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Biomedical subjects

L Lindbom

Publications and source records attributed to L Lindbom.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Licofelone, a novel 5-LOX/COX-inhibitor, attenuates leukocyte rolling and adhesion on endothelium under flow.

The main mechanism of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is the inhibition of cycloxygenases COX-1 and COX-2. During recent years, combined 5-LOX/COX-inhibition, interfering with the biosynthesis of both prostaglandins and leukotrienes (LTs), has emerged as a possibility to avoid side effects related to COX-inhibition. The aim of the present study was to investigate if there is a contribution of mechanisms other than the reduction of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes to the anti-inflammatory effect of the LOX/COX inhibitor licofelone. In a flow chamber assay, licofelone (10-30 microM) dose-dependently decreased both the rolling and adhesion of leukocytes on endothelial cells (EC). In contrast, no effects were found after treatment of EC with the unselective COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor indomethacin (30 microM), the potent and selective 5-LOX inhibitor, ZD-2138 (30 microM), the mainly COX-2 inhibitor aceclofenac (30 microM), the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (30 microM) and the combination of ZD-2138 with the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (30 microM). In the presence of licofelone (30 microM) the expression of E-selectin mRNA in cytokine-stimulated EC was attenuated, whereas no NSAID (30 microM) tested showed any effect on E-selectin expression. Moreover, licofelone treatment (30 microM) attenuated expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 on inflammatory EC. The effect of licofelone on leukocyte recruitment was also evaluated in vivo. Using a mouse peritonitis model it was found that leukocyte accumulation was markedly reduced in licofelone treated animals (100mg/kg) compared to untreated mice. Thus, the novel 5-LOX/COX inhibitor licofelone possesses anti-inflammatory activity that, in addition to COX/LOX inhibition, involves effects on leukocyte-endothelial interactions.

Acetates↗

Importance of primary capture and L-selectin-dependent secondary capture in leukocyte accumulation in inflammation and atherosclerosis in vivo.

In the multistep process of leukocyte extravasation, the mechanisms by which leukocytes establish the initial contact with the endothelium are unclear. In parallel, there is a controversy regarding the role for L-selectin in leukocyte recruitment. Here, using intravital microscopy in the mouse, we investigated leukocyte capture from the free flow directly to the endothelium (primary capture), and capture mediated through interactions with rolling leukocytes (secondary capture) in venules, in cytokine-stimulated arterial vessels, and on atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta. Capture was more prominent in arterial vessels compared with venules. In venules, the incidence of capture increased with increasing vessel diameter and wall shear rate. Secondary capture required a minimum rolling leukocyte flux and contributed by approximately 20-50% of total capture in all studied vessel types. In arteries, secondary capture induced formation of clusters and strings of rolling leukocytes. Function inhibition of L-selectin blocked secondary capture and thereby decreased the flux of rolling leukocytes in arterial vessels and in large (>45 microm in diameter), but not small (<45 microm), venules. These findings demonstrate the importance of leukocyte capture from the free flow in vivo. The different impact of blockage of secondary capture in venules of distinct diameter range, rolling flux, and wall shear rate provides explanations for the controversy regarding the role of L-selectin in various situations of leukocyte recruitment. What is more, secondary capture occurs on atherosclerotic lesions, a fact that provides the first evidence for roles of L-selectin in leukocyte accumulation in atherogenesis.

Animals↗

Heparin-binding protein (HBP/CAP37): a missing link in neutrophil-evoked alteration of vascular permeability.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration into tissues in host defense and inflammatory disease causes increased vascular permeability and edema formation through unknown mechanisms. Here, we report the involvement of a paracrine mechanism in neutrophil-evoked alteration in endothelial barrier function. We show that upon neutrophil adhesion to the endothelial lining, leukocytic beta2 integrin signaling triggers the release of neutrophil-borne heparin-binding protein (HBP), also known as CAP37/azurocidin, a member of the serprocidin family of neutrophil cationic proteins. HBP induced Ca++-dependent cytoskeletal rearrangement and intercellular gap formation in endothelial-cell monolayers in vitro, and increased macromolecular efflux in microvessels in vivo. Moreover, selective inactivation of HBP prevented the neutrophils from inducing endothelial hyperpermeability. Our data suggest a fundamental role of neutrophil-derived HBP in the vascular response to neutrophil trafficking in inflammation. Targeting this molecule in inflammatory disease conditions offers a new strategy for prevention of endothelial barrier dysfunction caused by misdirected leukocyte activation.

