Polyenoic very-long-chain fatty acids mobilize intracellular calcium from a thapsigargin-insensitive pool in human neutrophils. The relationship between Ca2+ mobilization and superoxide production induced by long- and very-long-chain fatty acids

Small tumor necrosis factor receptor biologics inhibit the tumor necrosis factor-p38 signalling axis and inflammation

Despite anti-TNF therapy advancements for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, the burden of diseases remains high. An 11-mer TNF peptide, TNF_70-80, is known to stimulate selective functional responses compared to the parent TNF molecule. Here, we show that TNF_70-80 binds to the TNF receptor, activating p38 MAP kinase through TNF receptor-associated factor 2. Using truncated TNFR mutants, we identify the sequence in TNFRI which enables p38 activation by TNF_70-80. Peptides with this TNFRI sequence, such as TNFRI_206-211 bind to TNF and inhibit TNF-induced p38 activation, respiratory burst, cytokine production and adhesion receptor expression but not F-Met-Leu-Phe-induced respiratory burst in neutrophils. TNFRI_206-211 does not prevent TNF binding to TNFRI or TNF-induced stimulation of ERK, JNK and NF-κB. TNFRI_206-211 inhibits bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis, carrageenan-induced and antigen-induced paw inflammation, and respiratory syncytial virus-induced lung inflammation in mice. Our findings suggest a way of targeting TNF-p38 pathway to treat chronic inflammatory disorders.

Novel action of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: inhibition of arachidonic acid-induced increase in tumor necrosis factor receptor expression on neutrophils and a role for proteases

OBJECTIVE

Neutrophils and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Modulation of TNF receptors (TNFRs) may contribute to the regulation of tissue damage, and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as arachidonic acid (AA) can increase the expression of TNFRI and TNFRII on neutrophils. Because the n-3 PUFAs are antiinflammatory in RA, we examined whether, as a novel mechanism of action, n-3 PUFAs can antagonize the AA-induced increase in TNFR expression.

METHODS

Human neutrophils were treated with PUFAs and examined for changes in surface expression of TNFRs by flow cytometry. Translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) and activation of ERK-1/2 MAPK were determined by Western blotting. Intracellular calcium mobilization was measured in Fura 2-loaded cells by luminescence spectrometry.

RESULTS

Pretreatment of neutrophils with nanomolar levels of n-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid led to a marked inhibition of the AA-induced up-regulation of TNFRs I and II. Such pretreatment, however, did not prevent AA from stimulating the activities of PKC and ERK-1/2, which is required for the actions of AA or its ability to mobilize Ca(2+). Nevertheless, treatment with n-3 PUFAs caused the stimulation of serine proteases that could cleave the TNFRs.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest a mechanism by which the n-3 PUFAs inhibit the inflammatory response in RA, by regulating the ability of AA to increase TNFR expression. These results help fill the gaps in our knowledge regarding the mechanisms of action of n-3 PUFAs, thus allowing us to make specific recommendations for the use of n-3 PUFAs in the regulation of inflammatory diseases.

Pneumolysin-mediated activation of NFkappaB in human neutrophils is antagonized by docosahexaenoic acid

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between influx of extracellular Ca(2+), activation of NFkappaB and synthesis of interleukin-8 (IL-8) following exposure of human neutrophils to subcytolytic concentrations (8.37 and 41.75 ng/ml) of the pneumococcal toxin, pneumolysin, as well as the potential of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid, to antagonize these events. Activation and translocation of NFkappaB were measured using a radiometric electrophoretic mobility shift assay, while influx of extracellular Ca(2+) and synthesis of IL-8 were determined using a radioassay and an ELISA procedure, respectively. Exposure of neutrophils to pneumolysin was accompanied by influx of Ca(2+), activation of NFkappaB, and synthesis of IL-8, all of which were eliminated by inclusion of the Ca(2+)-chelating agent, EGTA (10 m m), in the cell-suspending medium, as well as by pretreatment of the cells with docosahexaenoic acid (5 and 10 microg/ml). The antagonistic effects of docosahexaenoic acid on these pro-inflammatory interactions of pneumolysin with neutrophils were not attributable to inactivation of the toxin, and required the continuous presence of the fatty acid. These observations demonstrate that activation of NFkappaB and synthesis of IL-8, following exposure of neutrophils to pneumolysin are dependent on toxin-mediated influx of Ca(2+) and that these potentially harmful activities of the toxin are antagonized by docosahexaenoic acid.

