T-cells subsets and activation in bronchial mucosa of sensitized Brown-Norway rats after single allergen exposure.

We have investigated the relationship between changes in T-cell activation in the bronchial mucosa, airway responsiveness and eosinophilic inflammation in sensitized Brown-Norway rats exposed to ovalbumin (OVA). Rats sensitized intraperitoneally with OVA and exposed to OVA aerosol 21 days later showed an enhanced increase in lung resistance (RNL) to acetylcholine (P < 0.05), and a significant increase in the number of eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) (P < 0.05), compared with sensitized but saline-exposed controls. There was a significant increase in cells expressing the T-cell activation marker CD25 (P < 0.05) and the numbers of CD8+ T cells (P < 0.05), but not in the numbers of CD2+ and CD4+ cells. Eosinophil counts in airway submucosal tissue, as assessed by staining with BMK-13; a monoclonal antibody that binds to eosinophil major basic protein (MBP), were increased in rats receiving sensitization and exposure to OVA compared with naive controls (P < 0.002). There were significant positive correlations between the increase in RL to acetylcholine and the numbers of CD25+ (r = 0.92, P < 0.001), CD4+ (r = 0.77, P < 0.05), CD8+ (r = 0.71, P < 0.05) and MBP+ (r = 0.72, P < 0.03) cells in the OVA-sensitized and exposed group, but not in saline-exposed or naive animals. The number of MBP+ cells also correlated with CD25 expression (r = 0.71, P < 0.05). We conclude that airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammatory cell infiltration caused by OVA exposure of sensitized animals is associated with the presence of activated T cells in the airway mucosa. CD8+ T cells may play a role in the regulation of events leading to eosinophil inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness.     

Effects of erlotinib on pulmonary function and airway remodeling after sensitization and repeated allergen challenge in Brown-Norway rats

Erlotinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, can inhibit the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. It has been widely used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of erlotinib on bronchial hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and airway remodeling in sensitized, ovalbumin-challenged rats. Two experimental groups of Brown-Norway rats were sensitized and repeatedly challenged by breathing aerosolized ovalbumin. Since Day 1, one group was given oral erlotinib (OA-erlotinib group) while the other group was given only oral saline (OA-saline group). The control group was sensitized and challenged using saline. All were anesthetized and paralyzed, and pulmonary function tests conducted at baseline and after provocation with varying doses of acetylcholine. Lung tissues were examined for airway inflammation, airway remodeling, and Th2-related cytokine mRNA expression. Results showed that the OA-erlotinib group had better pulmonary function and less airway inflammation, Th2-related cytokines and their mRNA expression, and airway remodeling compared to the OA-saline group. In conclusion, erlotinib effectively prevents bronchial hyperreactivity, airway inflammation, Th2-related cytokine mRNA expression, and airway remodeling after sensitization and repeated allergen challenge in Brown-Norway rats.     

Effects of endothelin-1 on DNA synthesis and NADPH diaphorase activity in epithelial and smooth muscle cells of the tracheobronchial system in newborn albino rats after repeated treatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester

Newborn rats received intraperitoneal injections of endothelin-1 in a daily dose of 5×10^-8 mol/kg 30 min after administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (9.3×10^-5 mol/kg intraperitoneally) from the 2nd to 6th day of life. NADPH diaphorase activity in epithelial and smooth muscle cells of the tracheobronchial system increased 24 h after the last treatment. In this period DNA synthesis underwent opposite changes, which included the inhibition of epithelial cell proliferation and stimulation of smooth muscle cell division. Intensification of free radical oxidation in the lung tissue was accompanied by inactivation of the antioxidant system.     

