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Biomedical subjects

H R Petty

Publications and source records attributed to H R Petty.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Interaction of Fc gamma receptor type IIIB with complement receptor type 3 in fibroblast transfectants: evidence from lateral diffusion and resonance energy transfer studies.

To explore potential inter-receptor interactions between Fc gamma RIIIB, a GPI-linked protein, and the leukocyte integrin CR3, we have prepared transfected 3T3 fibroblast cell lines expressing Fc gamma RIIIB, CR3, or both Fc gamma RIIIB and CR3. We test the hypothesis that Fc gamma RIIIB and CR3 are physically associated in membranes using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and resonance energy transfer (r.e.t.) microscopy. Cells expressing Fc gamma RIIIB alone displayed a diffusion coefficient (D) of 3.4 x 10(-9) (+/- 2.9 x 10(-9) cm2/second and a mobile fraction (m.f.) of 0.73 (+/- 0.10). In contrast, Fc gamma RIIIB exhibited D = 2.5 x 10(-9) (+/- 1.4 x 10(-9) cm2/second (n.s.) and a m.f. of 0.48 (+/- 0.08) (p < 0.01) on cells expressing both Fc gamma RIIB and CR3, thus indicating that co-expression of CR3 constrains the lateral diffusion of Fc gamma RIIIB. To further test for a direct physical interaction between these gene products, (r.e.t.) microscopy was performed. Donor-labeled anti-CR3 and acceptor-labeled anti-Fc gamma RIIIB on cells expressing both receptors yielded a r.e.t. photon count rate of 8.9(+/- 6.4) kilocounts/second (kC/s), whereas CR3-to-CR3 measurements gave 1.6(+/- 0.6) kC/s (p < 0.01). Moreover, the addition of exogenous agents such as N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, but not indomethacin, diminished the magnitude of these interactions in transfectant membranes. These data support the notion that a subpopulation of Fc gamma RIIIB is physically associated with CR3 and that this association can be affected by exogeneous compounds.

3T3 Cells

Human urokinase-type plasminogen activator primes neutrophils for superoxide anion release. Possible roles of complement receptor type 3 and calcium.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), which binds to cells via a specific receptor (uPAR), participates in pericellular proteolysis during leukocyte migration. Previous studies have indicated that uPAR is physically associated with CR3 (CD11b/CD18). To test the functional interactions of CR3 and uPAR, we have examined the ability of uPA to elicit changes in cytosolic calcium levels of normal neutrophils, neutrophils from a leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) patient, and 3T3 transfectants expressing CR3, uPAR, or both. We found that calcium levels of neutrophils increased from 106 +/- 6 nM in untreated cells to 199 +/- 25 nM in the presence of uPA. In contrast, no significant change in calcium was observed when neutrophils from an leukocyte adhesion deficiency patient were examined. The uPA-dependent calcium rise was inhibited by mAb directed against either CR3 or uPAR and required intact uPA. To substantiate further these findings, we prepared transfectants expressing genes encoding uPAR, CR3, and both receptors; only cells expressing both receptors experienced a rise in intracellular calcium. Although uPA's calcium signal is insufficient to trigger superoxide production, FMLP dose-dependent superoxide production was greatly enhanced by incubating neutrophils with intact, but not fragmented, uPA. Flow cytometry experiments utilizing an FMLP analogue exclude the possibilities that urokinase binds to the FMLP receptor or up-regulates its expression. We suggest that calcium is a second messenger of uPA, that this message is mediated in a CR3-dependent fashion, and that this signal primes neutrophils for superoxide production.

3T3 Cells

Reconstitution of antibody-dependent phagocytosis in fibroblasts expressing Fc gamma receptor IIIB and the complement receptor type 3.

In this study, we test the hypothesis that co-expression of both the complement receptor type 3 (CR3; CD11b/CD18) and Fc gamma receptor type IIIB (Fc gamma RIIIB) (CD16) are sufficient to mediate Ab-dependent phagocytosis. To explore the roles of these receptors in a simple and well-defined in vitro system, stable transfectants of fibroblasts expressing either CR3, Fc gamma RIIIB, or the combination of CR3 and Fc gamma RIIIB were generated. Cells not expressing either receptor, but exposed to the transfection protocol, were used as controls. Cell surface expression of CR3 and/or Fc gamma RIIIB were confirmed by using both flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy. The cell lines were analyzed for their ability to bind and internalize opsonized erythrocytes. Cells expressing both CR3 and Fc gamma RIIIB were able to both bind and phagocytose IgG-coated erythrocytes. In contrast, cells expressing CR3 only were able to phagocytose yeast, but not to bind nor phagocytose IgG-coated erythrocytes. Similarly, cells expressing Fc gamma RIIIB only were able to bind IgG-coated erythrocytes, but not to phagocytose either the erythrocytes or yeast. These studies demonstrate that, although CR3 does not participate in Ab-dependent recognition, it can complement the function of Fc gamma RIIIB to effect Ab-dependent phagocytosis. These studies also suggest that one mechanism for glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked proteins to mediate intracellular functions is through interactions with transmembrane proteins.

