Concurrent increases in the storage and release of mucin-like molecules by rat airway epithelial cells in response to bacterial endotoxin

MUC Expression in Gallbladder Epithelial Tissues in Cholesterol-Associated Gallbladder Disease

Background/Aims

Gallstone pathogenesis is linked to mucin hypersecretion and bacterial infection. Several mucin genes have been identified in gallbladder epithelial cells (GBECs). We investigated MUC expression in cholesterol-associated gallbladder disease and evaluated the relationship between mucin and bacterial infection.

Methods

The present study involved 20 patients with cholesterol stones with cholecystitis, five with cholesterol stones with cholesterolosis, six with cholesterol polyps, two with gallbladder cancer, and six controls. Canine GBECs treated with lipopolysaccharide were also studied. MUC3, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC6 antibodies were used for dot/slot immunoblotting and immunohistochemical studies of the gallbladder epithelial tissues, canine GBECs, and bile. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate MUC3 and MUC5B expression.

Results

MUC3, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC6 were expressed in the normal gallbladder epithelium, and of those, MUC3 and MUC5B exhibited the highest expression levels. Greatly increased levels of MUC3 and MUC5B expression were observed in the cholesterol stone group, and slightly increased levels were observed in the cholesterol polyp group; MUC3 and MUC5B mRNA was also upregulated in those groups. Canine GBECs treated with lipopolysaccharide also showed upregulation of MUC3 and MUC5B.

Conclusions

The mucin genes with the highest expression levels in gallbladder tissue in cholesterol-associated diseases were MUC3 and MUC5B. Cholesterol stones and gallbladder infections were associated with increased MUC3 and MUC5B expression.

Modulation of asthma by endotoxin

Asthma is a common inflammatory disease triggered by both allergic and non-allergic stimuli. The most common risk factor in the development of asthma is induction of IgE against indoor allergens and imbalance in the T-helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 with skewing towards Th2 response. Interplay of genetic and environmental factors is involved in induction and propagation of asthma. Endotoxin is a common environmental pollutant and elicits a Th1 response. The amount of endotoxin varies with several factors but of significant interest has been the role of pets. Endotoxin not only protects against the development of asthma but also enhances an already established inflammation. The difference of outcomes is likely not only due to the time and dose of exposure but also as we discuss the variable interaction of genes with environment. We focus on studies since 2001 that have explored the role of endotoxin in asthma and the gene-environment interactions of the endotoxin effect.

Histochemical and ultrastructural observations of respiratory epithelium and gland in yak (Bos grunniens)

Submucous glands and epithelial mucous cells of yak (Bos grunniens) respiratory tract have been studied by a variety of histochemical methods and transmission electron microscopy for differentiating and characterizing serous and mucous cells. By light microscopy, the distribution, numbers of mucous cells, volume of mucous glands (Reid index), and the ratio of mucous cell to serous cell in the bronchial tree were measured with different staining. Histochemically, a majority of mucous cells, presented in the surface epithelium of bronchi and glands, secreted neutral and acid mucosubstances, only a few sulfated mucosubstances were present. No mucus-producing cells were observed from the terminal to respiratory bronchiolar level. Ultrastructurally, serous cells in glands of the lamina propria had two distinct forms: one type filled with many round dense secretory granules, plentiful RER and few other organelles, similar to other animals; the other type contained some oval mitochondrial and distended RER, the granules resembled the former. The mucous cells in gland were similar to that of epithelium, which containing abundant secretory granules with an eccentric core. The mucous cells of the surface epithelium differ from other animals in the structure and histochemistry of their secretory granules. Analysis of the size and distribution of the secretory granules and other organelles of serous cells suggested that differences represent different phases of a secretory cycle, not various populations of cell or granules.

Respiratory infections: do we ever recover?

Although the outcome of respiratory infection alters with age, nutritional status, and immunologic competence, there is a growing body of evidence that we all develop a unique but subtle inflammatory profile. This uniqueness is determined by the sequence of infections or antigenic insults encountered that permanently mold our lungs through experience. This experience and learning process forms the basis of immunologic memory that is attributed to the acquired immune system. But what happens if the pathogen is not homologous to any preceding it? In the absence of cross-specific acquired immunity, one would expect a response similar to that of a subject who had never been infected with anything before. It is now clear that this is not the case. Prior inflammation in the respiratory tract alters immunity and pathology to subsequent infections even when they are antigenically distinct. Furthermore, the influence of the first infection is long lasting, not dependent on the presence of T and B cells, and effective against disparate pathogen combinations. We have used the term "innate imprinting" to explain this phenomenon, although innate education may be a closer description. This educational process, by sequential waves of infection, may be beneficial, as shown for successive viral infections, or significantly worse, as illustrated by the increased susceptibly to life-threatening bacterial pneumonia in patients infected with seasonal and pandemic influenza. We now examine what these long-term changes involve, the likely cell populations affected, and what this means to those studying inflammatory disorders in the lung.

Stachybotrys chartarum, trichothecene mycotoxins, and damp building-related illness: new insights into a public health enigma

Damp building-related illnesses (DBRI) include a myriad of respiratory, immunologic, and neurologic symptoms that are sometimes etiologically linked to aberrant indoor growth of the toxic black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum. Although supportive evidence for such linkages is limited, there are exciting new findings about this enigmatic organism relative to its environmental dissemination, novel bioactive components, unique cellular targets, and molecular mechanisms of action which provide insight into the S. chartarum's potential to evoke allergic sensitization, inflammation, and cytotoxicity in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins, produced by one chemotype of this fungus, are potent translational inhibitors and stress kinase activators that appear to be a critical underlying cause for a number of adverse effects. Notably, these toxins form covalent protein adducts in vitro and in vivo and, furthermore, cause neurotoxicity and inflammation in the nose and brain of the mouse. A second S. chartarum chemotype has recently been shown to produce atranones-mycotoxins that can induce pulmonary inflammation. Other biologically active products of this fungus that might contribute to pathophysiologic effects include proteinases, hemolysins, beta-glucan, and spirocyclic drimanes. Solving the enigma of whether Stachybotrys inhalation indeed contributes to DBRI will require studies of the pathophysiologic effects of low dose chronic exposure to well-characterized, standardized preparations of S. chartarum spores and mycelial fragments, and, coexposures with other environmental cofactors. Such studies must be linked to improved assessments of human exposure to this fungus and its bioactive constituents in indoor air using both state-of-the-art sampling/analytical methods and relevant biomarkers.

Neurotoxicity and Inflammation in the Nasal Airways of Mice Exposed to the Macrocyclic Trichothecene Mycotoxin Roridin A: Kinetics and Potentiation by Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide Coexposure

Macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins produced by indoor air molds potentially contribute to symptoms associated with damp building illnesses. The purpose of this investigation was to determine (1) the kinetics of nasal inflammation and neurotoxicity after a single intranasal instillation of roridin A (RA), a representative macrocyclic trichothecene; and (2) the capacity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to modulate RA's effects. C57Bl/6 female mice were intranasally instilled once with 50 mul of RA (500 mug/kg body weight [bw]) in saline or saline only and then nose and brain tissues were collected over 72 h and processed for histopathologic and messenger RNA (mRNA) analysis. RA-induced apoptosis specifically in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) after 24 h postinstillation (PI) causing marked atrophy of olfactory epithelium (OE) that was maximal at 72 h PI. Concurrently, there was marked bilateral atrophy of olfactory nerve layer of the olfactory bulbs (OBs) of the brain. In the ethmoid turbinates, upregulated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the proapoptotic gene FAS and the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, and macrophage inhibitory protein-2 was observed from 6 to 24 h PI, whereas expression of several other proapoptotic genes (PKR, p53, Bax, and caspase-activated DNAse) was detectable only at 24 h PI. Simultaneous exposure to LPS (500 ng/kg bw) and a lower dose of RA (250 mug/kg bw) magnified RA-induced proinflammatory gene expression, apoptosis, and inflammation in the nasal tract. Taken together, the results suggest that RA markedly induced FAS and proinflammatory cytokine expression prior to evoking OSN apoptosis and OE atrophy and that RA's effects were augmented by LPS.

