Enhanced expression of MMP-7 and MMP-9 in demyelinating multiple sclerosis lesions

The pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by breakdown of the blood-brain barrier accompanied by infiltration of macrophages and T cells into the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin is degraded and engulfed by the macrophages, producing lesions of demyelination. Some or all of these mechanisms might involve proteinases, and here we have studied the cellular localisation and distribution of two matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-7 (matrilysin) and MMP-9 (92-kDa gelatinase), in the normal human CNS and active demyelinating MS lesions. Cryostat sections of CNS samples were immunostained with antisera to MMP-7 and MMP-9. In addition, non-radioactive in situ hybridisation (ISH) was performed using a digoxygenin-labelled riboprobe to detect the expression of MMP-7. MMP-7 immunoreactivity was weakly detected in microglial-like cells in normal brain tissue sections, and was very strong in parenchymal macrophages in active demyelinating MS lesions. This pattern of expression was confirmed using ISH. MMP-7 immunoreactivity was not detected in macrophages in spleen or tonsil indicating that it is specifically induced in infiltrating macrophages in active demyelinating MS lesions. MMP-9 immunoreactivity was detected in a few small blood vessels in normal brain tissue sections, whereas many blood vessels stained positive in CNS tissue sections of active demyelinating MS lesions. The up-regulation of MMPs in MS may contribute to the pathology of the disease.

Association between receptor density, cellular activation, and transformation of adhesive behavior of flowing lymphocytes binding to VCAM-1

We investigated the ability of purified vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), adsorbed on plastic, to capture and immobilize flowing lymphocytes, and the dependence of adhesive behavior on activation of the counter-receptor, alpha 4 beta 1 integrin. This integrin/immunoglobulin interaction bound lymphocytes at a wall shear stress at which the beta 2-integrin family has previously been found ineffective (> 0.1 Pa), and whereas lymphocytes rolled on lower concentrations of VCAM-1 (10 micrograms/ml), they were stationary at high concentrations (100 micrograms/ml). Activation of alpha 4 beta 1 integrin by Mn2+ or by antibody 12G10 or treatment of lymphocytes with phorbol ester caused transformation to stationary adhesion, and increased binding significantly only at the lower concentrations of VCAM-1. We thus hypothesized that formation of a high density of ligand between VCAM-1 and alpha 4 beta 1 integrin actively transformed lymphocyte behavior. This concept was supported by the finding that the proportion of lymphocytes rolling on the higher concentrations of VCAM-1 increased if cells were pretreated with azide to block energy-dependent responses, or if intracellular Ca2+ was chelated. However, not all activation responses were equivalent: only phorbol ester induced marked spreading of immobilized cells, and if pretreatment was prolonged, this agent even reduced the efficiency of initial attachment of flowing lymphocytes. Azide treatment had no effect on transformation to stationary adhesion caused by Mn2+ or activating antibody. Thus, different forms of lymphocyte activation were identifiable: external modification of integrin converted rolling to stationary attachment, did not require ATP, and was reversible; high-density ligand binding induced an energy-dependent signal for conversion from rolling to stationary attachment, but not spreading; and protein kinase C activation promoted stationary attachment and spreading, but not necessarily capture. VCAM-1 is thus a versatile adhesion receptor capable of supporting all stages of leukocyte attachment, i.e. rolling, stationary, and spreading, and of ligand-induced transformation of adhesion, although an additional signal appears necessary to promote lymphocyte spreading and migration.