Animals↗

Direct viewing of atherosclerosis in vivo: plaque invasion by leukocytes is initiated by the endothelial selectins.

Leukocyte infiltration in atherosclerosis has been extensively investigated by using histological techniques on fixed tissues. In this study, intravital microscopic observations of leukocyte recruitment in the aorta of atherosclerotic mice were performed. Interactions between leukocytes and atherosclerotic endothelium were highly transient, thereby limiting the ability for rolling leukocytes to firmly adhere. Leukocyte rolling was abolished by function inhibition of P-selectin (P<0.001, n=8), whereas antibody blockage of E-selectin (n=10) decreased rolling leukocyte flux to 51 +/- 9.9% (mean+/-SE, P<0.01) and increased leukocyte rolling velocity to 162 +/- 18% (P<0.01) of pretreatment values. Notably, function inhibition of the integrin alpha(4) subunit (n=5) had no effect on rolling flux (107+/-25%, P=0.782) or rolling velocity (89+/-6.1%, P=0.147), despite endothelial expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Leukocytes interacting with atherosclerotic endothelium were predominantly neutrophils, because treatment with antineutrophil serum decreased rolling and neutrophil counts in peripheral blood to the same extent. In conclusion, we present the first direct observations of atherosclerosis in vivo. We show that transient dynamics of leukocyte-endothelium interactions are important regulators of arterial leukocyte recruitment and that leukocyte rolling in atherosclerosis is critically dependent on the endothelial selectins. This experimental technique and the data presented introduce a novel perspective for the study of pathophysiological events involved in large-vessel disease.

Animals↗

Severe lung lesions caused by Salmonella are prevented by inhibition of the contact system.

Vascular damage induced by trauma, inflammation, or infection results in an alteration of the endothelium from a nonactivated to a procoagulant, vasoconstrictive, and proinflammatory state, and can lead to life-threatening complications. Here we report that activation of the contact system by Salmonella leads to massive infiltration of red blood cells and fibrin deposition in the lungs of infected rats. These pulmonary lesions were prevented when the infected animals were treated with H-D-Pro-Phe-Arg-chloromethylketone, an inhibitor of coagulation factor XII and plasma kallikrein, suggesting that inhibition of contact system activation could be used therapeutically in severe infectious disease.

Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones↗

The human antimicrobial and chemotactic peptides LL-37 and alpha-defensins are expressed by specific lymphocyte and monocyte populations.

We identified antibacterial components in human T and natural killer (NK) cells by using freshly isolated lymphocytes enriched for T and NK cells as starting material. After growing these lymphocytes for 5 days in the presence of interleukin (IL)-2, we isolated and characterized several antibacterial peptides/proteins from the supernatant-alpha-defensins (HNP 1-3), LL-37, lysozyme, and a fragment of histone H2B-although other active components were also present. We then used reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to search for expression of the gene coding for LL-37 in several B-cell lines, gammadelta T-cell lines, NK clones, and one monocytic cell line, with positive results, but found no expression in several alphabeta T-cell lines. The alpha-defensins (HNP 1-3) were also found to be expressed in several of these cell lines. To confirm the presence of these antibacterial peptides in lymphocytes, we localized them to NK, gammadelta T cells, B cells, and monocytes/macrophages by using double-staining immunohistochemical analysis of freshly isolated lymphocytes. We also found that primary cultures of lymphocytes transcribe and secrete LL-37 and that these processes are affected by IL-6 and interferon-gamma. In addition, we demonstrated that LL-37 has chemotactic activity for polymorphonuclear leukocytes and CD4 T lymphocytes, whereas others have shown chemotactic activity for human alpha-defensins (HNP 1-2). These findings suggest that microbicidal peptides are effector molecules of lymphocytes and that antibacterial activity previously shown to be derived from T and NK cells may be partly mediated by the antibacterial peptides LL-37 and HNP 1-3.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Signaling via beta(2) integrins triggers neutrophil-dependent alteration in endothelial barrier function.

Activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and adhesion to the endothelial lining is a major cause of edema formation. Although known to be dependent on the function of beta(2) integrins (CD11/CD18), the precise mechanisms by which adherent PMNs may impair endothelial barrier capacity remain unclear. Here, the role of transmembrane signaling by beta(2) integrins in PMN-induced alterations in tight junctional permeability of cultured endothelial cell (EC) monolayers was investigated. PMN activation, in the absence of proinflammatory stimuli, was accomplished through antibody cross-linking of CD11b/CD18, mimicking adhesion-dependent receptor engagement. CD18 cross-linking in PMNs added to the EC monolayer provoked a prompt increase in EC permeability that coincided with a rise in EC cytosolic free Ca(2+) and rearrangement of actin filaments, events similar to those evoked by chemoattractant PMN activation. Cell-free supernatant obtained after CD18 cross-linking in suspended PMNs triggered an EC response indistinguishable from that induced by direct PMN activation, and caused clear-cut venular plasma leakage when added to the hamster cheek pouch in vivo preparation. The PMN-evoked EC response was specific to beta(2) integrin engagement inasmuch as antibody cross-linking of l-selectin or CD44 was without effect on EC function. Our data demonstrate a causal link between outside-in signaling by beta(2) integrins and the capacity of PMNs to induce alterations in vascular permeability, and suggest a paracrine mechanism that involves PMN-derived cationic protein(s) in the cellular crosstalk between PMNs and ECs.

Actins↗

Direct observations in vivo on the role of endothelial selectins and alpha(4) integrin in cytokine-induced leukocyte-endothelium interactions in the mouse aorta.

The molecular mechanisms underlying leukocyte recruitment in large arteries have been extensively studied using histological techniques on fixed tissues. However, there are no reports that address the dynamics of leukocyte recruitment in large arteries in vivo. We developed an intravital microscopy technique for direct observation of leukocyte-endothelium interactions in the mouse aorta. Circulating leukocytes were labeled intravasally with rhodamine 6G and microscopically visualized within the aorta, allowing direct analysis of leukocyte rolling and adhesion. In untreated vessels, leukocyte-endothelium interactions were virtually absent. However, local pretreatment with cytokines interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced clear-cut leukocyte rolling and adhesion, compatible with normal blood flow and wall shear rate. High shear decreased rolling leukocyte flux and increased leukocyte rolling velocity, thus decreasing the tendency for firm adhesion. Leukocyte rolling was almost abolished by an antibody blocking the function of P-selectin, whereas function-blocking antibodies against E-selectin and the alpha(4)-integrin subunit decreased rolling leukocyte flux to 51+/-34% (mean +/- SD) and 59+/-11% of the value before antibody treatment, respectively. In addition, inhibition of E-selectin function, but not of alpha(4) integrin, resulted in increased leukocyte rolling velocity (from 48+/-32 to 71+/-32 microm per second). Taken together, we introduce the first model for direct studies of leukocyte-endothelium interactions in a large artery in vivo and demonstrate cytokine-induced shear-sensitive leukocyte rolling that is critically dependent on P-selectin and modulated by E-selectin and alpha(4) integrin.

Animals↗

Integrin alpha(2)beta(1) (VLA-2) is a principal receptor used by neutrophils for locomotion in extravascular tissue.

