Synthesis and secretion of plasmalogens by type-II pneumocytes

Systematic crosstalk in plasmalogen and diacyl lipid biosynthesis for their differential yet concerted molecular functions in the cell

Plasmalogen is a major phospholipid of mammalian cell membranes. Recently it is becoming evident that the sn-1 vinyl-ether linkage in plasmalogen, contrasting to the ester linkage in the counterpart diacyl glycerophospholipid, yields differential molecular characteristics for these lipids especially related to hydrocarbon-chain order, so as to concertedly regulate biological membrane processes. A role played by NMR in gaining information in this respect, ranging from molecular to tissue levels, draws particular attention. We note here that a broad range of enzymes in de novo synthesis pathway of plasmalogen commonly constitute that of diacyl glycerophospholipid. This fact forms the basis for systematic crosstalk that not only controls a quantitative balance between these lipids, but also senses a defect causing loss of lipid in either pathway for compensation by increase of the counterpart lipid. However, this inherent counterbalancing mechanism paradoxically amplifies imbalance in differential effects of these lipids in a diseased state on membrane processes. While sharing of enzymes has been recognized, it is now possible to overview the crosstalk with growing information for specific enzymes involved. The overview provides a fundamental clue to consider cell and tissue type-dependent schemes in regulating membrane processes by plasmalogen and diacyl glycerophospholipid in health and disease.

The Potential Role of Bioactive Plasmalogens in Lung Surfactant

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is a type of newborn disorder caused by the deficiency or late appearance of lung surfactant, a mixture of lipids and proteins. Studies have shown that lung surfactant replacement therapy could effectively reduce the morbidity and mortality of NRDS, and the therapeutic effect of animal-derived surfactant preparation, although with its limitations, performs much better than that of protein-free synthetic ones. Plasmalogens are a type of ether phospholipids present in multiple human tissues, including lung and lung surfactant. Plasmalogens are known to promote and stabilize non-lamellar hexagonal phase structure in addition to their significant antioxidant property. Nevertheless, they are nearly ignored and underappreciated in the lung surfactant-related research. This report will focus on plasmalogens, a minor yet potentially vital component of lung surfactant, and also discuss their biophysical properties and functions as anti-oxidation, structural modification, and surface tension reduction at the alveolar surface. At the end, we boldly propose a novel synthetic protein-free lung surfactant preparation with plasmalogen modification as an alternative strategy for surfactant replacement therapy.

Lipidomics reveals dramatic lipid compositional changes in the maturing postnatal lung

Lung immaturity is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving normal lung development could provide insights on how to ameliorate disrupted development. While transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of normal lung development have been previously reported, characterization of changes in the lipidome is lacking. Lipids play significant roles in the lung, such as dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine in pulmonary surfactant; however, many of the roles of specific lipid species in normal lung development, as well as in disease states, are not well defined. In this study, we used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to investigate the murine lipidome during normal postnatal lung development. Lipidomics analysis of lungs from post-natal day 7, day 14 and 6–8 week mice (adult) identified 924 unique lipids across 21 lipid subclasses, with dramatic alterations in the lipidome across developmental stages. Our data confirmed previously recognized aspects of post-natal lung development and revealed several insights, including in sphingolipid-mediated apoptosis, inflammation and energy storage/usage. Complementary proteomics, metabolomics and chemical imaging corroborated these observations. This multi-omic view provides a unique resource and deeper insight into normal pulmonary development.

Identification of glutathione adducts of α-chlorofatty aldehydes produced in activated neutrophils

α-Chlorofatty aldehydes (α-ClFALDs) are produced by hypochlorous acid targeting plasmalogens during neutrophil activation. This study investigated the reaction of the α-chlorinated carbon of α-ClFALD with the nucleophile, GSH. Utilizing ESI/MS/MS, the reaction product of GSH and the 16-carbon α-ClFALD, 2-chlorohexadecanal (2-ClHDA), was characterized. The resulting conjugate of 2-ClHDA and GSH (HDA-GSH) has an intact free aldehyde, and the chlorine at the α-carbon is ejected. Stable isotope-labeled [d4]HDA-GSH was synthesized, which further confirmed the structure, and was used to quantify natural α-ClFALD conjugates of GSH (FALD-GSH) using reverse-phase LC with detection by ESI/MS/MS using selected reaction monitoring. HDA-GSH is elevated in RAW 264.7 cells treated with physiologically relevant concentrations of exogenous 2-ClHDA. Furthermore, PMA-treated primary human neutrophils have elevated levels of HDA-GSH and the conjugate of 2-chlorooctadecanal (2-ClODA) and GSH (ODA-GSH), as well as elevated levels of 2-ClHDA and 2-ClODA. Production of both conjugates in PMA-stimulated neutrophils was reduced by 3-aminotriazole pretreatment, which also blocks endogenous α-ClFALD production. Additionally, plasma FALD-GSH levels were elevated in the K/BxN mouse arthritis model. Taken together, these studies demonstrate novel peptidoaldehydes derived from GSH and α-ClFALD in activated human neutrophils and in vivo in K/BxN mice.