Resolution of allergic airways inflammation but persistence of airway smooth muscle proliferation after repeated allergen exposures

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation in asthmatic airways can lead to characteristic airway smooth muscle (ASM) thickening and pathological changes within the airway wall. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the long-term effects of repeated allergen exposure. METHODS: Brown-Norway (BN) rats sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) were exposed to OVA or saline aerosol every third day on six occasions and studied 24 h, 7 days and 35 days after the final exposure. We measured airway inflammation, ASM cell proliferation (by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine; BrdU) and bronchial responsiveness to acetylcholine. RESULTS: At 24 h, in OVA-exposed rats, we detected elevated OVA-specific serum IgE, increased numbers of macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and increased numbers of MBP+ (major basic protein) eosinophils and CD2+ T cells within the bronchial submucosa. This coincided with increased numbers of ASM cells expressing BrdU and with bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR). At 7 days, BHR was detected in OVA-exposed rats, coincident with increased numbers of macrophages and lymphocytes in BAL fluid together with increased numbers of CD2+ T cells within the bronchial submucosa. This coincided with increased numbers of ASM cells expressing BrdU. By day 35, the number of ASM cells expressing BrdU remained elevated in the absence of cellular infiltration and BHR. CONCLUSION: Repeated OVA-challenge results in persistent ASM cell proliferation in the absence of bronchial inflammation and BHR, which lasts for at least 1 week following cessation of exposure.     

Effect of endothelin-1 on DNA synthesis in tracheal epithelium and smooth muscle cells in newborn albino rats

Repeated (5-fold) intraperitoneal injections of 5×10⁻⁹ mol/kg endothelin-1 inhibited DNA synthesis in tracheal epitheliocytes and activated lipid peroxidation in the lungs of newborn rats. Endothelin-1 in a dose of 5×10⁻⁸ mol/kg stimulated proliferative activity of tracheal smooth muscle cells and intensified lipid peroxidation in the blood, which aggravated observed changes. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 129, No. 3, pp. 294–296, March. 2000     

Modulation of endothelin-1 expression in pulmonary epithelial cell line (A549) after exposure to RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important respiratory tract pathogens in infants and young children. The airway epithelial cells are the primary target cells for RSV infection. The airway epithelial layer is not only a physical barrier, but also plays a role in a synthesis of a variety of major inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF etc.) as previously reported. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent bronchoconstrictor and vasoconstrictor factor, and involved in pathogenesis of various diseases of the respiratory tract. We hypothesized that RSV may induce the release of ET-1 from the bronchial epithelial cell line. No previous data is available regarding association between RSV infection and ET-1 release. We evaluated the effect of RSV with different concentrations of RSV (MOI 0.1, 1 and 3 pfu/cell) on bronchial epithelial cell line (A549) and measured the production of ET-1 at both protein and mRNA level. A549 cells were treated with different conditions by using LPS, heat-inactivated RSV, RSV or medium alone as control. We observed time-dependent ET-1 release by RSV-infected A549 cells at 4 h, 24 h and maximum at 72 h. ET-1 was expressed in unstimulated A549 cells and was further increased by RSV. RSV with concentration MOI 0.1 (pfu/cell) and LPS appeared to have strongest stimulation on production of ET-1. In addition, ET-1 mRNA was increased significantly by 16 h and decreased to relatively low-level at 24 h. These experiments suggested that airway epithelial cells might play a role in the local airway smooth muscle tone through the production of endothelin-1 during RSV infection.     

Airway hyperresponsiveness, elevation of serum-specific IgE and activation of T cells following allergen exposure in sensitized Brown-Norway rats.

