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Biomedical subjects

J L Gendrault

Publications and source records attributed to J L Gendrault.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Productive infection of primary cultures of endothelial cells from the cat liver sinusoid with the feline immunodeficiency virus.

Given the similarities between the two viruses, the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is becoming an interesting animal model for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) studies. To explore the still controversial role of the liver in the development of HIV infection, sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC) were isolated, and primary cultures were infected with the FIV Villefranche IFFA strain. The isolated cells were characterized by their typical fenestrations, the presence of von Willebrand factor (vWf), and their ability to take up acetylated low-density lipoproteins and denatured collagen. Two weeks after infection, significant amounts of FIV p24 antigen were detected by immunofluorescence in both multinucleated giant and single cells and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the culture medium. High amounts of viral particles were observed together with different steps of budding at the plasma membrane or at the membrane of intracytoplasmic vacuoles. The released viral particles were shown to be infectious for a permissive cell line. During the first 3 weeks of infection, the only cytopathic effect of FIV was syncytia formation. No noticeable impairment of the pattern of fenestrations and the modulation of their number by a cytoskeleton-mediated process occurred. The productive infection of SEC may contribute to the progression of the infection.

Animals

Kinetics of nitric oxide synthase induction by Propionibacterium avidum and lipopolysaccharide.

Conditions for the induction of rat liver Ca2(+)-independent nitric oxide synthase were determined with killed Propionibacterium avidum, and compared with lipopolysaccharide endotoxin. Similar maximal induction was obtained intraperitoneally with the two types of inducers but killed Propionibacterium avidum gave a long-lasting induction while lipopolysaccharide displayed a rapid and short response. Moreover, the induction resulting from an intravenous administration of killed Propionibacterium avidum reached 60 times that of the control whereas lipopolysaccharide treatment induced a 24-fold stimulation only. It is noteworthy that with the first inducer the nitric oxide activity was stable with time whereas with the second one it dropped after 8 h. Whatever the route of administration of killed Propionibacterium avidum, some huge vacuolated Kupffer cells were found in the liver whose parenchyma was almost normal. Numerous monocytes, and unaltered Kupffer cells, were observed. Kupffer cells were identified to be responsible for the uptake of killed Propionibacterium avidum.

Animals

Presence of virion protein x (Vpx) of simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac 251 in target cells in vivo.

Localization of virion-associated protein x (Vpx) of SIVmac 251 was studied in lymph nodes and liver of six SIVmac-infected monkeys. Vpx was found associated with the network of follicular dendritic cells and macrophages in lymph nodes and/or livers from five out of six animals by immunohistochemistry. Although the humoral response to Vpx occurs in only 50% of the animals, the presence of Vpx in target cell or antibodies to Vpx in all the monkeys studied, suggests that Vpx may be necessary for viral replication in vivo.

Animals

Mouse hepatitis virus type 3 infection provokes a decrease in the number of sinusoidal endothelial cell fenestrae both in vivo and in vitro.

Fenestrations of hepatic endothelial cells play an active role as a sieving barrier allowing extensive exchange between the blood and liver parenchyma. Alteration of these structures may be induced in the course of various pathological events and provoke important perturbations of liver function. We demonstrate here that sinusoidal endothelial cells are permissive for mouse hepatitis virus 3 (MHV3) in vivo and in vitro and that this infection leads to a striking decrease in the number of fenestrae. The disappearance of these structures observed under scanning electron microscopy or in cryofracture preparations in vivo and in vitro cannot be reversed by the action of cytochalasin B on the microfilament network. The decrease in the porosity seems to be related directly to the productive infection of the endothelial cells, because it was not observed in A/J mice resistant to the virus and in susceptible BALB/c mice immunized with a thermosensitive mutant in which no viral replication occurs. In conclusion, a viral infection of liver endothelial cells may cause extensive loss of the fenestrations and thus lead to important functional pertubations.

