Auditory event-related potentials (P3a, P3b) and genetic variants within the dopamine and serotonin system in healthy females

The late positive components of the human event-related brain potential comprise electrocortical reflections of stimulus-driven attentional capture (the anteriorly distributed P3a) and top-down control detection of relevant events (the posteriorly distributed P3b). As of yet, the neuropharmacologic and neurogenetic origin of the P3a and P3b is not fully understood. In this study, we address the contribution of dopaminergic and serotoninergic mechanisms. Sixty healthy females completed an active auditory novelty oddball paradigm while EEG was recorded. In all subjects, genetic polymorphisms within the dopamine system (dopamine transporter [DAT1], catecholamine-O-methyltransferase val158met [COMT val158met]) and the serotonin system (serotonin transporter [5HTTLPR]) were assessed. Across genotypes, novels (relative to standards) elicited a fronto-centrally distributed P3a, and targets (relative to standards) a parieto-centrally distributed P3b. Genotypes effects were observed for both P3a (COMT, 5HTTPLR) and P3b (DAT1, COMT, 5HTTLPR) only at prefrontal electrode location (Fz). Specifically, the frontal P3a was enhanced in COMT met/met homozygotes, but not in DAT1 9R. The target-related P3b was enhanced in COMT met/met and DAT1 9R relative to its genetic counterparts, but only at frontal electrodes. This 'anteriorized' enhancement may reflect either an additional frontal component in the target-related P3 dependent on dopamine, or a more subtle shift in the neural ensemble that generates the target-related P3. Results for 5HTTLPR short allele homozygotes mimicked those in COMT met/met homozygotes. In all, the present findings suggest involvement of frontal-cortical dopaminergic and serotoninergic mechanisms in bottom-up attentional capture (COMT val158met, 5HTTLPR), with an additional top-down component sensitive to striatal signals (DAT1).

Disrupted startle modulation in animal models for affective disorders

Affective startle modulation is used to study emotional reactivity in humans, and blunted affective startle modulation has been reported in depressed patients. To determine whether blunted affective startle modulation is also a common feature in animal models for affective disorders, light-enhanced startle was studied in three models: inescapable foot shock (IFS), repeated restraint stress (RRS) and olfactory bulbectomy (OBX). In addition, prepulse inhibition was studied in these models. Light-enhanced startle was blunted following IFS and OBX and RRS decreased overall startle responding. Prepulse inhibition, however, was unaffected. These findings indicate that induction models for affective disorders may be associated with long term effects on affective startle modulation. The lack of changes in sensory motor gating suggests that these changes can be ascribed to alterations in emotional reactivity. In conclusion, our results indicate that the blunted affective startle modulation seen in animal models for affective disorders may be used to examine the mechanisms underlying altered emotional reactivity.

Cellular uptake of cationic polymer-DNA complexes via caveolae plays a pivotal role in gene transfection in COS-7 cells

PURPOSE

Knowledge about the uptake mechanism and subsequent intracellular routing of non-viral gene delivery systems is important for the development of more efficient carriers. In this study we compared two established cationic polymers pDMAEMA and PEI with regard to their transfection efficiency and mechanism of cellular uptake.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of several inhibitors of particular cellular uptake routes on the uptake of polyplexes and subsequent gene expression in COS-7 cells were investigated using FACS and transfection. Moreover, cellular localization of fluorescently labeled polyplexes was assessed by spectral fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

Both pDMAEMA- and PEI-complexed DNA showed colocalization with fluorescently-labeled transferrin and cholera toxin after internalization by COS-7 cells, which indicates uptake via the clathrin- and caveolae-dependent pathways. Blocking either routes of uptake with specific inhibitors only resulted in a marginal decrease in polyplex uptake, which may suggest that uptake routes of polyplexes are interchangeable. Despite the marginal effect of inhibitors on polyplex internalization, blocking the caveolae-mediated uptake route resulted in an almost complete loss of polyplex-mediated gene expression, whereas gene expression was not negatively affected by blocking the clathrin-dependent route of uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show the importance of caveolae-mediated uptake for successful gene expression and have implications for the rational design of non-viral gene delivery systems.

Psychopharmacology of male rat sexual behavior: modeling human sexual dysfunctions?

