Effects of inhaled tier-2 diesel engine exhaust on immunotoxicity in a rat model: A hazard identification study. Part II. Immunotoxicology

Diesel exhaust (DE) is an air pollutant containing gaseous compounds and particulate matter. Diesel engines are common on gas extraction and oil sites, leading to complex DE exposure to a broad range of compounds through occupational settings. The US EPA concluded that short-term exposure to DE leads to allergic inflammatory disorders of the airways. To further evaluate the immunotoxicity of DE, the effects of whole-body inhalation of 0.2 and 1 mg/m3 DE (total carbon; 6 h/d for 4 days) were investigated 1-, 7-, and 27-days post exposure in Sprague-Dawley rats using an occupationally relevant exposure system. DE exposure of 1 mg/m3 increased total cellularity, number of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, and B-cells at 1 d post-exposure in the lung lymph nodes. At 7 d post-exposure to 1 mg/m3, cellularity and the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells decreased in the LLNs. In the bronchoalveolar lavage, B-cell number and frequency increased at 1 d post-exposure, Natural Killer cell number and frequency decreased at 7 d post-exposure, and at 27 d post-exposure CD8+ T-cell and CD11b+ cell number and frequency decreased with 0.2 mg/m3 exposure. In the spleen, 0.2 mg/m3 increased CD4+ T-cell frequency at 1 and 7 d post-exposure and at 27 d post-exposure increased CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell number and CD8+ T-cell frequency. B-cells were the only immune cell subset altered in the three tissues (spleen, LLNs, and BALF), suggesting the induction of the adaptive immune response. The increase in lymphocytes in several different organ types also suggests an induction of a systemic inflammatory response occurring following DE exposure. These results show that DE exposure induced modifications of cellularity of phenotypic subsets that may impair immune function and contribute to airway inflammation induced by DE exposure in rats.

Systemic and immunotoxicity induced by topical application of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in a murine model

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of stable synthetic surfactants that are incorporated into numerous products for their water and oil resistance and have been associated with adverse health effects. The present study evaluated the systemic and immunotoxicity of sub-chronic 28- or 10-day dermal exposure of PFHxS (0.625-5% or 15.63-125 mg/kg/dose) in a murine model. Elevated levels of PFHxS were detected in the serum and urine, suggesting that absorption is occurring through the dermal route. Liver weight (% body) significantly increased and spleen weight (% body) significantly decreased with PFHxS exposure, which was supported by histopathological changes. Additionally, PFHxS significantly reduced the humoral immune response and altered immune subsets in the spleen, suggesting immunosuppression. Gene expression changes were observed in the liver, skin, and spleen with genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, necrosis, and inflammation. Immune-cell phenotyping identified significant decreases in B-cells, NK cells, and CD11b+ monocyte/macrophages in the spleen along with increases in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, NK cells, and neutrophils in the skin. These findings support dermal PFHxS-induced liver damage and immune suppression. Overall, data support PFHxS absorption through the skin and demonstrate immunotoxicity via this exposure route, suggesting the need for further examination.

Exposure to the anti-microbial chemical triclosan disrupts keratinocyte function and skin integrity in a model of reconstructed human epidermis

Triclosan is an anti-microbial chemical incorporated into products that are applied to the skin of healthcare workers. Exposure to triclosan has previously been shown to be associated with allergic disease in humans and impact the immune responses in animal models. Additionally, studies have shown that exposure to triclosan dermally activates the NLRP3 inflammasome and disrupts the skin barrier integrity in mice. The skin is the largest organ of the body and plays an important role as a physical barrier and regulator of the immune system. Alterations in the barrier and immune regulatory functions of the skin have been demonstrated to increase the risk of sensitization and development of allergic disease. In this study, the impact of triclosan exposure on the skin barrier and keratinocyte function was investigated using a model of reconstructed human epidermis. The apical surface of reconstructed human epidermis was exposed to triclosan (0.05-0.2%) once for 6, 24, or 48 h or daily for 5 consecutive days. Exposure to triclosan increased epidermal permeability and altered the expression of genes involved in formation of the skin barrier. Additionally, exposure to triclosan altered the expression patterns of several cytokines and growth factors. Together, these results suggest that exposure to triclosan impacts skin barrier integrity and function of human keratinocytes and suggests that these alterations may impact immune regulation.

