Effects of local anesthetics on Na+ channels containing the equine hyperkalemic periodic paralysis mutation

Upregulation of macrophage-specific functions by oxidized LDL: lysosomal degradation-dependent and -independent pathways

Formation of foam cells from macrophages, which are formed by the differentiation of blood-borne monocytes, is a critical early event in atherogenesis. To examine how pre-exposure of monocytes to modified proteins, such as oxLDL, influences their differentiation to macrophages, an in vitro model system using isolated PBMC maintained in culture in the presence of oxLDL was used. Pretreatment of monocytes with oxLDL caused a faster rate of expression of macrophage-specific functions and loss of monocyte-specific functions compared to unmodified LDL. The effect of oxidation of lipid component of LDL by CuSO(4) and its protein component by HOCl, on mo-mϕ differentiation was studied by monitoring the upregulation of macrophage-specific functions, particularly MMP-9. Chloroquine, a lysosomal degradation blocker, significantly reversed the effect mediated by CuSO(4) oxLDL, indicating the involvement of lysosomal degradation products, while no such effect was observed in HOCl oxLDL-treated cells, indicating the existence of a pathway independent of its lysosomal degradation products. Reversal of the effect of oxLDL by NAC and Calphostin C, an inhibitor of PKC, suggested the activation of RO-mediated signaling pathways. Use of inhibitors of signaling pathways showed that CuSO(4) oxLDL upregulated mϕ-specific MMP-9 through p38 MAPK and Akt-dependent pathways, while HOCl oxLDL utilized ERK ½ and Akt. Further analysis showed the activation of PPARγ and AP-1 in CuSO(4) oxLDL, while HOCl-oxLDL-mediated effect involved NFκB and AP-1. These results suggest that lipid oxLDL- and protein oxLDL-mediated upregulation of mo-mϕ-specific functions involve lysosomal degradation-dependent and -independent activation of intracellular signaling pathways.

Sphingolipid-mediated inhibition of apoptotic cell clearance by alveolar macrophages

A decreased clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) by alveolar macrophages (AM) may contribute to inflammation in emphysema. The up-regulation of ceramides in response to cigarette smoking (CS) has been linked to AM accumulation and increased detection of apoptotic alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells in lung parenchyma. We hypothesized that ceramides inhibit the AM phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Release of endogenous ceramides via sphingomyelinase or exogenous ceramide treatments dose-dependently impaired apoptotic Jurkat cell phagocytosis by primary rat or human AM, irrespective of the molecular species of ceramide. Similarly, in vivo augmentation of lung ceramides via intratracheal instillation in rats significantly decreased the engulfment of instilled target apoptotic thymocytes by resident AM. The mechanism of ceramide-induced efferocytosis impairment was dependent on generation of sphingosine via ceramidase. Sphingosine treatment recapitulated the effects of ceramide, dose-dependently inhibiting apoptotic cell clearance. The effect of ceramide on efferocytosis was associated with decreased membrane ruffle formation and attenuated Rac1 plasma membrane recruitment. Constitutively active Rac1 overexpression rescued AM efferocytosis against the effects of ceramide. CS exposure significantly increased AM ceramides and recapitulated the effect of ceramides on Rac1 membrane recruitment in a sphingosine-dependent manner. Importantly, CS profoundly inhibited AM efferocytosis via ceramide-dependent sphingosine production. These results suggest that excessive lung ceramides may amplify lung injury in emphysema by causing both apoptosis of structural cells and inhibition of their clearance by AM.

A novel hybrid aspirin-NO-releasing compound inhibits TNFalpha release from LPS-activated human monocytes and macrophages

Background

The cytoprotective nature of nitric oxide (NO) led to development of NO-aspirins in the hope of overcoming the gastric side-effects of aspirin. However, the NO moiety gives these hybrids potential for actions further to their aspirin-mediated anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory effects. Having previously shown that novel NO-aspirin hybrids containing a furoxan NO-releasing group have potent anti-platelet effects, here we investigate their anti-inflammatory properties. Here we examine their effects upon TNFα release from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages and investigate a potential mechanism of action through effects on LPS-stimulated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation.

Methods

Peripheral venous blood was drawn from the antecubital fossa of human volunteers. Mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured. The resultant differentiated macrophages were treated with pharmacologically relevant concentrations of either a furoxan-aspirin (B8, B7; 10 μM), their respective furazan NO-free counterparts (B16, B15; 10 μM), aspirin (10 μM), existing nitroaspirin (NCX4016; 10 μM), an NO donor (DEA/NO; 10 μM) or dexamethasone (1 μM), in the presence and absence of LPS (10 ng/ml; 4 h). Parallel experiments were conducted on undifferentiated fresh monocytes. Supernatants were assessed by specific ELISA for TNFα release and by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay for cell necrosis. To assess NF-κB activation, the effects of the compounds on the loss of cytoplasmic inhibitor of NF-κB, IκBα (assessed by western blotting) and nuclear localisation (assessed by immunofluorescence) of the p65 subunit of NF-κB were determined.

Results

B8 significantly reduced TNFα release from LPS-treated macrophages to 36 ± 10% of the LPS control. B8 and B16 significantly inhibited monocyte TNFα release to 28 ± 5, and 49 ± 9% of control, respectively. The B8 effect was equivalent in magnitude to that of dexamethasone, but was not shared by 10 μM DEA/NO, B7, the furazans, aspirin or NCX4016. LDH assessment revealed none of the treatments caused significant cell lysis. LPS stimulated loss of cytoplasmic IκBα and nuclear translocation of the p65 NF-κB subunit was inhibited by the active NO-furoxans.

Conclusion

Here we show that furoxan-aspirin, B8, significantly reduces TNFα release from both monocytes and macrophages and suggest that inhibition of NF-κB activation is a likely mechanism for the effect. This anti-inflammatory action highlights a further therapeutic potential of drugs of this class.

