Contrasting actions of diesel exhaust particles on the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and the effects of thymoquinone

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute exposure to particulate air pollution has been linked to acute cardiopulmonary events, but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We investigated the acute (at 4 and 18 h) effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on cardiopulmonary parameters in mice and the protective effect of thymoquinone, a constituent of Nigella sativa. Mice were given, intratracheally, either saline (control) or DEP (30 μg·per mouse). KEY RESULTS At 18 h (but not 4 h) after giving DEP, there was lung inflammation and loss of lung function. At both 4 and 18 h, DEP caused systemic inflammation characterized by leucocytosis, increased IL-6 concentrations and reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was decreased only at 18 h. DEP reduced platelet numbers and aggravated in vivo thrombosis in pial arterioles. In vitro, addition of DEP (0.1-1 μg·mL(-1)) to untreated blood-induced platelet aggregation. Pretreatment of mice with thymoquinone prevented DEP-induced decrease of SBP and leucocytosis, increased IL-6 concentration and decreased plasma SOD activity. Thymoquinone also prevented the decrease in platelet numbers and the prothrombotic events but not platelet aggregation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: At 4 h after DEP exposure, the cardiovascular changes did not appear to result from pulmonary inflammation but possibly from the entry of DEP and/or their associated components into blood. However, at 18 h, DEP induced significant changes in pulmonary and cardiovascular functions along with lung inflammation. Pretreatment with thymoquinone prevented DEP-induced cardiovascular changes.     

Diesel exhaust particles suppress expression of sex steroid hormone receptors in TM3 mouse Leydig cells

Murine Leydig TM3 cells, derived from mouse testis, were exposed to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and DEP components for 24 h. mRNA expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and CYP1A1 were then measured by real-time PCR. Exposure to DEP (10 μg/ml) reduced ER mRNA expression by approximately 50% and increased P450 1A1 mRNA expression by approximately fivefold. Cycloheximide (CHX), an inhibitor of protein synthesis, abolished the DEP-induced effects on ER mRNA expression. Thus, protein synthesis mediated the DEP-induced reduction of ER mRNA expression.     

Epidermal growth factor receptor activation by diesel particles is mediated by tyrosine phosphatase inhibition

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with increased cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality. Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) are a major component of ambient PM and may contribute to PM-induced pulmonary inflammation. Proinflammatory signaling is mediated by phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways whose activation is opposed by the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) which thereby function to maintain signaling quiescence. PTPases contain an invariant catalytic cysteine that is susceptible to electrophilic attack. DEP contain electrophilic oxy-organic compounds that may contribute to the oxidant effects of PM. Therefore, we hypothesized that exposure to DEP impairs PTPase activity allowing for unopposed basal kinase activity. Here we report that exposure to 30 μg/cm² DEP for 4 h  induces differential activation of signaling in primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells (HAEC), a primary target cell in PM inhalation. In-gel kinase activity assay of HAEC exposed to DEPs of low (L-DEP), intermediate (I-DEP) or high (H-DEP) organic content showed differential activation of intracellular kinases. Exposure to these DEP also induced varying levels of phosphorylation of the receptor tyrosine kinase EGFR in a manner that requires EGFR kinase activity but does not involve receptor dimerization. We demonstrate that treatment with DEP results in an impairment of total and EGFR-directed PTPase activity in HAEC with a potency that is independent of the organic content of these particles. These data show that DEP-induced EGFR phosphorylation in HAEC is the result of a loss of PTPase activities which normally function to dephosphorylate EGFR in opposition to baseline EGFR kinase activity.     