Systemic toxicity induced by topical application of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) in a murine model

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic structurally diverse chemicals incorporated into industrial and consumer products. PFHpA, PFHxA, and PFPeA are carboxylic PFAS (C7, C6, C5, respectively) labeled as a safer alternative to legacy carboxylic PFAS due to their shorter half-life in animals. Although there is a high potential for dermal exposure, these studies are lacking. The present study conducted analyses of serum chemistries, immune phenotyping, gene expression, and histology to evaluate the systemic toxicity of a sub-chronic 28-day dermal exposure of alternative PFAS (1.25-5% or 31.25-125 mg/kg/dose) in a murine model. Liver weight (% body) significantly increased with PFHpA, PFHxA, and PFPeA exposure and histopathological changes were observed in both the liver and skin. Gene expression changes were observed with PPAR isoforms in the liver and skin along with changes in genes involved in steatosis, fatty acid metabolism, necrosis, and inflammation. These findings, along with significant detection levels in serum and urine, support PFAS-induced liver damage and PPARα, δ, and γ involvement in alternative PFAS systemic toxicity and immunological disruption. This demonstrates that these compounds can be absorbed through the skin and brings into question whether these PFAS are a suitable alternative to legacy PFAS.

Biological effects of inhaled crude oil. VI. Immunotoxicity

Crude oil is an unrefined petroleum product that is a mixture of hydrocarbons and other organic material. Studies on the individual components of crude oil and crude oil exposure itself suggest it has immunomodulatory potential. As investigations of the immunotoxicity of crude oil focus mainly on ingestion and dermal exposure, the effects of whole-body inhalation of 300 ppm crude oil vapor [COV; acute inhalation exposure: (6 h × 1 d); or a 28 d sub-chronic exposure (6 h/d × 4 d/wk. × 4 wks)] was investigated 1, 28, and 90 d post-exposure in Sprague-Dawley rats. Acute exposure increased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cellularity, CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and absolute and percent CDllb+ cells only at 1 d post-exposure; additionally, NK cell activity was suppressed. Sub-chronic exposure resulted in a decreased frequency of CD4+ T-cells at 1 d post-exposure and an increased number and frequency of B-cells at 28 d post-exposure in the lung-associated lymph nodes. A significant increase in the number and frequency of B-cells was observed in the spleen at 1 d post-exposure; however, NK cell activity was suppressed at this time point. No effect on cellularity was identified in the BALF. No change in the IgM response to sheep red blood cells was observed. The findings indicate that crude oil inhalation exposure resulted in alterations in cellularity of phenotypic subsets that may impair immune function in rats.

Exposure to the immunomodulatory chemical triclosan differentially impacts immune cell populations in the skin of haired (BALB/c) and hairless (SKH1) mice

Workers across every occupational sector have the potential to be exposed to a wide variety of chemicals, and the skin is a primary route of exposure. Furthermore, exposure to certain chemicals has been linked to inflammatory and allergic diseases. Thus, understanding the immune responses to chemical exposures on the skin and the potential for inflammation and sensitization is needed to improve worker safety and health. Responses in the skin microenvironment impact the potential for sensitization; these responses may include proinflammatory cytokines, inflammasome activation, barrier integrity, skin microbiota, and the presence of immune cells. Selection of specific mouse strains to evaluate skin effects, such as haired (BALB/c) or hairless (SKH1) mice, varies dependent on experimental design and needs of a study. However, dermal chemical exposure may impact reactions in the skin differently depending on the strain of mouse. Additionally, there is a need for established methods to evaluate immune responses in the skin. In this study, exposure to the immunomodulatory chemical triclosan was evaluated in two mouse models using immunophenotyping by flow cytometry and gene expression analysis. BALB/c mice exposed to triclosan (2%) had a higher number and frequency of neutrophils and lower number and frequency of dendritic cells in the skin compared to controls. Although these changes were not observed in SKH1 mice, SKH1 mice exposed to triclosan had a higher number and frequency of type 2 innate lymphoid cells in the skin. Taken together, these results demonstrate that exposure to an immunomodulatory chemical, triclosan, differentially impacts immune cell populations in the skin of haired and hairless mice. Additionally, the flow cytometry panel reported in this manuscript, in combination with gene expression analysis, may be useful in future studies to better evaluate the effect of chemical exposures on the skin immune response. These findings may be important to consider during strain selection, experimental design, and result interpretation of chemical exposures on the skin.

Dermal exposure to the immunomodulatory antimicrobial chemical triclosan alters the skin barrier integrity and microbiome in mice

Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical used in healthcare settings that can be absorbed through the skin. Exposure to triclosan has been positively associated with food and aeroallergy and asthma exacerbation in humans and, although not directly sensitizing, has been demonstrated to augment the allergic response in a mouse model of asthma. The skin barrier and microbiome are thought to play important roles in regulating inflammation and allergy and disruptions may contribute to development of allergic disease. To investigate potential connections of the skin barrier and microbiome with immune responses to triclosan, SKH1 mice were exposed dermally to triclosan (0.5-2%) or vehicle for up to 7 consecutive days. Exposure to 2% triclosan for 5-7 days on the skin was shown to increase trans-epidermal water loss levels. Seven days of dermal exposure to triclosan decreased filaggrin 2 and keratin 10 expression, but increased filaggrin and keratin 14 protein along with the danger signal S100a8 and interleukin-4. Dermal exposure to triclosan for 7 days also altered the alpha and beta diversity of the skin and gut microbiome. Specifically, dermal triclosan exposure increased the relative abundance of the Firmicutes family, Lachnospiraceae on the skin but decreased the abundance of Firmicutes family, Ruminococcaceae in the gut. Collectively, these results demonstrate that repeated dermal exposure to the antimicrobial chemical triclosan alters the skin barrier integrity and microbiome in mice, suggesting that these changes may contribute to the increase in allergic immune responses following dermal exposure to triclosan.

