Distribution of leukotriene B4 receptors in human hematopoietic cells

Degranulation of human mast cells: modulation by P2 receptors' agonists

Since the late 1970s, there has been an alarming increase in the incidence of asthma and its morbidity and mortality. Acute obstruction and inflammation of allergic asthmatic airways are frequently caused by inhalation of exogenous substances such as allergens cross-linking IgE receptors expressed on the surface of the human lung mast cells (HLMC). The degree of constriction of human airways produced by identical amounts of inhaled allergens may vary from day to day and even hour to hour. Endogenous factors in the human mast cell (HMC)'s microenvironment during allergen exposure may markedly modulate the degranulation response. An increase in allergic responsiveness may significantly enhance bronchoconstriction and breathlessness. This review focuses on the role that the ubiquitous endogenous purine nucleotide, extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), which is a component of the damage-associated molecular patterns, plays in mast cells' physiology. ATP activates P2 purinergic cell-surface receptors (P2R) to trigger signaling cascades resulting in heightened inflammatory responses. ATP is the most potent enhancer of IgE-mediated HLMC degranulation described to date. Current knowledge of ATP as it relates to targeted receptor(s) on HMC along with most recent studies exploring HMC post-receptor activation pathways are discussed. In addition, the reviewed studies may explain why brief, minimal exposures to allergens (e.g., dust, cat, mouse, and grass) can unpredictably lead to intense clinical reactions. Furthermore, potential therapeutic approaches targeting ATP-related enhancement of allergic reactions are presented.

Resolvin E1 regulates adenosine diphosphate activation of human platelets

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the ability of resolvin E1 (RvE1) to regulate adenosine diphosphate (ADP) activation of platelets via specific receptors because RvE1 reduces platelet aggregation with certain agonists, including ADP.

METHODS AND RESULTS

RvE1 is an eicosapentaenoic acid-derived specialized proresolving mediator generated during the resolution of acute inflammation. RvE1 exhibits potent organ-protective actions in vivo and acts on specific cell types, including platelets. RvE1, 0.1 to 100 nmol/L, incubated with platelets gave reduced ADP-stimulated P-selectin mobilization (IC(50), approximately 1.6×10(-12) mol/L) and polymerized actin content compared with control platelets. RvE1, 1 to 100 nmol/L, did not stimulate or block intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. By using a new P2Y(12)-β-arrestin-coupled cell system, ADP-activated P2Y(12) with an EC(50) of 5×10(-6) mol/L and RvE1 did not directly stimulate P2Y(12) or block the ADP-P2Y(12) signals. In this system, another eicosanoid, leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4)) (EC(50), 1.3×10(-11) mol/L), dose dependently activated P2Y(12). When recombinant P2Y(12)-expressing cells were transiently transfected with an RvE1 receptor, human ChemR23 (present on human platelets), with the addition of RvE1 (0.1-10.0 nmol/L), blocked ADP signals (IC(50), approximately 1.6×10(-11) mol/L) in P2Y(12)-ChemR23-expressing cells compared with mock transfections.

CONCLUSIONS

RvE1's regulatory actions (ie, reducing ADP-stimulated P-selectin mobilization and actin polymerization) are human (h)ChemR23-dependent. Moreover, specific platelet actions of RvE1 selectively engaged with ADP-activated platelets that illuminate a new cellular mechanism and affect ω-3 eicosapentaenoic acid, which may contribute to both resolution of vascular inflammation and ADP-dependent platelet activation relevant in pathological cardiovascular events.

Predictive molecular profiling in blood of healthy vasospastic individuals: clue to targeted prevention as personalised medicine to effective costs

Paradigm change from late interventional approach to predictive diagnostics followed by targeted prevention before manifest pathology, presents innovative concept for advanced healthcare. Preselection of healthy but pathology-predisposed individuals is the primary task in the overall action. Vasospasm is a frequent syndrome defined as an inappropriate constriction or insufficient dilatation in microcirculation. Vasospastic individuals are considered as healthy subpopulation predisposed to several pathologies including neurodegeneration. Clinical observations, subcellular imaging and “gene hunting”-investigations provide evidence for vasospasm as predisposition to glaucoma; development of further related pathologies cannot be excluded. Predictive molecular-profiling in blood can specify individual predisposition for effective prevention.