Constitutive ERK MAPK activity regulates macrophage ATP production and mitochondrial integrity

A unique feature of human alveolar macrophages is their prolonged survival in the face of a stressful environment. We have shown previously that the ERK MAPK is constitutively active in these cells and is important in prolonging cell survival. This study examines the role of the ERK pathway in maintaining mitochondrial energy production. The data demonstrate that ATP levels in alveolar macrophages depend on intact mitochondria and optimal functioning of the electron transport chain. Significant levels of MEK and ERK localize to the mitochondria and inhibition of ERK activity induces an early and profound depletion in cellular ATP coincident with a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The effect of ERK suppression on ATP levels was specific, since it did not occur with PI3K/Akt, p38, or JNK suppression. ERK inhibition led to cytosolic release of mitochondrial proteins and caspase activation. Both ERK inhibition and mitochondrial blockers induced loss of plasma membrane permeability and cell death. The cell death induced by ERK inhibition had hallmarks of both apoptotic (caspase activation) and necrotic (ATP loss) cell death. By blocking ERK inhibition-induced reactive oxygen species, caspase activation was prevented, although necrotic pathways continued to induce cell death. This suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction caused by ERK inhibition generates both apoptotic and necrotic cell death-inducing pathways. As a composite, these data demonstrate a novel mitochondrial role for ERK in maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production in human alveolar macrophages.

Asbestos-induced MKP-3 expression augments TNF-alpha gene expression in human monocytes

TNF-alpha is associated with the development of interstitial fibrosis. We have demonstrated that the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase regulates TNF-alpha expression in monocytes exposed to asbestos. In this report, we asked if extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was also involved in TNF-alpha expression in monocytes exposed to asbestos. We found that p38 and ERK were differentially activated in alveolar macrophages obtained from patients with asbestosis compared with normal subjects. More specifically, p38 was constitutively active and ERK activation was suppressed. Since the upstream pathway leading to ERK was intact, we hypothesized that an ERK-specific phosphatase was, in part, responsible for the decreased ERK activity. We evaluated whether the dual specificity phosphatase MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP)-3, which is highly expressed in the lung and specifically dephosphorylates ERK, was increased after exposure to asbestos. We found that MKP-3 increased after exposure to asbestos, and its expression was regulated by p38. We found that p38 and ERK negatively regulated one another, and MKP-3 had a role in this differential activation. We also found that p38 was a positive regulator and ERK was a negative regulator of TNF-alpha gene expression. Cells overexpressing MKP-3 had a significant increase in TNF-alpha gene expression, suggesting than an environment favoring p38 MAP kinase activation is necessary for TNF-alpha production in monocytes exposed to asbestos. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the p38 MAP kinase down-regulates ERK via activation of MKP-3 in human monocytes exposed to asbestos to enhance TNF-alpha gene expression.

Anaesthetic management of labour and caesarean delivery of a patient with hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis

We describe a parturient with hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis who presented for induction of labour and subsequently, caesarean section. Epidural analgesia and anaesthesia were used successfully in a multidisciplinary plan aimed at avoiding a peripartum attack and providing safe delivery. Management of this rare condition is discussed along with a review of the available literature.

Active ERK contributes to protein translation by preventing JNK-dependent inhibition of protein phosphatase 1

Human alveolar macrophages, central to immune responses in the lung, are unique in that they have an extended life span in contrast to precursor monocytes. We have shown previously that the ERK MAPK (ERK) pathway is constitutively active in human alveolar macrophages and contributes to the prolonged survival of these cells. We hypothesized that ERK maintains survival, in part, by positively regulating protein translation. In support of this hypothesis, we have found novel links among ERK, JNK, protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), and the eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 2alpha. eIF2alpha is active when hypophosphorylated and is essential for initiation of protein translation (delivery of initiator tRNA charged with methionine to the ribosome). Using [(35)S]methionine labeling, we found that ERK inhibition significantly decreased protein translation rates in alveolar macrophages. Decreased protein translation resulted from phosphorylation (and inactivation) of eIF2alpha. We found that ERK inhibition increased JNK activity. JNK in turn inactivated (via phosphorylation) PP1, the phosphatase responsible for maintaining the hypophosphorylated state of eIF2alpha. As a composite, our data demonstrate that in human alveolar macrophages, constitutive ERK activity positively regulates protein translation via the following novel pathway: active ERK inhibits JNK, leading to activation of PP1alpha, eIF2alpha dephosphorylation, and translation initiation. This new role for ERK in alveolar macrophage homeostasis may help to explain the survival characteristic of these cells within their unique high oxygen and stress microenvironment.

Class Ic antiarrhythmics block human skeletal muscle Na channel during myotonia-like stimulation

Flecainide, a class Ic antiarrhythmic drug, has been anecdotally reported to improve myotonia, but little is known about its kinetics on human skeletal muscle sodium channels applicable in vivo. Here we explored the anti-myotonic action of flecainide for human skeletal muscle sodium channels heterologously expressed in cultured cells. Flecainide blocked sodium channels in a highly state-dependent manner with 20-fold difference in IC(50) between use-dependent and tonic blocks. When pulses of brief depolarization simulating myotonia were applied from a holding potential of -90 mV, flecainide at therapeutic concentrations significantly blocked sodium currents. Flecainide slowed the time course of recovery but most channels recovered from block within 10-20 s. In contrast to mexiletine, flecainide did not markedly block sodium current during prolonged depolarization, suggesting an open-channel blocking action. Considering the slow recovery from block and the specific action against repetitive depolarization, flecainide may represent a potent therapeutic agent for myotonia.

Phenotypical and functional characterization of alveolar macrophage subpopulations in the lungs of NO2-exposed rats

Background

Alveolar macrophages (AM) are known to play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory reactions in the lung, e.g. during the development of chronic lung diseases. Exposure of rats to NO₂ has recently been shown to induce a shift in the activation type of AM that is characterized by reduced TNF-α and increased IL-10 production. So far it is unclear, whether a functional shift in the already present AM population or the occurrence of a new, phenotypically different AM population is responsible for these observations.

Methods

AM from rat and mice were analyzed by flow cytometry for surface marker expression and in vivo staining with PKH26 was applied to characterize newly recruited macrophages. Following magnetic bead separation, AM subpopulations were further analyzed for cytokine, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mRNA expression using quantitative RT-PCR. Following in vitro stimulation, cytokines were quantitated in the culture supernatants by ELISA.

