or becomes bound to intracellular components (proteins). The amplitude of this influx is linearly proportional to IgE-receptor occupancy at low receptor occupancies, and is sensitive to the anti-allergic drug cromolyn. Furthermore, the timing of both the maximal uptake and the maximal susceptibility to cromolyn correlates with the Quin-2 signal in these cells, and the initial degranulation pattern bears some resemblance to trends in the 45Ca2+ uptake curve. These qualities suggest that the early peak at 2-3 min, rather than any later 45Ca2+ uptake, comprises the initial signalling Ca2+ pool. Maximal apparent inhibition by cromolyn for 45Ca2+ uptake was about 65% and required a 10-15-min preincubation with the cells. The inhibitory effect was limited to the peak at 3 min, suggesting that tracer incorporation beyond 5-6 min largely involves other pools or pathways, triggered by receptor aggregation, yet only indirectly related to channel activity or to the signal proper. A quantitative similarity was found between the early peak measured on intact cells and the single channel conductance measured on reconstituted planar bilayers containing the purified receptor for IgE and the purified cromolyn-binding protein [Corcia, A. et al. (1986) EM BO J. 5, 849-854]. This, as well as the effects of cromolyn, support the assumption that cromolyn-binding protein is a major constituent involved in this early influx, or that influx is a principal pathway for the signaling calcium mass.

Effect of disodium cromoglycate on inflammatory cells bearing the Fc epsilon receptor type II (Fc epsilon RII)

Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) has well-established stabilizing properties on mast cells and basophils. However, the potential inhibitory effect of DSCG has been little demonstrated on the IgE stimulation of cell populations expressing epsilon receptors type II, (Fc epsilon RII), such as mononuclear phagocytes, eosinophils or platelets. Therefore, using various parameters of IgE-mediated triggering, we demonstrated the inhibitory role of DSCG on: (i) the release of neutrophil chemotactic factor by human alveolar macrophages, (ii) the oxygen metabolite-dependent chemiluminescence of human alveolar macrophages, rat peritonal macrophages, human eosinophils, human and rat platelets, and (iii) the beta-glucuronidase release and synthesis by human alveolar macrophages. The inhibition of IgE-dependent stimulation ranged from 60% to 80%, according to the cells and to the measured parameter. It could therefore be considered that the action of DSCG was not restricted to its effects on mast cells and basophils, but also on other cells expressing Fc epsilon R leading to a potential reduction of the physiopathological consequences of allergic asthma and, possibly, of the late phase reaction sometimes associated with the disease, insofar as these cells are involved.

REV 2871 (CHBZ): a potent antiallergic agent with a novel mechanism of action. II. Studies on the mechanism of action

REV 2871 (CHBZ) was taken up by rat mast cells and human leukocytes in a specific and saturable manner. The compound can be hydrolyzed by a granule-associated enzyme in the mast cell to an ionic metabolite (REV 3579) whose in vitro profile is identical to that of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). REV 3579, although achieving millimolar concentrations inside cells incubated with CHBZ, was not itself taken up by rat mast cells or human leukocytes. The unusual in vitro activity of CHBZ is postulated to arise from the fact that it is a prodrug for delivering a DSCG-like drug to the interior of a secretory cell. The internalized drug apparently exerts a more general and longer-lived inhibition of the secretory process than it can by acting on exterior membrane receptors. CHBZ thus represents a novel drug for studying anaphylactic responses in vitro.

The cromolyn binding protein constitutes the Ca2+ channel of basophils opening upon immunological stimulus