The pharmacokinetics of orally administered fudosteine in healthy Chinese volunteers

The pharmacokinetics of fudosteine in healthy Chinese volunteers was investigated for the first time after single- and multiple-dose administration. Five male and five female volunteers were enrolled in this study. Each subject received 400 mg fudosteine capsules (the therapeutic dose) on day 1 after overnight fasting for the single-dose study and three times daily oral administration (400 mg) for 5 consecutive days until the sixth morning for the multiple-dose study. Serial blood samples were collected at specified time intervals up to 16 hours following the first and last doses of fudosteine. Plasma harvested from the blood was separated and analyzed for fudosteine levels by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI/MS) method employing percolumn derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl). Noncompartmental analysis was used for the calculation of the total area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to time infinity and the terminal half-life (t1/2) of fudosteine. The pharmacokinetic parameters for single- and multiple-dose administration were estimated as follows: Cmax amounted to 10.13+/-4.39 microg/mL and 11.75+/-6.51 microg/mL, tmax to 0.69+/-0.36 h and 0.53+/-0.12 h and t1/2 to 2.33+/-0.63 h and 2.40+/-0.37 h, respectively. No significant differences were found between single- and multiple-dose oral administration, although gender differences were observed.

Satratoxin G from the black mold Stachybotrys chartarum evokes olfactory sensory neuron loss and inflammation in the murine nose and brain

Satratoxin G (SG) is a macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Stachybotrys chartarum, the "black mold" suggested to contribute etiologically to illnesses associated with water-damaged buildings. Using an intranasal instillation model in mice, we found that acute SG exposure specifically induced apoptosis of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in the olfactory epithelium. Dose-response analysis revealed that the no-effect and lowest-effect levels at 24 hr postinstillation (PI) were 5 and 25 microg/kg body weight (bw) SG, respectively, with severity increasing with dose. Apoptosis of OSNs was identified using immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 expression, electron microscopy for ultrastructural cellular morphology, and real-time polymerase chain reaction for elevated expression of the proapoptotic genes Fas, FasL, p75NGFR, p53, Bax, caspase-3, and CAD. Time-course studies with a single instillation of SG (500 microg/kg bw) indicated that maximum atrophy of the olfactory epithelium occurred at 3 days PI. Exposure to lower doses (100 microg/kg bw) for 5 consecutive days resulted in similar atrophy and apoptosis, suggesting that in the short term, these effects are cumulative. SG also induced an acute, neutrophilic rhinitis as early as 24 hr PI. Elevated mRNA expression for the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6) , and IL-1 and the chemokine macrophage-inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) were detected at 24 hr PI in both the ethmoid turbinates of the nasal airways and the adjacent olfactory bulb of the brain. Marked atrophy of the olfactory nerve and glomerular layers of the olfactory bulb was also detectable by 7 days PI along with mild neutrophilic encephalitis. These findings suggest that neurotoxicity and inflammation within the nose and brain are potential adverse health effects of exposure to satratoxins and Stachybotrys in the indoor air of water-damaged buildings.

Inhibition of pan neurotrophin receptor p75 attenuates diesel particulate-induced enhancement of allergic airway responses in C57/B16J mice

Recent investigations have linked neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), to allergic airways diseases. Antibody blockade of NGF attenuates airway resistance in allergic mice. Diesel exhaust particle (DEP) exposure has been linked to asthma exacerbation in many cities with vehicular traffic congestion. We tested the hypothesis that DEP-induced enhancement of the hallmark features of allergic airway disease in a murine model is dependent on the function of the pan neurotrophin receptor p75. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized C57B1/6J mice were intranasally instilled with an antibody against the p75 receptor or saline alone 1 h before OVA challenge. The mice were then exposed nose-only to the PM2.5 fraction of SRM2975 DEP or air alone for 5 h beginning 1 h after OVA challenge. Two days later, air-exposed OVA-allergic mice developed a small but insignificant increase in methacholine-induced airflow obstruction relative to air-exposed, vehicle-sensitized mice. DEP-exposed OVA-allergic mice had a significantly greater degree of airway obstruction than all other groups. Instillation of anti-p75 significantly attenuated the DEP-induced increase in airway obstruction in OVA-allergic mice to levels similar to non-sensitized mice. The DEP-induced exacerbation of allergic airway responses may, in part, be mediated by neurotrophins.

Topical application versus intranasal instillation: a qualitative comparison of the effect of the route of sensitization on trimellitic anhydride-induced allergic rhinitis in A/J mice

Allergic airway diseases caused by low-molecular weight chemicals including trimellitic anhydride (TMA) have been linked to Th2 cytokines and are characterized by mucus hypersecretion and infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils into the airways. The most common route of human exposure to chemical respiratory allergens is inhalation. Most murine models, however, use topical exposure to sensitize mice. The present study tests the hypothesis that topical sensitization on the ears of mice with TMA will induce a qualitatively similar immunologic and pathologic response in the nasal airways after intranasal challenge to that induced after intranasal sensitization and challenge. A/J mice were sensitized topically or by intranasal instillation followed by intranasal challenge with TMA in an ethyl acetate/olive oil vehicle. Intranasal challenge with TMA in mice that were either topically or intranasally sensitized with TMA caused a marked allergic rhinitis, of similar severity, characterized by an influx of eosinophils and lymphocytes. Both the topical and intranasal routes of sensitization also caused significant increases in total serum IgE after intranasal challenge with TMA. In addition, both the topical and intranasal routes of sensitization caused significant increases in the mRNA expression of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Collectively, these findings suggest that topical application is effective in sensitizing mice to TMA and induces a nasal airway lesion and associated immune response after intranasal challenge, which is qualitatively similar to that induced by intranasal sensitization and challenge. Skin exposure may be a potential route of sensitization of the respiratory tract to chemical allergens.

Regulation of mucin expression: mechanistic aspects and implications for cancer and inflammatory diseases

Mucins are large multifunctional glycoproteins whose primary functions are to protect and lubricate the surfaces of epithelial tissues lining ducts and lumens within the human body. Several lines of evidence also support the involvement of mucins in more complex biological processes such as epithelial cell renewal and differentiation, cell signaling, and cell adhesion. Recent studies have uncovered the role of select mucins in the pathogenesis of cancer, underscoring the importance of a detailed knowledge about mucin biology. Under normal physiological conditions, the production of mucins is optimally maintained by a host of elaborate and coordinated regulatory mechanisms, thereby affording a well-defined pattern of tissue-, time-, and developmental state-specific distribution. However, mucin homeostasis may be disrupted by the action of environmental and/or intrinsic factors that affect cellular integrity. This results in an altered cell behavior that often culminates into a variety of pathological conditions. Deregulated mucin production has indeed been associated with numerous types of cancers and inflammatory disorders. It is, therefore, crucial to comprehend the underlying basis of molecular mechanisms controlling mucin production in order to design and implement adequate therapeutic strategies for combating these diseases. Herein, we discuss some physiologically relevant regulatory aspects of mucin production, with a particular emphasis on aberrations that pertain to pathological situations. Our views of the achievements, the conceptual and technical limitations, as well as the future challenges associated with studies of mucin regulation are exposed.

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic mucus hypersecretion

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are an important cause of the considerable morbidity and mortality found in COPD. COPD exacerbations increase with increasing severity of COPD, and some patients are prone to frequent exacerbations leading to hospital admission and readmission. These frequent exacerbations may have considerable impact on quality of life and activities of daily living. Factors that increase the risk for COPD exacerbations are associated with increased airway inflammation caused by common pollutants and bacterial and/or viral infections. These inflammatory responses cause mucus hypersecretion and, thereby, airway obstruction and associated exacerbations. While chronic mucus hypersecretion is a significant risk factor for frequent and severe exacerbations, patients with chronic mucus hypersecretion have a lower rate of relapse after initial treatment for acute exacerbation. The benefit of antibiotics for treatment of COPD exacerbations is small but significant. While the mechanisms of actions are not clear, mucolytic agents reduce the number of days of disability in subjects with exacerbations. Reducing mucous cell numbers in small airways could be a useful way to reduce chronic mucus hypersecretion. Our studies suggest that programmed cell death is crucial in the resolution of metaplastic mucous cells, and understanding these mechanisms may provide novel therapies to reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations.

