Fasitibant prevents the bradykinin and interleukin 1β synergism on prostaglandin E2 release and cyclooxygenase 2 expression in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes

This study investigates the effect of the selective and potent B(2) receptor antagonist fasitibant (MEN16132) on the proinflammatory effect of bradykinin (BK) and its interaction with interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in human synoviocytes. PGE(2) content was detected in the surnatants and COX-2 and COX-1 gene and protein expression determined in the cells. Radioligand binding ([(3)?H]BK) and BK-induced inositolphosphate experiments were performed. Incubation of synoviocytes with BK induced a sustained production of PGE(2) and transient COX-2 gene expression that were prevented by pretreatment with fasitibant (1 μM, 30 min preincubation). IL-1β increased PGE(2) release and COX-2 expression more than BK alone. The combined treatment of cells with BK and IL-1β induced an even increase of released PGE(2) and COX-2 gene and protein expression indicating a synergistic rather than an additive effect, not related to an increase of B(2) receptors density or its coupling. These potentiating effects of BK on PGE(2) production and increased COX-2 expression produced by IL-1β were B(2)-receptor-mediated as fasitibant could prevent them. None of the treatments induced changes in the COX-1 expression. The synergistic PGE(2) production was abolished by the specific NF-kappaB inhibitor (BAY-117085), whereas specific inhibitors for the p38 (SB203580), JNK (SP600125), and ERK1/2 (PD98059) mitogen-activated protein kinases could prevent the prostanoid release. BK can potentiate the COX-2 gene expression and consequent prostanoid production induced by IL-1β. The prevention of this synergism by fasitibant indicates BK B(2) receptor blockade as an alternative symptomatic therapy for osteoarthritis.     

Increase of extracellular brain calcium involved in interleukin-1 beta-induced pyresis in the rabbit: antagonism by dexamethasone.

1. This study investigates the role of extracellular brain calcium in the hyperthermia induced by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). 2. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of IL-1 beta (12.5 ng kg-1) in rabbits caused a prompt and sustained rise in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) followed by enhanced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release and hyperthermia. 3. A linear and significant correlation was observed between the increase in [Ca2+] induced by IL-1 beta and the rise in body temperature. 4. Ventriculo-cisternal perfusion with artificial CSF containing the calcium chelator EGTA (1.3 mM) blocked the IL-1-induced PGE2 release and countered the febrile response. 5. I.c.v. administration of dexamethasone (Dex) (2.4 and 24 micrograms kg-1) 100 min prior to IL-1 beta, dose-dependently antagonized the cytokine-induced Ca2+ increase, the PGE2 release and the febrile response. 6. These results suggest that changes in extracellular brain calcium are involved in the regulation of body temperature. In this light, the antipyretic action of Dex may be related to its effect on Ca2+ uptake.     

Il-1-related cytokine responses of nonimmune skin cells subjected to CEES exposure with and without potential vesicant antagonists

Sulfur mustard provokes an acute inflammatory response in skin. To determine if keratinocytes regulate this response and whether three potential vesicant antagonists can counteract adverse changes, specimens of EpiDerm (MatTek Corp., Ashland, MA), a human skin model of differentiating keratinocytes, were exposed 2 h to humidified air with or without 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES, 1.72-1.73 mg/L/min) with or without 10 mM niacinamide, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, 25 microM CGS9343B (calmodulin antagonist), or 8.4 mM leupeptin (cysteine protease inhibitor). After a 22-h incubation, levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1alpha), its receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), soluble type II receptor (sIL-1RII) and prostaglandin-E(2) (PGE(2)) were determined. Methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT) viability tests and histological observations were also conducted. PGE(2) levels were abundant but unaffected by CEES regardless of antagonist presence. Total amounts (media plus lysate) of IL-1alpha, IL-1Ra, and sIL-1RII were reduced with CEES irrespective of antagonist. CEES promoted the release of IL-1Ra. Exposure of EpiDerm to CEES in the presence of the vesicant antagonists did not improve viability or counteract histological damage. We conclude CEES depresses total IL-1alpha and related cytokines, does not affect PGE(2) release, and adverse changes associated with CEES-exposed EpiDerm are not ameliorated by these particular antagonists. Dramatically increased (5- to 10-fold) release of IL-1Ra may provide a useful marker for cytotoxicity. The high level of IL-1Ra and increased release with injury suggest a primary function in down-regulating IL-1 inflammatory responses in skin.     