Results

In untreated rats the majority of AM showed a low expression of the surface antigen ED7 (CD11b) and a high ED9 (CD172) expression (ED7^-/ED9^high). In contrast, NO₂ exposure induced the occurrence of a subpopulation characterized by the marker combination ED7⁺/ED9^low. Comparable changes were observed in mice and by in vivo labeling of resident AM using the dye PKH26 we could demonstrate that CD11b positive cells mainly comprise newly recruited AM. Subsequent functional analyses of separated AM subpopulations of the rat revealed that ED7⁺ cells showed an increased expression and production of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 whereas TNF-α production was lower compared to ED7^- AM. However, iNOS and IL-12 expression were also increased in the ED7⁺ subpopulation. In addition, these cells showed a significantly higher mRNA expression for the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-7, -8, -9, and -12.

Conclusion

NO₂ exposure induces the infiltration of an AM subpopulation that, on the one hand may exert antiinflammatory functions by the production of high amounts of IL-10 but on the other hand may contribute to the pathology of NO₂-induced lung damage by selective expression of certain matrix metalloproteinases.

A mutation in the local anaesthetic binding site abolishes toluene effects in sodium channels

Toluene is a solvent of abuse that inhibits cardiac sodium channels in a manner that resembles the action of local anaesthetics. The purpose of this work was to analyze toluene effects on skeletal muscle sodium channels with and without beta1 subunit (Nav1.4+beta1 and Nav1.4-beta1, respectively) expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and to compare them with those produced in the F1579A mutant channel lacking a local anaesthetic binding site. Toluene inhibited Nav1.4 sodium currents (IC50=2.7 mM in Nav1.4+beta1 and 2.2 mM in Nav1.4-beta1 in a concentration dependent way. Toluene (3 mM) blocked sodium currents in Nav1.4 channels proportionally throughout the entire current-voltage relationship producing inactivation at more negative potentials. Minimal inhibition was produced by 3 mM toluene in F1579A mutant channels. Recovery from inactivation was slower both in Nav1.4 and F1579A channels in the presence of 3 mM toluene. The solvent blocked sodium currents in a use-dependent and frequency-dependent manner in Nav1.4 channels. A single mutation in the local anaesthetic binding site of Nav1.4 channels almost abolished toluene effects. These results suggest that this site is important for toluene action.

Comparison of the effects of four Na+ channel analgesics on TTX-resistant Na+ currents in rat sensory neurons and recombinant Nav1.2 channels

Na(+) channel blockers are highly effective analgesics. Among the neuronal Na(+) channel subtypes, Nav1.8 is discussed to be of importance for certain pain states, and Nav1.8-preferring Na(+) channel blockers should be able to relief pain without causing severe effects (due to the restricted expression of this channel type). In this study, the effects of four Na(+) channel blockers on rat tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-r) Na(+) channels (representing mostly Nav1.8) in sensory neurons were investigated using the patch-clamp technique in the voltage-clamp configuration, and compared with those on cells heterologously expressing Nav1.2 alpha subunits. The compounds were lidocaine, mexiletine, benzocaine, and ambroxol, which are clinically used to treat pain after local or systemic administration. The four compounds inhibited resting TTX-r channels concentration-dependently, with ambroxol being the most effective (IC(50) value: 34.3 microM), and benzocaine being the weakest (IC(50) value: 1,901 microM). All compounds shifted steady-state inactivation curves to more negative values. Ambroxol blocked resting TTX-r channels more potently than Nav1.2, the opposite was the case for lidocaine, mexiletine and benzocaine. Based on the drugs' potencies found in this study, and the published information on clinically achievable plasma levels, the amount of Na(+) channel block to induce analgesia after systemic administration was estimated.

Sodium Channel Inactivation: Molecular Determinants and Modulation

Voltage-gated sodium channels open (activate) when the membrane is depolarized and close on repolarization (deactivate) but also on continuing depolarization by a process termed inactivation, which leaves the channel refractory, i.e., unable to open again for a period of time. In the “classical” fast inactivation, this time is of the millisecond range, but it can last much longer (up to seconds) in a different slow type of inactivation. These two types of inactivation have different mechanisms located in different parts of the channel molecule: the fast inactivation at the cytoplasmic pore opening which can be closed by a hinged lid, the slow inactivation in other parts involving conformational changes of the pore. Fast inactivation is highly vulnerable and affected by many chemical agents, toxins, and proteolytic enzymes but also by the presence of β-subunits of the channel molecule. Systematic studies of these modulating factors and of the effects of point mutations (experimental and in hereditary diseases) in the channel molecule have yielded a fairly consistent picture of the molecular background of fast inactivation, which for the slow inactivation is still lacking.

Proinflammatory Activation of Macrophages by Basic Calcium Phosphate Crystals via Protein Kinase C and MAP Kinase Pathways

Basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystal deposition underlies the development of arterial calcification. Inflammatory macrophages colocalize with BCP deposits in developing atherosclerotic lesions and in vitro can promote calcification through the release of TNF alpha. Here we have investigated whether BCP crystals can elicit a proinflammatory response from monocyte-macrophages. BCP microcrystals were internalized into vacuoles of human monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro. This was associated with secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β and IL-8) capable of activating cultured endothelial cells and promoting capture of flowing leukocytes under shear flow. Critical roles for PKC, ERK1/2, JNK, but not p38 intracellular signaling pathways were identified in the secretion of TNF alpha, with activation of ERK1/2 but not JNK being dependent on upstream activation of PKC. Using confocal microscopy and adenoviral transfection approaches, we determined a specific role for the PKC-alpha isozyme. The response of macrophages to BCP crystals suggests that pathological calcification is not merely a passive consequence of chronic inflammatory disease but may lead to a positive feed-back loop of calcification and inflammation driving disease progression.