Epithelial and inflammatory responses in the airways of laboratory rats coexposed to ozone and biogenic substances: enhancement of toxicant-induced airway injury

People are often concurrently exposed to more than one air pollutant whether they are in outdoor or indoor environments. Therefore, inhalation studies that are designed to examine the toxicity of coexposures to two or more airborne toxicants may be more relevant for assessing human health risks than those studies that investigate the toxic effects of only one airborne toxicant at a time. Furthermore, airborne biogenic substances such as pollens, bacteria, fungi, and microbial toxins often coexist with common air pollutants in the ambient air, and when inhaled may also cause specific adverse effects on the respiratory tract. One such biogenic substance, bacterial endotoxin, is a potent stimulus of airway inflammation and is commonly found in domestic, agricultural, and industrial settings. Little is known about the interaction of exposures to biogenic substances and common air pollutants, such as ozone or airborne particulate matter. In the last few years, we have performed a series of in vivo studies using laboratory rodents that examined how airway surface epithelial cells are altered by coexposure to ozone and a biogenic substance, either bacterial endotoxin or a commonly used experimental aeroallergen (ovalbumin). Results from these studies indicate that the ozone-induced epithelial and inflammatory responses in laboratory rodents may be markedly enhanced by coexposure to an inhaled biogenic substance. Conversely, the adverse airway alterations caused by exposure to biogenic substances may be enhanced by coexposure to ozone. The results from these initial studies have also suggested some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic epithelial alterations induced by these coexposures. Many more studies are needed to fully elucidate the potential risk to human health from coexposure to air pollutants and airborne biogenic substances.

Disruption of Nrf2 enhances susceptibility to severe airway inflammation and asthma in mice

Oxidative stress has been postulated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma; although a defect in antioxidant responses has been speculated to exacerbate asthma severity, this has been difficult to demonstrate with certainty. Nuclear erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a redox-sensitive basic leucine zipper transcription factor that is involved in the transcriptional regulation of many antioxidant genes. We show that disruption of the Nrf2 gene leads to severe allergen-driven airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in mice. Enhanced asthmatic response as a result of ovalbumin sensitization and challenge in Nrf2-disrupted mice was associated with more pronounced mucus cell hyperplasia and infiltration of eosinophils into the lungs than seen in wild-type littermates. Nrf2 disruption resulted in an increased expression of the T helper type 2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in splenocytes after allergen challenge. The enhanced severity of the asthmatic response from disruption of the Nrf2 pathway was a result of a lowered antioxidant status of the lungs caused by lower basal expression, as well as marked attenuation, of the transcriptional induction of multiple antioxidant genes. Our studies suggest that the responsiveness of Nrf2-directed antioxidant pathways may act as a major determinant of susceptibility to allergen-mediated asthma.

Penicillin reduces eustachian tube gland tissue changes in acute otitis media

OBJECTIVE

The volume of the mucous paratubal glands and the number of the mucus-producing goblet cells in the middle ear and Eustachian tube (ET) are increased after experimental acute otitis media (AOM). The present investigation examines a potential effect of penicillin on the changes in goblet cell density and gland structures of the ET during and after AOM.

STUDY DESIGN

Middle ear inoculation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in 50 rats. Two days later, 25 rats were given penicillin V as one daily dose for 5 days. Twenty-five rats received no treatment. Five animals from each group were sacrificed on days 4, 8, 16, 90, and 180. The ET was dissected and decalcified, followed by paraffin embedding, serial transverse sectioning, and PAS/alcian blue staining. The goblet cell density and the paratubal gland composition and volume were determined in every 20th section, using a light microscope.

RESULTS

Penicillin reduced the increase of goblet cell density from day 8 and through 6 months, whereas the increase of the paratubal mucous gland volume was unaffected by treatment.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that penicillin reduces the increase of ET goblet cell density during and after acute otitis media, whereas the paratubal gland volume remains unaffected. An increased mucosal secretory capacity and indicated excessive secretion of mucus may contribute to the deteriorated ET function found after AOM and thus predispose, sustain, or aggravate middle ear disease. This may be prevented by penicillin treatment.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the determination of mucin levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

INTRODUCTION

A method to measure the mucin concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was developed to aid efforts to identify pharmacologically the mechanisms that modulate pathophysiological mucin secretion. Mucins are the major macromolecular components of mucus. In the airways, mucus is the first line of defense against inhaled microorganisms (infection) and particulates (irritation).

METHODS

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed, comparing two monoclonal anti-mucin antibodies (A10G5 and 45M1) raised to human mucin, to quantify the mucin in BAL fluid from animal models of pulmonary inflammation. To validate the ELISA method, rats were exposed to ovalbumin (OVA, in sensitized rats), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), vanadium pentoxide (V(2)O(5)), or saline. One hundred microliters of BAL fluid was analyzed for mucin concentration. Pooled BAL fluid from untreated rats was used as an internal "plate standard", as a standard mucin that cross-reacts with A10G5 was unavailable.

RESULTS

We found both antibodies reacted with rat, human, and guinea-pig mucin; where the 45M1 antibody also reacted with the mucin in porcine BAL, while A10G5 did not. We determined the mucin concentration in each BAL fluid sample relative to the standard, defined as a mucin concentration of 100 plate units. BAL fluid from LPS (218+/-25 plate units, n=5), OVA (386+/-31, n=3), V(2)O(5) (1208+/-450, n=6) challenged rats displayed significantly elevated mucin concentration over their saline controls (126+/-22, n=12). Subsequently, the 45M1 antibody displayed immunoreactivity with a commercially available crude preparation of porcine stomach mucin, allowing us to calculate the concentration of mucin directly compared to the known concentration of the porcine stomach mucin standard. Both the 45M1 and A10G5 based ELISA assays detected higher mucin content in the saline challenged rat than the saline challenged guinea pig BAL.

DISCUSSION

The recent availability of the 45M1 antibody and the use of the crude purification of porcine stomach mucin as a reference standard should allow for direct comparison of mucin concentration in BAL (and other fluids).

Inhibition of endotoxin- and antigen-induced airway inflammation by fudosteine, a mucoactive agent

We evaluated the effect of a mucoactive agent (-)-(R)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxypropylthio) propionic acid (fudosteine), on airway inflammation using endotoxin- and antigen-induced models. Time courses of growth related oncogene/cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (GRO/CINC-1) production, neutrophil migration and goblet cell hyperplasia were examined in endotoxin-induced rat airway inflammation. GRO/CINC-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased in response to intratracheal instillation of endotoxin and peaked within 4 h. Neutrophils in BALF and goblet cells on trachea peaked 24 and 96 h after endotoxin instillation, respectively. Fudosteine significantly inhibited increases in GRO/CINC-1 at 10-100 mg/kg, and neutrophils and goblet cells at 30 and 100 mg/kg. These results suggest that inflammatory events including neutrophil chemoattractant production and neutrophil migration play important roles for goblet cell hyperplasia in endotoxin-induced airway inflammation, and fudosteine inhibits goblet cell hyperplasia by inhibiting GRO/CINC-1 production and/or neutrophil migration. Furthermore, fudosteine (100 mg/kg) inhibited ovalbumin-induced eosinophil infiltration into BALF, suggesting it attenuates asthmatic inflammation.

Reduced airway inflammation and remodeling in parallel with mucin 5AC protein expression decreased by s-carboxymethylcysteine, a mucoregulant, in the airways of rats exposed to sulfur dioxide

BACKGROUND

Human obstructive airway diseases are histopathologically characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, and mucus hypersecretion in airways. We prepared a rat model of airway injury by exposure of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and then evaluated the effects of S-carboxymethylcysteine (S-CMC), a mucoregulant.

METHODS

Rats were exposed to SO2 gas for 44 days and orally given S-CMC at 250 mg/kg, twice daily, from 21 to 44 days of exposure for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation.

RESULTS

SO2 exposure induced inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus cell increase in rat airways. S-CMC treatment significantly decreased this inflammatory cell infiltration in proximal and peripheral airways. Morphometrically, SO2 exposure significantly increased the number of Alcian blue (pH 2.5)- and periodic acid-Schiff (AB/PAS)-positive cells in rat airways (11.8 x 10(-2) cell/nuclear profiles per micrometer basement membrane) compared to normal rat airways (1.6 x 10(-2) cell/nuclear profiles per micrometer basement membrane). S-CMC treatment significantly decreased the number of AB/PAS-positive cells (4.4 x 10(-2) cell/nuclear profiles per micrometer basement membrane, p < 0.01 vs. SO2-exposed rats). Immunohistochemically, SO2 exposure increased the expression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) protein in the airway epithelium of rats, but S-CMC treatment inhibited the increase.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased mucus cells and MUC5AC protein expression seem associated with SO2-induced airway inflammation in rats. The fact that S-CMC suppresses airway inflammation and the increase in mucus cells and MUC5AC protein expression suggests that this mucoregulant may be advantageous in the treatment of inflammatory airway diseases with goblet cell hyperplasia.