Developmental anomalies induced by a non-selective COX inhibitor (ibuprofen) in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Effects of ibuprofen (a non-selective COX inhibitor) on the embryonic development, hatching success, larval growth, behavioral pattern and survival competence were studied in Danio rerio. Embryos at 2/4 celled stage were exposed to graded doses (0, 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 μg/L distilled water) of ibuprofen in triplicate sets (n = 30). The experiment was repeated thrice. The results indicate that developing embryos tolerated lower (1 and 5 μg/L) doses of the drug readily but, exposure to higher doses (>10 μg/L) caused retarded development, decreased hatching rate and growth, cardiac anomalies, spinal curvature, pectoral fin malformation and behavioral alterations resulting in greater mortality of experimental embryos. This study suggests that, ibuprofen which is marketed as over-the-counter (OTC) drug is embryotoxic at least at higher (>10 μg/L) dose level to zebrafish embryos.     

The role of toll-like receptor 4 in airway inflammation induced by diesel exhaust particles

Although several studies have demonstrated that airway exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) induces lung inflammation, the signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis remain unclear. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are generally accepted to be pathogen recognition receptors in mammalians. In the present study, we investigated the role of TLR-4 in DEP-induced lung inflammation and cytokine expression in the lung in TLR-4 point mutant (C3H/HeJ) mice and corresponding control (C3H/HeN) mice. Both the types of mice were randomized into four experimental groups that received vehicle or DEP (12 mg/kg body weight) by intratracheal instillation (n=8–10 in each group). Cellular profile of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, expressions of cytokines and chemokines in the lung, and circulatory fibrinogen levels were evaluated 24 h after the instillation.DEP challenge revealed a significant increase in the numbers of total cells and neutrophils in the BAL fluid as compared to vehicle challenge, however, the numbers were less in C3H/HeJ mice than in C3H/HeN mice. DEP exposure significantly induced the lung expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α when compared to vehicle challenge in both genotypes of mice. In the presence of DEP, the level of MIP-1α was significantly lower in C3H/HeJ mice than in C3H/HeN mice, however, the levels of IL-1β, KC, and fibrinogen showed opposite findings. These results suggest that TLR-4 is one of recognition receptors against DEP in the airways.     

Pulmonary exposure to diesel exhaust particles induces airway inflammation and cytokine expression in NC/Nga mice

Although several studies have reported that diesel exhaust particles (DEP) affect cardiorespiratory health in animals and humans, the effect of DEP on animal models with spontaneous allergic disorders has been far less intensively studied. The Nc/Nga mouse is known to be a typical animal model for human atopic dermatitis (AD). In the present study, we investigated the effects of repeated pulmonary exposure to DEP on airway inflammation and cytokine expression in NC/Nga mice. The animals were randomized into two experimental groups that received vehicle or DEP by intratracheal instillation weekly for six weeks. Cellular profiles of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and expressions of cytokines and chemokines in both the BAL fluid and lung tissues were evaluated 24 h after the last instillation. The DEP challenge produced an increase in the numbers of total cells, neutrophils, and mononuclear cells in BAL fluid as compared to the vehicle challenge (P<0.01). DEP exposure significantly induced the lung expressions of interleukin (IL)-4, keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1 when compared to the vehicle challenge. These results indicate that intratracheal exposure to DEP induces the recruitment of inflammatory cells, at least partially, through the local expression of IL-4 and chemokines in NC/Nga mice.     

蝙蝠葛酚性碱对小鼠脑缺血再灌注后软脑膜微循环的影响

目的:观察蝙蝠葛酚性碱对小鼠脑缺血再灌注后软脑膜微循环障碍的改善作用。方法:将60只小鼠随机分为假手术组、缺血再灌注组、蝙蝠葛酚性碱低、中、高剂量组、阳性对照组。用动脉夹夹闭小鼠双侧颈总动脉10 min后去掉动脉夹,制作脑缺血再灌注损伤模型, 应用BI2000微循环图像处理系统,通过开放式颅窗观察各组小鼠软脑膜微静脉、微动脉血流速度和微小血管开放数目,以及蝙蝠葛酚性碱对小鼠脑缺血再灌注后软脑膜微循环障碍的改善作用。结果:缺血损伤组软脑膜微小动脉、静脉血管直径明显缩小,血流速度缓慢,与正常对照组比较,差异有显著意义(P <0.05);蝙蝠葛酚性碱可剂量依赖性增加缺血再灌注所致的软脑膜微小动、静脉血流速度和血管开放数目。结论:蝙蝠葛酚性碱可增加小鼠脑缺血再灌注脑软膜血流量,改善脑缺血后脑软膜微循环障碍,发挥对脑缺血的保护作用。     

