Subcellular Localization of Salmonella enteritidis Endotoxin in Liver and Spleen of Mice and Rats

A systemically administered detoxified TLR4 agonist displays potent antitumor activity and an acceptable tolerance profile in preclinical models

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are potent innate immunostimulants targeting the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an attractive and validated target for immunostimulation in cancer therapy. Although LPS possess anti-tumor activity, toxicity issues prevent their systemic administration at effective doses in humans. We first demonstrated that LPS formulated in liposomes preserved a potent antitumor activity per se upon systemic administration in syngeneic models, and significantly enhance the antitumor activity of the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab in mice xenografted with the human RL lymphoma model. Liposomal encapsulation also allowed a 2-fold reduction in the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines by LPS. Mice receiving an intravenous administration demonstrated a significant increase of neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages at the tumor site as well as an increase of macrophages in spleen. Further, we chemically detoxified LPS to obtain MP-LPS that was associated with a 200-fold decrease in the induction of proinflammatory cytokines. When encapsulated in a clinically approved liposomal formulation, toxicity, notably pyrogenicity (10-fold), was limited while the antitumor activity and immunoadjuvant effect were maintained. This improved tolerance profile of liposomal MP-LPS was associated with the preferential activation of the TLR4-TRIF pathway. Finally, in vitro studies demonstrated that stimulation with encapsulated MP-LPS reversed the polarization of M2 macrophages towards an M1 phenotype, and a phase 1 trial in healthy dogs validated its tolerance upon systemic administration up to very high doses (10µg/kg). Altogether, our results demonstrate the strong therapeutic potential of MPLPS formulated in liposomes as a systemically active anticancer agent, supporting its evaluation in patients with cancer.

Chylomicrons alter the hepatic distribution and cellular response to endotoxin in rats

Chylomicrons (CM) can bind endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), forming CM-LPS complexes, and protect against endotoxic shock and death in rodent models of gram-negative sepsis. The liver appears to play a central role in this process, as demonstrated by the increased uptake of LPS by this organ. We examined the effect of CM on the uptake and cellular response to injected 125I-LPS by hepatocytes and hepatic nonparenchymal cells. Whereas CM increased the uptake of LPS by both hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, the increase was proportionately greater in hepatocytes than Kupffer cells. Importantly, CM-LPS complexes inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression and NO production in Kupffer cells and endothelial cells, reducing mRNA levels by 45% to 50% as compared with LPS alone. CM-bound LPS also reduced NO production by hepatocytes in response to cytokine stimulation. Lastly, CM-LPS complexes yielded a concentration-dependent inhibition of LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production by Kupffer cells in vitro. These data indicate that the mechanism by which CM protect against endotoxicity may involve an increased uptake of LPS by hepatocytes. Moreover, uptake of CM-bound LPS by liver cells attenuates the capacity of these cells to respond to proinflammatory stimulation. These results highlight important anti-inflammatory properties of CM.

Effects of oral and intravenous administration of endotoxin in prepubertal gilts

The effect of oral intake of endotoxins was studied in 12 prepubertal gilts. The animals were given 30 or 100 mg of ET each in their regular morning feed ration. Blood samples were collected periodically during 24 h and the clinical status, including rectal temperature, was recorded at the same time. Hematological and clinical chemical analyses that included serum bile acids, glutamate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, iron, zinc and a blood plasma metabolite of prostaglandin F2 alpha, were done. The animals showed no obvious clinical symptoms following endotoxin feeding. The major findings were increased bile acid and glutamate dehydrogenase values with the most prominent rises being recorded 10-12 h after endotoxin intake. In a later experiment, 6 animals were injected i.v. with endotoxin in doses in the range 0.1-0.5 micrograms/kg b.w. Blood samples were taken and analysed as in the endotoxin-feeding experiment. Within 1 h of injection, all animals showed symptoms such as vomiting, fever and dyspnea. The clinical signs disappeared within 2-5 h. The injections were followed by increases in bile acids, glutamate dehydrogenase and prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite. To conclude, this study indicates that clinically healthy prepubertal gilts react to ingested endotoxin in feed but that no apparent clinical disturbances ensue.