Effect of nitric oxide on mucin production in experimental otitis media

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of mucoid otitis media (OM) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced OM.

METHODS

OM was induced in chinchillas by injecting S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), LPS, and LPS + SNAP into the superior bullae. Auditory brainstem response thresholds were measured every 24 hours. Samples of middle ear fluid were collected and analyzed for mucin by the periodic acid-Schiff method. At the end of each experiment, temporal bones were harvested for histopathologic study.

RESULTS

Mucin concentration was greatest in the LPS + the SNAP group and least in the SNAP-alone group. Auditory brainstem response threshold was highest in the LPS group and lowest in the SNAP group, although not significantly. Histopathology showed the greatest mucosal thickening and inflammation in the LPS + SNAP group.

CONCLUSION

The addition of NO in LPS-induced OM increased the mucin concentration in middle ear fluid and increased mucosal thickness and inflammation in middle ear mucosa.

SIGNIFICANCE

In the OM disease process, NO may contribute to the pathogenesis of mucoid OM.

DNA synthesis and Bcl-2 expression during development of mucous cell metaplasia in airway epithelium of rats exposed to LPS

Exposure of pulmonary airways to environmental toxins and allergens may cause proliferation of airway epithelial cells and mucous cell metaplasia (MCM); however, it is unclear to what extent proliferating cells differentiate into mucus-storing cells and contribute to MCM. Our previous studies demonstrated that Bcl-2, an inhibitor of apoptosis with cell cycle regulatory functions, is expressed in metaplastic mucous cells. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the number of metaplastic mucous cells that are derived from proliferating epithelial cells and whether Bcl-2 has a role in cell cycle entry in these cells. Rats were intratracheally instilled with 100 microg of LPS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 500 microl of saline, and proliferating airway cells were labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) by implanting a subcutaneous osmotic pump 24 h before instillation. The volume of stored mucosubstance and the number of mucous cells were increased 10- and 3-fold, respectively, from 24-48 h after instillation. The number of total epithelial cells per millimeter of basal lamina increased, and the number of serous cells per millimeter of basal lamina decreased during this time. Approximately 50% of Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff-stained mucous cells were labeled with BrdU at 48 h after instillation, suggesting that one-half of the secretory cells were derived from proliferating cells. Furthermore, 50% of the Bcl-2-positive mucous cells were BrdU negative and therefore derived from nonproliferating, preexisting cells. Our findings demonstrate that preexisting and proliferating cells differentiate into mucous cells and compose LPS-induced metaplasia and that Bcl-2 does not have cell cycle regulatory function in these cells.

Ozone exposure enhances endotoxin-induced mucous cell metaplasia in rat pulmonary airways

Coexposure to different airborne pollutants can be more toxic to airway epithelium than an inhalation exposure to a single pollutant. We have previously reported that coexposure to ozone, the primary oxidant gas in photochemical smog, and unique inflammatory biogenic substances such as allergens or bacterial endotoxin, results in augmented epithelial and inflammatory responses in rat nasal airways (M. V. Fanucchi et al., 1998, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 152, 1-9; J. G. Wagner et al., 2002a, Toxicol. Sci.67, 284-294). In the present study, we investigated the toxic interaction of ozone and endotoxin on the respiratory epithelium in the pulmonary airways of laboratory rodents. F344 rats were intranasally instilled with 0, 2, or 20 microg endotoxin dissolved in sterile saline (150 microl/nasal passage). Six h after instillation rats were exposed to air or 1 ppm ozone for 8 h. One day later, endotoxin and ozone exposures were repeated. Three days after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed, the lungs were lavaged with saline, and the collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for inflammatory cells and secreted mucosubstances (mucin 5AC). Lung tissues were processed for light microscopic examination and morphometric analysis of numeric density of epithelial cell populations and volume densities of intraepithelial mucosubstances (IM). Conducting airways were microdissected and analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR to determine steady-state mucin gene (rMuc5AC) mRNA levels in respiratory epithelium. Endotoxin instillation caused a dose-dependent increase in BALF neutrophils that was further increased twofold in ozone-exposed rats given 20 microg endotoxin. Mucin glycoprotein 5AC was elevated in BALF from rats exposed to 20 microg, but not 2 microg endotoxin. Exposure to ozone alone did not cause mucus hypersecretion, but ozone potentiated mucus secretion in rats given 2 or 20 microg endotoxin. Airways of rats exposed to air or ozone alone had scant amounts of IM. Endotoxin instillation induced a dose-dependent increase in IM in airway epithelium that was significantly increased (twofold) in rats that were also exposed to ozone. Expression of rMuc5AC was induced in axial pulmonary airways by 2 and 20 microg endotoxin, and was increased further by ozone-exposure in rats instilled with 20 microg endotoxin. These data demonstrate that ozone exposure potentiates neutrophilic inflammation and mucus production and secretion elicited by a biogenic substance in rat pulmonary airways.

LPS-induced neutrophilic inflammation and Bcl-2 expression in metaplastic mucous cells

Our previous studies show that Bcl-2, a regulator of apoptosis, may be involved in the reduction of mucous cell metaplasia (MCM) during recovery from inflammatory responses. The present study was to determine whether neutrophilic inflammation mediates Bcl-2 expression in mucous cells. Rats were intratracheally instilled with 50-1000 microg of LPS. The number of neutrophils recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) increased with the dose of LPS, and the percentage of Bcl-2-expressing cells increased with the numbers of neutrophils in the BAL. Depletion of neutrophils did not reduce MCM, but the percentage of Bcl-2-positive cells increased 1.8-fold in neutrophil-depleted compared with controls. Injection of rats with bezafibrate, an inducer of cytochrome P-450, doubled the number of neutrophils in the BAL, decreased MCM twofold compared with vehicle-injected controls, and reduced Bcl-2 expression. Bcl-2 mRNA levels decreased in a tracheal epithelial cell line treated with bezafibrate. These data demonstrate that Bcl-2 expression is independent of the number of neutrophils in the BAL and that bezafibrate may directly reduce Bcl-2 expression in epithelial cells.

Immune responses in the lung and local lymph node of A/J mice to intranasal sensitization and challenge with adjuvant-free ovalbumin

Pathologic features of IgE-mediated allergic airway diseases include airway infiltration of inflammatory cells (eg, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils) and mucous cell metaplasia (MCM) in airway epithelium. CD4(+) T lymphocytes, specifically those producing a type 2 (Th2) cytokine profile, are necessary for the induction of IgE-mediated allergic airway responses. Most experimental models of IgE-mediated allergic airway disease use systemic (eg, intraperitoneal) administration of an allergen coupled with an adjuvant to sensitize animals. Cytokine changes are measured in a number of ways including in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) or lymph node cells stimulated ex vivo. The primary objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that intranasal sensitization and challenge of mice with ovalbumin in the absence of an adjuvant will induce the pathologic features that are characteristic of IgE-mediated allergic airway disease. Another objective was to determine if intranasal delivery of this allergen will result in the induction of a profile of cytokine gene expression in the lung and tracheobronchial (TB) lymph node, that is typical of immunologic changes associated with IgE-mediated allergic airway disease. Only mice that were intranasally sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin exhibited pulmonary lesions that included marked MCM in the respiratory epithelium lining the nasal and pulmonary airways, and an associated mixed inflammatory cell influx consisting of lymphocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils. Ovalbumin-treated mice also exhibited enhanced expression of the Th2 cytokine mRNAs IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 in the lung and IL-4 in the TB lymph node, and concurrent increases in ovalbumin-specific IgE in the serum. The results of this study indicate that A/J mice intranasally instilled with ovalbumin without adjuvant have the hallmark histopathologic and immunologic features of IgE-mediated allergic airway disease of humans.