Resolvin E1, an EPA-derived mediator in whole blood, selectively counterregulates leukocytes and platelets

Resolvin E1 (RvE1) is an omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-derived lipid mediator generated during resolution of inflammation and in human vasculature via leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions. RvE1 possesses anti-inflammatory and proresolving actions. Here, we report that RvE1 in human whole blood rapidly regulates leukocyte expression of adhesion molecules. RvE1 in the 10- to 100-nM range stimulated L-selectin shedding, while reducing CD18 expression in both neutrophils and monocytes. When added to whole blood, RvE1 did not stimulate reactive oxygen species by either neutrophils or monocytes, nor did it directly stimulate cytokine/chemokine production in heparinized blood. Intravital microscopy (IVM) demonstrated that RvE1 rapidly reduced leukocyte rolling (approximately 40%) in venules of mice. In human platelet-rich plasma (PRP), RvE1 selectively blocked both ADP-stimulated and thromboxane receptor agonist U46619-stimulated platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, Delta 6,14-trans-RvE1 isomer was inactive. RvE1 did not block collagen-stimulated aggregation, and regulation of ADP-induced platelet aggregation was not further enhanced with aspirin treatment. These results indicate RvE1 is a potent modulator of leukocytes as well as selective platelet responses in blood and PRP, respectively. Moreover, the results demonstrate novel agonist-specific antiplatelet actions of RvE1 that are potent and may underlie some of the beneficial actions of EPA in humans.

Absence of leukotriene B4 receptor 1 confers resistance to airway hyperresponsiveness and Th2-type immune responses

Bronchial asthma is an increasingly common disorder that remains poorly understood and difficult to manage. The disease is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, chronic inflammation, and mucus overproduction. Based on the finding that leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (BLT1) is expressed highly in Th2 lymphocytes, we analyzed the roles of BLT1 using an OVA-induced bronchial asthma model. BLT1-null mice did not develop airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic inflammation, and hyperplasia of goblet cells. Attenuated symptoms were accompanied by reduced IgE production, and accumulation of IL-5 and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, suggesting attenuated Th2-type immune response in BLT1-null mice. Peribronchial lymph node cells of sensitized BLT1-null mice showed much attenuated proliferation and production of Th2 cytokines upon re-stimulation with Ag in vitro. Thus, LTB4-BLT1 axis is required for the development of Th2-type immune response, and blockade of LTB4 functions through BLT1 would be novel and useful in the effort to ameliorate bronchial asthma and related Th2-biased immune disorders.

Pro- and anti-inflammatory substances modulate expression of the leukotriene B4receptor, BLT1, in human monocytes

The high-affinity leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) receptor, BLT1, is a chemotactic receptor involved in inflammatory responses. In this study, we have explored the regulation of BLT1 expression in human monocytes by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and dexamethasone. We found that proinflammatory mediators, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and LPS, down-regulated expression, whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10, and dexamethasone up-regulated BLT1 mRNA expression. The effect of IFN-gamma on BLT1 mRNA expression was rapidly detectable (<4 h) and concentration-dependent (1-50 ng/ml) and seems to be exerted through a block in transcriptional activity. Alterations in mRNA expression were accompanied by changes in BLT1 surface expression, and receptor down-modulation following IFN-gamma stimulation resulted in a diminished chemotactic response to LTB(4). The regulation of BLT1 mRNA and receptor protein expression was similar to the regulation of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 chemokine receptor, CC chemokine recptor 2 (CCR2). Flow cytometric analysis of fresh peripheral blood cells revealed that classical (CD14(++)CD16(-)) monocytes express high levels of BLT1 and CCR2 and that both receptors are down-regulated on CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes. Apart from providing insight into the regulation of BLT1 in human monocytes, our results reveal a parallel expression and regulation of BLT1 and CCR2, which may help to understand monocyte trafficking during pathophysiological conditions.

Differential inhibition of receptor activation by two mouse monoclonal antibodies specific for the human leukotriene B4 receptor, BLT1

The inflammatory mediator leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) binds to and activates a G-protein-coupled receptor named BLT(1). We have previously produced two monoclonal antibodies, named 7B1 and 14F11, that bind specifically to this receptor. Using a HeLa cell line expressing human BLT(1), we find that both antibodies inhibit LTB(4)-induced calcium release, and activation of a MAP-kinase-sensitive luciferase reporter system. The normal chemotactic movement of polymorphonuclear cells towards higher LTB(4) concentrations was also strongly inhibited by both antibodies. Neither antibody was found to activate BLT(1), and experiments using cyclic peptide fragments of the BLT(1) n-terminal and extracellular loops showed that these antibodies bind only to complex epitopes in the tertiary, membrane bound, conformation of the receptor protein. In ligand binding experiments, 7B1 was found to be a competitive antagonist, while 14F11 was a noncompetitive antagonist that inhibited receptor activation, but not agonist (LTB(4)) binding. 14F11 will be a useful tool for studying the mechanisms of receptor activation.

