bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucinlike glycoproteins from cat tracheal gland cells in primary culture
Authors: Culp D. J. , Latchney L. R.
Published: December 2017

In a recent study (D. J. Culp, D. K. P. Lee, D. P. Penney, and M. G. Marin. Am. J. Physiol. 263: L264-275, 1992), we reported that primary cultures of cat tracheal gland cells expressed histological, ultrastructural, and immunological characteristics of mucous cells when cultured on floating gels of rat tail collagen (released-gel cultures) compared with cells cultured on glutaraldehyde-fixed collagen gels (fixed-gel cultures). We therefore collected culture medium from gland cells grown under both culture conditions for determination and comparison of glycoconjugates with characteristics of mucin glycoproteins. Cells were cultured in the presence of [3H]glucosamine, and material of high molecular weight and density (HMD material) was isolated. HMD material from both culture conditions were each resistant to heparitinase and heparinase, whereas 72 and 25% of the radiolabel in released-gel and fixed-gel HMD material, respectively, was resistant to chondroitinase ABC. Material resistant to chondroitinase ABC was analyzed further. Both samples contained a single broad glycoprotein band [relative molecular weight (M(r)) > 250,000] after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and had amino acid profiles similar to airway mucin. The sample from fixed-gel cultures had nearly equal amounts of carbohydrate and protein, was highly enriched in N-acetylglucosamine, contained mannose, displayed little blood group A immunoreactivity, and had few O-linked oligosaccharides. Conversely, the sample from released-gel cultures contained 80% carbohydrate, was composed of monosaccharides characteristic of airway mucins, displayed blood group A immunoreactivity, and contained oligosaccharides O-linked via N-acetylgalactosamine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Matrix Gla protein mRNA expression in cultured type II pneumocytes
Authors: Rannels S. R. , Cancela M. L. , Wolpert E. B. , Price P. A.
Published: December 2017

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) was first isolated from the matrix fraction of bone. This highly conserved vitamin K-dependent protein of 14 kDa has been identified in numerous tissues and cells, and its mRNA was recently found to be abundant in rat lung. Relatively low MGP protein levels in many soft tissues where its mRNA is high suggests an important secretory function for this protein. We have found a high specific activity of vitamin K-dependent carboxylase in microsomes of rat pulmonary type II cells and the presence of numerous endogenous substrates, including one of 13-15 kDa. To investigate the possibility that MGP and its mRNA could be localized in type II cells, rat MGP and actin cDNA probes were hybridized to total RNA obtained from freshly isolated type II cells and from cells cultured for up to 6 days. MGP mRNA increased 5- to 6-fold relative to beta-actin mRNA from days 3 to 6 in primary culture and MGP secretion increased nearly 60-fold during that interval. MGP mRNA and MGP secretion decreased 25-75% if cultures were supplemented with vitamin K quinone. Vitamin K deficiency, caused by carbon stripping the serum or treatment of cell cultures with warfarin, resulted in an induction of carboxylase activity and elevated MGP mRNA. In parallel experiments, carboxylase specific activity also increased during culture in the presence or absence of vitamin K. Retinoic acid further increased steady-state mRNA levels and MGP secretion at later culture intervals, an effect which was serum dependent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PO2-dependent hydroxyl radical production during ischemia-reperfusion lung injury
Authors: Fisher P. W. , Huang Y. C. , Kennedy T. P. , Piantadosi C. A.
Published: December 2017

Pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion results in transient hypertension and edema formation. Implicated in this injury are partially reduced oxygen species including the highly reactive hydroxyl radical. We measured ischemia-reperfusion injury and hydroxyl radical production following 90 min of either air-ventilated, N2-ventilated, or nonventilated ischemia in an isolated rabbit lung preparation. We found that edema formation was independent of alveolar oxygen tension (PO2); all ischemic groups had similar edema formation, regardless of the type of ventilation. Weight gain was 37-50 g of fluid during 40 min of reperfusion. Production of hydroxyl radical, measured by nonenzymatic hydroxylation of salicylate, was influenced by PO2 with a significant increase after air-ventilated ischemia (P < 0.05) but not after N2-ventilated ischemia. Treatment with dimethylthiourea or superoxide dismutase reduced edema formation 60-80% after air (P < 0.05)- and N2 (P < 0.05)-ventilated ischemia, whereas treatment with catalase protected only N2-ventilated ischemia (P < 0.05). Our results implicate two distinct mechanisms by which partially reduced oxygen species may contribute to pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury. One is by a mechanism capable of generating hydroxyl radical at normal PO2; the second is from reactions active at low PO2, the products of which are metabolized readily by extracellular enzymatic scavengers. The precise mechanisms of oxidant generation are not clear, but the findings suggest that a complex oxidative injury occurs during ischemia-reperfusion.
G protein-regulated large-conductance chloride channels in freshly isolated fetal type II alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Kemp P. J. , MacGregor G. G. , Olver R. E.
Published: December 2017

