bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histamine and inositol phosphate accumulation in endothelium: cAMP and a G protein
Authors: Carson M. R. , Shasby S. S. , Shasby D. M.
Published: December 2017

Histamine increases microvascular permeability through a calcium-dependent process, and histamine occupancy of the H1-receptor increases calcium in cultured endothelial cells. Agents that increase adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in endothelial cells prevent the in vivo increase in microvascular permeability that follows histamine exposure. In the current experiments, histamine occupancy of the H1-receptor increased the flux of albumin across monolayers of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). This was prevented by pretreating the cells with theophylline, forskolin, and 8-bromo-cAMP (BrcAMP), which also decreased the flux of albumin across control monolayers. Exposing the cells to histamine increased inositol phosphate accumulation in the cells, and this was prevented by the H1-antagonist pyrilamine but not by theophylline, forskolin, and BrcAMP. Exposing the cells to histamine increased intracellular calcium measured with fura-2. The increase in cell calcium was prevented by pyrilamine but not by pretreatment with theophylline, forskolin, and BrcAMP. When endogenous cell GTP was depleted by permeabilizing the membranes of the endothelial cells with Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin, histamine-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation was enhanced with addition of GTP but not with addition of GDP to the buffer. Addition of GTP alone to the buffer did not increase inositol phosphate accumulation in alpha-toxin-treated cells. Histamine stimulates inositol phosphate accumulation in HUVEC via a G protein. Inhibition of the edemagenic effects of histamine by cAMP does not occur by interrupting this signal transduction pathway between the binding of histamine to its receptor and the increase in intracellular calcium.
Receptors for extracellular matrix components
Authors: McDonald J. A.
Published: December 2017

The extracellular matrix determines the shape and function of multicellular organisms and permits orderly repair after injury. Although the inherent self-assembly properties of many extracellular matrix components such as collagen and elastin foster their deposition and supramolecular organization, cells ultimately dictate the location and composition of regional matrices. These matrices in turn communicate with cells and regulate their attachment, movement, growth, and gene expression. This complex interaction between cells and their matrix is mediated via specific cellular receptors for matrix components, including peripheral and integral membrane glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosyltransferases. This commentary reviews recent advances in the structure and function of receptors for extracellular matrix components.
Tumor necrosis factor primes neutrophils for hypochlorous acid production
Authors: She Z. W. , Wewers M. D. , Herzyk D. J. , Sagone A. L. , Davis W. B.
Published: December 2017

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has a weak direct effect on neutrophil oxidative metabolism and primes neutrophils for oxidant release in response to other stimuli. We examined the effect of recombinant human TNF alpha (rTNF alpha) on production of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) by human neutrophils. TNF alone, even at concentrations of 1,000 U/ml, did not stimulate HOCl production. In contrast, rTNF alpha, in a dose-dependent manner, primed neutrophils for HOCl production in response to the weak agent unopsonized zymosan. rTNF alpha concentrations as low as 10 U/ml resulted in a fivefold increase in HOCl in this system. rTNF alpha-primed cells also exhibited increased phagocytosis. Priming in this model system occurred regardless of whether cells were preincubated with rTNF alpha before addition of zymosan or coincubated with both rTNF alpha and zymosan. rTNF alpha priming for HOCl production could not be washed away and required a lag period of approximately 10 min. rTNF alpha priming was not dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+. Preincubation experiments demonstrated that rTNF alpha priming was not inhibited by the microfilament blocker cytochalasin B. Although the mechanism remains unclear, these findings demonstrate that rTNF alpha has an important priming effect on the neutrophil myeloperoxidase pathway.
Regulation of lung surfactant secretion by intracellular pH
Authors: Chander A.
Published: December 2017

We investigated secretion of lung surfactant phosphatidylcholine (PC) using isolated perfused rat lung preparation after labeling the lung lipids in vitro with [methyl-3H]choline. The perfusion medium was Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 10 mM glucose and 3% fatty acid-poor bovine serum albumin. After ventilation of lungs with air containing 5% CO2 (control) for 1 h, 0.91% +/- 0.04 (mean +/- SE, n = 6) of total lung lipid radioactivity (greater than 95% in PC) was recovered in the cell-free lavage fluid. The secretion of PC was increased with terbutaline (50 microM), 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcAMP, 100 microM), phorbol L2-myristate 13-acetate (30 ng/ml), and ATP (1 mM), in each case by approximately 150%. Secretion of PC was also increased by 160% if the lungs were ventilated with air containing 0% CO2. The low CO2-mediated PC secretion was time and concentration dependent. The dose-response curve for 0-10% CO2 was S-shaped. The low CO2-induced increase in PC secretion could be largely reversed with diffusible weak acids (25 mM, acetate or butyrate) in the perfusion medium. An increase (70%) in secretion was also induced with 10 mM NH4Cl, suggesting a role for intracellular alkalosis. These observations suggest that intracellular alkalosis stimulates lung surfactant secretion. Alkalosis-stimulated secretion of PC was additive with that with terbutaline (5 X 10(-7) to 5 X 10(-4) M) or 10(-4) M 8-BrcAMP, suggesting that alkalosis effect was not mediated through the beta-adrenergic pathway of surfactant secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Studies of the structure of lung surfactant protein SP-A
Authors: Haagsman H. P. , White R. T. , Schilling J. , Lau K. , Benson B. J. , Golden J. , Hawgood S. , Clements J. A.
Published: December 2017