Systemic toxicity induced by topical application of heptafluorobutyric acid (PFBA) in a murine model

Heptafluorobutyric acid (PFBA) is a synthetic chemical belonging to the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) group that includes over 5000 chemicals incorporated into numerous products. PFBA is a short-chain PFAS (C4) labeled as a safer alternative to legacy PFAS which have been linked to numerous health effects. Despite the high potential for dermal exposure, occupationally and environmentally, dermal exposure studies are lacking. Using a murine model, this study analyzed serum chemistries, histology, immune phenotyping, and gene expression to evaluate the systemic toxicity of sub-chronic dermal PFBA 15-day (15% v/v or 375 mg/kg/dose) or 28-day (3.75-7.5% v/v or 93.8-187.5 mg/kg/dose) exposures. PFBA exposure produced significant increases in liver and kidney weights and altered serum chemistries (all exposure levels). Immune-cell phenotyping identified significant increases in draining lymph node B-cells (15%) and CD11b + cells (3.75-15%) and skin T-cells (3.75-15%) and neutrophils (7.5-15%). Histopathological and gene expression changes were observed in both the liver and skin after dermal PFBA exposure. The findings indicate PFBA induces liver toxicity and alterations of PPAR target genes, suggesting a role of a PPAR pathway. These results demonstrate that sustained dermal exposure to PFBA induces systemic effects and raise concerns of short-chain PFAS being promoted as safer alternatives.

Prior Exposure to Ortho-Phthalaldehyde Augments IgE-Mediated Immune Responses to Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride: Potential for 2 Commonly Used Antimicrobials to Synergistically Enhance Allergic Disease

Health-care workers have an increased incidence of allergic disease compared with the general public and are exposed to a variety of high-level disinfectants. Although exposure to these agents has been associated with allergic disease, findings between epidemiology and animal studies often conflict respecting immunological mechanisms. Therefore, we hypothesized that previous exposure to a representative IgE-mediated sensitizer (ortho-phthalaldehyde [OPA]) alters immune responses to a representative T-cell-mediated sensitizer (didecyldimethlyammonium chloride [DDAC]). Here, BALB/c mice were topically exposed to OPA (0.5%) for 3 days, rested, then topically exposed to DDAC (0.0625%, 0.125%, and 0.25%) for 14 days. Coexposure resulted in phenotypic changes in draining lymph node (dLN) cells, including a decreased frequency of CD8+ T cells and increased frequency and number of B cells compared with DDAC-only treated mice. The coexposed mice also had enhanced Th2 responses, including significant alterations in: dLN Il4 (increased), B-cell activation (increased), CD8+ T-cell activation (decreased), and local and systemic IgE production (increased). These changes were not observed if mice were exposed to DDAC prior to OPA. Exposure to OPA alone shows Th2 skewing, indicated by increased activation of skin type 2 innate lymphoid cells, increased frequency and activation of draining lymph node B cells, and increased levels of type 2 cytokines. These findings suggest that the OPA-induced immune environment may alter the response to DDAC, resulting in increased IgE-mediated immune responses. This data may partially explain the discordance between epidemiological and laboratory studies regarding disinfectants and provide insight into the potential immunological implications of mixed chemical exposures.

Topical Application of the Antimicrobial Agent Triclosan Induces NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol (triclosan) is an antimicrobial chemical widely used in consumer household and clinical healthcare products. Human and animal studies have associated triclosan exposure with allergic disease. Mechanistic studies have identified triclosan as a mitochondrial uncoupler; recent studies suggest that mitochondria play an important role in immune cell function and are involved in activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In this study, early immunological effects were evaluated via NLRP3 activation following dermal triclosan application in a BALB/c murine model. These investigations revealed rapid caspase-1 activation and mature IL-1β secretion in the skin and draining lymph nodes (dLNs) after 1.5% and 3% triclosan exposure. Correspondingly, pro-Il-1b and S100a8 gene expression increased along with extracellular ATP in the skin. Peak gene expression of chemokines associated with caspase-1 activation occurred after 2 days of exposure in both skin tissue and dLNs. Phenotypic analysis showed an increase in neutrophils and macrophages in the dLN and myeloid and inflammatory monocytes in the skin tissue. Triclosan also caused mitochondrial dysfunction shown through effects on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mass, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial morphology. These results indicate that following triclosan exposure, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome occurs in both the skin tissue and dLNs, providing a possible mechanism for triclosan's effects on allergic disease and further support a connection between mitochondrial involvements in immunological responses.