Using the patch-clamp technique, we have recorded single channels in cell-attached and inside-out excised patches from the plasma membrane of type II alveolar epithelial cells freshly isolated from fetal guinea pig lung by elastase digestion and differential filtration. In cell-free patches the channels were highly selective for Cl- (PCl:Pcat = 9:1), had a large unitary conductance (375 pS +/- 23 pS), and current reversal of 0 mV in either symmetrical Na(+)-rich solutions or when the inner membrane leaflet was bathed in a K(+)-rich solution. The large-conductance Cl- channel exhibited little or no voltage inactivation at positive potentials, remained open for a significant amount of time at potentials negative to -40 mV, and was blocked at all potentials by 0.1 mM 4-acetamido-4-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid. Channel activity was independent of intracellular calcium concentration. Bath addition of the nonmetabolizable analogue of GTP, GTP gamma S (0.1 mM), caused a voltage-dependent inhibition of channel activity [open probability (Po) plot was shifted by at least +25 mV]. Smaller channels (25 +/- 3 pS) were recorded in the cell-attached configuration with a current-voltage (I-V) relationship which was compatible with a Cl- conductance. On excision, the patches previously containing small-conductance channels exhibited only large-conductance Cl- channel behavior. These large-conductance, G protein-regulatable Cl- channels may provide a route for alveolar cell Cl- exit and as such may be an integral part of the mechanism responsible for secretion of fetal lung fluid.
GLP-1 stimulates secretion of macromolecules from airways and relaxes pulmonary artery
Authors: Richter G. , Feddersen O. , Wagner U. , Barth P. , Goke R. , Goke B.
Published: December 2017

Recent data revealed the existence of specific receptors for glucagon-like peptide-1(7–36)amide (GLP-1) on rat lung membranes. Utilizing slide-mount autoradiography of fresh frozen lung tissue sections, we have localized binding sites for GLP-1 on mucous glands in the trachea and on vascular smooth muscle of the pulmonary artery. When tracheas were incubated in a modified Ussing chamber, the addition of GLP-1 to the submucosal side increased 35S-sulfate-labeled macromolecule secretion (191 +/- 12% above basal, P < 0.005). The optimal secretory response elicited by GLP-1 was approximately 23% of the maximal secretory response after a maximal acetylcholine stimulation. Other proglucagon-derived peptides such as glucagon, oxyntomodulin, and GLP-2 had no effect. In isolated rings of arteries, GLP-1 (10(-8) to 10(-5) M) induced a dose-dependent and time-reversible relaxation of preconstricted arteries. In a preparation with denuded epithelium, GLP-1 lost its effect. In conclusion, GLP-1 might represent another neuropeptide that acts as neurotransmitter of the peptidergic, nonadrenergic-noncholinergic nervous system that innervates the airways.
cAMP regulates soluble guanylate cyclase beta 1-subunit gene expression in RFL-6 rat fetal lung fibroblasts
Authors: Shimouchi A. , Janssens S. P. , Bloch D. B. , Zapol W. M. , Bloch K. D.
Published: December 2017

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF)/nitric oxide (NO) activates soluble guanylate cyclase, thereby stimulating the synthesis of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). To investigate the regulation of this important EDRF/NO receptor, we studied soluble guanylate cyclase gene expression in a rat fetal lung fibroblast cell line (RFL-6). 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, forskolin, and dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), agents which increase intracellular cAMP, decreased the concentration of mRNA encoding the beta 1-subunit of soluble guanylate cyclase in RFL-6 cells. To investigate whether a decrease in beta 1-subunit mRNA concentration was reflected in diminished capacity to produce cGMP, forskolin-treated RFL-6 cells were exposed to the NO-donor compound sodium nitroprusside. Exposure to forskolin reversibly reduced the ability of RFL-6 cells to increase cGMP in response to NO. These observations suggest that cAMP can modulate the cellular response to EDRF/NO by decreasing the expression of one of the subunits of soluble guanylate cyclase.
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha alters pulmonary vasoreactivity via neutrophil-derived oxidants
Authors: Ferro T. J. , Hocking D. C. , Johnson A.
Published: December 2017

We postulated that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) “primes” the lung for the development of pulmonary vasoconstriction and edema by inducing the release of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-derived reactive oxidant species (ROS). Guinea pigs were injected with TNF (1.6 x 10(5) U/kg ip), and the lungs isolated 18 h later. Compared with controls, TNF pretreatment resulted in 1) greater increases in lung weight and capillary pressure in response to the thromboxane A2 mimetic U-46619 (365 pmol/min) and 2) an increase in the dose of acetylcholine (ACh) causing 50% of maximal dilation (EC50). The vascular effects of TNF were associated with 1) decreased lung effluent nitrite (NO2-, oxidation product of nitric oxide), 2) increased lung effluent superoxide (O2-), and 3) increased lung myeloperoxidase (MPO). Superoxide dismutase (SOD, 10 U/ml) prevented 1) the effects of TNF on the hemodynamic responses to U-46619 and ACh and 2) the TNF-induced decrease in NO2-. The effects of TNF on lung MPO and effluent O2- were prevented using cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg 5 days before, and 50 mg/kg 1 day before, treatment with TNF or control). The data suggest that ROS generated from PMN mediate the decrease in nitric oxide and altered pulmonary vasoreactivity induced by TNF.
Respiratory syncytial virus-induced cytokine production by a human bronchial epithelial cell line
Authors: Noah T. L. , Becker S.
Published: December 2017

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory infection in infants and young children, but the pathogenesis of RSV-induced inflammation is not well defined. We hypothesized that in vitro infection of a human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS) would induce production of proinflammatory cytokines. BEAS cells were infected with RSV, and cells and supernatants were assayed for cytokine mRNA and protein changes at several time points after infection. Cytokine mRNA in BEAS cells was measured by polymerase chain reaction of reverse-transcribed RNA from whole cell lysates; cytokine levels in supernatants were measured by bioassay or immunoassay. Our results indicated that interleukin-5ay or immunoassay. Our results indicated that interleukin-8 (IL-8) was induced at 4 h after infection (during the eclipse phase of RSV infection) with accumulation of IL-8 in supernatants by 24 h after infection. Increased levels of IL-6 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor in supernatants were only detected by 96 h after infection, during the RSV replicative phase. Interferon-alpha and -gamma transcripts were not detectable at any time point. We conclude that the effects of RSV on airway inflammation may be at least partly mediated by sequential production of proinflammatory cytokines in infected airway epithelium.
Role of myosin light-chain phosphorylation in endothelial cell retraction
Authors: Sheldon R. , Moy A. , Lindsley K. , Shasby S. , Shasby D. M.
Published: December 2017