In vitro anti-inflammatory and pro-aggregative effects of a lipid compound, petrocortyne A, from marine sponges

(3 S,14 S)-Petrocortyne A, a lipid compound (a C(46) polyacetylenic alcohol), from marine sponges ( Petrosia sp.) is potently cytotoxic against several solid tumour cells. In this study, we investigated in vitro anti-inflammatory and pro-aggregative effects of petrocortyne A at non-cytotoxic concentrations on various cellular inflammatory phenomena using the macrophage and monocytic cell lines RAW264.7 and U937. Petrocortyne A blocked tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production strongly and concentration-dependently in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/LPS-treated U937 cells. It also blocked NO production concentration-dependently in LPS- or interferon (IFN)-gamma-treated RAW264.7 cells. Among the migration factors tested, the compound selectively blocked the expression of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF). On the other hand, as assessed by a cell-cell adhesion assay, petrocortyne A did not block the activation of adhesion molecules induced by aggregative antibodies to adhesion molecules, but suppressed PMA-induced cell-cell adhesion significantly. Intriguingly, petrocortyne A induced U937 homotypic aggregation following long exposure (2 and 3 days), accompanied by weak induction of pro-aggregative signals such as tyrosine phosphorylation of p132 and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase 1 and 2 (ERK 1/2). Petrocortyne A may thus inhibit cellular inflammatory processes and immune cell migration to inflamed tissue.

Sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) inhibitors identify a novel calcium pool in the central nervous system

Ca2+ uptake into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is mediated by Ca2+ ATPase isoforms, which are all selectively inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of thapsigargin. Using ATP/Mg2+-dependent 45Ca2+ transport in rat brain microsomes, tissue sections, and permeabilized cells, as well as Ca2+ imaging in living cells we distinguish two ER Ca2+ pools in the rat CNS. Nanomolar levels of thapsigargin blocked one component of brain microsomal 45Ca2+ transport, which we designate as the thapsigargin-sensitive pool (TG-S). The remaining component was only inhibited by micromolar thapsigargin, and thus designated as thapsigargin resistant (TG-R). Ca2+ ATPase and [32P]phosphoenzyme assays also distinguished activities with differential sensitivities to thapsigargin. The TG-R Ca2+ uptake displayed unique anion permeabilities, was inhibited by vanadate, but was unaffected by sulfhydryl reduction. Ca2+ sequestered into the TG-R pool could not be released by inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, caffeine, or cyclic ADP-ribose. The TG-R Ca2+ pool had a unique anatomical distribution in the brain, with selective enrichment in brainstem and spinal cord structures. Cell lines that expressed high levels of the TG-R pool required micromolar concentrations of thapsigargin to effectively raise cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels. TG-R Ca2+ accumulation represents a distinct Ca2+ buffering pool in specific CNS regions with unique pharmacological sensitivities and anatomical distributions.

Unique effect of arachidonic acid on human neutrophil TNF receptor expression: up-regulation involving protein kinase C, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and phospholipase A2

Arachidonic acid (AA) regulates the function of many cell types, including neutrophils. Although much emphasis has been placed on agonist-induced down-regulation of TNFR, our data show that AA caused a rapid (10-20 min) and dose-dependent (0.5-30 micro M) increase in the surface expression of both classes of TNFR (TNFR1 and TNFR2) on human neutrophils. This increased TNFR expression correlated with an increase in TNF-induced superoxide production. In contrast, the omega3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and linolenic acid failed to stimulate TNFR expression. Although fMLP and LPS reduced the neutrophil expression of TNFR, when pretreated with AA, fMLP caused an increase in TNFR expression. Consistent with this result was the finding that AA prevented the fMLP-induced receptor release in neutrophil cultures. AA also caused an increase in TNFR expression in matured HL-60 cells (neutrophil-like cells), but a decrease in nonmatured cells and HUVEC. The AA effects were independent of the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways, but dependent on protein kinase C, the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, and cytosolic phospholipase A(2). The data demonstrate a unique effect of AA in the inflammatory reaction, through its action on neutrophil TNFR expression, and suggest that AA may regulate the response of neutrophils to TNF by altering its receptor number.