Muscle relaxant and neurotoxic activities of intrathecal baclofen in rats

Intrathecal baclofen therapy by the continuous intrathecal infusion of baclofen has been shown to be an effective treatment for spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other disorders. To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal baclofen therapy, we investigated the muscle relaxant and neurotoxic activities of intrathecal baclofen in rats, compared with intravenous baclofen. Intrathecal and intravenous administration of baclofen dose-dependently inhibited the anemic decerebrate rigidity with ED₅₀ values of 0.31 μg/animal (=1.1–1.3 μg/kg) and 0.43 mg/kg, respectively. Intrathecal administration of baclofen induced no noticeable changes in a spontaneous electroencephalogram at 30 μg/animal. Intravenous administration of baclofen induced an abnormal electroencephalogram with flat waves in all the animals and the no-observed-effect level was estimated to be 5 mg/kg. In some animals, intravenous administration of baclofen induced sporadic spikes or sharp waves with background flat waves, indicating inhibitory and excitatory effects on the central nervous system. In conclusion, intrathecal administration of baclofen dose-dependently inhibited anemic decerebrate rigidity in rats and the effective dose was more than 300 times lower than that of intravenous baclofen. The safety margin of intrathecal baclofen was greater than that of intravenous baclofen (≥97 versus 12). These results suggest that intrathecal baclofen therapy is superior to systemic baclofen therapy in both efficacy and safety.     

Tumor necrosis factor is not required for particle-induced genotoxicity and pulmonary inflammation

Particle-induced carcinogenicity is not well understood, but might involve inflammation. The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is considered to be an important mediator in inflammation. We investigated its role in particle-induced inflammation and DNA damage in mice with and without TNF signaling. TNF–/– mice and TNF+/+ mice were exposed by inhalation to 20 mg m^–3 carbon black (CB), 20 mg m^–3 diesel exhaust particles (DEP), or filtered air for 90 min on each of four consecutive days. DEP, but not CB particles, induced infiltration of neutrophilic granulocutes into the lung lining fluid (by the cellular fraction in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid), and both particle types induced interleukin-6 mRNA in the lung tissue. Surprisingly, TNF–/– mice were intact in these inflammatory responses. There were more DNA strand breaks in the BAL cells of DEP-exposed TNF–/– mice and CB-exposed mice compared with the air-exposed mice. Thus, the CB-induced DNA damage in BAL-cells was independent of neutrophil infiltration. The data indicate that an inflammatory response was not a prerequisite for DNA damage, and TNF was not required for the induction of inflammation by DEP and CB particles.An erratum to this article can be found at     

Characterization of AQX-1125, a small-molecule SHIP1 activator: Part 2. Efficacy studies in allergic and pulmonary inflammation models in vivo

Background

The efficacy of AQX-1125, a small-molecule SH2-containing inositol-5′-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) activator and clinical development candidate, is investigated in rodent models of inflammation.

Experimental Approach

AQX-1125 was administered orally in a mouse model of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and a number of rodent models of respiratory inflammation including: cigarette smoke, LPS and ovalbumin (OVA)-mediated airway inflammation. SHIP1 dependency of the AQX-1125 mechanism of action was investigated by comparing the efficacy in wild-type and SHIP1-deficient mice subjected to an intrapulmonary LPS challenge.