Endothelial cells retract centripetally when they are exposed to histamine and when extracellular calcium is chelated. This centripetal retraction implies that a centripetal tension must be expressed in the cells. We asked whether phosphorylation of the light chain of myosin (MLC) was important for the retraction to occur, and, by inference, expression of the tension. In human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells and in porcine pulmonary artery endothelial (PPAE) cells tryptic peptide maps indicated that MLC was phosphorylated by myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK). Activity of MLCK is inhibited by ML-9, a kinase inhibitor with relative specificity for MLCK, and when MLCK is phosphorylated by the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent kinase. Pretreatment of HUVE cells or PPAE cells with ML-9 or forskolin-aminophylline (to increase cell cAMP) reduced basal MLC phosphorylation and prevented an expected increase in MLC phosphorylation following exposure of HUVE cells to histamine. Pretreatment of HUVE cells with ML-9 or forskolin-aminophylline prevented HUVE cell retraction (measured as an increase in permeability of a monolayer of HUVE cells) in response to histamine. Pretreatment of PPAE cells with ML-9 or forskolin-aminophylline prevented PPAE cell retraction in response to chelation of extracellular calcium. These data support the hypothesis that phosphorylation of MLC is an important component of endothelial cell retraction.
Effects of inhibition of catalase and superoxide dismutase activity on antioxidant enzyme mRNA levels
Authors: Maitre B. , Jornot L. , Junod A. F.
Published: December 2017

We examined the effects of inhibition of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn SOD) and catalase (Cat) activities on the steady-state mRNA levels of the three major antioxidant enzymes [Cu,Zn SOD, Cat, and glutathione peroxidase (GP)] in human umbilical vein endothelial cells under normoxia and hyperoxia. Inhibition of Cat activity by aminotriazole was not associated with alteration of the other antioxidant enzymes or with potentiation of cell injury. On the other hand, inhibition of Cu,Zn SOD activity by N-N'-diethyl-dithiocarbamate (DDC) was associated with an increase in Cu,Zn SOD mRNA level and a decrease in Cat and GP mRNA level. The combination of DDC and hyperoxia treatments was associated with an additive effect on Cu,Zn SOD message. We propose that these coordinate mRNA changes might be an adaptation to the oxidative environment. This proposal supports the concept that the intracellular O2 metabolites themselves could be the signals that trigger the antioxidant enzymes gene expression.
Neonatal capsaicin treatment decreases airway and pulmonary tissue responsiveness to methacholine
Authors: Sakae R. S. , Leme A. S. , Dolhnikoff M. , Pereira P. M. , do Patrocinio M. , Warth T. N. , Zin W. A. , Saldiva P. H. , Martins M. A.
Published: December 2017

We studied the effects of selective depletion of neurokinins in sensory nerve fibers by capsaicin treatment on the airway and pulmonary tissue responses to methacholine. Dose-response curves to aerosolized methacholine were performed on anesthetized and mechanically ventilated Wistar rats. Capsaicin (50 mg/kg sc) was administered to 2-day-old rats, and the animals were studied after 12 wk. The response to each dose of methacholine was determined by measuring changes in airway resistance (R(aw)), dynamic pulmonary elastance (Edyn), and pulmonary tissue resistance (Rtis). We calculated sensitivity (Kx) as the concentration of methacholine required for a one-half maximal response and reactivity as the relationship between the maximum response and Kx. Capsaicin treatment resulted in significantly greater values of Kx and lower values of reactivity for R(aw), Edyn, and Rtis compared with control rats. Morphometric analysis of airways showed similar values of the area occupied by smooth muscle but a significantly lower (P < 0.02) area of airway epithelium in capsaicin-treated rats. Our results suggest that methacholine requires capsaicin-sensitive nerves for part of its airway and lung tissue effects.
Serotonin produces both hyperplasia and hypertrophy of bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in culture
Authors: Lee S. L. , Wang W. W. , Lanzillo J. J. , Fanburg B. L.
Published: December 2017

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] has a dual effect on bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (SMC) in culture (S.-L. Lee, W. W. Wang, B. J. Moore, and B. L. Fanburg. Circ. Res. 68: 1362–1368, 1991.). Cellular internalization of 5-HT stimulates DNA synthesis and cellular proliferation, whereas the action of 5-HT on a cell surface receptor elevates adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and inhibits proliferation. The present study shows that 5-HT causes proliferation of both pulmonary artery and aortic SMC but not of endothelial cells or fibroblasts. Furthermore, c-myc and alpha- and beta-actin gene expressions of pulmonary artery SMC were elevated after 2-h incubation with 5-HT, before stimulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation. Actinomycin D (0.05 micrograms/ml) but not cycloheximide (1 microgram/ml) inhibited the gene expression produced by 5-HT. Growth-arrested SMC progressed from a G0 quiescent state through a normal cell cycle when subjected to 5-HT, 5-HT plus 25 ng/ml insulin-like growth factor, or 5-HT plus 0.5 ng/ml fibroblast growth factor. Cell number increased by 20–40% at 40 h and 50–140% at 7 days. Protein content of cells treated with 5-HT was elevated by 20–40% at 7 days, whereas the rate of protein synthesis, measured by [35S]methionine incorporation, increased by 50–70% at 24 h. In the presence of 1 microM 5-HT, cells enlarged by 70 and 100–200% at 40 h and 7 days, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Regulation of serotonin-induced DNA synthesis of bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Lee S. L. , Wang W. W. , Lanzillo J. J. , Fanburg B. L.
Published: December 2017