Flow cytometric mapping of the leukotriene B4 receptor, BLT1, in human bone marrow and peripheral blood using specific monoclonal antibodies

We have previously raised two monoclonal antibodies (7B1, 14F11) recognizing the high-affinity leukotriene B4 receptor, BLT1. They were presently used to determine receptor surface expression in the hematopoietic system. In peripheral blood, BLT1 was primarily recognized in granulocytes, monocytes and, to a lower extent, in certain lymphocytes except the CD4 subpopulation. The expression pattern was similar in bone marrow cells. In vitro differentiation of CD34+ progenitor cells induced BLT1 expression within 7 days, which remained constant up to day 17 when a further increase was measured and maintained up to day 20. BLT1 expression was modified by inflammatory mediators: LPS, TNFalpha, fMLP, as well as LTB4 itself, caused a slight down-regulation at 30 min, an effect that was particularly marked with PMA, whereas the effect was least pronounced with IL-8. The antibodies have proved to be useful in an extensive mapping of BLT1 in both peripheral blood and bone marrow and as a tool to elucidate changes in the receptor expression.

Urinary metabolites of leukotriene B4 in the human subject

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils and is thought to play a role in a variety of inflammatory responses in humans. The metabolism of LTB4 in vitro is complex with several competing pathways of biotransformation, but metabolism in vivo, especially for normal human subjects, is poorly understood. As part of a Phase I Clinical Trial of human tolerance to LTB4, four human subjects were injected with 150 nmol/kg LTB4 with one additional subject as placebo control. The urine of the subjects was collected in two separate pools (0-6 and 7-24 h), and aliquots from these urine collections were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography, UV spectroscopy, and negative ion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for metabolites of LTB4. In the current investigation, 11 different metabolites of LTB4 were identified in the urine from those subjects injected with LTB4, and none were present in the urine from the placebo-injected subject. The unconjugated LTB4 metabolites found in urine were structurally characterized as 18-carboxy-LTB4, 10,11-dihydro-18-carboxy-LTB4, 20-carboxy-LTB4, and 10,11-dihydro-20-carboxy-LTB4. Several glucuronide-conjugated metabolites of LTB4 were characterized including 17-, 18-, 19-, and 20-hydroxy-LTB4, 10-hydroxy-4,6,12-octadecatrienoic acid, LTB4, and 10,11-dihydro-LTB4. The amount of LTB4 glucuronide (16.7-29.4 pmol/ml) and 20-carboxy-LTB4 (18.9-30.6 pmol/ml) present in the urine of subjects injected with LTB4 was determined using an isotope dilution mass spectrometric assay before and after treatment of the urine samples with beta-glucuronidase. The urinary metabolites of LTB4 identified in this investigation were excreted in low amounts, yet it is possible that one or more of these metabolites could be used to assess LTB4 biosynthesis following activation of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in vivo.

Changes in the proteome associated with the action of Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase are not related to transcriptional regulation

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematopoietic stem cell disease, the hallmark of which is the Bcr-Abl protein tyrosine kinase (PTK). Without intervention the disease progresses from a benign chronic phase to a rapidly fatal blast crisis. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression we used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis on a model we have previously described using the expression of a conditional mutant of Bcr-Abl PTK in a multipotent stem cell line, FDCP-Mix. Long term exposure of FDCP-Mix cells to Bcr-Abl mimics disease progression in CML. Four major differences were observed as a consequence of long term exposure to the Bcr-Abl PTK compared with cells exposed short term. The proteins were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry-generated peptide mass fingerprint data and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-generated sequence information. Leukotriene A4 hydrolase, an enzyme known to be deregulated in CML, was found to be up-regulated. Annexin VI, vacuolar ATP synthase catalytic subunit A, and mortalin were found to be down-regulated. Poly(A) PCR cDNA analysis showed there was no correlation between the protein expression changes and mRNA levels. Western blot analysis also indicated no change in the levels of mortalin or leukotriene A4 hydrolase, indicating that post-translational events may modify protein content of the specific spots. Leukotriene B4 levels (product of leukotriene A4 hydrolase) were, however, reduced in cells exposed long term to Bcr-Abl activity. This study demonstrates the potential of proteomic analysis to define novel effects of oncogenes.