3T3 Cells

Physical association of complement receptor type 3 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in neutrophil membranes.

A previous study has shown that Fc gamma RIIIB (CD16), an extensively glycosylated glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-linked neutrophil membrane protein, specifically co-caps with the iC3b R (CR3; CD11b/CD18). This study tests the possible physical interactions of another extensively glycosylated glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-linked protein, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), with CR3. Receptors were labeled using fluorochrome-conjugated F(ab')2 fragments of an anti-CR3 mAb. In some cases cells were capped using second step F(ab')2 fragments of an anti-mouse F(ab')2 antiserum. After 30 min at 37 degrees C, 65 +/- 4% of the cells exhibited CR3 caps whereas 61 +/- 2% demonstrated uPAR caps. When CR3-capped cells were probed with F(ab')2 fragments of anti-uPAR conjugated to a distinct fluorochrome, 45 +/- 3% of the cells co-capped uPAR. When uPAR was capped, 48 +/- 2% of the cells co-capped CR3. Similar levels of co-capping were observed using a DNP-conjugated anti-CR3 F(ab')2 and an anti-DNP second step F(ab')2 reagent for capping or using FITC-uPA as a probing reagent. Furthermore, CR3-uPAR co-capping and/or co-clustering was also observed using anti-CR3 IgM and Mn2+ as integrin aggregation stimuli. Significant co-capping of anti-CD14, anti-CD59, anti-Mo5, anti-HLA, or NBD-PE (a lipid probe) was not observed. Moreover, CR3 and uPAR co-capping was blocked by N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, but not by six other saccharides, suggesting that a lectin-like site may participate in co-capping. This suggests that CR3 may regulate adhesive events by several mechanisms, including the regulation of the spatial distribution of uPAR.

Adult

Aberrant capping of membrane proteins on neutrophils from patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency.

Several functional defects have been found in neutrophils from leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) patients who fail to express the CD11/CD18 leukoadhesins: Mo1, LFA-1, and p150,95. To better understand the functional defects of LAD neutrophils, we have performed capping experiments. Purified normal or LAD neutrophils were labeled with fluorochrome-conjugated concanavalin A (Con A) or F(ab')2 fragments of antiurokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), anti-Fc gamma RIII (CD16), anti-Mo5, and anti-CD14 antibodies. F(ab')2-labeled cells were capped using a second-step F(ab')2 fragment of an antimurine Fab antiserum. Cells were capped for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C, then observed by fluorescence microscopy. LAD neutrophils were found to be deficient in capping, but not clustering of all of the reagents tested to date. The percent of cells exhibiting capping of Con A, Fc gamma RIII, urokinase receptor, CD14, and Mo5 were 52%, 67%, 70%, 25%, and 64% for normal neutrophils but were only 10%, 5%, 2%, 3%, and 1%, respectively, for LAD neutrophils. Capping of this panel of membrane components in LAD or normal neutrophils was not augmented by the addition of either 10(-5) mol/L colchicine or 10(-7) mol/L FMLP. Because capping requires membrane-to-cytosol communication and an intact microfilament linkage, we suggest that leukoadhesins may play a broad role in promoting the redistribution of membrane components including adherence-related receptors such as Fc gamma RIII and the urokinase receptor.

Animals

Influence of polysaccharides on neutrophil function: specific antagonists suggest a model for cooperative saccharide-associated inhibition of immune complex-triggered superoxide production.