Matrix metalloproteinase expression during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and effects of a combined matrix metalloproteinase and tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of Zn2+ endopeptidases that are expressed in inflammatory conditions and are capable of degrading connective tissue macromolecules. MMP-like enzymes are also involved in the processing of a variety of cell surface molecules including the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha. MMPs and TNF-alpha have both been implicated in the pathology associated with neuro-inflammatory diseases (NIDs), particularly multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We have shown that BB-1101, a broad spectrum hydroxamic acid-based combined inhibitor of MMP activity and TNF processing, reduces the clinical signs and weight loss in an acute EAE model in Lewis rats. However, little is known about which MMPs are involved in the neuroinflammatory process. In order to determine the optimum inhibitory profile for an MMP inhibitor in the treatment of NID, we investigated the profile of MMP expression and activity during EAE. The development of disease symptoms was associated with a 3-fold increase in MMP activity in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which could be inhibited by treatment with BB-1101, and an increase in 92 kDa gelatinase activity detected by gelatin substrate zymography. Quantitative PCR analysis of normal and EAE spinal cord revealed the expression of at least seven MMPs. Of these, matrilysin showed the most significant change, being elevated over 500 fold with onset of clinical symptoms and peaking at maximum disease severity. Of the other six MMPs detected, 92 kDa gelatinase showed a modest 5 fold increase which peaked at the onset of clinical signs and then declined during the most severe phase of the disease. Matrilysin was localised by immunohistochemistry to the invading macrophages within the inflammatory lesions of the spinal cord. Matrilysin's potent broad spectrum proteolytic activity and its localisation to inflammatory lesions in the CNS suggest this enzyme could be particularly involved in the pathological processes associated with neuro-inflammatory disease.

Altered expression of mucins throughout the colon in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Regional differences in the biology of the colonic epithelium may determine the extent of involvement by ulcerative colitis. Novel monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were used in this study to investigate regional heterogeneity in the colonic mucosa.

METHODS

MAbs generated using a method of tolerisation against common antigens in the proximal colon and distal colon were used for immunoperoxidase staining, comparative histochemistry, immunoblotting, and slot-blot analysis.

RESULTS

The colon specific MAbs 5F1 (IgG3) and 6G4 (IgM) stained goblet cell contents throughout the normal distal colon but staining was markedly reduced in the proximal colon (p < 0.0001). In the distal colon of patients with ulcerative colitis, whether quiescent or actively inflamed, reactivity was reduced compared with controls (p < 0.05, p < 0.001 respectively). By contrast, an overall increase in staining was seen in the uninflamed proximal colon in ulcerative colitis compared with controls (p < 0.02). Comparative staining with high iron diamine and biochemical analyses indicated that MAb 6G4 was reactive with mucin bearing sulphate or O-acetylated sialic acid groups, or both.

CONCLUSIONS

Regional differences in the staining characteristics of normal colonic mucin have been shown using novel monoclonal antibodies. The pattern of mucin expression throughout the colon in ulcerative colitis is altered even in the absence of histological changes.

Heterogeneous expression of carcinoembryonic antigen in the normal colon and upregulation in active ulcerative colitis

Using a technique of tolerization, a murine monoclonal antibody (MAb 2E8) has been raised which displays regional differences in reactivity in the epithelium of the normal human colon and increased reactivity in active ulcerative colitis. MAb 2E8 (IgG1) was highly colon-specific and gave higher immunoperoxidase staining scores in the proximal colonic mucosa compared with paired rectal sections (P < 0.02). Expression of the antigen reactive with MAb 2E8 was enhanced in active ulcerative colitis compared with quiescent ulcerative colitis (P < 0.05) and normal controls (P < 0.001). Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescent screening on transfected cell lines established that MAb 2E8 was reactive with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). This is the first demonstration of regional differences in the expression of CEA in the normal colon and indicates upregulation of this molecule in active ulcerative colitis.

A CD44 monoclonal antibody differentially regulates CD11a/CD18 binding to intercellular adhesion molecules CD54, CD102 and CD50

We have made a monoclonal anti-CD44 antibody which is able to activate the leukocyte integrin CD11a/CD18. Activated T cells strongly aggregated, and the aggregation was shown to be intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 (CD54) and ICAM-2 (CD102) dependent. Using purified ICAM coated on plastic, only binding to ICAM-1 was increased by the CD44 antibody, whereas activation by phorbol ester increased binding to both ICAM-1 and ICAM-3. The binding to ICAM-2 was not affected by either treatment. These findings show that the CD11a/CD18 integrin can be activated in a ligand-specific manner by engagement of CD44.

