The interactive effects of fluoride and N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine on superoxide production and cAMP levels in human neutrophils

Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe induces calcium-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of Rel-1 in neutrophils

Chemoattractant priming and activation of PMNs results in changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, tyrosine kinase activity, and gene expression. We hypothesize that the initial signaling for the activation of a 105kDa protein (Rel-1) requires Ca2+-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation. A rapid and time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of Rel-1 occurred following formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) stimulation of human PMNs at concentrations that primed or activated the NADPH oxidase (10(-9) to 10(-6)M), becoming maximal after 30s. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (Ptx) or tyrosine kinase inhibitors abrogated this phosphorylation and inhibited fMLP activation of the oxidase. The fMLP concentrations employed also caused a rapid increase in cytosolic Ca2+ but chelation negated the effects, including the cytosolic Ca2+ flux, oxidase activation, and the tyrosine phosphorylation of Rel-1. Conversely, chelation of extracellular Ca2+ decreased the fMLP-mediated Ca2+ flux, had no affect on the oxidase, and augmented tyrosine phosphorylation of Rel-1. Phosphorylation of Rel-1 was inhibited when PMNs were preincubated with a p38 MAP kinase (MAPK) inhibitor (SB203580). In addition, fMLP elicited rapid activation of p38 MAPK which was abrogated by chelation of cytosolic Ca2+. Thus, fMLP concentrations that prime or activate the oxidase cause a rapid Ca2+-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of Rel-1 involving p38 MAPK activation.

Stimulus-dependent transduction mechanisms for nitric oxide release in human polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes

The production of nitric oxide (NO) may play an important role in functional responses of the human polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs). Others have described the presence of both an inducible, Ca2+-independent and a constitutionally expressed, Ca2+-dependent nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in human PMNs. However, the conditions for production and release of NO in human PMNs are still largely unknown. We assessed mechanisms for activation of NO release from human PMNs and particularly the dependence on extracellular and intracellular Ca2+. We addressed this question by applying a variety of agonists with known and differing mechanisms of activation in PMNs and measuring the released NO by two highly sensitive and specific real-time methods for detection of NO, the oxidation of oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin and an electrochemical method. We found that human PMNs activated with the surface receptor-dependent agonist, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP); the calcium ionophore, A23187; or the direct stimulator of protein kinase C, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), produced NO which was inhibited by a specific NOS inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. The NO production induced by fMLP or A23187 was dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+, but this was not the case for PMA. The stimulatory effect of fMLP was almost completely inhibited by Bordetella pertussis toxin. These results indicate an NOS activity in purified human PMNs in vitro, and the transduction mechanisms for the agonists used show strong similarity with previously known pathways for other neutrophil functions.

Differential effect of diltiazem and TA-3090 on calcium homeostasis of neutrophils

The effects of diltiazem and TA-3090, an 8-chloro analog of diltiazem, on cellular responses and calcium homeostasis of human neutrophils were investigated. TA-3090, at 10 to 20 microM, enhanced lysozyme release and superoxide generation induced in neutrophils by n-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP). Higher concentrations of TA-3090 inhibited responses at IC50s between 70 and 85 microM. Diltiazem by comparison inhibited responses at an IC50 of about 200 microM. The two drugs had little or no effect on early signaling events: inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation triggered by FMLP was not affected. Moreover, 500 microM TA-3090 or diltiazem did not significantly affect FMLP-triggered Ca2+ transients. (Cytoplasmic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) were monitored in fura-2-loaded neutrophils.) Diltiazem alone caused a limited influx of extracellular Ca2+ which increased basal [Ca2+]i by twofold. Internal Ca2+ stores were not released. TA-3090, in contrast, induced a biphasic rise in [Ca2+]i--an initial mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores was followed after 10-15 min by a persistent influx of extracellular Ca2+ which increased [Ca2+]i to 1.3 +/- 0.7 (SD) microM. Complementary studies with semipermeabilized neutrophils showed that TA-3090 but not diltiazem directly released Ca2+ from intracellular stores. In TA-3090-treated cells, lactate dehydrogenase release was correlated with delayed influx of extracellular Ca2+. The chelation of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA prevented LDH release. Present results show that TA-3090 and diltiazem initially blocked cell signaling at steps subsequent to phospholipase C activity. With TA-3090-treated cells, elevated [Ca2+]i ensuing from prolonged incubations likely activated inappropriate reactions leading to cell lysis and death.

