Phagocytosis by human macrophages is accompanied by changes in ionic channel currents

The role of microglia membrane potential in chemotaxis

Microglia react to danger signals by rapid and targeted extension of cellular processes towards the source of the signal. This positive chemotactic response is accompanied by a hyperpolarization of the microglia membrane. Here, we show that optogenetic depolarization of microglia has little effect on baseline motility, but significantly slows down the chemotactic response. Reducing the extracellular Ca2+ concentration mimics the effect of optogenetic depolarization. As the membrane potential sets the driving force for Ca2+ entry, hyperpolarization is an integral part of rapid stimulus-response coupling in microglia. Compared to typical excitable cells such as neurons, the sign of the activating response is inverted in microglia, leading to inhibition by depolarizing channelrhodopsins.

Nigericin Promotes NLRP3-Independent Bacterial Killing in Macrophages

Altered microbiota has been associated with a number of diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, and cancer. This dysregulation is thought to relate the host inflammatory response to enteric pathogens. Macrophages play a key role in host response to microbes and are involved in bacterial killing and clearance. This process is partially mediated through the potassium efflux-dependent, cytosolic, PYCARD-containing inflammasome protein complex. Surprisingly, we discovered an alternative mechanism for bacterial killing, independent of the NLRP3 inflammasome/PYCARD. Using the NLRP3 inflammasome-deficient Raw 264.7 and PYCARD-deficient J77 macrophages, which both lack PYCARD, we found that the potassium efflux activator nigericin enhances bacterial killing. Macrophage response to nigericin was examined by RT gene profiling and subsequent qPCR, which demonstrated altered expression of a series of genes involved in the IL-18 bacterial killing pathway. Based on our results we propose a model of bacterial killing, unrelated to NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophage cells. Improving understanding of the molecular pathways driving bacterial clearance within macrophage cells will aid in the development of novel immune-targeted therapeutics in a number of diseases.

Sodium channels enable fast electrical signaling and regulate phagocytosis in the retinal pigment epithelium

BACKGROUND

Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels have traditionally been considered a trademark of excitable cells. However, recent studies have shown the presence of Nav channels in several non-excitable cells, such as astrocytes and macrophages, demonstrating that the roles of these channels are more diverse than was previously thought. Despite the earlier discoveries, the presence of Nav channel-mediated currents in the cells of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been dismissed as a cell culture artifact. We challenge this notion by investigating the presence and possible role of Nav channels in RPE both ex vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Our work demonstrates that several subtypes of Nav channels are found in human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived and mouse RPE, most prominently subtypes Nav1.4, Nav1.6, and Nav1.8. Whole cell patch clamp recordings from the hESC-derived RPE monolayers showed that the current was inhibited by TTX and QX-314 and was sensitive to the selective blockers of the main Nav subtypes. Importantly, we show that the Nav channels are involved in photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis since blocking their activity significantly reduces the efficiency of particle internalization. Consistent with this role, our electron microscopy results and immunocytochemical analysis show that Nav1.4 and Nav1.8 accumulate on phagosomes and that pharmacological inhibition of Nav channels as well as silencing the expression of Nav1.4 with shRNA impairs the phagocytosis process.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our study shows that Nav channels are present in RPE, giving this tissue the capacity of fast electrical signaling. The channels are critical for the physiology of RPE with an important role in photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis.

Monocyte phagocytosis of malaria β-haematin in the presence of artemisinin, amodiaquine, chloroquine, doxycycline, primaquine, pyrimethamine and quinine

The intraerythrocytic malaria parasite digests haemoglobin to provide amino acids for metabolism and releases toxic haem that is sequestered into haemozoin, a non-toxic, insoluble, crystalline pigment. Following erythrocyte rupture, haemozoin is released into circulation and phagocytosed by monocytes. Phagocytosed haemozoin and antimalarial drugs have both been reported to modulate monocyte functions. This study determined the effects of therapeutic concentrations of seven antimalarial drugs; amodiaquine, artemisinin, chloroquine, doxycycline, primaquine, pyrimethamine and quinine, on the phagocytosis of β-haematin (synthetic haemozoin) by two monocytic cell lines, J774A.1 and U937, and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A novel spectrophotometric method based on the absorbance (O.D 400 nm) of alkali/SDS treated monocytes containing β-haematin was developed to complement counting phagocytosis with microscopy. The method has potential use for the large scale screening of monocyte phagocytic activity. Artemisinin, quinine, primaquine and pyrimethamine activated β-haematin phagocytosis by 12% or more, whereas amodiaquine, chloroquine and doxycyline inhibited β-haematin phagocytosis. In contrast, antimalarial drugs had minimal inhibitory effects on the phagocytosis of latex beads with only quinine resulting in more than 20% inhibition. Antimalarial drugs appear to alter monocyte phagocytic activity which has implications for the treatment, pathogenicity and adjunct therapies for malaria.

