Blaheta RA, Hailer NP, Brude N, Wittig B, Leckel K, Oppermann E, Bachmann M, Harder S, Cinatl J, Scholz M, Bereiter-Hahn J, Weber S, Encke A, Markus BH. In vitro analysis of verapamil-induced immunosuppression: potent inhibition of T cell motility and lymphocytic transmigration through allogeneic endothelial cells.
Transplantation 2000;
69:588-97. [PMID:
10708116 DOI:
10.1097/00007890-200002270-00021]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus prevent proliferation but not transendothelial migration of alloreactive lymphocytes into donor organs. As a result, serious adverse effects, such as nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, have been observed under CsA/tacrolimus therapy. The incorporation of new drugs with infiltration blocking properties might enhance the efficacy of the current immunosuppressive protocol, allowing lower CsA/tacrolimus dosage. Because Ca2+ plays a critical role in cell-cell interaction, the Ca2+-channel blocker verapamil might be a good cany. didate for supporting CsA/tacrolimus-based therapy.
METHODS
A T-cell endothelial cell coculture model or immobilized immunoglobulin G globulin chimeras were employed to investigate how S- and R- verapamil interfere with the lymphocytic infiltration process. The expression and arrangement of membranous adhesion receptors and cytoskeletal F-actin filaments were analyzed by fluorometric method in the presence of. verapamil.
RESULTS
Both verapamil enantiomers strongly inhibited lymphocyte infiltration. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were influenced to a similar extent with regard to horizontal locomotion (CD4+=CD8+), but to a different extent with regard to adhesion and penetration (CD4+ > CD8+). Moreover, penetration was blocked to a higher extent than was adhesion. ID50-values were 31 microM (CD4+-adhesion) and 11 microM (CD4+-penetration). Verapamil reduced P-selectin expression on endothelial cells and effectively down-regulated binding of T-cells to immobilized P-selectin immunoglobulin G globulins (ID50=4.4 microM; CD4+). A verapamil-induced reduction of intracellular F-actin in T-lymphocytes was proven to be mainly responsible for diminished cell locomotion.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevention of CD4+ T-cell penetration by verapamil might argue for its use as an adjunct to CsA/tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy.
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