The YhhN protein of Legionella pneumophila is a Lysoplasmalogenase

Lysoplasmalogenase catalyzes hydrolytic cleavage of the vinyl-ether bond of lysoplasmalogen to yield fatty aldehyde and glycerophospho-ethanolamine or glycerophospho-choline. We recently purified lysoplasmalogenase from rat liver microsomes and identified the protein as TMEM86B, an integral membrane protein that is a member of the YhhN family found in numerous species of eukaryotes and bacteria. To test the hypothesis that bacterial YhhN proteins also function as lysoplasmalogenase enzymes, we cloned the Lpg1991 gene of Legionella pneumophila, which encodes a 216 amino acid YhhN protein (LpYhhN), and expressed it in Escherichia coli as a C-terminal-GFP-His8-fusion. Membranes were solubilized and the fusion protein was purified by nickel-affinity chromatography, cleaved with Tobacco Etch Virus protease, and subjected to a reverse nickel column to purify the un-tagged LpYhhN. Both the fusion protein and un-tagged LpYhhN exhibit robust lysoplasmalogenase activity, cleaving the vinyl-ether bond of lysoplasmalogen with a Vmax of 12 µmol/min/mg protein and a Km of 45 μM. LpYhhN has no activity on diradyl plasmalogen, 1-alkenyl-glycerol, and monoacylglycerophospho-ethanolamine or monoacylglycerophospho-choline; the pH optimum is 6.5-7.0. These properties are very similar to mammalian TMEM86B. Sequence analysis suggests that YhhN proteins contain eight transmembrane helices, an N-in/C-in topology, and about 5 highly conserved amino acid residues that may form an active site. This work is the first to demonstrate a function for a bacterial YhhN protein, as a vinyl ether bond hydrolase specific for lysoplasmalogen. Since L. pneumophila does not contain endogenous plasmalogens, we hypothesize that LpYhhN may serve to protect the bacterium from lysis by lysoplasmalogen derived from plasmalogens of the host.

Pulmonary surfactant in the airway physiology: a direct relaxing effect on the smooth muscle

Beside alveoli, surface active material plays an important role in the airway physiology. In the upper airways it primarily serves in local defense. Lower airway surfactant stabilizes peripheral airways, provides the transport and defense, has barrier and anti-edematous functions, and possesses direct relaxant effect on the smooth muscle. We tested in vitro the effect of two surfactant preparations Curosurf® and Alveofact® on the precontracted smooth muscle of intra- and extra-pulmonary airways. Relaxation was more pronounced for lung tissue strip containing bronchial smooth muscle as the primary site of surfactant effect. The study does not confirm the participation of ATP-dependent potassium channels and cAMP-regulated epithelial chloride channels known as CFTR chloride channels, or nitric oxide involvement in contractile response of smooth muscle to surfactant.By controlling wall thickness and airway diameter, pulmonary surfactant is an important component of airway physiology. Thus, surfactant dysfunction may be included in pathophysiology of asthma, COPD, or other diseases with bronchial obstruction.

Altered surfactant homeostasis and alveolar epithelial cell stress in amiodarone-induced lung fibrosis

Amiodarone (AD) is a highly efficient antiarrhythmic drug with potentially serious side effects. Severe pulmonary toxicity is reported in patients receiving AD even at low doses and may cause interstitial pneumonia as well as lung fibrosis. Apoptosis of alveolar epithelial type II cells (AECII) has been suggested to play an important role in this disease. In the current study, we aimed to establish a murine model of AD-induced lung fibrosis and analyze surfactant homeostasis, lysosomal, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in this model. AD/vehicle was instilled intratracheally into C57BL/6 mice, which were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Extent of lung fibrosis development was assessed by trichrome staining and hydroxyproline measurement. Cytotoxicity was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase assay. Phospholipids (PLs) were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Surfactant proteins (SP) and markers for apoptosis, lysosomal, and ER stress were studied by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. AECII morphology was evaluated by electron microscopy. Extensive lung fibrosis and AECII hyperplasia were observed in AD-treated mice already at day 7. Surfactant PL and SP accumulated in AECII over time. In parallel, induction of apoptosis, lysosomal, and ER stress was encountered in AECII of mice lungs and in MLE12 cells treated with AD. In vitro, siRNA-mediated knockdown of cathepsin D did not alter the AD-induced apoptotic response. Our data suggest that mice exposed to intratracheal AD develop severe pulmonary fibrosis, exhibit extensive surfactant alterations and cellular stress, but AD-induced AECII apoptosis is not mediated primarily via cathepsin D.