Eustachian tube goblet cell density during and after acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae: a morphometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Prior investigations have shown that the number of mucus-producing goblet cells in the middle ear mucosa is highly increased during and up to at least 6 months after experimental acute otitis media. This may, in conjunction with deteriorated eustachian tube function, predispose to subsequent development of secretory otitis media. One reason for the deteriorated tubal function after acute otitis media has been suggested to be an excessive accumulation of mucus secretions, blocking the tube and thereby clearance of the middle ear. This investigation determines the density of the mucus-producing goblet cells in the eustachian tube during and up to 6 months after experimental acute otitis media.

METHODS

Middle ear inoculation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in 25 rats. Groups of five animals, killed on Days 4, 8, 16, 90, and 180. Dissection and decalcification of the eustachian tube, followed by paraffin embedding and serial transverse sectioning, periodic acid-Schiff/Alcian blue staining and morphometric determination of the goblet cell density in every 20th section, using a light microscope.

RESULTS

The goblet cell density was increased on Day 8 and later in the tympanic orificium, in addition to the tympanic and midportion third of the tube. Increased goblet cell density was seen in the pharyngeal third on Days 8 and 16, whereas no changes were registered in the pharyngeal orificium. Pathologic intraepithelial glands formed after the infection and goblet cells were found in mucosal areas normally devoid of these.

CONCLUSIONS

The eustachian tube goblet cell density is increased during and up to 6 months after acute otitis media. Indicated excessive secretion of mucus by more goblet cells may contribute to the deteriorated eustachian tube function found after acute otitis media and thus predispose, sustain, or aggravate middle ear disease.

Attenuation of the ovalbumin-induced allergic airway response by cannabinoid treatment in A/J mice

T cells are sensitive to modulation by cannabinoids as evidenced by their ability to inhibit expression of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4. Because T cells play a key role in the pathophysiology of allergic asthma by expressing T helper cell (Th)2 cytokines, the objective of the present studies was to examine the effect of cannabinoids on immunologic and pathologic features associated with the allergic airway response induced by ovalbumin (Ova). A/J mice were systemically sensitized with Ova and subsequently challenged with aerosolized Ova. The steady-state mRNA expression of IL-2 and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) was markedly increased in the lungs of Ova-sensitized mice 24 h after a single Ova challenge. Concordantly, the level of total and Ova-specific serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E and intraepithelial mucosubstances in the axial intrapulmonary airway of Ova-sensitized mice was robustly elevated 96 h after the second Ova challenge. Cannabinol (CBN) or Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC; 50 mg/kg, ip), administered daily for 3 consecutive days before sensitization and then before challenge, significantly attenuated the elevation of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 steady-state mRNA expression elicited by Ova challenge in the lungs. In addition, the elevation of serum IgE and the mucus overproduction induced by Ova challenge was also markedly attenuated by CBN or Delta(9)-THC administration in Ova-sensitized mice. These results suggest that plant-derived immunomodulatory cannabinoids exhibit potential therapeutic utility in the treatment of allergic airway disease by inhibiting the expression of critical T cell cytokines and the associated inflammatory response.

Safety evaluation of an alpha-amylase enzyme preparation derived from the archaeal order Thermococcales as expressed in Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar I

BD5088 alpha-amylase derived from archaeal sources has characteristics of pH and temperature tolerance that are well suited to hydrolysis of starch in food processing applications. The production microorganism recipient strain, Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar I, strain MB101, was avirulent after oral administration to mice and does not represent an infectious threat to humans. Repeated dose gavage studies with BD5088 enzyme preparation, up to 13 weeks in duration, showed no systemic toxicity due to the oral route with an NOAEL of 890 mg/kg/day as Total Organic Solids. Some irritation occurred in the respiratory tract, which was considered to be a consequence of reflux and aspiration of test material that contained lipopolysaccharide from the Pseudomonas production strain. A 2-week dietary study (0 and 310 mg/kg/day) confirmed that there were no respiratory tract effects related to oral ingestion. There was no genotoxic activity based on Ames, mouse lymphoma, mouse micronucleus, and rat lymphocyte chromosomal aberration tests. There was no evidence of allergenic potential based on a comparison of the primary sequence of BD5088 with sequences in an allergen database. The enzyme was labile to pepsin digestion. Based on these data, BD5088 alpha-amylase preparation may be considered safe for use in food production such as corn wet milling.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators (CFTR) in biliary epithelium of patients with hepatolithiasis

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has been considered to be involved in the regulatory pathway of biliary mucin secretion. We investigated expression of CFTR protein and mRNA in 24 livers with hepatolithiasis, in 6 with cholangiocarcinoma, and in 12 histologically normal livers. According to the histologic features of chronic proliferative cholangitis, hepatolithiasis was subdivided into inflammatory cell infiltration predominant (N = 14) and fibrosis predominant (N = 10). The mean signal density of CFTR in overall hepatolithiasis and in histologically normal livers was 1.23 +/- 0.15 and 1.01 +/- 0.13, respectively (P > 0.05). The CFTR protein (1.60 +/- 0.18) and mRNA (1.09 +/- 0.15) in inflammatory cell infiltration predominant patients were significantly higher (CFTR protein, 1.01 +/- 0.13; mRNA, 0.75 +/- 0.11) than in control subjects (P < 0.05), whereas those in fibrosis-predominant patients (CFTR protein, 0.72 +/- 0.15; mRNA, 0.55 +/- 0.13) were less than in control subjects (P < 0.05). CFTR protein (1.27 +/- 0.17) in patients with cholangiocarcinoma was not different from that of control subjects (1.01 +/- 0.13). CFTR expression in hepatolithiasis patients was rather heterogeneous but was closely related to the histology of bile ducts.

Endotoxin-stimulated innate immunity: A contributing factor for asthma

Exposure to airborne endotoxin in infancy may protect against asthma by promoting enhanced T(H)1 response and tolerance to allergens. On the other hand, later in life, it adversely affects patients with asthma. Endotoxin binding to receptors on macrophages and other cells generates IL-12, which inhibits IgE responses. It also generates cytokines like IL-1, TNF-alpha, and IL-8, which cause inflammation. These signal transduction pathways resemble those leading to the generation of cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5, which are responsible for the inflammation of IgE-mediated allergic disease. The main difference seems to be that endotoxin recruits neutrophils, but IgE recruits eosinophils, and the details of the tissue injury from these granulocytes differ. Sources of airborne endotoxin include many agricultural dusts, aerosols from contaminated water in many industrial plants, contaminated heating and air-conditioning systems, mist-generating humidifiers, and damp or water-damaged homes. Acute inhalation of high concentrations of endotoxin can cause fever, cough, and dyspnea. Chronic inhalation of lesser amounts causes chronic bronchitis and emphysema and is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness. Airborne endotoxin adversely affects patients with asthma in 3 ways: (1) by increasing the severity of the airway inflammation; (2) by increasing the susceptibility to rhinovirus-induced colds; and (3) by causing chronic bronchitis and emphysema with development of irreversible airway obstruction after chronic exposure of adults. The most effective management is mitigating exposure. The potential of drug treatments requires further clinical investigation.

Role of epidermal growth factor receptor activation in regulating mucin synthesis

Healthy individuals have few goblet cells in their airways, but in patients with hypersecretory diseases goblet-cell upregulation results in mucus hypersecretion, airway plugging, and death. Multiple stimuli produce hypersecretion via epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and activation, causing goblet-cell metaplasia from Clara cells by a process of cell differentiation. These cells are also believed to be the cells of origin of non-small-cell lung cancer, but this occurs via cell multiplication. The mechanisms that determine which pathway is chosen are critical but largely unknown. Although no effective therapy exists for hypersecretion at present, the EGFR cascade suggests methods for effective therapeutic intervention.