Cross-Desensitization among CXCR1, CXCR2, and CCR5: Role of Protein Kinase C-ε

The IL-8 (or CXCL8) chemokine receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, activate protein kinase C (PKC) to mediate leukocyte functions. To investigate the roles of different PKC isoforms in CXCL8 receptor activation and regulation, human mononuclear phagocytes were treated with CXCL8 or CXCL1 (melanoma growth-stimulating activity), which is specific for CXCR2. Plasma membrane association was used as a measure of PKC activation. Both receptors induced time-dependent association of PKCalpha, -beta1, and -beta2 to the membrane, but only CXCR1 activated PKCepsilon. CXCL8 also failed to activate PKCepsilon in RBL-2H3 cells stably expressing CXCR2. DeltaCXCR2, a cytoplasmic tail deletion mutant of CXCR2 that is resistant to internalization, activated PKCepsilon as well as CXCR1. Expression of the PKCepsilon inhibitor peptide epsilonV1 in RBL-2H3 cells blocked PKCepsilon translocation and inhibited receptor-mediated exocytosis, but not phosphoinositide hydrolysis or peak intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. epsilonV1 also inhibited CXCR1-, CCR5-, and DeltaCXCR2-mediated cross-regulatory signals for GTPase activity, Ca(2+) mobilization, and internalization. Peritoneal macrophages from PKCepsilon-deficient mice (PKCepsilon(-/-)) also showed decreased CCR5-mediated cross-desensitization of G protein activation and Ca(2+) mobilization. Taken together, the results indicate that CXCR1 and CCR5 activate PKCepsilon to mediate cross-inhibitory signals. Inhibition or deletion of PKCepsilon decreases receptor-induced exocytosis and cross-regulatory signals, but not phosphoinositide hydrolysis or peak intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, suggesting that cross-regulation is a Ca(2+)-independent process. Because DeltaCXCR2, but not CXCR2, activates PKCepsilon and cross-desensitizes CCR5, the data further suggest that signal duration leading to activation of novel PKC may modulate receptor-mediated cross-inhibitory signals.

Specific engagement of TLR4 or TLR3 does not lead to IFN-beta-mediated innate signal amplification and STAT1 phosphorylation in resident murine alveolar macrophages

The innate immune response must be mobilized promptly yet judiciously via TLRs to protect the lungs against pathogens. Stimulation of murine peritoneal macrophage (PMphi) TLR4 or TLR3 by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) typically induces type I IFN-beta, leading to autocrine activation of the transcription factor STAT1. Because it is unknown whether STAT1 plays a similar role in the lungs, we studied the response of resident alveolar macrophages (AMphi) or control PMphi from normal C57BL/6 mice to stimulation by PAMPs derived from viruses (polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid, specific for TLR3) or bacteria (Pam(3)Cys, specific for TLR2, and repurified LPS, specific for TLR4). AMphi did not activate STAT1 by tyrosine phosphorylation on Y701 following stimulation of any of these three TLRs, but readily did so in response to exogenous IFN-beta. This unique AMphi response was not due to altered TLR expression, or defective immediate-early gene response, as measured by expression of TNF-alpha and three beta chemokines. Instead, AMphi differed from PMphi in not producing bioactive IFN-beta, as confirmed by ELISA and by the failure of supernatants from TLR-stimulated AMphi to induce STAT1 phosphorylation in PMphi. Consequently, AMphi did not produce the microbicidal effector molecule NO following TLR4 or TLR3 stimulation unless exogenous IFN-beta was also added. Thus, murine AMphi respond to bacterial or viral PAMPs by producing inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, but because they lack the feed-forward amplification typically mediated by autocrine IFN-beta secretion and STAT1 activation, require exogenous IFN to mount a second phase of host defense.

Differential Induction of IL-1β and TNF by CD40 Ligand or Cellular Contact with Stimulated T Cells Depends on the Maturation Stage of Human Monocytes

Cellular contact with stimulated T cells potently induces cytokine production in monocytes, a mechanism that is likely to be relevant to chronic inflammation. Although the identity of surface molecules involved in this process remains elusive, CD40 and its ligand, CD40L, are thought to be implicated, considering that they are expressed at the inflammatory site. To ascertain the involvement of CD40L, we compared the activation of three different types of human monocytic cells, i.e., freshly isolated monocytes, monocytes primed with IFN-gamma (IFN-gamma-macrophages), and THP-1 cells. These cells were activated by either membranes isolated from stimulated T cells (HUT-78 or T lymphocytes) to mimic cellular contact, soluble extracts from isolated membranes, or CD40L trimer (CD40LT). The production of TNF and IL-1beta was induced by membranes of stimulated T cells in the three types of target cells, whereas CD40LT induced TNF production in IFN-gamma-macrophages only. Similar results were obtained with soluble extracts of T cell membranes, demonstrating that the difference between membranes and CD40LT was not due to the particulate form of membranes. CD40LT induced neither transcript nor protein of cytokines in monocytes, whereas in IFN-gamma-macrophages, IL-1beta and TNF mRNA were observed, but only TNF was measured in cell supernatants. Finally, anti-CD40L Abs failed to inhibit TNF and IL-1beta production induced in IFN-gamma-macrophages by solubilized membranes, whereas TNF production induced by CD40LT was inhibited. These results demonstrate that CD40L is not required in monocyte activation by direct cellular contact with stimulated T cells, although soluble CD40LT induces the production of TNF in IFN-gamma-macrophages.

Inflammatory cytokine expression is independent of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/AP-1 signaling cascade in human neutrophils

In the last decade, the ability of neutrophils to generate proinflammatory cytokines has become firmly established. Because neutrophils typically infiltrate inflammatory sites in large numbers, they could significantly contribute to the cytokine environment and even represent a substantial source of cytokines in chronic inflammatory disorders in which they predominate over other cell types. To date, however, most studies have focused on identifying which mediators are produced by neutrophils, as opposed to elucidating the molecular bases underlying this process. We previously showed that most stimuli of cytokine production in neutrophils also activate NF-kappaB in these cells. In this report, we turned our attention to another transcription factor that plays a central role in inflammation, AP-1. Among Jun/Fos proteins, only JunD and c-Fos are abundantly expressed in neutrophils, and they are mainly cytoplasmic. Both the cellular levels and distribution of the Jun/Fos proteins remain unaffected by various neutrophil stimuli, including those that are known to increase the corresponding mRNA transcripts. Similarly, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1 is overwhelmingly cytoplasmic in neutrophils and does not translocate to the nucleus upon cell activation. Although JNK is not activatable under most circumstances, specific conditions do allow its phosphorylation in response to TNF. However, no experimental condition (even those leading to JNK activation) resulted in the induction of genuine AP-1 complexes in neutrophils. Accordingly, the potent JNK inhibitor, SP 600125, failed to inhibit inflammatory cytokine gene expression in neutrophils. Collectively, our findings strongly suggest that the JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway has little or no impact on the generation of inflammatory mediators in neutrophils.