Plasmalogens the neglected regulatory and scavenging lipid species

Plasmalogens are a class of phospholipids carrying a vinyl ether bond in sn-1 and an ester bond in sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone. Although they are widespread in all tissues and represent up to 18% of the total phospholipid mass in humans, their physiological function is still poorly understood. The aim of this review is to give an overview over the current knowledge in plasmalogen biology and pathology with an emphasis on neglected aspects of their involvement in neurological and metabolic diseases. Furthermore a better understanding of plasmalogen biology in health and disease could also lead to the development of better diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for vascular and metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes mellitus, inflammation, neuro-degeneration and cancer.

Low-concentration ozone reacts with plasmalogen glycerophosphoethanolamine lipids in lung surfactant

Ozone is a common environmental toxicant to which individuals are exposed to on a daily basis. While biochemical end points such as increased mortality, decrements in pulmonary function, and initiation of inflammatory processes are known, little is actually understood regarding the chemical mechanisms underlying changes in pulmonary health, especially for low concentrations of ozone. This study was undertaken to investigate ozone-induced oxidation of endogenous lipids that are potentially exposed to environmental ozone within lung, specifically focusing on plasmalogen glycerophospholipids present in pulmonary surfactant. Sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods were developed to follow oxidation of diacyl and plasmalogen phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) phospholipids and to identify and quantitate products generated by ozonolysis. Using a unilamellar vesicle system containing a 1:1 molar mixture of 1-O-octadec-1'-enyl-2-octadecenoyl-PE and 1,2-dihexadecanoyl-PC, these studies revealed that the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens was oxidized preferentially at low concentrations of ozone (100 ppb), when compared to olefinic bond oxidation on omega-9 of the fatty acyl chain in the same phospholipids. Major phospholipid products generated were identified as 1-formyl-2-octadecenoyl-PE and 1-hydroxy-2-octadecenoyl-PE. Heptadecanal and heptadecanoic acid production was also quantitated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and production was consistent with oxidation of the vinyl ether, at low concentrations of ozone. Analysis of murine lung surfactant from C57Bl/6 mice revealed several plasmalogen PE lipid species, encompassing approximately 38% of total PE species. Upon exposure of ozone (0 and 100 ppb) to murine surfactant, plasmalogen PE molecular species preferentially reacted, as compared to diacyl PE molecular species. Lysophospholipids, pentadecanal, and nonanal were found to be the primary products of surfactant ozone oxidation.

Biochemical and pharmacological differences between preparations of exogenous natural surfactant used to treat Respiratory Distress Syndrome: role of the different components in an efficient pulmonary surfactant

The pharmaceutical application of exogenous natural pulmonary surfactant preparations has shown its efficiency in the therapeutical treatment of infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome. At the same time, the use of these preparations in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, although not still an effective therapy, shows promising results. The analysis of composition, structure and surface activity of some of the different natural surfactant preparations available today for clinical use reveals important differences, a fact that opens horizons in the optimization of new effective formulations in the treatment of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The purpose of this review is to carry out an updating of the current models interpreting the role of the main components of pulmonary surfactant as a reference to evaluate the biochemical composition of the preparations of exogenous natural pulmonary surfactant currently in use and their apparent pharmacological effect.