KCa3.1-Dependent Hyperpolarization Enhances Intracellular Ca2+ Signaling Induced by fMLF in Differentiated U937 Cells

Formylated peptides are chemotactic agents generated by pathogens. The most relevant peptide is fMLF (formyl-Met-Leu-Phe) which participates in several immune functions, such as chemotaxis, phagocytosis, cytokine release and generation of reactive oxygen species. In macrophages fMLF-dependent responses are dependent on both, an increase in intracellular calcium concentration and on a hyperpolarization of the membrane potential. However, the molecular entity underlying this hyperpolarization remains unknown and it is not clear whether changes in membrane potential are linked to the increase in intracellular Ca²⁺. In this study, differentiated U937 cells, as a macrophage-like cell model, was used to characterize the fMLF response using electrophysiological and Ca²⁺ imaging techniques. We demonstrate by means of pharmacological and molecular biology tools that fMLF induces a Ca²⁺-dependent hyperpolarization via activation of the K⁺ channel K_Ca3.1 and thus, enhancing fMLF-induced intracellular Ca²⁺ increase through an amplification of the driving force for Ca²⁺ entry. Consequently, enhanced Ca²⁺ influx would in turn lengthen the hyperpolarization, operating as a positive feedback mechanism for fMLF-induced Ca²⁺ signaling.

Transgenic mouse lines for non-invasive ratiometric monitoring of intracellular chloride

Chloride is the most abundant physiological anion and participates in a variety of cellular processes including trans-epithelial transport, cell volume regulation, and regulation of electrical excitability. The development of tools to monitor intracellular chloride concentration ([Cli]) is therefore important for the evaluation of cellular function in normal and pathological conditions. Recently, several Cl-sensitive genetically encoded probes have been described which allow for non-invasive monitoring of [Cli]. Here we describe two mouse lines expressing a CFP-YFP-based Cl probe called Cl-Sensor. First, we generated transgenic mice expressing Cl-Sensor under the control of the mouse Thy1 mini promoter. Cl-Sensor exhibited good expression from postnatal day two (P2) in neurons of the hippocampus and cortex, and its level increased strongly during development. Using simultaneous whole-cell monitoring of ionic currents and Cl-dependent fluorescence, we determined that the apparent EC 50 for Cli was 46 mM, indicating that this line is appropriate for measuring neuronal [Cli] in postnatal mice. We also describe a transgenic mouse reporter line for Cre-dependent conditional expression of Cl-Sensor, which was targeted to the Rosa26 locus and by incorporating a strong exogenous promoter induced robust expression upon Cre-mediated recombination. We demonstrate high levels of tissue-specific expression in two different Cre-driver lines targeting cells of the myeloid lineage and peripheral sensory neurons. Using these mice the apparent EC 50 for Cli was estimated to be 61 and 54 mM in macrophages and DRG, respectively. Our data suggest that these mouse lines will be useful models for ratiometric monitoring of Cli in specific cell types in vivo.

Calcium-modulated chloride pathways contribute to chloride flux in murine cystic fibrosis-affected macrophages

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a common lethal inherited disorder defined by ion transport abnormalities, chronic infection, and robust inflammation, is the result of mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, a cAMP-activated chloride (Cl-) channel. Macrophages are reported to have impaired activity in CF. Previous studies suggest that Cl- transport is important for macrophage function; therefore, impaired Cl- secretion may underlie CF macrophage dysfunction. To determine whether alterations in Cl- transport exist in CF macrophages, Cl- efflux was measured using N-[ethoxycarbonylmethyl]- 6-methoxy-quinolinium bromide (MQAE), a fluorescent indicator dye. The contribution of CFTR was assessed by calculating Cl- flux in the presence and absence of cftr(inh)-172. The contribution of calcium (Ca(2+))-modulated Cl- pathways was assessed by examining Cl- flux with varied extracellular Ca(2+) concentrations or after treatment with carbachol or thapsigargin, agents that increase intracellular Ca(2+) levels. Our data demonstrate that CFTR contributed to Cl- efflux only in WT macrophages, while Ca(2+)-mediated pathways contributed to Cl- transport in CF and WT macrophages. Furthermore, CF macrophages demonstrated augmented Cl- efflux with increases in extracellular Ca(2+). Taken together, this suggests that Ca(2+)-mediated Cl- pathways are enhanced in CF macrophages compared with WT macrophages.