The sensitivity of sodium channels in immature and mature rat CA1 neurones to the local anaesthetics procaine and lidocaine

Sodium currents were recorded in CA1 hippocampal cells from new-born (P(4-10)) and older (P(>22)) rats, using whole-cell voltage clamp techniques. The effects of local anaesthetics (procaine and lidocaine) were studied in both cell populations. Parameters defining steady-state inactivation, removal of inactivation and the affinity of the anaesthetic molecules to the inactivated state were determined at both stages of maturation. Procaine and lidocaine induced a hyperpolarizing shift in steady-state inactivation curves, and slowed the rate of recovery from the inactivated state. Procaine disclosed differences between immature and older cells in what concerns block of the closed (resting) channels, drug affinity and binding to the inactivated state, i.e. the binding rate of procaine was found higher and the affinity lower in younger cells. The characteristics of procaine and lidocaine block on CA1 sodium currents differed in some particular aspects: magnitude of block on resting channels, shift in the voltage dependence and voltage sensitivity of steady-state inactivation, slow recovery from inactivation and use-dependent block.

A model of graded calcium release and L-type Ca2+ channel inactivation in cardiac muscle

We have developed a model of Ca(2+) handling in ferret ventricular myocytes. This model includes a novel L-type Ca(2+) channel, detailed intracellular Ca(2+) movements, and graded Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR). The model successfully reproduces data from voltage-clamp experiments, including voltage- and time-dependent changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), L-type Ca(2+) channel current (I(CaL)) inactivation and recovery kinetics, and Ca(2+) sparks. The development of graded CICR is critically dependent on spatial heterogeneity and the physical arrangement of calcium channels in opposition to ryanodine-sensitive release channels. The model contains spatially distinct subsystems representing the subsarcolemmal regions where the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) abuts the T-tubular membrane and where the L-type Ca(2+) channels and SR ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are localized. There are eight different types of subsystems in our model, with between one and eight L-type Ca(2+) channels distributed binomially. This model exhibits graded CICR and provides a quantitative description of Ca(2+) dynamics not requiring Monte-Carlo simulations. Activation of RyRs and release of Ca(2+) from the SR depend critically on Ca(2+) entry through L-type Ca(2+) channels. In turn, Ca(2+) channel inactivation is critically dependent on the release of stored intracellular Ca(2+). Inactivation of I(CaL) depends on both transmembrane voltage and local [Ca(2+)](i) near the channel, which results in distinctive inactivation properties. The molecular mechanisms underlying many I(CaL) gating properties are unclear, but [Ca(2+)](i) dynamics clearly play a fundamental role.

Inhibition of Rho family GTPases results in increased TNF-alpha production after lipopolysaccharide exposure

These studies demonstrate that treatment of macrophages with lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug that blocks farnesylation and geranylgeranylation of target proteins, increases LPS-induced TNF-alpha production. This is reversed by the addition of mevalonate, which bypasses the lovastatin block. Examination of membrane localization of RhoA, Cdc42, Rac1, and Ras demonstrated decreased membrane localization of the geranylgeranylated Rho family members (RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1) with no change in the membrane localization of farnesylated Ras. LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in the presence of the Rho family-specific blocker (toxin B from Clostridium difficile) was significantly enhanced consistent with the lovastatin data. One intracellular signaling pathway that is required for TNF-alpha production by LPS is the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Significantly, we found prolonged ERK activation after LPS stimulation of lovastatin-treated macrophages. When we inhibited ERK, we blocked the lovastatin-induced increase in TNF-alpha production. As a composite, these studies demonstrate a negative role for one or more Rho family GTPases in LPS-induced TNF-alpha production.

Ca2+-independent protein kinase Cs mediate heterologous desensitization of leukocyte chemokine receptors by opioid receptors

Heterologous desensitization of chemokine receptors by opioids has been considered to contribute to their immunosuppressive effects. Previous studies show that Met-enkephalin, an endogenous opioid, down-regulates chemotaxis of selected chemokine receptors via phosphorylation. In the present study, we further investigated the molecular mechanism of such cross-regulation. Our data showed that preincubation with Met-enkephalin inhibited both MIP-1 alpha-mediated chemotaxis and Ca(2+) flux of monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects were maximal using nanomolar concentrations of activating chemokines, a concentration found in physiological conditions. A decrease both in chemokine receptor affinity and in coupling efficiency between receptors and G protein were observed, which directly contributed to the desensitization effects. However, comparing with chemokines such as MIP-1 alpha and MCP-1, opioids did not elicit a calcium flux, failed to induce MIP-1 alpha receptors internalization, and mediated a less potent heterologous desensitization. We hypothesized that these differences might originate from the involvement of different protein kinase C (PKC) isotypes. In our studies, opioid-mediated down-regulation of MIP-1 alpha receptors could be blocked by the general PKC inhibitor calphostin C, but not by the calcium-dependent classic PKC inhibitor Go6976. Western blotting analysis and immunofluorescent staining further showed that only calcium-independent PKCs were activated upon opioid stimulation. Thus, opioids achieve desensitization of chemokine receptors via a unique pathway, involving only calcium-independent PKC isotypes.

Activation of protein kinase C beta II by the stereo-specific phosphatidylserine receptor is required for phagocytosis of apoptotic thymocytes by resident murine tissue macrophages

We showed previously that protein kinase C (PKC) is required for phagocytosis of apoptotic leukocytes by murine alveolar (AMø) and peritoneal macrophages (PMø) and that such phagocytosis is markedly lower in AMø compared with PMø. In this study, we examined the roles of individual PKC isoforms in phagocytosis of apoptotic thymocytes by these two Mø populations. By immunoblotting, AMø expressed equivalent PKC eta but lower amounts of other isoforms (alpha, betaI, betaII, delta, epsilon, mu, and zeta), with the greatest difference in betaII expression. A requirement for PKC betaII for phagocytosis was demonstrated collectively by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced depletion of PKC betaII, by dose-response to PKC inhibitor Ro-32-0432, and by use of PKC betaII myristoylated peptide as a blocker. Exposure of PMø to phosphatidylserine (PS) liposomes specifically induced translocation of PKC betaII and other isoforms to membranes and cytoskeleton. Both AMø and PMø expressed functional PS receptor, blockade of which inhibited PKC betaII translocation. Our results indicate that murine tissue Mø require PKC betaII for phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, which differs from the PKC isoform requirement previously described in Mø phagocytosis of other particles, and imply that a crucial action of the PS receptor in this process is PKC betaII activation.