The composition of pulmonary surfactant from diving mammals

Maintaining a functional pulmonary surfactant system at depth is critical for diving mammals to ensure that inspiration is possible upon re-emergence. The lipid and protein composition of lavage extracts from three pinniped species (California sea lion, Northern elephant seal and Ringed seal) were compared to several terrestrial species. Lavage samples were purified using a NaBr discontinuous gradient. Concentrations of phospholipid classes and molecular species were measured using electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry, cholesterol was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, surfactant protein A (SP-A) and SP-B were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. There were small differences in phospholipid classes, with a lower level of anionic surfactant phospholipids, PG and PI, between diving and terrestrial mammals. There were no differences in PL saturation or SP-A levels between species. PC16:0/14:0, PC16:0/16:1, PC16:0/16:0, long chain PI species and the total concentrations of alkyl-acyl species of PC and PG as a ratio of diacyl species were increased in diving mammals, whereas concentrations of PC16:0/18:1, PG16:0/16:0 and PG16:0/18:1 were decreased. Cholesterol levels were very variable between species and SP-B was very low in diving mammals. These differences may explain the very poor surface activity of pinniped surfactant that we have previously described [Miller, N.J., Daniels, C.B., Schürch, S., Schoel, W.M., Orgeig, S., 2005. The surface activity of pulmonary surfactant from diving mammals. Respir. Physiol. Neurobiol. 150 (2006) 220-232], supporting the hypothesis that pinniped surfactant has primarily an anti-adhesive function to meet the challenges of regularly collapsing lungs.

Naturally derived commercial surfactants differ in composition of surfactant lipids and in surface viscosity

Pulmonary surfactant biophysical properties are best described by surface tension and surface viscosity. Besides lecithin, surfactant contains a variety of minor lipids, such as plasmalogens, polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phospholipids (PUFA-PL), and cholesterol. Plasmalogens and cholesterol improve surface properties of lipid mixtures significantly. High PUFA-PL and plasmalogen content in tracheal aspirate of preterm infants reduces the risk of developing chronic lung disease. Different preparations are available for exogenous surfactant substitution; however, little is known about lipid composition and surface viscosity. Thus lipid composition and surface properties (measured by oscillating drop surfactometer) of three commercial surfactant preparations (Alveofact, Curosurf, Survanta) were compared. Lipid composition exhibited strong differences: Survanta had the highest proportion of disaturated PL and total neutral lipids and the lowest proportion of PUFA-PL. Highest plasmalogen and PUFA-PL concentrations were found in Curosurf (3.8 ± 0.1 vs. 26 ± 1 mol%) compared with Alveofact (0.9 ± 0.3 vs. 11 ± 1) and Survanta (1.5 ± 0.2 vs. 6 ± 1). In Survanta samples, viscosity increased >8 × 10−6kg/s at surface tension of 30 mN/m. Curosurf showed only slightly increased surface viscosity below surface tensions of 25 mN/m, and viscosity did not reach 5 × 10−6kg/s. By adding defined PL to Survanta, we obtained a Curosurf-like lipid mixture (without plasmalogens) that exhibited biophysical properties like Curosurf. Different lipid compositions could explain some of the differences in surface viscosity. Therefore, PL pattern and minor surfactant lipids are important for biophysical activity and should be considered when designing synthetic surfactant preparations.

Functions and biosynthesis of plasmalogens in health and disease

Plasmalogens (1-O-alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl glycerophospholipids) constitute a special class of phospholipids characterized by the presence of a vinyl-ether bond at the sn-1 position. Although long considered as biological peculiarities, interest in this group of phospholipids has grown in recent years, thanks to the realization that plasmalogens are involved in different human diseases. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge with respect to the enzymatic synthesis of plasmalogens, the characteristic topology of the enzymes involved and the biological roles that have been assigned to plasmalogens.

Increase in alveolar antioxidant levels in hyperoxic and anoxic ventilated rabbit lungs during ischemia

Increases in free radicals are believed to play a central role in the development of pulmonary ischemia/reperfusion (I-R) injury, leading to microvascular leakage and deterioration of pulmonary surfactant. Continued ventilation during ischemia offers significant protection against I-R injury, but the impact of alveolar oxygen supply both on lung injury and on radical generation is still unclear. We investigated the influence of hyperoxic (95% O2) and anoxic (0% O2) ventilation during ischemia on alveolar antioxidant status and surfactant properties in isolated rabbit lungs. Normoxic and hyperoxic ventilated, buffer-perfused lungs (n = 5 or 6) and native lungs (n = 6) served as controls. As compared with controls, biophysical and biochemical surfactant properties were not altered in anoxic as well as hyperoxic ventilated ischemic (2, 3, and 4 h) lungs. Assessment of several antioxidants (reduced glutathione (GSH), alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), retinol (vitamin A), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), uric acid, and plasmalogens (1-O-alkenyl-2-acyl-phospholipids)) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) revealed a significant increase in antioxidant compounds under anoxic and hyperoxic ventilation, with maximum levels occuring after 3 h of ischemia. For example, GSH increased to 5.1 +/- 0.8 microM (mean +/- SE, p <.001) after 3 h of anoxic ventilated ischemia and to 2.7 +/- 0.2 microM (p <.01) after hyperoxic ventilated ischemia compared with native controls (1.3 +/- 0.2 microM), but did not significantly change under anoxic and hyperoxic ventilation alone. In parallel, under ischemic conditions, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) increased during hyperoxic (3 h: 0.81 +/- 0.04 microM, p <.001), but remained unchanged during anoxic (3 h: 0.31 +/- 0.04 microM) ventilation compared with native controls (0.22 +/- 0.02 microM), whereas F2-isoprostanes were elevated under both hyperoxic (3 h: 63 +/- 15 pM, p <.01) and anoxic (3 h: 50 +/- 9 pM, p <.01) ventilation compared with native controls (16 +/- 4 pM). We conclude that oxidative stress is increased in the lung alveolar lining layer during ischemia, during both anoxic and hyperoxic ventilation. This is paralleled by an increase rather than a decrease in alveolar antioxidant levels, suggested to reflect an adaptive response to oxidative stress during ischemia.

