Interleukin 1 alpha causes rapid activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 by phosphorylation in rat mesangial cells.

We have shown previously that interleukin 1 (IL-1) stimulates eicosanoid production in glomerular mesangial cells (MC) by de novo synthesis of a 14-kD, group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2). IL-1-stimulated prostaglandin E2 synthesis precedes expression of this enzyme, suggesting that another PLA2 isoform must be more rapidly activated. In the presence but not absence of calcium inophore, [3H]arachidonate release is increased significantly as early as 5 min after addition of IL-1, and IL-1 concurrently stimulates a Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipase activity, which was characterized as the cytosolic form of PLA2 (cPLA2). IL-1 does not alter either cPLA2 mRNA expression or mass in serum-stimulated MC, suggesting that cPLA2 activity is increased by a posttranslational modification. IL-1 treatment for 30 min doubles 32P incorporation into immunoprecipitable cPLA2 protein, concordant with the increase in enzyme activity. Immunoblot analysis of extracts derived from IL-1-treated (30 min) cells demonstrates a decreased mobility of cPLA2, and treatment of MC lysates with acid phosphatase significantly reduces cytokine-activated cPLA2 activity, further indicating that IL-1 stimulates phosphorylation of the enzyme. IL-1 treatment (24 h) of serum-deprived MC doubled cPLA2 mRNA, protein, and activity. In summary, IL-1 increases cPLA2 activity in a biphasic, time-dependent manner both by posttranslational modification and de novo synthesis. We consider cPLA2 activation a key step in IL-1-stimulated synthesis of pro-inflammatory, lipid mediators, and an integral event in the phenotypic responses induced in target cells by this cytokine.     

Effect of platelet activating factor antagonists on cultured rat mesangial cells

Platelet activating factor (PAF; 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) is a lipid mediator of inflammation produced by inflammatory cells and also by renal glomerular mesangial cells. PAF may play a role in glomerular function and disease. Previously the authors reported that glomerular mesangial cells respond to PAF by increasing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis and by cell contraction. This paper examines the specificity of BN52021, SRI 63-072 and kadsurenone on the effects of PAF on cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells. Both BN52021 and SRI 63-072 specifically decreased PAF (1 X 10(-6) M)-stimulated PGE2 production in a dose-dependent fashion (10(-7)-10(-5) M) without affecting the stimulation by angiotensin II (AII) or the calcium ionophore A23187. Kadsurenone also decreased PAF-stimulated PGE2 production, but in a less specific manner, as it also decreased AII- and A23187-stimulated PGE2 production. In order to examine the site of antagonism of PAF-induced PGE2 synthesis by BN52021 and SRI 63-072, the authors prelabeled cells with [14C]arachidonic acid. Both agents diminished the release of [14C]arachidonate from these prelabeled cells in response to PAF in a dose-dependent fashion, though not decreasing release in response to AII or A23187, indicating that they blocked the effect of PAF on phospholipase activation, consistent with receptor blocking activity. BN52021 and SRI 63-072 also inhibited PAF-induced contraction of cultured mesangial cells without an effect on basal tone of the cells or the contractile response to AII.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prostaglandin synthesis by rat glomerular mesangial cells in culture. Effects of angiotensin II and arginine vasopressin.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and angiotensin II (ANG II) reduce the glomerular filtration rate and ultrafiltration coefficient. Vasodilatory prostaglandins (PG) antagonize these effects. AVP and ANG II also cause mesangial cell contraction. Therefore, possible PG stimulation by these peptides and two vasopressin analogues was studied in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells. The effect of altered calcium availability on PG production was also studied. Glomeruli from 75-100-g Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in supplemented nutrient media for 28 d and experiments were performed on the first passage. Mesangial cell morphology was confirmed by electron microscopy. Cells produced PGE2 much greater than PGF2 alpha greater than 6-keto-PGF1 alpha greater than thromboxane B2 when incubated with the divalent cation ionophore, A23187, or arachidonic acid (C20:4). ANG II and AVP selectively stimulated PGE2 at threshold concentrations of 10 nM ANG II and 100 pM of AVP. The effects of the antidiuretic analogue 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) and the antipressor analogue [1-(beta-mercapto-beta beta-cyclopentamethylene propionic acid)-4-valine, 8-D-arginine]-vasopressin (d[CH2]5VDAVP), were studied. Neither compound stimulated PGE2 and preincubation with d(CH2)5VDAVP abolished, and dDAVP blunted, AVP-enhanced PGE2 production. Incubation in verapamil, nifedipine, or zero calcium media blocked peptide-stimulated PGE2 production. Increasing extracellular calcium or adding A23187 increased PGE2 synthesis. Selective stimulation of PGE2 by ANG II or AVP in mesangial cells suggests a hormone-sensitive phospholipase and a coupled cyclooxygenase capable of synthesizing only PGE2. Since neither vasopressin analogue stimulated PGE2, but both blocked AVP-enhanced PGE2 production, we conclude that these cells respond to the pressor activity of AVP. This is a calcium-dependent process. Selective stimulation of PGE2 by ANG II and AVP may modulate their contractile effects on the glomerulus.     

