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D Gemsa

Publications and source records attributed to D Gemsa.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Circadian and seasonal rhythms of 5-HT receptor subtypes, membrane anisotropy and 5-HT release in hippocampus and cortex of the rat.

Specific serotonin binding (5-HT1, 5-HT1A, and 5-HT2 subtypes) and membrane anisotropy were measured at 2 h intervals over a 24 h period in the hippocampus and cortex of Wistar WU rats, housed under a 12 h light-dark cycle, with lights on at 07.00. All experiments were performed both in March and December. In the hippocampus significant circadian rhythms could be ascertained for 5-HT1 binding sites in March and December while for 5-HT1A (subtype of 5-HT1) binding sites the circadian rhythm was only significant in March. The membrane anisotropy also showed significant variations only in March. Circadian rhythms were also found in the cortex for 5-HT1 (December) and 5-HT2 (March and December) binding sites as well as for the membrane anisotropy (December). A correlation was found between membrane anisotropy and 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 binding sites in hippocampus and cortex, respectively. A circadian rhythmicity was also observed for serotonin release as measured by in vivo voltammetry in both brain areas. The results obtained on the diurnal variations of serotonin receptor subtypes and serotonin release and the probable inverse relationship of these two parameters may be relevant in understanding the coupling of pre- and postsynaptic activity.

Analysis of Variance↗

Lipopolysaccharide suppresses cytokine release from coxsackie virus-infected human monocytes.

Infections by coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) have been reported to be associated with an enhanced influx of mononuclear leukocytes into afflicted tissue. Current evidence indicates that monocytes/macrophages are specifically involved in CVB3-induced myocarditis by maintaining a chronic inflammatory response. To examine susceptibility and reactivity to CVB3, freshly isolated human monocytes were exposed to various virus doses (0.1-10 MOI) in the presence or absence of macrophage-activating lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CVB3 infection alone induced an activation of monocytes as evidenced by enhanced adherence, release of cytokines and secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Simultaneous addition of LPS almost entirely suppressed LPS-specific production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and PGE2, partially inhibited release of interleukin 1 beta (IL 1 beta) and did not affect interleukin 6 (IL6) synthesis of CVB3-infected monocytes. These data show that CVB3 activates monocytes to cytokine production but renders them unreactive to further activating stimuli. Further studies should determine the extent to which continuous cytokine release from persistently CVB3-infected monocytes, and their apparent unresponsiveness to other stimuli, contribute to chronic myocarditis.

Coxsackievirus Infections↗

Enhanced release of prostaglandin E2 from macrophages of rats with silicosis.

The pathogenesis of silicosis results, in part, from interactions between silica particles and alveolar macrophages (AM) with release of cytokines and other mediators. Different arachidonic acid metabolites have been shown to promote or to suppress inflammation and fibrosis. We designed experiments to study the production of cyclooxygenase metabolites and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from macrophages during active silicosis. Macrophages were harvested from rats 5 to 7 mo after an 8-day silica aerosol exposure. Upon in vitro culture of AM, the spontaneous release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) of silica-exposed animals was higher than that of sham-exposed animals. Moreover, AM from silicotic rats displayed an increased sensitivity to low concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng/ml) and released copious amounts of PGE2 and TXB2. When compared with similarly enhanced release of TNF-alpha from AM of silica-exposed rats, PGE2 production occurred later and started to increase when TNF-alpha production declined. Addition of the cyclooxygenase blocker indomethacin augmented TNF-alpha production, whereas the addition of PGE2 counteracted TNF-alpha release. Also peritoneal macrophages, which did not have direct contact with silica particles, released enhanced levels of PGE2 in response to low LPS doses. We conclude that AM and other macrophages from silica-exposed rats are preactivated and display an enhanced prostanoid production that could serve anti-inflammatory or immunomodulating roles in silicosis.

Animals↗

Reduced release of leukotrienes B4 and C4 from alveolar macrophages of rats with silicosis.