In vitro and in vivo study of regulation mechanisms of type I interleukin-1 receptor

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is one of the inflammatory cytokines, which plays a pivotal role in both host defense and homeostasis. Its signal is transduced by type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1RI). This report gives an insight into the regulatory mechanism of IL-1RI in both in vitro and in vivo. IL-1 up-regulates IL-1RI through prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production on human fibroblasts. However, in the presence of indomethacin, IL-1 down-regulates the receptor by destabilizing IL-1 receptor mRNA. Type I and type II interferons (IFNs) up-regulate the expression of IL-1RI. This up-regulation leads to the increasing susceptibility of IL-1RI to IL-1, as the DNA binding of IL-1-induced NF-kappa B and the production of IL-1-induced IL-6 from the fibroblasts are augmented by pretreatment with IFNs. On the other hand, the expression of cell surface IL-1RI is inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors, herbimycin and genistein, resulting in reduction of the kinase activity of IRAK (IL-1 receptor associated kinase) and IL-1-induced IL-6 production from the fibroblasts. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) augments the expression of IL-1RI mRNA and cell surface molecule in the hepatocytes of mice in vivo, and the augmentation is mediated by the interaction of IL-1, IL-6, and of glucocorticoid (GC). When hepatocytes were pretreated with dexamethasone (Dex) and IL-6, the activation of IRAK was augmented in response to IL-1, indicating that IL-1 signaling is also up-regulated. In addition, IL-1 treatment ather combined administration of Dex and IL-6 into mice markedly increased the serum level of serum amyloid A. These data suggest that the expression of IL-1RI is regulated by inflammatory cytokines, PGE2, GC and LPS in vitro and in vivo. This study shows that the biological activity of IL-1 can be controlled by regulating the expression of IL-1RI, and therefore proposes the use of pharmaceutical drugs for the regulation of cytokine expression.     

Effect of plasma from cancer patients on rat skeletal muscle protein degradation and PGE2 release in vitro

Cachexia in tumour-bearing patients involves loss of skeletal muscle proteins. In order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, we tested the hypothesis of the presence of a circulating proteolytic factor (possibly interleukin-1, acting through an increased PGE2 release) in the plasma of cancer patients, because such a mechanism has been demonstrated in patients with sepsis or trauma and in animals with bacteraemia or viraemia. The effect of plasma from 13 malnourished cancer patients and 14 controls on PGE2 release and protein degradation (assessed as Tyr release) in rat diaphragm in vitro was evaluated; human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1) was used for comparison. IL-1 increased PGE2 release (+44% at 5 U/ml), but did not greatly affect proteolysis. On the contrary, human plasma (125 microliters/ml) from both control and tumour-bearing individuals did not affect PGE2 release significantly, but greatly reduced Tyr release. The decrease in Tyr release by plasma was dose-dependent. In conclusion, our data indicate that, at variance with what was demonstrated in patients with trauma or sepsis, loss of skeletal muscle proteins in cancer patients is not mediated by a circulating factor. In addition, evidence is provided of dissociation between PGE2 and Tyr release and of lack of proteolytic activity for IL-1.     