Dietary n-3 FA modulate long and very long chain FA content, rhodopsin content, and rhodopsin phosphorylation in rat rod outer segment after light exposure

A previous study has shown that the long and very long chain FA (VLCFA) content of the rat retina responds to changes in dietary n-6/n-3 ratio of the fat fed (1). The present study tested whether similar changes in these FA are associated with alterations in rhodopsin content and rhodopsin phosphorylation after light treatment. Weanling rats were fed diets containing 20% (w/w, 40% energy) fat with either high (4.8%, w/w) or low (1.2%, w/w) n-3 FA. After 6 wk of feeding, half of the animals in each group were exposed to light for 48 h at 350 lx or were kept in complete darkness. In the rod outer segment, the high n-3 diet treatment increased the level of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 and reduced the levels of 20:4n-6 and 24:4n-6 in PC, PE, and PS. After the feeding of a high n-3 FA diet, total n-3 pentaenoic VLCFA from C24 to C34 increased in PC, whereas the n-6 tetra- and pentaenoic VLCFA decreased. No changes occurred in n-3 hexaenoic VLCFA regardless of the level of 22:6n-3 in the diet. After light exposure, animals fed a high n-3 FA diet showed reduction in 22:6n-3 as well as in n-6 and n-3 VLCFA in PC. FFA and TG fractions contained increased levels of both 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 after light exposure. Dark-adapted rhodopsin content and rhodopsin phosphorylation in the rod outer segment of rats fed the low n-3 FA diet were higher than in animals fed a high n-3 FA diet. After light exposure, animals fed the low n-3 FA diet lost more rhodopsin compared to animals fed the high n-3 FA diet, resulting in less phosphorylation of rhodopsin. Results indicate that the FA composition, rhodopsin content, and phosphorylation in visual cells is influenced by the dietary n-3 FA fed as well as by light exposure. The results also imply that 22:6n-3 may not be the precursor for synthesis of hexaenoic VLCFA.

Rac-1-mediated O2secretion requires Ca2+influx in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells

Neutrophil-like HL-60 cells reacted to N -formyl- l -Methionyl- l -Leucyl- l -P henylalanine (f MLP) with a rise in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2]i), NADPH oxidase activation, and increased superoxide anion (O2-) production. [Ca2+]i mobilization and superoxide production were largely dependent on extracellular calcium (Ca2+]e) and a capacitative calcium entry. The monomeric G-protein, Rac-1, regulates NADPH oxidase activity. We tested the effect of removal of Ca2+]e on Rac-1 plasma membrane sequestration and activation of NADPH oxidase using immunodetection and a double labelling fluorescent method. Results showed that Rac-1 activation is mediated via a pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive heteromeric G-protein pathway, and that Rac-1 membrane sequestration was preceded by [Ca2+]i mobilization following entry of Ca2+ e. Therefore, we propose that O2- production is dependent on activation of PTX-sensitive G-proteins and sequestration of Rac-1 in the plasma membrane, following entry of Ca2+ e.

The ability of mineral dusts and fibres to initiate lipid peroxidation. Part II: relationship to different particle-induced pathological effects

Exposure to pathogenic mineral dusts and fibres is associated with pulmonary changes including fibrosis and cancer. Investigations into aetiological mechanisms of these diseases have identified modifications in specific macromolecules as well as changes in certain early processes, which have preceded fibrosis and cancer. Peroxidation of lipids is one such modification, which is observed following exposure to mineral dusts and fibres. Their ability to initiate lipid peroxidation and the parameters that determine this ability have recently been reviewed. Part II of this review examines the relationship between the capacity of mineral dusts and fibres to initiate lipid peroxidation and a number of pathological changes they produce. The oxidative modification of polyunsaturated fatty acids is a major contributor to membrane damage in cells and has been implicated in a great variety of pathological processes. In most pathological conditions where an induction of lipid peroxidation is observed it is assumed to be the consequence of disease, without further establishing if the induction of lipid peroxidation may have preceded or accompanied the disease. In the great majority of instances, however, despite the difficulty in proving this association, a causal relationship between lipid peroxidation and disease cannot be ruled out.