Uptake, distribution and fate of bacterial lipopolysaccharides in monocytes and macrophages: an ultrastructural and functional correlation

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are important components of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria, induce a number of host responses both beneficial and harmful. The present review elucidates the uptake, distribution and functions of LPS in mononuclear phagocytes in an attempt to gain an insight into the mechanisms which control the pathogenesis of LPS mediated septic shock. The unique feature of LPS bilayer structure, the tagged LPS and antibodies to LPS provide means for studying binding, uptake, fate and subcellular distribution of LPS in tissues and cells. LPS bind to monocytes and macrophages by specific interaction via receptors such as scavenger receptors, CD14 and CD18 and by non-specific interactions, and enter the cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, absorptive pinocytosis, phagocytosis, and diffusion. The ingested LPS are localized in pinocytic vesicles, phagocytic vacuoles, cytoplasm, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and nucleus. The interactions of LPS with monocytes and macrophages trigger a broad spectrum of cellular responses, including production of important bioactive factors or mediators, such as IL-1, TNF, interferons, prostaglandins, and macrophage-derived growth factor, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of septic shock and wound healing. However, there is no conclusive evidence indicating that production of the mediators can only be induced through specific interactions.

Binding studies and localization of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in cultured hepatocytes by an immunocolloidal-gold technique

In this study, the uptake and localization of an Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide, and the temperature effects on these processes, were studied in rat cultured hepatocytes using a binding assay and an immunocolloidal gold technique. The lipopolysaccharide was found to bind to the cell membrane and microvilli after short incubation times, at both 4 degrees C and 37 degrees C. This was followed by a dispersed localization into the cytoplasm, reaching mitochondria. The uptake was found not to be receptor-mediated. A decrease of temperature, delays, but does not prevent, the lipopolysaccharide internalization.

Evaluation of hepatic dysfunction in endotoxin pretreated rats using tolbutamide as a marker

The pharmacokinetics of tolbutamide (TB) have been studied in endotoxin pretreated rats with the aim of evaluating TB as a marker for endotoxin effects. Endotoxin dose of 10 mg/kg resulted in a 50% rate of mortality. TB was i.v. administered 24 h. after endotoxin dosing. Clearance (Cl) decreased by approximately 2/3 of its value, area under the curve (AUC) and half-life (t1/2) in the pretreated animals were an average 1.5 times the values for the respective controls. Volume of distribution (Vd) increased by 10% approximately. These findings suggest that endotoxin pretreatment may cause hepatic damage by producing a decrease in Cl and an increase in the t1/2 of TB. But, SGOT levels in pretreated animals were not significantly different. This phenomenon may be explained by the increase in plasma protein binding of TB during endotoxin pretreatment, which decreases the free fraction of the drug in plasma available for metabolism. Endotoxin increased tmax of hydroxy-TB, while no change in Cmax was observed. Since tmax is inversely related to the formation and elimination rates of hydroxy-TB, an increase in tmax may be due to the decrease in both elimination rates. No change in Cmax may be due to the decrease in the rate of formation which is equivalent to the decrease in the rate of elimination of hydroxy-TB.

Involvement of cytochrome b5 in the cytotoxic response to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide

Cytotoxic lesions, induced by Gram-negative lipopolysaccharides (LPS), occur mainly in liver where the microsomal compartment of hepatocytes is involved in the detoxification mechanisms as well as in the biosynthesis of different active metabolites. The alterations induced by LPS from E. coli 0111:B4 on cytochrome b5 and its correlation with cytochrome P450, have been studied using an in vivo reversible endotoxic shock model and 24 h non-replicative hepatocyte monolayers. Results show that cytochrome b5 is directly affected by LPS that induces also a membrane damage with an active release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The increase of cytochrome b5 levels may enhance the efficiency of the electron transport, thus facilitating the cytochrome P450-associate oxidations and reactions involved in the repair mechanisms of membranes.