Silicosis leads to altered release of fibrogenic and immunomodulating mediators from alveolar macrophages (AM). Since 5-lipoxygenase metabolites have been shown to possess proinflammatory effects and to promote the release of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from mononuclear phagocytes, we determined leukotriene secretion from silica-exposed AM. Rats were exposed to an aerosol of silica particles for 8 days and AM were harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage 5 to 7 mo after exposure. AM from both air-sham control and silica-exposed rats displayed minimal spontaneous leukotriene release upon in vitro culture. Stimulation with opsonized zymosan particles induced leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) secretion, which was much greater in control AM than in AM from silica-dusted rats. The reverse was found for zymosan-induced TNF-alpha production, which was higher in AM from silica-exposed than from control rats. To study the interrelation between leukotriene and TNF-alpha release, we incubated zymosan-stimulated AM with the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor VZ 65. VZ 65 suppressed zymosan-induced TNF-alpha release from AM in a dose-dependent manner, and TNF-alpha production could be restored almost completely by addition of LTB4. These experiments demonstrate that silica exposure resulted in a decreased LTB4 and LTC4 production from AM, which may represent a regulatory mechanism to counterbalance enhanced TNF-alpha production during silicosis.

Animals↗

Influenza A virus infection of macrophages. Enhanced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene expression and lipopolysaccharide-triggered TNF-alpha release.

We have previously shown that infection of macrophages by influenza A virus is capable of priming for a high TNF-alpha production in response to LPS. The present study was designed to examine in more detail TNF-alpha gene expression and TNF-alpha protein release of virus-infected, murine PU5-1.8 macrophages in the presence or absence of low and by itself rather inefficient concentrations of LPS (10 ng/ml). Although influenza A virus infection alone induced a massive TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation, translation into the bioactive TNF-alpha protein was low as intra- and extracellularly determined by bioassay, specific ELISA and Western blot. However, when LPS was added simultaneously or up to 4 h after infection, a high TNF-alpha production was initiated. The virus-induced TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation appeared to be due to both transcriptional and post-transcriptional changes: an enhanced TNF-alpha gene transcription as determined by nuclear run-on transcription assay and a markedly prolonged half-life of TNF-alpha mRNA as shown in actinomycin D-treated macrophages. These findings imply that influenza A virus may 1) either directly or indirectly stimulate TNF-alpha gene transcription activators or may interfere with labile transcription repressor proteins and 2) may stabilize TNF-alpha mRNA by delaying its degradation. Both mechanisms, taken together, prime influenza A virus-infected macrophages for a high TNF-alpha release in response to LPS which, as clinical cases show, may adversely affect patients with combined influenza A virus and bacterial infections.

Animals↗

The lack of receptors for atrial natriuretic peptides on human monocytes prevents a rise of cGMP and induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha synthesis.

Freshly harvested human monocytes were shown to produce tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in response to exogenously added or sodium nitroprusside-generated cGMP. In contrast, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) that acts by elevating cGMP in a variety of cells, was incapable of inducing TNF-alpha synthesis. This failure was due to a lack of ANP receptors and thus, to the inability of ANP to raise cGMP in human monocytes.

Atrial Natriuretic Factor↗

Induction of cytokine release from human monocytes by coxsackievirus infection.

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infections produce an inflammatory and immune response that suggests the involvement of cytokines. In this in vitro study, we exposed purified human monocytes to CVB3 and determined the release of interferon (IFN), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Exposure to CVB3 did not alter the viability of monocytes, however, it induced an increased adherence. After 12 and 24 h of CVB3 exposure, monocytes released large amounts of IFN, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha. These data show that CVB3 strongly affects human monocytes and activates them to production of biologically active cytokines, particularly IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha. It is suggested that both cytokines, when released in large amounts and for a prolonged period, may contribute to a strong inflammatory response and eventual tissue damage in afflicted organs such as the myocardium.

Coxsackievirus Infections↗

Influenza A virus infects macrophages and stimulates release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

The clinical picture of influenza A virus infections indicates that release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may be involved. In the present study we exposed the murine macrophage line PU5-1.8 to influenza A virus and observed a productive infection which was followed by subsequent cell death. Infection of macrophages was accompanied by TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation and TNF-alpha release. TNF-alpha production could only be induced by live virus whereas interferon release was also stimulated by inactivated virus. When virus-infected macrophages were exposed to low amounts of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1-10 ng/ml) TNF-alpha production was strongly potentiated. These data show that low LPS concentrations could readily trigger a high TNF-alpha release from influenza-A-virus-infected macrophages which could, at least partially, explain the serious complications of combined influenza A virus and bacterial infections.

Animals↗

Systemic macrophage stimulation in rats with silicosis: enhanced release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha from alveolar and peritoneal macrophages.