The upstream regulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation by arachidonic acid in rat neutrophils

The signal transduction pathways activated by arachidonic acid that lead to p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in neutrophils remains unclear. In this study, selective inhibitors of several signalling pathways were utilized to investigate the mechanisms of activation of p38 MAPK by arachidonic acid in rat neutrophils. Stimulation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation by arachidonic acid and its trifluoromethyl ketone analogue AACOCF3 was transient, peaking at 1 min, and was concentration-dependent. Arachidonic acid-stimulated p38 MAPK phosphorylation was attenuated in cells pretreated with the Gi/o inhibitor (pertussis toxin), but not with the dual cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase inhibitor (BW755C) or the leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitor (MK886). Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (genistein), but not the extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase inhibitors (PD98059 and U0126), attenuated the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK by arachidonic acid. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors (wortmannin and LY294002) did not affect the arachidonic acid-induced response. After pretreatment of the cells with protein kinase C inhibitors (Gö6976, Gö6983 and GF109203X), only Gö6976 significantly attenuated the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK by arachidonic acid. In addition, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK by arachidonic acid was greatly attenuated by the phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122) and the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA ((1,2-bis-o-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid), but not altered by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Arachidonic acid did not cause an increase in cellular cyclic GMP level. This study revealed the involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein, non-receptor tyrosine kinase, phospholipase C/Ca2+, and probably Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C in arachidonic acid-stimulated p38 MAPK activation.

Extracellular release of free fatty acids by rat T lymphocytes is stimulus-dependent and is affected by dietary lipid manipulation

[(3)H]-Arachidonic acid-labelled rat T lymphocytes released radioactivity extracellularly when stimulated by the calcium ionophore A23187 or by monoclonal antibodies to some cell surface structures (CD2, CD5, CD11a, CD18, CD54, T-cell receptor) but not to others (CD49d, CD62L); release was greater with the calcium ionophore. Almost all of the radioactivity released from anti-CD2-stimulated lymphocytes was recovered in the free fatty acid fraction, whereas only about 50 per cent of that released after A23187 stimulation was recovered in this fraction. A23187 stimulation resulted in release of arachidonic acid from a variety of phospholipids (phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylcholine and perhaps phosphatidylethanolamine), while the monoclonal antibody stimulation released arachidonic acid from phosphatidylinositol and perhaps phosphatidylcholine. Unstimulated lymphocytes released a range of fatty acids extracellularly, with palmitic acid accounting for 35-40 per cent and arachidonic acid for 5 per cent of released fatty acid. Stimulation of lymphocytes with either anti-CD2 or A23187 increased total fatty acid release 1.5- to 1.8-fold. In both cases palmitic acid remained the most predominant fatty acid released but the contribution of arachidonic acid increased. The type of lipid fed to the rats significantly influenced the amount and type of fatty acid released. Fish oil feeding significantly reduced extracellular fatty acid release by stimulated lymphocytes.

The mechanism of the decrease in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations induced by angiotensin II in the high K(+)-depolarized rabbit femoral artery

1. Using front-surface fluorometry of fura-2-loaded strips, and measuring the transmembrane 45Ca2+ fluxes of ring preparations of the rabbit femoral artery, the mechanism underlying a sustained decrease in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by angiotensin II (AT-II) was investigated. 2. The application of AT-II during steady-state 118 mM K(+)-induced contractions caused a sustained decrease in [Ca2+]i following a rapid and transient increase in [Ca2+]i, while the tension was transiently enhanced. 3. When the intracellular Ca2+ stores were depleted by thapsigargin, the initial rapid and transient increase in [Ca2+]i was abolished, however, neither the sustained decrease in [Ca2+]i nor the enhancement of tension were affected. 4. Depolarization with 118 mM K+ physiological salt solution containing 1.25 mM Ba2+ induced a sustained increase in both the cytosolic Ba2+ concentration ([Ba2+]i) level and tension. However, the application of 10(-6) M AT-II during sustained Ba(2+)-contractions was found to have no effect on [Ba2+]i, but it did enhance tension. 5. After thapsigargin treatment, AT-II neither decreased nor increased the enhanced Ca2+ efflux rate induced by 118 mM K(+)-depolarization, whereas AT-II did increase the enhanced 45Ca2+ influx and the 45Ca2+ net uptake induced by 118 mM K(+)-depolarization. 6. Pretreatment with calphostin-C, partially, but significantly inhibited the decrease in [Ca2+]i induced by AT-II. 7. These findings therefore suggest that AT-II stimulates Ca2+ sequestration into the thapsigargin-insensitive Ca2+ stores, and thus induces a decrease in [Ca2+]i in the high external K(+)-stimulated rabbit femoral artery.