Distribution of tracheal and laryngeal mucous glands in some rodents and the rabbit

We used scanning electron microscopy to count the number of mucous gland openings in the tracheae and lower portion of the larynges of the rat, guinea pig, hamster, mouse and rabbit. Cells of the airway surface epithelium were removed by protease digestion better to visualise the gland openings. The distribution of glands was further studied by conventional histology and by PAS/Alcian blue staining of whole mounts. In all rodent species, gland openings in the larynx occurred with a frequency of 1-2 per mm2. Mice had no gland openings in their tracheae, and hamsters, only a handful. Rat tracheae contained 126+/-42 gland openings (+/-S.D.; n = 6) at a frequency of approximately 0.6 per mm2 at the top of the trachea and approximately 0.15 per mm2 at the bottom. Guinea pig tracheae contained 153+/-90 gland openings (+/-S.D.; n = 5), with 54% being in the top 40% of the trachea. In both rat and guinea pig, tracheal glands were found in the ventral aspect between the cartilaginous rings, and were absent from the dorsal membranous portion. Gland openings in most species were simple circles of approximately 50 microm diameter. However, glands in the rat trachea generally opened obliquely into shallow (approximately 20 microm deep) oval troughs (approximately 150 x 75 microm), which had their long axes oriented from head to tail. In the rabbit, there was no evidence of tracheal or laryngeal glands histologically. However, the tracheal and laryngeal surfaces contained numerous pits (approximately 30 microm diameter) distributed evenly over and between cartilages at a frequency of approximately 4 per mm2. These may correspond to the 'nests' of goblet cells described by others.

Bcl-2 in LPS- and allergen-induced hyperplastic mucous cells in airway epithelia of Brown Norway rats

Environmental toxins, infection, and allergens lead to a transient mucous cell hyperplasia (MCH) in airway epithelia; however, the mechanisms for reducing mucous cell numbers during recovery are largely unknown. This study investigated Bcl-2 expression in mucous cells induced by a neutrophilic or eosinophilic inflammatory response. Brown Norway rats intratracheally instilled with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) showed an inflammatory response characterized primarily by neutrophils. Secreted mucin was increased fourfold at 1 day, and the number of mucous cells was increased fivefold 2, 3, and 4 days post-LPS instillation compared with those in noninstilled rats. None of the mucous cells in non- or saline-instilled control animals expressed Bcl-2, whereas 20-30% of mucous cells were Bcl-2 positive 1 and 2 days post-LPS instillation. Brown Norway rats immunized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) for 2, 4, and 6 days showed an inflammatory response characterized primarily by eosinophils. Secreted mucin increased fivefold, and mucous cell number increased fivefold after 4 and 6 days of OVA exposure compared with water-immunized control rats challenged with OVA aerosols. Approximately 10-25% of mucous cells were Bcl-2 positive in OVA-immunized and -challenged rats. These data demonstrate Bcl-2 expression in hyperplastic mucous cells of Brown Norway rats regardless of the type of inflammatory response and indicate that apoptotic mechanisms may be involved in the resolution of MCHs.

Inhalation toxicology models of endotoxin- and bioaerosol-induced inflammation

Inhalation toxicology studies in rodents have proven their usefulness for furthering our understanding of the causal agents, mechanisms, and pathology associated with exposures to environmental endotoxins and bioaerosols. Inhalation animal models are used to determine which components of a mixture are the most important toxicants for inducing the observed adverse outcome. They are used to obtain exposure-response relationships for allergens and pro-inflammatory agents to help elucidate disease mechanisms and contribute quantitative data to the risk assessment process. Inhalation models serve as important adjuncts to epidemiology studies and human exposure studies. They are also useful for establishing phenotype in studies of genetic polymorphisms and disease susceptibility and are widely applied for evaluation of safety and efficacy for potential therapeutic agents. In order to produce reliable data, rigorous exposure chamber design, aerosol generation systems, exposure quantitation and experimental protocols must be utilized.

Differentiation of ion-associated and osmotically driven water transport in canine airways

We hypothesized that water transport associated with fluxes of Na(+) and Cl(-) across airway epithelium coexists and is distinct from osmotically driven water transport. To investigate this, we anesthetized and mechanically ventilated dogs (n = 8) with warm humid air. The trachea of each dog was sequentially challenged with 250-mOsm and 950-mOsm mannitol aerosols given 30 min apart. Respiratory tract fluid output (RTFO) was collected at the posterior commissure at 6-min intervals. The percentages of mannitol in the RTFO were determined with fluorescent tracers and were subtracted from the RTFO to give airway secretory output (ASO). Unbound [Na(+)] and [Cl(-)] in the RTFO were measured. Following the 250-mOsm mannitol challenge, the ASO as well as its Na(+) and Cl(-) contents increased. Following the 950-mOsm challenge, there was a further increase in ASO without any further increases in Na(+) and Cl(-) contents. Increased mucociliary transport accounted for only part of the increase in ASO. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that net water transport into the airway lumen is the vectorial sum of the water fluxes associated with actively driven intracellular Na(+) and Cl(-) transport and the water flux due to osmosis.

Cross-species immunoreactivity of airway mucin as revealed by monoclonal antibodies directed against mucins from human, hamster, and rat

Airway mucin plays crucial role in host-defense and has been implicated in pathophysiology of various airway diseases including asthma and cystic fibrosis. The analysis of airway mucin has been hampered mostly by the lack of specific and efficient methods for the detection of mucin. Recent production of antibodies against airway mucin from several species and also the development of immunoassay procedures make it more efficient to study the airway mucin. However, the cross-species immunoreactivity of antibodies against airway mucin has not been clearly demonstrated and this prompted us to investigate the cross-species immunoreactivity of monoclonal antibodies against human (HM02), hamster (HTA), and rat airway mucin (RT03), which is three most widely used species in the study of mucin. All the monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) used in this study is IgM isotype and recognizes N-acetyl-galactosamine-linked carbohydrate core or backbone portion of airway mucin. In enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemical staining experiments, it was demonstrated that human and hamster airway mucin showed strong cross-species immunoreactivity. However, rat airway mucin did not show any cross-species immunoreactivity against human and hamster airway mucin. Endotoxin-induced secretory cell metaplasia and hence the increase in mucin release from hamster airway mucin could be detected with antibodies against hamster and human airway mucin in vivo and in vitro. However, the same increase from rat airway could only be detected with antibody against rat airway mucin but not with antibodies against human and hamster airway mucin. In addition, the increase in mucin release from asthmatic patients could be detected with antibodies against human and hamster airway mucin but not with the antibody against rat airway mucin. The data from the present study implicates that the carbohydrate chain of human and hamster airway mucin, but not that of rat airway mucin, share common antigenic structure. In case of the interspecies use of the antibodies against airway mucin, it would be more desirable to clearly identify the cross-species immunoreactivity otherwise might lead to erroneous results.

Regulation of IL-1beta-mediated MUC2 gene in NCI-H292 human airway epithelial cells

This study demonstrates for the first time the effects of IL-1beta on the regulation of protein production as well as MUC2 gene transcription in cultured human airway epithelial cells. The effect of IL-1beta on the regulation of MUC2 protein was determined by flow cytometric analysis. The expression level of MUC2 induced by IL-1beta increased in a dose-dependent manner. MUC2 transcripts were detected after 2 h of exposure to IL-1beta and reached maximal level after 8 h. Actinomycin D experiments indicated that the IL-1beta-mediated MUC2 expression was controlled by transcriptional regulation. Both RT-PCR and FACS analysis showed that budesonide concomitantly attenuated IL-1beta mediated MUC2 gene as well as protein production levels. Use of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, RU-486, restored the inhibitory effect of budesonide on the IL-1beta-mediated MUC2 protein as well as gene. The data suggest that IL-1beta up-regulates MUC2 gene by transcriptional regulation and that budesonide suppresses the IL-1beta-medicated MUC2 expression via decreased transcriptional activation.

Control of mucin transcription by diverse injury-induced signaling pathways

Mucin production is an evolutionarily ancient defense mechanism that is retained in mammals and operates at all mucosal surfaces to protect the host against pathogens and irritants. As in lower organisms, the mammalian mucosa (epithelium) produces mucin in response to diverse insults. Our studies aim to understand the intracellular signaling and gene regulation mechanisms mediating mucin production in response to clinically important insults. To date, we find that the signaling pathway triggered by each type of insult is distinct. Relatively common, however, is the involvement of the protein tyrosine kinase c-Src, the MAP kinase kinase MEK 1/2, and the transcription factor NF-kappaB. Basbaum C, Lemjabbar H, Longphre M, Li D, Gensch E, McNamara N. Control of mucin transcription by diverse injury-induced signaling pathways.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against human airway mucins

The objective of this study was to generate and characterize monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against human airway mucins, and therefore, should serve as a useful tool in studying the regulation of airway mucins in various physiological or pathological situations of human airway. As an antigen, we used a high molecular mass mucin preparation purified from the sputum of normal human subjects. Two monoclonal hybridomas, namely MAbs HM02 and HM03 were obtained and they showed strong immunoreactivity against purified or crude mucin in sputum or bronchial washing of normal human subject. With the high immunoreactivity of these MAbs, mucin contents could be analyzed with more than 100-fold dilution of human airway secretion. The antibodies recognized carbohydrate epitopes because their immunoreactivity was completely abolished by treatment of the mucin with 5 mM periodate. Further characterization of MAbs HM02 and HM03 showed that: (1) they belong to the IgM type; (2) they bind to high molecular mass mucins based on Western blot; (3) they could indirectly immunoprecipitate human airway mucin and as we know, this is the first to demonstrate immunoprecipitation of human airway mucin with anti-human mucin antibodies; and (4) they bind to the goblet cell in airway epithelium as well as some submucosal glands based on immunohistochemistry. Therefore, MAbs HM02 and HM03 should be able to serve as an invaluable tool in studying the regulation of airway mucins in various physiological and pathological situations of human airway.