Oxidant-mediated increases in redox factor-1 nuclear protein and activator protein-1 DNA binding in asbestos-treated macrophages

Alveolar macrophages have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of acute and chronic lung disorders. We have previously shown that normal human alveolar macrophages exhibit decreased DNA binding activity of the transcription factor, AP-1, compared with monocytes. Furthermore, this decrease in AP-1 DNA binding appears to be due to a decrease in the redox active protein, redox factor (Ref)-1. Ref-1 is an important redox regulator of a number of transcription factors, including NF-kappaB and AP-1. In this study we evaluated the role of asbestos, a prototypic model of chronic fibrotic lung disease, in Ref-1 expression and activity. We found that incubation with low concentrations of crocidolite asbestos (0.5-1.25 microg/cm(2)) resulted in an increase in nuclear Ref-1 protein after 5 min, with a persistent elevation in protein up to 24 h. Additionally, an increase in nuclear Ref-1 could be induced by treating the cells with an oxidant-generating stimulus (iron loading plus PMA) and inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium chloride, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. The asbestos-induced accumulation of nuclear Ref-1 was associated with an increase in AP-1 DNA binding activity. These findings suggest that an exposure associated with fibrotic lung disease, i.e., asbestos, modulates accumulation of nuclear Ref-1 in macrophages, and that this effect is mediated by an oxidant stimulus.

Effect of IgA on respiratory burst and cytokine release by human alveolar macrophages: role of ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF-kappaB

Human alveolar macrophages (HAM) express FcalphaR receptors for immunoglobulin (Ig)A which could link humoral and cellular branches of lung immunity. Here, we investigate the effects of polymeric (p-IgA) and secretory (S-IgA) IgA interaction with Fc(alpha)R on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-activated respiratory burst and TNF-alpha release by HAM. Activation of HAM with LPS and PMA increases the respiratory burst and TNF-alpha release through activation of the extracellular signal-related protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway, because these effects are inhibited by treatment of HAM with PD98059, a selective inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein (MAP)/ERK kinases (MEK) pathway. S-IgA and p-IgA downregulate the LPS-increased respiratory burst in HAM through an inhibition of ERK1/2 activity. In contrast, p- and S-IgA induce an increase in the respiratory burst of PMA-treated HAM. This effect is associated with an upregulation by IgA of the PMA-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and is also inhibited by PD98059. Moreover, p-IgA and S-IgA enhance TNF-alpha release by HAM through an alternative pathway distinct from ERK1/2. Because LPS is known to activate nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in HAM, we evaluate the effect of IgA on NF-kappaB. Treatment of HAM with LPS, p- and S-IgA, but not PMA, induces NF-kappaB activation through IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and subsequent proteolysis. Antioxidants, namely N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH), have no effects on IgA-mediated NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and only a minor and late effect on that of LPS, suggesting that reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) play a minor role in HAM activation through NF-kappaB. TNF-alpha release by LPS-activated HAM is sensitive to NF-kappaB inhibition and only partly to oxidant scavenging. In contrast, TNF-alpha release by IgA-treated HAM is not dependent on oxidants and only partly dependent on NF-kappaB. Our results show a differential HAM regulation by IgA through both dependent and independent modulation of ERK pathway. In addition, IgA activates NF-kappaB and this effect was independent on oxidants. These data may help to understand the role of IgA in both lung protection and inflammation.

Mexiletine block of disease-associated mutations in S6 segments of the human skeletal muscle Na(+) channel

1. Over twenty different missense mutations in the alpha-subunit of the adult skeletal muscle Na(+) channel (hSkM1) have been identified as a cause of myotonia or periodic paralysis. We examined state-dependent mexiletine block for mutations involving the putative binding site in S6 segments (V445M, S804F, V1293I, V1589M and M1592V). Whole-cell Na(+) currents were measured from wild-type (WT) and mutant channels transiently expressed in HEK cells. 2. Use-dependent block (10 ms pulses to -10 mV, at 20 Hz) in 100 microM mexiletine was reduced modestly by mutations in IVS6 (V1589M, M1592V) and enhanced by the mutation in IS6 (V445M). For mutations in IIS6 (S804F) and IIIS6 (V1293I) use-dependent block was not statistically different from that of wild-type channels. 3. Resting-state block (10 ms pulses to -10 mV from -150 mV, at 0.1 Hz) of S6 mutants was comparable to that of WT (dissociation constant for resting channels, K(R) = 650 +/- 40 microM, n = 9). The S6 mutant with the greatest change in K(R) was V445M (K(R) = 794 +/- 45 microM, n = 5), but this difference was only marginally significant (P = 0.047). 4. A modified technique for estimating local anaesthetic affinity of inactivated channels was developed to reduce errors due to slow inactivation and to failure of drug binding to reach equilibrium. Mexiletine affinity for inactivated channels was reduced by mutations in IVS6 (V1589M: dissociation constant for the inactivated state (K(I)) = 44.7 microM; M1592V: K(I) = 40.0 microM) and increased by the mutation in IS6 (V445M: K(I) = 15.0 microM), compared to wild-type channels (K(I) = 28.3 microM). 5. We conclude that the disease-associated S6 mutations in domains I-IV cause at most a 2-fold change in inactivated state affinity and have even less of an effect on resting block. Model simulations show that the reduced use-dependent block of IVS6 mutants derives primarily from an increased off-rate at hyperpolarized potentials, whereas the enhanced use-dependent block of the IS6 mutant was due to a higher affinity for inactivated V445M channels.

