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Results for “Cellular Microenvironment”

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PubMed1990

Epithelial cells and macrophages in myasthenia gravis thymus culture.

Monolayer culture of thymic nonlymphoid cells derived from female patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and individuals who underwent heart surgery was established to investigate the cellular composition of the thymic microenvironment and the interaction of nonlymphoid cells with autologous thymocytes. Thymic epithelial cells were identified by immunoperoxidase staining using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for cytokeratin and MR6 and MR19 antigens expressed on cortical and medullary epithelial cells, respectively. Macrophages were characterized by determination of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase activity and detection of M1 antigen by mAb. It was demonstrated that in MG thymus cultures the number of cortical MR6+ epithelial cells is significantly reduced, and the ability of the remaining MR6+ cells to bind autologous thymocytes is markedly affected. On the other hand, the number of macrophages and the interaction of those cells with thymocytes were similar in MG and control thymus cultures. Since MR6+ epithelial cells are numerically and functionally affected in MG, maturational events of T cells occurring in the inner cortex may be altered. The mechanisms underlying the induction and expansion of T helper clones in MG are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Heat shock induces apoptosis related gene expression and apoptosis in porcine parthenotes developing in vitro.

Successful in vitro development of embryos is dependent upon maintenance of cellular function in the embryonic microenvironment. However, the molecular aspects involved in the thermoprotection of embryos, against heat and cold stress it is not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of heat and cold shock on the viability and development of porcine diploid parthenotes developing in vitro. Exposure of two-cell stage embryos to 41 degrees C did not affect further cleavage. However, prolonged heat shock, greater than 12h, reduced the percentage of blastocysts that developed from two-cell stage parthenotes, as well as the total number of nuclei in the blastocysts that formed. Furthermore, the degree of apoptosis was increased (P<0.05) in these blastocyst stage parthenotes. In contrast, exposure of two-cell parthenotes to cold (30 degrees C) for 24h did not affect the cleavage rates, development to blastocyst, nor the total cell numbers per blastocyst. Real time PCR revealed that quantitative expression of the Bcl-xL gene was not different, but amounts of HSP 70.2, Bak, and Caspase 3mRNA were significantly increased in the heat shocked embryos, as compared with untreated controls. These results suggest that porcine embryos are more tolerant to cold shock than to heat shock. Heat stress seems to induce apoptosis related gene expression in porcine parthenotes developing in vitro, which results in diminished parthenote viability.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Reactive oxygen species modulates the intracellular level of HBx viral oncoprotein.

HBx (hepatitis B virus X) viral oncoprotein is a multifunctional protein of which the cellular level may be one of the important factors in determining HBV-mediated pathological progression of liver diseases, chronic hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Our previous work revealed that adriamycin, a chemotherapeutic agent, caused a marked increase in the intracellular level of HBx by retarding its rapid degradation. In the present study, modulation of HBx expression was found to be confined to adriamycin but not to other chemotherapeutic agents, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Interestingly, adriamycin caused a rapid increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its accumulation continued until 24h. In contrast, two other agents had little effect on ROS generation, suggesting the possible involvement of ROS in the HBx regulation. In fact, direct addition of H(2)O(2) to the cells significantly increased the level of HBx protein in HBx-expressing ChangX-34 cells as well as in hepatitis B virus-related hepatoma cells, PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2.2.15 cells. Furthermore, antioxidants, N-acetyl-cysteine and pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC), completely abolished the increase of HBx protein induced by adriamycin, indicating that adriamycin modulates the intracellular HBx level via ROS generation. Together, these findings provide a novel aspect of HBx regulation by cellular ROS level. Therefore, intracellular microenvironments generating ROS such as severe inflammation may aggravate the pathogenesis of liver disease by accumulating the HBx level.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed2006

Potentiation of neuroblastoma metastasis by loss of caspase-8.

Neuroblastoma, the most common paediatric solid tumour, arises from defective neural crest cells. Genetic alterations occur frequently in the most aggressive neuroblastomas. In particular, deletion or suppression of the proapoptotic enzyme caspase-8 is common in malignant, disseminated disease, although the effect of this loss on disease progression is unclear. Here we show that suppression of caspase-8 expression occurs during the establishment of neuroblastoma metastases in vivo, and that reconstitution of caspase-8 expression in deficient neuroblastoma cells suppressed their metastases. Caspase-8 status was not a predictor of primary tumour growth; rather, caspase-8 selectively potentiated apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells invading the collagenous stroma at the tumour margin. Apoptosis was initiated by unligated integrins by means of a process known as integrin-mediated death. Loss of caspase-8 or integrin rendered these cells refractory to integrin-mediated death, allowed cellular survival in the stromal microenvironment, and promoted metastases. These findings define caspase-8 as a metastasis suppressor gene that, together with integrins, regulates the survival and invasive capacity of neuroblastoma cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Immunohistochemical analysis of decalcified paraffin-embedded human bone marrow biopsies with emphasis on MHC class I and CD34 expression.