Pulmonary surfactant protein-A (SP-A) restores the surface properties of surfactant after oxidation by a mechanism that requires the Cys6 interchain disulfide bond and the phospholipid binding domain

Reactive oxygen species produced by activated leuko-cytes in the alveolar epithelial lining fluid have been implicated in the inactivation of pulmonary surfactant and the impairment of lung function. Oxidation of bovine lipid extract surfactant (BLES), a therapeutic surfactant, with hypochlorous acid (H-BLES) or the Fenton reaction (F-BLES) led to temporary increases in conjugated dienes and formation of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed the appearance of lipid hydroperoxides, peroxides, lysophospholipids, and free fatty acids. Captive bubble tensiometer studies of H-BLES demonstrated prolonged adsorption times, film instability at low surface tensions during film compression, and reduced respreadability during film expansion. F-BLES exhibited prolonged adsorption times, a marked effect on increasing compressibility during compression, and a lesser effect on reducing respreadability on expansion. Addition of native bovine or rat surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A) reversed the effects of oxidation on surfactant biophysical properties. Studies using mutant recombinant rat SP-As indicated that an intact carbohydrate recognition domain and disulfide-dependent oligomeric assembly are critical for these effects, but the collagen-like region is not required. We conclude that SP-A can reverse the detrimental effects of surfactant oxidation on the biophysical properties of surfactant, by a mechanism that is dependent on interchain disulfide bond formation and the C-terminal domains of the protein.

Eosinophil peroxidase-derived reactive brominating species target the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens generating a novel chemoattractant, alpha-bromo fatty aldehyde

Plasmalogens are a subclass of glycerophospholipids that are enriched in the plasma membrane of many mammalian cells. The vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens renders them susceptible to oxidation. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that reactive brominating species, a unique oxidant formed at the sites of eosinophil activation, such as in asthma, might selectively target plasmalogens for oxidation. Here we show that reactive brominating species produced by the eosinophil peroxidase system of activated eosinophils attack the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens. Reactive brominating species produced by eosinophil peroxidase target the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens resulting in the production of a neutral lipid and lysophosphatidylcholine. Chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses of this neutral lipid demonstrated that it was 2-bromohexadecanal (2-BrHDA). Reactive brominating species produced by eosinophil peroxidase attacked the plasmalogen vinyl ether bond at acidic pH. Bromide was the preferred substrate for eosinophil peroxidase, and chloride was not appreciably used even at a 1000-fold molar excess. Furthermore, 2-BrHDA production elicited by eosinophil peroxidase-derived reactive brominating species in the presence of 100 microM NaBr doubled with the addition of 100 mM NaCl. The potential physiological significance of this pathway was suggested by the demonstration that 2-BrHDA was produced by phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated eosinophils and by the demonstration that 2-BrHDA is a phagocyte chemoattractant. Taken together, the present studies demonstrate the targeting of the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens by the reactive brominating species produced by eosinophil peroxidase and by activated eosinophils, resulting in the production of brominated fatty aldehydes.