Most of our current understanding of the neurobiology, neuroanatomy and psychopharmacology of sexual behavior and ejaculatory function has been derived from preclinical studies in the rat. When a large population of male rats is tested on sexual activity during a number of successive tests, over time individual rats display a very stable sexual behavior that is either slow, normal or fast as characterized by the number of ejaculations performed. These sexual endophenotypes are postulated as rat counterparts of premature (fast rats) or retarded ejaculation (slow rats). Psychopharmacology in these endophenotypes helps to delineate the underlying mechanisms and pathology. This is illustrated by the effects of serotonergic antidepressants and serotonergic compounds on sexual and ejaculatory behavior of rats. These preclinical studies and models contribute to a better understanding of the neurobiology of ejaculation and boost the development of novel drug targets to treat ejaculatory disorders such as premature and retarded ejaculation.

Mouse strain differences in autonomic responses to stress

In humans, anxiety disorders are often accompanied by an overactive autonomic nervous system, reflected in increased body temperature (BT) and heart rate (HR). In rodents, comparable effects are found after exposure to stress. These autonomic parameters can give important information on stress and anxiety responses in mice. In the present experiments, stress reactivity of three frequently used mouse strains [129 Sv/Ev, Swiss Webster (SW) and C57 BL/6] was assessed using their autonomic stress responses. BT, HR and activity were telemetrically measured. Undisturbed circadian rhythms already showed clear differences between the mouse strains. Hereafter, autonomic responses to stressors with increasing intensity were measured. Strain differences were found in magnitude and duration of the stress responses, especially after high-intensity stressors. Generally, C57BL/6 mice showed the largest autonomic response, SW the lowest and the 129Sv/Ev the intermediate response. Interestingly, the observed ranking in autonomic stress response does not match the behavioral stress responsivity of these strains. Finally, sensitivity to the anxiolytic diazepam (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg) was tested using the stress-induced hyperthermia paradigm. Pharmacological sensitivity to diazepam differed between the strains with the 129Sv/Ev being most sensitive. These studies show that simultaneous measurement of behavioral and autonomic parameters under stressful conditions contributes considerably to a better interpretation of anxiety and stress levels in mice.

An NLS peptide covalently linked to linear DNA does not enhance transfection efficiency of cationic polymer based gene delivery systems

BACKGROUND

Transfection with non-viral gene delivery vectors, such as cationic polymers, generally results in low transgene expression in vivo. This is likely due to poor cytoplasmic transport and intra-nuclear DNA delivery.

METHODS

In this study two strategies to improve nuclear import were investigated. Linear DNA constructs with or without an NLS peptide were prepared by PCR. Alternatively, linear DNA obtained by enzymatic cleavage followed by capping of both ends with DNA-hairpins was used. An NLS peptide was attached to one of the capped ends of the linear DNA. Both biodegradable (pDMAEAppz) and non-degradable polymers (PEI or pDMAEMA) were used to complex the DNA. Several cell types, dividing and non-dividing, were transfected with the linear DNA constructs containing a SV40-derived NLS peptide. Nuclear import of the DNA constructs was studied using digitonin-permeabilized cells.

RESULTS

Linear DNA prepared by PCR proved not useful as it was degraded from the 3'end. Linear DNA capped with hairpins was more successful with regard to stability. However, Cells transfected with linear DNA constructs by electroporation or by using cationic polymers with linear DNA containing a NLS peptide, failed to show significantly higher luciferase expression levels when compared to cells transfected with plasmid DNA or linear DNA without an NLS peptide attached. No nuclear localization was observed in digitonin-permeabilized cells.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these data demonstrate that this nuclear localisation signal when attached to DNA is neither able to improve transfection efficiency of cationic polymers nor the nuclear import of the DNA constructs.