SP-A, a glycoprotein of pulmonary surfactant, consists of an NH2-terminal domain containing a collagen-like sequence and a COOH-terminal domain with sequence homology to several Ca2(+)-dependent lectins. We have compared the size, thermal stability, and secondary structure of recombinant SP-A, the product of a fibroblast line transfected with a single human gene encoding SP-A, with natural SP-A isolated from canine and human lungs. Our results suggest both recombinant and natural SP-A are assembled as large oligomers. More variability in the degree of oligomerization was observed with recombinant human SP-A than with natural canine SP-A. As shown by collagenase digestion, the full assembly of protein subunits was dependent on an intact collagen-like domain. The cysteines in the noncollagen domain of SP-A form intrachain bonds between residues 135-226 and 204-218. The circular dichroism spectra of both recombinant and natural SP-A were consistent with the presence of a collagen-like triple helix. As determined by the change in ellipticity at 205 nm, the thermal transition temperatures of canine, natural human, and recombinant SP-A were 51.5, 52.3, and 42.0 degrees C, respectively. These results suggest differences in the assembly and stability of the natural and recombinant proteins.
Use of cultured airway epithelial cells in studies of ion transport
Authors: Widdicombe J. H.
Published: December 2017

In 1984, primary cultures of dog tracheal epithelium were shown to retain the ion transport processes of the original tissue. Since then, ion transport in both nasal and tracheal cell cultures has been studied with Ussing chambers, conventional and ion-sensitive microelectrodes, radiotracers, Cl-sensing fluorescent dyes, and patch clamping. Much of the resulting information could not have been obtained using the native tissues and has been especially useful in determining the ion transport defect(s) in cystic fibrosis. Recent improvements in growth conditions should make highly differentiated cell cultures routinely available, further increasing the usefulness of cultured cells for the study of ion transport by airway epithelium.
Respiratory activity in retrotrapezoid nucleus in cat
Authors: Connelly C. A. , Ellenberger H. H. , Feldman J. L.
Published: December 2017

An anatomic projection from the retrotrapezoid nucleus to the ventral respiratory group in cat was previously reported by our laboratory (J. C. Smith, D. E. Morrison, H. H. Ellenberger, M. R. Otto, and J. L. Feldman. J. Comp. Neurol. 281: 69-96, 1989). We now report on the properties of neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus, investigated with extracellular recording techniques in 10 chloralose-urethane anesthetized, paralyzed, mechanically ventilated cats. A ventral exposure of the medulla facilitated recording from neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus, located ventral to the facial nucleus near the medullary surface. Respiratory-modulated, as well as irregularly discharging, spontaneous unit activity was recorded within the retrotrapezoid nucleus. Twelve respiratory-modulated units in the retrotrapezoid nucleus exhibited inspiratory (8 units), expiratory (3 units), or multimodal (1 unit) discharge patterns. Chemical activation of an inspiratory unit in the retrotrapezoid nucleus by pressure ejection of DL-homocysteic acid (less than 0.5 nl of 10 mM solution) demonstrated that the respiratory-modulated activity originated from the cell soma and not fibers of passage coursing through the retrotrapezoid nucleus region. Electrical microstimulation (20-40 microA, approximately 70-microseconds duration, biphasic pulse) within the ipsilateral ventral respiratory group elicited antidromic activation of 7 units in the retrotrapezoid nucleus, three of which were not spontaneously active. Electrical stimulation (5-80 microA, 70-microseconds pulse width, 100 Hz, 400- to 500-ms trains) at sites within retrotrapezoid nucleus affected the respiratory motor output when delivered during late expiration, eliciting premature onset of inspiration. These results suggest that retrotrapezoid nucleus projections to the ventral respiratory group (and dorsal respiratory group) may influence respiratory timing and pattern, perhaps by conveying signals originating in the rostral ventrolateral medulla that result from ventral surface perturbations.
Prostaglandins alter methacholine-induced secretion in ferret in vitro trachea
Authors: Deffebach M. E. , Islami H. , Price A. , Webber S. E. , Widdicombe J. G.
Published: December 2017

The ferret trachea was mounted in an organ bath containing Krebs-Henseleit solution with additional bovine serum albumin (BSA). Tracheal secretions were collected and analyzed for albumin, and lysozyme, a specific marker of serous cell secretion. The total secretion volume and output and concentrations of albumin and lysozyme were calculated. Secretion was stimulated with methacholine (20 microM) (Mch), and the effects of the prostaglandins PGD2, PGE1, and PGF2 alpha on methacholine-induced secretion were studied. All responses were dose dependent. PGF2 alpha at 10(-5) M increased the volume of Mch-stimulated secretion twofold, the lysozyme output sixfold, and concentration over threefold, while decreasing the albumin transport by one-half. PGD2 at 10(-5) M reduced Mch-induced secretion volume to 75% control, increased albumin transport to 135%, without affecting lysozyme secretion. PGE1 at 10(-5) M increased Mch-stimulated albumin transport and concentration over twofold, decreased lysozyme release to less than one-third of control, and had no effect on secretion volume. PGE1 caused the albumin concentration to exceed that of the outer bath, indicating active transport. We conclude that prostaglandins selectively alter tracheal secretion induced by cholinergic stimuli.
A genetic approach to the study of lung physiology: understanding biological variability in airway responsiveness
Authors: Levitt R. C. , Mitzner W. , Kleeberger S. R.
Published: December 2017

