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M A Gimbrone

Publications and source records attributed to M A Gimbrone.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Fluid shear stress modulates cytosolic free calcium in vascular endothelial cells.

Cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was monitored in single and groups of fura-2-loaded bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) during exposure to laminar fluid shear stress. Application of a step increase in shear stress from 0.08 to 8 dyn/cm2 to confluent BAEC monolayers resulted in a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, which attained a peak value in 15-40 s, followed by a decline to baseline within 40-80 s. The magnitude of the [Ca2+]i responses increased with applied shear stress over the range of 0.2-4 dyn/cm2 and reached a maximum at greater than 4 dyn/cm2. Transient oscillations in [Ca2+]i with gradually diminishing amplitude were observed in individual cells subjected to continuous high shear stress. Elimination of extracellular Ca2+ with ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, blockade of Ca2+ entry with lanthanum, depolarization of the cell membrane with high K+, and preconditioning of BAEC in steady laminar flow had little effect on the [Ca2+]i response. In the presence of ATP or ADP, application of shear stress caused repetitive oscillations in [Ca2+]i in single BAEC, whose frequency was dependent on both agonist concentration and the magnitude of applied shear stress. However, apyrase, an ATPase and ADPase, did not inhibit the shear-induced [Ca2+]i responses in standard medium (no added ATP or ADP), suggesting that the shear-induced [Ca2+]i response is not due to ATP released by endothelial cells.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1992

Vascular endothelium responds to fluid shear stress gradients.

In vitro investigations of the responses of vascular endothelium to fluid shear stress have typically been conducted under conditions where the time-mean shear stress is uniform. In contrast, the in vitro experiments reported here have re-created the large gradients in surface fluid shear stress found near arterial branches in vivo; specifically, we have produced a disturbed-flow region that includes both flow separation and reattachment. Near reattachment regions, shear stress is small but its gradient is large. Cells migrate away from this region, predominantly in the downstream direction. Those that remain divide at a rate that is high compared with that of cells subjected to uniform shear. We speculate that large shear stress gradients can induce morphological and functional changes in the endothelium in regions of disturbed flow in vivo and thus may contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic lesions.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Lysophosphatidylcholine, a component of atherogenic lipoproteins, induces mononuclear leukocyte adhesion molecules in cultured human and rabbit arterial endothelial cells.

Accumulation of monocyte-derived foam cells in focal areas of the arterial intima is one of the key events in early atherogenesis. We have examined the effect of lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC; lysolecithin), a major phospholipid component of atherogenic lipoproteins, on the expression of adhesion molecules for monocytes, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), in cultured human and rabbit arterial endothelial cells. Cultured rabbit aortic endothelial cells treated with lyso-PC showed increased mRNA and cell surface expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, which was associated with increased adhesion of monocytes and monocyte-like cells (THP-1, U937). In cultured human iliac artery endothelial cells, lyso-PC similarly induced both VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, whereas in umbilical vein endothelial cells only ICAM-1 was up-regulated. In all endothelial cells examined, the effect of lyso-PC on E-selectin (endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1) expression was negligible, thus differentiating this stimulus from other endothelial activators, such as interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor, or lipopolysaccharide. We conclude that lyso-PC can selectively induce VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in arterial endothelial cells and that this action, in addition to its monocyte chemoattractant activity, may play an important role in monocyte recruitment into atherosclerotic lesions.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (LAM-1, L-selectin) interacts with an inducible endothelial cell ligand to support leukocyte adhesion.