Results

AQX-1125 exerted anti-inflammatory effects in all of the models studied. AQX-1125 decreased the PCA response at all doses tested. Using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts as an end point, oral or aerosolized AQX-1125 dose dependently decreased the LPS-mediated pulmonary neutrophilic infiltration at 3–30 mg kg⁻¹ and 0.15–15 μg kg⁻¹ respectively. AQX-1125 suppressed the OVA-mediated airway inflammation at 0.1–10 mg kg⁻¹. In the smoke-induced airway inflammation model, AQX-1125 was tested at 30 mg kg⁻¹ and significantly reduced the neutrophil infiltration of the BAL fluid. AQX-1125 (10 mg kg⁻¹) decreased LPS-induced pulmonary neutrophilia in wild-type mice but not in SHIP1-deficient mice.

Conclusions

The SHIP1 activator, AQX-1125, suppresses leukocyte accumulation and inflammatory mediator release in rodent models of pulmonary inflammation and allergy. As shown in the mouse model of LPS-induced lung inflammation, the efficacy of the compound is dependent on the presence of SHIP1. Pharmacological SHIP1 activation may have clinical potential for the treatment of pulmonary inflammatory diseases.

Linked Article

This article is accompanied by Stenton et al., pp. 1506–1518 of this issue. To view this article visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12039     

Heterozygosity in the glutathione synthesis gene Gclm increases sensitivity to diesel exhaust particulate induced lung inflammation in mice

Context: Inhalation of ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is associated with adverse respiratory and cardiovascular effects. A major fraction of PM_2.5 in urban settings is diesel exhaust particulate (DEP), and DEP-induced lung inflammation is likely a critical event mediating many of its adverse health effects. Oxidative stress has been proposed to be an important factor in PM_2.5-induced lung inflammation, and the balance between pro- and antioxidants is an important regulator of this inflammation. An important intracellular antioxidant is the tripeptide thiol glutathione (GSH). Glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) carries out the first step in GSH synthesis. In humans, relatively common genetic polymorphisms in both the catalytic (Gclc) and modifier (Gclm) subunits of GCL have been associated with increased risk for lung and cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: This study was aimed to determine the effects of Gclm expression on lung inflammation following DEP exposure in mice.

Materials and methods: We exposed Gclm wild type, heterozygous, and null mice to DEP via intranasal instillation and assessed lung inflammation as determined by neutrophils and inflammatory cytokines in lung lavage, inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels in lung tissue, as well as total lung GSH, Gclc, and Gclm protein levels.

Results: The Gclm heterozygosity was associated with a significant increase in DEP-induced lung inflammation when compared to that of wild type mice.

Discussion and conclusion: This finding indicates that GSH synthesis can mediate DEP-induced lung inflammation and suggests that polymorphisms in Gclm may be an important factor in determining adverse health outcomes in humans following inhalation of PM_2.5.     

Effects of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom on lung mechanics and inflammation in mice

The present study evaluated the effects of an intramuscular injection of Tityus serrulatus venom (TsV) (0.67 μg/g) on lung mechanics and lung inflammation at 15, 30, 60 and 180 min after inoculation. TsV inoculation resulted in increased lung elastance when compared with the control group (p < 0.001); these values were significantly higher at 60 min than at 15 and 180 min (p < 0.05). Resistive pressure (ΔP₁) values decreased significantly at 30, 60 and 180 min after TsV injection (p < 0.001). TsV inoculation resulted in increased lung inflammation, characterised by an increased density of mononuclear cells at 15, 30, 60 and 180 min after TsV injection when compared with the control group (p < 0.001). TsV inoculation also resulted in an increased pulmonary density of polymorphonuclear cells at 15, 30 and 60 min following injection when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, T. serrulatus venom leads to acute lung injury, characterised by altered lung mechanics and increased pulmonary inflammation.     