We have previously reported that serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] stimulates DNA synthesis of bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (SMC) by its high-affinity uptake. Uptake inhibitors, but not selective 5-HT receptor antagonists, prevented the stimulatory effect (S.-L. Lee and B. L. Fanburg. J. Cell. Physiol. 150:396–405, 1992). We have now further evaluated the mechanism by which 5-HT enhances SMC DNA synthesis. Although some serotonergic agonists mimicked this stimulation, selective 5-HT receptor agonists produced no or only minor and variable stimulatory effects. The action of 5-HT was not inhibited by inhibitors of phospholipases C and A2, the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors dihydrosphingosine and 1-(-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2 methylpiperazine (H-7), or down-regulation of PKC with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. Staurosporine, a reputed PKC and tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor, and genistein, a selective TK inhibitor, reversed the stimulatory effect of 5-HT in a dose-dependent manner. Before stimulation of thymidine incorporation into cellular DNA, 5-HT elevated c-myc and actin mRNAs. Imipramine, fluoxetine, staurosporine, and cholera toxin inhibited the stimulations of both DNA synthesis and c-myc and actin mRNA expressions by 5-HT. Thus the data support a concept that 5-HT-induced thymidine incorporation by SMC involves membrane transport of 5-HT that initiates tyrosine phosphorylation.
Regulation of endothelial cell xanthine dehydrogenase xanthine oxidase gene expression by oxygen tension
Authors: Hassoun P. M. , Yu F. S. , Shedd A. L. , Zulueta J. J. , Thannickal V. J. , Lanzillo J. J. , Fanburg B. L.
Published: December 2017

Recent studies have demonstrated that xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase (XD/XO) activities of bovine endothelial cells (EC) are inversely regulated by O2 tensions to which the cells are exposed. We have confirmed these reports and extended the observation to a variety of cells from other sources. All EC that had detectable XD/XO activity demonstrated the greatest activity at the lowest O2 level. Bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells showed XD/XO activity only under hypoxic conditions. The ratio of XO to XO+XD did not change significantly under various O2 concentrations for all cell types tested. Treatment of bovine pulmonary artery and rat epididymal fat pad EC with actinomycin D (1 microgram/ml), an inhibitor of transcription, suppressed XO and XO+XD activities in cells exposed both to 20 and 3% O2. High-dose cycloheximide (5 micrograms/ml), an inhibitor of translation, also reduced XO and XO+XD activities in these cells, whereas low-dose cycloheximide (0.5 microgram/ml) enhanced the stimulatory effect of hypoxia on XO+XD activity. We developed a digoxigenin-labeled probe that recognizes and hybridizes to rat XD cDNA and used it to examine the effect of O2 concentration on XD/XO mRNA expression of rat epididymal fat pad EC. XD/XO mRNA concentration was increased in cells exposed to hypoxia and decreased in cells exposed to hyperoxia compared with normoxic cells. The increase in mRNA concentration resulting from exposure to hypoxia was enhanced by cycloheximide. There was no change in XD/XO mRNA stability in cells exposed to hypoxia compared with normoxia. We conclude that the regulation of XD/XO by oxygen tension most likely occurs at the transcriptional level.
Glutathione protects signal transduction in type II cells under oxidant stress
Authors: Brown L. A.
Published: December 2017

Brief exposure of type II cells to 100 microM t-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) inhibits agonist-induced surfactant secretion and second messenger generation presumably through the oxidation of membrane lipids. Since glutathione (GSH) reduces lipid peroxides and protects type II cells from oxidant injury as determined by crude indicators, then GSH should also protect signal transduction. In the current study, tBOOH inhibited ATP-induced adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and inositol trisphosphate generation and surfactant secretion. Stimulation of surfactant secretion by forskolin or phorbol acetate was also inhibited by tBOOH. Pretreatment with GSH (1 mM) blocked the tBOOH inhibition. This protection occurred in the presence of gamma-glutamyl transferase and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase inhibitors and suggested GSH was transported as an intact molecule. GSH protection was blocked by gamma-L-glutamyl-L-glutamate, an agent that blocks GSH transport. Protection of surfactant secretion and signal transduction was also provided by the constitutive amino acids but not if GSH synthesis was blocked. In the cultured type II cell model, GSH transport and synthesis protected signal transduction and, subsequently, surfactant secretion against oxidant injury.
Effects of halothane on the relationship between cytosolic calcium and force in airway smooth muscle
Authors: Jones K. A. , Wong G. Y. , Lorenz R. R. , Warner D. O. , Sieck G. C.
Published: December 2017