Interleukin-1 regulation of prostaglandin E2 synthesis by the papillary collecting duct

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been demonstrated to cause a natriuresis and diuresis in experimental animals. This effect is associated with an increase in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) excretion and is prevented by pretreatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Micropuncture studies have shown IL-1 inhibition of sodium reabsorption by the rat papillary collecting duct (PCD), a nephron segment capable of abundant PGE2 synthesis. The current study examined the effect of IL-1 on PGE2 synthesis by cultured PCD cells and the mechanism by which such regulation occurs. IL-1 markedly increased PCD cell PGE2 synthesis within 15 minutes of exposure in a dose-dependent manner. Preincubation with saturating concentrations of arachidonic acid abolished IL-1 stimulation of PGE2 synthesis. PCD cells labeled with tritiated arachidonic acid released significantly more arachidonic acid within 5 minutes of exposure to IL-1 as compared to control cells. These data demonstrate that IL-1 directly stimulates PGE2 synthesis by PCD cells and that this effect occurs by enhancement of arachidonic acid release.     

Intraislet release of interleukin 1 inhibits beta cell function by inducing beta cell expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Cytokines, released in and around pancreatic islets during insulitis, have been proposed to participate in beta-cell destruction associated with autoimmune diabetes. In this study we have evaluated the hypothesis that local release of the cytokine interleukin 1 (IL-1) by nonendocrine cells of the islet induce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by beta cells which results in the inhibition of beta cell function. Treatment of rat islets with a combination of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), conditions known to activate macrophages, stimulate the expression of iNOS and the formation of nitrite. Although TNF+LPS induce iNOS expression and inhibit insulin secretion by intact islets, this combination does not induce the expression of iNOS by beta or alpha cells purified by fluorescence activated cell sorting (Facs). In contrast, IL-1 beta induces the expression of iNOS and also inhibits insulin secretion by both intact islets and Facs-purified beta cells, whereas TNF+LPS have no inhibitory effects on insulin secretion by purified beta cells. Evidence suggests that TNF+LPS inhibit insulin secretion from islets by stimulating the release of IL-1 which subsequently induces the expression of iNOS by beta cells. The IL-1 receptor antagonist protein completely prevents TNF+LPS-induced inhibition of insulin secretion and attenuates nitrite formation from islets, and neutralization of IL-1 with antisera specific for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta attenuates TNF+LPS-induced nitrite formation by islets. Immunohistochemical localization of iNOS and insulin confirm that TNF+LPS induce the expression of iNOS by islet beta cells, and that a small percentage of noninsulin-containing cells also express iNOS. Local release of IL-1 within islets appears to be required for TNF+LPS-induced inhibition of insulin secretion because TNF+LPS do not stimulate nitrite formation from islets physically separated into individual cells. These findings provide the first evidence that a limited number of nonendocrine cells can release sufficient quantities of IL-1 in islets to induce iNOS expression and inhibit the function of the beta cell, which is selectively destroyed during the development of autoimmune diabetes.     