5-HT1A receptor and 5-HT1B receptor knockout mice in stress and anxiety paradigms

Generation of receptor knockout mice has offered a new approach to study processes underlying anxiety. In this paper, studies focusing on anxiety using 5-HT1A receptor knockout (1AKO) and 5-HT1B receptor knockout (1BKO) mice are reviewed. 1AKO mice on different genetic background strains have initially been described as more anxious. In 1AKO mice on the 129/Sv background strain, the initial findings could not always be replicated, although under certain conditions, mild anxiety-like responses were observed in these 1AKO mice. In 1BKO mice, some indications of reduced anxiety have been found, but these observations may be confounded partly with increased motor impulsivity of these mutants. To study whether the putative effects of the null mutations on anxiety were reflected in the autonomic nervous system, basal heart rate and body temperature of 1AKO and 1BKO mice were measured, as well as their autonomic responses to novel cage exposure and to reversal of the light-dark rhythm. 1AKO mice did not differ from wild-type mice in any parameter, neither under non-stress conditions, nor following novel cage exposure. In 1BKO mice, basal heart rate was reduced and body temperature was increased. 1BKO mice showed exaggerated autonomic responses to novel cage stress. Adaptation to the reversal of the light-dark cycle was comparable in the three genotypes. The stress-induced hyperthermia procedure showed no differential responses of the three genotypes to the stressor. Pharmacological responses to various psychotropic drugs in the stress-induced hyperthermia test were also comparable in 1AKO, 1BKO and wild-type mice. The present data illustrate the complexity of studying the behavioural and physiological consequences of deletion of genes coding for important receptors in the CNS.

Stress-induced hyperthermia in the 5-HT(1A) receptor knockout mouse is normal

BACKGROUND

Several studies on serotonin 1A (5-HT(1A)) receptor knockout mice in different genetic backgrounds indicate that such mice display a more anxious phenotype than their corresponding wild types. We hypothesized that the 5-HT(1A) receptor knockout mice would show a different phenotype than the wild type mice in the stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) paradigm, which tests putative anxiolytic effects of drugs. Moreover, on pharmacologic challenges with the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist flesinoxan we expected an absence of the functional response in knockout mice relative to wild type mice.

METHODS

Effects of the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist flesinoxan, alone or in combination with the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist WAY-100635, and the gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA(A))-benzodiazepine receptor agonist diazepam were studied in the SIH paradigm in male 129/Sv 5-HT(1A) receptor knockout and wild type mice. In addition, the effects of flesinoxan on plasma corticosterone concentrations were determined.

RESULTS

Plasma corticosterone concentrations were dose dependently elevated by flesinoxan in wild type mice but not in knockout mice. Flesinoxan dose dependently decreased SIH in wild type mice but not in knockout mice. The flesinoxan effect in wild type mice was blocked by WAY-100635. Furthermore, diazepam decreased SIH in both genotypes. There were no differences in basic SIH responses between wild type and knockout mice.

CONCLUSIONS

5 -HT(1A) receptor knockout mice display a normal SIH response, and results indicate, based on the SIH, that the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor complex functions normally.

Hyperactivity and impaired response habituation in hyperdopaminergic mice

Abnormal dopaminergic transmission is implicated in schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and drug addiction. In an attempt to model aspects of these disorders, we have generated hyperdopaminergic mutant mice by reducing expression of the dopamine transporter (DAT) to 10% of wild-type levels (DAT knockdown). Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and in vivo microdialysis revealed that released dopamine was cleared at a slow rate in knockdown mice, which resulted in a higher extracellular dopamine concentration. Unlike the DAT knockout mice, the DAT knockdown mice do not display a growth retardation phenotype. They have normal home cage activity but display hyperactivity and impaired response habituation in novel environments. In addition, we show that both the indirect dopamine receptor agonist amphetamine and the direct agonists apomorphine and quinpirole inhibit locomotor activity in the DAT knockdown mice, leading to the hypothesis that a shift in the balance between dopamine auto and heteroreceptor function may contribute to the therapeutic effect of psychostimulants in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

5-HT1B receptor knockout, but not 5-HT1A receptor knockout mice, show reduced startle reactivity and footshock-induced sensitization, as measured with the acoustic startle response