Cell adhesion molecules are critically involved in the multistep process of leukocyte recruitment in inflammation. The specific receptors used by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) for locomotion in extravascular tissue have as yet not been identified. By means of immunofluorescence flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy, this study demonstrated that surface expression of the alpha(2)beta(1) (VLA-2) integrin, though absent on blood PMN, is induced in extravasated PMN collected from human skin blister chambers, and rat PMN accumulated in the peritoneal cavity after chemotactic stimulation. Intravital time-lapse videomicroscopy was used to investigate chemoattractant-induced PMN locomotion in the rat mesentery in vivo. Local administration of function-blocking monoclonal antibody or peptide recognizing the alpha(2)beta(1) integrin reduced PMN migration velocity in the extravascular tissue by 73% +/- 3% and 70% +/- 10%, respectively (means +/- SD). The distance f-met-leu-phe peptide (fMLP)-stimulated human PMN migrated in a collagen gel in vitro was markedly reduced by treatment with anti-alpha(2) mAbs or peptide, whereas no effect was observed with antibodies or peptides recognizing the alpha(4)beta(1) or alpha(5)beta(1) integrins. Further evidence for a critical role of expression of alpha(2)beta(1) integrin in PMN locomotion in extravascular tissue was obtained in the mouse air pouch model of acute inflammation where chemoattractant-induced PMN recruitment was substantially inhibited by local anti-alpha(2) mAb treatment. Thus, expression of alpha(2)beta(1) integrin on extravasated PMN has been identified and a novel role of this receptor in regulating the extravascular phase of leukocyte trafficking in inflammation has been formulated. (Blood. 2000;95:1804-1809)

Adult↗

Spontaneous leukocyte rolling in rat and mouse microvessels is independent of mast cell activity.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The role of mast cells in spontaneous leukocyte rolling in venules of the mouse cremaster muscle and rat mesentery was investigated. MATERIALS: The experiments were carried out using mast cell-deficient rats (Ws/Ws), WBB6F1 mice (W/Wv), and their congenic littermates (wild type). TREATMENT: Administration of compound 48/80 intraperitoneally (50 microg) in rats and intrascrotally (5 microg) in mice, 4 h prior to the experiments. METHODS: Intravital microscopy of the terminal vascular beds in mouse cremaster muscle and rat mesentery. RESULTS: The level of spontaneous leukocyte rolling and the rolling velocity in venules of mast cell-deficient animals exactly matched that seen in wild-type animals. Challenge with compound 48/80 markedly increased leukocyte adhesion and emigration in venules of wild-type animals. In contrast, the number of adherent and extravascular leukocytes was very low in compound 48/80-challenged animals lacking mast cells and did not differ from that seen in control animals treated with phosphate-buffered saline. CONCLUSIONS: The presence or activation of mast cells has no bearing on spontaneous leukocyte rolling, at least not in rat and mouse microvessels.

Animals↗

Engagement of beta2 integrins induces surface expression of beta1 integrin receptors in human neutrophils.

Induction of beta1 integrin (CD49/CD29) expression in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) has been shown to be associated with transendothelial migration recently. Yet, beta1 integrin expression is relatively insensitive to cell activation with soluble agonists, such as N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). We hypothesized that beta2 integrins (CD11/CD18), critically involved in PMN adhesion and extravasation, may play a role in regulating 1 integrin expression in PMN. Antibody cross-linking of CD18, mimicking adhesion-dependent engagement of beta2 integrins, resulted in rapid, tyrosine kinase-dependent upregulation of beta1 integrins. This response was potentiated by simultaneous chemoattractant (fMLP) stimulation of PMN. Moreover, upregulation of beta1 integrins evoked by CD18 cross-linking was found to support adhesion of fMLP-stimulated PMN to matrix proteins and also was critical for the ability of PMN to migrate in collagen gels in response to a gradient of fMLP. Taken together, these data demonstrate that engagement of beta2 integrins in human PMN induces beta1 integrin expression in these cells of significance for their migration in the extravascular tissue. Thus, beta2 integrins may serve the function to regulate PMN locomotion in extravascular tissue via receptor crosstalk with beta1 integrins.