Potential classification of chemical immunologic response based on gene expression profiles

Occupational immune diseases are a serious public health burden and are often a result of exposure to low molecular weight (LMW) chemicals. The complete immunological mechanisms driving these responses are not fully understood which has made the classification of chemical allergens difficult. Antimicrobials are a large group of immunologically-diverse LMW agents. In these studies, mice were dermally exposed to representative antimicrobial chemicals (sensitizers: didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), irritants: benzal-konium chloride (BAC), and adjuvant: triclosan (TCS)) and the mRNA expression of cytokines and cellular mediators was evaluated using real-time qPCR in various tissues over a 7-days period. All antimicrobials caused increases in the mRNA expression of the danger signals Tslp (skin), and S100a8 (skin, blood, lung). Expression of the T_H2 cytokine Il4 peaked at different timepoints for the chemicals based on exposure duration. Unique expression profiles were identified for OPA (Il10 in lymph node, Il4 and Il13 in lung) and TCS (Tlr4 in skin). Additionally, all chemicals except OPA induced decreased expression of the cellular adhesion molecule Ecad. Overall, the results from these studies suggest that unique gene expression profiles are implicated following dermal exposure to various antimicrobial agents, warranting the need for additional studies. In order to advance the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies to combat immunological disease, underlying mechanisms of antimicrobial-induced immunomodulation must be fully understood. This understanding will aid in the development of more effective methods to screen for chemical toxicity, and may potentially lead to more effective treatment strategies for those suffering from immune diseases.

Topical exposure to triclosan inhibits Th1 immune responses and reduces T cells responding to influenza infection in mice

Healthcare workers concurrently may be at a higher risk of developing respiratory infections and allergic disease, such as asthma, than the general public. Increased incidence of allergic diseases is thought to be caused, in part, due to occupational exposure to chemicals that induce or augment Th2 immune responses. However, whether exposure to these chemical antimicrobials can influence immune responses to respiratory pathogens is unknown. Here, we use a BALB/c murine model to test if the Th2-promoting antimicrobial chemical triclosan influences immune responses to influenza A virus. Mice were dermally exposed to 2% triclosan for 7 days prior to infection with a sub-lethal dose of mouse adapted PR8 A(H1N1) virus (50 pfu); triclosan exposure continued until 10 days post infection (dpi). Infected mice exposed to triclosan did not show an increase in morbidity or mortality, and viral titers were unchanged. Assessment of T cell responses at 10 dpi showed a decrease in the number of total and activated (CD44hi) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at the site of infection (BAL and lung) in triclosan exposed mice compared to controls. Influenza-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were assessed using MHCI and MHCII tetramers, with reduced populations, although not reaching statistical significance at these sites following triclosan exposure. Reductions in the Th1 transcription factor T-bet were seen in both activated and tetramer+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the lungs of triclosan exposed infected mice, indicating reduced Th1 polarization and providing a potential mechanism for numerical reduction in T cells. Overall, these results indicate that the immune environment induced by triclosan exposure has the potential to influence the developing immune response to a respiratory viral infection and may have implications for healthcare workers who may be at an increased risk for developing infectious diseases.

A scalable high-performance magnetic shield for very long baseline atom interferometry

We report on the design, construction, and characterization of a 10 m-long high-performance magnetic shield for very long baseline atom interferometry. We achieve residual fields below 4 nT and longitudinal inhomogeneities below 2.5 nT/m over 8 m along the longitudinal direction. Our modular design can be extended to longer baselines without compromising the shielding performance. Such a setup constrains biases associated with magnetic field gradients to the sub-pm/s² level in atomic matterwave accelerometry with rubidium atoms and paves the way toward tests of the universality of free fall with atomic test masses beyond the 10^-13 level.

Type I interferon signaling attenuates regulatory T cell function in viral infection and in the tumor microenvironment