T lymphocytes may play a regulatory role in the development of allergic airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). We have studied the relationship between airway responsiveness and a number of immunological changes in Brown-Norway rats sensitized intraperitoneally and repeatedly exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) aerosol. Acetylcholine provocation concentration (PC)150 (the concentration of acetylcholine causing a 150% increase of base-line lung resistance) was measured and peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells were collected 18-24hr after the final exposure. Total and OVA-specific IgE in serum was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mononuclear cells were analysed by flow cytometry after labelling with monoclonal antibodies against CD2 (pan T-cell marker), CD4, CD8 (T-cell subsets) or CD25 (interleukin-2 receptor). There were significant differences in PC150 (P < 0.05) and in OVA-specific IgE levels in serum (P < 0.002); CD4+ T cells expressed a significantly increased level of CD25 immunoreactivity in BAL, but not in peripheral blood, of rats sensitized and exposed to OVA, compared with saline-exposed controls (P < 0.02). There was a significant correlation between CD25 expression and BAL eosinophil numbers (r = 0.74, P < 0.001), PC150 (r = 0.63, P < 0.003) and OVA-specific IgE (r = 0.77, P < 0.001). These data suggest that activated T cells may be involved in the regulation of allergen-induced AHR in a relevant animal model of allergic asthma.     

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness, epithelial damage, and airway eosinophilia after single and repeated allergen exposure in a rat model of anhydride-induced asthma

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and damage of the epithelium, as well as eosinophilia in the airway wall, induced by trimellitic anhydride (TMA) in sensitized brown Norway rats were studied. Rats were challenged once or seven times with aerosol of TMA conjugated to rat serum albumin (TMA-RSA) 3 weeks after intradermal TMA sensitization. Airway responsiveness (-log PC₃₀₀ of acetylcholine i.v.) was measured 24 h after allergen challenge. Epithelial lesion and eosinophil infiltration in the airway walls were quantified under light microscopy, and TMA-specific IgE and IgG in serum were evaluated with ELISA. High levels of TMA-specific IgE and IgG were found in all rats in the sensitized groups compared to nonsensitized groups ( P < 0.001). Repeated allergen challenges of 0.03% TMA-RSA for 7 consecutive days enhanced the level of TMA-specific IgG, compared to single challenge ( P < 0.05). Single allergen challenge of 0.3% TMA-RSA had a nonsignificant tendency to produce BHR in sensitized rats compared to nonsensitized rats ( P =0.06). However, repeated allergen challenges (0.003% and 0.03% TMA-RSA for 7 consecutive days) produced significant BHR in sensitized rats ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, repeated low-dose (0.003%) TMA-RSA challenge produced more BHR than a 10 times higher single dose (0.03%) ( P < 0.05). Slight damage of the airway epithelium was seen in sensitized and repeat-challenged groups. However, bronchial eosinophilia was found in the sensitized and single-challenged groups, but not in nonsensitized nonchallenged, and sensitized repeat-challenged groups ( P < 0.005). We conclude that the brown Norway rat can be sensitized with TMA, and that repeated low-dose allergen challenges produce slight epithelial damage and BHR which is independent of ongoing eosinophilia in the airway wall.     

Role of epidermal growth factor receptor in maintaining airway goblet cell hyperplasia in rats sensitized to allergen

Background Stimulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induces airway goblet cell hyperplasia, but the role of this molecule in the maintenance of this pathologic change remains uncertain. Objective To determine the mechanisms by which goblet cell hyperplasia is maintained in airway epithelium, we investigated EGFR‐induced signalling pathways that lead to both mucin production and antiapoptosis in vitro. We also tested whether the inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase speeds reversal of established goblet cell hyperplasia to normal epithelial phenotype in vivo. Methods MUC5AC production was measured by immunoassay, and antiapoptotic responses were determined by Bcl‐2 expression and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin Nick End Labelling staining using NCI‐H292 cells. The effect of an inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase (AG1478) on goblet cell hyperplasia was also determined in rats sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). Results MUC5AC was constitutively expressed and few apoptotic cells were observed in NCI‐H292 cells under non‐stimulated condition. TGF‐α increased MUC5AC and Bcl‐2 expression, an effect that was prevented by inhibitors of EGFR tyrosine kinase (AG1478), MEK (PD98059), and NF‐κB (CAPE). After the addition of TGF‐α, AG1478 and an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt (LY294002), but not PD98059, induced a marked apoptotic response, which was prevented by the caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD fmk. Goblet cell hyperplasia and EGFR expression in airway epithelium were noted in the OVA‐sensitized rats. Intratracheal instillation of AG1478 induced apoptosis of goblet cells, reverting the airway epithelium to normal epithelial phenotype. Conclusion These findings indicate that EGFR plays an important role in the maintenance of goblet cell hyperplasia. We speculate that inhibitors of the EGFR cascade might be an effective therapy of airway remodelling.     