Propofol inhibits pressure-stimulated macrophage phagocytosis via the GABAA receptor and dysregulation of p130cas phosphorylation

Surgical stress and anesthesia result in systemic immunosuppression. Propofol, a commonly used anesthetic agent, alters immune cell functions. Previously, we demonstrated that extracellular pressure increases macrophage phagocytosis. We hypothesized that propofol might influence pressure-induced macrophage phagocytosis in monocytes from patients undergoing surgery. Pressure (20 mmHg above ambient pressure) augmented phagocytosis in monocytes from non-propofol-anesthetized patients but reduced phagocytosis in monocytes from propofol-anesthetized patients. In vitro, propofol stimulated phagocytosis but reversed pressure-induced phagocytosis in THP-1 macrophages and monocytes from healthy volunteers. The GABA(A) receptor antagonists picrotoxin and SR-95531 did not affect basal THP-1 phagocytosis or prevent pressure-stimulated phagocytosis. However, picrotoxin and SR-95531 negated the inhibitory effect of pressure in propofol-treated cells without altering propofol-induced phagocytosis. Phosphorylation of the adaptor protein p130cas was inversely related to phagocytosis: it was inhibited by pressure or propofol but increased by pressure + propofol compared with propofol alone. Reduction of p130cas by small interfering RNA in THP-1 macrophages increased basal phagocytosis and prevented pressure and propofol effects. In conclusion, propofol may alter macrophage responses to pressure via the GABA(A) receptor and p130cas, whereas pressure also acts via p130cas but independently of GABA(A) receptors. p130cas may be an important target for modulation of macrophage function in anesthetized patients.

Endocytosis as a mechanism for tyrosine kinase-dependent suppression of a voltage-gated potassium channel

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.2 undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent suppression of its ionic current. However, little is known about the physical mechanism behind that process. We have found that the Kv1.2 alpha-subunit protein undergoes endocytosis in response to the same stimuli that evoke suppression of Kv1.2 ionic current. The process is tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent because the same tyrosine to phenylalanine mutation in the N-terminus of Kv1.2 that confers resistance to channel suppression (Y132F) also confers resistance to channel endocytosis. Overexpression of a dominant negative form of dynamin blocked stimulus-induced Kv1.2 endocytosis and also blocked suppression of Kv1.2 ionic current. These data indicate that endocytosis of Kv1.2 from the cell surface is a key mechanism for channel suppression by tyrosine kinases.

HIV-1 gp120 chemokine receptor-mediated signaling in human macrophages

The chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 serve as the cellular receptors in conjunction with CD4 for HIV-1 entry and infection of target cells. Although the virus has subverted these molecules for its own use, their natural function is to respond to activation and migration signals delivered by extracellular chemokines. A principal research objective of our laboratory is to understand the consequences of virus-chemokine receptor interactions for cellular function, as well as for entry and infection. We hypothesized that CXCR4-using (X4) and CCR5-using (R5) HIV-1 strains might elicit signals through the chemokine receptors that result in aberrant function and/or regulate virus entry or postentry steps of infection. We have focused on primary human macrophages, which express both CXCR4 and CCR5, because macrophages are a principal target for HIV-1 in vivo, inappropriate macrophage activation appears to play a major role in the pathogenesis of certain sequelae of AIDS, such as HIV encephalopathy, and macrophage infection is regulated at several steps subsequent to entry in ways that are linked to envelope- receptor interactions. This review summarizes our recent findings regarding the mechanisms of chemokine-receptor signaling in macrophages, the role of viral envelope glycoproteins in eliciting macrophage signals, and how these activation pathways may participate in macrophage infection and affect cell functions apart from infection.

HIV-1 gp120 and chemokines activate ion channels in primary macrophages through CCR5 and CXCR4 stimulation

HIV type 1 (HIV-1) uses the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 as coreceptors for entry into target cells. Here we show that the HIV-1 envelope gp120 (Env) activates multiple ionic signaling responses in primary human macrophages, which are important targets for HIV-1 in vivo. Env from both CCR5-dependent JRFL (R5) and CXCR4-dependent IIIB (X4) HIV-1 opened calcium-activated potassium (K(Ca)), chloride, and calcium-permeant nonselective cation channels in macrophages. These signals were mediated by CCR5 and CXCR4 because macrophages lacking CCR5 failed to respond to JRFL and an inhibitor of CXCR4 blocked ion current activation by IIIB. MIP-1beta and SDF-1alpha, chemokine ligands for CCR5 and CXCR4, respectively, also activated K(Ca) and Cl(-) currents in macrophages, but nonselective cation channel activation was unique to gp120. Intracellular Ca(2+) levels were also elevated by gp120. The patterns of activation mediated by CCR5 and CXCR4 were qualitatively similar but quantitatively distinct, as R5 Env activated the K(Ca) current more frequently, elicited Cl(-) currents that were approximately 2-fold greater in amplitude, and elevated intracellular Ca(+2) to higher peak and steady-state levels. Env from R5 and X4 primary isolates evoked similar current responses as the corresponding prototype strains. Thus, the interaction of HIV-1 gp120 with CCR5 or CXCR4 evokes complex and distinct signaling responses in primary macrophages, and gp120-evoked signals differ from those activated by the coreceptors' chemokine ligands. Intracellular signaling responses of macrophages to HIV-1 may modulate postentry steps of infection and cell functions apart from infection.

