Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in human crescentic glomerulonephritis

AIMS: In glomerulonephritis, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) may play important roles in the formation of crescents. These studies are designed to evaluate the expression patterns of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in human crescentic glomerulonephritis and to determine the cellular origin of adhesion molecules in the crescentic lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 proteins in renal biopsies with cellular (n=7), fibrocellular (n=9) or fibrous (n=4) crescentic glomerulonephritis, and six controls by immunohistochemistry. mRNA expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was further evaluated by RNA in-situ hybridization. Cytokeratin or CD68 immunohistochemistry was performed on the same sections, where in-situ hybridization had been carried out. In cellular crescents, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 proteins were over-expressed to a similar extent. Of the three types of crescents, the extent of ICAM-1 immunopositivity was the greatest in the cellular crescents and decreased towards the fibrous crescents (P < 0.05). Yet the extent of VCAM-1 immunoreactivity was not different between the types. Fibrous crescents still contained some epithelial cells and showed only VCAM-1 expression. In the glomeruli with cellular or fibrocellular crescents, the extent of ICAM-1 immunopositivity in the glomerular tufts was significantly larger than that of VCAM-1 (P < 0.05). In an in-situ hybridization study, the mRNA expression patterns of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 paralleled their protein expressions. A double-labelling study showed that the signal for ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNAs was mainly present in cytokeratin-positive and CD68-negative cells in the crescentic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that glomerular parietal epithelial cells in cellular crescents up-regulate both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and that some epithelial cells retained in fibrous crescents persistently over-express VCAM-1, but not ICAM-1. They also suggest that ICAM-1 is involved in early leucocyte recruitment into glomeruli in crescentic glomerulonephritis.     

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in atherosclerotic plaques.

Immunohistochemistry of human atherosclerotic arteries demonstrates expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on endothelial cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells of the plaques. Normal arterial endothelial cells and intimal smooth muscle outside plaques give weaker or negative reactions; these differ from the strong endothelial expression in small vessels. Quantitative color-image analysis of the endothelial layer shows increased expression of ICAM-1 in all subtypes of atherosclerotic lesions, except fibrous plaques. Endothelial expression of ICAM-1 may be involved in the recruitment of monocytes to the lesion, as suggested by its role in the entry of leukocytes, including monocytes, into foci of inflammation. Collaboration with other mechanisms, particularly chemoattractant factors, may be important for this effect. ICAM-1 enhanced monocyte recruitment is a potential mechanism for the growth of an atherosclerotic plaque.     

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on transitional cell cancer. Possible significance in immunity against tumor cells.

Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on 17 of 44 transitional cell cancers (TCCs) but not on normal transitional cells. ICAM-1 was frequently expressed in higher stage tumors, especially in those with abundant immune cells scattered within tumor. Analysis of infiltrating immune cells showed that they were composed mainly of T lymphocytes and a smaller number of macrophages bearing the lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1). Expression of ICAM-1 on transitional cell cancer cell lines was augmented by in vitro treatment with interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta. Furthermore, Northern blot analysis revealed higher quantities of a 3.3-kb RNA in T24 cells exposed to interferon-gamma or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These results suggest that the expression of ICAM-1 on transitional cell cancers might be modified by cytokines produced by infiltrating immune cells, which might facilitate immune responses against cancer cells.     

Increased adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 of eosinophils from patients with asthma

Adhesion of peripheral blood eosinophil and neutrophil granulocytes to the endothelial cell adherence receptors E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 has been measured. The study included patients with allergic rhinitis, patients with mild allergic and nonallergic asthma, and healthy individuals; 10 persons were in each group. In addition, assay of eosinophil and neutrophil cell surface expression of the receptor complex CD11b/CD18 was performed. Increased eosinophil adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (p < 0.05) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (p < 0.05) was demonstrated in the patients with a more labile asthma, that is, a peak expiratory flow rate variability of more than 10%, suggesting a relationship to the degree of ongoing inflammation in the airways of the patients. The increased eosinophil adhesion was most probably due to a functional upregulation of the CD11b/CD18 and very late activation antigen-4 receptors, because the number of receptors measured as cell surface expression was unaltered. The increased eosinophil adhesion in the patients with high peak expiratory flow rate variability appeared independent of atopy. The increased adhesion was not entirely specific to the eosinophils, because neutrophils from patients with a peak expiratory flow rate variability of more than 10% also demonstrated increased adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (p < 0.05) when compared with neutrophils from the patients with low peak expiratory flow rate variability. In conclusion, the demonstrated priming of eosinophil adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 might be one contributing mechanism behind the selective accumulation of eosinophils in the lung tissue of patients with asthma. (J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL 1995;96:941-50.)     