哮喘豚鼠气道上皮细胞原癌基因c-fos活化与ET-1释放相关性的研究

目的：探讨哮喘豚鼠发作时气道上皮细胞原癌基因c-fos的活化与上皮细胞释放内皮素－1（ET－1）的相关性。方法：将豚鼠随机分为哮喘组，地塞米松组和正常对照组。以卵蛋白致敏建立哮喘动物组模型；再给予肌注地塞米松（0．5mg/kg)治疗则为地塞米松组。利用Dot blot与Northern blot及免疫组化染色法，研究c-fos在气道上皮细胞中的表达；利用放射免疫法测定各组支气管－肺泡灌洗液（BALF）中ET－1的含量。结果：正常对照组有低水平的c-fos基因表达和ET－1合成。哮喘组豚鼠在激发30min后，气道上皮细胞c-fos mRNA表达及Fos蛋白染色阳性颗粒都达到高峰，持续2h左右。同时，BALF中ET－1的含量在30min 后也达到高峰，持续2－3h。地塞米松组的c-fos mRNA及蛋白表达水平均明显低于哮喘组（P＜0．01），但高于正常对照组；并且该组BALF中ET－1的含量也低于哮喘组（P＜0．01）。结论：c-fos基因活化与ET－1释放在哮喘豚鼠发病中都具有重要作用，两者密切相关。ET－1的释放可能受控于c-fos基因的活化。     

Effect of endothelin-1 on DNA synthesis in various cell populations of Newborn albino rats

Effect of intraperitoneal injection of endothelin-1 on DNA synthesis in various cell populations of newborn albino rats was studied by³H-thymidine autoradiography. The number of DNA-synthesizing cells increased in the epitheliums of the tongue and skin, while labeling intensity remained unchanged. Both parameters were elevated in the duodenal epithelium; the index of labeled nuclei changed in the duodenal smooth muscle layer. We revealed no significant changes in these parameters in the myocardium. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 129, No. 3, pp. 291–293, March, 2000     

Induction of endothelin-1 expression by oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells

Atherosclerosis is based on endothelial dysfunction leading to impaired vasomotor function. This is partially due to nitric oxide (NO) depletion caused by oxidative stress. Since the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) might also be involved in endothelial dysfunction, we investigated whether oxidative stress regulates ET-1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Human aortic VSMC were treated with H₂O₂ (200 μM) for up to 8 h. mRNA expression of preproendothelin (prepro-ET) was analyzed by RT-PCR. ET-1 protein and the marker for oxidative stress, 8-isoprostane, were determined by ELISA. Activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA₂) as an indicator of ET-1 autocrine activity was measured photometrically. Stimulation of VSMC with H₂O₂ resulted in increased expression of prepro-ET mRNA after 1 h with a maximum after 6 h (fourfold), similar to treatment with angiotensin II. ET-1 protein was significantly increased by H₂O₂ treatment with a maximum after 8 h (P<.05). This effect was inhibited by the antioxidants resveratrol (100 μM) and quercetin (50 μM). In quiesced VSMC, incubation with H₂O₂-conditioned medium resulted in increased cPLA₂ activity compared to the controls (P<.05). This activity was partially inhibited by the ET_A-receptor antagonist, PD 142893 (10 μM), indicating functional ET-1 in the conditioned medium. The presence of oxidative stress in H₂O₂-treated VSMC was associated by significantly increased formation of 8-isoprostane (P<.05). The data indicate for the first time that oxidative stress increases ET-1 generation and autocrine ET-1 activity in VSMC, a mechanism that might contribute to endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis.     