Subchronic effects of nasally instilled diesel exhaust particulates on the nasal and airway epithelia in mice

Diesel exhaust is the major source of ultrafine particles released during traffic-related pollution. Subjects with chronic respiratory diseases are at greater risk for exacerbations during exposure to air pollution. This study evaluated the effects of subchronic exposure to a low-dose of diesel exhaust particles (DEP). Sixty male BALB/c mice were divided into two groups: (a) Saline: nasal instillation of saline (n?=?30); and (b) DEP: nasal instillation of 30?µg of DEP/10?µl of saline (n?=?30). Nasal instillations were performed 5 days a week, over 30 and 60 days. Animals were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (50?mg/kg intraperitoneal [i.p.]) and sacrificed by exsanguination. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was performed to evaluate the inflammatory cell count and the concentrations of the interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and IL-13 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The gene expression of oligomeric mucus/gel-forming (Muc5ac) was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Histological analysis in the nasal septum and bronchioles was used to evaluate the bronchial and nasal epithelium thickness as well as the acidic and neutral nasal mucus content. The saline group (30 and 60 days) did not show any changes in any of the parameters. However, the instillation of DEP over 60 days increased the expression of Muc5ac in the lungs and the acid mucus content in the nose compared with the 30-day treatment, and it increased the total leukocytes in the BAL and the nasal epithelium thickness compared with saline for 60 days. Cytokines concentrations in the BAL were detectable, with no differences among the groups. Our data suggest that a low-dose of DEP over 60 days induces respiratory tract inflammation.     

Repeated administration of ETB receptor agonist, IRL-1620, produces tachyphylaxis only to its hypotensive effect

IRL-1620, a highly selective ET_B receptor agonist, is presently in a phase I clinical trial (NCT00613691) in the United States for patients with recurrent or progressive carcinoma. The effect of acute repeated administration of IRL-1620 on the development of tachyphylaxis to changes in blood pressure, heart rate and blood flow (renal and cerebral) has not been studied. The present studies were conducted in urethane anesthetized rats to determine the cardiovascular effects of acute repeated intravenous administration of IRL-1620. In order to determine the tachyphylactic effect, each dose of IRL-1620 was administered at 0, 60, and 120 min. It was found that IRL-1620 did not significantly affect heart rate. IRL-1620 produced a transient fall in blood pressure. A fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 35.47% with 1.6 μg/kg, 38.87% with 5.0 μg/kg and 28.04% with 15.0 μg/kg dose of IRL-1620 was observed. Repeated administration of a low dose (1.6 μg/kg, i.v.) of IRL-1620 produced a fall in MAP but no tachyphylaxis was observed. However, repeated administration of IRL-1620 (5.0 μg/kg, i.v.) produced a fall in MAP of 40.12%, 29.15%, and 21.61% with the first, second and third injections, respectively. IRL-1620 produced a consistent decrease in renal blood flow and increase in cerebral blood flow without any evidence of tachyphylaxis. Pretreatment with ET_A antagonist BMS187824 (5 mg/kg, i.v.), followed by three doses of 5 μg/kg IRL-1620 at 60 min intervals eliminated the development of tachyphylaxis to the transient hypotension, confirming the involvement of the ET_A receptor in tachyphylactic development. The findings indicate development of tachyphylaxis to IRL-1620 only to the fall in blood pressure when given repeatedly at mid-high doses, while the decrease in renal and increase in cerebral blood flow were not affected with regards to tachyphylactic development.     

Potential therapeutic effect of Allium cepa L. and quercetin in a murine model of Blomia tropicalis induced asthma

Background

Asthma is an inflammatory condition characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and chronic inflammation. The resolution of inflammation is an essential process to treat this condition. In this study we investigated the effect of Allium cepa L. extract (AcE) and quercetin (Qt) on cytokine and on smooth muscle contraction in vitro and its therapeutic potential in a murine model of asthma.

Methods

AcE was obtained by maceration of Allium cepa L. and it was standardized in terms of quercetin concentration using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In vitro, using AcE 10, 100 or 1000 μg/ml or Qt 3.5, 7.5, 15 μg/ml, we measured the concentration of cytokines in spleen cell culture supernatants, and the ability to relax tracheal smooth muscle from A/J mice. In vivo, Blomia tropicalis (BT)-sensitized A/J mice were treated with AcE 100, 1000 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg Qt. We measured cell influx in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) in lungs, serum levels of Bt-specific IgE, cytokines levels in BAL, and lung histology.