Involvement of the very late antigen 4 integrin on melanoma in interleukin 1-augmented experimental metastases

We have previously reported that treatment with interleukin 1 (IL-1) induced the augmentation of lung tumor colonies by a human melanoma in nude mice. Here we have investigated the involvement of the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin, the very late antigen 4 (VLA-4) in this augmentation. A375M melanoma cells expressed high levels of VLA-4 and preferentially adhered to a surface coated with vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), the ligand for VLA-4 on activated endothelial cells. This adhesion was inhibited by treating tumor cells with saturating concentrations of mAb to VLA-4. The production of lung colonies was significantly enhanced in nude mice given an injection of IL-1 before A375M melanoma cells. Immunoperoxidase staining showed that VCAM-1 could be expressed on lung vascular endothelium of mice in response to IL-1. Pretreatment of melanoma cells with a mAb to VLA-4 completely abrogated the IL-1-induced augmentation of lung colonies. Using two metastatic melanoma clones (clones 2/4 and 2/60) that expressed different levels of VLA-4, we found that only VLA-4-bearing cells adhered to a VCAM-1-coated surface and formed enhanced numbers of lung colonies in IL-1-treated nude mice. This augmentation was inhibited by pretreating the tumor cells with anti-VLA-4 mAb. These results demonstrate, in vivo, the functional involvement of VLA-4 on melanoma cells in IL-1-mediated lung colony augmentation, most probably involving the interaction of tumor cells with VCAM-1 on activated endothelial cells.

Activation dependent and independent VLA-4 binding sites on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM) is a cytokine-inducible member of the immunoglobulin superfamily which binds to the integrin VLA-4. VCAM is expressed predominantly on the vascular endothelium where it is involved in the recruitment of mononuclear cells and lymphocytes to sites of inflammation. Two forms of VCAM containing six and seven Ig domains (VCAM-6d; VCAM-7d) are generated by alternative splicing but the physiological significance of this is unknown. We have utilised VCAM deletion mutants, VCAM-transfected cell lines and monoclonal antibodies to assess the functional importance of the individual VCAM domains. We have identified two binding sites on VCAM-7d located in domains 1 and 4 that are involved in the adhesion of the U937 human myelomonocytic cell line. Adhesion to domain 1 is temperature-independent, inhibited by the anti-VCAM mAbs 4B2 or lE10, and insensitive to PMA activation. In contrast, adhesion to domain 4 is temperature sensitive, unaffected by mAbs 4B2 or lE10 and augmented by PMA. Adhesion to both domains can be totally inhibited by the anti-VLA-4 mAb, 2B4. The anti-VCAM mAb 4B2 inhibits adhesion of U937 cells to stably transfected VCAM-7d-CHO cells at 4 degrees C, but, at 37 degrees C the effect of 4B2 on adhesion is modest with incubation times of less than 60 minutes duration. With longer incubation times, its effectiveness gradually increases, so that by 2 hours > 75% of the response can be blocked. Co-incubation with PMA prevents this time-dependent enhancement of 4B2 efficacy but has no significant effect on the inhibitory activity of the anti-VLA-4 mAb 2B4. These data can be explained by postulating a two stage ligand-receptor interaction that involves activation-induced changes in the avidity of VLA-4 for domain 4 of VCAM.

The expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, PECAM, and E-selectin in human atherosclerosis

The expression of PECAM, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin was studied in 64 samples of human coronary arteries taken from 15 explanted hearts obtained within 5 min of transplantation. Normal artery (n = 12), predominantly fibrous plaques (n = 23), and plaques containing extracellular lipid (n = 26) and three segments showing recanalization channels were studied. All endothelial cells strongly and equally expressed PECAM; positive staining was used to check that artefactual denudation of the endothelial surface had not occurred. PECAM was also present in some lipid-filled macrophages. Normal arteries showed no VCAM-1 staining but focal segments of the endothelium were positive for ICAM-1 and E-selectin. ICAM-1 was strongly and constantly expressed by the endothelium over all types of plaques and in macrophages. E-selectin expression was confined to endothelial cells and occurred on the surface in 35 per cent of fibrous and 22 per cent of lipid-containing plaques. VCAM-1 staining of surface endothelium occurred in 39 per cent of fibrous and 20 per cent of lipid-containing plaques. A population of spindle-shaped cells of macrophage type (positive for EMB11 antigen) expressed VCAM-1 in lipid-containing plaques. Adventitial vessels adjacent to plaques showed endothelial expression of ICAM-1 and E-selectin. VCAM-1 staining of adventitial vessel endothelium was associated with local lymphoid aggregation. In conclusion, the expression of cell adhesion molecules is an important element in the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis and contributes to both monocyte and lymphocyte activation and recruitment from adventitial vessels and the arterial lumen.