Leukotriene B(4) induces nitric oxide synthesis in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected murine macrophages and mediates resistance to infection

The production of nitric oxide (NO) by gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-activated macrophages is a major effector mechanism during experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection. In addition to IFN-gamma, chemoattractant molecules, such as platelet-activating factor (PAF) and CC chemokines, may also activate macrophages to induce NO and mediate the killing of T. cruzi in an NO-dependent manner. Here we investigated the ability of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) to induce the production of NO by macrophages infected with T. cruzi in vitro and whether NO mediated LTB(4)-induced parasite killing. The activation of T. cruzi-infected but not naive murine peritoneal macrophages with LTB(4) induced the time- and concentration-dependent production of NO. In addition, low concentrations of LTB(4) acted in synergy with IFN-gamma to induce NO production. The NO produced mediated LTB(4)-induced microbicidal activity in macrophages, as demonstrated by the inhibitory effects of an inducible NO synthase inhibitor. LTB(4)-induced NO production and parasite killing were LTB(4) receptor dependent and were partially blocked by a PAF receptor antagonist. LTB(4) also induced significant tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production, and blockade of TNF-alpha suppressed LTB(4)-induced NO release and parasite killing. A blockade of LTB(4) or PAF receptors partially inhibited IFN-gamma-induced NO and TNF-alpha production but not parasite killing. Finally, daily treatment of infected mice with CP-105,696 was accompanied by a significantly higher level of blood parasitemia, but not lethality, than that seen in vehicle-treated animals. In conclusion, our results suggest a role for LTB(4) during experimental T. cruzi infection. Chemoattractant molecules such as LTB(4) not only may play a major role in leukocyte migration into sites of inflammation in vivo but also, in the event of an infection, may play a relevant role in the activation of recruited leukocytes to kill the invading microorganism in an NO-dependent manner.

Assessment of myocardial inflammation produced by experimental coronary occlusion and reperfusion with 99mTc-RP517, a new leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist that preferentially labels neutrophils in vivo

BACKGROUND

99mTc-RP517 is a new leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor antagonist developed for imaging acute inflammation or infection. A unique property of 99mTc-RP517 is its ability to label white blood cells in vivo after intravenous injection. The goals of this study were to determine relative 99mTc-RP517 binding to human leukocyte subtypes and the 99mTc-RP517 uptake pattern in canine myocardium where inflammation was induced by either coronary occlusion and reperfusion or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) injection.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis was performed on whole human blood (n=2) and isolated neutrophils (n= 4) with a fluorescent analog of 99mTc-RP517, [F]-RP517. In whole blood, [F]-RP517 (500 nmol/L) preferentially labeled neutrophils. On isolated neutrophils, [F]-RP517 (10 nmol/L) binding was inhibited by 44% when LTB4 (400 nmol/L) was added. 99mTc-RP517 was injected intravenously in anesthetized, open-chest dogs before coronary occlusion (90 minutes) and reperfusion (120 minutes) (n=9) or before intramyocardial TNFalpha injection (n=3). Ex vivo images of heart slices were acquired. The left ventricle was divided into 72 segments for flow and 99mTc-RP517 uptake analysis. There was an inverse exponential relationship between 99mTc-RP517 uptake and occlusion flow (r=0.73). In the same 15 segments, 99mTc-RP517 uptake was highly correlated with the neutrophil enzyme myeloperoxidase (r=0.91). Ex vivo images revealed tracer uptake in the reperfused area (ischemic to normal count ratio=2.7+/-0.2).

CONCLUSIONS

RP517 binds to the neutrophil LTB4 receptor after intravenous injection. After reperfusion, 99mTc-RP517 uptake correlated with myeloperoxidase and was observed on ex vivo images, indicating that this tracer may have potential as an inflammation-imaging agent.

Cold storage of rabbit thoracic aorta in University of Wisconsin solution attenuates P2Y(2) purine receptors