大鼠原发性大肠腺癌细胞间黏附分子1的表达及其转移

目的:观察大鼠原发性大肠腺癌组织内细胞间黏附分子1(intercellular adhesion molecule-1,ICAM-1)的表达,并探讨癌的转移。方法:应用免疫组化法检测大鼠原发性大肠腺癌组织中ICAM-1蛋白。结果:正常大肠组织内未见ICAM-1表达;ICAM-1蛋白主要表达于腺癌细胞和淋巴管内皮细胞内,中晚期腺癌细胞ICAM-1的阳性表达率是47．1％,明显低于早期的83．3％;中晚期腺癌组织内淋巴管内皮ICAM-1的阳性表达率82．4％明显高于早期的41．7％。结论:大肠腺癌细胞和淋巴管内皮细胞ICAM-1表达阳性,随大肠腺癌进展腺癌细胞表达减少,淋巴管内皮阳性表达增多,ICAM-1可能与大肠腺癌淋巴道转移有关。     

Disturbed homeostasis of lung intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 during sepsis

Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in mice was associated with perturbations in vascular adhesion molecules. In CLP mice, lung vascular binding of (125)I-monoclonal antibodies to intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 revealed sharp increases in binding of anti-ICAM-1 and significantly reduced binding of anti-VCAM-1. In whole lung homogenates, intense ICAM-1 up-regulation was found (both in mRNA and in protein levels) during sepsis, whereas very little increase in VCAM-1 could be measured although some increased mRNA was found. During CLP soluble VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) appeared in the serum. When mouse dermal microvascular endothelial cells (MDMECs) were incubated with serum from CLP mice, constitutive endothelial VCAM-1 fell in association with the appearance of sVCAM-1 in the supernatant fluids. Under the same conditions, ICAM-1 cell content increased in MDMECs. When MDMECs were evaluated for leukocyte adhesion, exposure to CLP serum caused increased adhesion of neutrophils and decreased adhesion of macrophages and T cells. The progressive build-up in lung myeloperoxidase after CLP was ICAM-1-dependent and independent of VLA-4 and VCAM-1. These data suggest that sepsis disturbs endothelial homeostasis, greatly favoring neutrophil adhesion in the lung microvasculature, thereby putting the lung at increased risk of injury.     

The role of amniotic fluid interleukin-6, and cell adhesion molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and leukocyte adhesion molecule-1, in intra-amniotic infection

PROBLEM: To determine amniotic fluid concentrations and correlations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (LAM-1) in patients with and without intra-amniotic infection. METHOD OF STUDY: Fourteen specimens with intra-amniotic infection and 45 without intra-amniotic infection were studied. Intra-amniotic infection was defined as the presence of a positive amniotic fluid culture. Amniotic fluid IL-6, ICAM-1, and LAM-1 levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunoassay, and normalized by amniotic fluid creatinine levels. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid concentrations of IL-6 and LAM-1 were significantly higher in patients with than without intra-amniotic infection. However, amniotic fluid ICAM-1 concentrations were not significantly different between two groups. Amniotic fluid IL-6, LAM-1, and ICAM-1 were positively correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that amniotic fluid IL-6 is significantly associated with an increased adhesion molecule expression in intra-amniotic infection. However, LAM-1 plays a more important role than ICAM-1 in intra-amniotic infection.     

促红细胞生成素对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用及细胞黏附分子-1表达的影响

目的:观察促红细胞生成素(EPO)预处理对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注后脑组织的病理变化和细胞黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)表达的影响,探讨其保护作用.方法: 96只SD大鼠随机分为对照组、假手术组、模型组、EPO组,分设4个时间点的亚组,每亚组6只.采用Longa线栓法制备大鼠大脑中动脉阻塞2 h模型,再灌注6、24、48、96 h后行神经功能评分,H-E染色观察病理学变化,免疫组织化学方法测定各组ICAM-1阳性反应细胞.结果:24 h开始EPO组神经功能评分改善,神经细胞存活数量增多,损伤程度减轻,而且减少了各时间点脑组织中ICAM-1阳性细胞表达.结论: EPO处理可抑制缺血侧皮层的神经细胞变性坏死,其保护机制可能与脑缺血再灌注后炎症因子ICAM-1表达减少有关.     

Up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) and class II MHC molecules on pulmonary artery endothelial cells by antibodies against U1-ribonucleoprotein

In order to elucidate the pathogenic role(s) of autoantibodies in connective tissue disease (CTD), we examined whether autoantibodies against U1-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and double-stranded (ds) DNA can up-regulate ICAM-1, ELAM-1 and class I and II MHC molecule expression on pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC). ICAM-1, ELAM-1 and class II MHC molecule expression on HPAEC cultured in the presence of anti-U1-RNP-containing and anti-dsDNA-containing IgG from CTD patients was up-regulated significantly in comparison with that on HPAEC cultured with IgG from normal healthy volunteers. Affinity chromatographic enrichment and depletion of the anti-U1-RNP antibody content of anti-U1-RNP-containing IgG confirmed that the anti-U1-RNP antibody did up-regulate ICAM-1, ELAM-1 and class II MHC molecule expression. The finding that an IgG F(ab')2-purified anti-U1-RNP antibody also up-regulated expression of these molecules may indicate that mechanisms other than Fc receptor-mediated stimulation are involved. These in vitro findings suggest that autoantibodies against U1-RNP and dsDNA play important roles in the immunopathological processes leading to the proliferative pulmonary arterial vasculopathy observed in CTD patients with pulmonary hypertension by up-regulating adhesion and class II MHC molecule expression on endothelial cells.     