Biological Transport↗

Influence of local haemodynamics on leucocyte rolling and chemoattractant-induced firm adhesion in microvessels of the rat mesentery.

Tissue hyperaemia, oedema formation and leucocyte accumulation are characteristic features of the inflammatory process referable to changes at the microcirculatory level. Here, we used intravital fluorescence video microscopy to assess relationships among haemodynamical parameters, leucocyte rolling, and chemoattractant-induced firm adhesion in small venules (13-24 microM) of the rat mesentery. The rolling leucocyte flux in these vessels was directly proportional to the total leucocyte flux (r = 0.76, P < 0.001), which in turn closely correlated to the venular blood flow (r = 0.77, P < 0.001). Consequently, the rolling to total leucocyte flux fraction, averaging 39 +/- 15%, did not vary with the blood flow and showed no correlation to either blood flow velocity (r = -0.15, P = 0.42) or wall shear rate (r = -0.06, P = 0.77), indicating that the extent of leucocyte rolling is not primarily dependent on the fluid viscous drag at physiological blood flow rates in vivo. Stimulation of the mesentery with the chemoattractant fMLP (10(-6) M) induced firm adhesion of rolling leucocytes. It was found that the number of adherent leucocytes in individual vessels was directly related to the rolling leucocyte flux (r = 0.78, P < 0.001) and hence to the venular blood flow (r = 0.47, P < 0.05), while there was no correlation to the wall shear rate (r = 0.27, P = 0.24). The dependence of the firm adhesive response on the blood flow level and the delivery rate of leucocytes was confirmed at the whole organ level. Thus, leucocyte accumulation in rat skin lesions was markedly enhanced when a vasodilator was co-administered with the chemotactic stimulus compared with chemotactic stimulation alone. The data indicate that, within a physiological blood flow range, the leucocyte response to chemotactic stimulation is largely independent of the prevailing hydrodynamic shear forces. Instead, manifestation of the firm adhesive response, because of its dependence on the preceding rolling interaction, is clearly related to the blood flow level in the microvessels, which emphasizes the significance of tissue hyperaemia in inflammation.

Animals↗

beta1 integrins are critically involved in neutrophil locomotion in extravascular tissue In vivo.

Recruitment of leukocytes from blood to tissue in inflammation requires the function of specific cell surface adhesion molecules. The objective of this study was to identify adhesion molecules that are involved in polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) locomotion in extravascular tissue in vivo. Extravasation and interstitial tissue migration of PMNs was induced in the rat mesentery by chemotactic stimulation with platelet-activating factor (PAF; 10(-7) M). Intravital time-lapse videomicroscopy was used to analyze migration velocity of the activated PMNs, and the modulatory influence on locomotion of locally administered antibodies or peptides recognizing various integrin molecules was examined. Immunofluorescence flow cytometry revealed increased expression of alpha4, beta1, and beta2 integrins on extravasated PMNs compared with blood PMNs. Median migration velocity in response to PAF stimulation was 15.5 +/- 4.5 micron/min (mean +/- SD). Marked reduction (67 +/- 7%) in motility was observed after treatment with mAb blocking beta1 integrin function (VLA integrins), whereas there was little, although significant, reduction (22 +/- 13%) with beta2 integrin mAb. Antibodies or integrin-binding peptides recognizing alpha4beta1, alpha5beta1, or alphavbeta3 were ineffective in modulating migration velocity. Our data demonstrate that cell surface expression of beta1 integrins, although limited on blood PMNs, is induced in extravasated PMNs, and that members of the beta1 integrin family other than alpha4beta1 and alpha5beta1 are critically involved in the chemokinetic movement of PMNs in rat extravascular tissue in vivo.

Animals↗

Characteristics of histamine-induced leukocyte rolling in the undisturbed microcirculation of the rat mesentery.