Post-transplantation thrombosis may occur in donor segments of iliac arteries and livers following surgical removal and storage in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution for transplantation. We have previously suggested that purine receptors are vulnerable to denaturation after UW storage. The aims of the present study were to determine what particular subtypes of purine P2Y receptors in rabbit thoracic aorta deteriorate after 8 days of UW storage by studying vascular reactivity to acetylcholine, ATP, 2MeSATP and UTP. Ring segments of aortae from male New Zealand White rabbits were mounted upon fine-wire myographs and vasodilatation to the above agents tested on fresh tissue, and after 8 days of UW storage. Vasodilatation to ATP was attenuated by 100 microM L-NAME in fresh tissue suggesting that the relaxant response was, in part, due to nitric oxide (NO). P2Y-mediated relaxation to ATP was significantly attenuated by UW storage and cholinergic responses were not. This attenuated relaxation to ATP was not further attenuated by L-NAME, suggesting a loss of the NO-dependent mechanism. De-endothelialisation indicated that UTP-mediated vasorelaxation, via P2Y(2) receptors, was endothelium-dependent. Any residual endothelium-independent relaxation to UTP was abolished by UW storage and endothelium-dependent UTP relaxation was reduced to the same level as that seen in fresh, de-endothelialised tissue. In contrast responses to 2MeSATP, via P2Y(1) receptors, were predominantly endothelium-independent and were only partially attenuated by UW storage. Responses to pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2('),4(')-disulphonic acid (PPADS) and L-NAME suggested that vasorelaxation to 2MeSATP and UTP was mediated by P2Y(1) and P2Y(2) receptors, respectively. It is therefore concluded that UW storage predominantly decreases P2Y(2) receptor-mediated vascular reactivity.

Bacterial challenge stimulates formation of arachidonic acid metabolites by human keratinocytes and neutrophils in vitro

Although the interactions of bacteria with keratinocytes induce the synthesis of various mediators, the capability of epithelial cells to form arachidonic acid mediators has not been studied, and therefore the first part of this study was initiated. The complex mixture of epithelium-derived mediators suggests that chemoattraction is not their only effect on neutrophils and that they may also affect neutrophil mediator synthesis. The effect of epithelium-derived mediators on neutrophil eicosanoide synthesis was evaluated in the second part of this study. We incubated human keratinocytes with human-pathogenic bacteria for 2 h and harvested the supernatants after 4, 6, 10, and 18 h of culture. Subsequently, the supernatants were coincubated for 5 min with human neutrophils with or without arachidonic acid. The formation of the arachidonic acid metabolites prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), and 15-HETE in keratinocytes and neutrophils was measured by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. We demonstrated for the first time that keratinocytes produced significant amounts of LTB(4) and 12-HETE 4 to 6 h after bacterial challenge. Upon stimulation with epithelial supernatants, neutrophils produced significant amounts of PGE(2), LTB(4), 12-HETE, and 15-HETE throughout the observation period of 18 h, with a maximum synthesis by supernatants harvested 4 to 10 h after bacterial infection. The results of the study suggest that arachidonic acid mediator formation by epithelial cells following bacterial challenge may act as an early inflammatory signal for the initiation of the immune response. The epithelial supernatants were capable of inducing the formation of arachidonic acid mediators by neutrophils, which may have further regulatory effects on the immune response.

Neutrophil degranulation: coactivation of chemokine receptor(s) is required for extracellular nucleotide-induced neutrophil degranulation

Extracellular nucleotide-induced stimulation of leukocytes and subsequent adhesion to endothelium plays a critical role in inflammatory diseases. The extracellular nucleotides stimulate a P2Y receptor on human PMN with the pharmacological profile of the P2Y2 receptor. Followed by generation of arachidonic acid, subsequently metabolized by 5 lipoxygenase forming the leukotrienes (LT). Of the several LTs generated, LTB(4)is a potent chemokine and upon its release binds to the PMN in an autocrine manner leading to the PMN degranulation. It is known that LTB(4)causes neutrophil degranulation through its receptor specific binding while the molecular mechanism remains not known at present. However, it is not known whether any LTB(4)receptor exists in cytoplasm in any given cell type and also, the existence of any other signaling cascade for the extracellular nucleotide-induced neutrophil degranulation. Based on the few direct experimental and numerous circumstantial evidence, it is conceivable that the extracellular nucleotides require LT generation, as an essential intermediate for mediating neutrophil degranulation.

First-generation monoclonal antibodies identifying the human leukotriene B(4) receptor-1

The leukotriene B(4) receptor (BLTR) is a seven-transmembrane chemoattractant receptor that is important in pro-inflammatory responses. We have produced the first widely applicable monoclonal antibodies against the human BLTR and confirmed the antibody specificity using flow cytometric analysis of three different cell lines stably expressing the recombinant receptor. The antibodies did not cross-react with the recently cloned second LTB(4) receptor, BLTR2, or the Cys LT1 and Cys LT2 receptors. Functional analysis in combination with two-color flow cytometry showed that the BLTR antibodies bind to cells that are activated by LTB(4). The antibodies were shown to recognize BLTR in cell ELISA and immunocytochemistry. Endogenous expression of BLTR in CD15-positive blood leukocytes and in differentiated HL-60 cells was also demonstrated with the antibodies.