The human lymphocyte homing receptor, LAM-1, mediates the adhesion of lymphocytes to specialized high endothelial venules (HEV) of peripheral lymph nodes. We now report that LAM-1 is also a major mediator of leukocyte attachment to activated human endothelium. In a novel adhesion assay, LAM-1 was shown to mediate approximately 50% of the adhesion of both lymphocytes and neutrophils to TNF-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells at 4 degrees C. The contribution of LAM-1 to leukocyte adhesion was only detectable when the assays were carried out under rotating (nonstatic) conditions, suggesting that LAM-1 is involved in the initial attachment of leukocytes to endothelium. In this assay at 37 degrees C, essentially all lymphocyte attachment to endothelium was mediated by LAM-1, VLA-4/VCAM-1, and the CD11/CD18 complex, whereas neutrophil attachment was mediated by LAM-1, endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1, and CD11/CD18. Thus, multiple receptors are necessary to promote optimal leukocyte adhesion to endothelium. LAM-1 also appeared to be involved in optimal neutrophil transendothelial migration using a videomicroscopic in vitro transmigration model system. LAM-1-dependent leukocyte adhesion required the induction and surface expression of a neuraminidase-sensitive molecule that was expressed for at least 24 h on activated endothelium. Expression of the LAM-1 ligand by endothelium was optimally induced by LPS and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, whereas IFN-gamma and IL-4 induced lower levels of expression. The LAM-1 ligand on HEV and cytokine treated endothelium may be similar carbohydrate-containing molecules, because phosphomannan monoester core complex from yeast Hansenula hostii cell wall blocked binding of lymphocytes to both cell types, and identical epitopes on LAM-1-mediated lymphocyte attachment to HEV and activated endothelium. Thus, LAM-1 and its inducible endothelial ligand constitute a new pair of adhesion molecules that may regulate initial leukocyte/endothelial interactions at sites of inflammation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1991

Gene structure, chromosomal location, and basis for alternative mRNA splicing of the human VCAM1 gene.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) is a cell surface glycoprotein adhesive for certain blood leukocytes and tumor cells, which is expressed by activated endothelium in a variety of pathologic conditions including atherosclerosis. Genomic clones encoding the VCAM1 gene were isolated and the organization of the gene was determined. The gene, which is present in a single copy in the human genome, contains 9 exons spanning approximately 25 kilobases of DNA. Exons 2-8 contain C2 or H-type immunoglobulin domains. At least two different VCAM-1 precursors can be generated from the human gene as a result of alternative mRNA splicing events, which include or exclude exon 5. A consensus TATAA element is located upstream of the transcriptional start site. The VCAM1 promoter contains consensus binding sites for NF-kappa B, the GATA family of transcription factors, as well as an AP1 site. The VCAM1 gene was assigned to the 1p31-32 region of chromosome 1 based on the analysis of human-mouse hybrid cell lines and in situ hybridization. Structural analysis of the human VCAM1 gene provides the basis for alternative mRNA splicing and an initial approach to elucidating the regulation of VCAM-1 expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Intravascular IL-8. Inhibitor of polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation at sites of acute inflammation.

IL-8 has been characterized primarily as a polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) chemoattractant and proinflammatory mediator. Recently, we have reported that [Ala-IL-8]77 is secreted by activated cultured human endothelial cells and can function as a potent inhibitor of PMN adhesion to these monolayers. The pathophysiologic relevance of this in vitro observation was examined by determining the effects of intravascular or extravascular administration of IL-8 on PMN emigration at sites of acute inflammation in the skin of NZW rabbits. An i.v. bolus of [Ala-IL-8]77 (12 micrograms/kg) produced a marked and selective reduction of circulating PMN within 3 min, which returned toward preinjection levels within 30 min, and subsequently exceeded this level. A similar response was observed for circulating radiolabeled PMN, and gamma-scintigraphy determined that the lungs were the primary site of leukosequestration. During the 30- to 150-min interval after i.v. infusion of [Ala-IL-8]77, PMN emigration into acute inflammatory sites, elicited by various chemoattractants or cytokines, was significantly reduced, as judged histologically and quantitated with 51Cr-labeled PMN and myeloperoxidase measurements. Intravenous administration of [Ser-IL-8]72 yielded similar results. This inhibitory effect of i.v. IL-8 was transient and reinducible and did not reflect a suppression of the responsiveness of circulating PMN to chemoattractants. Intradermal injections of [Ala-IL-8]77 or [Ser-IL-8]72 induced dose-dependent PMN accumulation, which also was significantly reduced by i.v. administration of either form of IL-8. These results indicate that i.v. IL-8 can function as a PMN-directed leukocyte adhesion inhibitor and suggest that local secretion of IL-8 by activated endothelium may differentially modulate leukocyte-endothelial interactions at sites of acute inflammation.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Adhesion of human basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils to interleukin 1-activated human vascular endothelial cells: contributions of endothelial cell adhesion molecules.