Genetic techniques are generally applicable to almost any trait or physiological process for which biological variability can be demonstrated. These methods have not commonly been applied to studies on lung pathophysiology, however. The aim of this commentary will be to introduce and discuss the potential application of genetic methods to research on the pathophysiology of asthma. Recent efforts to identify genes that determine airway hyperresponsiveness in the genetically standardized inbred laboratory mouse will be reviewed. These experiments demonstrate how genetic background influences the expression of airway responsiveness to certain environmental stimuli and illustrate the application of selected genetic resources. A discussion follows on how these genetic models may potentially provide insight into asthma and our understanding of the molecular physiology and genetic regulation of airway hyperreactivity to various stimuli.
Isoproterenol, cAMP, and bradykinin stimulate diacylglycerol production in airway epithelium
Authors: Anderson M. P. , Welsh M. J.
Published: December 2017

Previous studies using phorbol esters and cell-free preparations suggest that protein kinase C (PKC) may regulate Cl- secretion and apical membrane Cl- channels in airway epithelium. To determine whether PKC may be involved in receptor-mediated control of secretion, we measured the mass of diacylglycerol (DAG) generated by two Cl- secretagogues, isoproterenol and bradykinin. Bradykinin increased cellular DAG at concentrations similar to those that increase inositol phosphates, suggesting that bradykinin stimulates phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis, as observed in other systems. Isoproterenol also increased cellular DAG at concentrations similar to those that stimulate adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation. The beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, nadolol, blocked and cell-permanent analogues of cAMP mimicked the effect of isoproterenol. However, isoproterenol does not stimulate phosphatidylinositol turnover. Simultaneous addition of maximal concentrations of isoproterenol and bradykinin produced additive increases in DAG. To test the possibility that the isoproterenol-induced increase in DAG came from phosphatidylcholine turnover, we measured the release of water-soluble choline metabolites and the incorporation of choline into cellular lipids. Although phorbol ester and bradykinin stimulated phosphatidylcholine turnover, isoproterenol did not. These results suggest that isoproterenol and bradykinin generate DAG from the following different lipid sources: bradykinin stimulates phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis to produce DAG; isoproterenol stimulates an increase in DAG from unknown sources. The data suggest that simultaneous activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and PKC may occur during receptor-mediated stimulation of Cl- secretion.
Liberation of a neutrophil enzyme-releasing peptide from the surface of human alveolar macrophages
Authors: Miller E. J. , MacArthur C. K. , Gray L. D. , Cohen A. B.
Published: December 2017

The human alveolar macrophage product, enzyme-releasing peptide (ERP), has a molecular mass of 8,000 Da, and releases azurophilic and specific granule constituents from neutrophils. A murine monoclonal anti-ERP antibody (12E10H), previously used to show a lack of antigenic identity between ERP and C5a, interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor, and gamma-interferon, showed no cross-reactivity with interleukin 8. 12E10H and a fluorescein-labeled second antibody were used to visualize ERP on the macrophage surface. ERP was removed from alveolar macrophages by a 3-min incubation with 5 X 10(-7) M bovine pancreatic trypsin at 37 degrees C. The washed trypsinized cells could readhere to plastic and exclude trypan blue. Dilution of the trypsin-derived ERP released myeloperoxidase from cytochalasin-B-treated neutrophils dose dependently. The enzyme-releasing ability of the trypsin-derived material was removed by immunoprecipitation using antibody 12E10H bound to Staphylococcal protein A Sepharose 4B. The estimated molecular mass of the trypsin-derived ERP (by molecular sieve chromatography on HPLC) was approximately 8,500 Da. Other proteases (plasmin, thrombin, and cathepsin G) also released ERP from the cell surface, but the ERP was not an active secretagogue for neutrophils. However, macrophages cultured with protease inhibitors did not show decreased ERP accumulation in the medium. Our data indicate that ERP exists on the surface of human alveolar macrophages and can be released by proteases found within the lung environment in some disease states.
Basolateral K+ channels in airway epithelia. I. Regulation by Ca2+ and block by charybdotoxin
Authors: McCann J. D. , Matsuda J. , Garcia M. , Kaczorowski G. , Welsh M. J.
Published: December 2017

In airway epithelia, adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) stimulates Cl- secretion by activating apical membrane Cl- channels and basolateral membrane K+ channels. Cl- channels are regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, whereas K+ channels are regulated by the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]c. Our recent observation that cAMP increases [Ca2+]c suggested that cAMP might indirectly regulate K+ channels by increasing [Ca2+]c. To study regulation of K+ channels we measured 86Rb efflux, single K+ channels in membrane patches, and [Ca2+]c with the fluorescent indicator fura-2. Isoproterenol and Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, transiently increased [Ca2+]c and transiently stimulated 86Rb efflux. Stimulation of 86Rb efflux resulted from release of intracellular Ca2+ stores. 86Rb efflux was blocked by Ba2+ or charybdotoxin, but not by tetraethylammonium. Charybdotoxin prevented all of the 86Rb efflux that was stimulated by A23187 or by forskolin. Charybdotoxin also blocked the low-conductance inwardly rectifying K+ channel (KCLIC) in membrane patches. These results indicate that the KCLIC channel is responsible for the Ca2(+)-dependent increase in K+ permeability in airway epithelial cells. They also indicate that cAMP-induced release of intracellular Ca2+ is sufficient to activate K+ channels.
HOCl causes airway substance P hyperresponsiveness and neutral endopeptidase hypoactivity
Authors: Murlas C. G. , Murphy T. P. , Lang Z.
Published: December 2017