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a cardinal role in the immune system by suppressing detrimental autoimmune responses, but their role in acute, chronic infectious diseases and tumor microenvironment remains unclear. We recently demonstrated that IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) signaling promotes Treg function in autoimmunity. Here we dissected the functional role of IFNAR-signaling in Tregs using Treg-specific IFNAR deficient (IFNAR^fl/flxFoxp3^YFP-Cre) mice in acute LCMV Armstrong, chronic Clone-13 viral infection, and in tumor models. In both viral infection and tumor models, IFNAR^fl/flxFoxp3^YFP-Cre mice Tregs expressed enhanced Treg associated activation antigens. LCMV-specific CD8⁺ T cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes from IFNAR^fl/flxFoxp3^YFP-Cre mice produced less antiviral and antitumor IFN-γ and TNF-α. In chronic viral model, the numbers of antiviral effector and memory CD8⁺ T cells were decreased in IFNAR^fl/flxFoxp3^YFP-Cre mice and the effector CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells exhibited a phenotype compatible with enhanced exhaustion. IFNAR^fl/flxFoxp3^YFP-Cre mice cleared Armstrong infection normally, but had higher viral titers in sera, kidneys and lungs during chronic infection, and higher tumor burden than the WT controls. The enhanced activated phenotype was evident through transcriptome analysis of IFNAR^fl/flxFoxp3^YFP-Cre mice Tregs during infection demonstrated differential expression of a unique gene signature characterized by elevated levels of genes involved in suppression and decreased levels of genes mediating apoptosis. Thus, IFN signaling in Tregs is beneficial to host resulting in a more effective antiviral response and augmented antitumor immunity.

Type I interferons (IFNs) play a predominant role in the immune response to infectious pathogens. The cellular targets of IFNs have been difficult to dissect because of the ubiquitous expression of the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR). The immune response of mice to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is one of the major models for analyzing the action of IFNs. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been implicated in the control of LCMV and it has been proposed that IFN may influence their function. The major goal of this study was to define the contribution of IFN signaling on Treg function during different stages LCMV infection. Tregs from mice with selective deletion of IFNAR manifested enhanced suppressive activity during acute/chronic LCMV infection resulting in increased CD8 T cell anergy, defective generation of memory T cells and persistence of virus. Similar effects of IFNAR signaling in Tregs were seen in a tumor model. We identified a unique set of genes in Tregs modulated by IFN signaling that may contribute to the enhanced suppressive function of IFNAR deficient Tregs. IFNs play a beneficial role during acute/chronic viral infections not only by contributing to viral clearance but also by attenuating the function of Tregs.

5-Methylcytosin-Gehalt in Rattenerythroleukämie-Zellen nach Induktion mit Dimethylsulfoxid / 5-Methylcytosine Content in Erythroleucemic Cells of Rats after Induction with Dimethylsulfoxid

Erythroleucemic cells of rats were induced by DMSO for the terminal erythroid differentia­tion. The base composition and the 5MC content of the DNA were analyzed by HPLC and a significant difference between non-induced and induced cells was not found. The analysis of labelled DNA by the restriction enzymes Hha I, Hpa II, and Msp I did not result in a different pattern before and after the induction. These results suggest that the 5 MC content of the DNA does not change during the induced terminal erythroid differentiation.

Elektronentransfer und Kontaktionen-Bildung, 45 [1, 2] Strukturänderungen bei der Einelektronen-Reduktion von Tetraphenylbutatrien zum Radikalanion und bei der Zweifach-Deprotonierung von Tetraphenyl-butin-2 zum Tetraphenylbutatrien-Dianion / Electron Transfer and Contact Ion Pair Formation, 45 [1,2] Structural Changes on Single Electron Reduction of Tetraphenylbutatriene to its Radical Anion and on Twofold Deprotonation of Tetraphenylbutyne-2 to the Tetraphenylbutatriene Dianion

Tetraphenylbutatriene is reduced under aprotic conditions to its ESR/ENDOR-spectroscopically characterized radical anion and to its dianion, with both electron transfers quasireversible according to cyclovoltammetric measurements. The alkali cation salts, the red contact ion pair [(H5C6)4C4·⊖][Na⊕ (H3COCH2CH2OCH3)3] and the dark violet contact ion triple [(H5C6)4C4⊖⊖][Li⊕(H3COCH2CH2OCH3)3]2 can be prepared by single electron reduction at a sodium metal mirror or by twofold de-protonation of 1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutyne-2 using lithium-n-butyl. Their single crystal structures as well as that of the parent acetylene have been determined at low temperatures. The essential structural changes observed are the twisting of both molecular halves (H5C6)2CC relative to each other with increasing negative charge. The simultaneously resulting bond alternancy >C = C = C = C< → >C⊖ - C ≡ C⊖ - C < within the cumulene chain is discussed based on MNDO calculations for the structures determined.

Three years of operation of North America's first nutrient recovery facility

The first full-scale nutrient recovery installation in North America became operational in May 2009 at the Clean Water Service's Durham Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tigard, Oregon. Recovering ammonia and phosphorus from the dewatering side stream as struvite has a positive impact on plant operations. Significantly reducing the phosphorus recycle lowers the phosphorus loading on the plant, stabilizes biological phosphorus removal, reduces the amount of chemicals needed to remove phosphorus, reduces both the dry tonnes of biosolids generated and the phosphorus content of the biosolids, and provides revenue from the sale of the struvite. To increase struvite production and to decrease struvite potential in the digestion system, the Waste Activated Sludge Stripping To Remove Internal Phosphorus (WASSTRIP™) process was implemented full-scale in summer 2011. Results indicate a potential 60% increase in struvite production is achievable.