To investigate whether the hyperreactivity to mild environmental and novel stimuli in 5-HT1B receptor knockout (1BKO) mice, as suggested by measures of exploratory, aggressive, and impulsive behaviors, can be extended to phasic stimuli, 1BKO and wildtype mice were tested in acoustic startle reactivity and plasticity paradigms, including habituation, prepulse inhibition, and footshock-induced sensitization of the startle response. Furthermore, we compared 5-HT1A receptor knockout (1AKO) and 1BKO mice to further test the suggested opposite behavioral profiles in these two genotypes. Results show that startle reactivity and footshock-induced sensitization was reduced in 1BKO mice, with no changes in habituation or PPI. In contrast, 1AKO mice did not differ from WT mice in any of the measures. These results indicate that an absence of 5-HT1B receptors, but not of 5-HT1A receptors, affects the modulation of startle reactivity and footshock-induced sensitization, without influencing startle plasticity. Moreover, this study suggests that 1AKO mice display a distinct, but not opposite behavioral profile from 1BKO mice. Furthermore, it is concluded that the hyperreactivity in 1BKO mice cannot be generalized to all stimuli, including the startling stimuli used in this study, but is probably restricted to mild environmental stimuli only.

Inducible knockout strategies to probe the functions of 5-HT receptors

Gene targeting has proven to be extremely powerful in various fields of biological research. Through this technique, knockout mice lacking a particular gene and thus a particular protein, can be generated. One limitation to this technique is the fact that mice develop without the protein of interest and therefore, developmental compensations may have taken place, contributing to an observed phenotype. Inducible strategies, those which allow the timing of expression of a gene to be regulated, are currently being developed and should prove useful when applied to gene targeting technology. In order to begin to apply such new technologies to the field of gene targeting, we first created and tested several reporter constructions using the tetracycline inducible system. Here we describe the creation of several beta-galactosidase reporter constructions and the results of in vitro testing in Cos-7 cells. We then discuss future knockout strategies based upon our observations.

Novel strategies to probe the functions of serotonin receptors

Gene targeting has proven to be extremely powerful in various fields of biological research. Through this technique, knockout mice lacking a particular gene, and thus a particular protein, can be generated. One limitation to this technique is the fact that mice develop without the protein of interest and therefore, developmental compensations may have taken place, contributing to an observed phenotype. Inducible strategies, those which allow the timing of expression of a gene to be regulated, are currently being developed and should prove useful when applied to gene targeting technology. To begin to apply such new technologies to the field of gene targeting, we first created and tested several reporter constructions using the tetracycline inducible system. Here we describe the creation of several beta-galactosidase reporter constructions and the results of in vitro testing in Cos-7 cells. We then discuss future knockout strategies based upon our observations.

Optimization of the binding properties of PNA-(5')-DNA chimerae

The synthesis and evaluation of PNA-(5')-DNA chimerae containing either a 5'-amide (i.e. 1a), a 5'-phosphodiester (i.e. 1b) or 5'-phosphonate linkages (i.e. 1c,d) at the junction site are described. The 5'-linkages could be installed using either 5'-amino-5'-deoxythymidine phosphoramidite 2, O-[2-(2-aminoethyl)-(thymin-1-ylacetyl)amino]ethyl phosphoramidite 3, N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(thymin-1-ylacetyl)aminomethyl phosphonate 4 or N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(allyloxycarbonyl)aminomethyl phosphonate 5 as building blocks, respectively. It is shown that PNA-(5')-DNA of type 1a-c have a higher binding affinity with complementary RNA than native DNA, and that the antisense activity is mainly due to RNase H.

A novel procedure for the rapid isolation of surfactant protein A with retention of its alveolar-macrophage-stimulating properties