We have previously shown that certain monosaccharides (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and mannose) could cooperatively inhibit the ability of neutrophils to release superoxide anions in response to immune complexes. To test the possible origins of the cooperative inhibition of superoxide release, we have examined the effect of a panel of polysaccharides on superoxide release in the presence or absence of immune complexes. Although exposure to particulate beta-glucan and hyaluronan triggered superoxide release from neutrophils, other polysaccharides including chitin and mannan were without effect. Both chitin and mannan, but not other polysaccharides, inhibited the immune complex-mediated stimulation of superoxide release in a dose-dependent fashion. In sharp contrast to the cooperative inhibition mediated by monosaccharides, chitin and mannan exhibited Hill coefficients of 1. This inhibition of superoxide production was not due to simple blockage of Fc receptors since fluorescent immune complexes bound equally well to neutrophils in the presence or absence of mannan or chitin as shown by epifluorescence microscopy and quantitative fluorometry. Furthermore, this inhibition of superoxide release was not observed when neutrophils were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate and ionophore A23187 or hyaluronan. Therefore, the specific inhibition of superoxide production by mannan and chitin could not be explained by either receptor blockage or by some nonspecific effect on cells. We suggest that these molecules interfere with a step in transmembrane signaling, presumably involving the integrin CR3. The observed Hill coefficients suggest the possibility that one polysaccharide may simultaneously bind to two monosaccharide binding sites yielding a Hill coefficient of 1, whereas individual monosaccharides separately bind yielding a Hill coefficient of 2.

Adult

Ligation of CD3 triggers transmembrane proximity between LFA-1 and cortical microfilaments in a cytotoxic T cell clone derived from tumor infiltrating lymphocytes: a quantitative resonance energy transfer microscopy study.

We have explored the transmembrane associations of leukocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) in response to T cell receptor ligation using resonance energy transfer (r.e.t.) microscopy to detect receptor to microfilament proximity. R.e.t. was detected using both imaging and photon counting techniques. T cells were labeled with fluorescein-conjugated F(ab')2 fragments of an anti-LFA-1 monoclonal antibody. Cells were incubated at 37 degrees C on unmodified glass surfaces and surfaces coated with anti-CD3 or anti-H-9 antibodies. Microfilaments of fixed cells were labeled with rhodamine-phalloidin. R.e.t. was not affected on unmodified (blank) or irrelevant antibody-treated (H-9) surfaces. However, both fluorescence images and photon count rates were significantly enhanced when cells bound to anti-CD3-coated surfaces. This enhancement was not due to a general effect of T cell activation on transmembrane cytoskeletal proximity since CD45-phalloidin r.e.t. was not affected by CD3 ligation. These experiments provide direct physical evidence that ligation of the CD3 complex specifically increases the proximity of LFA-1 and microfilaments, which may be relevant to T cell mediated adherence reactions.

Actin Cytoskeleton

Lectin-like inhibition of immune complex receptor-mediated stimulation of neutrophils. Effects on cytosolic calcium release and superoxide production.

We have tested the role of lectin-like interactions, with particular emphasis on CR3, in insoluble immune complex (IC)-mediated activation of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). The ability of IC to trigger intracellular Ca2+ release and O2- production by normal PMN, saccharide-treated cells, and CR3-deficient PMN (leukocyte adhesion deficiency, LAD, patients) were tested. When indo-1-labeled normal PMN were stimulated with IC in Ca(2+)-free buffer, intracellular Ca2+ rose from approximately 100 nM to approximately 230 nM. However, when LAD PMN were tested, a small rise in intracellular Ca2+ was observed. Because previous studies have shown that certain saccharides inhibit CR3-Fc gamma RIII co-capping, we tested a panel of saccharides to determine their ability to influence IC-mediated intracellular Ca2+ release. When normal PMN were exposed to 0.15 M N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NADG), D-mannose, or alpha-methyl-mannoside, the Ca2+ response to IC was significantly reduced. However, addition of 0.15 M glucose, raffinose, sucrose, galactose, fructose, or sorbitol did not significantly affect the Ca2+ response, suggesting that the response was specific for certain saccharides. To test the physiologic consequences of these Ca2+ signals, we have examined the ability of saccharides to influence O2- production by normal PMN and the ability of LAD PMN to produce O2- upon triggering by IC. Normal PMN stimulated with IC generated 4.3 +/- 1.7 nmol/10(6) cells/30 min of O2-. In contrast, O2- production was inhibited by 0 to 20% by glucose, galactose, sucrose, sorbitol, fructose, and raffinose and > or = 50% by NADG and mannose. LAD PMN, which display diminished Ca2+ signals, were found to produce O2- at 47 +/- 6% of control levels. NADG and mannose dose-response studies indicated that they cooperatively block O2-.