Results

We observed a reduction in the production of inflammatory cytokines, a relaxation of tracheal rings, and a reduction in total number of cells in BAL and EPO in lungs by treatment with AcE or Qt.

Conclusion

AcE and Qt have potential as antiasthmatic drugs, as they possess both immunomodulatory and bronchodilatory properties.     

Steady-state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piperacillin/tazobactam administered by prolonged infusion in hospitalised patients

The objective of this study was to evaluate the steady-state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piperacillin/tazobactam, administered by prolonged infusion, in hospitalised patients requiring antimicrobial therapy. Thirteen patients received 4.5 g every 8 h (q8h), infused over 4 h, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non-compartmental methods. Monte Carlo simulations (10 000 patients) were performed to calculate the cumulative fraction of response (CFR) for seven Gram-negative pathogens using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) data from the Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection (2004–2007, USA) as well as the probability of target attainment (PTA) at MICs ranging from 1 μg/mL to 64 μg/mL. The pharmacodynamic target was free piperacillin concentration remaining above the MIC for 50% of the dosing interval. Mean ± standard deviation maximum and minimum serum concentrations, half-life, volume of distribution at steady-state and systemic clearance of piperacillin were 108.2 ± 31.7 μg/mL, 27.6 ± 26.3 μg/mL, 2.1 ± 1.2 h, 22.1 ± 4.0 L and 8.6 ± 3.0 L/h, respectively. The CFR was >90% for Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Citrobacter spp., 88.6% for Enterobacter spp., 87% for Klebsiella pneumoniae, 85.5% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 52.8% for Acinetobacter spp. The PTA was 100%, 81.1% and 12.3% at MICs of ≤16 μg/mL, 32 μg/mL and 64 μg/mL, respectively. Piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g q8h infused over 4 h provides excellent target attainment for bacterial pathogens with MICs ≤ 16 μg/mL. However, the CFR was <90% for four of the seven Gram-negative pathogens evaluated.     

Exacerbation of thrombotic events by diesel exhaust particle in mouse model of hypertension

Several epidemiological studies have shown that acute exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with increases in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and that these effects are especially exacerbated among individuals with pre-existing compromised cardiovascular function such as hypertension. This study was undertaken to determine the cardiovascular effect of diesel exhaust on TO mice made hypertensive by implanting osmotic minipump infusing angiotensin II or vehicle (control). On day 13, the animals were intratracheally instilled with either DEP (15 μg/mouse) or saline. 24 h later, pulmonary exposure to DEP had significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure (SBP) in hypertensive (HT) mice (P<0.01), but not in normotensive (NT) mice. The number of leukocytes and red blood cells, and the plasma interleukin 6 concentration in plasma, however, were not affected in any of the animals. The PaO? was decreased, and PaCO? increased in DEP-treated HT mice compared to NT mice treated with DEP (P<0.05). The number of circulating platelets was significantly increased in DEP-treated HT versus saline-treated HT and DEP-treated NT mice. Moreover, in NT mice, DEP exposure induced a prothrombotic effect in pial arterioles compared with saline-treated NT mice (P<0.05). Interestingly, in DEP-treated HT mice, the prothrombotic events were significantly aggravated compared with saline-treated HT and DEP-treated NT mice. The direct addition of DEP (0.1-1 μg/ml) to untreated mouse blood significantly induced in vitro platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent fashion, and these effects were more pronounced in blood of HT mice. In vitro exposure to DEP (0.25-1 μg/ml) led to activated intravascular coagulation, an effect that was confirmed by a shortening of both the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and the prothrombin time (PT). The effect of DEP on aPTT was potentiated in the plasma of HT mice. It can be concluded that the thrombotic events caused by DEP are exacerbated by hypertension in mice. Our findings, therefore, provide a possible plausible explanation for the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality accompanying urban air pollution.     