Membrane capacitance changes associated with particle uptake during phagocytosis in macrophages

We report the use of capacitance measurements to monitor particle uptake after cellular exposure to phagocytic stimuli. In these studies, human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs) and cells from the murine macrophage-like cell line J774.1 were exposed to immune complexes or sized latex particles (0.8 or 3.2 micron in diameter). An average decrease in cell capacitance of 8 pF was seen after exposure of the cells to immune complexes. Cells in which particle uptake was inhibited by cytochalasin B treatment before exposure to immune complexes showed an average increase of 0.5 pF. The decrease in membrane capacitance after exposure of cells to particulate stimuli was absent with the soluble stimulus, platelet-activating factor, further confirming that decreases in membrane capacitance were due to particle uptake. Exposure of cells to sized latex particles resulted in a graded, stepwise decrease in membrane capacitance. The average step size for 0.8-micron particles was 250 fF, and the average step change for the larger 3.2-micron particles was 480 fF, as calculated from Gaussian fits to the step size amplitude histograms. The predicted step size for the individual particles based upon the minimum amount of membrane required to enclose a particle and a specific capacitance of 10 fF/micron2 was 20 and 320 fF, respectively. The step size for the smaller particles deviates significantly from the predicted size distribution, indicating either a possible lower limit to the size of the phagocytic vacuole or multiple particles taken up within a single phagosome. Dynamic interaction between phagocytosis and exocytosis was observed in a number of cells as a biphasic response consisting of an initial rapid increase in capacitance, consistent with cellular exocytosis, followed by stepwise decreases in capacitance.

Superoxide release is involved in membrane potential changes in mouse peritoneal macrophages

Participation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the changes in macrophage membrane potential resulted from effects of different agonists has been studied. Treatment of macrophages with chemotactic peptide fMLP or platelet-activating factor (PAF) caused a brief depolarization followed by a long-lasting hyperpolarization. Lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma only depolarized the plasma membrane. Chemiluminescence measurements indicated that only fMLP and PAF activated macrophages to release ROS. The hyperpolarization response of the cell was significantly decreased in the presence of superoxide dismutase (but not catalase). Moreover, the O2.- -generating system, xanthine plus xanthine oxidase, caused a marked hyperpolarization. In all the cases, the hyperpolarization induced by fMLP, PAF and O2.- -generating system was found to depend on the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ and extracellular K+. Furthermore, in the presence of quinidine, a blocker of Ca2+-dependent K+ conductance fMLP and PAF caused only prolonged depolarization while the effect of O2.- was reduced to a minimum. These data suggest that the macrophage hyperpolarization response to fMLP and PAF involves superoxide-mediated Ca2+-dependent alteration of the relative membrane permeability to K+.

Epidermal growth factor is a motility factor for microglial cells in vitro: evidence for EGF receptor expression

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor are present in the central nervous system and modulate a variety of neural functions. Here we show that microglial cells, the brain-intrinsic macrophages, express the receptor for EGF and migrate in response to EGF. Transcripts encoding the EGF receptor could be detected in purified microglial cultures obtained from newborn mouse cortex. More specifically, cDNA fragments derived from EGF receptor mRNA could be amplified from 21% of electrophysiologically characterized microglial cells by the use of a single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method. Expression of the protein was confirmed on rat microglia by flow cytometry. EGF dose-dependently stimulated chemotactic migration, as revealed with a microchemotaxis assay. The dose-response curve peaked-at 10 ng/ml EGF, reaching a 3-fold increase in migration over the unstimulated control; migration was about half of that induced by complement 5a (10 nM), a previously described microglial chemoattractant. Chequerboard analysis showed that EGF-induced motility was composed of both chemotaxis and chemokinesis. In contrast to its pronounced effect on cell motility, EGF (0.01-10 ng/ml) was not a mitotic signal for microglia, as shown by lack of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Acute and chronic pathological processes within the brain stimulate the synthesis and release of immunoregulators and growth factors (including EGF) that play a major role in the brain's response to injury. EGF may serve as a paracrine factor to direct microglial cells to the lesion site. Moreover, since EGF is secreted by activated microglia themselves in vivo, it may act as an autocrine modulator of microglial cell function.

Fcgamma receptor I activation triggers a novel Ca2+-activated current selective for monovalent cations in the human monocytic cell line, U937

Previous reports have suggested that receptors for immunoglobulin G (IgG), FcgammaRs, directly activate a nonselective cation channel (Young, J. D.-E., Unkeless, J. C., Young, T. M., Mauro, A., and Cohn, Z. A. (1983) Nature 306, 186-189; Nelson, D. J., Jacobs, E. R., Tang, J. M., Zeller, J. M., and Bone, R. C. (1985) J. Clin. Invest. 76, 500-507). To investigate the mechanisms underlying membrane conductance changes following human high affinity (FcgammaRI) receptor activation, we have used the human monocytic cell line U937 and combined conventional whole cell patch-clamp recordings with single cell fura-2 Ca2+ measurements. Using a K+-free internal solution, antibody cross-linking of IgG-occupied FcgammaRI activated an inward current at negative potentials, whose amplitude and time course mirrored the concomitant rise in intracellular Ca2+. Current-voltage relationships, obtained under different ionic conditions, revealed a monovalent cation-selective conductance that, under physiological conditions, would result in Na+ influx. Noise analysis of current recordings indicated a single channel conductance of 18 picosiemens and a mean opening time of 4.5 ms. This current was also activated by rises in intracellular Ca2+ induced by ionomycin (3 microM) or thapsigargin (1 microM). Addition of the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N', N'-tetraacetic acid to the intracellular medium abolished any channel activation by ionomycin, FcgammaRI, or the low affinity receptor, FcgammaRII. These results demonstrate that FcgammaRI activation triggers a novel Ca2+-activated channel selective for monovalent cations and that neither FcgammaRI nor FcgammaRII can directly activate a channel.