Effect of cholesterol and surfactant protein B on the viscosity of phospholipid mixtures

Low viscosity of the surface of alveolar fluid is mandatory for undisturbed surfactant function. Based on the known reduction of the viscosity of surfactant-like phospholipid (PL-) mixtures by plasmalogens, the effect of cholesterol and surfactant protein (SP-) B on surface viscosity of these lipid mixtures has been studied. Surface viscosity at the corresponding surface tension was measured with the oscillating drop surfactometer. We found that the viscosity was lowest in cholesterol-, followed by plasmalogen- and SP-B containing samples. Addition of SP-B to a plasmalogen-containing PL-mixture caused a further decrease in viscosity. However, in cholesterol containing mixtures, addition of SP-B led to a significant increase in viscosity, and the effect was reversed by further addition of plasmalogens. We conclude that SP-B, plasmalogens and cholesterol all affect the surface viscosity, thus synergistically regulate monolayer stability. This suggests that they are all needed in vivo for fine tuning of surface properties of pulmonary surfactant.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF)-acetylhydrolase and PAF-like compounds in the lung: effects of hyperoxia

Platelet-activating factor (PAF)-acetylhydrolase is the enzyme modulating in tissues and biological fluids the concentration of the proinflammatory factors PAF and PAF-like oxidation products of phospholipids (PAF-like compounds). We investigated whether there is a relation between PAF-acetylhydrolase activity and the concentration of PAF-like compounds in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). We found that alveolar type II cells are an additional source of PAF-acetylhydrolase in BAL beside macrophages. Secretion of PAF-acetylhydrolase was stimulated by phorbol ester in alveolar type II cells but not in macrophages. Studies in BAL suggested that secreted PAF-acetylhydrolase was bound to alveolar surfactant. Exposure of rats to high oxygen concentration reduced the activity of PAF-acetylhydrolase in BAL and macrophages, but not in plasma or alveolar type II cells. In contrast, hyperoxia increased the concentration of PAF-like-compounds, lipid hydroperoxides and malonedialdehyde in plasma but not in BAL. Therefore, we conclude that neither the oxidant-induced decrease of the PAF-acetylhydrolase activity nor the direct peroxidation of surfactant lipids in the alveoli provide a likely mechanism for hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Instead, lung injury is apparently caused by lipid peroxidation in plasma rather than by high oxygen pressure in the alveoli.

Alveolar epithelial type II cell: defender of the alveolus revisited

In 1977, Mason and Williams developed the concept of the alveolar epithelial type II (AE2) cell as a defender of the alveolus. It is well known that AE2 cells synthesise, secrete, and recycle all components of the surfactant that regulates alveolar surface tension in mammalian lungs. AE2 cells influence extracellular surfactant transformation by regulating, for example, pH and [Ca2+] of the hypophase. AE2 cells play various roles in alveolar fluid balance, coagulation/fibrinolysis, and host defence. AE2 cells proliferate, differentiate into AE1 cells, and remove apoptotic AE2 cells by phagocytosis, thus contributing to epithelial repair. AE2 cells may act as immunoregulatory cells. AE2 cells interact with resident and mobile cells, either directly by membrane contact or indirectly via cytokines/growth factors and their receptors, thus representing an integrative unit within the alveolus. Although most data support the concept, the controversy about the character of hyperplastic AE2 cells, reported to synthesise profibrotic factors, proscribes drawing a definite conclusion today.

The role of lipids in pulmonary surfactant

Pulmonary surfactant is composed of approx. 90% lipids and 10% protein. This review article focusses on the lipid components of surfactant. The first sections will describe the lipid composition of mammalian surfactant and the techniques that have been utilized to study the involvement of these lipids in reducing the surface tension at an air-liquid interface, the main function of pulmonary surfactant. Subsequently, the roles of specific lipids in surfactant will be discussed. For the two main surfactant phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol, specific contributions to the overall surface tension reducing properties of surfactant have been indicated. In contrast, the role of the minor phospholipid components and the neutral lipid fraction of surfactant is less clear and requires further study. Recent technical advances, such as fluorescent microscopic techniques, hold great potential for expanding our knowledge of how surfactant lipids, including some of the minor components, function. Interesting information regarding surfactant lipids has also been obtained in studies evaluating the surfactant system in non-mammalian species. In certain non-mammalian species (and at least one marsupial), surfactant lipid composition, most notably disaturated phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol, changes drastically under different conditions such as an alteration in body temperature. The impact of these changes on surfactant function provide insight into the function of these lipids, not only in non-mammalian lungs but also in the surfactant from mammalian species.