Previous studies have shown that surfactant protein A (SP-A) derived from alveolar-proteinosis patients activates rat alveolar macrophages. However, it is not known if normal rat, dog and human SP-A can also stimulate alveolar macrophages. As alveolar-proteinosis SP-A has a slightly different structure from ordinary SP-A, it would be possible that the ascribed alveolar-macrophage-stimulating properties of SP-A are restricted to alveolar-proteinosis SP-A. To clarify this issue, we isolated SP-A from normal rat and dog pulmonary surfactants, using the same isolation technique commonly used for the isolation of alveolar-proteinosis SP-A, i.e. by butanol precipitation. In contrast with human alveolar-proteinosis SP-A, rat and dog SP-A obtained thus could not activate rat alveolar macrophages to produce oxygen radicals or enhance the phagocytosis of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled herpes simplex virus. However, rat, dog and normal human SP-A isolated by a novel method, involving extraction from pulmonary surfactant by using n-octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside and subsequent purification by cation-exchange chromatography, were able to elicit an oxidative burst in rat as well as normal human alveolar macrophages. In addition, dog and rat SP-A obtained thus stimulated the phagocytosis of herpes simplex virus by rat alveolar macrophages. These findings indicate that normal human, rat and dog SP-A have the same alveolar-macrophage-stimulating properties as human alveolar proteinosis SP-A. Dog and rat SP-A isolated by this novel method had the same Ca(2+)-dependent self-aggregation and lipid-aggregation properties as SP-A isolated by butanol precipitation. The new and milder isolation procedure yielded SP-A of high purity, as judged by SDS/PAGE and ELISA.

Binding of surfactant protein A to the lipid A moiety of bacterial lipopolysaccharides

Surfactant protein A (SP-A) enhances the phagocytosis of opsonized and non-opsonized bacteria by alveolar macrophages, but it is not known with which component of the bacterial surface it associates. We investigated the interaction of SP-A with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are important biologically active constituents of the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. Flow cytometry was used to study the binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled SP-A either to LPS of various chain lengths coupled to magnetic beads or to Gram-negative bacteria. The binding of SP-A to LPS-coated beads was saturable, both time- and concentration-dependent, and required both Ca2+ and Na+. SP-A bound to the lipid A moiety of LPS and to LPS from either the Re-mutant of Salmonella minnesota or the J5-mutant of Escherichia coli. In contrast, it did not bind to O111 LPS of E. coli, suggesting that SP-A binds only to rough LPS. The binding of SP-A to LPS was not affected by mannan and heparin or by deglycosylation of the SP-A, indicating that the carbohydrate-binding domain and the carbohydrate moiety of SP-A are not involved in its interaction with LPS. We also observed saturable and concentration-dependent binding of SP-A to the live J5 mutant of whole E. coli, but not to its O111 mutant. In addition, Re LPS aggregated in the presence of SP-A, Ca2+ and Na+. We conclude that SP-A associates with LPS via the lipid A moiety of rough LPS and may be involved in the anti-bacterial defences of the lung.

Characterization of the surfactant protein A receptor: cell and ligand specificity

The cell and ligand specificity of the putative surfactant protein A (SP-A) receptor was investigated using a cell receptor assay in which SP-A-coated magnetic beads were incubated with 51Cr-labeled cells at 4 degrees C. Cells that bound to the SP-A-coated beads were isolated by magnetic separation. The recovery of alveolar macrophages was significantly higher than the recovery of peritoneal macrophages, alveolar type II cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, COS cells, and U937 cells. In "coincubation" experiments, in which the potential inhibitors were present during the cell recovery assay, SP-A, SP-D, and complement factor 1q (C1q) all inhibited recovery. In contrast, in "preincubation" experiments, in which cells were incubated with potential inhibitors and then washed before the cell recovery assay, only SP-A inhibited cell recovery. Because SP-A binds to SP-D and C1q, we speculate that inhibition of SP-A binding to macrophages by SP-D and C1q in coincubation assays is due to interaction of SP-A with SP-D or C1q, rather than competition for receptor binding. The recovery of alveolar macrophages was also inhibited by preincubation with heat-denatured SP-A, deglycosylated SP-A, and with the collagenase-resistant fragment of SP-A, but not by coincubation with mannan. These results suggest the presence of a receptor on alveolar macrophages with a high degree of specificity for SP-A.

Exposure of surfactant protein A to ozone in vitro and in vivo impairs its interactions with alveolar cells

This study focused on the question of whether exposure of surfactant protein A (SP-A) to ozone affected properties of this protein that may be involved in regulating alveolar type II cell and alveolar macrophage functions. In vitro exposure of human or canine SP-A to ozone reduced the ability of this protein to inhibit phorbol-ester induced secretion of [3H]phosphatidylcholine by alveolar type II cells in culture. Ozone-exposed human SP-A showed a decreased ability to enhance phagocytosis of herpes simplex virus and to stimulate superoxide anion production by alveolar macrophages. Experiments with elastase showed that ozone-exposed canine SP-A was more susceptible to proteolysis. A conformational change of the protein could underlie this phenomenon. Surfactant isolated from ozone-exposed rats (0.4 ppm ozone for 12 h) was also less able to stimulate superoxide anion production by alveolar macrophages than surfactant from control rats, which suggested that SP-A in vivo was also susceptible to ozone. The results of this study suggest that SP-A-alveolar cell interactions can be inhibited by ozone exposure, which may contribute to the toxicity of ozone in the lungs.