Effect of platelet-activating factor and serum-treated zymosan on prostaglandin E2 synthesis, arachidonic acid release, and contraction of cultured rat mesangial cells

The interaction of inflammatory cells and glomerular prostaglandins (PG) may be important during glomerulonephritis. We therefore examined the influence of platelet-activating factor (PAF), (a mediator of inflammation released from leukocytes) and of phagocytosis of zymosan on arachidonic acid metabolism and on cell contractility in rat glomerular mesangial cells in culture. PAF increased PGE2 synthesis (determined by radioimmunoassay) within minutes (threshold: 10(-10)M; maximal effect: 10(-7)M). Serum-treated zymosan also stimulated PGE2, but with a slower onset. In cells prelabeled with [14C]arachidonic acid both PAF and serum-treated zymosan released 14C from phospholipids and increased free [14C]arachidonate. The ratio of 14C-release to PGE2 was, however, different with PAF and serum-treated zymosan, indicating different phospholipid pools. Under phase-contrast microscopy, PAF caused contraction of mesangial cells with a dose-response and time-course parallel to that for PGE2 synthesis. Serum-treated zymosan caused no contraction. The PAF-induced contraction was enhanced by PG synthesis inhibition and was attenuated by addition of PGE2, indicating a feedback mechanism. The mesangial contraction by PAF may be important in favoring deposition of immune complexes, while the PGE2 synthesis stimulated by PAF and by phagocytosis of zymosan may counteract the deleterious effects of PAF during induction of glomerulonephritis.     

Endothelial cells augment T cell interleukin 2 production by a contact-dependent mechanism involving CD2/LFA-3 interaction.

We have demonstrated that endothelial cells (EC) augment IL-2 production by PHA-stimulated PBMC or purified CD4+ T cells and that the increase is apparent both in the amount of soluble IL-2 secreted and in the level of specific mRNA detectable by Northern blot hybridization. The ability of EC to affect levels of IL-2 cannot be reproduced by soluble factors, including the cytokines IL-1, IL-6, IFN-gamma, or TNF, conditioned medium from resting EC or IL-1, IFN-gamma- or TNF-treated EC, or from resting PBMC + EC cultures. Separation of the EC and PBMC by a Transwell membrane demonstrated that cell contact was required for augmentation of IL-2 synthesis and that this effect was unlikely to be mediated by a short-lived soluble signal. The cell-cell interaction required the ligand pair CD2/LFA-3, since augmentation could be inhibited by antibodies to these structures. Antibodies to ICAM-1, LFA-1, CD4, and MHC class II were without effect. A contact-dependent pathway involving CD2/LFA-3 interactions also may be used by EC to augment IL-2 production from T cells stimulated more specifically through the TCR/CD3 complex with antibody OKT3. This pathway provides a proliferative advantage to T cells stimulated with OKT3 in the presence of EC and may also be involved in the proliferative response of resting T cells to allogeneic class II MHC-expressing EC. We propose that EC augmentation of T cell IL-2 synthesis may be critical in the ability of EC to elicit primary T cell antigen responses and may have consequences for the development of localized cell-mediated immune reactions.     

Effects of complement activation on platelet-activating factor and eicosanoid synthesis in rat mesangial cells.