Correlation of leukocyte interleukin-1 production with the stimulation of prostaglandin and tissue factor synthesis by human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Human leukocyte suspensions (neutrophils 80-85%, monocyte 15-20%) were incubated alone or with cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Leukocytes were either directly added to the endothelial cell cultures or separated from them by a 0.4 micron insert filter. Supernatants or cell lysates were obtained at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours of incubation. Supernatants were assayed for the prostacyclin (PGI2) metabolite 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by radioimmunoassay and for interleukin-1 (IL-1) by the thymocyte co-mitogen assay. Cell lysates were analyzed for cell-associated procoagulant activity (PCA). Co-incubation of endothelial cells with leukocytes stimulated the synthesis of PGI2, PGE2, and PCA. These biochemical changes correlated partially with the release of IL-1 beta. The results suggest that IL-1 released in monocyte neutrophil co-cultures can produce prothrombotic (increased PCA expression) and inflammatory changes (increased synthesis of vasodilatory and permeability enhancing PGI2 and PGE2) in endothelial cells. Neutrophils may represent a source of the released IL-1 and/or may act to stimulate monocyte release of this cytokine and thus play an important role in vascular pathology by a mechanism unrelated to their more direct cytotoxic activity.     

Induction of COX-2 and PGE(2) biosynthesis by IL-1beta is mediated by PKC and mitogen-activated protein kinases in murine astrocytes

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is an important mediator of immunoinflammatory responses in the brain. In the present study, we examined whether prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production after IL-1beta stimulation is dependent upon activation of protein kinases in astroglial cells. Astrocyte cultures stimulated with IL-1beta or the phorbol ester, PMA significantly increased PGE(2) secretion. The stimulatory action of IL-1beta on PGE(2) production was totally abolished by NS-398, a specific inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase-2 activity, as well as by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, and the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Furthermore, IL-1beta induced the expression of COX-2 mRNA. This occurred early at 2 h, with a maximum at 4 h and declined at 12 h. IL-1 beta treatment also induced the expression of COX-2 protein as determined by immunoblot analysis. In that case the expression of the protein remained high at least up to 12 h. Treatment of cells with protein kinase C inhibitors (H-7, bisindolylmaleimide and calphostin C) inhibited IL-1beta stimulation of PGE(2). In addition, PKC-depleted astrocyte cultures by overnight treatment with PMA no longer responded to PMA or IL-1. The ablation of the effects of PMA and IL-1beta on PGE(2) production, likely results from down-regulation of phorbol ester sensitive-PKC isoenzymes. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated the translocation of the conventional isoform cPKC-alpha from cytosol to membrane following treatment with IL-1beta. In addition, IL-1beta treatment led to activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and p38 subgroups of MAP kinases in astroglial cells. Interestingly, the inhibition of ERK kinase with PD 98059, as well as the inhibition of p38 MAPK with SB 203580, prevented IL-1beta-induced PGE(2) release. ERK1/2 activation by IL-1beta was sensitive to inhibition by the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide suggesting that ERK phosphorylation is a downstream signal of PKC activation. These results suggest key roles for PKC as well as for ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase cascades in the biosynthesis of PGE(2), likely by regulating the induction of cyclo-oxygenase-2, in IL-1beta-stimulated astroglial cells.     

Byakangelicol,isolated from Angelica dahurica,inhibits both the activity and induction of cyclooxygenase-2 in human pulmonary epithelial cells

We examined the inhibitory mechanism of byakangelicol, isolated from Angelica dahurica, on interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release in human pulmonary epithelial cell line (A549). Byakangelicol (10-50 microM) concentration-dependently attenuated IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 release. The selective COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398 (0.01-1 microM), and byakangelicol (10-50 microM) both concentration-dependently inhibited the activity of the COX-2 enzyme. Byakangelicol, at a concentration up to 200 microM, did not affect the activity and expression of COX-1 enzyme. IL-1beta-induced p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was inhibited by the MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor, PD 98059 (30 microM), while byakangelicol (50 microM) had no effect. Treatment of cells with byakangelicol (50 microM) or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC; 50 microM) partially inhibited IL-1beta-induced degradation of IkappaB-alpha in the cytosol, translocation of p65 NF-kappaB from the cytosol to the nucleus and the NF-kappaB-specific DNA-protein complex formation. Taken together, we have demonstrated that byakangelicol inhibits IL-1beta-induced PGE2 release in A549 cells; this inhibition may be mediated by suppression of COX-2 expression and the activity of COX-2 enzyme. The inhibitory mechanism of byakangelicol on IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression may be, at least in part, through suppression of NF-kappaB activity. Therefore, byakangelicol may have therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory drug on airway inflammation.     