The vascular E-selectin binds to the leukocyte integrins CD11/CD18

Leukocyte adhesion involves at least three molecular families of adhesion proteins: the leukocyte integrins CD11/CD18, the intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) and the carbohydrate-binding L-, E- and P-selectins. The intercellular adhesion molecules are well-known ligands for the CD11/CD18 integrins. We now show that E-selectin specifically binds to the sialyl Lex carbohydrate epitopes of leukocyte integrins. Thus, the different families of leukocyte adhesion molecules form an integrated adhesion network.

Correlation of VLA-4 integrin expression with metastatic potential in various human tumour cell lines

This investigation has focused on whether a number of molecular species, which have recently been recognised as components of cell attachment receptors utilised in recirculatory leukocyte traffic, are expressed on metastatic tumour cell populations. This has been studied on live cultured metastatic and non-metastatic tumour cell lines as well as on histological sections of frozen tissue from primary tumours and metastases which they formed after inoculation into nude mice. Here we report data we have obtained using immunofluorescence microscopy, fluorescence activated cell analysis, immunocytochemistry and pathological investigation of tumour behaviour in vivo, which converge to indicate that expression of the integrin molecule VLA-4 is positively associated with the execution of the metastatic process. This molecule is known to be a receptor for at least two ligands, namely the inducible endothelial adhesion molecule VCAM-1 and the extracellular matrix component fibronectin, and is thought to be mechanistically important in the attachment and diapodesis of lymphocytes. The present findings, indicating differential expression of this molecule on metastatic cell populations relative to non-metastatic cell populations, support and extend recent reports from other laboratories, of the presence of various leukocyte adhesion receptors on metastatic tumour cells. This accumulating evidence suggests that inappropriate expression of one or more of these surface adhesion molecules in tumour cell lineages may endow the progeny of the affected clones with some of the properties needed for metastatic behaviour. The total information so far assembled by various groups also provides some early clues suggesting that the types of molecules expressed may be related to the histogenetic origin of the tumour and its pattern of metastatic spread.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Soluble forms of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are present in the supernatants of cytokine activated cultured endothelial cells

Soluble forms of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin have been detected in supernatants from cytokine activated cultured endothelial cells. The release has been quantified using two site enzyme immunoassays. The molecular weights of the released molecules have been determined by immunoprecipitation and are consistent with the generation of soluble forms by cleavage at a site close to the point of membrane insertion.

A novel endothelial-specific membrane protein is a marker of cell-cell contacts

mAbs were raised in mice against cultured human endothelial cells (EC) and screened by indirect immunofluorescence for their ability to stain intercellular contacts. One mAb denoted 7B4 was identified which, out of many cultured cell types, specifically decorated cultured human EC. The antigen recognized by mAb 7B4 is bound at the appositional surfaces of cultured EC only as they become confluent and is stably expressed at intercellular boundaries of confluent monolayers. EC recognition specificity was maintained when the antibody was assayed by immuno-histochemistry in tissue sections of many normal and malignant tissues and in blood vessels of different size and type. The antigen recognized by 7B4 was enriched at EC intercellular boundaries similarly in vitro and in situ. In vitro, addition of mAb 7B4 to confluent EC increased permeation of macromolecules across monolayers even without any obvious changes of cell morphology. In addition, when EC permeability was increased by agents such as thrombin, elastase, and TNF/gamma IFN, its distribution pattern at intercellular contact rims was severely altered. mAb 7B4 immunoprecipitated a major protein of 140 kD from metabolically and surface-labeled cultured EC extracts which appeared to be an integral membrane glycoprotein. On the basis of its distribution in cultured cells and in tissues in situ, 7B4 antigen is distinct from other described EC proteins enriched at intercellular contacts. NH2-terminal sequencing of the antigen, immunopurified from human placenta, and sequencing of peptides from tryptic peptide maps revealed identity to the cDNA deduced sequence of a recently identified new member of the cadherin family (Suzuki, S., K. Sano, and H. Tanihara. 1991. Cell Regul. 2:261-270.) These data indicate that 7B4 antigen is an endothelial-specific cadherin that plays a role in the organization of lateral endothelial junctions and in the control of permeability properties of vascular endothelium.