The effects of in vitro complement activation and of isolated complement components (C3a, C5a, C3b) on the activity of the microsomal enzyme acetyl coenzyme A: 1-0-alkyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine acetyl transferase (AcTr) in cultured mesangial cells and on the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were assessed. In vitro complement activation induced by the introduction of purified cobra venom factor (CVF) in culture media containing human serum enhanced mesangial cell PGE2 synthesis and had no effect on microsomal AcTr activity. When media containing C6-deficient serum were used, the stimulatory effect of CVF on PGE2 synthesis was abolished. Introduction of CVF in these media enhanced mesangial cell AcTr activity. These effects were partially reversed when the C6-deficient serum was supplemented with C7-deficient serum to allow formation of the C5b-9 complex. Isolated C3a, C5a, and C3b had opposite effects on PGE2 synthesis and on AcTr activity. Specifically, all components enhanced mesangial cell PGE2 synthesis. In contrast, AcTr activity was enhanced by C3a alone; C5a had no effect, whereas C3b had an inhibitory effect. The observations indicate that in response to complement activation and specific anaphylatoxin agonists, mesangial cell eicosanoid synthesis is not coupled with changes in the activity of AcTr and PAF synthesis.     

A Potential Role for PGE and IL-14 (HMW-BCGF) in B-Cell Hyperactivity of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease characterized by the prolonged production of high-affinity autoantibodies resulting in direct and immune complex-mediated tissue damage. Because autoantibody responses occur over several years, memory B cells are likely to be involved. Interleukin-14 (IL-14) is a cytokine implicated in the generation and maintenance of normal memory B cells. Many of the actions of IL-14, including inhibition of antibody synthesis and upregulation of IL-14 receptors (IL-14R), are dependent on the formation of prostaglandin E (PGE) and subsequently cAMP. We observed that IL-14 induces phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2))-dependent release of arachidonic acid from phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. Production of PGE is blocked by the PLA(2) inhibitor bromophenacyl bromide. Exogenous PGE (misoprostol) induces similar inhibition of antibody synthesis and increases in IL-14R as IL-14. Lymphocytes from patients with inactive SLE were noted to spontaneously produce PGE. Lymphocytes from normal donors produced PGE only after Sac-activation and IL-14 stimulation. Peripheral B and T lymphocytes from SLE patients, but not normal donors, spontaneously produced IL-14. Increased numbers of peripheral B lymphocytes from patients with inactive SLE expressed IL-14R, when compared to normal donors. Thus, increased production of IL-14 and PGE in SLE may result in expansion of a memory B-cell population capable of long-term autoantibody production. Further study will be necessary to confirm these preliminary findings and to examine in greater depth the regulation of PGE and IL-14 in SLE patients and normal donors.     

Synthesis and release of platelet-activating factor is inhibited by plasma alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor or alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and is stimulated by proteinases

TNF and IL-1 stimulate the synthesis and release of platelet-activating factor (PAF) by neutrophils and vascular endothelial cells. Serum inhibits PAF production even after inactivation of an acetylhydrolase that degrades PAF. Human plasma was fractionated by gel filtration chromatography, and two inhibitory fractions were detected, one containing PAF-acetylhydrolase activity and the other alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor. Low concentrations of this antiproteinase and of human plasma alpha 1-antichymotrypsin inhibited TNF-induced PAF synthesis in neutrophils, macrophages, and vascular endothelial cells. Both antiproteinases also inhibited PAF production stimulated by phagocytosis in macrophages and induced with IL-1 in neutrophils or with TNF in vascular endothelial cells. These results suggest that a proteinase activated on the plasma membrane or secreted by these cells is involved in promoting PAF synthesis. Indeed, addition of elastase to macrophages, neutrophils, and endothelial cells stimulated synthesis and release of PAF much faster than TNF. A similar stimulation was observed in incubations with cathepsin G. To identify a proteinase activated in TNF-treated cells, neutrophils and endothelial cells were incubated with specific chloromethyl ketone inhibitors of elastase and cathepsin G. Synthesis of PAF was significantly inhibited by low concentrations of the cathepsin G inhibitor. The finding that antiproteinases are inhibitory at concentrations 100-fold lower than those present in plasma raises questions as to the ability of TNF and IL-1 to stimulate neutrophils in circulation or endothelial cells to synthesize PAF. We propose that PAF production is limited to zones of close contact between cells, which exclude antiproteinases.     