Stimulation of neutrophils by prenylcysteine analogs: Ca(2+) release and influx

Farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS), a synthetic analog of the terminal prenylcysteine present in signaling proteins induces generation of superoxide ions, phospholipase C-driven hydrolysis of inositol lipids and calcium elevation in human neutrophils and DMSO-differentiated HL60 cells. These effects were ascribed to an interaction of the analog with elements responsible for recognition of specific prenylated proteins. The present study demonstrated that in addition to the release of intracellular calcium stores, FTS enhanced entry of Ca(2+) and Mn(2+) from the medium. The biphasic dependence of the influx on the concentration of FTS, as well as its insensitivity to inhibition by PMA and La(3+) suggest that the influx pathway activated by FTS is distinct from the previously described store-operated calcium channels of neutrophils. Consistent with the participation of a cellular membrane component in the interaction, FTS enhanced (45)Ca uptake in neutrophils and neutrophil cell membranes, but not in multilamellar vesicles. To establish specificity of the farnesyl moiety of FTS (C(15)), effects of three other analogs, geranylthiosalicylate, GTS (C(10)), geranylgeranylthiosalicylate, GGTS (C(20)), as well as the carboxymethyl ester FTS-Me on calcium homeostasis and superoxide production were investigated. GGTS dose-dependently elevated [Ca(2+)](i), induced quenching of the 360 nm Fura-2-calcium fluorescence by Mn(2+) and stimulated superoxide release, while GTS and FTS-Me were inactive. These results defined specific structural requirements for the functional interaction of prenylcysteine analogs with myeloid cells.

The cellular ionic basis of hypertension and allied clinical conditions

Two central concepts of human hypertensive disease remain poorly understood: (1) elevated blood pressure as merely one component of an underlying systemic condition, characterized by multiple defects in diverse tissues (eg, "Syndrome X"), and (2) the heterogeneity of hypertension, in which different and even opposite clinical responses to different dietary and drug therapies are routinely observed among equally hypertensive subjects. To help explain these clinical phenomena, a unifying "ionic hypothesis" is proposed, in which steady-state elevations of cytosolic free calcium and suppressed intracellular free magnesium levels, characteristic features of all hypertension, concomitantly alter the function of many tissues. In blood vessels this causes vasoconstriction, arterial stiffness, and/or hypertension; in the heart, cardiac hypertrophy; in platelets, increased aggregation and thrombosis; in fat and skeletal muscle, insulin resistance; in pancreatic beta cells, other endocrine tissues, and sympathetic neurons, potentiated stimulus-secretion coupling resulting in hyperinsulinemia, increased sympathetic nerve activity, and so on. Furthermore, an analysis of cellular biochemical, dietary-nutrient, and hormonal factors that normally regulate steady-state levels of these intracellular ions suggests an ionic equivalent to Laragh's volume-vasoconstriction analysis of hypertension. This provides a cellular-based explanation for the heterogeneity of hypertension and a rational basis for individualizing dietary and drug recommendations among different hypertensive subjects.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids potentiate interleukin-1-stimulated arachidonic acid release by cells overexpressing type IIA secretory phospholipase A2

By analyzing human embryonic kidney 293 cell transfectants stably overexpressing various types of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), we have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) preferentially activate type IIA secretory PLA2 (sPLA2-IIA)-mediated arachidonic acid (AA) release from interleukin-1 (IL-1)-stimulated cells. When 293 cells prelabeled with 13H]AA were incubated with exogenous PUFAs in the presence of IL-1 and serum, there was a significant increase in [3H]AA release (in the order AA > linoleic acid > oleic acid), which was augmented markedly by sPLA2-IIA and modestly by type IV cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2), but only minimally by type VI Ca2(+)-independent PLA2, overexpression. Transfection of cPLA2 into sPLA2-IIA-expressing cells produced a synergistic increase in IL-1-dependent [3H]AA release and subsequent prostaglandin production. Our results support the proposal that prior production of AA by cPLA2 in cytokine-stimulated cells destabilizes the cellular membranes, thereby rendering them more susceptible to subsequent hydrolysis by sPLA2-IIA.