The mechanism of the direct relaxing effect of halothane on airway smooth muscle may involve a decrease in 1) cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and/or 2) the force produced for a given [Ca2+]i (i.e., the “sensitivity” of the myofibrillar contractile system to Ca2+). This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that halothane reduces the sensitivity of the myofibrillar contractile system to Ca2+ during muscarinic receptor stimulation of canine tracheal smooth muscle. Isolated smooth muscle strips were mounted in a photometric superfusion system, stretched to their optimal length for force development, and loaded with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, fura 2, for simultaneous recording of fura 2 fluorescence and isometric force. Emission fluorescence intensities due to excitation at 340 (F340)- and 380 (F380)-nm wavelengths were measured and F340/F380 was used as an index of [Ca2+]i. After superfusion with Ca(2+)-free physiological salt solution (PSS) containing 1 or 100 microM acetylcholine (ACh), two consecutive cumulative concentration-response curves to CaCl2 (0.01–2.4 mM) were generated for each strip; one curve was generated in the presence of halothane. In strips stimulated with 1 (n = 6) or 100 (n = 6) microM ACh, the cumulative addition of CaCl2 to the Ca(2+)-free PSS caused concentration-dependent increases in both F340/F380 and force. In strips stimulated with 1 microM ACh, 2.4 +/- 0.3% halothane proportionally attenuated increases in both F340/F380 and force.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Superoxide dismutase potentiates platelet-activating factor-induced injury in perfused lung
Authors: Huang Y. C. , Nozik E. S. , Piantadosi C. A.
Published: December 2017

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) causes pulmonary hypertension and lung edema in animals and isolated perfused lungs by poorly understood mechanisms. Because oxidative mechanisms have been implicated in PAF-mediated cellular injury, we tested the hypothesis that superoxide anion (O2-.) contributes to PAF-induced lung injury by determining whether superoxide dismutase (SOD) could prevent the lung injury. Isolated rabbit lungs were perfused with PAF (100 nM) at a dose that caused transient hypertension and mild edema. Lungs pretreated with Cu,Zn SOD (100 U/ml) for 10 min developed persistent pulmonary hypertension and more lung edema formation in response to PAF. Enhanced responses to PAF also were observed in lungs perfused with 200 U/ml Cu,Zn SOD, but not with 10 or 40 U/ml Cu,Zn SOD. The higher doses of SOD also decreased thromboxane B2 levels in the perfusate. Potentiation of the PAF effect by Cu,Zn SOD was eliminated if the enzyme was inactivated or if the lung was treated with an anion channel blocker. The augmented PAF response in the presence of SOD was not altered by catalase (200 U/ml) or by nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. The data suggest that excessive Cu,Zn SOD enzyme activity potentiates PAF-induced injury in perfused rabbit lung presumably by overscavenging extracellular O2.- generated from intercellular sources. The augmented responses to PAF are not directly attributable to increased hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide-related products, or thromboxane A2 production. These results suggest the new hypothesis that a balance between O2-. production and its metabolism determines vascular and endothelial responses to PAF.
Growth and differentiation of tracheal epithelial progenitor cells
Authors: Liu J. Y. , Nettesheim P. , Randell S. H.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of these studies was to determine whether both basal and secretory rat tracheal epithelial (RTE) cells served as multipotent epithelial progenitors and whether both cell types gave rise to a similar "poorly differentiated" cell during the early phase of epithelial regeneration in denuded tracheal grafts. Griffonia simplicifolia I (GSI) lectin and flow cytometry were used for cell sorting. More than 98% of GSI-positive cells expressed plasma membrane alpha 1-3 terminal galactose (Gal), and 95% contained keratin 14 (K14), phenotypic markers for basal cells; < 1% were secretory or ciliated cells. Less than 2% of the GSI-negative cells expressed Gal or K14, but this fraction contained 16% ciliated cells and 54-79% secretory cells, dependent on whether periodic acid-Schiff staining or binding of an anti-secretory cell monoclonal antibody (RTE 12) was used as the criterion. Equal numbers of viable cells from either fraction were inoculated into denuded tracheal grafts, which were studied on days 1-14. At 24 h, greater numbers of GSI-negative than -positive cells were found attached to the graft wall; the keratin staining pattern of the attached cells was similar to that of the parent cell populations, but monoclonal antibody-detectable secretory and ciliated cell epitopes, originally present in the GSI-negative fraction, were lost. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine uptake was not seen at 24 h, but by 48 h all epithelial cells from both fractions entered the cell cycle. From 48 to 96 h, cells derived from either fraction were ultrastructurally indistinguishable; they were poorly differentiated and highly proliferative, and all expressed Gal and K14. A mature epithelium evolved from the poorly differentiated cells in both sets of grafts, but secretory and ciliated cells appeared earlier in grafts inoculated with GSI-negative cells. The results strongly suggest that in this model of tracheal epithelial regeneration both basal and secretory cells "dedifferentiated" into a similar highly proliferative phenotype from which a mucociliary epithelium "redifferentiated."
Humic-like substances in cigarette smoke condensate and lung tissue of smokers
Authors: Ghio A. J. , Stonehuerner J. , Quigley D. R.
Published: December 2017