Antigenic heterogeneity of vascular endothelium

The antigenic status of vascular endothelium from different sites of the normal adult and fetal human cardiovascular system was investigated. Tissues included aorta (n = 9), pulmonary artery (n = 8), coronary artery (n = 6), ventricle/atrium (n = greater than 10), lymph node (n = 2), fetal whole heart (n = 3), and umbilical cord (n = 7). Frozen sections were studied using monoclonal antibodies recognizing endothelial markers (EN4, vWf, Pal-E, and 44G4), vascular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, ELAM, VCAM, and PECAM), the monocyte/endothelial marker (OKM5), and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (class I and class II). Results demonstrate that capillary endothelium is phenotypically different from endothelial cells (EC) lining large vessels. Capillary EC strongly express MHC classes I and II, ICAM, and OKM5, which are variably weak to undetectable on large vessels. In contrast, the large vessels strongly express vWf and appear to constitutively express ELAM-1. This suggests that the capillary EC may be more efficient at antigen presentation or more susceptible to immune attack in vivo. Interestingly, normal coronary arteries, unlike all other large vessels, express MHC class II and VCAM molecules. Future studies should concentrate on comparative functional studies between capillary, coronary, and large vessel EC.

Induction of vascular adhesion molecules during rejection of human cardiac allografts

Adhesion of leukocytes to vascular endothelium is a necessary step leading to the migration of cells into underlying tissues. Vascular adhesion molecules regulate this process and may play an important role in graft rejection. Immunocytochemical studies have been used to investigate the expression of vascular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, PECAM, VCAM-1, and ELAM-1) in normal donor heart (n = 15) and myocardial biopsies from heart transplant patients with acute rejection (n = 15). Sections were also stained with antibodies against endothelium, leukocytes, MHC antigens, and markers of cell activation. In donor heart EN4, vWF, ICAM-1, PECAM, MHC class I--and, to a lesser extent, VCAM-1 and DR antigen--are expressed on arterioles and venules, whereas ELAM-1 and Pal-E are restricted to venules. Expression of Pal-E, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and DR antigen was increased during rejection. Capillary endothelium normally expresses EN4, ICAM-1, PECAM, MHC class I, and DR antigen but little, if any, VCAM-1 or ELAM-1. During rejection, however, there is an increased expression of all adhesion molecules. This is paralleled by an increased expression of vWF by capillary endothelium. In addition, ICAM-1 like MHC class I antigen is induced on the myocardial membrane and intercalating discs. Endocardium from donor heart expresses EN4, vWF, PECAM, MHC class I, and sometimes Pal-E and ICAM-1, but very little VCAM-1, ELAM-1 or DR antigen. There is an increased expression of Pal-E, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and DR antigen on endocardium from rejecting heart biopsies. Proliferating Ki-67+ cells and activated T cells expressing the receptor for IL-2 were also found in biopsies during rejection episodes.

Expression and cell distribution of the intercellular adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule, and endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) in reactive human lymph nodes and in Hodgkin's disease