Homologous serum increases fibronectin expression and cell adhesion in airway smooth muscle cells

This study describes altered patterns of growth and upregulation of fibronectin expression of cultured canine airway smooth muscle cells grown in homologous serum, which provides a model of the vascular leakage occurring in asthma, compared to fetal bovine serum (FBS). Cells were incubated in increasing concentrations of serum (2.5–40%) for 72 hours. Both homologous serum and FBS caused cellular proliferation which reached a maximum increase at 2.5–5% serum concentration. Differences in the cellular responses to the two types of sera were noted at higher concentrations of sera. At a concentration of 40% FBS, airway smooth muscle cells increased in number by 307±16% (n=5) compared to serum-free control cells, whereas in canine serum the increase in growth was significantly smaller, 239±25% (n=7) (P<0.05). Airway fibrocytes similarly treated increased in number by 256±43% (n=3) in 40% FBS, but exhibited a reduction in cell number to 80 ±10% (n=3) of controls in 40% homologous serum (P<0.05). Smooth muscle cells demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in fibronectin expression when grown in homologous serum, but not in FBS, suggesting phenotypic change occurred in these cells when exposed to homologous serum. These data suggest that the leakage of plasma in the asthmatic airway may trigger phenotypic change in both airway smooth muscle cells and airway fibrocytes leading to cellular proliferation and expression of extracellular matrix molecules. These in vitro changes are consistent with the histological findings in clinical asthma.     

磷脂酰肌醇3激酶在支气管哮喘大鼠气道平滑肌细胞中的表达

 目的： 探讨磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)在支气管哮喘大鼠气道平滑肌细胞（ASMC）的表达。方法: 根据随机化分配原则将16只Wistar大鼠随机均分成2组，即哮喘组和正常对照组；模型建立后分别从每只大鼠分离培养ASMC，流式细胞检测方法检测ASMC的生长分数，用免疫细胞化学荧光染色及Western blotting方法进行PI3K表达的检测，并利用图像分析系统进行半定量对比分析。结果: 流式细胞仪检测发现哮喘组ASMC的S+G2/M期细胞所占细胞总数的百分比 (27.90±3.44) %显著高于正常对照组(13.00±1.56)%,P<0.05；免疫细胞化学荧光染色及Western blotting方法检测发现哮喘组和正常对照组ASMC胞浆内均有PI3Kp85阳性表达，且哮喘组的表达明显高于正常对照组；大鼠ASMC中PI3K的表达与大鼠ASMC的生长分数呈显著正相关。 结论: PI3K表达的增加可能在哮喘ASMC增殖中起重要作用。     

In vitro wounding of airway smooth muscle cell monolayers increases expression of TGF-beta receptors

During an exacerbation of asthma, there is bronchial epithelial cell injury and influx of inflammatory cells. In these instances, the release of proteases and various cytokines could lead to injury of the airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Airway remodeling is a characteristic finding in asthma but the role of ASMC injury in remodeling is unknown. Previously, we demonstrated that mechanical wounding of confluent monolayers of bovine ASMCs resulted in the release of biologically active transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), which in turn, induced collagen I expression. In the present study, we demonstrate that after mechanical wounding, ASMCs had an increased expression of the signal transducing TGF-beta receptors TbetaR-I and TbetaR-II as detected by flow cytometry and Western analysis. Corticosteroids are standard therapy in asthma and the presence of dexamethasone decreased wound-induced release of TGF-beta1 and the expression of collagen I, fibronectin, and TbetaR-II. These results suggest that ASMC injury may play an important role in airway fibrosis mediated by TGF-beta1, which can be prevented by the use of corticosteroids.     