Cytokines such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) promote adhesiveness in human umbilical vein endothelial cells for leukocytes including basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils, and induce expression of adherence molecules including ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1), ELAM-1 (endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1), and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1). In the present study, blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing ICAM-1, ELAM-1, and VCAM-1 have been used to compare their roles in IL-1-induced adhesion of human basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils. IL-1 treatment of endothelial cell monolayers for 4 hours induced a four- to eight-fold increase in adhesion for each cell type. Treatment of endothelial cells with either anti-ICAM-1 or anti-ELAM-1 mAb inhibited IL-1-induced adherence of each cell type. In contrast, treatment with anti-VCAM-1 mAb inhibited basophil and eosinophil (but not neutrophil) adhesion, and was especially effective in blocking eosinophil adhesion. The effects of these mAb were at least additive. Indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometry demonstrated expression of VLA-4 alpha (very late activation antigen-4 alpha, a counter-receptor for VCAM-1) on eosinophils and basophils but not on neutrophils. These data document distinct roles for ICAM-1, ELAM-1, and VCAM-1 during basophil, eosinophil, and neutrophil adhesion in vitro, and suggest a novel mechanism for the recruitment of eosinophils and basophils to sites of inflammation in vivo.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1991

Cytokine-activated human endothelial monolayers support enhanced neutrophil transmigration via a mechanism involving both endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1.

rIL-1 beta treatment of cultured human endothelial cells (HEC) promotes polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adhesion and transmigration. Using in vitro quantitative monolayer adhesion and videomicroscopic transmigration assays, we have examined the contributions of endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and the leukocyte adhesion complex, CD11/CD18, to these processes. Maximal enhancement of PMN adhesion and transmigration were observed after 4 h of rIL-1 beta treatment, when surface expression of ELAM-1 had peaked and ICAM-1 was modestly increased. Blocking mAb directed to either ELAM-1 or ICAM-1 inhibited greater than 90% of the up-regulated PMN transmigration. Blocking mAb directed to either CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1, a ICAM-1 counter-receptor), CD11b/CD18 (Mo-1), or CD18 (common beta 2-integrin) also blocked greater than 90% of PMN transmigration. At later time points (24 or 48 h), ELAM-1 surface expression was markedly decreased, whereas ICAM-1 expression was increased over the 4-h level; PMN adhesion remained elevated (approximately 50 to 60% of 4 h level), but transmigration returned to levels seen with unactivated HEC. These data indicate that PMN interaction with at least two distinct HEC adhesion molecules is necessary for transendothelial migration and suggests that PMN adhesion and transmigration, although interrelated, are mechanistically distinct processes.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1991

Endothelial expression of a mononuclear leukocyte adhesion molecule during atherogenesis.

An inducible rabbit endothelial adhesion molecule that is selective for mononuclear leukocytes has been identified. This adhesion protein was expressed on the surface of activated cultured endothelium in two forms, 118 and 98 kilodaltons, the amino-terminal sequence of each being highly homologous to human VCAM-1. In dietary hypercholesterolemic and Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbit models of atherosclerosis, this adhesion molecule was found to be expressed in a localized fashion by aortic endothelium that overlies early foam cell lesions. This lesion-localized expression suggests a potential endothelium-dependent mechanism for mononuclear leukocyte recruitment during atherogenesis and may provide a molecular marker for early atherosclerosis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Structure and chromosomal location of the gene for endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule 1.

Endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 is a cell surface glycoprotein expressed by cytokine-activated endothelium that mediates the adhesion of blood neutrophils. Endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 is a member of the selectin family of cell adhesion molecules each of which contain an amino-terminal lectin-like domain, followed by an epidermal growth factor-like domain and a variable number of short consensus repeats similar to those found in complement binding proteins. Genomic clones encoding the ELAM gene were isolated and the organization of the ELAM gene was determined. The gene, which is present in a single copy in the human genome, contains 14 exons spanning about 13 kilobases of DNA. The positions of exon-intron boundaries correlate with the putative functional subdivisions of the protein. Introns are found at similar positions in all of the six complement regulatory repeats, suggesting that these elements arose by internal gene duplication. A consensus TATAA element is located upstream of the transcriptional start site. The ELAM promoter contains an inverted CCAAT box and consensus NF-kappa B- and AP-1-binding sites. The ELAM gene was assigned to the q12 greater than qter region of human chromosome 1 by analysis of human-mouse hybrid cell lines. Two other members of the selectin gene family, the leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (LAM-1, TQ1, LEC-CAM 1, or Leu-8) and the granule membrane protein 140 (GMP-140, PADGEM, or CD62) have been localized to the long arm of chromosome 1, as have the structurally related complement binding proteins, suggesting that these genes may share a common evolutionary history.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Platelet interaction with vascular smooth muscle in synthesis of prostacyclin.

Because vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) can be exposed to platelets at sites of significant arterial injury, we studied whether cultured rat aorta SMC can utilize platelet-derived arachidonate and prostaglandin (PG) endoperoxides (PGG2/PGH2) in the synthesis of prostacyclin (PGI2). SMC converted exogenous PGH2 to PGI2, measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, despite cyclooxygenase inhibition or PGH2-receptor blockade. SMC produced increasing amounts of PGI2 in the presence of an increasing number of platelets when the two cell types were coincubated with arachidonate. Furthermore, aspirin-pretreated SMC produced PGI2 in response to arachidonate, ionophore A23187, or thrombin in the presence of platelets but not in their absence. SMC, by themselves unresponsive to thrombin, produced PGI2 during coincubation with thrombin-stimulated aspirin-pretreated platelets. Separation of the SMC monolayer and platelets with a filter did not prevent platelet-dependent PGI2 formation by the SMC. Finally, aspirin-pretreated SMC, in cosuspension with platelets, inhibited platelet aggregation in association with PGI2 production. These data indicate that 1) SMC can synthesize PGI2 from exogenously added PGH2 and from platelet-derived arachidonate or endoperoxides, 2) direct cell-cell contact is not required for intercellular endoperoxide transfer, and 3) SMC can inhibit platelet aggregation possibly through PGI2 production from platelet-derived endoperoxides.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Alternative splicing of human VCAM-1 in activated vascular endothelium.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)/inducible cell adhesion molecule 110 is a mononuclear leukocyte-selective adhesion molecule, expressed on vascular endothelium following activation by certain cytokines or endotoxin. This inducible transmembrane protein and member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily was previously reported to contain six immunoglobulinlike domains. Using the polymerase chain reaction, a VCAM-1 cDNA was obtained from mRNA of interleukin-1 (IL-1)-treated cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The cDNA clone contained an additional 276 base-pair (bp) domain, located between domains 3 and 4. This new domain is most homologous to the existing N-terminal domain (domain 1). The internal 276-bp region is encoded by a single exon of the human VCAM-1 gene, indicating that the two forms of mRNA arise by alternative splicing. Both forms of VCAM-1 mRNA were detected by polymerase chain reaction in IL-1-stimulated HUVEC, although the seven-domain form appeared predominant. On the surface of HUVEC only a 110-kd polypeptide, consistent with the seven-immunoglobulinlike domain form of VCAM-1, was detectable by immunoprecipitation. Alternative splicing of the VCAM-1 gene in cytokine-activated endothelium may generate functionally distinct cell-surface adhesion molecules.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Endothelial and leukocyte forms of IL-8. Conversion by thrombin and interactions with neutrophils.