In silicosis, alveolar macrophages (AM) are thought to induce chronic inflammation and fibrosis by release of cytokines. Rats were exposed to aerosols of alpha-quartz and examined 4 to 9 mo later for persistence of silica particles and release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from macrophages. Silica particles were detected in AM, lung parenchyma, and thoracic lymphoid organs, whereas extrathoracic lymphoid tissues and organs were free of the mineral. When AM were tested functionally, no spontaneous release of TNF-alpha was observed. However, upon in vitro stimulation of AM from silicotic rats with a low concentration of lipopolysaccharide (10 ng/ml), abundant TNF-alpha production was found that was higher and occurred more rapidly than with AM from sham-exposed animals. Peritoneal macrophages, which did not have contact with silica particles, displayed a similarly enhanced TNF-alpha release in response to low doses of lipopolysaccharide. These data demonstrate a state of systemic preactivation ("priming") of macrophages that supports the notion that silicosis is associated with a general immunostimulation.

Animals↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha production of influenza A virus-infected macrophages and potentiating effect of lipopolysaccharides.

Influenza A virus infections are commonly associated with symptoms that suggest involvement of TNF-alpha. In this study, we exposed human monocytes, rat alveolar macrophages, and murine PU5-1.8 macrophages to influenza A virus, strain Puerto Rico 8. We observed a productive infection that was accompanied by TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation, TNF-alpha release and subsequent cell death. TNF-alpha production was dependent on exposure to live virus, in contrast to IFN release that was also induced by UV-inactivated virus. Most strikingly, low amounts of LPS (1 to 10 ng/ml) from Escherichia coli or Haemophilus influenzae were capable of strongly potentiating TNF-alpha production from virus-infected macrophages. The potentiating effect of LPS was neither due to increased survival of macrophages nor to altered virus multiplication, enhanced TNF-alpha gene expression, discharge of intracellular TNF-alpha stores, or shifts in the kinetics of TNF-alpha release. Thus, low amounts of LPS, which could easily be present in vivo, may serve as a potent trigger signal for TNF-alpha production from macrophages that have been primed by influenza A virus infection. These data suggest that the frequently observed serious complications of combined influenza A virus and bacterial infections may be partially due to a high TNF-alpha production.

Blotting, Northern↗

Enhancement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene expression by low doses of prostaglandin E2 and cyclic GMP.

Macrophage-derived PGE2 is usually considered to be a down-regulator of TNF-alpha production. However, we recently demonstrated that PGE2 may display dual activities in that low concentrations stimulated whereas higher doses suppressed TNF-alpha synthesis in resident peritoneal macrophages. To examine the underlying molecular mechanisms, we studied TNF-alpha gene expression in rat peritoneal macrophages and the murine PU5-1.8 macrophage line. In both macrophage types, PGE2 enhanced TNF-alpha gene transcription and production at an optimal concentration of 1 ng/ml. Furthermore, evidence was obtained that PGE2 may stimulate TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation via a rise of the intracellular messenger cGMP. Both, exogenously added as well as endogenously, by sodium nitroprusside generated cGMP were found to enhance TNF-alpha gene expression and production. These findings lend further support to the concept that cGMP may represent one of the positive signals for TNF-alpha synthesis.

Animals↗

Particles from dialysis tubing stimulate interleukin-1 secretion by macrophages.

Loading of tissue macrophages with dialysis-tubing-derived particles may occur during chronic haemodialysis. Previous studies have demonstrated that these particle-laden macrophages release significant quantities of prostaglandins. In these experiments, the effects of dialysis-tubing-particle loading on the release of the central inflammatory mediator, interleukin 1 (IL 1), was examined. Rats received daily injections of silicone or polyvinylchloride (PVC) particles, and were compared to animals given saline alone. The silicone and PVC groups received a total of 3 x 10(9) particles over a 4-week period. Non-stimulated peritoneal macrophages from control animals released a median of 4.1 (range 1.2-10.3) U IL 1 per 10(6) cells. In contrast, macrophages from silicone- and PVC-loaded animals spontaneously released high levels of IL 1 (median 21.8; range 10-36.7) and 94 (range 36-336) U per 10(6) cells respectively). Following in vitro stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peritoneal macrophages from silicone- and PVC-treated animals released large amounts of IL 1 (median 538 (range 359-2017) U and median 653 (range 326-1134) U per 10(6) cells, respectively) as compared to LPS-stimulated macrophages from control animals (median 332 (range 130-306) U per 10(6) cells]. Zymosan or LPS stimulation of splenic cells from silicone- and PVC-loaded animals also secreted increased quantities of IL 1 as compared to controls. The chronic loading of tissue macrophages in dialysis patients with tubing-derived particles may result in augmented release of IL 1, with subsequent activation of inflammatory processes.