Cellular and subcellular distribution of injected lipopolysaccharide in rat liver and its inactivation by bile salts

The cellular and subcellular distribution of biologically tritiated Salmonella abortus equi lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was studied at different time intervals after intravenous injection in rats. At 1 min after injection of LPS via the portal vein label was present over Kupffer cell phagosomes. Between 30 min and 7 days after injection, silver grains were mainly associated with phagosomes and lysosomes and occasionally with the membrane of Kupffer cells. A few parenchymal cells were labeled at 5 min in their mitochondria, cell membrane and the periphery of the cell. Radioactivity was also present in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (from 15 min), fat droplets and the nucleus (from 3 h) up to 7 days. Sinusoidal endothelial and fat-storing cells were never labeled. In conclusion, both Kupffer cells and parenchymal cells play a role in the uptake of LPS by the liver. The uptake and processing of endotoxin is rapid, since label is found early after administration and radioactivity is detected in the bile within 1 h. This radioactivity represents non-detoxified LPS, since it is lethal for galactosamine-sensitised mice after extraction with hot phenol/water. However, in the presence of bile salts, the LPS is non-lethal and not capable of clotting the limulus amebocyte lysate. LPS injection causes bile flow reduction within 45 min.

Morphological damage induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in cultured hepatocytes: localization and binding properties

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria are considered to be the responsible agents for the induction of endotoxic shock, affecting the liver as a target organ. In this study, the cell morphology and some biochemical properties of 24 h-culture-hepatocyte monolayers treated with Escherichia coli 0111:B4 lipopolysaccharide, were observed. Cell morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence methods. LPS interaction induced an increase in rounded cells with diminished adhesion capacity. As biochemical parameters, albumin synthesis and 2-deoxyglucose uptake were measured. LPS decreased the hexose uptake in a dose-dependent manner. Binding of (14C)LPS to cultured hepatocytes showed that LPS binds to non-specific constituents of the membrane bilayer.

Effect of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide on the microviscosity of liver plasma membranes and hepatocyte suspensions and monolayers

The fluorescence probe 1,6-diphenylhexa-1,3,5-triene (DPH) was used for monitoring structural perturbations induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli (0111:B4) in plasma membranes of rat liver. Changes in microviscosity were observed in plasma membrane preparations from control rats after treatment with LPS and in plasma membrane preparations from liver perfused with LPS. In both systems fluorescence polarization was measured from which microviscosity was calculated. This parameter increases with LPS treatment. From temperature dependence studies was inferred that LPS interaction with plasma membrane preparations induces an increase of both the polarization term (r0/r-1)-1 and flow activation energy (delta E). Addition of LPS to hepatocyte suspensions also induces an increase on microviscosity and a delay in the fall of microviscosity induced by a temperature rise in hepatocyte monolayers grown on microcover slides. These data suggest that LPS interaction can be attributed to its binding to membrane hydrophobic regions in a non-specific manner.

Intracellular localization of bacterial lipopolysaccharide using the avidin biotin complex method at the electron microscopic level

The intracellular localization in 3T6 fibroblasts of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using the rapid avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase technique at the electron microscopic level was studied. The role of bacterial endotoxin in the etiology of periodontal disease has been well documented previously. The purpose of the present study was to localize LPS within the cell, thereby determining which organelles concentrate the material and relate this to the cytologic pathophysiology. An increased concentration of LPS was found in the cell nuclei and, specifically, in association with nuclear chromatin and nucleoli. The concentration of LPS in the nucleus was directly related to the time of incubation, with some product appearing in that site within 2 minutes. There was no specific localization of endotoxin in mitochondria, lysosomes, Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum or ribosomes. These results imply that bacterial endotoxin may have a direct effect on nuclear components of fibroblasts. The relationship of these results to the etiologic mechanisms of periodontal disease is discussed.