AIMS: To identify the stromal structures and haematopoietic cell lineages in normal bone marrow. The optimal conditions were studied for the reactivity of a panel of antibodies, applicable to paraffin sections of decalcified trephine biopsies using antigen retrieval methods. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two methods of antigen retrieval (pepsin and acid citrate buffer) were tested. For the demonstration of most antigens and for reduction of background staining, heating in acid citrate buffer was preferred. In the case of elastase and von Willebrand Factor (factor VIIIrAg) pepsin pre-treatment was optimal, whereas Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA-1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) required no pretreatment. Staining patterns obtained after 48 h EDTA decalcification and short electrolytic decalcification were identical. Both methods allowed recognition of HLA-A and HLA-B antigens, isolated CD34+ cells, mono-histiocytic cells (CD68+), myeloid cells (elastase and myeloperoxidase), erythroid cells (glycophorin C) and of megakaryocytic cells (Factor VIIIrAg). A relative simple lymphocyte-subset analysis was possible in decalcified paraffin sections allowing recognition of B-cells (CD20+) and T-cells (CD3+ and CD45RO+) in frequencies comparable to frozen sections. Suitable stromal cell staining was achieved by vimentin and desmin antibodies, whereas the bone marrow capillary network was visualized by CD34, factor VIIIrAg and UEA-1. CONCLUSIONS: This immunohistochemical study indicates that all cellular components of the haematopoietic microenvironment of the bone marrow can be identified in decalcified paraffin sections using antigen retrieval methods and that the time of decalcification can be reduced to 1-1.5 h.

Antigens, CD34↗

PubMed2002

Matrilin-3 in human articular cartilage: increased expression in osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Matrilin-3 is a member of the recently described matrilin family of extracellular matrix proteins containing von Willebrand factor A-like domains. The matrilin-3 subunit can form homo-tetramers as well as hetero-oligomers together with subunits of matrilin-1 (cartilage matrix protein). It has a restricted tissue distribution and is strongly expressed in growing skeletal tissues. Detailed information on expression and distribution of extracellular matrix proteins is important to understand cartilage function in health and in disease like osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Normal and osteoarthritic cartilage were systematically analysed for matrilin-3 expression, using immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, in situ hybridization, and quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Our results indicate that matrilin-3 is a mandatory component of mature articular cartilage with its expression being restricted to chondrocytes from the tangential zone and the upper middle cartilage zone. Osteoarthritic cartilage samples with only moderate morphological osteoarthritic degenerations have elevated levels of matrilin-3 mRNA. In parallel, we found an increased deposition of matrilin-3 protein in the cartilage matrix. Matrilin-3 staining was diffusely distributed in the cartilage matrix, with no cellular staining being detectable. In cartilage samples with minor osteoarthritic lesions, matrilin-3 deposition was restricted to the middle zone and to the upper deep zone. A strong correlation was found between enhanced matrilin-3 gene and protein expression and the extent of tissue damage. Sections with severe osteoarthritic degeneration showed the highest amount of matrilin-3 mRNA, strong signals in in situ hybridization, and prominent protein deposition in the middle and deep cartilage zone. CONCLUSION: We conclude that matrilin-3 is an integral component of human articular cartilage matrix and that the enhanced expression of matrilin-3 in OA may be a cellular response to the modified microenvironment in the disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Beta-casein-derived peptides, produced by bacteria, stimulate cancer cell invasion and motility.

In colon cancer, enteric bacteria and dietary factors are major determinants of the microenvironment but their effect on cellular invasion is not known. We therefore incubated human HCT-8/E11 colon cancer cells with bacteria or bacterial conditioned medium on top of collagen type I gels. Listeria monocytogenes stimulate cellular invasion through the formation of a soluble motility-promoting factor, identified as a 13mer beta-casein-derived peptide (HKEMPFPKYPVEP). The peptide is formed through the combined action of Mpl, a Listeria thermolysin-like metalloprotease, and a collagen-associated trypsin-like serine protease. The 13mer peptide was also formed by tumour biopsies isolated from colon cancer patients and incubated with a beta-casein source. The pro- invasive 13mer peptide-signalling pathway implicates activation of Cdc42 and inactivation of RhoA, linked to each other through the serine/threonine p21- activated kinase 1. Since both changes are necessary but not sufficient, another pathway might branch upstream of Cdc42 at phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Delta opioid receptor (deltaOR) is a candidate receptor for the 13mer peptide since naloxone, an deltaOR antagonist, blocks both deltaOR serine phosphorylation and 13mer peptide-mediated invasion.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed1995

Rejection of kidney allografts by MHC class I-deficient mice.