The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists rimonabant (SR141716) and AM251 directly potentiate GABA(A) receptors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Rimonabant (SR141716) and the structurally related AM251 are widely used in pharmacological experiments as selective cannabinoid receptor CB(1) antagonists / inverse agonists. Concentrations of 0.5-10 µM are usually applied in in vitro experiments. We intended to show that these drugs did not act at GABA(A) receptors but found a significant positive allosteric modulation instead.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Recombinant GABA(A) receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Receptors were exposed to AM251 or rimonabant in the absence and presence of GABA. Standard electrophysiological techniques were used to monitor the elicited ionic currents.

KEY RESULTS

AM251 dose-dependently potentiated responses to 0.5 µM GABA at the recombinant α(1) β(2) γ(2) GABA(A) receptor with an EC(50) below 1 µM and a maximal potentiation of about eightfold. The Hill coefficient indicated that more than one binding site for AM251 was located in this receptor. Rimonabant had a lower affinity, but a fourfold higher efficacy. AM251 potentiated also currents mediated by α(1) β(2) , α(x) β(2) γ(2) (x = 2,3,5,6), α(1) β(3) γ(2) and α(4) β(2) δ GABA(A) receptors, but not those mediated by α(1) β(1) γ(2) . Interestingly, the CB(1) receptor antagonists LY320135 and O-2050 did not significantly affect α(1) β(2) γ(2) GABA(A) receptor-mediated currents at concentrations of 1 µM.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This study identified rimonabant and AM251 as positive allosteric modulators of GABA(A) receptors. Thus, potential GABAergic effects of commonly used concentrations of these compounds should be considered in in vitro experiments, especially at extrasynaptic sites where GABA concentrations are low.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7.

Impact of subunit positioning on GABAA receptor function

The major isoforms of the GABAA (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A) receptor are composed of two alpha, two beta and one gamma subunit. Thus alpha and beta subunits occur twice in the receptor pentamer. As it is well documented that different isoforms of alpha and beta subunits can co-exist in the same pentamer, the question is raised whether the relative position of a subunit isoform affects the functional properties of the receptor. We have used subunit concatenation to engineer receptors of well-defined subunit arrangement to study this question. Although all five subunits may be concatenated, we have focused on the combination of triple and dual subunit constructs. We review here what is known so far on receptors containing simultaneously alpha1 and alpha6 subunits and receptors containing beta1 and beta2 subunits. Subunit concatenation may not only be used to study receptors containing two different subunit isoforms, but also to introduce a point mutation into a defined position in receptors containing either two alpha or beta subunits, or to study the receptor architecture of receptors containing unconventional GABAA receptor subunits. Similar approaches may be used to characterize other members of the pentameric ligand-gated ion channel family, including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, glycine receptors and 5-HT3 (5-hydroxytryptamine) receptors.

Integrated modelling for the evaluation of infiltration effects

The objective of the present study is the estimation of the potential benefits of sewer pipe rehabilitation for the performance of the drainage system and the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) as well as for the receiving water quality. The relation of sewer system status and the infiltration rate is assessed based on statistical analysis of 470 km of CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) inspected sewers of the city of Dresden. The potential reduction of infiltration rates and the consequent performance improvements of the urban wastewater system are simulated as a function of rehabilitation activities in the network. The integrated model is applied to an artificial system with input from a real sewer network. In this paper, the general design of the integrated model and its data requirements are presented. For an exemplary study, the consequences of the simulations are discussed with respect to the prioritisation of rehabilitation activities in the network.

Semihard scattering unraveled from collective dynamics by two-pion azimuthal correlations in 158A GeV/c Pb+Au collisions

Elliptic flow and two-particle azimuthal correlations of charged hadrons and high-p(T) pions (p(T)>1 GeV/c) have been measured close to midrapidity in 158A GeV/c Pb+Au collisions by the CERES experiment. Elliptic flow (v(2)) rises linearly with p(T) to a value of about 10% at 2 GeV/c. Beyond p(T) approximately 1.5 GeV/c, the slope decreases considerably, possibly indicating a saturation of v(2) at high p(T). Two-pion azimuthal anisotropies for p(T)>1.2 GeV/c exceed the elliptic flow values by about 60% in midcentral collisions. These nonflow contributions are attributed to nearside and back-to-back jetlike correlations, the latter exhibiting centrality dependent broadening.