Fixed-point methods for computing the equilibrium composition of complex biochemical mixtures

The fixed-point algebraic method [Storer and Cornish-Bowden (1976) Biochem. J. 159, 1-5] for computing the concentrations at equilibrium of complex biochemical mixtures fails for many binding stoichiometries, especially those that include molecular self-association. A typical example is the monomer-dimer-tetramer equilibrium. This paper reports two main results. First, the above algorithm is analysed theoretically to predict for which binding stoichiometries it succeeds and for which it will fail. Secondly, an alternative algorithm is described for self-associating biochemical systems. Illustrative examples are based on the dimeric proteinase from HIV.

alpha- and delta-tocopherol induce expression of hepatic alpha-tocopherol-transfer-protein mRNA

alpha-Tocopherol transfer protein (alpha-TTP) supplements nascent very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) preferentially with alpha-tocopherol by selecting the alpha-isomers against other stereoisomers of tocopherol. It is exclusively expressed in liver. We investigated whether the expression of the hepatic alpha-TTP can be induced by dietary tocopherols. Vitamin E-depleted rats were fed with a diet containing alpha- and delta-tocopherol (ratio 1:3). The expression of alpha-TTP mRNA was measured in liver tissue. The ratio of tocopherol stereoisomers was determined in plasma, plasma lipoproteins and tissues to measure the metabolic action of alpha-TTP. Refeeding a diet containing either alpha- or delta-tocopherol, or both, caused a steady increase of the expression of alpha-TTP mRNA. In parallel the alpha/delta-tocopherol ratio increased in plasma, VLDL, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein as well as in liver tissue, when the diet was fed containing both isomers. The alpha-tocopherol/delta-tocopherol ratio of heart, kidney, lung, lamellar bodies of lung and in lung lavage showed no or a comparatively low increase. The data show that both tocopherol isomers were able to induce alpha-TTP mRNA in rat liver and, thus, the ability of liver to select for the alpha-isomer. On the other hand, tocopherol depletion did not change the expression of hepatic alpha-TTP mRNA in the rat.

Plasmalogens effectively reduce the surface tension of surfactant-like phospholipid mixtures

The alkenyl-acyl subclass of phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) and phosphatidylcholine (plasmalogens) are minor components of alveolar surfactant. Plasmalogens promote and stabilize hexagonal structures of phospholipids. In another study (W.R. Perkins, R.B. Dause, R.A. Parente, S.R. Michey, K.C. Neuman, S.M. Gruner, T.F. Taraschi, and A.S. Janoff. Science 273: 330-332, 1996), it was shown that polymorphic phase behavior may have an important role in the effective functioning of pulmonary surfactant. Therefore, we hypothesized that surface properties of phospholipid mixtures that contain plasmalogens are superior to plasmalogen-free mixtures. The effect of plasmalogens on surface tension of surfactant-like phospholipid mixtures (70 mol% dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, 10 mol% phosphatidylglycerol, and 20 mol% PtdEtn) was measured. Using the pulsating bubble surfactometer, we show that an increasing amount of ethanolamine plasmalogens [plasmenylethanolamine (PlsEtn) results in reduction of surface tension (0 mol% PlsEtn 44.7 +/- 1.7, 2 mol% 33.5 +/- 1.7, 4 mol% 36 +/- 3.1, 6 mol% 26.2 +/- 2.9, and 8 mol% 22.2 +/- 0.3 mN/m). By means of the captive bubble surfactometer, minimal surface tension reached with 8 mol% PlsEtn was even lower (3.8 +/- 0.7 mN/m). With regard to morphological studies (B. Fringes, K. Gorgas, and A. Reith. Eur. J. Cell Biol. 46: 136-143, 1988), clofibrate treatment of rats might increase the plasmalogen content of alveolar surfactant. However, in the present study, we could not show that synthesis and secretion of plasmalogens are affected by clofibrate treatment.

Effect of hyperoxia on the composition of the alveolar surfactant and the turnover of surfactant phospholipids, cholesterol, plasmalogens and vitamin E