We have recently shown that endothelial cell-derived IL-8 inhibits neutrophil adhesion to IL1-beta-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers. IL-8 secreted by T lymphocytes or monocytes has been characterized as a promoter of neutrophil degranulation and chemotaxis. The IL-8 isolated from each of these cell types is a mixture of two IL-8 polypeptides, one consisting of 72 amino acids (herein called [ser-IL-8]72) and the other 77 amino acids (an N-terminal extended form herein called [ala-IL-8]77). IL-8 derived from T lymphocytes and monocytes is predominantly [ser-IL-8]72, whereas endothelial-derived IL-8 is highly enriched (greater than 80%) in [ala-IL-8]77. We address the relationship and activities of these two forms of IL-8 using recombinant proteins expressed by both mammalian cells and Escherichia coli. Thrombin was found to efficiently convert [ala-IL-8]77 to [ser-IL-8]72. In contrast, urokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activator were unable to cleave [ala-IL-8]77, and trypsin generated multiple IL-8 cleavage fragments. In competitive binding assays using 125I[ala-IL-8]77 neutrophils exhibited a twofold preference for [ser-IL-8]72 over [ala-IL-8]77. Both forms of IL-8 inhibited neutrophil adhesion to IL-1-beta-activated HUVEC monolayers by up to 90%. However, [ser-IL-8]72 was approximately 10-fold more potent than [ala-IL-8]77 in these assays (ED50 approximately 0.3 nM for [ser-IL-8]72 vs approximately 3 nM for [ala-IL-8]77. Both forms of IL-8 promoted degranulation of cytochalasin B-treated neutrophils [[ser-IL-8]72 (ED50 greater than 10 nM) was two- to three-fold more potent than [ala-IL-8]77], although in this regard they were less active than FMLP. Our data suggest that [ala-IL-8]77 and [ser-IL-8]72 have qualitatively similar and potentially complex biological activities, and that full activation of IL-8 requires cleavage to the [ser-IL-8]72 form. In the case of inflamed endothelial cells this activation could be mediated by thrombin generated in the procoagulant environment associated with these cells.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed1990

Ca2+ mobilization with leukotriene A4 and epoxytetraenes in human neutrophils.

The biosynthesis of leukotrienes and lipoxins involves epoxide-containing intermediates which may be subject to several routes of transcellular metabolism. We have examined the capacity of leukotriene A4 (LTA4) and 15S-hydroxy-5,6-oxido-7,9,13-trans-11-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid [5(6)-epoxytetraene] to stimulate the mobilization of free cytosolic calcium [( Ca2+]i) in human blood neutrophils. To gain insight into structure-activity relationships, a putative intermediate in lipoxin biosynthesis, 5S-hydroxy-14,15-oxido-6,10,12-trans-8-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid [14(15)-epoxytetraene], was prepared by total synthesis. When added to fura-2 loaded neutrophils, each of these compounds provoked a rapid and transient increase in [Ca2+]i (maximum by 8 sec) which returned to baseline within 60-90 sec. Ca2+ mobilization with LTA4 was dose dependent and, at 1 microM, the efficacies of LTA4 and LTB4 were quantitatively similar. The 5(6)-epoxytetraene and 14(15)-epoxytetraene were less potent than LTA4. Prior exposure of the cells to ethyleneglycolbis(aminoethylether)tetra-acetate (EGTA) (60 sec, 3 mM) did not diminish either the amplitude or the extent of [Ca2+]i elicited by LTA4. Methyl esters of LTA4 and 5(6)-epoxytetraene were less potent than their corresponding free acids, whereas the free acid of 14(15)-epoxytetraene and its methyl ester were quantitatively similar. Results from alcohol trapping studies showed that these epoxides were intact during the initial phase of Ca2+i mobilization (t0-10 sec) stimulated by LTA4, 5(6)-epoxytetraene, and 14(15)-epoxytetraene. In addition, the individual mixtures of products formed upon aqueous hydrolysis of each of the epoxides did not stimulate changes in [Ca2+]i. In each case, the products formed were identified by physical methods including reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography, ultraviolet spectroscopy and gas liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. These results indicate that, when added to human neutrophils, LTA4, 5(6)-epoxytetraene and 14(15)-epoxytetraene each stimulate a rapid mobilization of [Ca2+]i. Moreover, they suggest that intermediates in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and lipoxins possess intrinsic activities that may serve to amplify cellular responses within their cell of origin or act on adjacent cells during their transcellular metabolism.

Benzofurans↗
PubMed1990

Enhancement of thrombin- and ionomycin-stimulated prostacyclin and platelet-activating factor production in cultured endothelial cells by a tumor-promoting phorbol ester.