Intracellular free calcium regulates the onset of the respiratory burst of human neutrophils activated by phorbol myristate acetate

Thapsigargin was used to study the regulation of different static calcium level ([Ca2+]i) on the respiratory hurst of human neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The result showed that the onset time of the respiratory hurst was obviously reduced by elevation of static [Ca2+]i but is still much longer than that stimulated with N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP). To find the reason, the onset times of the respiratory burst stimulated with fMLP, 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DiC8), and PMA were determined at different static [Ca2+]i. It turns out that although DiC8 was unable to induce the respiratory burst at low [Ca2+], the onset time of DiC8-stimulated response at high [Ca2+]i was almost the same as that stimulated with fMLP. The study revealed that the fast onset of the fMLP-stimulated respiratory burst in comparison with PMA-stimulated response is not only due to the transient rise of [Ca2+]i, but is also due to the higher efficiency of diacylglycerol (DAG) in activating protein kinase c (PKC). The determining step in governing the onset of a respiratory burst is the activation of PKC.

Arachidonic acid induces mobilization of calcium stores and c-jun gene expression: evidence that intracellular calcium release is associated with c-jun activation

Arachidonic acid (AA) plays a signaling role in the induction of several genes. We previously demonstrated that AA induces c-jun gene expression in the stromal cell line +/+.1 LDA 11 by a signaling pathway involving activation of the c-jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK). This study investigated the role of calcium in AA signaling of c-jun activation in +/+.1 LDA 11 cells. AA (10-50 microM) caused a rapid dose-dependent rise in cytosolic calcium. AA-induced calcium mobilization involved both influx of extracellular calcium and the release of intracellular calcium. The importance of calcium was investigated by variation of the extracellular calcium concentration, chelation of intracellular calcium and by calcium ionophore-induced influx of extracellular calcium. AA-induced c-jun gene expression and increased luciferase activity of a construct containing the high affinity AP-1 binding site was decreased in cells preincubated with the intracellular calcium chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)-eThane-N,N,N',N',-tetraacetic acid tetra(aceToxymethyl-esTer) (BAPTA-AM, 10 microM) prior to stimulation with AA. Similarly, chelation of intracellular calcium decreased AA-induced JNK activation. On the contrary, changes in the extracellular calcium concentration had no effect. Also, ionophore A23187 failed to induce c-jun and JNK activation either alone than in combination with AA. These results suggested that calcium was required for AA-dependent activation of c-jun, but that calcium alone was insufficient to induce activation of c-jun. Thus, release of calcium from intracellular stores is implicated in the signaling pathway of AA-induced c-jun activation in stromal cells.

Activation of phospholipase A2 in human neutrophils by polyunsaturated fatty acids and its role in stimulation of superoxide production

Although polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to stimulate neutrophil responses such as the oxygen-dependent respiratory burst (superoxide production), the mechanisms involved still remain undefined. Here we investigate the effect of PUFA on the phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-signal transduction process in human neutrophils. Exogenous eicosatetraenoic acid [arachidonic acid; C20:4(n-6)] or docosahexaenoic acid [C22:6(n-3)] promoted the release of [3H]C20:4(n-6) from prelabelled neutrophils in a time- and dose-dependent manner, which is indicative of PLA2 activation. The release of [3H]C20:4(n-6) from the cells by C20:4(n-6) and C22:6(n-3) was suppressed by PLA2 inhibitors. Other PUFA ¿eicosapentaenoic [C20:5(n-3)], octadecatrienoic [gamma-linolenic; C18:3(n-6)] and octadecadienoic [linoleic; C18:2(n-6)] acids¿ also had the ability to release [3H]C20:4(n-6); however, certain C20:4(n-6) derivatives [15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and C20:4(n-6) methyl ester] and saturated fatty acids [octadecanoic (stearic; C18:0) and eicosanoic (arachidic; C20:0) acids] had no significant effect. Treatment of the neutrophils with exogenous C22:6(n-3) caused the mass of endogenous unesterified C20:4(n-6) to increase. Incubation of the leucocytes with C20:4(n-6) or C22:6(n-3) evoked activation of the 85 kDa cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) and the 14 kDa secretory PLA2 (sPLA2), but not the cytosolic Ca2+-independent PLA2. In contrast, C20:0 did not activate any of the PLA2 isoforms. Activation of cPLA2 by PUFA was found to precede that of sPLA2. C22:6(n-3), C20:4(n-6) and other PUFA induced punctate localization of cPLA2 in the cells, which was not observed with saturated fatty acids. Pretreatment of the leucocytes with PLA2 inhibitors markedly decreased superoxide production induced by C20:4(n-6). These results show that PUFA activate PLA2 in neutrophils, which might have a mandatory role in biological responses.