Deposition of pigmented matter in the lower respiratory tract correlates with the extent of emphysema in smokers as well as with free radical generation and iron accumulation. Pulmonary emphysema is postulated to be mediated by free radical generation which is either directly or indirectly associated with cigarette smoke exposure. The hypothesis was tested that 1) incomplete combustion of tobacco yields humic-like substances (HLS) which 2) deposit in the lung as pigmented particulates, 3) complex iron cations in vitro and in vivo, and 4) have a capacity to catalyze oxidant formation. HLS, isolated by alkali extraction of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) (Tobacco Health Research Institute, University of Kentucky), demonstrated a high carbon and low carboxylate content on elemental and functional group analyses, respectively, compared with values for HLS sequestered from soils. The HLS isolated from CSC had a capacity to complex iron in vitro and accumulated the metal in vivo after intratracheal instillation in an animal model. Both HLS and its iron complex generated free radicals, and some portion of this oxidant generation was metal dependent. Lung tissue collected at autopsy from smokers contained HLS with an infrared spectrum almost identical to that of the material isolated from CSC. Associations between particulate deposition, metal accumulation, and free radical generation suggest a possible role of HLS in the induction of lung disease following cigarette exposure.
Identification of Hox genes in newborn lung and effects of gestational age and retinoic acid on their expression
Authors: Bogue C. W. , Gross I. , Vasavada H. , Dynia D. W. , Wilson C. M. , Jacobs H. C.
Published: December 2017

Hox genes are sequence-specific DNA transcription factors, which are important in embryonic development and are expressed in a number of fetal tissues, including the lung. Additionally, retinoic acid (RA) has been shown to modulate Hox gene expression in a number of cell types. The specific aims of this study were to 1) identify those Hox genes expressed in newborn mouse lung using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 2) study the ontogeny of Hox gene expression in fetal mouse and rat lung by Northern analysis using cDNAs for mouse Hox genes, and 3) study the effects of RA on whole lung Hox mRNA levels in cultured fetal rat lung explants. Our data show that 16 different homeobox genes are expressed in newborn mouse lung. This includes seven Hox genes not previously identified in lung, as well as the divergent homeobox gene Hex. Steady-state mRNA levels of Hox A5 (Hox 1.3), B5 (Hox 2.1), B6 (Hox 2.2), and B8 (Hox 2.4) decrease with advancing gestational age in mouse lungs (E14 to adult). Similarly, Hox A5, B5, and B6 follow the same decreasing pattern of expression with advancing gestational age in rat lungs (E15 to adult). RA treatment of E17 rat lung explants in culture resulted in a significant dose- and time-dependent increase in Hox A5, B5, and B6 mRNA levels. The highest mRNA levels were seen in explants treated with 1 x 10(-5) M RA for 4-16 h. We conclude that there are many homeobox genes expressed in developing rodent lung and that their mRNA levels are affected by both gestational age and RA.
Acute hypoxia causes membrane depolarization and calcium influx in fetal pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Cornfield D. N. , Stevens T. , McMurtry I. F. , Abman S. H. , Rodman D. M.
Published: December 2017

Changes in oxygen tension in the perinatal period contribute to high pulmonary vascular tone in the fetus and the decline in resistance that occurs at birth. Distal pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) isolated from late-gestation ovine fetuses respond to acute hypoxia with an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) dependent on Ca2+ entry. The purpose of this study is to determine 1) whether acute hypoxia results in PASMC membrane depolarization, 2) whether Ca2+ entry was through voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCC), 3) the contribution of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) to the hypoxic response, and 4) whether a subset of K+ channels might serve as oxygen sensors in fetal PASMC. We used microfluorimetry on subconfluent monolayers of PASMC in primary culture loaded with either a membrane potential-sensitive dye, bis(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol (DiBAC4; DPASMC), to estimate membrane potential, or the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorophore, fura 2, to measure [Ca2+]i. Hypoxia increased fluorescence from PASMC loaded with DiBAC4, consistent with membrane depolarization. Verapamil (an inhibitor of VOCC) attenuated, and BAY K 8644 (a VOCC facilitator) potentiated, the hypoxia-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, respectively. The hypoxic response was transient after treatment with ryanodine (10(-7) M), a blocker of calcium release from intracellular stores. Charybdotoxin (10(-7) M), an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels, almost doubled [Ca2+]i, whereas glibenclamide (10(-5) M), an ATP-sensitive K(+)-channel antagonist, had no effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Regulation of alveolar epithelial cell ICAM-1 expression by cell shape and cell-cell interactions
Authors: Paine R. , Christensen P. , Toews G. B. , Simon R. H.
Published: December 2017

In normal lung, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is expressed at high levels on thin type I alveolar epithelial cells, but is minimally expressed on cuboidal type II cells. ICAM-1 is induced in primary culture on tissue culture-treated plastic as type II cells undergo transition toward a type I cell-like phenotype. We hypothesized that alveolar epithelial cell expression of ICAM-1 might be regulated in part by signals that influence the state of differentiation of these cells. We found that rat type II cells that were cultured as aggregates of cuboidal cells on a hydrated basement membrane gel (Matrigel) or on floating type I collagen gels, expressed markedly less ICAM-1 protein and mRNA compared with cells that had spread on plastic. In contrast, type II cells that had spread as monolayers on dishes coated with basement membrane proteins in planar configuration demonstrated ICAM-1 expression comparable to that of cells on plastic alone. Thus regulation of alveolar epithelial cell expression of this immunologically important adhesion molecule involves complex spatial interactions of the cells with the basement membrane and other epithelial cells.
Calu-3: a human airway epithelial cell line that shows cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion
Authors: Shen B. Q. , Finkbeiner W. E. , Wine J. J. , Mrsny R. J. , Widdicombe J. H.
Published: December 2017