金骨莲胶囊对炎症模型大鼠的抗炎作用及机制研究

目的:研究金骨莲胶囊对炎症模型大鼠的抗炎作用及机制.方法:将48只大鼠随机分为空白对照组、模型组、金骨莲胶囊低、中、高剂量组(0.66、1.32、2.64 g/kg)和地塞米松组(阳性对照,0.945 mg/kg),每组8只.空白对照组和模型组大鼠灌胃等体积水,其余各组大鼠灌胃相应药物,每天给药2次,连续3天.末次给药...     

Interleukin-1 potentiates bradykinin- and TNF alpha-induced PGE2 release

The ability of interleukin-1 (IL-1 alpha), IL-1 beta, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and bradykinin to cause prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release from human synovial cells was examined. IL-1 alpha and IL-beta proved equipotent in their effect, and were up to four orders of magnitude more potent than TNF alpha after incubation for 24 h. Bradykinin proved the weakest of all the agonists examined. When the cells were pretreated with IL-1 alpha or IL-1 beta for 24 h, their ability to release PGE2 in response to a short incubation (1 h) with bradykinin, TNF alpha or a second dose of IL-1 was potentiated. In addition, TNF alpha and bradykinin were shown to increase the level of free arachidonic acid (AA) in the cells. Furthermore, a similar potentiation in the response of pretreated cells was observed with exogenous AA. It is already known that pretreatment with IL-1 for 24 h results in an induction of cyclo-oxygenase (CO). It seems likely, therefore, that activation of phospholipase A2 which occurs during a short incubation with IL-1, TNF alpha or bradykinin releases substrate, AA, which is more rapidly converted to PGE2 by cells in which CO has been induced. The result of these events might indicate a sustained release of PGE2 at sites of inflammation where such mediators are released.     

Immunomodulation of HLA class I and II expression on a human tumor derived cell line by 5-azacytidine, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, gamma interferon and a phorbol ester

The modulation of histocompatibility antigens (HLA) expression by four different agents (gamma-IFN, LPS, PMA and 5-azaC) was investigated on a human tumor derived cell line that did not constitutively express HLA class I and class II molecules on its surface. Demethylating drug 5-azaC induced HLA class I but not HLA class II antigen expression. Gamma interferon and LPS induced HLA-DR and HLA-DP, but not HLA-DQ class II nor HLA class I antigens, while phorbol ester was unable to induce either class I or II molecule expression of the HLA system. These results suggest that HLA class I expression is constitutively inhibited by methylation of its coding genes. Treatment with 5-azaC leads to the HLA class I molecule expression, while HLA class II genes, DR and DP, seem to be under a different inhibitory mechanism as it was induced by LPS and gamma-interferon but not by 5-azaC. HLA-DQ class II antigens were not detected in response to any of the immunomodulators used.     

Dexamethasone attenuates altered insulin secretion elicited by interleukin-1 beta in HIT cells.

The effects of dexamethasone on the modulation of insulin secretion by recombinant human interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) were examined in HIT-T 15 cells. The addition of IL-1 from 1.2 x 10(-8) to 10(-10) M increased insulin secretion in the 0-4-h period after IL-1 administration and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was suppressed by IL-1 from 1.2 x 10(-8) to 10(-12) M. At all doses used, IL-1 inhibited insulin secretion in the 4-24-h period after IL-1 administration and PGE2 levels were increased in the culture medium. In the second experiment, the addition of 10(-7) M dexamethasone prevented the inhibitory effects of IL-1 on insulin secretion. In the third experiment, dexamethasone at 10(-7) M attenuated both the short-term stimulation of insulin release and the long-term suppression of insulin release caused by IL-1. It also prevented the effects of IL-1 on PGE2 production. The present studies suggest that dexamethasone may have a suppressive action on the effects of IL-1 on in vitro insulin secretion.     