To evaluate the requirement for CD8+ T cells in kidney transplant rejection, we studied class I-deficient (class I-) mice that had received vascularized renal allografts. Because of the absence of MHC class I expression, these mice are grossly deficient in CD4-CD8+ alpha beta TCR+ cells. Despite the deficiency of CD8+ T cells in naive class I- mice, kidney allografts transplanted into class I- recipients developed significant reductions in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate to levels comparable to allograft controls. This functional deterioration was associated with histologic changes consistent with cellular rejection. There were no significant differences in the pattern, severity, or phenotypic character of the cellular infiltrate in allografts transplanted into class I- recipients compared to controls. In fact, substantial numbers of CD8+ T cells were present in these allografts, and the intensity and pattern of anti-CD8 staining was not different from controls. Virtually all of the CD8+ cells in the kidney grafts were class I- and CD4- and co-expressed CD8 alpha and beta chains; the majority were alpha beta TCR+. The CD8+ infiltrating cells were cytotoxic to donor targets but also exhibited activity against class I+ cells bearing self-MHC. Despite the marked CD8+ T cell infiltration of grafts, CD8+ T cells could not be detected by flow cytometry in freshly isolated splenocytes from the class I- recipients of allografts. High levels of circulating anti-class I antibodies were present in the serum of class I- recipients of kidney allografts, and these antibodies had unusual specificity in that they appeared to recognize framework epitopes of MHC class I. Thus, class I- mice readily reject kidney allografts. Although the number of CD8+ alloreactive precursors is substantially reduced in class mice, and their specificities are atypical, the pattern and character of the intra-graft CD8+ cellular response is not significantly altered. Thus, factors unrelated to precursor frequency determine the dimension of the intra-graft CD8+ response. Such factors might include cellular and/or biochemical properties of microenvironment within the graft.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

The regulation of chondrocyte function by proinflammatory mediators: prostaglandins and nitric oxide.

Within the mature articular cartilage matrix, which has no blood or nerve supply, chondrocytes show little metabolic activity with low turnover of matrix components. Under conditions of stress because of biomechanical factors, however, chondrocytes are capable of producing mediators that are associated with inflammation, including cytokines such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which in turn stimulate the production of prostaglandins and nitric oxide. Chondrocytes also express receptors for these mediators, which accumulate at high local concentrations and can act in an autocrine-paracrine fashion to feedback-regulate chondrocyte responses. Prostaglandin E2 can exert catabolic or anabolic effects depending on the microenvironment. Nitric oxide can promote cellular injury and increase chondrocyte susceptibility to cytokine-induced apoptosis. Because cross-talk between these mediators produces complex modulation of catabolic and anabolic pathways, further studies in vitro and in vivo are required to elucidate their precise roles in osteoarthritis.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

How proteases regulate bone morphogenesis.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade most components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as many non-ECM molecules. MMPs participate in (1). degradation of ECM to allow cell migration; (2). alteration of the ECM microenvironment resulting in alteration in cellular behavior; (3). modulation of biologically active molecules by direct cleavage or release from ECM stores; (4). regulation of the activity of other proteases; and (5). cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We have sought to understand the role of MMPs during development and tissue repair in transgenic mice. Endochondral bone formation presents a particularly interesting developmental challenge. During this process, an avascular tissue (cartilage) is converted into one of the most highly vascularized tissues (bone) in the vertebrate body. Ossification begins with invasion of the calcified hypertrophic cartilage by capillaries. Apoptosis of the terminal hypertrophic chondrocytes, degradation of the cartilage matrix, and deposition of bone matrix by osteoblasts accompanies neovascularization of the growth plate. Remodeling of ECM results in a cavity filled with vascular channels containing hematopoietic cells. Our results reveal that MMP9, MMP13, and vascular endothelial growth factor are key regulators for the remodeling of the skeletal tissues. They coordinate not only matrix degradation, but also the recruitment and differentiation of endothelial cells, osteoclasts, chondroclasts, and osteoprogenitors.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Cisternal Na+ transport inhibition and the ventilatory response to CO2.