Animals

Permissiveness of Kupffer cells for simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and morphological changes in the liver of rhesus monkeys at different periods of SIV infection.

The pathogenesis of liver injury, which remains unclear in the course of human immunodeficiency virus infection, can be investigated in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected macaques, which develop an immunodeficiency disease resembling human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). We studied the livers of 21 monkeys infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac251) for 4 days to 39 months and detected viral antigens in Kupffer cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes in 65% of the livers tested. Virus-containing cells were present in 5 out of 9 livers tested as early as 4 days postinoculation. The number of positive cells as well as their content in viral proteins substantially increased in sinusoidal cells with the progression of the disease. Morphological features and double immunolabeling indicated that Kupffer cells constituted the predominant cell type containing viral antigens. The presence of multinucleated giant cells displaying the ultrastructural features of resident liver macrophages was another sign of the productive infection of Kupffer cells in vivo, which was attested by the observation of budding, immature, and mature SIV particles. Kupffer cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy were evident and appeared to be related to the development of SIV infection, because a close correlation was found between antigenemia and the surface area occupied by these cells. The Kupffer cells contained apoptotic lymphocytes, indicating that resident liver macrophages could play a role in the uptake of such cells from the blood. The production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and, possibly, interferon-alpha by Kupffer cells, the expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1, (VCAM-1), intralobular and periportal inflammation, and the proliferation and expansion of bile duct cells were other signs of liver involvement in SIV infection.

Animals

HIV-1 infection induces functional alterations in human liver endothelial cells in primary culture.

OBJECTIVES: Since human liver endothelial cells allow HIV-1 multiplication in vitro, we investigated whether HIV induced functional alterations in these cells in primary culture. DESIGN: Direct evidence of the replication of HIV in endothelial cells is sparse, but clotting abnormalities and thrombi, which suggest the existence of an endothelial dysfunction, have been observed in HIV-infected patients. We therefore studied the storage and release of endothelial-specific factors in primary cultures of liver endothelial cells infected with HIV, as well as their cytoskeleton, pinocytic and phagocytic properties. METHODS: Intracellular storage of von Willebrand's factor (vWF) was determined by immunofluorescence and computer image analysis. Excretion of vWF, protein S and endothelin-1 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay. Cytoskeletal constituents were studied by light microscopy. The pinocytosis of acetylated low-density lipoproteins and the phagocytosis of latex beads were analysed under light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The synthesis of vWF is markedly decreased in HIV-infected liver endothelial cells, as is the excretion of endothelin-1. In contrast, the excretion of protein S remains unaffected and the cytoskeletal network appears to be unaltered. Pinocytosis and phagocytosis are preserved. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection triggers non-lethal functional alterations in cultured human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, with a selective impairment in the storage and/or the excretion of endothelial-specific factors such as vWF. This functional modulation could play a role in the pathophysiology of HIV-induced disease.

Cells, Cultured

Feline immunodeficiency virus can productively infect cultured endothelial cells from cat brain microvessels.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) provokes a disease in cats characterized by histopathological lesions similar to those observed in AIDS patients. In order to determine whether endothelial cells from brain microvessels are involved in the central nervous system disease to the same extent as macrophages and microglia, cells were isolated from healthy cat brains, cultured and infected in vitro with the FIV Villefranche IFFA 1/88 strain. The isolated cells displayed typical endothelial cell ultrastructural features and were characterized further by von Willebrand factor-labelling and the binding of specific lectins such as Ulex europaeus lectin on their membrane. They were also able to take up acetylated low density lipoproteins. Two weeks after infection, significant amounts of FIV p24 antigen were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in syncytia and single cells. Concomitantly, the same antigen could be detected in the culture medium of the infected cells by an ELISA technique. Numerous viral particles as well as different steps in the process of viral budding were observed under transmission electron microscopy. The synthesis of FIV p24 antigens still occurred in cells in which replication was blocked in the G2 phase with taxol. Our results suggest the possibility of a productive infection of brain microvascular endothelial cells by FIV in vivo, which could lead to important perturbations in the functions of the blood-brain barrier.