Animals↗

Relationship between LTC4 generation of hypodense eosinophils and bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatic children.

In 19 asthmatic children aged 6-16 years, the degree of bronchial hyperreactivity was determined in relationship to the concentration of inhaled histamine which caused a fall of the specific conductance (sGaw) to 60% of the baseline value PC60sGaw. At the time of lung function testing, a sample of heparinized blood was obtained from each patient. Eosinophils were purified and separated into a normodense and hypodense fraction by Percoll gradient centrifugation. After in vitro stimulation by ionophore A 23187, the leukotriene C4 (LTC4) content was determined in the culture supernatants. Hypodense eosinophils of the 13 children with a histamine threshold lower than 1 mg/ml generated significantly (p less than 0.01) larger amounts of LTC4 (0.8-36.3 ng/10(6) cells) when compared to 6 children with a histamine threshold higher than 1 mg/ml (0.7-12.1 ng/10(6) cells) and 12 healthy controls (0.4-8.2 ng/10(6) cells). Preincubation of eosinophils with platelet activating factor (PAF) induced an enhanced LTC4 production, not only in hypodense cells from both asthmatic groups but also in normodense cells from patients with severe hyperresponsiveness. These results are consistent with other results which suggest an important role of eosinophils, their activation by PAF and enhanced release of spasmogenic LTC4 in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Adolescent↗

Macrophage activation by granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Priming for enhanced release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and prostaglandin E2.

The macrophage-activating properties of murine recombinant granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF were studied in murine peritoneal macrophages with respect to metabolism, endocytosis, PGE2 and TNF-alpha release, and tumor cytotoxicity. GM-CSF was found to be a potent stimulus for RNA and protein synthesis, glucose consumption, pinocytosis, and FcR-independent phagocytosis. Macrophages were activated by GM-CSF to kill TNF-alpha-insensitive Eb lymphoma cells but failed to generate cytotoxicity against TNF-alpha-sensitive L929 cells. Although GM-CSF alone was incapable of stimulating TNF-alpha release, it primed macrophages for elevated TNF-alpha production in response to IFN-gamma plus LPS. The priming effect of GM-CSF disappeared upon longer incubation (greater than 12 h) and was followed by a strongly reduced responsiveness to stimuli that release TNF-alpha. Late-stage suppression could be reverted by treatment with the cyclooxygenase blocker indomethacin, and GM-CSF-induced priming for enhanced TNF-alpha release was entirely restored. The responsible arachidonic acid product mediating suppression was found to be PGE2, because 1) GM-CSF-primed macrophages released enhanced amounts of PGE2 and 2) indomethacin-restored macrophages were again suppressed when exogenous PGE2 was added back in amounts produced by GM-CSF-primed macrophages. Although GM-CSF potently induced TNF-alpha gene transcription by 20 h of treatment, PGE2 interfered with translation into the secreted TNF-alpha protein. These data show that GM-CSF is capable of priming for the enhanced release of two factors, initially for TNF-alpha and subsequently for PGE2. The temporally delayed generation of these two mediators suggests an autoregulatory circuit in which the later produced PGE2 limits GM-CSF-induced macrophage activation.

Animals↗

Regulation of prostaglandin synthesis by protein kinase C in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Resident mouse peritoneal macrophages synthesized and released prostaglandins (PGs) when challenged with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) or 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DiC8). Both stimuli were found to activate Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C (PKC). 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulphonyl)-2-methylpiperazine ('H-7') and D-sphingosine, known to inhibit PKC by different mechanisms, were able to decrease the PKC activity of macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of either PKC inhibitor decreased PG synthesis and also the release of arachidonic acid (AA) from phospholipids induced by TPA or DiC8. Simultaneously TPA or DiC8 also decreased incorporation of free AA into membrane phospholipids of macrophages. AA incorporation could be restored, however, by pretreatment with the PKC inhibitors. Our results demonstrate an involvement of PKC in the regulation of PG synthesis in mouse peritoneal macrophages and provide further evidence that reacylation of released fatty acids may be an important regulatory step.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