When PCO2 rises transiently, glia or neurons may move ions across their cell membranes to restore intracellular pH, in the process changing extracellular pH. Inhibiting ion transport would result in a different extracellular fluid pH (a putative stimulus for the medullary chemoreceptors) and, therefore, in an altered ventilation in response to PCO2. We infused two ion transport inhibitors, amiloride and bumetanide, into the cisterna magna of anesthetized rabbits and compared their ventilatory response to a rebreathing maneuver with sham rabbits receiving no inhibitor. Amiloride (10(-5)-10(-3) M) had no effect; 3 h of 10(-2) M amiloride increased the frequency of breathing and decreased tidal volume but had no net effect on minute ventilation. Bumetanide (10(-3) M) had no effect after 1 h of infusion, but by 3 h it had decreased tidal volume and minute ventilation at 6 and 7% end-tidal CO2 fraction, respectively, during the rebreathe. Three hours of infusion of amiloride and bumetanide did not affect ventilation in a manner consistent with our predictions from previous studies of ionic changes in cerebrospinal fluid. During the 1st h, when neuronal and glial ion transport in the ventrolateral medulla should be inhibited, we found no effect of ion transport inhibition. We conclude that, during the transient hypercapnia of a rebreathing maneuver, Na+/H+ exchange and Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransport do not play a significant role in immediate rapid pH homeostasis by cellular ion transport in the microenvironment of the medullary chemoreceptors.

Amiloride↗

PubMed2006

Inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1 for cancer therapy.

Hypoxia has long been recognized as a common feature of solid tumors and a negative prognostic factor for response to treatment and survival of cancer patients. The discovery of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), a molecular determinant of the response of mammalian cells to hypoxia, has led to the identification of a "molecular target" of hypoxia suitable for the development of cancer therapeutics. Early controversy about whether or not HIF-1 is a good target for therapy has not discouraged academic groups and pharmaceutical companies from actively engaging in the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors of HIF. However, what is the best strategy to inhibit HIF and how HIF inhibitors should be developed for treatment of human cancers is still poorly defined. In this review, aspects related to the identification and early development of novel HIF inhibitors are discussed. Identification and validation of pharmacodynamic end points relevant to the HIF-1 pathway is essential for a rational development of HIF inhibitors. Integration of these biomarkers in early clinical trials may provide valuable information to determine the contribution of HIF inhibitors to response to therapy. Finally, HIF inhibitors should be incorporated in combination strategies to effectively target multiple cellular components of the tumor microenvironment and redundant signaling pathways frequently deregulated in human cancer.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Follicular dendritic cells produce IL-15 that enhances germinal center B cell proliferation in membrane-bound form.

Factors that control the survival and proliferation of Ag-stimulated B cells within the germinal center (GC) are crucial for humoral immune responses with high affinity Abs against infectious agents. The follicular dendritic cell (FDC) is known as a key cellular component of the GC microenvironment for GC-B cell survival and proliferation. In this study, we report that IL-15 is produced by human FDC in vivo and by an FDC cell line, FDC/HK cells, in vitro. IL-15 is captured by IL-15Ralpha on the surface of FDC/HK cells. The surface IL-15 is functionally active and augments GC-B cell proliferation. Because GC-B cells have the signal-transducing components (IL-2/15Rbetagamma), but not a receptor for binding of soluble IL-15 (IL-15Ralpha), IL-15 signaling is possibly transduced by transpresentation from FDCs to GC-B cells via cell-cell contact. Together, these results suggest that IL-15 from FDC, in membrane-bound form, plays an important role in supporting GC-B cell proliferation, proposing a new target for immune modulation as well as treatment of B cell tumors of GC origin.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed1999

[Roles of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) in cancer invasion and metastasis].

During the progression of cancer invasion and metastasis, remodeling such as degradation of extracellular matrices (ECM) in cancer tissues and surrounding tissues is the most important event. Degradation of ECM modulates cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and this changes cell behavior and the cell microenvironment. This review considers the cellular and organismal function of matrix metalloproteinases, especially of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases, and their inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP).

Humans↗

PubMed2001

Glucose metabolism of breast cancer assessed by 18F-FDG PET: histologic and immunohistochemical tissue analysis.