The immunocytochemical expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule (ELAM-1), endothelial cell adhesion molecule (EndoCAM CD31), and HLA-DR antigens was investigated in sections of 24 reactive lymph nodes and in 15 cases of Hodgkin's disease. ICAM-1 was detected in sinus macrophages, follicular dendritic reticulum cells (FDRCs), interdigitating reticulum cells (IDRCs), epithelioid macrophages, Hodgkin's cells (HCs), and vascular endothelium. ICAM-1 expression was often associated with that of HLA-DR antigens. VCAM-1 was detected in FDRCs, in fibroblast reticulum cells (FRCs), in macrophages, and in rare blood vessels. EndoCAM (CD31) was constitutively expressed in all types of endothelial cells, sinus macrophages, and in epithelioid granulomas. ELAM-1 was selectively expressed by activated endothelial cells of high endothelium venules (HEVs). When expression of the inducible adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and ELAM-1 was comparatively evaluated in HEVs, it was found that ICAM-1 + HEVs were present in all reactive and HD nodes, whereas ELAM-1 and/or VCAM-1 were expressed only in those pathologic conditions characterized by high levels of interleukin-1/tumor necrosis factor (IL-1/TNF) production, such as granulomatosis and Hodgkin's disease. In Hodgkin's disease, the expression of ELAM-1/VCAM-1 was more pronounced in cases of nodular sclerosis and was associated with a significantly higher content of perivascular neutrophils.

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 is released by human melanoma cells and is associated with tumor growth in nude mice

We have studied the cytokine regulation of cell surface and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression on the human melanoma cell line A375M. Unstimulated cells express ICAM-1 on their cell surface but do not secrete significant levels of soluble ICAM-1. Interleukin 1, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, and gamma-interferon all increased cell surface expression of ICAM-1. Tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1, and gamma-interferon also caused the release of soluble ICAM-1. The serum of melanoma patients has been reported to contain elevated levels of soluble ICAM-1; however, the source of this ICAM-1 is unclear. The serum from nude mice bearing s.c. human melanoma tumors was found to contain soluble human ICAM-1. ICAM-1 levels showed a positive correlation with tumor weight. The release of ICAM-1 from melanoma tumors, in response to host-derived cytokines, may have relevance to immune recognition of the tumor.

Expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and ELAM-1 in angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia (Castleman's disease): evidence for dysplasia of follicular dendritic reticulum cells

The inducible adhesion molecules mediate important functions in the lymphoid tissues. We have investigated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule 1 (ELAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM/CD31), using immunocytochemistry on cryostat sections of five lymph nodes from patients with Castleman's disease of the hyaline-vascular type. All five cases were characterized by marked hyperplasia of follicular dendritic reticulum cells, which were extensively present even in the mantle zone. Hyperplastic follicular dendritic reticulum cells showed marked expression of VCAM-1, and weak expression of ICAM-1. In two cases, several dysplastic giant cells with aberrant, polyploid nuclei showed aberrant expression of ELAM-1, an endothelium-restricted molecule. Dysplastic giant cells were positive with DRC-1 (an antibody to dendritic reticulum cells), VCAM-1 and occasionally ICAM-1, were negative for the endothelial cell markers factor VIII-related antigen and CD31 and were non-proliferating (Kl-67-). Cells positive for ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 were rare in the interfollicular areas. In all cases vascular hyperplasia was prominent, but endothelial cells were poorly activated in terms of expression of inducible adhesion molecules and of HLA-DR antigens. The possibility that dysplastic follicular dendritic reticulum cells have a pathogenetic role in Castleman's disease is discussed.

Structural and functional studies of the endothelial activation antigen endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 using a panel of monoclonal antibodies

We have produced a panel of mAb to the endothelial activation Ag endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), using both a conventional immunization protocol and one involving immunosuppression. By constructing ELAM-1 mutants we have demonstrated that seven of these antibodies recognize epitopes within the lectin domain of ELAM-1 and that one binds within the complement regulatory protein domains. These studies also suggest that the EGF-like domain is important in maintaining the conformation of the neighbouring lectin domain. In functional studies, U937 cells bound to Cos cells expressing either ELAM-1 or ELAM-1 with the complement regulatory protein domains deleted. No adhesion was observed to Cos cells expressing ELAM-1 mutants lacking either the lectin or EGF-like domains. The fact that antibodies directed against the lectin domain can inhibit adhesion suggest that this domain is directly involved in cell binding.