The MAP kinase inhibitors, PD098059, UO126 and SB203580, inhibit IL-1beta-dependent PGE(2) release via mechanistically distinct processes

1. In common with human bronchial epithelial cells, pulmonary A549 cells release prostaglandin (PG) E(2) in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines. We have therefore used these cells to examine the effect of the selective mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitors; PD098059, a mitogen activated and extracellular regulated kinase kinase (MEK) 1 inhibitor, UO126, a dual MEK1 & MEK2 inhibitor, and SB203580, a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor in the IL-1beta-dependent release of PGE(2). 2. Following IL-1beta treatment the extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs) and the p38 MAP kinases were rapidly phosphorylated. 3. PD09059, UO126 and SB203580 prevented IL-1beta-induced PGE(2) release at doses that correlated closely with published IC(50) values. Small or partial effects at the relevant doses were observed on induction of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) activity or COX-2 protein suggesting that the primary effects were at the level of arachidonate availability. 4. Neither PD098059 nor SB203580 showed any effect on IL-1beta-induced arachidonate release. We therefore speculate that the MEK1/ERK and p38 kinase cascades play a role in the functional coupling of arachidonate release to COX-2. 5. In contrast, UO126 was highly effective at inhibiting IL-1beta-dependent arachidonate release, implicating MEK2 in the activation of the PLA(2) that is involved in IL-1beta-dependent PGE(2) release. 6. We conclude that the MEK1, MEK2 and p38 MAP kinase inhibitors, PD098059, UO126 and SB203580, are highly potent in respect of inflammatory PG release. Finally, we conclude that these inhibitors act via mechanistically distinct processes, which may have anti-inflammatory benefits.     

Styraxoside A isolated from the stem bark of Styrax japonica inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in RAW 264.7 cells by suppressing nuclear factor-kappa B activation

In the present study, the effects of terpenes (styraxosides A and B) and lignans (egonol, masutakeside I, and styraxlignolide A) isolated from the stem bark of Styrax japonica Sieb. et Zucc. (styracaceae) were evaluated on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Of the tested compounds, styraxoside A was found to most potently inhibit the productions of NO and PGE2, and also significantly reduced the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Consistent with these observations, the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were found to be inhibited by styraxoside A in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, styraxoside A inhibited the LPS-induced DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Taken together, our data indicate that styraxoside A inhibits LPS-induced iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta expressions through the down-regulation of NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity.     

Inhibitory effects of diclofenac and indomethacin on interleukin-1-induced changes in PGE2 release. A novel effect on free arachidonic acid levels in human synovial cells

The inhibitory effects of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), diclofenac and indomethacin, on interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced changes in arachidonic acid (AA) release and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) production by human synovial cells was investigated. Both diclofenac and indomethacin potently inhibited IL-1 alpha-induced PGE2 release, with IC50 values of 1.6 +/- 0.02 nM and 5.5 +/- 0.1 nM, respectively. A novel effect on IL-1 alpha-mediated changes in AA levels was observed using cells labelled with radioactive AA. Both drugs at micromolar concentrations (10-30 microM) showed an apparent inhibition of IL-1 alpha-induced increases in radioactivity associated with free AA. Concomitant with this inhibition, there was an increase in radioactivity associated with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and triglyceride (TG). As the drugs had no effect on IL-1 alpha-induced decreases in radioactivity associated with phosphatidylcholine (PC), this result was interpreted as being due to an enhanced acylation of AA into PE and TG. These results suggest that whilst at nanomolar concentrations, diclofenac and indomethacin can inhibit IL-1 alpha-induced PGE2 output, at micromolar concentrations an effect on free AA levels is also evident. This may have consequences for the release of other mediators such as leukotrienes, whose synthesis also involves the level of free AA.     