Ceramide regulates lipopolysaccharide-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt activity in human alveolar macrophages

The phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase pathway is an important regulator of cell survival. In human alveolar macrophages, we found that LPS activates PI 3-kinase and its downstream effector, Akt. LPS exposure of alveolar macrophages also results in the generation of ceramide. Because ceramide exposure induces apoptosis in other cell types and the PI 3-kinase pathway is known to inhibit apoptosis, we determined the relationship between LPS-induced ceramide and PI 3-kinase activation in alveolar macrophages. We found that ceramide exposure activated PI 3-kinase and Akt. When we blocked LPS-induced ceramide with the inhibitor D609, we blocked LPS-induced PI 3-kinase and Akt activation. Evaluating cell survival after ceramide or LPS exposure, we found that blocking PI 3-kinase induced a significant increase in cell death. Because these effects of PI 3-kinase inhibition were more pronounced in ceramide- vs LPS-treated alveolar macrophages, we also evaluated NF-kappaB, which has also been linked to cell survival. We found that LPS, to a greater degree than ceramide, induced NF-kappaB translocation to the nucleus. As a composite, these studies suggest that the effects of ceramide exposure in alveolar macrophages may be very different from the effects described for other cell types. We believe that LPS induction of ceramide results in PI 3-kinase activation and represents a novel effector mechanism that promotes survival of human alveolar macrophages in the setting of pulmonary sepsis.

GM-CSF increases AP-1 DNA binding and Ref-1 amounts in human alveolar macrophages

Alveolar macrophages have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of acute and chronic lung disorders. A characteristic feature of many of the chronic lung diseases is that the types of macrophages in the lung change, and in most instances, the cells resemble monocyte-like cells. We have previously shown that normal human alveolar macrophages have a decreased capacity to express protein kinase C (PKC)-induced DNA binding activity of the transcription factor activator protein (AP)-1 compared with monocytes. This decrease in AP-1 DNA binding appears to be due to a defect in redox regulation of AP-1 proteins via a decrease in the redox active protein Ref-1. The hypothesis for this study is that there are factors generated during the development of chronic lung disease that increase AP-1 DNA binding activity and Ref-1 production in human alveolar macrophages. We have focused specifically on granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as a prototype mediator that can be released by alveolar macrophages and is related to the fibrotic process in the lung. We found that after a 24-h incubation with GM-CSF, AP-1 DNA binding was significantly increased in both unstimulated, interleukin (IL)-13, and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated alveolar macrophages and that there was a corresponding increase in Ref-1 protein by Western blot analysis in the PMA-stimulated group. This suggests that disease-related cytokines such as GM-CSF and IL-13 may modulate AP-1 DNA binding activity in alveolar macrophages.

Phenol derivatives accelerate inactivation kinetics in one inactivation-deficient mutant human skeletal muscle Na(+) channel

Altered inactivation kinetics in skeletal muscle Na(+) channels due to mutations in the encoding gene are causal for the alterations in muscle excitability in nondystrophic myotonia. Na(+) channel blockers like lidocaine and mexiletine, suggested for therapy of myotonia, do not reconstitute inactivation in channels with defective inactivation in vitro. We examined the effects of four methylated and/or halogenated phenol derivatives on one heterologously expressed inactivation-deficient Paramyotonia congenita-mutant (R1448H) muscle Na(+) channel in vitro. All these compounds accelerated delayed inactivation of R1448H-whole-cell currents during a depolarization and delayed accelerated recovery from inactivation. The potency of these effects paralleled the potency of the drugs to block the peak current amplitude. We conclude that the investigated phenol derivatives affect inactivation-deficient Na(+) channels more specifically than lidocaine and mexiletine. However, for all compounds, the effect on inactivation was accompanied by a substantial block of the peak current amplitude.

Channelopathies: ion channel defects linked to heritable clinical disorders

Electrical signals are critical for the function of neurones, muscle cells, and cardiac myocytes. Proteins that regulate electrical signalling in these cells, including voltage gated ion channels, are logical sites where abnormality might lead to disease. Genetic and biophysical approaches are being used to show that several disorders result from mutations in voltage gated ion channels. Understanding gained from early studies on the pathogenesis of a group of muscle diseases that are similar in their episodic nature (periodic paralysis) showed that these disorders result from mutations in a gene encoding a voltage gated Na(+) channel. Their characterisation as channelopathies has served as a paradigm for other episodic disorders. For example, migraine headache and some forms of epilepsy have been shown to result from mutations in voltage gated Ca(2+) channel genes, while long QT syndrome is known to result from mutations in either K(+) or Na(+) channel genes. This article reviews progress made in the complementary fields of molecular genetics and cellular electrophysiology which has led to a better understanding of voltage gated ion channelopathies in humans and mice.

Voltage-dependent blockade of normal and mutant muscle sodium channels by benzylalcohol

1. We studied the effects of benzylalcohol on heterologously expressed wild type (WT), paramyotonia congenita (R1448H) and hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis (M1360V) mutant alpha-subunits of human skeletal muscle sodium channels. 2. Benzylalcohol blocked rested channels at -150 mV membrane potential, with an ECR(50) of 5.3 mM in wild type, 5.1 mM in R1448H, and 6.2 mM in M1360V. When blockade was assessed at -100 mV, the ECR(50) was reduced in R1448H (2 mM) compared with both wild type (4.3 mM; P<0.01) and M1360V (4.3 mM). 3. Membrane depolarization before the test depolarization significantly promoted benzylalcohol-induced sodium channel blockade. The values of K(D) for the fast-inactivated state derived from benzylalcohol-induced shifts in steady-state availability curves were 0.66 mM in wild type and 0.58 mM in R1448H. In the presence of slow inactivation induced by 2.5 s depolarizing prepulses, the ECI(50) for benzylalcohol-induced current inhibition was 0.59 mM in wild type and 0.53 mM in R1448H. 4. Recovery from fast inactivation was prolonged in the presence of drug in all clones. 5. Benzylalcohol induced significant frequency-dependent block at stimulating frequencies of 10, 50, and 100 Hz in all clones. 6. Our results clearly show that benzylalcohol is an effective blocker of muscle sodium channels in conditions that are associated with membrane depolarization. Mutants that enter voltage-dependent inactivation at more hyperpolarized membrane potentials compared with wild type are more sensitive to inhibitory effects at the normal resting potential.