Structural and functional studies of the endothelial activation antigen endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 using a panel of monoclonal antibodies

We have produced a panel of mAb to the endothelial activation Ag endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), using both a conventional immunization protocol and one involving immunosuppression. By constructing ELAM-1 mutants we have demonstrated that seven of these antibodies recognize epitopes within the lectin domain of ELAM-1 and that one binds within the complement regulatory protein domains. These studies also suggest that the EGF-like domain is important in maintaining the conformation of the neighbouring lectin domain. In functional studies, U937 cells bound to Cos cells expressing either ELAM-1 or ELAM-1 with the complement regulatory protein domains deleted. No adhesion was observed to Cos cells expressing ELAM-1 mutants lacking either the lectin or EGF-like domains. The fact that antibodies directed against the lectin domain can inhibit adhesion suggest that this domain is directly involved in cell binding.

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on human articular cartilage chondrocytes

Monoclonal antibodies have been used to demonstrate the induction of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on chondrocytes in human articular cartilage. ICAM-1 was found not to be constitutively expressed but could be induced by exogenous interleukin 1 alpha(IL1- alpha) at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 20 ng/ml during in vitro culture. Maximum expression was observed with 2-5ng/ml. In time-course experiments ICAM-1 was not expressed after 4h in culture with IL1 alpha. Expression was induced by 16h and was sustained for a minimum of 6 days in the continued presence of the cytokine. The endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule (ELAM-1) was not expressed on chondrocytes and was not induced by IL1-alpha.

Cytokine production (IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and TNF alpha) and endothelial cell activation (ELAM-1 and HLA-DR) in reactive lymphadenitis, Hodgkin's disease, and in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. An immunocytochemical study

Cryostat sections of 58 lymph nodes were immunostained with a polyclonal rabbit serum against IL-1 alpha, and with monoclonal antibodies directed to IL-1 alpha (Vmp18), IL-1 beta (Vhp20 and BRhC3), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) (B154.7). Furthermore the presence of cytokine-containing cells was correlated with the expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule (ELAM-1; 29F2) and of human leukocyte antigen (HLA-DR) (OKIa-1) by endothelial cells. Cells containing IL-1 and/or TNF alpha were detected mainly in pathologic conditions characterized by reactive or neoplastic expansion of the lymph node paracortex. Cells positive for IL-1 were detected in 16 of 21 cases of Hodgkin's disease, in 4 of 4 cases of T-NHL, and in 5 cases of diffuse or mixed lymphadenitis. Interleukin-1 alpha was detected in macrophages, interdigitating reticulum cells (IDRCs), endothelial cells, and neoplastic Hodgkin's and Reed-Sternberg (H-RS) cells. Cells positive for IL-1 beta were much fewer and consisted mainly of macrophages. Hodgkin's Reed-Sternberg cells were negative for IL-1 beta even after in vitro stimulation with bacterial endotoxin. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) was present in macrophages and H-RS cells. Endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 expression by endothelial venules was detected in 17 of 20 cases of Hodgkin's disease, in 2 of 4 cases of T-NHL, and in 5 of 5 cases of diffuse lymphadenitis. In these pathologic conditions, HLA-DR antigens also were expressed frequently by endothelial cells. Cytokine-containing cells and ELAM-1-positive high endothelial venules (HEV) were extremely rare in lymph nodes involved by follicular lymphadenitis (12 cases) or B-NHL (16 cases). In cases of reactive or neoplastic B-cell proliferations, HLA-DR-positive HEVs still were present often. Our results indicate that IL-1/TNF alpha production at tissue level is often associated with ELAM-1 expression by HEVs, but is less well correlated with expression of HLA-DR antigens by endothelial cells.

Molecular cloning of CD31, a putative intercellular adhesion molecule closely related to carcinoembryonic antigen

cDNA clones encoding CD31 have been isolated by transient expression. The sequence of CD31 expressed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) is identical to that expressed on the monocyte-like cell line HL60. In HUVEC. CD31 is concentrated in regions of cell-cell contacts. CD31 is a member of the Ig superfamily and is most closely related to the carcinoembryonic antigen CEA, consisting of four contiguous C2 domains. The localization of CD31 to regions of cell-cell contacts, and the sequence similarity to CEA, a known intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), strongly suggest that CD31 may function as an ICAM, possibly mediating endothelial cell-cell contacts and also promoting interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells.