Interleukin-1beta induces MUC2 and MUC5AC synthesis through cyclooxygenase-2 in NCI-H292 cells

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases of the airway. In this study, we investigated the regulation of MUC2 and MUC5AC expression and of their regulatory mechanisms through cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Cells activated by IL-1beta showed increased COX-2, MUC2, and MUC5AC expressions at both the mRNA and protein levels. Mucin production was blocked by the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS398, and PGE(2) directly induced MUC2 and MUC5AC expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest a role for PGE(2) in IL-1beta-induced mucin synthesis in NCI-H292 cells. To investigate the roles of molecules upstream of COX-2 in mucin regulation, we examined the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Cells activated by IL-1beta showed increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 phosphorylation, and IL-1beta-induced MUC2 and MUC5AC production was blocked by the ERK pathway inhibitor PD98059 or the p38 inhibitor SB203580. The inhibition of both MAPKs reduced IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression and PGE(2) synthesis. Furthermore, the addition of PGE(2) to cells overcame the inhibitory effects of both MAPK inhibitors in IL-1beta-induced mucin production. These results indicate that in human pulmonary epithelial cells, IL-1beta activates ERK or p38 to induce COX-2 production, which in turn induces MUC2 and MUC5AC production.     

The effect of adrenalectomy on interleukin-1 release in vitro and in vivo.

1 Peritoneal macrophages (M phi) collected from adrenalectomized (ADX) rats released more interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) than macrophages from sham-operated (SHO) rats. 2 The increase in IL-1 activity in the supernatants was confirmed by the increase of the cell-associated 33 kD IL-1 alpha precursor in ADX macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 3 After the injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) to induce adjuvant arthritis, 60% of the ADX rats died, while no deaths occurred in the SHO group. 4 The in vivo administration of dexamethasone inhibited both IL-1 and PGE2 release by macrophages as well as protecting ADX animals from CFA-induced death. Indomethacin and BW 755C partially protected the animals from this lethal effect. 5 These results suggest that adrenalectomy induces an increased release of IL-1 both in vitro and in vivo, and are consistent with a feedback mechanism between IL-1 and glucocorticoid hormones.     

Involvement of protein kinase C-gamma in IL-1beta-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human pulmonary epithelial cells

The signaling pathway of protein kinase C (PKC) is known to play a role in mediating the action of various cytokines. Here we examined the signal transduction pathway of PKC activation and the role of PKC isoforms in interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-mediated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in human pulmonary epithelial cell line (A549). The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein and tyrphostin AG126) and phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase C inhibitor (D-609) prevented IL-1beta-induced prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) release and COX-2 expression, whereas U-73122 (a phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C inhibitor) and propranolol (a phosphatidate phosphohydrolase inhibitor) had no effect. The PKC inhibitors (Go 6976 and Ro 31-8220) and NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, also attenuated IL-1beta-induced PGE(2) release and COX-2 expression. Western blot analysis using PKC isoenzyme-specific antibodies indicated that A549 cells expressed PKC-alpha, -gamma, -iota, -lambda, -zeta, and -micro. IL-1beta caused the translocation of PKC-gamma but not other isoforms from cytosol to the membrane fraction. Moreover, the translocation of PKC-gamma was inhibited by genistein or D-609, but not by U-73122. IL-1beta caused the translocation of p65 NF-kappaB from cytosol to the nucleus as well as the degradation of IkappaB-alpha in cytosol. Furthermore, the translocation of p65 NF-kappaB was inhibited by genistein, Go 6976, Ro 31-8220, or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. These results indicate that in human pulmonary epithelial cells, IL-1beta might activate phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase C through an upstream tyrosine phosphorylation to elicit PKC activation, which in turn initiates NF-kappaB activation, and finally induces COX-2 expression and PGE(2) release. Of the PKC isoforms present in A549 cells, only activation of PKC-gamma is involved in regulating IL-1beta-induced responses.