Cytokine profile of human bronchoalveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells in response to inhalation particles of the cyclosporine derivative IMM 125

Regulation of chemokine expression by cyclosporine A in alveolar macrophages exposed to hypoxia and reoxygenation

BACKGROUND

We have recently demonstrated a role for selected chemokines in a rat model of lung ischemia reperfusion injury (LIRI). We have further shown that pretreatment with cyclosporine A (CSA) is protective. The precise cellular events regulating this model are unknown. The alveolar macrophage (AM) is a key effector cell in multiple models of acute lung injury, and it likely plays a central role in LIRI as well. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether CSA functions in part by modifying the chemokine response of AMs to hypoxia and reoxygenation in vitro.

METHODS

Alveola macrophages were rendered hypoxic (0.5%) for 2 hours and reoxygenated for 6 hours. The secreted chemokine content in the media was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and nuclear protein was analyzed after electro-mobility shift assay. When employed, CSA was administered 30 minutes before hypoxia.

RESULTS

Alveolar macrophages demonstrated a marked increase in the secretion of the chemokines, MIP-2, MIP-1alpha, CINC, and MCP-1, in response to hypoxia and reoxygenation. This increase was dependent on mRNA transcription and de novo protein synthesis. It was also blocked by a specific inhibitor of the nuclear translocation factor, NF-kappaB. Pretreatment with CSA (500 ng/mL) significantly reduced expression of chemokines and activation of NF-kappaB.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclosporine A attenuates the chemokine response of AMs in vitro to hypoxia and reoxygenation at the pretranscriptional level through modulation of NF-kappaB. These findings suggest the potential mechanism of action of CSA's protective effects in lung ischemia reperfusion injury.

Strategies to antagonise the cyclosporine A-induced proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells: anti-endothelin-1 antibodies, verapamil, and octreotide

The present study investigated the mechanisms mediating the actions of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA) on human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation. The new hydroxyethyl derivative of D-serine(8)-cyclosporine, SDZ IMM 125, was used for comparison. CsA-induced proliferation was determined by incorporation of [(3)H]thymidine ([(3)H]Thy). CsA in the concentration range between 0.1 nM and 0.1 microM induced a concentration-dependent increase in proliferation after 24, 48, and 72 hr of incubation. Higher CsA concentrations were cytotoxic. When proliferation experiments were performed in the presence of a monoclonal antibody against endothelin-1 (ET-1), CsA-induced proliferation was totally inhibited. No inhibition occurred in the presence of the same antibody when heat-inactivated or a non-specific monoclonal antibody. In parallel, CsA increased the production of ET-1, as determined by radioimmunoassay. Incubation of PASMCs with ET-1 at the concentration range at which the latter was released by CsA induced cell proliferation. The somatostatin derivative Sandostatin (SDT; octreotide), which is an inhibitor of the growth of smooth muscle cells as well as a potent inhibitor of ET-1 secretion, inhibited both the CsA-induced ET-1 release and the increase in [3H]Thy incorporation by PASMCs. A similar effect was observed for the calcium channel blocker verapamil (VP). SDZ IMM 125 induced weaker effects than CsA in terms of PASMC proliferation and ET-1 secretion. In conclusion, CsA increased the rate of proliferation of PASMCs, while SDZ IMM 125 induced a weaker effect. Anti-ET-1 antibody, VP, and SDT significantly inhibited CsA-induced PASMC proliferation.