Activation of functionally protective K(+) channels by methylmercury in rat alveolar macrophages

Methylmercury (MeHg) is generally known as a neurotoxic heavy metal while its effect on alveolar macrophages is still rarely studied. In this paper, we attempted to use whole cell and cell-attached patch-clamp recording technique and fura-2 fluorescence measurement to elucidate the effects of MeHg on rat alveolar macrophages. The results showed that extracellular application of MeHg induced a transient outward current I(O)(MeHg), 10-20 s in duration, 100-1000 pA in amplitude at -40 mV associated with a marked increase in conductance. The reversal potential depended distinctly on the external K(+) concentration. Removal of external Ca(2+) as well as bath applied verapamil caused a depression of I(O)(MeHg), and intracellular dialysis with 5 mM EGTA completely abolished I(O)(MeHg). Heparin (5 mg/ml) applied by intracellular dialysis greatly accelerated a run-down of I(O)(MeHg) induced by pressure ejection of MeHg. K(+) channel blockers such as quinine, and 4-aminopyridine especially low concentrations of dequalinium and apamin, but not tetraethylammonium inhibited I(O)(MeHg). Cell-attached single-channel recordings with the pipette solution containing 145 mM KCl revealed that the activation of single-channel currents with a conductance of 12 pS could be induced by application of MeHg outside the patch. Since MeHg increased [Ca(2+)](i), in a concentration-dependent manner which was partially blocked by either verapamil or Ca(2+)-free medium containing 1 mM EGTA, it is concluded that MeHg activates a Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) conductance by an increase of [Ca(2+)](i) through an influx from outside the cells as well as mobilization from intracellular store. A possibility that this membrane hyperpolarizing K(+) current may exhibit a functioning modulator in response to the harmful cytotoxic increase in [Ca(2+)](i) caused by MeHg was tested. Accordingly, this working hypothesis is verified by an increase of MeHg-induced cytotoxicity of cultured rat alveolar macrophages through a blockade of this Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel by dequalinium.

Complement factor C5a and epidermal growth factor trigger the activation of outward potassium currents in cultured murine microglia

Microglia, the resident macrophages of the brain, are transformed from a quiescent into an activated phenotype in a number of pathological conditions. The signalling mechanisms which control such transformations are not yet understood. In the present study, we have characterized fast electrophysiological responses in cultured microglia, induced by two putative signalling substances, complement 5a (C5a), a chemotactic agent for macrophages and microglia, and epidermal growth factor, the receptor of which is up-regulated during pathological conditions in the brain. Both factors transiently activate an outwardly rectifying K+ conductance, while the membrane of the unstimulated microglial cell is dominated by an inwardly rectifying K+ conductance. The C5a-stimulated current developed within about 20s and decayed within a slightly slower time course. It was activated by depolarlizing voltage steps positive to the resting membrane potential of about -70 mV, and neither inactivated nor showed a delayed activation following voltage steps. The epidermal growth factor-stimulated current showed similar characteristics. When G-proteins were specifically blocked, the K+ conductance could no longer be activated by C5a or epidermal growth factor, suggesting that for both agonists an inhibitory G-protein is involved in the intracellular signalling cascade. We tested if the induction of the K+ conductance is causally linked to other C5a-induced cellular responses, like transient cytosolic Ca2+ elevation and mobility. The K+ conductance was not activated when a Ca2+ transient was induced by thapsigargin, nor did a blockade of the C5a-induced K+ conductance by K+ channel blockers affect the motility response. This implies that after activation of the C5a receptor and the G-protein, the K+ conductance activation, the Ca2+ mobilization and the motility response are governed by independent intracellular pathways, and that the K+ conductance increase must serve other functions than the control of motility.