Ambient C1- ions modify rat mesangial cell contraction by modulating cell inositol trisphosphate and Ca2+ via enhanced prostaglandin E2.

Our recent observation showed that angiotensin II (AII) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulate Ca2+-activated Cl- conductance in mesangial cells. These data raise the possibility that mesangial cell function may be modulated by extracellular chloride concentration [( Cl-]o). The present study was undertaken to test this possibility using cultured rat mesangial cells. When the [Cl-]o was reduced to zero, the percentage of mesangial cells showing contraction responding to AII and AVP was decreased from 72 +/- 9 to 33 +/- 10% and from 60 +/- 4 to 24 +/- 11%, respectively. Ca2+ transients induced by AII and AVP, measured in mesangial cells loaded with Ca2+-sensitive photoprotein aequorin, were attenuated as [Cl-]o decreased. Also, when [Cl-]o decreased, inositol trisphosphate (IP3) levels of mesangial cells were suppressed, both in the presence and absence of AII or AVP. PGE2 production by mesangial cells increased when [Cl-]o decreased and the effects of ambient Cl- deprivation could be restored by addition of indomethacin to the Cl- -free medium. Moreover, PGE2 decreased mesangial cell contractility, Ca2+ transients, and IP3 production in response to AII and AVP. These data suggest that the decrease in [Cl-]o attenuates mesangial cell contraction by suppressing IP3 production and thus Ca2+ transients in response to AII and AVP through enhanced PGE2 production.     

Effect of bisphosphonates on prostaglandin synthesis by rat bone cells and mouse calvaria in culture

Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of bone resorption and also inhibit prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis in bone cells. Therefore we have investigated whether a correlation exists between inhibition of bone resorption and inhibition of PGE2 formation. Initially, bisphosphonates were tested for their effect on the release of [14C]PGE2 from rat calvaria cells labelled with [14C]arachidonic acid and stimulated by bradykinin, thrombin and mechanical manipulation. The effect on [14C]-PGE2 synthesis was not correlated with the known inhibitory activity of bisphosphonates on bone resorption. Mouse calvaria were then treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) to induce PGE2 synthesis and bone resorption, with or without bisphosphonates. The bisphosphonates either decreased, had no effect or increased PGE2 production, but all inhibited the release of calcium. Finally, the bisphosphonates were given in vivo to mice before explantation of the calvaria. Some of the bisphosphonates decreased the production of PGE2, suggesting that these compounds may have such an effect in vivo. But again no relationship between the effect on PGE2 synthesis and bone resorption was found. Thus, these experiments show the inhibitory effect of bisphosphonates on bone resorption is unlikely to be explained only by their effect on PGE2 synthesis.     

Endothelin-1 stimulates contraction of rat glomerular mesangial cells and potentiates beta-adrenergic-mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation.

The newly isolated peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), is a potent pressor agent that reduces GFR and the glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient. Recent evidence demonstrates that ET-1 mobilizes intracellular Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) in glomerular mesangial cells by activating the phosphoinositide cascade. The present experiments were designed to examine whether ET-1 stimulates mesangial cell contraction and regulates the synthesis of PGE2 and cAMP, which dampen vasoconstrictor-induced mesangial contraction. ET-1 (greater than or equal to 1 nM) reduced the cross-sectional area of rat mesangial cells cultured on three-dimensional gels of collagen type I. ET-1 also caused complex rearrangements of F-actin microfilaments consistent with a motile response. Contraction in response to ET-1 occurred only at concentrations that activate phospholipase C, and contraction was unaffected by blockade of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Elevation of [Ca2+]i with ionomycin, to equivalent concentrations of [Ca2+]i achieved with ET-1, also reduced mesangial cell cross-sectional area. ET-1 (0.1 microM) also evoked [3H]arachidonate release and a fivefold increase in PGE2 synthesis as well as increased synthesis of PGF2 alpha and small changes of TXB2. ET-1 caused a minor increase in intracellular cAMP accumulation only in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. ET-1 also amplified cAMP production in response to isoproterenol. TPA and ionomycin, alone and in combination, failed to mimic the potentiating effect of ET-1; however, indomethacin blocked ET-1-induced potentiation of isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP, which was restored by addition of exogenous 10 nM PGE2. Thus the present data demonstrate that ET-1 stimulates mesangial cell contraction via pharmacomechanical coupling and activates phospholipase A2 to produce PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and TXB2. ET-1 also amplified beta adrenergic-stimulated cAMP accumulation by a PGE2-dependent mechanism.     