Structural and functional changes of surfactant protein A induced by ozone

The major surfactant protein SP-A is thought to play an important role in the regulation of the structure and the metabolism of pulmonary surfactant. We investigated whether this protein may be a target in ozone toxicity. Several properties were studied that are probably relevant to the physiological functions of SP-A. In vitro exposure of human and canine SP-A to ozone led to decreases in 1) self-association of SP-A, 2) SP-A-mediated lipid aggregation, and 3) binding of SP-A to immobilized mannose. SP-A was neither degraded nor cross-linked by ozone exposure. Exposure of canine SP-A to ozone led to an increase in the apparent molecular weight of monomeric SP-A. Human SP-A did not show this change. Oxidation of methionine and tryptophan residues in canine SP-A was detected following ozone exposure. Reactions of ozone with other amino acid residues were not observed. The impairments of structure and properties of SP-A may contribute to the toxic action of ozone in the lungs.

Species differences in impairment and recovery of alveolar macrophage functions following single and repeated ozone exposures

Effects of single (0.4 ppm for 3, 6, or 12 hr) and repeated (0.4 ppm, 12 hr/day for 3 or 7 days) in vivo ozone exposures on rat and mouse alveolar macrophage functions and cell number were investigated. Single ozone exposure of rats resulted in a small (approximately 15%) decrease in Fc-receptor-mediated phagocytosis and phorbol ester-induced superoxide production by the alveolar macrophages and was followed by recovery above control levels within 12 hr of exposure. Repeated exposures of rats for up to 7 days did not alter alveolar macrophage functions, with the exception of the effects of 3 days of exposure on superoxide production (71 +/- 9% as compared with the controls). In mice, significant changes in alveolar macrophage functions were not observed until 12 hr of exposure (at that timepoint phagocytosis was 74 +/- 2%). Repeated ozone exposures of mice did not cause a further decrease in phagocytosis (at Day 7, 74 +/- 14%). Both after 3 and 7 days of repeated ozone exposure of mice, superoxide production by the alveolar macrophages was inhibited approximately 50%. In rats and mice, repeated ozone exposures led to an increase in the number of alveolar macrophages. In mice, this increase appeared at a later time point (at Day 7 vs Day 3) and was less pronounced (at Day 7, 139 +/- 9% vs 179 +/- 17%) as compared with rats. In summary, our data show that rat and mouse alveolar macrophages have different susceptibilities to both single and repeated in vivo ozone exposures.

Effects of ozone on cellular ATP levels in rat and mouse alveolar macrophages

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is thought to be a major intermediate in the toxicity of ozone. In a previous study we demonstrated that ATP depletion may play an important role in the H2O2-induced inhibition of the phagocytic functions of alveolar macrophages. Ozone exposure can adversely affect the phagocytic capacities of alveolar macrophages. In the present study we investigated whether a decrease in the cellular ATP concentration may underly the effects of ozone on alveolar macrophages. Neither following single (6 and 12 h) exposure nor repeated (12 h/day for 3 and 7 days) exposures of mice or rats to 0.4 ppm ozone, were decreased levels of ATP found in the alveolar macrophages. In contrast, repeated exposures of mice for 7 days to ozone led to a significant increase (1.5-fold) in the ATP content of the alveolar macrophages. In vitro ozone exposure of rat and mouse alveolar macrophages also did not lead to a decrease in the cellular ATP concentration. These results showed that ATP depletion does not play a role in the toxicity mechanism of ozone for alveolar macrophages.