Ca2+ channel opening has been proposed to be induced in the plasma membrane of mast cells and basophils upon crosslinking their Fc epsilon receptors. Here we report direct conductance measurements on planar lipid bilayers containing membrane components of rat basophils (RBL-2H3 line). These studies identify the Ca2+ channel-forming membrane component as the cromolyn binding protein [CBP, in which cromolyn is the anti-asthmatic drug 1,3-bis(2-carboxy-chromon-5-yloxy)-2-hydroxypropane]. Planar membranes were first formed from lipid vesicles containing unfractionated plasma membrane components prepared from RBL-2H3 cells. Conductance of these bilayers was induced by crosslinking IgE bound to the Fc epsilon receptors of this membrane by a specific polyvalent antigen. Channel conductance in the presence of only Ca2+ ions (2 mM) was 2 pS. When only sodium ions were present (150 mM), conductance was 10 pS. Upon addition of Ca2+ (2 mM) to the Na+ ion-containing solution, the conductance decreased from 10 pS to that of the Ca2+ ions--namely, 2pS. Open channel times were in the range of several hundred milliseconds. Conductance amplitudes and time characteristics were independent of the applied voltage. As our earlier studies revealed the essential role of the CBP in Ca2+ conductance of basophil membranes, we formed planar bilayers containing this isolated protein alone. Crosslinking of the CBP by a monoclonal antibody specific to it resulted in the appearance of channel conductances. All characteristics of these channels exhibited great similarity to those observed in planar membranes containing unfractionated RBL-2H3 membrane components. Moreover, in the latter membranes, the monoclonal anti-CBP antibody induced channel conductances that display an even closer similarity to those observed in membranes containing CBP alone. Conductances of both types of planar membranes, irrespective of the mode of activation used, were inhibited by cromolyn. Furthermore, the conductance induced in RBL membranes by polyvalent antigen was inhibited on dissociation of the crosslinked aggregates by a monovalent hapten. The detailed resemblance in channel behavior observed in experiments with the two types of planar bilayers provides compelling evidence that the CBP is the essential and sufficient component forming Ca2+ channels in basophil plasma membranes.

Use of calcium channel blocking agents in the management of childhood asthma

The function of the cells involved in the genesis of bronchial asthma is calcium dependent. The "Ca2+ hypothesis of asthma" suggests that calcium channel blocking agents may have a beneficial effect in asthma. The clinical trials with the available classic calcium antagonists in childhood asthma are very few and their clinical application remains to be determined. Sodium cromoglycate and ketotifen, which have been in clinical use for many years, can be considered as calcium channel blockers and seem to have a significant role in the prophylaxis of bronchial asthma.

Cellular calcium metabolism: activation and antagonism

The role of Ca2+ as a mediator of many cellular responses, including stimulus-secretion and excitation-contraction coupling, is reviewed. Pathways of Ca2+ mobilization are discussed in terms of both intracellular and plasmalemmal processes. The extent to which specific antagonists exist, active at these several sites, is noted, with particular emphasis on the clinically available Ca2+ channel antagonists, including verapamil, nifedipine, and diltiazem.

Restoration of Ca2+ influx and degranulation capacity of variant RBL-2H3 cells upon implantation of isolated cromolyn binding protein

Recently, variants of the rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3), deficient in their binding capacity for the antiallergic drug cromolyn but displaying unimpaired ability to bind IgE, were selected and cloned [Mazurek, N., Bashkin, P., Petrank, A. & Pecht, I. (1983) Nature (London) 303, 528-530]. Although the histamine content and the number of IgE receptors in these variants are similar to those of the parental cells, they cannot be stimulated immunologically to allow Ca(2+) influx and to degranulate. In contrast, the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 causes these variants to degranulate, indicating that the mechanism distal to the Ca(2+) gating is intact in the variants. The cromolyn binding protein (CBP), present in the membranes of RBL-2H3 cells, has recently been isolated by affinity chromatography under nondenaturing conditions. In the current study we have used Sendaivirus envelopes as fusogenic carriers to implant the purified CBP into the membrane of variant basophils that were defective in it. This fusion leads to the restoration of Ca(2+) uptake and degranulation capacity of the variants after IgE-mediated stimulation. These restored activities seem to show a sigmoidal dependence on the amount of incorporated CBP. Saturation values comparable to those of the parental line are reached when the level of implanted CBP approaches its density on the latter line. The restored capacity is due to the implanted CBP, because the reinstated immunological response can be blocked by the inhibitory drug cromolyn and by monoclonal antibodies specific to CBP, both shown to prevent Ca(2+) uptake and degranulation in mast cells and parental RBL-2H3 cells. These results point out that CBP plays an important role in the Ca(2+) gating process resulting in degranulation.