A monoclonal antibody against hamster tracheal mucin, which recognizes N-acetyl-galactosamine containing carbohydrate chains as an epitope

Airway mucin that is present in airway secretion, plays an important role in host-defense by trapping airborne particles and removing them by mucociliary transport system. For the study of mucin, it is crucially important to have antibodies specific against mucin because other commonly used methods such as histologic stain for the detection of mucin usually suffer from varying levels of nonspecificity. In this study, we produced a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against hamster airway mucin, which is one of the most commonly used animal species for the study of mucin in vitro, and characterized its immunological properties along with the determination of the epitope it recognizes. The MAb, which was named MAb HTA, was IgM isotype and specific against mucin from both in vitro cell culture and in vivo airway secretion. In Western blot, MAb HTA specifically recognized high molecular weight airway mucin, which was also confirmed by the appearance of peak profile of immunological signal only on void volume fraction in Sepharose CL-4B gel filtration chromatography. It also immunoprecipitated high molecular weight hamster airway mucin with the aid of antimouse IgM agarose. In immunohistochemical stain of hamster trachea, it showed strong signal on airway epithelium and also on the mucin secreting goblet cell granules. The immunological signal was greatly increased by the treatment of endotoxin, which has been reported to cause airway secretory cell metaplasia. The MAb HTA recognized carbohydrate chains containing N-acetyl-galactosamine, one of the linking sugars of airway mucin, as an epitope. Treatment of mucin with N-acetyl-galactosaminidase caused great reduction of immunological signal. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first to report a MAb that recognizes N-acetylgalactosamine, a linking sugar of airway mucin. The specificity of MAb HTA against airway mucin and the clear demonstration of the epitope it recognizes should greatly aid the pharmacological and biochemical study of mucin in various physiological and pathological situations.

Mucin production in the middle ear in response to lipopolysaccharides

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the response of middle ear tissue to establish the lowest dose of lipopolysaccharide to induce mucin production in a rat otitis media model.

METHODS

Twenty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats' eustachian tubes were obstructed before transtympanic inoculation of the bulla tympanica with 35 microL of Krebs Ringer or 1, 10, 100, or 1000 microgram/mL lipopolysaccharide. After 7 days the effusion and a lavage were collected for mucin ELISA measurement, and tissue was collected for histologic evaluation.

RESULTS

Mucin secretion was significantly increased in the 100 microgram/mL 51.20 +/- 13.6 microgram/mL (SE) and 1000 microgram/mL 69.42 +/- 8.57 microgram/mL groups when compared with the Krebs Ringer control group 1.84 +/- 0.28 microgram/mL (P < 0.05). Histologic evaluation shows goblet cell metaplasia and hyperplasia in the middle ear epithelium in the 1000 and 100 microgram/mL groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The histology and ELISA results suggest that a middle ear effusion is generated with a dose of lipopolysaccharide as low as 100 microgram/mL.

In vitro culture of microdissected rat nasal airway tissues

The surface epithelium lining the nasal airways is a potential target for inhaled contaminants such as ozone, endotoxin, formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, and organic dusts. The epithelial response to injury may depend on the toxicant, the type of epithelium, the severity of the injury, and the presence of inflammatory cells and their secreted products. To study mechanisms of toxicant-induced epithelial injury and repair, in the absence of cellular inflammation or other systemic effects, we have developed a culture system to maintain morphologically distinct nasal airway epithelium in vitro. Microdissected maxilloturbinates and proximal nasal septa of male F344/N rats were cultured at an air-liquid interface for up to 14 d in supplemented serum-free medium. Maxilloturbinates are lined by nonciliated cuboidal nasal transitional epithelium (NTE) with few or no mucous cells. The proximal nasal septum is lined by a mucociliary respiratory epithelium (RE) that normally contains numerous mucous cells. Preservation of the normal RE and NTE phenotype in culture was assessed by light and electron microscopy, and analysis of an airway mucin gene (rMuc-5AC) messenger RNA (mRNA). Both RE and NTE retained normal cell morphology for 14 d in culture (DIC). After 14 DIC there were 20% fewer RE cells in the septa (equal loss of ciliated and mucous cells) and 25% more NTE cells in the maxilloturbinates (increased number of basal cells). Compared with the RE, the NTE expressed consistently low levels of rMuc-5AC mRNA and had little to no histochemically detectable intraepithelial mucosubstances (IM) after 0, 3, 7, or 14 DIC. The amount of stored IM and the steady-state levels of rMuc-5AC mRNA in the RE decreased with time in culture. In summary, this culture system can maintain fully differentiated secretory and nonsecretory rat airway epithelia in vitro for up to 14 d. This study was an essential first step in developing a system to study the pathogenesis of toxicant-induced airway epithelial injury and mechanisms of cellular repair and adaptation in the absence of cellular inflammation and other systemic influences.

Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli stimulates mucin secretion by cultured dog gallbladder epithelial cells

Biliary infection is associated with mucin hypersecretion by the biliary epithelium. Mucins have been identified as potent pronucleators of cholesterol in bile. The aim of the present study was to determine whether lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from different bacteria are capable of stimulating mucin secretion by cultured dog gallbladder epithelial (DGBE) cells, and to investigate the mechanism by which LPS stimulate mucin secretion. Mucin secretion by confluent monolayers of DGBE cells was quantified by measuring the secretion of [3H]-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-labeled glycoproteins. Cell viability was evaluated by measuring the leakage of the enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), into the culture medium. LPS, derived from Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (200 microg/mL), all caused an increase in mucin secretion by the DGBE cells, without causing concomitant cell lysis. LPS from E. coli was found to be the most potent stimulator of mucin secretion, and increased mucin secretion by the DGBE cells to 252% +/- 14% of control. LPS from E. coli had no effect on intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in the DGBE cells. Addition of the nitric oxide (NO)-releasing compound, NOR-4 (0.125-1 mmol/L), to the cells did not result in increased mucin secretion, and the NO synthase inhibitor, Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (4 or 10 mmol/L), did not inhibit the LPS-stimulated mucin secretion. Exogenous tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) (1-10 ng/mL) did cause a minor increase in mucin secretion by the DGBE cells, but the effect of LPS from E. coli on mucin secretion could not be inhibited by preincubation with a TNF-alpha antibody (10 microg/mL). We conclude that LPS stimulates mucin secretion by the gallbladder epithelium. Whether this stimulation is mediated by TNF-alpha remains to be determined.