We investigated whether exposure of guinea pig tracheal tissue to hypochlorous acid (HOCl) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by perfusion through the airway lumen affected the responsiveness of airway muscle to ACh, KCl, or substance P in the presence or absence of 1 microM phosphoramidon, an inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase (NEP). Pairs of tracheal segments were immersed in a Krebs solution (pH 7.40 at 37 degrees C) and connected to perfusion circuits so that the lumen of one segment of each pair could be perfused with Krebs solution while the other was perfused for the same time (10 min) with either 0.1 microM HOCl or 10 mM H2O2. Segments after perfusion were cut into rings of similar size and placed in muscle chambers so that airway muscle force generation in vitro could be measured on stimulation by cumulative agonist doses. In addition, cell homogenates were made from other, similarly perfused tracheal segments to assess NEP activity using reverse-phase, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). We found that smooth muscle of mucosa-intact guinea pig airways perfused with HOCl, but not H2O2, was hyperresponsive to substance P but not to ACh or KCl. HOCl-perfused rings were not different from Krebs solution-exposed rings pretreated with phosphoramidon. There was no increase in substance P responsiveness of HOCl-exposed airways in which the mucosa had been removed before testing in vitro. The substance P hyperresponsiveness of HOCl-exposed, mucosa-intact airways was associated with decreased NEP activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Bradykinin stimulates airway epithelial Cl- secretion via two second messenger pathways
Authors: Smith J. J. , McCann J. D. , Welsh M. J.
Published: December 2017

In canine airway epithelial cells, bradykinin increases intracellular concentrations of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3], cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c), and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). To determine the role of these second messengers in bradykinin-stimulated Cl- secretion, we studied the secretory response to this peptide using canine tracheal monolayers mounted in Ussing chambers. Bradykinin stimulated Cl- secretion [measured as short-circuit current (Isc)] when added to submucosal or mucosal surfaces; however, secretory responses differed substantially. Submucosal addition of bradykinin induced a biphasic increase in secretion; mucosal addition induced a monophasic increase in secretion. Both responses were mediated by B2 receptors. We show that activation of bradykinin receptors can stimulate Cl- secretion in two ways. 1) Bradykinin added to either surface stimulates prostaglandin synthesis and release at the basolateral surface. This leads to activation of prostaglandin E2-sensitive receptors on the basolateral surface that are coupled to cAMP production and an increase in apical membrane Cl- conductance. 2) In addition, bradykinin added to the submucosal surface increases Ins(1,4,5)P3 and [Ca2+]c levels, which enhance basolateral K+ conductance and the electrical driving force for apical Cl- exit. Whereas secretion requires activation of apical Cl- channels, the data show that Cl- secretion can also be modulated by activation of basolateral K+ channels. These data indicate that bradykinin-induced transepithelial Cl- secretion is mediated by two independent, second messenger pathways. These results provide the first evidence for expression of both pathways in a polar fashion in an epithelial monolayer.
Colony-stimulating factor induction of protooncogene expression in rat alveolar macrophages
Authors: Schaberg T. , Filderman A. E.
Published: December 2017

The effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) on the expression of c-fos and c-myc protooncogenes was studied in rat alveolar macrophages (AM). AM were exposed in vitro to GM-CSF (100 U/ml) or M-CSF (1,000 U/ml) for 30-120 min, and c-fos and c-myc mRNA expression was determined by in situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis. GM-CSF caused a rapid induction of c-fos mRNA after 30 min and c-myc mRNA after 60 min. Exposure to M-CSF stimulated maximal expression of c-fos mRNA after 60 min and c-myc mRNA after 120 min. Under the same experimental conditions lipopolysaccharide (100 ng/ml) induced a comparable amount of c-fos and c-myc mRNA expression, whereas culture of AM with medium alone did not induce c-fos or c-myc expression. Thus GM-CSF and M-CSF induce AM in vitro to express the nuclear protooncogenes c-fos and c-myc. This effect of colony-stimulating factors on protooncogene expression may be of importance in the local regulation of AM activation and/or proliferation in an inflammatory lung response.
Recent advances in respiratory neurobiology using in vitro methods
Authors: Berger A. J.
Published: December 2017