Influence of ion channel modulation on in vitro interferon-gamma induced MHC class I and II expression on macrophages

The in vitro effect of K+ channel blockers quinidine and verapamil, anion channel blocker SITS and K+ channel openers diazoxide, pinacidil, and BRL 38227 on interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) induced MHC class I and II expression of Lewis rat peritoneal macrophages was investigated by cell ELISA assay. MHC class I expression was significantly enhanced by diazoxide at concentrations of 10(-5)M to 10(-6)M and by pinacidil and BRL 38227 at the concentration of 10(-6)M. MHC class II expression was enhanced by pinacidil and BRL 38227 at concentrations of 10(-5)M to 10(-6)M. The enhancing effect of pinacidil could be blocked by inhibitors of the protein kinases PKA and PKC suggesting that activation of both is required for optimum induction of MHC molecule expression. K+ and anion channel blockers were less active in modulation of MHC molecule expression. Verapamil had no influence, quinidine suppressed MHC class I expression at concentrations of 10(-4)M to 10(-5)M, and SITS suppressed MHC class I expression at the concentration of 10(-3)M. Since MHC class II expression is essential for efficient antigen presentation to T helper cells and MHC class I expression is required for target cell lysis by cytotoxic T cells, ion channel modulating drugs may be potential candidates for immunopharmacological intervention in inflammatory diseases.

Cytokine-dependent K+ channel profile of microglia at immunologically defined functional states

Microglia were enriched in brain cell cultures from newborn mice as a result of supplementation with the growth factors macrophage colony-stimulating factor or granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor. When separately administered these two cytokines promote the outgrowth of loosely adherent cells with similar morphology which stained positive for CD11b and nonspecific esterase. Microglial cells isolated from both types of culture were electrophysiologically characterized using the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Different resting membrane potentials were measured. In response to hyperpolarizing and depolarizing voltage commands 68 of 91 macrophage colony-stimulating factor-cultured microglial cells exhibited only an inward rectifying potassium current. By contrast, an outward potassium current was observed on 71 of 95 granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor-grown cells. Parallel testing of their capability for antigen presentation proved the activated functional state of these microglial cells. They induce antigen-specific T cell response without prior stimulus. In comparison, cells developed with macrophage colony-stimulating factor failed to present antigen. In such resting microglia a short-term treatment with granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor or interferon-gamma provoked a strong appearance of outward potassium currents, however, only the interferon-gamma-trigger resulted in efficient antigen presentation. The differential induction of both functional parameters suggests the detection of outward potassium currents to provide an electrophysiological activation marker of microglia which is subjected to cytokine regulation but not compellingly linked to antigen presentation.

K+ channel blockers inhibit tissue factor expression by human monocytic cells

Human monocytes express the important procoagulant protein, tissue factor (TF), after stimulation by a variety of agents, including bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Monocyte TF expression may contribute to intravascular coagulation in a number of disease states. The present studies show that monocytic cell TF expression can be inhibited by several agents known to block cellular K+ channels. Exposure of human peripheral blood to 100 ng/mL LPS for 2 hours led to pronounced TF procoagulant activity associated with the mononuclear cell fraction. This was inhibited by 4-aminopyridine (2 mmol/L), tetraethylammonium chloride (10 mmol/L), and apamin (1 mumol/L). In contrast, charybdotoxin (100 nmol/L) was inactive. More detailed studies were carried out in cultured human monocytic tumor THP-1 cells. These cells exhibited low but detectable levels of TF mRNA, measured by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction; cell surface procoagulant activity, measured by a plasma clotting assay; and cell homogenate TF antigen, measured by immunoassay. Exposure of THP-1 cells to 1 microgram/mL LPS led to threefold to fivefold increases in all three parameters. Basal and LPS-induced levels of all three parameters were reduced in a dose-dependent manner by 4-aminopyridine (I50, 1 mmol/L) and tetraethylammonium chloride (I50, 20 mmol/L) but not by apamin or charybdotoxin. Expression of TF activity was also inhibited by glibenclamide, an inhibitor of ATP-dependent K+ channels (I50, 25 mumol/L). These results suggest that facilitation of TF synthesis may be an important role for K+ channels in monocytes.

Activation of murine macrophages by hydrogen peroxide

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

Potassium currents in cultured rabbit retinal pigment epithelial cells

Membrane potential and ionic currents were studied in cultured rabbit retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells using whole-cell patch clamp and perforated-patch recording techniques. RPE cells exhibited both outward and inward voltage-dependent currents and had a mean membrane capacitance of 26 +/- 12 pF (SD, n = 92). The resting membrane potential averaged -31 +/- 15 mV (n = 37), but it was as high as -60 mV in some cells. When K+ was the principal cation in the recording electrode, depolarization-activated outward currents were apparent in 91% of cells studied. Tail current analysis revealed that the outward currents were primarily K+ selective. The most frequently observed outward K+ current was a voltage- and time-dependent outward current (IK) which resembled the delayed rectifier K+ current described in other cells. IK was blocked by tetraethylammonium ions (TEA) and barium (Ba2+) and reduced by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). In a few cells (3-4%), depolarization to -50 mV or more negative potentials evoked an outwardly rectifying K+ current (IKt) which showed more rapid inactivation at depolarized potentials. Inwardly rectifying K+ current (IKI) was also present in 41% of cells. IKI was blocked by extracellular Ba2+ or Cs+ and exhibited time-dependent decay, due to Na+ blockade, at negative potentials. We conclude that cultured rabbit RPE cells exhibit at least three voltage-dependent K+ currents. The K+ conductances reported here may provide conductive pathways important in maintaining ion and fluid homeostasis in the subretinal space.