Experimental and clinical studies have provided evidence for the involvement of oxygen free radicals in development of acute and chronic lung diseases. Hyperoxia is very often an indispensable therapeutic intervention which seems to impose oxidative stress on lung tissue. We measured the effect of hyperoxia (80% O2 for 20 h) (1) on the lipid composition of pulmonary surfactant treated in vitro, (2) on surfactant lipid synthesis and secretion of type II pneumocytes in primary culture, (3) on the lipid composition and on the SP-A content of rat lung lavages and (4) on the turnover of phospholipids, cholesterol, plasmalogens and vitamin E in type II pneumocytes, lamellar bodies and lavages of adult rat lungs. (1) Hyperoxia of lung lavages in vitro reduces the vitamin E content significantly but does not change the relative proportion of PUFA or the content of plasmalogens. (2) Hyperoxia does not affect the biosynthesis or secretion of surfactant lipids and plasmalogens by type pneumocytes in primary culture. (3) Hyperoxic treatment of rats increases the SP-A content and reduces the vitamin E content significantly but does not change the concentration of other lipid components of lung lavage. (4) The vitamin E turnover, measured in type II pneumocytes, lamellar bodies and lung lavages, is increased 2-fold in these fractions. In contrast, the turnover of surfactant cholesterol and surfactant lipids does not change. (5) Hyperoxia caused an increase of the vitamin E uptake by type II pneumocytes resulting in a vitamin E enrichment of lamellar bodies. From these results we conclude that type II pneumocytes are able to regulate the turnover of lipophilic constituents of the alveolar surfactant independently of each other. Hyperoxia caused type II pneumocytes to increase the vitamin E content of lamellar bodies. The lipid and SP-A content of alveolar fluid can be regulated independently each other.

The influence of temperature, phylogeny, and lung structure on the lipid composition of reptilian pulmonary surfactant

The lungs of all air-breathing vertebrates contain a form of pulmonary surfactant that lines the alveolar air-water interface where it modifies the interfacial surface tension. These pulmonary surfactants all consist of varying amounts of phospholipids (saturated and unsaturated) and cholesterol. The extent of variation between vertebrate groups and between species within a vertebrate group has been attributed to differences in factors such as phylogeny, body temperature, habitat, and lung structure. The influence of these factors on amphibian surfactant composition and function has been studied, but the reptiles, which comprise a polyphyletic group of vertebrates, have never been critically examined. The surfactant lipid composition from species belonging to the three groups of reptiles, the Archosauria (crocodiles), Lepidosauria (snakes and lizards), and Anapsida (turtles), has been determined. New data is presented in conjunction with already published data to create an evolutionary framework that concentrates particularly on the influence of phylogeny, body temperature, and lung structure on the composition of the surfactant lipids. Large amounts of pulmonary surfactant were found in all species of reptiles. All species lavaged at 23 degrees C (except C. atrox) demonstrated DSP/PL ratios of 23-33%. Animals with multicameral lungs exhibited an elevated CHOL/DSP ratio compared with species with unicameral lungs. In all groups, phosphatidylcholine (PC) was the dominant (60-80%) phospholipid. Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol (PS/PI) and sphingomyelin (S) represented the other phospholipids, while phosphatidylglycerol (PG), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were occasionally observed. In two species of lizards (C. nuchalis and P. vitticeps), the saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid (16:0), was the dominant tail group on the phospholipids. Oleic acid (18:1) was the dominant monounsaturated fatty acid, whereas polyunsaturates comprised about a fifth of the total fatty acid profile. Short-term (4 h) changes in temperature did not affect the relative proportions of the fatty acids in either species. Comparison of the current data with previously published literature suggests that phylogeny and habitat do not significantly influence surfactant lipid composition, but body temperature and to a lesser extent lung structure are important determinants of reptilian surfactant lipid composition.

Alveolar surfactant subfractions differ in their lipid composition

Alveolar surfactant consists of subfractions which are generated during normal lung function. Although subfractions obtained by differential centrifugation of lung lavage differ in structure, function and protein content, the phospholipid-pattern shows only minor differences. To correlate possible differences in composition between subfractions to their functional properties we did a more detailed analysis of lipid pattern. Subfractions of lung lavages from Wistar rats were obtained by differential centrifugation, lipid classes were separated by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Fatty acids and plasmalogens were determined as methylester and dimethylacetals by gas chromatography, respectively. Cholesterol and vitamin E were determined enzymatically and by HPLC, respectively. The patterns of fatty acids of total lipids and of the molecular species of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were very similar among the subfractions. The distribution of individual lavage lipids varied considerably. Three types of subfractions can be distinguished: The two dense subfractions (1000 g and 60,000 g) contain 70-88% of total phospholipids, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, polyunsaturated phospholipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids present in lung lavage. The less dense subfraction (100,000 g) contains 44-60% of total cholesterol, choline plasmalogen, ethanolamine plasmalogen and vitamin E. The 100,000 g supernatant contains 40-50% of total tri-, diacylglycerols and free fatty acids. Our results support the concept that the 1000 g subfraction contains freshly secreted surfactant. The 60,000 g subfraction likely contains the monolayer and freshly secreted surfactant. The 100,000 g pellet probably contains material "squeezed out" from the monolayer at expiration. Most likely, the supernatant contains material destined for removal from the airspace.