UNLABELLED: Breast cancer is characterized by elevated glucose consumption resulting in increased uptake of 18F-FDG. However, tracer uptake varies considerably among tumors imaged with PET. This study compared histologic and immunohistochemical tissue analysis of breast carcinomas with preoperative FDG uptake assessed by PET to identify tumor characteristics that define the degree of tracer accumulation. METHODS: FDG uptake in breast tumors was quantified by calculating standardized uptake values (SUVs) corrected for partial-volume effect and normalized to blood glucose level at the time of tracer injection. The histologic sections of 50 invasive and 6 noninvasive breast carcinomas were analyzed for histologic type, microscopic tumor growth pattern, percentage of tumor cells, presence of inflammatory cells, density of blood vessels, histopathologic grading, tumor cell proliferation (mitotic rate and antibody binding of MIB-1), expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and expression of the glucose transporter protein Glut-1. RESULTS: A positive correlation was found between FDG uptake and histologic tumor type (ductal vs. lobular; P = 0.003), microscopic tumor growth pattern (nodular vs. diffuse; P = 0.007), and tumor cell proliferation (MIB-1; P = 0.009). Tumors with diffuse growth patterns had significantly lower SUVs compared with clearly defined tumors. A weak relationship was found between FDG uptake and the percentage of tumor cells (P = 0.06). Lower densities of blood vessels corresponded to higher FDG uptakes (P = 0.08). However, even significant correlations showed poor correlation coefficients. No relationship was found between FDG uptake and the following: tumor size; axillary lymph node status; percentage of necrotic, fibrotic, and cystic compounds; presence of inflammatory cells; steroid receptor status; and expression of Glut-1. CONCLUSION: Histologic and immunohistochemical tissue analysis was unable to sufficiently explain the variation of FDG uptake in breast cancer. The degree of metabolic changes after malignant transformation is most likely explained by a complex interaction between cellular energy demand and tumoral microenvironment. Therefore, FDG PET imaging may not be used to estimate tumor biologic behavior of breast cancer such as differentiation, histopathologic grading, cell proliferation, or axillary lymph node status.

Breast↗

PubMed2000

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Bone Marrow Support Hematopoiesis in Vitro.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotential progenitors of connective tissues and bone marrow stroma as well, which implies the modulatory function of MSCs in hematopoiesis. To clarify the contributions of MSCs to hematopoiesis, the methods for isolation and expansion of MSCs were established and long-term bone marrow cultures were performed using irradiated MSCs as the feeder layer. The results here showed that CD34(+) cells from cord blood formed hematopoietic foci adherent to the monolayer. Furthermore, colony-forming cells remained in the coculture of 5 weeks, indicating the maintenance of long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-IC). Flow cytometry analysis showed that about 1% of the hematopoietic cells in the culture were positive for CD34 and around 15% were CD41a-positive. It is clear that MSCs maintain LTC-IC in vitro and promote differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors especially into megakaryocytic lineage. The preliminary results here demonstrate that MSCs residing in the bone marrow might be a crucial cellular component in the hematopoietic microenvironment.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1983

Antigen presenting cells in situ: their identification and involvement in immunopathology.

Macrophages and other dendritic non-lymphoid cells have been shown to be functionally capable of presenting antigen to induce lymphocyte responses. These cells can now be studied in situ and distinguished, one from another, within normal tissues and sites of cellular infiltration. Analysis of the microenvironment within which these cells are found can be made with immunohistological methods using monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) and cytochemical techniques. In some cases McAbs are specific for particular types of antigen presenting cell. Using such reagents, evidence is accumulating that these cells may be intimately involved in the pathogenesis of immunoregulatory disorders. What is now required is a more definitive correlation between functional capacity and cell phenotype established with cells isolated from blood, and from normal and pathological tissues. If this is possible the immunopathologist may be able, not only to analyse complex microenvironments but also directly determine the interactions and mechanisms at play within the diseased tissues.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1978

Suppressive effects of an extramedullary tumor on bone marrow erythropoiesis and stroma.

Mice, bearing a solid extramedullary Ehrlich ascites tumor developed anemia, reticulocytosis, and leukocytosis after 3 weeks of tumor growth. Erythopoiesis in the marrow, as measured by erythroblast counts and radioiron uptake of the humerus and femur, was suppressed to less than 30% of normal. However, striking erythroblastic and granulocytic hyperplasia in the spleen occurred to compensate for suppression of erythropoiesis in the marrow. Accompanying the medullary erythropoietic insufficiency was a similar suppression to 30% of normal in the growth of bone marrow stromal colonies in vitro. The fact that erythropoiesis was suppressed in the marrow, but not in the spleen, and bone marrow stromal colony growth was concomitantly suppressed, suggest that a change in the cellular component of the hemopoietic microenvironment had occurred. Splenectomy, prior to tumor inoculation, did not ameliorate the anemia. However, removing this potentially compensatory site for erythropoiesis prevented the severe suppression of erythroblast counts and stromal colony growth from the marrow. Thus, it appeared that, with sufficient stimulus, the suppression of erythropoiesis in the marrow was preventable.

Anemia↗