The relative amount of cRNA coding for gamma2 subunits affects stimulation by benzodiazepines in GABA(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Benzodiazepine (BZD) potentiation of GABA-activated Cl(-)-current (I(GABA)) in recombinant GABA(A) receptors requires the presence of the gamma subunit. When alpha1, beta2 and gamma2S cRNA are expressed in a 1:1:1 ratio in Xenopus oocytes, BZD potentiation of I(GABA) is submaximal, variable and diminishes over time. Potentiation by BZDs is increased, more reproducible and is stabilized over time by increasing the relative amount of cRNA coding for the gamma2S subunit. In addition, GABA EC(50) values for alpha1beta2gamma2 (1:1:1) receptors are intermediate to values measured for alpha1beta2 (1:1) and alpha1beta2gamma2 (1:1:10) receptors. We conclude that co-expression of equal ratios of alpha1, beta2 and gamma2 subunits in Xenopus oocytes produces a mixed population of alpha1beta2 and alpha1beta2gamma2 receptors. Therefore, for accurate measurements of BZD potentiation it is necessary to inject a higher ratio of gamma2 subunit cRNA relative to alpha1 and beta2 cRNA. This results in a purer population of alpha1beta2gamma2 receptors.

Selective inspection planning with ageing forecast for sewer types

Investments in sewer rehabilitation must be based on inspection and evaluation of sewer conditions with respect to the severity of sewer damage and to environmental risks. This paper deals with the problems of forecasting the condition of sewers in a network from a small sample of inspected sewers. Transition functions from one into the next poorer condition class, which were empirically derived from this sample, are used to forecast the condition of sewers. By the same procedure, transition functions were subsequently calibrated for sub-samples of different types of sewers. With these transition functions, the most probable date of entering a critical condition class can be forecast from sewer characteristics, such as material, period of construction, location, use for waste and/or storm water, profile, diameter and gradient. Results are shown for the estimates about the actual condition of the Dresden sewer network and its deterioration in case of doing nothing about it. A procedure is proposed for scheduling the inspection dates for sewers which have not yet been inspected and for those which have been inspected before.

Subunit arrangement of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors

The GABA(A) receptors are ligand-gated chloride channels. The subunit stoichiometry of the receptors is controversial; four, five, or six subunits per receptor molecule have been proposed for alphabeta receptors, whereas alphabetagamma receptors are assumed to be pentamers. In this study, alpha-beta and beta-alpha tandem cDNAs from the alpha1 and beta2 subunits of the GABA(A) receptor were constructed. We determined the minimal length of the linker that is required between the two subunits for functional channel expression for each of the tandem constructs. 10- and 23-amino acid residues are required for alpha-beta and beta-alpha, respectively. The tandem constructs either alone or in combination with each other failed to express functional channels in Xenopus oocytes. Therefore, we can exclude tetrameric or hexameric alphabeta GABA(A) receptors. We can also exclude proteolysis of the tandem constructs. In addition, the tandem constructs were combined with single alpha, beta, or gamma subunits to allow formation of pentameric arrangements. In contrast to the combination with alpha subunits, the combination with either beta or gamma subunits led to expression of functional channels. Therefore, a pentameric arrangement containing two alpha1 and three beta2 subunits is proposed for the receptor composed of alpha and beta subunits. Our findings also favor an arrangement betaalphagammabetaalpha for the receptor composed of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits.

Leukocyte attack in a 3D human coronary in-vitro model

OBJECTIVE

The importance of peripheral blood leukocytes for the development of early atherosclerosis and restenosis has confronted cardiologists with classical hematologic issues. Three-dimensional human coronary in-vitro units of leukocyte attack (3DLA-units) open the field for exact studies of leukocyte attack and its subsequent effects on human medial coronary smooth muscle cells (HCMSMC).

METHODS

Central part of 3DLA-units are polycarbonate membranes with a pore size of 5 microm that correspond to the internal elastic membrane. Human coronary endothelial cells (HCAEC) were cultured on one side of the membranes, HCMSMC on the other side. Before leukocyte attack expression of adhesion molecules was up-regulated by tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Leukocyte attack was mimicked by selective adding of human monocytes (MC), respectively human CD4+-lymphocytes (CD4+-LC) to the HCAEC side of the 3DLA-units. Three-dimensional leukocyte attack units were fixed and stained after a period of 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 24 h. Cell divisions of HCMSMC were analysed by measuring the uptake of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU).

RESULTS

Monocytes were able to adhere to the endothelial surface, pass through the filter-pores, and penetrate the HCMSMC side of the 3DLA-units. Human CD4+-lymphocytes (CD4+-LC) only attached to the HCAEC side, and no chemotaxis to the HCMSMC side was detected. Proliferation of HCMSMC was increased 2.9-fold (P< 0.001) after selective MC-attack and 3.5-fold after selective MC-attack and TNF-alpha stimulus. No significant increase was found after selective CD4+-LC attack, a significant increase (2.1-fold; P < 0.001) was seen after selective CD4+-LC attack and TNF-alpha, stimulus.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the given limitations of the model the study emphasizes a predominance of MC in comparison to CD4+-LC in the process of adhesion, chemotaxis, and triggered reactive proliferation of co-cultured HCMSMC within the first 24 h after leukocyte attack. 3DLA-units offer an elegant method to study directly the effects of intravascular and intramural treatment strategies.