Impairment of phagocytic functions of alveolar macrophages by hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inhibited phagocytosis and superoxide anion production by rat alveolar macrophages. The inhibition was irreversible and concentration and exposure time dependent. The potential relationship between H2O2-induced biochemical perturbations and impaired alveolar macrophage phagocytic functions was investigated. Alveolar macrophage viability and Fc receptor binding capacity were not affected by H2O2. There was probably no correlation between a H2O2-induced rise in cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) and the impairment of phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages, as was suggested by the following findings. First, the H2O2-induced rise in [Ca2+]i could be inhibited by chelation of extracellular Ca2+, whereas the H2O2-induced impairment of phagocytosis could not. Second, the H2O2-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was reversible, whereas the impairment of phagocytosis was not. And finally, a rise in [Ca2+]i by incubation of alveolar macrophages with the calcium ionophore A23187 did not affect phagocytosis. Various experiments suggested that ATP depletion may play an important role in the H2O2 toxicity for alveolar macrophages. Comparable concentrations of H2O2 caused an irreversible decrease both in cellular ATP and in phagocytosis and superoxide production by alveolar macrophages. In addition, time course of ATP depletion and induction of impaired alveolar macrophage function were similar. In view of the fact that the strong oxidant H2O2 may react with a large variety of biological substances, possible other toxic lesions may not be excluded as underlying mechanism for H2O2-induced inhibition of phagocytic functions of alveolar macrophages.

Dual effects of Haemophilus influenzae on guinea pig tracheal beta-adrenergic receptor function: involvement of oxygen-centered radicals from pulmonary macrophages

The Gram-negative bacterium Haemophilus influenzae has been shown to cause a deterioration of the guinea pig pulmonary beta-adrenergic receptor system. In the present study we investigated further the mechanisms behind this effect. To this extent we evaluated the involvement of pulmonary macrophages (PM). Treatment of guinea pigs with killed H. influenzae bacteria resulted in the accumulation of a factor in the serum which could specifically stimulate PM. Thus stimulated, PM from nontreated animals caused a decrease of tracheal beta-adrenergic receptor function in vitro. This effect was evident by a decrease of the maximal response of the dose-response curves to isoprenaline, whereas the EC50 values did not change. Catalase and thiourea abolished the PM-induced effects, whereas superoxide dismutase did not, indicating that oxygen-centered radicals, in particular the highly reactive hydroxyl radical, may be responsible for the observed effects. In addition, dexamethasone also inhibited the decrease of tracheal beta-adrenergic receptor function. When activated PM, taken from animals that had been pretreated with killed H. influenzae bacteria 4 days beforehand, were stimulated with serum from a H. influenzae-treated animal, a potentiation of tracheal beta-adrenergic receptor function was observed.

Transfer of arachidonate from phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine and triacylglycerol in guinea pig alveolar macrophages

Guinea pig alveolar macrophages were labeled by incubation with either arachidonate or linoleate. Arachidonate labeled phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and triglycerides (TG) equally well, with each lipid containing about 30% of total cellular radioactivity. In comparison to arachidonate, linoleate was recovered significantly less in PE (7%) and more in TG (47%). To investigate whether redistributions of acyl chains among lipid classes took place, the macrophages were incubated with 1-acyl-2-[1-14C]arachidonoyl PC or 1-acyl-2-[1-14C]linoleoyl PC. After harvesting, the cells incubated with 1-acyl-2-[1-14C]linoleoyl PC contained 86% of the recovered cellular radioactivity in PC, with only small amounts of label being transferred to PE and TG (3 and 6%, respectively). More extensive redistributions were observed with arachidonate-labeled PC. In this case, only 60% of cellular radioactivity was still associated with PC, while 22 and 12%, respectively, had been transferred to PE and TG. Arachidonate transfer from PC to PE was unaffected by an excess of free arachidonate which inhibited this transfer to TG for over 90%, indicating that different mechanisms or arachidonoyl CoA pools were involved in the transfer of arachidonate from PC to PE and TG. Cells prelabeled with 1-acyl-2-[1-14C]arachidonoyl PC released 14C-label into the medium upon further incubation. This release was slightly stimulated by zymosan and threefold higher in the presence of the Ca2+-ionophore A23187. Labeling of macrophages with intact phospholipid molecules appears to be a suitable method for studying acyl chain redistribution and release reactions.