1. The main objective of this study was to analyse the role and mode of action of the mast cell mediator histamine in leukocyte-endothelium interactions in small venules in vivo. For this purpose, we used a histological approach (combined with intravital microscopy) that allows studies of rapid mediator-induced venular leukocyte accumulation, reflecting leukocyte rolling, in the undisturbed microcirculation of the rat mesentery where rolling is normally absent. 2. We first examined the relative importance of histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in acute mast cell-dependent leukocyte recruitment. The mast cell secretagogue compound 48/80 (i.p. for 15 min) induced a marked venular accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) which was almost abolished by combined histamine1 (H1)- and histamine2 (H2)-receptor blockade. In contrast, the 5-HT-receptor antagonist methysergide was inactive in this regard. Moreover, exogenous 5-HT was less active than exogenous histamine in evoking venular PMNL accumulation (histamine response dose-dependent; 5-HT response bell shaped). Prostaglandin D2 did not cause PMNL accumulation. 3. The venular PMNL response to exogenous histamine peaked between 15 min and 1 h, was still significantly elevated at 2 h, and then returned to prechallenge values after 3 h. At all time points, the histamine-induced PMNL accumulation was nearly abolished by i.v. treatment with the polysaccharide fucoidin (which blocks rolling but not firm adhesion per se), suggesting that the PMNL response to histamine was due to rolling rather than firm adhesion over the entire 3 h period. At no time point did histamine trigger accumulation of mononuclear leukocytes (MNL). 4. To examine the role of histamine-receptors in the histamine-induced PMNL accumulation (i.e. rolling), the animals were pretreated with diphenhydramine (H1-receptor antagonist), cimetidine, or ranitidine (H2-receptor antagonists). Diphenhydramine alone inhibited the venular PMNL response to histamine by 52%, while both H2-receptor antagonists were completely inactive. However, the combination of cimetidine and diphenhydramine reduced the histamine-induced PMNL rolling by 82%. Furthermore, in contrast to an H3-receptor agonist, challenge with either the H1-receptor agonist 2-thiazolylethylamine or two different H2-receptor agonists (impromidine, dimaprit) was sufficient to provoke significant venular PMNL accumulation. 5. Treatment with the nitric oxide-synthase inhibitor L-NAME did not affect the histamine-induced PMNL rolling. On the other hand, 3 h pretreatment with dexamethasone reduced the PMNL response to histamine by 73%, and flow cytometric analysis showed that the dexamethasone treatment almost completely inhibited binding of soluble P-selectin to rat isolated PMNLs. 6. We conclude that initial leukocyte recruitment after mast cell activation in the rat mesentery is critically dependent on histamine release. The cellular response to histamine was specifically due to PMNL rolling, involved activation of both H1- and H2-receptors, and lasted for 2 3 h. Moreover, the histamine-induced PMNL rolling was not dependent on nitric oxide synthesis, but was sensitive to glucocorticoid treatment, possibly via inhibition of expression or function of leukocytic P-selectin ligand(s).

Animals↗

An approach for studies of mediator-induced leukocyte rolling in the undisturbed microcirculation of the rat mesentery.