Inhibition of neutrophil and monocyte recruitment by endogenous and exogenous lipocortin 1

1. The role played by endogenous lipocortin 1 in the anti-migratory action exerted by dexamethasone (Dex) on monocyte recruitment in an in vivo model of acute inflammation was investigated by use of several neutralizing polyclonal antibodies raised against lipocortin 1 or a lipocortin 1-derived N-terminus peptide (peptide Ac2-26). The efficacy of peptide Ac2-26 in inhibiting monocyte and polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) recruitment was also tested.
2. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of zymosan A (1 mg) produced a time-dependent cell accumulation into mouse peritoneal cavities which followed a typical profile of acute inflammation: PMN influx was maximal at 4 h post-zymosan (between 15 and 20×10⁶ cells per mouse), and this was followed by an accumulation of monocytes which peaked at the 24 h time-point (between 10 and 15×10⁶ cells per mouse).
3. Dex administration to mice reduced zymosan-induced 4 h PMN infiltration and 24 h monocyte accumulation with similar efficacy: approximately 50% of inhibition of recruitment of both cell types was achieved at the dose of 30 μg per mouse (∼1 mg kg⁻¹, subcutaneously (s.c.)). Maximal inhibitions of 64% and 67% on PMN and monocyte recruitment, respectively, were measured after a dose of 100 μg per mouse (∼3 mg kg⁻¹, s.c.).
4. Dex (30 μg s.c.) inhibited monocyte (53%) and PMN (69%) accumulation in response to zymosan application in mice which had been treated with a non-immune sheep serum (50 μl s.c.). In contrast, the steroid was no longer active in reducing cell accumulation in mice which had been passively immunized against full length human recombinant lipocortin 1 (serum LCS3), or against lipocortin 1 N-terminus peptide.
5. Treatment of mice with vinblastine (1 mg kg⁻¹, intravenously (i.v.)) produced a remarkable leucopenia as assessed 24 h after administration. This was accompanied by a 60% reduction in 4 h-PMN influx, and by a 27% reduction in 24 h-monocyte accumulation, measured after zymosan administration. The inhibitory effect of Dex on monocyte recruitment was not significantly modified in vinblastine-treated mice, with 36% and 57% of inhibition calculated at the dose of 30 μg Dex, and 70% and 60% of inhibition at 100 μg Dex, in vehicle- and vinblastine-treated mice, respectively.
6. Treatment of mice with peptide Ac2-26 dose-dependently attenuated PMN influx at 4 h post-zymosan with a significant effect at 100 μg per mouse (45% of inhibition, n=9, P<0.05) and a maximal effect of 61% inhibition at the highest dose tested of 200 μg s.c. (n=14, P<0.05). No effect of peptide Ac2-26 (200 μg s.c.) was seen on zymosan-induced 24 h monocyte recruitment. In contrast, administration of 200 μg peptide Ac2-26 every 6 h was effective in reducing the number of monocytes harvested from the inflamed peritoneal cavities at 24 h post-zymosan: 9.40±0.58×10⁶ monocytes per mouse (n=13) and 5.74±0.34 monocytes per mouse (n=14) in vehicle- and peptide Ac2-26-treated mice, respectively (P<0.05).
7. Finally, peptide Ac2-26 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the rate of phagocytosis of mouse resident peritoneal macrophages as measured by flow cytometry, with a maximal reduction of 34% at the highest concentration tested of 100 μg ml⁻¹ (n=8 experiments performed in duplicate; P<0.05).
8. In conclusion, this study suggests that in vivo monocyte recruitment during acute inflammation is, at least in part, under the negative modulatory control of endogenous lipocortin 1 (as seen after administration of Dex by using the specific antisera) and exogenous lipocortin 1 mimetics (as observed with peptide Ac2-26). In addition to the neutrophil, we can now propose that the monocyte also can be a target for the in vivo anti-inflammatory action of lipocortin 1.