Exocytotic enzyme release from rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes after treatment with fluoride and calcium

Treatment of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) with 20 mM sodium fluoride for 10 min, followed by removal of fluoride and addition of Ca2+ results in extensive exocytosis. This is apparent from a strong lysozyme release, together with a slight LDH release. During fluoride-activated Ca2+-dependent exocytosis an increase of indo fluorescence and a strong association of 45Ca with the cells occurs. Different inhibitors inhibit both 45Ca association and lysozyme release. Pretreatment of PMNs with pertussis toxin, or the presence of AI3+ in the medium has little effect on fluoride-activated Ca2+-dependent exocytosis. During pretreatment with fluoride, the ATP level strongly decreases. Exocytosis nevertheless occurs upon addition of Ca2+, indicating that a normal ATP level is not required for exocytosis. The glycogen content of the cell strongly decreases during exposure to Ca2+ after pretreatment with fluoride, but not during pretreatment with fluoride. Breakdown of glycogen and accumulation of 3-phosphoglycerate suggest that glycolysis is blocked at the enolase step, but proceeds as far as that step.

Stimulation of cAMP accumulation and superoxide production in human neutrophils and monocytes

The effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on superoxide generation and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in human neutrophils and monocytes was investigated. NaF (greater than 10 mM) stimulated superoxide (O2-) production in both cell types in a time dependent manner. NaF (0.5 to 20 mM) increased cAMP levels by 1.5- to 3.-fold in both neutrophils and monocytes. Increases in cAMP levels were time-dependent; the maximal level was attained within 5 minutes after the addition of NaF, and cAMP levels remained elevated for up to 10 minutes. Only high concentrations of NaF (10 and 20 mM) increased both cAMP levels and O2- production. Therefore, a direct role of cAMP in O2- generation is not likely. It is speculated that since NaF (greater than 10 mM) can complex with extracellular Ca++, and thus reduce free Ca++ concentration required for O2- generation, a NaF-dependent increase in cAMP may restore cytosolic free Ca++ by mobilizing intracellular stores of Ca++. Further, in view of the proposed involvement of a phosphorylation-dephosphorylation mechanism in the regulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, we speculate that NaF, by inhibiting phosphoprotein phosphatase activity, may indirectly activate the NADPH oxidase system and thus superoxide generation.

Dual regulation of neutrophil adenylate cyclase by fluoride and its relationship to cellular activation

1 Fluoride stimulated (1-10 mM) and inhibited (10-100 mM) adenylate cyclase of neutrophil membranes in a GTP-independent manner. The latter fluoride concentration range corresponded to that shown previously to induce cellular responses. 2 Dual regulation of cyclase activity was also exhibited by a nonhydrolysable GTP analogue, guanosine 5'[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S). Inhibition was observed at 0.1-10 nM GTP gamma S while stimulation occurred at greater than 10 nM GTP gamma S. 3 Relatively high levels (greater than microM) of formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine inhibited adenylate cyclase in the presence of GTP (10 microM). 4 Pertussis toxin pretreatment abolished adenylate cyclase inhibition mediated by GTP gamma S and formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine but did not influence fluoride-induced inhibition.

Inhibition of human neutrophil phagocytosis and intracellular killing of yeast cells by fluoride

These processes depend upon the catabolism of glucose, which can be inhibited by fluoride (F-). We studied them with a radiolabelling technique using [3H]-uridine, which is incorporated into viable yeast cells, but hardly at all into neutrophils and dead or phagocytosed yeast cells. Lysis of neutrophils and treatment of the lysate with [3H]-uridine allowed estimation of intracellular killing of yeast cells. F- inhibited neutrophil phagocytosis and intracellular killing in a dose-related manner. Intracellular killing was significantly more sensitive to environmental F- than was phagocytosis. This effect on phagocytosis was not because of inhibition of opsonization of yeast, nor was it related to an effect on medium Ca2+.

Use of fluoride ion as a probe for the guanine nucleotide-binding protein involved in the phosphoinositide-dependent neutrophil transduction pathway

Fluoride activation of neutrophils was found to be associated with phosphoinositide turnover, as monitored by the time-dependent accumulation of inositol phosphates. Unlike phosphoinositide turnover induced by the chemotactic peptide, formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine, that induced by fluoride was not inhibited by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. The translocation of protein kinase C activity from the cytosolic to the membrane compartment was also observed in fluoride-stimulated cells. We have proposed that the mode of action of this halide ion involves interaction with a GTP-binding protein which serves as an intermediary unit between the receptors for inflammatory stimuli and the phosphoinositide-specific phosphodiesterase.

Calcium mobilization in fluoride activated human neutrophils

Fluoride ion, at concentrations above 10 mM, was found to elicit a rise in intracellular calcium levels in neutrophils, as monitored by changes in Quin 2 fluorescence intensity. The calcium mobilization response was characterized by a lag period of 4 to 10 min. and a prolonged duration of action (greater than 20 min.). In contrast, the chemotactic peptide, formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, induced a rise in intracellular calcium concentrations which peaked within 1 min. Preincubation of the cells with 1 microgram/ml pertussis toxin resulted in inhibition of the formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine induced response, but not that mediated by fluoride. Recent evidence suggests that the formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine receptor is coupled to phospholipase C and phosphoinositide degradation through a guanine nucleotide binding protein susceptible to inhibition by pertussis toxin. Present results suggest that fluoride ion may serve to activate this protein in a manner resistant to inhibition by pertussis toxin.