Long-lasting effects of chronic ozone exposure on rat nasal epithelium

Ozone, the principal oxidant pollutant in photochemical smog, causes airway epithelial injury in the upper and lower respiratory tract of laboratory animals. We have recently reported that long-term inhalation exposure to ozone causes mucous-cell metaplasia (MCM) in the surface epithelium lining the nasal airways of F344 rats. The principal objective of the present study was to determine the persistence of ozone-induced MCM in the nasal epithelium after the end of a chronic exposure. Male F344/N rats were exposed to 0, 0.25, or 0.5 ppm ozone, for 8 h/d, 7 d/wk for 13 wk. Animals were killed 8 h, 4 wk, or 13 wk after the end of the chronic exposure. Ozone-related alterations in the nasal epithelium were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized through histochemistry, image analysis, and morphometric techniques. Some rats were exposed for an additional 8 h to 0.5 ppm ozone at 13 wk after the end of the chronic exposure to determine whether previous ozone exposure results in persistent changes in the sensitivity of nasal epithelium to acute injury. At the end of the chronic exposure, hyperplasia was present in the nasal epithelium of rats exposed to 0.25 and 0.5 ppm ozone. By 13 wk postexposure, this proliferative alteration was still evident only in the rats exposed to 0.5 ppm ozone. Ozone-induced MCM with associated intraepithelial mucosubstances was evident only in the nasal tissues of rats exposed to 0.5 ppm ozone. Though attenuated, these alterations in the nasal mucous apparatus were still detectable at 13 wk after the end of the exposure. At this same time after the chronic exposure, an acute (8 h) exposure to 0.5 ppm ozone induced an additional increase of mucosubstances in the nasal epithelium of rats previously exposed to 0.5 ppm ozone, but not in rats chronically exposed to 0 or 2.5 ppm ozone. The persistent nature of the ozone-induced MCM in rats documented in this report suggests that ozone exposure may have the potential to induce similar long-lasting alterations in the airways of humans.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate is a potent secretagogue in the isolated ferret trachea

Airway mucus hypersecretion is in part a response to infection and inflammation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is nearly universal in advanced cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Mucoid strains of P. aeruginosa produce an exopolysaccharide product called alginate. The purpose of this study was to determine whether P. aeruginosa alginate stimulates secretion from mucous or serous cells in the ferret trachea exposed to alginate at concentrations reported to be present in the CF airway. We used a sandwich enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA) to measure mucin secretion and spectrophotometry to measure lysozyme secretion from isolated ferret tracheal segments. Purified Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate stimulated mucin and lysozyme secretion in a dose-dependent fashion (mucin = +111%: P = 0.003; lysozyme = +20%: P = 0.024 at 200 microg/mL). This stimulated secretion was not due to proteolytic activity, and alginate exposure did not produce ultrastructural damage to the trachea. We conclude that alginate may contribute to mucus hypersecretion and respiratory morbidity associated with P. aeruginosa infection in patients with CF.

Restoration of the mucous phenotype by retinoic acid in retinoid-deficient human bronchial cell cultures: changes in mucin gene expression

Retinoid-deficient cultures of airway epithelial cells undergo squamous differentiation. Treatment of such cultures with retinoic acid (RA) leads to restoration of the mucous phenotype. The purpose of our study was to characterize the cellular and molecular changes following RA treatment of retinoid-deficient human tracheobronchial epithelial cell cultures. Of particular interest was to determine when during the conversion of the squamous to the mucous phenotype the mucin genes MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B were expressed. We used cornifin alpha and secreted mucin as markers to monitor the squamous and mucous phenotypes, respectively. Our studies showed that the RA responsiveness of the cultures progressively decreased with protracted retinoid deficiency, requiring higher RA concentrations to restore the mucous phenotype. Within 12 h after the start of RA treatment, cornifin alpha expression decreased, signaling the beginning of a change in cellular phenotype. At 24 h after addition of RA to the cultures, a significant number of mucous cells appeared, and at 72 h mucin was secreted in measurable amounts. Induction of mucin gene expression occurred sequentially: MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B mRNAs were upregulated at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. When cultures maintained in 10(-8) M RA were treated with 10(-6) M RA, MUC2 but not MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA levels were upregulated within 6 h. Our study indicates that MUC2 mRNA is an early marker of mucous differentiation, whereas MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNAs are expressed during more advanced stages of mucous differentiation. Our studies further suggest that each of the mucin genes is regulated by distinct mechanisms.

Cystic fibrosis mice lacking Muc1 have reduced amounts of intestinal mucus

Normally a thin layer of mucus covers the surface of the gastrointestinal tract protecting the epithelial cells from their environment. In cystic fibrosis (CF), mucus accumulation is abnormally high, resulting in severe intestinal obstruction. The major structural components of mucus are large mucin glycoproteins. We determined specific mucin RNA and protein expression in the gastrointestinal tract of inbred CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) knockout (CF) mice and correlated expression with histological analyses of tissues. Mucins were detected histochemically using general carbohydrate stains and specific mucin antibodies. Mucin RNA levels were determined by reverse transcription-PCR. Comparisons were made between CF mice and control siblings, all maintained on a liquid diet after weaning. Analyses of the mucins Muc2, Muc3, and Muc5ac showed lower levels of RNA expression in the CF mice and similar levels of protein. Significantly, there was a sixfold increase in Muc1 RNA expression in the colon of the CF mouse and a moderate increase in Muc1 protein. Further, CF mice lacking Muc1 exhibited greatly diminished intestinal mucus obstruction when compared with Muc1- expressing CF mice and had better survival on solid food. We suggest that Muc1 plays an important role in the mucus obstructions observed in the gastrointestinal tract of the CFTR knockout mouse.

Effects of SS320A, a new cysteine derivative, on the change in the number of goblet cells induced by isoproterenol in rat tracheal epithelium

We examined the effects of SS320A ((-)-(R)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxypropylthio)propionic acid), a new cysteine derivative, on the change in the number of goblet cells induced by isoproterenol in rat tracheal epithelium. Four types of goblet cells were characterized in tracheal epithelium according to their size and staining affinity with Alcian blue (AB) / periodic acid Schiff (PAS). When each rat was given a single daily injection of isoproterenol (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days, a significant increase was observed in AB/PAS-positive cells that were recognizable as goblet cells in tracheal epithelium. When SS320A (10-100 mg/kg, p.o.) or propranolol (1 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered before each injection of isoproterenol, the increase in the number of goblet cells induced by isoproterenol was significantly inhibited. There was no difference between male and female rats with regard to this inhibitory action. On the other hand, ambroxol, bromhexine, L-cysteine ethyl ester and S-carboxymethylcysteine (100 mg/kg, p.o., respectively), which are used as expectorants, had no inhibitory effects on the isoproterenol-induced change in the number of goblet cells. Four metabolites (M1-M4) of SS320A in rats also failed to inhibit the change induced by isoproterenol. These data suggest that SS320A itself may have a beneficial effect against mucus hypersecretion in chronic respiratory diseases.

Effects of SS320A, a new cysteine derivative, on the change in the number of goblet cells induced by bacterial endotoxin in rat tracheal epithelium

We examined the effects of SS320A, a new cysteine derivative, on the change in the number of goblet cells induced by bacterial endotoxin in rat tracheal epithelium. Four types of goblet cell were characterized in tracheal epithelium according to their size and staining affinity with Alcian blue (AB)/periodic acid Schiff (PAS). Each rat was intratracheally given a single instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (2 mg/ml). The results showed that treatment with LPS increased the number of AB/PAS-positive cells that were recognizable as goblet cells in tracheal epithelium. On the other hand, LPS evoked acute lung inflammation related to neutrophil accumulation in the lung before the increase in goblet cells. SS320A (10-100 mg/kg, p.o.) and dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, p.o.) each significantly inhibited the increase in the number of goblet cells induced by LPS. On the other hand, ambroxol, bromhexine, l-cysteine ethyl ester and S-carboxymethylcysteine, which are used as expectorants, had no inhibitory effects on the LPS-induced change in the number of goblet cells. SS320A slightly inhibited the lung injury based on a histological examination. These data suggest that SS320A may have a beneficial effect against mucus hypersecretion in respiratory disease.

Mucin gene (MUC 2 and MUC 5AC) upregulation by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

Bacterial infection of the lung is associated with mucin overproduction. In partial explanation of this phenomenon, we recently reported that supernatant from the Gram-negative organism Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa contained an activity that upregulated transcription of the MUC 2 mucin gene [J.-D. Li, A. Dohrman, M. Gallup, S. Miyata, J. Gum, Y. Kim, J. Nadel, A. Prince, C. Basbaum, Transcriptional activation of mucin by P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis lung disease, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 94 (1997) 967-972]. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether mucin genes other than MUC 2 are so regulated and whether Gram-positive organisms also contain mucin stimulatory activity. Results from in situ hybridization and RNase protection assays showed that P. aeruginosa upregulates MUC 5AC as well as MUC 2 in both bronchial explants and cultured airway epithelial cells. The upregulation of both genes by P. aeruginosa can be mimicked by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and can be blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. In addition, both genes are upregulated by a variety of Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative organisms showing the same rank order of potency. These data indicate the existence of a general mechanism by which epithelial cells respond to the presence of bacteria by increasing mucin synthesis.