Tumor-promoting phorbol esters such as 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) have been shown to act synergistically with Ca2+ ionophores in cell activation, including stimulation of arachidonic acid metabolism. The effects of PMA on unstimulated and Ca2+ ionophore- or thrombin-stimulated PGI2 and platelet-activating factor (PAF) production in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were investigated. Incubation of BAEC or HUVEC for 5-10 min with 100 nM PMA alone slightly increased basal PGI2 production. PGI2 production was rapidly stimulated in BAEC and HUVEC treated with the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin. Preincubation of BAEC or HUVEC with 100 nM PMA for 5-10 min followed by ionomycin for up to 60 min enhanced PGI2 production up to 2.5-fold. Pretreatment with 100 nM PMA for 5 min also caused a 2-fold enhancement of thrombin-stimulated (1 U/ml) PGI2 production in HUVEC. The production of other prostaglandins, PGF2 alpha, PGE2, and PGD2, was also enhanced. In contrast, PMA had no effect on PGI2 synthesized directly from exogenous arachidonic acid or PGH2. The inactive phorbol ester 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate was without effect. Since the biosyntheses of both PGI2 and PAF share a common first step, the hydrolysis of their respective phospholipid precursors by phospholipase A2, we investigated whether PMA preincubation could also enhance PAF biosynthesis. Incubation of HUVEC with 100 nM PMA alone had a negligible effect on PAF production. However, thrombin-stimulated (1 U/ml) PAF production was enhanced 2.6-fold by preincubation with 100 nM PMA. The protein kinase C inhibitors H-7 and staurosporine ablated the enhancing effect of PMA on thrombin-stimulated PGI2 and PAF biosynthesis. These results demonstrate that PMA can significantly alter the production of PGI2 and PAF in vascular endothelial cells, and suggest that protein kinase C activation modulates phospholipase A2 activity in this cell type.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗
PubMed1989

Endothelial interleukin-8: a novel inhibitor of leukocyte-endothelial interactions.

Certain inflammatory stimuli render cultured human vascular endothelial cells hyperadhesive for neutrophils. This state is transient and reversible, in part because activated endothelial cells secrete a leukocyte adhesion inhibitor (LAI). LAI was identified as endothelial interleukin-8 (IL-8), the predominant species of which is an extended amino-terminal IL-8 variant. At nanomolar concentrations, purified endothelial IL-8 and recombinant human IL-8 inhibit neutrophil adhesion to cytokine-activated endothelial monolayers and protect these monolayers from neutrophil-mediated damage. These findings suggest that endothelial-derived IL-8 may function to attenuate inflammatory events at the interface between vessel wall and blood.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Inhibition of vascular endothelial cell prostacyclin synthesis by plasmin.

Vascular endothelial cells (EC) play an active role in the synthesis and assembly of components of the fibrinolytic system and the generation of the major fibrinolytic protease plasmin. However, the reciprocal effects of plasmin on EC function have not been previously examined. We have studied the actions of plasmin on the production of prostacyclin (PGI2) by cultured human umbilical vein (HUVEC) and bovine aortic (BAEC) endothelial cells. Plasmin causes little or no direct stimulation of PGI2 formation by EC. Preincubation of EC with plasmin, however, produces a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of ionophore A23187-, thrombin-, and histamine-induced PGI2 synthesis; a smaller inhibitory effect on arachidonate- and PGH2-induced PGI2 synthesis is found. Incubation of HUVEC or BAEC with a physiologic concentration of plasminogen (180 micrograms/mL) and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) generates tPA dose-dependent plasmin activity that exceeds that generated in the absence of EC. In the presence of plasminogen, tPA also causes a tPA dose-dependent inhibition of thrombin- and ionophore A23187-stimulated PGI2 production. PGI2 inhibitory plasmin activity is generated within the concentration range of tPA achieved in plasma during pharmacologic therapy with tPA. These findings suggest that vascular endothelial cells not only regulate activation of the fibrinolytic system but may also be targets of plasmin action on PGI2 synthesis in the modulation of hemostasis and thrombosis.

Animals↗