Animals

Primary cultures of endothelial cells from the human liver sinusoid are permissive for human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Human endothelial cells isolated from hepatic sinusoids were infected in vitro with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). An early sign of infection occurring in the culture was the formation of multinucleated cells. By double-labeling immunofluorescence, 5-15% of the cells recognized as endothelial cells owing to the presence of von Willebrand factor were found to contain HIV p24 and gp120 antigens after 2 weeks. Reverse transcriptase activity was released into the medium, and different steps in the process of viral budding were observed by electron microscopy. The virus produced by the endothelial cells was found to be infectious for CEM cells, a human T-cell line. CD4 molecules are present at the surface of the endothelial cells, as demonstrated by immunogold-silver staining and backscattered electron imaging. Treatment with an anti-CD4 antibody abolished productive infection of the sinusoidal endothelial cells. The possibility that endothelial cells of the liver sinusoid are infected in vivo with HIV remains to be clearly shown.

CD4 Antigens

Characterization of trans-immortalized hepatic cell lines established from transgenic mice.

Hepato-specific regulatory (promoter/enhancer) DNA sequences were used for targeting the expression of onc genes, such as murine c-myc and Simian Virus 40 T Antigen, to hepatocytes of transgenic mice which subsequently developed hepatocellular carcinomas after a variable period of time (depending on the type of onc gene employed). Several trans-immortalized cell lines were established and compared with respect to the expression of adult hepatic markers and response to growth factors. Despite the morphological differences observed between trans-hepatomas, owing to the expression of the two different onc genes, all tumor-derived cell lines behaved in a comparable fashion during long-term culture displaying an adult hepatic phenotype for at least 40 passages. They differed, however, in response to epidermal growth factor. When the gene coding for human alpha 1-antitrypsin was placed under the control of the same hepato-specific promoter/enhancer, high levels of the human recombinant protein could be harvested from the supernatants of trans-hepatoma-derived cell lines.

Acute-Phase Proteins

Interaction of cultured human Kupffer cells with HIV-infected CEM cells: an electron microscopic study.

Evidence has accumulated indicating that macrophages could play a role in the physiopathology of AIDS. We recently demonstrated that cultured human liver macrophages, the so-called Kupffer cells (KC), are permissive for HIV. Their infection in vivo would lead these cells to constitute a target for the virus and a reservoir as well. Since they occupy a strategic position within the liver sinusoid, their opportunity to interact with blood-borne virus or already infected T lymphocytes may be very high. In the present study, we investigated the possibility for KC to be infected via HIV-infected CEM cells, a lymphoid cell line. Therefore, we cocultured both cell types for various times before fixing them for electron microscopy. Syncytia appeared within 20 h of infection as well as a large amount of virus particles. HIV in the way of budding was also easily observed. This has to be compared to the direct infection of KC with free virus which needs, at least, about 10 days to give the same results.

Cell Communication

Comparative ultrastructural study of rat livers preserved in Euro-Collins or University of Wisconsin solution.

University of Wisconsin solution greatly lengthens the time liver storage is possible compared with all previous solutions used. To test whether this improvement is related to better preservation of the endothelial cell, which is thought to be the most vulnerable cell type in cold storage, we compared time-related ultrastructural changes in rat livers stored in this solution or in Euro-Collins solution. Rat livers were harvested after combined arterial and portal perfusion with the cold-storage solution. They were then preserved for different lengths of time in the same solution at 4 degrees C before being perfusion-fixed and processed for light and electron microscopy. The first preservation damage was noted in endothelial cells; the time course of the lesions was similar in both solutions. After 2 hr of storage, enlarged and ruptured fenestrae with many gaps were observed. Swollen at 4 hr, the endothelial cells became stringlike at 10 hr, leading to stripped sinusoidal walls. Hepatocytes appeared better preserved in University of Wisconsin solution. The amount of glycogen, maintained near the control level at 24 hr in the latter, decreased dramatically between 0 and 4 hr in Euro-Collins solution, as ultrastructurally observed and biochemically confirmed. Furthermore, sinusoidal obstruction by blebs originating from the hepatocytes and quantified by image analysis on electron micrographs was markedly delayed. It was significantly less pronounced in University of Wisconsin solution at 24 hr than in Euro-Collins solution at 2 hr (p less than or equal to 0.05). Our findings confirm that endothelial cells are highly susceptible to preservation damage and show that University of Wisconsin solution does not improve preservation during storage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine

Inhibition in fat-storing cell multiplication by a factor produced by normal cultured murine hepatocytes.

In this study we demonstrate that hepatocytes isolated from normal mice may efficiently inhibit the multiplication of fat-storing cells (FSC) in culture, either in a coculture system where both cell types are separated by a filter of 0.45 microns pore size or via their conditioned medium. The inhibition may be completely reversed when the hepatocytes are removed and the culture medium is renewed. The inhibitory factor appears as early as 8 h in the medium with an almost maximum effect being reached after 24 h, as long as protein synthesis is allowed. It rapidly loses its efficiency through dilution. The inhibitory capacity of the conditioned medium is maintained after heating at 56 degrees C, dialysis of 100,000 x g centrifugation, but reduced after trypsin treatment. The infection of the hepatocytes by ectromelia virus causes an almost total suppression of the synthesis of the inhibitory factor. This latter result suggests that the multiplication of FSC, which may be inhibited by normal hepatocytes, would no longer be hindered in case of disregulation.

Animals

Permissivity of primary cultures of human Kupffer cells for HIV-1.

Kupffer cells (liver macrophages) represent the largest reservoir of fixed macrophages in the body. Accordingly, we have undertaken a study to evaluate their susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Five-day-old primary cultures of Kupffer cells (KC) were infected with HIV-1, and as the infection progressed, syncytia appeared. Within the cells, viral proteins were detected by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies directed against gp120 and p24. Electron microscopic examinations revealed the presence of typical Lentivirinae particles. The particles released from KC in the extracellular medium showed reverse transcriptase activity and p24 antigen; they could infect lymphocytic cells and were neutralized by a HIV+ patient's serum or an anti-gp120 monoclonal antibody. Our results thus demonstrate that the interaction of HIV-1 with KC in vitro leads to a productive infection. They suggest that the KC may be involved in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection and may (i) participate in the transmission of the infection to the peripheral blood cells, (ii) play a role in the depletion of uninfected CD4+ cells.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Isolation, culture and main characteristics of mouse fat-storing cells: interaction with viruses.

Fat-storing cells were isolated from 15-day-old mouse sinusoidal cell cultures (Kupffer or endothelial cells), where they had multiplied abundantly; they were then purified by a negative selection method based on the fact that they do not possess Fc receptors, as do both other types of cells. The fat-storing cells, which could be subcultured for at least 10 passages, have the main morphological characteristics already described in vivo, in particular, the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the lipid droplets, which become less and less apparent as the number of passages increases. Subcultured fat-storing cells, almost devoid of lipid droplets and vitamin A, were able to take up retinol, as the appearance of a typical autofluorescence indicated; the number of lipid droplets increased concomitantly. Furthermore, the cultured fat-storing cells were able to internalize one-micron-sized latex beads by phagocytosis. Infection of fat-storing cells with mouse hepatitis virus 3, ectromelia or Sindbis virus led to multiplication of the virus particles. There was a direct relation between the multiplication of mouse hepatitis virus 3 in cultured fat-storing cells and the susceptibility of the animals to the virus. In the case of Sindbis virus, interferon is produced, its production being independent of the presence of vitamin A.

Animals