D-Galactosamine hepatotoxicity is associated with endotoxin sensitivity and mediated by lymphoreticular cells in mice

Two strains of mice (C57BL/10ScN and C3H/HeJ) that carry the same mutant lipopolysaccharide gene (Lpsd) which makes them resistant to the toxic effects of endotoxin (LPS) are also partially resistant to the hepatotoxic effects of D-galactosamine. As measured by serum alanine aminotransferase, the degree of liver injury induced by D-galactosamine in the LPS-resistant strains is only 10%-30% that of closely related strains of LPS-sensitive mice. Similarly, histopathologic changes are less pronounced in the endotoxin-resistant strains than in LPS-susceptible mice. By transferring spleen cells from LPS-susceptible strains to lethally irradiated, LPS-resistant mice, we established that susceptibility to D-galactosamine is mediated by lymphoreticular cells. Radiation-resistant spleen cells transferred D-galactosamine sensitivity, suggesting a role for macrophages. We did not exclude the possibility that lymphocytes can also transfer the response to D-galactosamine. These results establish that in mice, D-galactosamine sensitivity is associated with endotoxin sensitivity and that the former is mediated by lymphoreticular cells, not by hepatocytes.

Effect of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide on the glucagon and insulin binding to isolated rat hepatocytes

Number and affinity constant of low affinity binding sites of insulin and glucagon to isolated hepatocytes decreased when the cells were incubated with Escherichia coli 0111:B4 lipopolysaccharide. This effect agrees with a non-specific binding of lipopolysaccharide to hepatocytes, similar to the well-recognized non-specific binding of albumin. Also, binding of different lectins to their glycoprotein receptors did not affect the [14C]lipopolysaccharide interaction with the cell membrane surface. Endotoxin depresses gluconeogenesis from lactate when the precursor was incubated with the cells for short time intervals. The longer the preincubation interval with lipopolysaccharide, the higher the inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the absence and in the presence of glucagon. The effect of endotoxin was also studied on the glucagon-induced synthesis of cyclic AMP and the glucagon binding. Levels of cyclic AMP and hormone binding decreased with increasing both endotoxin concentrations and preincubation intervals at which cells were in contact with endotoxin.

Toxic interactions of benzyl alcohol with bacterial endotoxin

Acute toxic interactions of intravenously administered benzyl alcohol and Escherichia coli O55:B5 (Boivin preparation) endotoxin were examined in rodents. Lethality studies in male CD-1 mice demonstrated that these agents were more toxic when administered in combination than when either was administered alone. Prophylactic treatment with diazepam (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally) protected against lethality induced by either the combination or the endotoxin yet offered little, if any, protection against the lethal effects of benzyl alcohol. Similar treatments with naloxone (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally) failed to protect against either endotoxin-induced or benzyl alcohol-induced lethality, but they significantly protected against the lethal effects of the combination. Although hexobarbital-induced sleeping time was prolonged in endotoxin-treated mice (but was normal in benzyl alcohol-treated mice), a more protracted effect on sleeping time was observed in mice treated with both benzyl alcohol and endotoxin. Moreover, male Wistar rats treated with benzyl alcohol (40 mg) showed no evidence of hepatic lesions, but rats treated in combination with sublethal doses of the alcohol (40 mg) and the endotoxin (0.4 mg) developed hepatic lesions which were severe than those observed in rats treated with endotoxin (0.4 mg) alone. A correlation between altered blood chemistry values and severity of hepatic lesions was demonstrated. These data show in vivo toxic interactions between benzyl alcohol and bacterial endotoxin. In addition, our results indicate that the toxic effects induced by the benzyl alcohol-endotoxin combination are due to an enhancement of the lethal properties of bacterial endotoxin.

Hepatocellular clearance function of bacterial lipopolysaccharides and free lipid A in mice with endotoxic shock