Adult

Cocapping of the leukoadhesin molecules complement receptor type 3 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 with Fc gamma receptor III on human neutrophils. Possible role of lectin-like interactions.

We have tested the possible physical interactions between the iC3b receptor (CR3), lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1, and class III Fc gamma receptor (Fc gamma RIII) at neutrophil surfaces. Cells were labeled using fluorochrome-conjugated Fab or F(ab')2 fragments of antireceptor mAb. Labeled receptors were capped using second-step F(ab')2 fragments of goat anti-mouse Fab antiserum. After 20 min at 37 degrees C, 68% of the cells capped the anti-CR3 plus second-step complex. Capping was time, temperature, and cytochalasin B sensitive. When capped cells were probed with Fab' or F(ab')2 fragments of anti-Fc gamma RIII labeled with a distinct fluorochrome, 41% of the cells cocapped Fc gamma RIII. Indistinguishable results were obtained when potential antibody combining sites within caps were blocked with a large excess of Fab or F(ab')2 fragments. When Fc gamma RIII was capped, 49% of the cells cocapped CR3. Similarly, LFA-1 cocapped with both CR3 and Fc gamma RIII. Importantly, other membrane components including HLA class I, Mo5, CD13, CR type 1, and IL-8 receptors and N-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1, 3-diszole L-alpha-dimyristoyl phosphatidylethanolamine did not cocap with CR3. However, the positive control Con A did cocap with CR3 and Fc gamma RIII. We next evaluated the effect of saccharides on CR3-Fc gamma RIII cocapping and found that 0.15 M N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NADG), alpha-methyl-D-mannoside, and D-mannose significantly inhibited cocapping by 70, 58, and 48%, respectively. No inhibition was obtained using glucose, galactose, N-acetyl-neuraminic acid, fucose, sorbitol, fructose, or sucrose. Similarly, Fc gamma RIII-lymphocyte function-associated-1 cocapping was inhibited by NADG. However, the cocapping of CR3 with lymphocyte function-associated-1 or Con A were not affected by 0.15 M NADG, which suggests that NADG inhibition of leukoadhesin-Fc gamma RIII cocapping is not due to a general effect of NADG on capping. Inasmuch as Fc gamma RIII is a glycophospholipid-linked membrane protein, we speculate that it interacts with CR3 and/or lymphocyte function-associated-1 via lectin-like interactions.

Adult

Superoxide-mediated lysis of erythrocytes: the role of colloid-osmotic forces.

Although superoxide anions are a well-known mediator of cytotoxicity, their mechanism of target cell lysis is not clearly understood. In the present study we have used an exogenous source of superoxide to study erythrocyte cytolysis. RBC lysis was studied in buffers containing the cations Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+; superoxide anions were produced and available in these buffers. During this model superoxide-dependent cytolytic process, erythrocytes underwent a shape change from biconcave disk to sphere as shown by scanning electron microscopy. Soret band transmitted light microscopy has confirmed this shape change and shown that it precedes cytosolic oxidation. This evidence is consistent with a colloid-osmotic type lytic mechanism. Erythrocyte lysis was studied by 51Cr-release and light scattering methods. Superoxide-mediated target cytolysis was characterized by: 1) a sigmoidal dose-response curve and 2) a lag time in cytolysis after superoxide addition in kinetic light scattering experiments. The efficacy of cytolysis followed the rank order Cs+ > Rb+ > Na+, Li+ > sucrose = raffinose, which provides additional support for a colloid-osmotic lytic mechanism. Furthermore, the rank order potency correlates with the cations' hydration numbers. We suggest that oxidative events trigger the formation of colloid-osmotic pores approximately 1 nm in diameter.

Buffers

Receptor-receptor interactions of complement receptor type 3 in neutrophil membranes.

The leukocyte integrin CR3 (CD11b/CD18) is known to participate in a variety of cell functions. Recent studies have indicated that CR3 may communicate with other plasma membrane receptors to carry out several cell functions. In this review we discuss these potential receptor-receptor interactions of CR3 and present a unifying model of CR3's diverse functions.

Animals

Surface-bound immune complexes trigger transmembrane proximity between complement receptor type 3 and the neutrophil's cortical microfilaments.