1. Although intravital microscopy is the method of choice for observation of inflammatory leukocyte rolling and adhesion in small venules in vivo, a problem with this technique is that surgical exposure of suitable tissues per se triggers the rolling mechanism. In this study, we describe an approach to investigate induction of rolling in undisturbed microvessels. For this purpose, intravital microscopic observation of leukocyte rolling and adhesion in the rat mesentery was combined with histological determination of the intravascular concentrations of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leukocytes (PMNL and MNL). 2. By relating the histologically determined number of intravascular leukocytes to either microvessel volume or to the erythrocyte concentration, the baseline MNL and PMNL content was found to be 3-6 fold higher in venules than in systemic blood. This increase in microvessel leukocyte concentration did not seem to be related to leukocyte-endothelium interactions, because the leukocyte concentration was similarly elevated in arterioles where rolling and adhesion did not take place. 3. Preparation of the rat mesentery for intravital microscopy time-dependently increased the venular PMNL concentration to over 100 fold the systemic PMNL concentration 45 min after exteriorization of the small intestine. The MNLs were much less responsive to the preparative manipulation. By treatment with the polysaccharide fucoidin (inhibits rolling but not firm adhesion per se), or by use of intravital microscopy immediately before tissue fixation, approximately 90% of the accumulated venular PMNLs were found to represent rolling cells. 4. Intraperitoneal injection of 10(-3) M histamine increased the venular PMNL (but not the MNL) concentration to almost 50 fold the systemic PMNL value. The histamine response did not vary with venular diameter, and the relative contribution of rolling vs firmly adherent cells to the PMNL, accumulation was again approximately 90%. Intraperitoneal injection of leukotriene C4, but not prostaglandin E2, caused a significant increase in venular PMNL concentration. 5. Systemic treatment with the anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody PB1.3 had no effect on the histamine-induced venular PMNL accumulation (i.e. rolling) in female Wistar or male Sprague-Dawley rats. On the other hand, identical treatment with PB1.3 very effectively inhibited the histamine-induced PMNL response in the mesentery of rabbits. 6. In conclusion, we have shown that a histologically determined increase in leukocyte concentration in rat mesenteric venules may be used as an index of mediator-induced leukocyte rolling if the relative contribution of rolling and firm leukocyte adhesion is first determined, for example by the means described in this study. This relatively simple approach may be very useful for studying various aspects of leukocyte rolling when the 'spontaneous' rolling triggered by preparation of tissues for intravital microscopy is undesirable.

Animals↗

Kinetics of leukocyte-induced changes in endothelial barrier function.

1. Extravasation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and associated plasma leakage are key events in the inflammatory process. The kinetics of PMN-induced changes in endothelial barrier function were studied by means of confluent monolayers of bovine aorta or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EC), cultured on permeable membranes and mounted in a two-compartment diffusion chamber. The model permitted continuous measurement of transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), and analysis of protein efflux and PMN migration across the EC monolayer. 2. Transendothelial chemotactic stimulation (fMLP or LTB4) of PMN resting on EC in the upper compartment induced a prompt decline in TEER, followed by an increase in protein flux and transmigration of PMN. Adding the chemoattractant together with PMN in the upper compartment provoked adhesion of PMN, fall in TEER and increase in protein permeability, but no transmigration of PMN, whereas inhibition of PMN adhesion to EC by pretreatment with anti-CD18 mAb prevented all responses to chemotactic stimulation. 3. Chemoattractant-induced adhesion of PMN to the EC monolayer induced a rapid rise in EC cytosolic free Ca2+, similar to that obtained by direct stimulation of EC with histamine, indicating an active response of EC to PMN activation and adhesion. 4. In summary, continuous recording of transendothelial electrical resistance in the in vitro model described permits rapid and sensitive analysis of leukocyte activation-induced effects on EC barrier function. The kinetics and specificity of the EC and PMN responses to chemoattractant stimulation suggest that activated PMN, via adhesion-dependent events, have a direct effect on EC junctional integrity independent of whether transmigration occurs or not.

Animals↗

The complete cDNA sequence and expression of the first major allergenic protein of Malassezia furfur, Mal f 1.

For the first time the complete cDNA encoding a major allergen and novel protein of the yeast Malassezia furfur, Mal f 1, has been sequenced and expressed. The amino acid sequences of nine tryptic peptides of the protein were determined. Oligonucleotides were designed from these amino acid sequences. The cDNA sequence was obtained by hybridizing these primers to mRNA and enhancement by reverse-transcriptase PCR techniques. The cDNA is 1176 bp in length. It shows an open reading frame of 1050 bp coding for a protein of 38178 Da and a deduced amino acid sequence containing 350 residues. The hydropathy plot and the tryptic digest indicate that the first 22 amino acids represent a leader sequence determining a mature protein of 35 988 Da. The complete encoding cDNA was expressed as a maltose-binding protein fusion protein in Escherichia coli. The recombinant fusion protein reacted with our specific monoclonal antibody and with IgE from patients with atopic dermatitis.

Allergens↗