Major advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of respiration are occurring due to the advent of mammalian in vitro preparations. These preparations include whole mounts of brain stem and spinal cord of the neonatal rat, thick and thin slices from various parts of the central nervous system (CNS), and isolated cells. A great advantage of such preparations is the ability to control precisely the extracellular environment and, by means of patch-type electrodes, the intracellular environment as well. Such control enables both membrane and intracellular mechanisms to be determined, thereby providing new insights into a variety of neuronal behaviors important to respiration. These behaviors include respiratory rhythmogenesis, the effect of intrinsic mechanisms on firing patterns, direct effects of neurotransmitters, and chemoreception. This commentary discusses these preparations and shows how they have recently been used to make major advances in our understanding of respiratory neurobiology.
Anatomic basis for species differences in peripheral lung strip contraction to PAF
Authors: Halonen M. , Dunn A. M. , Palmer J. D. , McManus L. M.
Published: December 2017

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a very potent contractile agonist in guinea pig peripheral lung strips but is without effect on rabbit peripheral lung strips. Histological examination of guinea pig peripheral lung strips revealed a layer of smooth muscle cells in the visceral pleura that is not present in rabbit peripheral lung strips. Removal of the pleural surface of the guinea pig peripheral lung strips eliminated the ability of these tissues to contract to PAF, and the (removed) thin pleural strip contracted to PAF in a manner similar to that of intact strips. Removal of the pleural surface did not prevent these tissues from contracting to histamine or leukotriene D4 (LTD4), although potency of these agonists was somewhat reduced. The pleural smooth muscle cell layer is present throughout the pleural lining of the guinea pig lung but is thicker in lower than in upper lobes. PAF contractility is also reduced in upper compared with lower lung lobes. Thus we suggest that the pleural smooth muscle is the critical contractile element for PAF contraction of guinea pig peripheral lung strips, whereas other agonists such as histamine and LTD4 contract additional elements in these tissues.
Impairment of phagocytic functions of alveolar macrophages by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Oosting R. S. , van Bree L. , van Iwaarden J. F. , van Golde L. M. , Verhoef J.
Published: December 2017

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inhibited phagocytosis and superoxide anion production by rat alveolar macrophages. The inhibition was irreversible and concentration and exposure time dependent. The potential relationship between H2O2-induced biochemical perturbations and impaired alveolar macrophage phagocytic functions was investigated. Alveolar macrophage viability and Fc receptor binding capacity were not affected by H2O2. There was probably no correlation between a H2O2-induced rise in cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) and the impairment of phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages, as was suggested by the following findings. First, the H2O2-induced rise in [Ca2+]i could be inhibited by chelation of extracellular Ca2+, whereas the H2O2-induced impairment of phagocytosis could not. Second, the H2O2-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was reversible, whereas the impairment of phagocytosis was not. And finally, a rise in [Ca2+]i by incubation of alveolar macrophages with the calcium ionophore A23187 did not affect phagocytosis. Various experiments suggested that ATP depletion may play an important role in the H2O2 toxicity for alveolar macrophages. Comparable concentrations of H2O2 caused an irreversible decrease both in cellular ATP and in phagocytosis and superoxide production by alveolar macrophages. In addition, time course of ATP depletion and induction of impaired alveolar macrophage function were similar. In view of the fact that the strong oxidant H2O2 may react with a large variety of biological substances, possible other toxic lesions may not be excluded as underlying mechanism for H2O2-induced inhibition of phagocytic functions of alveolar macrophages.
Alpha-adrenergic regulation of secretion by tracheal glands
Authors: Culp D. J. , McBride R. K. , Graham L. A. , Marin M. G.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of the present study was to begin to characterize, pharmacologically, the alpha-adrenergic regulation of glycoconjugate secretion from airway glands. Using isolated gland cells from cat trachea, we determined the binding characteristics of [3H]dihydroergocryptine ([3H]DHE), an alpha-adrenergic antagonist, with equal affinities for alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. Specific binding of [3H]DHE to gland cell homogenates was saturable, of high affinity (KDapp = 4.2 nM) and inhibited with greater efficacy by epinephrine much greater than isoproterenol. Competition experiments with alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic selective antagonists (prazosin and yohimbine, respectively) demonstrated high- and low-affinity sites for each antagonist, indicating the presence of both receptor subtypes. In studies of glycoconjugate secretion by cat tracheal explants, secretion was stimulated by adrenergic agonists with the rank potency: norepinephrine greater than or equal to phenylephrine greater than epinephrine much greater than clonidine. alpha-Adrenergic-stimulated secretion (epinephrine + propranolol) was inhibited by low concentrations of prazosin, but was unaffected by 100 nM yohimbine. The alpha 2-adrenergic agonists, clonidine and UK-14,304, each markedly inhibited beta-adrenergic-stimulated secretion. Collectively, these results demonstrate alpha 1-adrenergic regulation of glandular glycoconjugate secretion and suggest alpha 2-adrenergic receptors may modulate beta-adrenergic-stimulated secretion.
Arachidonic acid metabolism and regulation of ion transport in rabbit Clara cells
Authors: Van Scott M. R. , McIntire M. R. , Henke D. C.
Published: December 2017