Identification of glucosinolates on the leaf surface of plants from the Cruciferae and other closely related species

Leaf-surface extracts prepared from 18 non-cultivated (wild) plant species, derived from the Capparidaceae, Cruciferae, Resedaceae and Tropaeolaceae were ranked for their ability to stimulate oviposition by the cabbage root fly, and analysed for glucosinolates. A total of 28 different glucosinolates were identified. A clear relationship was detected between the indolyl-, benzyl- and the total glucosinolate composition on the leaf surface and oviposition preference by cabbage root fly females. However, as the results are not fully explained by differences in leaf surface glucosinolates, other important oviposition deterrents and stimuli on the leaf surface of these wild crucifers must also be present.

Differential Cross Talk of ROD Compounds with the Benzodiazepine Binding Site

We have recently identified a novel class of allosteric modulators of GABA(A) receptors, the ROD compounds that are structurally related to bicuculline. Here, the relationship of their site of action relative to other known modulatory sites of this receptor was investigated. Two types of ROD compounds, R1 (ROD164A, ROD185) and R2 (ROD222 and ROD259) could be differentiated. R1 compounds competitively inhibited binding of benzodiazepines in alpha1beta2gamma2 receptors, and their functional effects were partially inhibited by the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro15-1788 in a noncompetitive manner. The enhancement by an R1 compound was not additive with that by diazepam. R2 compounds in contrast failed to inhibit binding of benzodiazepines; the R2 compounds' functional effects were not inhibited by the benzodiazepine antagonist. The enhancement by an R2 compound was additive with that by diazepam. In contrast to benzodiazepines, both R1 and R2 type compounds were still able to enhance alpha1beta2 receptors. ROD164A in alpha1beta2gamma2 receptors was found to be partially antagonized by Ro15-1788 in a noncompetitive way. ROD178B did not affect gamma-aminobutyric acid induced currents, but was able to inhibit both enhancement by R1 and R2 type compounds as well as enhancement by diazepam. R1 and R2 type compounds as well as diazepam enhanced pentobarbital-induced currents in a Ro15-1788-sensitive way. We conclude that R1 type compounds act at the benzodiazepine binding site and additionally at a different R1 site, and that the R1, but not the R2 site is allosterically coupled to the benzodiazepine binding site. ROD178B is a competitive antagonist at the R1 site in that it shows allosteric interaction with the benzodiazepine binding site and displacement of benzodiazepines, and a negative allosteric modulator at the R2 site.

Aspirin (5 mmol/L) inhibits leukocyte attack and triggered reactive cell proliferation in a 3D human coronary in vitro model

BACKGROUND

Leukocyte attack (LA) and the triggered reactive proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are key events for the development of early atherosclerosis and restenosis. In the present study, we used a 3D human coronary in vitro model of LA (3DLA model) to examine the effect of high-dose aspirin on the adhesion and chemotaxis of leukocytes and the reactive proliferative response of SMCs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

For dose-finding, the effect of aspirin (1, 2, 5, and 10 mmol/L) on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was analyzed in monocultures of human coronary endothelial cells (HCAEC) and the SMCs of the human coronary media (HCMSMC). In cytoflow and Northern blot experiments, the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was slightly reduced after incubation with 5 mmol/L aspirin, and strong inhibition was found after incubation with 10 mmol/L. In 3DLA models, HCAECs and HCMSMCs were cultured on both sides of a porous filter. For LA, human monocytes or CD4(+) lymphocytes were seeded on the HCAEC side of the 3DLA unit. A dose of 5 mmol/L aspirin inhibited the adherence of monocytes or CD4(+) lymphocytes by 50% (P:<0.01) and the chemotaxis of monocytes by 90% (P:<0.01). The reactive proliferative response of cocultured HCMSMCs after LA, as measured by the uptake of bromodeoxyuridine, was significantly reduced by 83% after selective monocyte attack (P:<0.001) and by 42% after selective CD4(+) lymphocyte attack (P:<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A local concentration of 5 mmol/L aspirin should be accepted as the lowest rational concentration for the beneficial in vitro effects of high-dose aspirin to be reproduced in clinical studies.

Loreclezole as a simple functional marker for homomeric rho type GABA(C) receptors

GABA(C) receptors are expressed in the whole brain, but predominantly in the retina. They can be identified by their unique pharmacology. The establishment of the entire pharmacology is, however, quite tedious. We show here that loreclezole dose dependently inhibits ionic currents elicited by GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) with an IC(50) of about 0.5 microM in homomeric rho1 GABA(C) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Thus, loreclezole may constitute a functional marker for these receptors.