Increased hindrance on the chiral carbon atom of mexiletine enhances the block of rat skeletal muscle Na+ channels in a model of myotonia induced by ATX

1 The antiarrhythmic drug mexiletine (Mex) is also used against myotonia. Searching for a more efficient drug, a new compound (Me5) was synthesized substituting the methyl group on the chiral carbon atom of Mex by an isopropyl group. Effects of Me5 on Na+ channels were compared to those of Mex in rat skeletal muscle fibres using the cell-attached patch clamp method. 2 Me5 (10 microM) reduced the maximal sodium current (INa) by 29.7+/-4.4 % (n=6) at a frequency of stimulation of 0.3 Hz and 65.7+/-4.4 % (n=6) at 1 Hz. At same concentration (10 microM), Mex was incapable of producing any effect (n=3). Me5 also shifted the steady-state inactivation curves by -7. 9+/-0.9 mV (n=6) at 0.3 Hz and -12.2+/-1.0 mV (n=6) at 1 Hz. 3 In the presence of sea anemone toxin II (ATX; 5 microM), INa decayed more slowly and no longer to zero, providing a model of sodium channel myotonia. The effects of Me5 on peak INa were similar whatever ATX was present or not. Interestingly, Me5 did not modify the INa decay time constant nor the steady-state INa to peak INa ratio. 4 Analysis of ATX-induced late Na+ channel activity shows that Me5 did not affect mean open times and single-channel conductance, thus excluding open channel block property. 5 These results indicate that increasing hindrance on the chiral atom of Mex increases drug potency on wild-type and ATX-induced noninactivating INa and that Me5 might improve the prophylaxis of myotonia.

Voltage-dependent block of normal and mutant muscle sodium channels by 4-Chloro-m-Cresol

1 The effects of 4-Chloro-m-Cresol (4-CmC) were examined on heterologously expressed wild type (WT), Paramyotonia Congenita (R1448H) and Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (M1360V) mutant alpha-subunits of human muscle sodium channels. 2 Block of rested sodium channels caused by 4-CmC was concentration-dependent with an ECR50 of 0.40 mM in WT, 0.45 mM in R1448H and 0.49 mM in M1360V. 3 Inactivation significantly promoted 4-CmC-induced sodium channel block in all clones indicated by 4-CmC-induced shifts of steady-state availability curves, reflecting a higher proportion of channel block at depolarized membrane potentials. Channel block was almost complete (>90%) at concentrations close to the ECR50 (0.5 mM) on application of an inactivating prepulse before the test pulse. 4 4-CmC accelerated the current decay following depolarization and prolonged recovery from inactivation in all clones. Of these, R1448H, the mutant which displayed severely impaired inactivation in the controls, responded to 4-CmC with the most pronounced acceleration of inactivation. Control experiments revealed enhanced recovery from inactivation in the mutants, which was restored to normal in 0.1 mM 4-CmC. 5 4-CmC induced no additional frequency-dependent block. 6 Our results clearly demonstrate that 4-CmC is as effective as lidocaine (Fan et al., 1996) in blocking muscle sodium channels. Low concentrations of the compound (</=ECR50) were able to restore pathologically accelerated recovery from inactivation and impaired inactivation in the mutants to the WT value.

Local anesthetic anchoring to cardiac sodium channels. Implications into tissue-selective drug targeting

Local anesthetics inhibit Na+ channels in a variety of tissues, leading to potentially serious side effects when used clinically. We have created a series of novel local anesthetics by connecting benzocaine (BZ) to the sulfhydryl-reactive group methanethiosulfonate (MTS) via variable-length polyethylether linkers (L) (MTS-LX-BZ [X represents 0, 3, 6, or 9]). The application of MTS-LX-BZ agents modified native rat cardiac as well as heterologously expressed human heart (hH1) and rat skeletal muscle (rSkM1) Na+ channels in a manner resembling that of free BZ. Like BZ, the effects of MTS-LX-BZ on rSkM1 channels were completely reversible. In contrast, MTS-LX-BZ modification of heart and mutant rSkM1 channels, containing a pore cysteine at the equivalent location as cardiac Na+ channels (ie, Y401C), persisted after drug washout unless treated with DTT, which suggests anchoring to the pore via a disulfide bond. Anchored MTS-LX-BZ competitively reduced the affinity of cardiac Na+ channels for lidocaine but had minimal effects on mutant channels with disrupted local anesthetic modification properties. These results establish that anchored MTS-LX-BZ compounds interact with the local anesthetic binding site (LABS). Variation in the linker length altered the potency of channel modification by the anchored drugs, thus providing information on the spatial relationship between the anchoring site and the LABS. Our observations demonstrate that local anesthetics can be anchored to the extracellular pore cysteine in cardiac Na+ channels and dynamically interact with the intracellular LABS. These results suggest that nonselective agents, such as local anesthetics, might be made more selective by linking these agents to target-specific anchors.

Human alveolar macrophages are markedly deficient in REF-1 and AP-1 DNA binding activity

Although many functions of human alveolar macrophages are altered compared with their precursor cell, the blood monocyte (monocyte), the reason(s) for these functional changes have not been determined. We recently reported that human alveolar macrophages do not express AP-1 DNA binding activity (Monick, M. M., Carter, A. B., Gudmundsson, G., Geist, L. J., and Hunninghake, G. W. (1998) Am. J. Physiol. 275, L389-L397). To determine why alveolar macrophages do not express AP-1 DNA binding activity, we first showed that there was not a decrease in expression of the FOS and JUN proteins that make up the AP-1 complex. There was, however, a significant difference in the amounts of the nuclear protein, REF-1 (which regulates AP-1 DNA binding by altering the redox status of FOS and JUN proteins), in alveolar macrophages compared with monocytes. In addition, in vitro differentiation of monocytes to a macrophage-like cell resulted in decreased amounts of REF-1. Finally, addition of REF-1 from activated monocytes to alveolar macrophage nuclear proteins resulted in a marked increase in AP-1 DNA binding. These studies strongly suggest that the process of differentiation of monocytes into alveolar macrophages is associated with a loss of REF-1 and AP-1 activity. This observation may explain, in part, some of the functional differences observed for alveolar macrophages compared with monocytes.