Signal transduction and activation of the NADPH oxidase in eosinophils

Activation of eosinophil NADPH oxidase and the subsequent release of toxic oxygen radicals has been implicated in the mechanism of parasite killing and inflammation. At present, little is known of the signal transduction pathway that govern agonist-induced activation of the respiratory burst and is the subject of this review. In particular, we focus on the ability of leukotrine B4 to activate the NADPH oxidase in guinea-pig peritoneal eosinophils which can be obtained in sufficient number and purity for detailed biochemical experiments to be performed.

Stimulation of p38 phosphorylation and activity by arachidonic acid in HeLa cells, HL60 promyelocytic leukemic cells, and human neutrophils. Evidence for cell type-specific activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases

Although it is well appreciated that arachidonic acid, a second messenger molecule that is released by ligand-stimulated phospholipase A2, stimulates a wide range of cell types, the mechanisms that mediate the actions of arachidonic acid are still poorly understood. We now report that arachidonic acid stimulated the appearance of dual-phosphorylated (active) p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase as detected by Western blotting in HeLa cells, HL60 cells, human neutrophils, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells but not Jurkat cells. An increase in p38 kinase activity caused by arachidonic acid was also observed. Further studies with neutrophils show that the stimulation of p38 dual phosphorylation by arachidonic acid was transient, peaking at 5 min, and was concentration-dependent. The effect of arachidonic acid was not affected by either nordihydroguaiaretic acid, an inhibitor of the 5-, 12-, and 15-lipoxygenases or by indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. Arachidonic acid also stimulated the phosphorylation and/or activity of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and of c-jun N-terminal kinase in a cell-type-specific manner. An examination of the mechanisms through which arachidonic acid stimulated the phosphorylation/activity of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase in neutrophils revealed an involvement of protein kinase C. Thus, arachidonic acid stimulated the translocation of protein kinase C alpha, betaI, and betaII to a particulate fraction, and the effects of arachidonic acid on mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation/activity were partially inhibited by GF109203X, an inhibitor of protein kinase C. This study is the first to demonstrate that a polyunsaturated fatty acid causes the dual phosphorylation and activation of p38.

Enhancement of neutrophil-mediated killing of Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood forms by fatty acids: importance of fatty acid structure

Effects of fatty acids on human neutrophil-mediated killing of Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood forms were investigated by using a quantitative radiometric assay. The results showed that the antiparasitic activity of neutrophils can be greatly increased (>threefold) by short-term treatment with fatty acids with 20 to 24 carbon atoms and at least three double bonds. In particular, the n-3 polyenoic fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, and the n-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid, significantly enhanced neutrophil antiparasitic activity. This effect was >1.5-fold higher than that induced by an optical concentration of the known agonist cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). At suboptimal concentrations, the combination of arachidonic acid and TNF-alpha caused a synergistic increase in neutrophil-mediated parasite killing. The fatty acid-induced effect was independent of the availability of serum opsonins but dependent on the structure of the fatty acids. The length of the carbon chain, degree of unsaturation, and availability of a free carboxyl group were important determinants of fatty acid activity. The fatty acids which increased neutrophil-mediated killing primed the enhanced superoxide radical generation of neutrophils in response to P. falciparum as detected by chemiluminescence. Scavengers of oxygen radicals significantly reduced the fatty acid-enhanced parasite killing, but cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors had no effect. These findings have identified a new class of immunoenhancers that could be exploited to increase resistance against Plasmodium species.