Sonicates of freshly isolated Clara cells produced thromboxane B2 (TxB2), prostaglandin (PG) D2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (HHT), and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) as detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sonicates of Clara cells cultured on collagen matrices produced the same metabolites. Rates of [3H]arachidonic acid metabolism increased in culture, but the changes were not associated with changes in cell number. Sonicates of freshly isolated tracheal cells produced mainly 12-HETE. Cyclooxygenase products were not produced consistently. Sonicates of tracheal cultures produced significant quantities of TxB2, PGD2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and HHT, but 12-HETE remained the major metabolite. Equivalent short-circuit current (Ieq) across cultured Clara cell epithelia was unaffected by bilateral exposure to TxB2, PGD2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, HHT, or 12-HETE. A minor (1%) decrease in transepithelial resistance (Rt) followed exposure to PGD2. Indomethacin had no significant effect on Rt or Ieq, but exposure of indomethacin-pretreated preparations to PGE2 revealed a minor (2%) increase in Ieq. In contrast, tracheal cell epithelia exhibited significant changes in Rt and Ieq in response to PGF2 alpha, PGE2, and HHT. These results indicate that Clara cells metabolize arachidonic acid to biologically active eicosanoids, but the resulting products do not play a major role in regulation of transepithelial ion transport by this cell type.
Cysteinyl leukotrienes enhance growth of human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Leikauf G. D. , Claesson H. E. , Doupnik C. A. , Hybbinette S. , Grafstrom R. C.
Published: December 2017

Epithelial inflammation may play an obligatory role in the pathogenesis of a number of chronic pulmonary diseases such as asthma or bronchitis and has been implicated during the promotion phase of multistage carcinogenesis. At sites of inflammation, bioactive lipid mediators are released and activate a wide range of pathophysiological responses including bronchospasm. Previous studies suggest that one class of inflammatory mediators, the eicosanoids, can also influence cell growth. Epithelial cell proliferation and hyperplasia are common sequelae to irritation and inflammation, and because the lung has a high capacity to produce eicosanoids, we investigated the effects of a group of these compounds, the cysteinyl leukotrienes, on growth of human airway epithelial cells. Leukotrienes were found to be mitogenic in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibit a structure-activity relationship, with leukotriene C4 being more potent than its sequential metabolites leukotriene D4 and E4. The potency of leukotriene C4 is striking, stimulating colony-forming efficiency in concentrations as low as 10 fM. These findings suggest a new physiological role for leukotrienes in the lung that links inflammation with epithelial cell proliferation.
Hormonally regulated proteins in cultured human fetal lung: analysis by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Odom M. W. , Ertsey R. , Ballard P. L.
Published: December 2017

We used high-resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) to identify hormonally regulated proteins in cultured human fetal lung. Proteins labeled with [35S]methionine were separated by 2-D PAGE, and fluorograms were analyzed by computer-assisted analysis of densitometric scans. Dexamethasone (10 nM) and gamma-interferon (10 ng/ml) induced (2- to 22-fold vs. control) distinct sets of proteins (comprising approximately 2% of approximately 1,000 resolved proteins). Treatment with forskolin (10 microM) plus 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, 100 microM), which increases intracellular adenosine 3',53'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), induced both unique proteins and several proteins induced by dexamethasone. One protein (Mr 40,000, pI 4.4) was induced only with combined dexamethasone and cAMP treatment. Dexamethasone repressed four proteins, but inhibition was not observed with other hormones. Some of the regulated proteins were enriched in either fibroblasts or type II cells isolated from lung explants. We found no proteins that were consistently regulated by triiodothyronine (T3) (2 nM) or transforming growth factor-beta (10 ng/ml). Additionally, none of the hormonal treatments substantially altered the rate of methionine incorporation into total protein. Thus we have identified separate subsets of proteins that are regulated by glucocorticoids, gamma-interferon, and cAMP; these proteins may be important mediators of hormonal effects in the developing fetal lung.
Epithelium-dependent contraction of airway smooth muscle caused by eosinophil MBP
Authors: White S. R. , Ohno S. , Munoz N. M. , Gleich G. J. , Abrahams C. , Solway J. , Leff A. R.
Published: December 2017

We have identified two distinct functions of the epithelium of guinea pig airways that modulate airway smooth muscle contractility in the presence of the major basic protein (MBP) of human eosinophilic granules: 1) active force generation resulting less than 1 min after epithelial contact with MBP; and 2) sustained, augmented force generation that does not depend on cytotoxic interference with the synthesis of an epithelial-derived inhibitory factor. To evaluate these influences, an in situ preparation of guinea pig trachea was developed that permitted direct, on-line measurement of isometric force generation in the underlying muscle. Direct application of 10(-8) mol/cm2 MBP to the surface of the epithelium elicited force generation that did not require the presence of a contractile agonist. Force generation began less than 1 min after MBP application and reached maximum active tension (AT) of 0.97 +/- 0.38 g/cm at 30 min (P less than 0.05 vs. baseline). Denatured MBP did not elicit active tension. MBP also caused augmented contraction to intravenous acetylcholine (ACh); 30 min after topical application of MBP, AT generated by 3 x 10(-7) mol/kg iv ACh was 0.85 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.55 +/- 0.08 g/cm in control animals (P less than 0.05). Threshold response to ACh (-8.1 +/- 0.3 log mol/kg) also decreased significantly after MBP (-9.1 +/- 0.4 log mol/kg) vs. baseline (P less than 0.01). Removal of the epithelium (confirmed histologically) abolished both direct contraction and augmented force generation to ACh caused by topical application of MBP to the airway muscle. These data suggest actions of MBP that have not been demonstrated previously: 1) activation of epithelial function that causes direct contraction of airway smooth muscle; and 2) independence of the MBP-induced effects from active tone elicited by other agonists. We also demonstrate that augmented contraction that does not depend on MBP blockade of tonic inhibitory secretion from the epithelium.
Endogenous xanthine oxidase-derived O2 metabolites inhibit surfactant metabolism
Authors: Baker R. R. , Panus P. C. , Holm B. A. , Engstrom P. C. , Freeman B. A. , Matalon S.
Published: December 2017