Of 12 cell lines derived from human lung cancers, only Calu-3 cells showed high transepithelial resistance (Rte) and increases in short-circuit current (Isc) in response to mediators. Calu-3 cells formed polarized monolayers with tight junctions and Rte of approximately 100 omega.cm2. Baseline Isc was approximately 35 microA/cm2 and was increased by approximately 75 microA/cm2 on elevation of intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) by isoproterenol. Flux studies showed that the increase in Isc was due to Cl- secretion. Forskolin and permeant analogues of cAMP also increased Isc. Consistent with the presence of cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion, immunoprecipitation demonstrated the presence of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Bradykinin, methacholine, trypsin, and histamine all transiently (15–30 s) elevated Isc, probably by increasing intracellular Ca concentration. Experiments in which the basolateral membrane was permeabilized with nystatin indicated that CFTR was substantially activated under baseline conditions and that Ca-activated Cl- channels were absent from the apical membrane. We anticipate that Calu-3 cells will prove useful in the study of Cl- secretion and other functions of human airway epithelial cells.
CFTR in Calu-3 human airway cells: channel properties and role in cAMP-activated Cl- conductance
Authors: Haws C. , Finkbeiner W. E. , Widdicombe J. H. , Wine J. J.
Published: December 2017

Calu-3, a cell line derived from a lung adenocarcinoma, forms tight junctions, expresses cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and secretes Cl- in response to adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-elevating agents. Anion conductance of Calu-3 cells was assessed with isotopic flux and patch-clamp methods at 22 degrees C. Iodide efflux was increased by cAMP-elevating agents and brief trypsin treatment. A 7.1 +/- 0.4-pS voltage-independent Cl- channel with linear current-voltage relation was the most common channel observed in cell-attached recordings and was identified as CFTR on the basis of shared features with recombinant CFTR. In unstimulated cells, the mean minimum number of active CFTR channels per patch was 1 +/- 1 (n = 12), increasing to 6 +/- 8 (n = 40) after stimulation with cAMP-elevating agents or after brief trypsin treatment. Channel closure after excision was biexponential with tau 1 approximately 4 s and tau 2 approximately 79 s; typically channels were open continuously until closing permanently. In 11 of 12 excised patches, channels were reactivated by exposure to cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) plus ATP. Efficacy of reactivation was inversely related to the duration from excision to addition of PKA. Channels were blocked by 20–40 microM 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate on cytosolic but not external side. Active CFTR channels were recorded in 83% of total patches. Other types of Cl- channels were observed in 5 of 52 (10%) cell-attached patches and in 17 of 34 (50%) excised patches, including an outwardly rectifying channel in 2 patches. CFTR channels are the predominant pathway for cAMP-stimulated Cl- conductance in Calu-3 cells; the long open times in the absence of ATP are not explained by present models of CFTR activation.
Peroxynitrite inhibition of oxygen consumption and sodium transport in alveolar type II cells
Authors: Hu P. , Ischiropoulos H. , Beckman J. S. , Matalon S.
Published: December 2017

Active sodium (Na+) transport by alveolar type II (ATII) cells plays an important role in limiting the volume of alveolar fluid. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, released in the epithelial lining fluid by activated inflammatory cells or present in inspired gases, may damage Na+ transporters and decrease fluid reabsorption. To test this hypothesis we exposed ATII cells to xanthine and xanthine oxidase (1 or 10 mU/ml), or to boluses of peroxynitrite (0.1-1 mM final concentration) for 15 min and measured 1) cellular oxygen consumption (VO2); 2) amiloride-inhibitable 22Na+ uptake, as an index of Na+ movement through apically located Na+ channels; and 3) ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake, as an index of the activity of the basolaterally located Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. After exposure of ATII cells to 0.5 or 1 mM peroxynitrite, amiloride-inhibitable 22Na+ uptake decreased to 68 +/- 7 and 56 +/- 11 of their control values, respectively (mean +/- SE; n > or = 6). Exposure to 0.5 mM peroxynitrite decreased ATII cell VO2 from 76 +/- 6 to 25 +/- 5 microM.h-1 x 10(6) cells-1 (mean +/- SE; n = 5). Cell viability and ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake remained at control levels for either peroxynitrite concentration. Exposure of ATII cells to 10 mU/ml xanthine oxidase decreased their VO2 from 94 +/- 8 to 63 +/- 6 (mean +/- SE; n = 5), but did not alter amiloride-inhibitable 22Na+ uptake. These findings indicate that physiological concentrations of peroxynitrite, but not of reactive oxygen species, decrease ATII cell Na+ transport by damaging apically located amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels.
Inhibition of C5a des Arg-induced neutrophil alveolitis in transgenic mice expressing C-reactive protein
Authors: Heuertz R. M. , Xia D. , Samols D. , Webster R. O.
Published: December 2017

C-reactive protein (CRP) is the classic acute phase reactant in man with serum levels elevated up to 1,000-fold after the onset of inflammation. CRP inhibits chemotaxis of complement (C5a)-stimulated neutrophils in vitro and rabbits with elevated serum CRP levels exhibit diminished neutrophil infiltration and vascular permeability in a model of C5a-induced alveolitis. To specifically evaluate the effect of CRP on C5a-induced neutrophil inflammation in vivo, experiments were performed in transgenic mice capable of expressing rabbit CRP in an inducible fashion. After direct instillation of a known inflammatory agent (C5a des Arg) into the airways, transgenic mice with high plasma levels of CRP showed significantly diminished infiltration of neutrophils into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and a significant reduction of BALF total protein levels compared with normal mice. These data indicate that CRP can diminish lung injury by a reduction in neutrophil influx and protein leakage into alveoli following complement-induced inflammation.
Delayed elevation of ED1-cellular fibronectin in plasma following postsurgical bacteremia
Authors: Rizk T. A. , Rebres R. A. , Vincent P. A. , Charash W. E. , McKeown-Longo P. J. , Lewis E. P. , Brien T. P. , Minnear F. L. , Fortune J. B. , Saba T. M.
Published: December 2017