Central role of intracellular calcium stores in acute flow- and agonist-evoked endothelial nitric oxide release

1. We have used a cascade bioassay system and isolated arterial ring preparations to investigate the contribution of Ca2+ release from endothelial intracellular stores to nitric oxide (NO) production evoked by increases in shear stress and by acetylcholine in rabbit aorta. 2. Experiments were performed before and following incubation with either the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 10 microM) and thapsigargin (TSG, 1 microM) or ryanodine (30, 100 microM) which binds to a specific endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-release channel. 3. In cascade bioassay all three agents induced relaxations of the recipient ring (CPA, 24.4 +/- 3.8%; TSG, 51.5 +/- 10.6%; ryanodine, 17.4 +/- 1.6%) which were significantly attenuated by preincubation of the donor with 100 microM NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). However, in isolated rings, only CPA and TSG induced L-NAME-sensitive relaxations (CPA 52.7 +/- 6.5%; TSG 61.3 +/- 7%). 4. Addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to the donor perfusate evoked relaxations of the recipient ring in cascade bioassay (13.3 +/- 1.4%, n = 22). Prior administration of SOD attenuated relaxations to TSG (23.2 +/- 3.8% n = 4) and ryanodine (1.7 +/- 0.8%, n = 4), and pre-incubation with TSG and ryanodine blunted SOD-induced responses (4 +/- 1.5%, n = 4 and 8.9 +/- 1.1%, n = 4, respectively). By contrast, no interaction was observed between the relaxations evoked by SOD and CPA. In isolated rings, SOD exerted no direct relaxant and did not modulate relaxations to CPA, TSG or ryanodine. 5. In cascade bioassay studies time-averaged shear stress was manipulated with dextran (1-4% w/v, 800000 MW) to increase perfusate viscosity. NO-dependent relaxation of the recipient ring induced by increased perfusate viscosity was significantly attenuated by CPA (P < 0.01; n = 6) and TSG (P < 0.05; n = 7), but not by ryanodine (n = 6). 6. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine (0.1-30 microM) in cascade bioassay and in isolated aortic ring preparations were markedly attenuated by pretreatment with CPA and TSG, but were unaffected by ryanodine. Ryanodine and CPA caused only a small attenuation of endothelium-independent relaxations to sodium nitroprusside (0.001-10 microM), whereas TSG had no effect. 7. We conclude that release of Ca2+ from CPA- and TSG-sensitive endothelial stores is necessary for NO release evoked by acute flow changes and agonists in rabbit abdominal aorta. Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release via the ryanodine-sensitive release channel plays no direct role in these responses. Free radical interactions may complicate the interpretation of findings in cascade bioassay compared with isolated ring preparations.

Activation of neutral sphingomyelinase in human neutrophils by polyunsaturated fatty acids

Although unesterified polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to elicit marked changes in neutrophil function, the associated signal transduction processes require clarification. In this study we examined the effect of PUFA on the sphingomyelin (SM)-signalling cycle in human neutrophils. Treatment of neutrophils with eicosatetraenoic acid [arachidonic acid, 20:4(n-6)] caused a decrease in the mass of cellular SM and an increase in the level of ceramide. 20:4(n-6)-stimulated neutral sphingomyelinase (SMase) activity of the leucocytes in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Other unsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic [22:6(n-3)], eicosapentaenoic [20:5(n-3)], octadecenoic [oleic, 18:1(n-9)] and octadecadienoic [linoleic, 18:2(n-6)] acids also had the capacity to activate neutral SMase; however, certain 20:4(n-6) derivatives ¿20:4(n-6) methyl ester [20:4(n-6)ME], 15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic (15-HPETE) and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (15-HETE) acids¿, very-long-chain PUFA ¿tetracosatetraenoic [24:4(n-6)] and octacosatetraenoic [28:4(n-6)] acids¿ and saturated fatty acids [octadecanoic (stearic, 18:0) and eicosanoic (arachidic, 20:0) acids] had no significant effect. Activation of neutral SMase by 20:4(n-6) appeared to involve metabolism via 20:4(n-6)CoA (arachidonoyl CoA) and was not dependent on prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. All of the fatty acids and derivatives tested failed to activate acidic SMase of neutrophils. Ceramide was found to inhibit 20:4(n-6)-induced superoxide generation by the cells. It is envisaged that the PUFA-induced ceramide production in neutrophils plays a role in the regulation of biological responses.