The ability of xanthine oxidase (XO)-derived, partially reduced O2 species (PROS) to inhibit surfactant production was examined in freshly isolated alveolar type II (ATII) pneumocytes from New Zealand White rabbits. [Methyl-3H]choline chloride and [1-14C]palmitate incorporation into phosphatidylcholine (PC) decreased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas peak media hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration increased, when 1, 5, or 10 mU/ml XO were added to cell suspensions containing 500 microM xanthine. Addition of 100 microM allopurinol inhibited H2O2 production and abolished the decrease in choline and palmitate incorporation into PC. ATII cells incubated with 500 microM xanthine alone incorporated choline and palmitate at 90 and 80% of control levels, respectively. However, 100 microM allopurinol restored precursor incorporation to control values. To identify a possible intracellular source of PROS, ATII cell xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and XO activities were measured. Both total activity (XDH + XO; 45 +/- 7 microU/mg protein) and the percentage activity in the oxidase form (%XO; 30 +/- 4%) remained unchanged in ATII cells incubated in media only (control) for 2 h. In contrast, incubation of ATII cells with 500 microM xanthine resulted in a 50% loss of XDH + XO activity and a 21% increase in %XO within 10 min. After 2 h there was no measurable XDH + XO activity in xanthine-treated cells. Total XDH + XO activity in cells incubated with 500 microM xanthine and 100 microM allopurinol was less than 6% of control values throughout the incubation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Beta-adrenergic-mediated Cl secretion: evidence for additional non-cAMP-dependent pathway of effect
Authors: Feldman R. D. , Brotherton A. , Welsh M. J.
Published: December 2017

It has been suggested that beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, like pindolol, are weak partial agonists for beta-adrenergic-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activation. To evaluate this possibility, beta-adrenergic-mediated chloride secretion was studied in tracheal epithelial cells maintained in primary culture. Pindolol caused a dose-dependent increase in chloride secretion with a half-maximal effective concentration of 91 pM to a maximum that was 30 +/- 3% that of isoproterenol. Pindolol-induced chloride secretion was antagonized by the beta-adrenergic antagonist nadolol. However, in contrast to isoproterenol, pindolol did not stimulate adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation, adenylyl cyclase activity, or protein kinase A activation. Further studies examined the coupling of beta-adrenergic stimulation of cAMP accumulation to beta-adrenergic stimulation of chloride secretion. Coincubation of cells with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor RA233 increased maximal isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation eightfold but did not significantly increase the potency or maximal effect of isoproterenol for chloride secretion. It is clear that beta-adrenergic-stimulated elevations in cAMP mediate chloride secretion. These studies also demonstrate that pindolol, a drug with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, mediates a beta-adrenergic receptor-specific increase in chloride secretion without increasing adenylyl cyclase nor protein kinase A activities. Thus intrinsic sympathomimetic activity may represent a non-cAMP-dependent mechanism of beta-adrenergic effect.
Alveolar macrophage urokinase receptors localize enzyme activity to the cell surface
Authors: Chapman H. A. , Bertozzi P. , Sailor L. Z. , Nusrat A. R.
Published: December 2017

Human alveolar macrophages are known to synthesize urokinase (uPA) and a specific plasminogen activator inhibitor, PAI-2. In this study we have identified a uPA receptor expressed by these cells and defined the influence of PAI-2 on the interaction of uPA with its receptor. Alveolar macrophages from four normal volunteers were incubated with 55 kDa 125I-labeled uPA (0.24–8 nM) in the presence or absence of excess unlabeled uPA. Specific and saturable binding was demonstrable in all cases. Scatchard plots were linear; regression analysis revealed a mean Kd of 5.25 nM (range 3.2–6.7) and mean Bmax of 30.7 femtomoles/10(5) cells (range 21.5–34.5). The structure of the uPA receptor was defined by electroblotting membrane fractions of macrophages and sequentially exposing filters to uPA and uPA antibodies. Membranes from macrophages demonstrated binding of either uPA or a 15-kDa amino-terminal fragment of uPA to a 55- to 60-kDa glycosylated membrane protein. Binding of uPA to filters was blocked by a synthetic oligopeptide containing the known receptor binding region of native uPA. Preincubation of 125I-uPA with PAI-2 dramatically reduced the rate of association of uPA with macrophage uPA receptor. Conversely, receptor-bound uPA activity was less susceptible to inhibition by PAI-2 than soluble uPA activity. These data indicate that normal alveolar macrophages express uPA receptors. The receptor preferentially binds and protects free uPA over complexed enzyme, indicating that one function of the receptor is to allow the cells to express active uPA in an inhibitor-rich environment.
Mechanisms of sodium and chloride transport across equine tracheal epithelium
Authors: Tessier G. J. , Traynor T. R. , Kannan M. S. , O3'Grady S. M.
Published: December 2017