The monoclonal antibody 69A1 recognizes an epitope found on neurones with axons that fasciculate but not on those with non-fasciculating processes

We have previously reported that the cell-type distribution and pattern of expression of the surface antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody 69A1, suggests that it may be involved during the period of nerve fibre outgrowth and the formation of fibre bundles in the rat (Pigott & Kelly, 1986). In this current study, we have examined the expression of the epitope recognized by antibody 69A1 in regions of the rat central nervous system in which it is possible to distinguish between neurones with axons that fasciculate to form clearly defined fibre tracts and neurones with non-fasciculating processes. We have also examined antibody 69A1 labelling in several regions of the peripheral nervous system. We report that the 69A1 epitope is expressed on neurones with axons that fasciculate but is not found on neurones with short, non-fasciculating axons or on neurones without a morphologically identifiable axon. The antigen 69A1 has been purified and shown to be immunochemically closely related or identical to the L1 antigen.

Immunocytochemical and biochemical studies with the monoclonal antibody 69A1: similarities of the antigen with cell adhesion molecules L1, NILE and Ng-CAM

We have previously raised a monoclonal antibody (69A1) which recognises a cell-surface antigen expressed on rat cerebellar neurons both in culture and in tissue sections of the developing cerebellum prior to postnatal day 17. In our current study we have undertaken a detailed analysis of the loss of labelling from the molecular layer of the cerebellum and show that this parallels the gradient of fibre maturation in this zone. This loss of labelling occurred in paraformaldehyde-fixed tissues but not in unfixed or acetone-fixed sections, suggesting it is the result of antigen modification rather than antigen loss. In cultures of dorsal root ganglia antibody 69A1 labelled neurones and some Schwann cells. Antigen 69A1 was immunoprecipitated from lysates of cultured cerebellar cells and appeared as two bands when separated by SDS-PAGE with apparent molecular weights of ca. 210 and 150 kDa. The antigen is distinct from N-CAM but shows similarities with the L1, nerve growth factor-inducible large external glycoprotein (NILE) and Ng-CAM group of cell adhesion molecules.

A cell surface antigen present on cultured cerebellar neurones appears to be transiently expressed during cerebellar development in the rat

A monoclonal antibody has been produced from a fusion of NSO myeloma cells and splenocytes from a mouse immunized with cultures from early postnatal rat cerebellum. The binding of this antibody designated 69A1 is concentrated in the molecular layer of the developing rat cerebellum during the first two weeks postnatally but falls below the level of detection during the third week. Immunoelectron microscopy has shown antibody binding in the molecular layer to be confined to the parallel fibres of the granule neurones. The disappearance of binding coincides with a period during which the formation of new parallel fibres is completed and rapid synaptogenesis within the molecular layer begins.

A solid-phase beta-galactosidase ELISA for detecting and quantifying monoclonal antibody binding to dissociated cell cultures of postnatal rodent cerebellum

A solid-phase, indirect beta-galactosidase-linked immunoassay (ELISA) is described for screening large numbers of monoclonal antibodies that recognize cell surface antigens of primary monolayer cerebellar cultures. Target cultures were prepared from perikaryal suspensions of postnatal rodent cerebellum seeded into poly-L-lysine pre-coated, flat-bottom microtiter wells and fixed with glutaraldehyde after growth in vitro. Hybridoma supernatants were then incubated on these cultures. After the addition of beta-galactosidase-linked anti-mouse IgG F(ab')2 fragments, antigen-positive supernatants were detected with the enzyme substrate o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside. Using a monoclonal antibody specific for rat brain Thy-1 glycoprotein, this solid-phase ELISA was found to be useful in quantifying changes in the developmental expression of cerebellar surface antigens in these cultures.

A simple perfusion chamber for studying neurotransmitter release from cells maintained in monolayer culture

A perfusion chamber is described for studying the efflux of putative neurotransmitters from CNS cells maintained in monolayer culture. We have used this apparatus to investigate the efflux of newly accumulated [3H]GABA from cell cultures of the early postnatal rat cerebellum.