Hepatic uptake of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in defined salt forms and free lipid A was studied in C3H mice. Extracts of 14C-labeled and unlabeled LPS from Salmonella abortus equi and lipid A from Salmonella minnesota R 595 (Re) were administered intravenously in doses sufficient to induce endotoxic shock. Sixty minutes after administration of 14C-LPS, 40% of the total activity was found in the liver tissue, 10% was in the isolated nonparenchymal cells, and only 1% was in the isolated hepatocytes. However, at this time only one third of the hepatocytes could be isolated; the other two thirds were obviously damaged. After 240 minutes, 55% of the total activity was measured in the liver tissue. The nonparenchymal cells had 8% of the activity, and all hepatocytes were damaged. By use of immunofluorescence, LPS S abortus equi was localized in sinusoidal cells 5 to 10 minutes after administration, and LPS S minnesota R 595 and lipid A were found in both nonparenchymal and parenchymal liver cells. All toxins were localized in both cell populations 60 and 240 minutes after injection. After application of LPS or lipid A, the third complement component (C3) was detectable in sinusoidal cells. In decomplemented mice the hepatic deposits of LPS and lipid A were unaffected, without demonstration of C3. The data indicate that LPS and lipid A interact in vivo with Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. Hepatic clearance of endotoxin seems to be independent of complement.

Time course of cellular distribution of endotoxin in liver, lungs and kidneys of rats

The time course of distribution of 2 endotoxic lipopolysaccharides (LPS), S. abortus equi (S form) and S. minnesota R 595 (R form, Re), in liver, lungs and kidneys was studied by the immunoperoxidase method in rats. After its uptake in the liver, both LPS were first detectable in Kupffer cells and granulocytes, the R form also in hepatocytes. A redistribution of the S-form LPS from Kupffer cells to hepatocytes was observed on Day 3 after injection. The detectability of both LPS was lost between Days 5 and 9 after injection. In the lungs both LPS were detectable later than in the liver. Here the LPS were also found in alveolar and bronchiolar macrophages, which shows that they can also be eliminated through this organ. The kidneys remained essentially free of LPS, small amounts being detectable here only in the first 24 h.

Fate of 51Cr-labeled lipopolysaccharide in tissue culture cells and livers of normal mice

Livers of normal mice trapped over 80% of intravenously injected 51Cr-labeled lipopolysaccharide after 1 h. Liver fractionation studies showed that nearly 45% of the labeled endotoxin was associated with cell nuclei, 20% with the mitochondrial-lysosomal fraction, and approximately 30% with the cell sap. Analysis of the distribution of 51Cr-labeled lipopolysaccharide among parenchymal and Kupffer cells showed that over 75% of the in vivo-trapped counts were parenchymal cell associated. Cell populations were approximately 65% parenchymal cells and 35% nonparenchymal cells. Further, six non-reticuloendothelial system tissue culture cell lines were tested for their ability to internalize labeled lipopolysaccharide. In all cells studied, 1 to 4% of the labeled lipopolysaccharide was taken up after 3 h, with greater than 80% of the counts localized in the nuclear fraction. The data show that non-reticuloendothelial system cells can sequester endotoxin both in vivo and in vitro and suggest that parenchymal cells as well as Kupffer cells remove circulating endotoxin from the blood.

Disaggregation of endotoxin by isolated rat liver plasma membranes and lack of product binding

The interaction of bacterial endotoxin with isolated rat liver cell membranes was studied to determine the extent and nature of any binding. Serratia marcescens endotoxin was incubated with isolated rat liver plasma membranes for varying periods of time at 37 C, and this mixture was then centrifuged through a discontinous sucrose density gradient. The membranes banded primarily at the 35 to 45% sucrose interface, whether or not they had been incubated with endotoxin. The endotoxin distributed itself throughout the gradient except when incubated with membranes, in which case it failed to sediment. This membrane-induced alteration in sedimentation could be prevented by heat inactivation of the membranes, and was found to be pH, time, temperature, and concentration dependent. There was neither associated degradation of the endotoxin, as measured by molecular sieve chromatography, nor loss in toxicity, as determined in lead-sensitized rats. These observations are consistent with an enzymatic disaggregation of the endotoxin by membranes and could represent a step in the uptake of the endotoxin by the reticuloendothelial system. No significant binding of this disaggregated endotoxin to the membranes could be detected, either after gradient separation or after repeated washing. This finding strongly suggests that, at least in cells that are active in the uptake of endotoxin, membrane-endotoxin interactions may be relatively transitory in nature, and that firm adherence to such membranes may not be a central feature of endotoxin toxicity.