Equine tracheal epithelium, stripped of serosal muscle, mounted in Ussing chambers, and bathed in plasmalike Ringer solution generates a serosa-positive transepithelial potential of 10–22 mV and a short-circuit current (Isc) of 70–200 microA/cm2. Mucosal amiloride (10 microM) causes a 40–60% decrease in Isc and inhibits the net transepithelial Na flux by 95%. Substitution of Cl with gluconate resulted in a 30% decrease in basal Isc. Bicarbonate substitution with 20 mM N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid decreased the Isc by 21%. The Cl-dependent Isc was inhibited by serosal addition of 1 mM amiloride. Bicarbonate replacement or serosal amiloride (1 mM) inhibits the net Cl flux by 72 and 69%, respectively. Bicarbonate replacement significantly reduces the effects of serosal amiloride (1 mM) on Isc, indicating its effect is HCO3 dependent. Addition of 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcAMP; 100 microM) causes a 40% increase in Isc. This effect is inhibited by subsequent addition of 10 microM serosal bumetanide. Bumetanide (10 microM) reduces net Cl secretion following stimulation with 8-BrcAMP (100 microM). Serosal addition of BaCl2 (1 mM) causes a reduction in Isc equal to that following Cl replacement in the presence or absence of 100 microM cAMP. These results suggest that 1) Na absorption depends on amiloride-inhibitable Na channels in the apical membrane, 2) Cl influx across the basolateral membrane occurs by both a Na-H/Cl-HCO3 parallel exchange mechanism under basal conditions and by a bumetanide-sensitive Na-(K?)-Cl cotransport system under cAMP-stimulated conditions, and 3) basal and cAMP-stimulated Cl secretion depends on Ba-sensitive K channels in the basolateral membrane.
Developmental differences in rabbit lung epithelial cell Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase
Authors: Chapman D. L. , Widdicombe J. H. , Bland R. D.
Published: December 2017

Previous studies showed that ouabain-sensitive rubidium (86Rb+) uptake by rabbit lung epithelial cells increases at birth, followed by a more gradual postnatal increase, reaching adult values by age 30 days. To see whether these changes in ouabain-sensitive cation transport were the result of changes in Na+ pump number or turnover rate, we measured binding of [3H]ouabain and ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake by freshly isolated lung epithelial cells harvested from near-term fetal, newborn, and adult rabbits. Ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake by fetal cells was 1/4 that of newborn cells and 1/10 that of adult cells. The maximal number of ouabain binding sites (Umax) was the same for fetal and newborn cells but almost threefold greater for adult cells. Na+ pump turnover rate, determined from ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake and Umax, was four times greater in newborn and adult cells than it was in fetal cells. Thus the increase in 86Rb+ uptake at birth could be explained by an increase in Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) turnover rate, whereas the postnatal increase in 86Rb+ uptake could be accounted for by an increase in the amount of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase per cell.
Expression of normal and cystic fibrosis phenotypes by continuous airway epithelial cell lines
Authors: Jefferson D. M. , Valentich J. D. , Marini F. C. , Grubman S. A. , Iannuzzi M. C. , Dorkin H. L. , Li M. , Klinger K. W. , Welsh M. J.
Published: December 2017

Continuous epithelial cell lines from individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and normal controls are required to understand the genetic and cellular defects in CF. We used retroviruses to transduce SV40 large T antigen into nasal epithelial cells. Transformed continuous cell lines were isolated that expressed epithelial markers, cytokeratin, and tight junctions. Northern blot analysis shows that all of the cell lines express the putative CF gene mRNA. Studies of transepithelial electrolyte transport show that CF and normal cell lines develop a transepithelial electrical resistance. Normal but not CF cell lines secreted Cl- in response to agonists that increase cellular levels of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) (isoproterenol, forskolin, and a membrane-permeant analogue of cAMP) or in response to a tumor-promoting phorbol ester that activates protein kinase C. In contrast, the Ca2(+)-elevating agonist bradykinin and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 stimulated secretion in both normal and CF cell lines. The continuous cell lines we have produced maintain their proper phenotypes and will serve as useful tools in understanding the pathophysiology of CF.
Molecular basis for tumor necrosis factor-induced increase in pulmonary superoxide dismutase activities
Authors: Tsan M. F. , White J. E. , Treanor C. , Shaffer J. B.
Published: December 2017

Tracheal insufflation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) enhances pulmonary antioxidant enzyme activities and protects rats against oxygen toxicity (J. Appl. Physiol. 68: 1211–1219, 1990). We now report that tracheal insufflation of TNF selectively induced pulmonary Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) mRNA in normoxia- and hyperoxia-exposed rats, leading to increased amounts of Mn-SOD specific protein and enzyme activity. Tracheal insufflation of TNF had no effect on the levels of pulmonary Cu,Zn-SOD mRNA or specific protein. Hyperoxia alone also selectively induced pulmonary Mn-SOD mRNA. However, the hyperoxia-induced increase in Mn-SOD mRNA was not associated with an increase in Mn-SOD specific protein or enzyme activity. The results suggest that the increased pulmonary Mn-SOD in TNF-insufflated rats may contribute to the TNF-induced protection against oxygen toxicity.