To characterize the transmembrane associations participating in antibody-dependent binding, we have used resonance energy transfer (r.e.t.) microscopy to assess the molecular proximity of complement receptor type 3 (CR3) and Fc gamma R type II (Fc gamma RII) and type III (Fc gamma RIII) with microfilaments during neutrophil adherence to untreated surfaces, surfaces coated with BSA, surfaces coated with BSA/anti-BSA F(ab')2 complexes, or surfaces coated with BSA/anti-BSA rabbit IgG immune complexes. Receptors were labeled with fluorescein-conjugated antireceptor Fab fragments, whereas microfilaments were labeled with rhodamine-phalloidin. CR3-to-microfilament r.e.t. was dramatically increased in neutrophils adherent to IgG immune complex-coated surfaces but not untreated or control surfaces. However, the low level of r.e.t. between donor-labeled anti-Fc gamma RII Fab fragments and rhodamine-phalloidin was not affected by any condition including surface-bound immune complexes. Significant r.e.t. levels between Fc gamma RIII and microfilaments were not found under any condition. We suggest that CR3 plays an important role in tethering surface-attached immune complexes to the neutrophil's cytoskeleton.

Actin Cytoskeleton

Mapping the entry of reactive oxygen metabolites into target erythrocytes during neutrophil-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.

Transmitted Soret band optical microscopy has been used to image the entry and passage of reactive oxygen metabolites across target erythrocytes. Due to the rapid cytosolic diffusion of hemoglobin in comparison to video rates, it was necessary to use erythrocytes with relatively immobilized hemoglobin. To achieve this, erythrocytes from patients with sickle cell anemia were used. The movement of reactive oxygen metabolites across rabbit IgG-opsonized sickle cells was observed in real time. These observations indicate that reactive oxygen metabolites can enter and cross targets in an asymmetric fashion.

Anemia, Sickle Cell

Imaging neutrophil activation: analysis of the translocation and utilization of NAD(P)H-associated autofluorescence during antibody-dependent target oxidation.

Fluorescence intensified/enhanced microscopy has been used to study the metabolic activation of living human neutrophils in time-lapse sequences. The autofluorescence associated with NAD(P)H's emission band was studied within individual quiescent and stimulated cells. Excitation of NAD(P)H-associated autofluorescence was provided by a high-intensity Hg-vapor lamp. The background-subtracted autofluorescence signals were computer enhanced. In some cases the ratio image of NAD(P)H-associated autofluorescence to tetramethyl-rhodamine methyl ester (TRME) fluorescence, which was found to be uniformly distributed within neutrophils, was calculated to normalize autofluorescence intensities for cell thickness. Activation of the NADPH oxidase by phorbol myristate acetate, F-, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) dramatically reduced autofluorescence levels. Membrane solubilization with sodium dodecyl sulfate eliminated autofluorescence. Thus, control experiments indicated that most or all of the detectable NAD(P)H-associated autofluorescence was due to NAD(P)H, consistent with previous non-microscopic studies. To understand the metabolic events surrounding the internalization and oxidative destruction of targets, we have imaged the NAD(P)H-associated autofluorescence of neutrophils and the Soret band of antibody coated target erythrocytes during cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Absorption contrast microscopy of the erythrocyte's Soret band is an especially sensitive indicator of the entry of reactive oxygen metabolites into this target's cytosol. Thus, it is possible to spectroscopically dissect and image the substrate (NADPH) and product (O2-) reactions of the NADPH oxidase in living unlabeled neutrophils. During real-time experiments at 37 degrees C, the level of NAD(P)H-associated autofluorescence surrounding phagosomes greatly increases before the disappearance of the target's Soret band. NAD(P)H-associated autofluorescence in the vicinity of phagocytosed erythrocytes is greatly diminished after target oxidation. This suggests that NAD(P)H is translocated to the vicinity of phagosomes prior to the oxidation of targets. The apparent cytosolic redistribution of NAD(P)H was confirmed by ratio imaging microscopy to control for cell thickness. We suggest that NADPH including its sources and/or carriers accumulate near phagosomes prior to target oxidation and that local NADPH molecules are consumed during target oxidation.

Antibodies

Oxidative damage by phenylhydrazine diminishes erythrocyte anion transport.

Human erythrocytes were exposed to oxidative stress by treatment with the slowly hemolytic drug phenylhydrazine. Phenylhydrazine has been previously shown to trigger the production of toxic oxygen metabolites including O-2 and H2O2 and the formation of Heinz bodies. The concentration-dependent formation of Heinz bodies was confirmed using optical microscopy. Heinz body formation was accompanied by surface protuberances as shown by scanning electron microscopy. The formation of Heinz bodies was accompanied by inhibition of anion translocation. Anion translocation was measured using the anionic fluorescent substrate analog N-(2-aminoethylsulfonate)-7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-taurine). The efflux of NBD-taurine was measured by continuous monitoring of transport by fluorescence (CMTF). The mean value of the kinetic rate constant for transport, k, was found to be -0.090 +/- 0.017 min-1. Phenylhydrazine was found to decrease k to less than one-half of control values in a dose-dependent fashion. The disruption of anion translocation may be related to the oxidative effects of phenylhydrazine and to the generation of Heinz bodies, which bind to the N-terminal domain of band 3.