Effect of sulindac on prostaglandin synthesis in human and in cultured rat renal and vascular smooth muscle cells.

To examine the hypothesis that sulindac does not inhibit renal prostaglandin (PG) synthesis, we investigated the effects of sulindac and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on PG synthesis in human and in cultured rat renal and vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells. In 7 patients with chronic glomerular disease, creatinine clearance and proteinuria were not changed by sulindac but were significantly reduced by diclofenac sodium. However, urinary excretion of PGE2 was decreased by both drugs. In cultured glomerular mesangial (GM), renal papillary collecting tubule (RPCT) and VSM cells from mesenteric artery, indomethacin, tiaprofenic acid, aspirin and ibuprofen inhibited both basal and arachidonic acid (AA)-stimulated PG synthesis dose-dependently. Although sulindac sulfoxide, at the same concentrations, inhibited both basal and AA-stimulated PGE2 synthesis in RPCT cells, it was less potent to inhibit PGI2 synthesis in VSM cells or PGE2 synthesis in GM cells. Active form sulindac sulfide inhibited PG synthesis in all types of cells but its inactive form sulfone did not. We conclude that sulindac inhibits renal PG synthesis but has little effect on renal function. This may be explained by its relatively weak potency on glomerular or vascular PG synthesis inhibition possibly due to the different biotransformation of the sulfoxide to the active sulfide in these cells.     

Release of platelet activating factor by the isolated kidney is not linked to the production of prostaglandins

In many isolated tissues, including glomerular mesangial cells and endothelial cells, the synthesis of platelet activating factor (PAF) occurs by remodeling the phospholipids so that the production of PAF results in the release of arachidonic acid with subsequent production of cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase products. In some tissues, including the renal medulla, another pathway for PAF biosynthesis (the de novo pathway) has been found in which the production of PAF is not linked to the production of arachidonic acid products. We tested the hypothesis that the remodeling pathway was active in the release of PAF into renal venous effluent of the isolated kidney. Isolated rat kidneys perfused at constant flow with albumin-containing buffer were stimulated to produce prostaglandin by an infusion of angiotensin II or bradykinin. Some kidneys were also challenged with the calcium ionophore A23187. Perfusate was collected for bioassay of PAF and radioimmunoassay of prostaglandin (PG) E2; urine was collected for PAF bioassay. Angiotensin II (10(-9) to 10(-8) M) increased renal vascular resistance, and bradykinin (10(-8) to 10(-7) M) and A23187 (3 x 10(-6) M) reduced renal vascular resistance. PGE2 production was increased significantly by bradykinin and angiotensin II but not by A23187. Only A23187 increased the release of PAF into the perfusate. Urine PAF was not changed by any of the stimuli. These data indicate that the release of PGE2 by the isolated, perfused rat kidney can be dissociated from the release of PAF. The findings support the suggestion that PAF released by the kidney into the renal venous effluent is not produced by remodeling the lipids that are the source of renally released prostaglandins.     

Glucose-induced protein kinase C activity regulates arachidonic acid release and eicosanoid production by cultured glomerular mesangial cells.