地塞米松降低吸烟大鼠气道反应性及上调气道平滑肌细胞BKca表达

目的观察雾化吸入地塞米松对吸烟大鼠气道的反应性及支气管平滑肌高电导的钙激活的钾通道(BKca)蛋白和mRNA表达的影响。方法复制大鼠吸烟模型后雾化吸入地塞米松治疗,测定气道反应性;采用HE染色,免疫组织化学染色和原位杂交等方法检测肺组织病理形态学改变和BKca的表达。结果①吸烟组的气道反应性明显高于正常对照组(P<0.05),而吸烟加雾化吸入地塞米松治疗组的气道反应性显著低于吸烟组(P<0.05),但仍高于正常对照组;②吸烟组肺组织出现较轻的炎症反应,吸烟加雾化吸入地塞米松治疗组无炎症反应;③吸烟组大气道和小气道BKcamRNA和蛋白表达低于正常对照组,吸烟加雾化吸入地塞米松治疗组BKcamRNA表达高于吸烟组。结论吸烟引起的气道反应性的增高与气道的炎症反应不平行,雾化吸入地塞米松治疗可降低吸烟引起的气道高反应性,其机制之一可能是降低吸烟对大鼠气道平滑肌BKca表达的抑制作用。     

Kv在正常与被动致敏人气道平滑肌张力调控中的作用

目的：探讨电压依赖性延迟整流钾通道（Kv）对正常与体外致敏人气道平滑肌（HASM）的张力调控作用及其机制。 方法： 采用肌张力试验、逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）和免疫细胞化学等技术，观察钾通道阻断剂对正常与哮喘患者血清致敏HASM张力、细胞Kv的mRNA和蛋白质表达。 结果： Kv 阻断剂4-氨基吡啶（4-AP）可引起正常HASM肌环产生浓度依赖性收缩反应，达到最大效应一半所需浓度的负对数值（pD2）为2.09±0.09，人哮喘血清致敏组为2.44±0.16，差异显著（P＜0.01）；但最大反应强度（Emax）分别为正常组（24.0±6.4）g/g，人哮喘血清致敏组（31.8±7.3）g/g，差异无显著（P＞0.05）。在培养的HASM细胞上，Kv1.2、Kv1.3和 Kv1.5基因mRNA均有表达；人哮喘血清致敏的HASM细胞Kv1.5基因mRNA（P＜0.01）和蛋白质（P＜0.01）的表达均下降。 结论： 体外被动致敏HASM细胞Kv功能较正常下调，致平滑肌兴奋性增高，该变化可能主要与Kv1.5基因相关。     

Proasthmatic effects and mechanisms of action of the dust mite allergen, Der p 1, in airway smooth muscle

BACKGROUND: House dust mite allergen exposure is a key risk factor for the development of allergic asthma. Beyond provoking immune cell-mediated allergic responses, house dust mite allergens were recently shown to exert direct effects on airway structural cells secondary to their intrinsic protease activities. OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that house dust mite allergen exposure can produce changes in airway responsiveness through a direct effect on airway smooth muscle (ASM). METHODS: Isolated rabbit ASM tissues were exposed to the house dust mite allergen, Der p 1, and induced changes in ASM responsiveness and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were examined under different experimental conditions. RESULTS: The observations demonstrated the following: (1) Der p 1 exposure elicited enhanced constrictor responses and impaired relaxation responses in the ASM tissues, (2) these proasthmatic-like effects of Der p 1 were attributed to its intrinsic cysteine protease activity, and (3) the induced changes in ASM responsiveness were associated with activation of both the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and the p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Additionally, specific blockade of ERK1/2 signaling was found to prevent the Der p 1-induced changes in ASM responsiveness, whereas inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling enhanced the proasthmatic-like action of Der p 1, with the latter effect a result of augmented activation of ERK1/2. CONCLUSION: These findings are the first to demonstrate that the dust mite allergen, Der p 1, can directly elicit changes in ASM responsiveness that are associated with activation of MAPK signaling, wherein proasthmatic effects induced by Der p 1 are attributed to activation of ERK1/2, whereas coactivation of p38 MAPK exerts a homeostatic action by negatively regulating ERK1/2 signaling.