Activation of a potassium outward current by zymosan and opsonized zymosan in mouse peritoneal macrophages

The effects of zymosan and human serum opsonized zymosan on membrane currents of adherent mouse peritoneal macrophages which had been cultured for 5 to 20 days were investigated with the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. Both stimuli activated an outward current. The outward current activation was transient and lasted about 5 min. In solutions with 10 or 50 mmol/l extracellular potassium concentration the activation of an outwardly directed current occurred at test potentials positive to the respective potassium equilibrium potential. This particle-induced current resembled a calcium-activated potassium current which could be activated with the calcium ionophore A 23187 and with platelet activating factor. The order of maximal responses (test potential + 55 mV, amplitude given as percentage of the respective control) was: 0.1 mumol/l platelet activating factor (222 +/- 36%, n = 8, P < 0.01) > 1 mumol/l A 23187 (190 +/- 24%, n = 11, P < 0.01) > 900 micrograms/ml opsonized zymosan (134 +/- 7%, n = 22, P < 0.01) > 900 micrograms/ml zymosan (116 +/- 5%, n = 21, P < 0.01). The lower efficiency of zymosan as compared to opsonized zymosan is explained in part by a lower percentage of responding cells which was 48% for zymosan and 73% for opsonized zymosan. Macrophages which were pretreated with particles showed a greater reactivity to calcium as compared to untreated cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Voltage-dependent currents in isolated cells of the turtle retinal pigment epithelium

The electrophysiological properties of isolated turtle retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE cells) were investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Most RPE cells exhibited a voltage-dependent outward current activated by depolarization beyond about -43 mV that inactivated during a 500-ms voltage step. Tail current measurements indicated that the conductance underlying this current was potassium selective. This current inactivated with prolonged depolarization and was abolished or reduced by extracellular quinidine, barium, tetraethylammonium (TEA) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Steady-state inactivation of the voltage-dependent outward current revealed a time-independent outwardly rectifying current/voltage relationship in many cells. In addition, many cells had an outward current that activated slowly upon depolarization beyond about +40 mV and appeared to reverse near 0 mV in both 3 mM KCl and 30 mM KCl external solutions. This current was often observed in the presence of potassium channel blockers. Hyperpolarizing pulses commonly evoked inward currents that activated slowly and did not inactivate. These currents were commonly observed when fluoride was absent from the pipette, and only occasionally when fluoride was the major pipette anion. Tail current measurements indicated that this current was somewhat anion selective. These currents may play important roles in the homeostatic and phagocytic functions of RPE cells in their interactions with the neural retina.

Voltage-gated currents expressed by rat microglia in culture

Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, at least three types of voltage-gated currents expressed by cultured rat microglia were identified: an inward rectifier K+ current, a delayed rectifier K+ current (IK), and a Na+ current activated by depolarization. The inward rectifier conductance was activated by hyperpolarization to potentials more negative than -80 mV, depended on the external K+ concentration, and declined over time during whole cell recording, as the cell was internally dialyzed. The delayed rectifier current was activated by depolarization to potentials more positive than -40 mV and the rates of activation and deactivation showed a voltage-dependence similar to such currents seen in other preparations. An inward current possibly carried by Na+ was seen in a small percentage of cells. Recordings had been made from two morphological cell types, namely process-bearing ("ramified") and non-process-bearing ("ameboid"). Each of these currents was present in microglia of both morphological types. However, microglial morphology, which is thought to represent different states of activation, was significantly related to the types of combinations of currents expressed in a given cell.

A subpopulation of bone marrow-derived macrophage-like cells shares a unique ion channel pattern with microglia

Rat microglia share a number of antigenic, functional, and morphological similarities with macrophages from other tissues, but are characterized by a distinctly different pattern of ion channels in the cellular membrane (Kettenmann et al., J Neurosci Res 26:278-287, 1990). Macrophages typically express outward and inward K+ currents. In contrast, microglia lack outward currents and only show inwardly rectifying K+ currents, regardless of the isolation or cultivation method employed for microglia. In this study we demonstrate that a subpopulation of bone marrow-derived macrophage-like cells possesses inward rectifier K+ currents, but no outward currents and thus with regard to the electrophysiological characteristics closely resembles microglia. A second population of bone marrow-derived macrophage-like cells shows the usual channel pattern described for other body macrophages. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that in the bone marrow distinct pools of precursor cells exist, possibly reflecting an early differential lineage determination for body and brain macrophages, i.e., microglia.

The activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ conductance by adrenaline in mouse peritoneal macrophages

Responses to adrenaline in mouse peritoneal macrophages were investigated with perforated and cell-attached patch-clamp recording, and with a combination of the perforated-patch recording and fura-2 fluorescence measurements. Extracellularly applied adrenaline induced a transient outward current (4-10 s in duration, 100-500 pA in amplitude) at -40 mV associated with a marked increase in conductance. The adrenaline-induced current [Io (Adr)] reversed polarity near -80 mV. The reversal potential depended distinctly on the external K+ concentration but not on external Cl- concentration. Removal of external Ca2+ did not affect Io(Adr) within 2-4 min but subsequent responses to adrenaline were progressively depressed. In contrast, treatment with an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, the acetoxymethyl ester of 1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid completely abolished Io(Adr). Furthermore, Io(Adr) was blocked by bath-applied quinidine and charybdotoxin, but not by tetraethylammonium or apamin. Extracellular application of an alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine and of noradrenaline mimicked Io(Adr). On the other hand, Io(Adr) was antagonized by a non-selective alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine (0.2 microM) and an alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.2 microM), but was not affected by an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (1 microM) or a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (1 microM). Cell-attached single-channel recordings with the pipette solution containing 145 mM KCl revealed the activation of single-channel currents with a conductance of 40 pS during application of adrenaline outside the patch. Parallel measurements of membrane current and fura-2 fluorescence in the same cell demonstrated a correlation between the rise in [Ca2+]i and an increase in K+ conductance. Therefore, it is concluded that adrenaline activates a Ca(2+)-dependent K+ conductance by release of Ca2+ from internal stores through an activation of an alpha 1-adrenoceptor.

Phagocytosis in Acanthamoeba: II. Soluble and insoluble mannose-rich ligands stimulate phosphoinositide metabolism

The generation of second messengers during phagocytosis of yeast by Acanthamoeba castellanii was examined. The kinetics of binding and internalization of yeast by Acanthamoeba were measured and this was compared with the generation of known second messengers. We observed stimulated degradation of PI-4, 5-P2 to 1,4,5 IP3 with kinetics similar to that observed for the binding of yeast to amoeba. Similar production of IP3 could be induced upon treatment with a soluble mannosylated glycoprotein. We propose that the Acanthamoeba mannose receptor stimulates the degradation of PI-4, 5-P2 to 1,4,5 IP3 as an initial event in phagocytosis.

Cultured microglial cells have a distinct pattern of membrane channels different from peritoneal macrophages

Microglia are the source of the resident macrophages of the brain and thus belong to one of the most reactive cell types in cerebral tissue. They are attributed to have an important role in a number of pathological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, viral infections like AIDS, and in lethal or sublethal injuries of neurons where the blood-brain barrier is left intact (Streit et al., 1988; McGeer et al., 1988; Gendelman et al., 1989). Microglia share a number of macrophage characteristics but so far lack a distinguishing positive marker. In this study it is shown that microglia are distinguished from other macrophages by a unique pattern of ion channels. We compared membrane currents of microglial cells with those from peritoneal macrophages cultured under identical conditions. Although in macrophages a delayed outward K+ current was previously described (Randriamampita and Trautmann, 1987), microglial cells lacked any specific outward current. Instead, these cells were characterized by large inwardly rectifying currents, activated by hyperpolarizing voltage steps. The reversal potential in different K+ gradients and the sensitivity of the current to to Ba2+, TEA, and 4-AP indicates that this current is K+ selective. In single-channel recordings, a 30 pS K+ selective channel similar to the classical inward rectifier K+ channel was observed. Thus, the expression of membrane channels served not only to distinguish microglia from other cells inside and outside the brain, e.g., blood macrophages, but also suggests a unique functional state of this cell population.

A micro-perfusion chamber for single-cell fluorescence measurements

A versatile closed micro-perfusion chamber designed for single-cell fluorescence measurements under maximum microscopic magnification is described. Glass coverslips with adherent cells can be attached to the top or bottom of the chamber, depending on whether an inverted or an upright microscope is used. Eight conical holes drilled in the side of the chamber serve for the insertion of plugs with attachments for perfusion, rapid injection of small amounts of reagents, temperature measurements or for heating the interior of the chamber. Materials used in the construction of the chamber are non-toxic and resistant to standard sterilization procedures. Perfusion and temperature properties of the chamber are described. Single cell fluorescence measurements are presented in human monocyte-derived macrophages in which NAD(P)H and intracellular calcium are measured.

Patch-clamp profile of ion channels in resting murine B lymphocytes

Patch-clamp studies of single ion channel currents in freshly isolated murine B lymphocytes are characterized here according to their respective unitary conductances, ion selectivities, regulatory factors, distributions and kinetic behavior. The most prevalent ion channel in murine B lymphocytes is a large conductance (348 pS) nonselective anion channel. This report characterizes additional conductances including: two chloride channels (40 and 128 pS), a calcium-activated potassium channel (93 pS), and an outwardly rectifying potassium channel which displays two distinct conductances (18 and 30 pS). Like the anion channel, both chloride channels exhibit little activity in the cell-attached patch configuration. The kinetic behavior of all of these channels is complex, with variable periods of bursting and flickering activity interspersed between prolonged closed/open intervals (dwell times). It is likely that some of these channels play an important role in the signal transduction of B cell activation.