Changes in glomerular eicosanoid production have been implicated in the development of diabetes-induced glomerular hyperfiltration and glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) are major eicosanoid-producing cells within the glomerulus. However, the mechanism for the effect of diabetes mellitus on glomerular mesangial eicosanoid production is unknown. The present study therefore examined whether elevated glucose concentrations activate protein kinase C (PKC) in GMC and whether this PKC activation mediates an effect of elevated glucose concentrations to increase the release of arachidonic acid and eicosanoid production by GMC. The percentage of [3H]arachidonic acid release per 30 min by preloaded GMC monolayers was significantly increased after 3-h exposure to high glucose (20 mM) medium (177% vs control medium) and this increase was sustained after 24-h exposure to high glucose concentrations. 3-h and 24-h exposure to high glucose medium also increased PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and thromboxane (TXB2) production by GMC. High glucose medium (20 mM) increased PKC activity in GMC at 3 and 24 h (168% vs control). In contrast, osmotic control media containing either L-glucose or mannitol did not increase arachidonic acid release, eicosanoid production, or PKC activity in GMC. Inhibiting glucose-induced PKC activation with either H-7 (50 microM) or staurosporine (1 microM) prevented glucose-induced increases in arachidonic acid release and eicosanoid production by GMC. These data demonstrate that elevated extracellular glucose concentrations directly increase the release of endogenous arachidonic acid and eicosanoids by GMC via mechanisms dependent on glucose-induced PKC activation.     

Arachidonic acid and prostaglandin endoperoxide metabolism in isolated rabbit and coronary microvessels and isolated and cultivated coronary microvessel endothelial cells.

Isolated microvessels and isolated and cultured microvessel endothelial cells were prepared from rabbit cardiac muscle. Pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism were determined by measurement of exogenous substrate utilization [( 1-14C]arachidonic acid incorporation and release from intact tissue and cells; [1-14C]prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) metabolism by broken cell preparations) and by quantification of endogenous products (immunoreactive 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (PGF1 alpha) and prostaglandin E (PGE) release) by selective radioimmunoassay. Rabbit coronary microvessels and derived microvascular endothelial cells (RCME cells) synthesized two major products of the cyclooxygenase pathway: 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (hydrolytic product of prostaglandin I2) and PGE2. A reduced glutathione requiring PGH-E isomerase was demonstrated in coronary microvessels and RCME cells, but not in rabbit circumflex coronary artery or aorta. In addition, a minor amount of a compound exhibiting similar characteristics to 6-keto-PGE1 was found to be produced by microvessels and RCME cells. Measurement of endogenously released prostaglandins indicated that under basal and stimulated conditions, PGE release exceeded that of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. Microvessels and microvessel endothelial cells derived from cardiac muscle of rabbit exhibit pathways of arachidonate metabolism that are different from those of many large blood vessels and derived endothelial cells.     

The Effect of Misoprostol on Arachidonic Acid Mobilization, Prostaglandin E(2), Production, and IL-1beta Signaling

The effect of misoprostol on interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-mediated phospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid release, and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production was examined using normal skin fibroblasts and synovial fibroblasts from patients with osteoarthritis. We found that both IL-1beta and misoprostol induced arachidonic acid release, suggesting enhanced phospholipase A(2) activation. Both Il-1beta and IL-1beta/misoprostol, but not misoprostol alone, induced a significant increase in PGE(2) levels compared with controls. Even though PGE(2) production was not significantly increased by misoprostol alone, misoprostol synergistically enhanced IL-1beta-mediated cyclooxygenase activity (sixfold to eightfold) and PGE(2) synthesis in normal fibroblasts but not in OA synovial fibroblasts. Additionally, misoprostol dramatically affected the arachidonate-labeling of triglyceride and cholesterol ester pools; the significance of this is as yet unclear. Together, the results suggest that misoprostol may upregulate the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGE(2) by enhancing the IL-1beta-induced activation/synthesis of cyclooxygenase.