Fibronectin (Fn) exists in both a soluble form in plasma and lymph as well as an insoluble form in the extracellular matrix. Matrix-localized cellular fibronectin (cFn) contains extra domains (ED1 and/or ED2) not found in plasma Fn (pFn). Very little (< 1-2%) ED1-containing cFn exists in normal blood, and its rapid release into plasma and/or lymph is believed to reflect acute vascular injury. We used a polyclonal antibody to sheep pFn and a monoclonal antibody to ED1 domain of cFn to measure both pFn and ED1-cFn in relationship to lung lymph flow (QL), lung lymph-to-plasma (L/P) total protein concentration ratio, and lung protein clearance (LPC). Unanesthetized sheep (n = 7) were injected intravenously with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5 x 10(8)) at both 2 and 7 days following surgical preparation of a lung lymph fistula. After both bacterial challenges, we observed an early increase in QL and a small decline in the L/P ratio (0-2 h), reflecting increased fluid filtration in the presence of an intact vascular barrier. This was followed by a further increase (P < 0.05) in QL; an elevation in the L/P ratio; and a marked (P < 0.05) increase in LPC over 3-6 h, indicative of an increase in lung endothelial protein permeability. Before the first bacterial infusion, ED1-cFn in plasma was 9.97 micrograms/ml or approximately 2% of the total Fn antigen in plasma; whereas ED1-cFn in lung lymph was 6-8% of total lymph Fn.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Immunochemical detection of inducible NO synthase in human lung
Authors: Tracey W. R. , Xue C. , Klinghofer V. , Barlow J. , Pollock J. S. , Forstermann U. , Johns R. A.
Published: December 2017

Type II (inducible) nitric oxide synthase (NOS) may play an important role in pulmonary pathophysiology, yet it remains controversial whether human tissues are capable of expressing this protein. Therefore, a polyclonal antibody (8196) was raised against type II NOS from induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and used to investigate the expression of this enzyme in human lung tissue. Anti-type II NOS antibody did not cross-react with either neuronal (type I) or endothelial (type III) constitutive NOS, whereas a 130-kDa protein was detected in cytosol from induced macrophages or liver removed from lipopolysaccharide (25 mg/kg)-treated rats. Cells or tissues that lacked NOS activity did not express immunoreactive proteins. Similarly, in grossly normal human lung tissue, no immunoreactivity was detected with the anti-type II NOS antibody. In contrast, strong immunoreactivity was detected in alveolar macrophages present in lung tissue from a patient with bronchiectasis and acute bronchopneumonia. These data demonstrate that human alveolar macrophages are able to express type II NOS and support a role for this enzyme in pulmonary inflammatory pathophysiology.
Cloning, expression, and tissue distribution of a human amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel
Authors: McDonald F. J. , Snyder P. M. , McCray P. B. , Welsh M. J.
Published: December 2017

Amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels control, in part, fluid and electrolyte transport across epithelia in many organs. In the lung, they control the quantity and composition of the respiratory tract fluid and play a key role in the transition from a fluid-filled lung at the time of birth. Their function may also be altered in a number of diseases. The recent identification of an epithelial Na+ channel from rat colon allowed us to use a probe from that sequence to clone an amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel from human kidney, alpha hENaC. The cDNA had an open reading frame of 2,007 nucleotides and encoded a protein predicted to contain 669 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of alpha hENaC was 83% identical to that of the rat. The gene was mapped to chromosome 12 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of somatic cell hybrids. Transcripts of alpha hENaC were detected in human kidney, lung, liver, and pancreas. No message was detected in first- and second-trimester human fetal lung, indicating that alpha hENaC expression is developmentally regulated. In vitro transcription and translation of alpha hENaC produced a 74-kDa protein and translation in the presence of microsomal membranes produced a glycosylated 87-kDa protein. Expression of alpha hENaC in Xenopus oocytes produced currents that were amiloride sensitive and Na+ selective, properties consistent with the function of epithelial Na+ channels in native tissues.
IL-1ra suppresses endotoxin-induced IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha release from mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Marsh C. B. , Moore S. A. , Pope H. A. , Wewers M. D.
Published: December 2017

The proinflammatory effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are modulated in large part through the induction of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release by mononuclear phagocytes. However, IL-1's target cell effects can be suppressed by IL-1 receptor agonist (IL-1ra). Because mononuclear phagocytes produce and respond to IL-1 via IL-1 receptors, we hypothesized that IL-1ra may also be able to block receptors on IL-1 producer cells and inhibit secondary IL-1-induced IL-1 production. To test this hypothesis, mononuclear cells and alveolar macrophages were stimulated with LPS in the presence of IL-1ra and analyzed for IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha production. For mononuclear cells, IL-1ra inhibited 6-h LPS- and IL-1 alpha-induced IL-1 beta release to 66 +/- 4% (P = 0.001 by paired t test) and 39 +/- 7% (P = 0.0005 by paired t test) of control, respectively. In addition, IL-1ra reduced both LPS- and IL-1 alpha-stimulated IL-1 beta mRNA levels to 78 and 37% of control, respectively. Furthermore, IL-1ra downregulated both LPS and IL-1 alpha-induced TNF-alpha release to 84 +/- 4% (P = 0.012 by paired t test) and 49 +/- 9% (P = 0.001 by paired t test) of control, respectively. Alveolar macrophages demonstrated variable IL-1ra-induced suppression of LPS-stimulated IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)