Adult

Detection of transmembrane linkages between immunoglobulin or complement receptors and the neutrophil's cortical microfilaments by resonance energy transfer microscopy.

By exploiting the 1/r4 (where r is the separation distance between fluorochromes) dependence of energy transfer between parallel lamellae, we have observed transmembrane energy transfer between membrane receptors and cortical microfilaments. Receptors were labeled with donor- or acceptor-conjugated Fab fragments, whereas microfilaments were labeled with acceptor- or donor-conjugated phalloidin reagents. Energy transfer was imaged by optical microscopy. We report that cell surface receptors can be constitutively unlinked, linked or inducibly linked to microfilaments.

Actin Cytoskeleton

Histamine inhibits cell spreading and C3bi receptor clustering and diminishes hydrogen peroxide production by adherent human neutrophils.

Cell adherence plays a central role in many host defense mechanisms. Human peripheral blood neutrophils possess cell surface receptors that contribute to cell adherence or detachment. Receptors specific for the C3bi cleavage fragment of the third component of complement (CR3) promote adhesion, whereas histamine receptors promote detachment. In the present study, we tested the ability of histamine to down-regulate the physiological effects of CR3 receptors. Histamine decreased the binding of 51Cr-labeled neutrophils to complement-coated surfaces (C3-coated surfaces) in a dose-dependent fashion. Scanning electron microscopic and optical microscopic observations of neutrophils on C3-coated surfaces revealed polarized or spherical cell morphologies in the absence or presence of histamine, respectively. Histamine inhibited the ability of CR3 to cluster on plasma membranes of neutrophils adherent to C3-coated surfaces as shown by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, histamine diminished but did not abolish the FMLP-stimulated increase in plasma membrane CR3 expression as measured by fluorometry. Histamine did not inhibit the release of marker proteins from specific or gelatinase containing granules by neutrophils in suspension. Histamine also diminished the FMLP-stimulated production of respiratory burst oxidants from cells in suspension or cells allowed to adhere to fibrinogen substrates. We suggest that histamine may modulate selective changes in neutrophil function by diminishing adherence and preventing changes in cell shape following cell activation.

Cell Adhesion

Cyclosporine A induces an early and transient rigidification of lymphocyte membranes.

The effect of cyclosporine A (CsA) on peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) membranes was studied using fluorescence techniques. Light scattering and intercalation experiments indicate CsA has a critical micelle concentration of 3 x 10(-5) M. Doses above this critical concentration were avoided during these in vitro studies. Steady-state fluorescence polarization of the lipid probe DPH in peripheral blood lymphocyte membranes revealed that 10(-5) M CsA caused a significant increase in the fluorescence polarization 1-5 min after exposure (15-16% above control DPH polarization values). This initial increase in polarization plateaued at 10-11% above control values within roughly 40 min. Fluorescence lifetime measurements of DPH during this response reveal a slight increase in DPH lifetime. The increased DPH lifetimes showed that polarization measurements alone underestimate the rigidity of DPH's microenvironment. Measurements of DPH polarization and lifetime were analyzed using the Perrin equation to calculate the apparent microviscosity. Control PBL membranes at 37 degrees C exhibited a microviscosity (eta) equal to 1.89 poise (P). Five to 10 min after CsA exposure eta = 2.62-2.68 P and plateaus at eta = 2.31-2.51 P 20-120 min after exposure. Dose-response studies show that prolonged (greater than 90 min) exposure to CsA alters lymphocyte membrane fluidity. This early response in lymphocytes to CsA may correspond to other events associated with the initial binding of CsA to lymphocyte membranes such as membrane depolarization and alterations in phospholipid metabolism. Intravenous delivery of CsA in clinical studies has shown that a similar CsA dose of near 10(-5) M is available in the blood during the first hour after injection. The evidence presented here suggests that peripheral blood lymphocyte membranes are rigidified when exposed to CsA doses similar to those found in patient's blood immediately following intravenous administration.

Cyclosporins