灯盏花素对大鼠脑缺血后细胞间粘附分子-1及其mRNA表达的影响

目的:灯盏花素对大鼠脑缺血后细胞间粘附分子-1(ICAM-1)及其mRNA表达的影响。方法:复制大鼠大脑中动脉闭塞/再灌注模型,应用RT-PCR及免疫组织化学的方法,观察各组大鼠脑缺血后细胞间粘附分子-1 mRNA及其蛋白的表达。结果:ICAM-1在假手术组大鼠脑组织呈低表达;单纯缺血组(缺血90 min)ICAM-1表达上调(P＜0.05);缺血再灌注组(缺血90 min再灌24 h)脑组织ICAM-1表达显著高于假手术组和单纯缺血组(P＜0.01);灯盏花素治疗组于相同时限ICAM-1表达与单纯缺血、缺血再灌注组相比显著下调(P＜0.01)。大鼠脑组织ICAM-1 mRNA在假手术组呈低表达;单纯缺血组ICAM-1 mRNA水平显著上调(P＜0.01);药物治疗组于相同时限ICAM-1 mRNA水平显著低于单纯缺血组及缺血再灌注组(P＜0.01)。结论:灯盏花素下调细胞间粘附分子-1mRNA及其蛋白的表达,减轻缺血后再灌注损伤,从而发挥脑保护作用。     

血管内皮生长因子、细胞间黏附分子1在糖尿病大鼠肾小球的表达

目的 探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)和细胞间黏附分子1(1CAM-1)在糖尿病肾病(DN)发生机理中的作用。方法 采用链脲佐菌素(STZ)诱发糖尿病(DM)大鼠模型，观察大鼠肾小球肥大、肾功能和24h尿蛋白改变以及用免疫组织化学和计算机图像分析技术定位、半定量检测VEGF和ICAM—1在DM大鼠肾小球的表达。结果 VEGF和ICAM—1在糖尿病大鼠肾小球中均有不同程度表达，VEGF主要分布于肾小球脏层上皮细胞的脑浆之中，ICAM—1主要分布于肾小球内皮细胞和系膜细胞的脑浆中。VEGF、ICAM-1水平与蛋白尿和肾小球肥大呈正相关关系。结论 DM大鼠肾小球VEGF和ICAM-1的升高可能参与了DN的疾病发展过程，估计是糖尿病肾病发生机理之一。     

Inhibition of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice by intracolonically administered antibodies against adhesion molecules (endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)).

We examined the effect of intracolonic administration of anti-adhesion molecule antibodies on DSS-induced colitis in mice. Immunohistochemical staining in mice with colitis showed increased expression of ELAM-1 and ICAM-1 on endothelial cells of vessels in the lamina propria and submucosa at sites of inflamed lesions. Intracolonic administration of anti-ELAM-1 or anti-ICAM-1 antibody decreased bloody stools, anaemia, and histologically evident damage, as well as myeloperoxidase activity and IL-1beta content. We concluded that adhesion molecule expression is important in the development of DSS-induced colitis in mice and that intracolonic administration of anti-adhesion molecule antibodies, especially anti-ELAM-1 antibody, effectively inhibits the colonic inflammation. Intracolonic administration of anti-adhesion molecule antibodies may show therapeutic promise in ulcerative colitis.     

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in murine allergic contact dermatitis

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays an important role in the interaction of immunocompetent cells in inflammation. It contributes to lymphocyte recruitment, antigen presentation and T-cell activation. Recently, the murine homologue of ICAM-1, originally designated as MALA-2, has been identified. The monoclonal antibody YN1/1.7 for murine ICAM-1 enables the analysis of ICAM-1 expression in murine allergic contact dermatitis, a prototype of cutaneous T-cell-mediated inflammatory response. At 0, 1, 8, 24, 48, 72 h, and 7 and 14 days after challenge with 2,4-dinitrofluoro-1-benzene (DNFB) cryostat sections of ear skin were immunostained for ICAM-1, I-A and mononuclear cells (L3T4, Lyt-2, BM8). In normal skin ICAM-1 labeling was restricted to endothelial cells and dermal dendritic cells/macrophages; keratinocytes (KCs) did not express ICAM-1. The dermal cellular infiltrate increased progressively from 8 to 72 h after DNFB challenge. The majority of infiltrating cells were BM8+ macrophages (75%) and L3T4+ (10%) or Lyt-2+ T cells (10%); maximally 30% of those stained positive for ICAM-1. At 24 h, focal ICAM-1 expression on KCs developed, reached a maximum at 72 h and faded thereafter. Migration of T cells into the epidermal layer started at 48 h at sites which had already expressed ICAM-1. Our data provide evidence that expression of ICAM-1 by epidermal cells precedes infiltration of the epidermis by T lymphocytes as shown before in human cutaneous disorders. Thus, a mouse model may be useful to investigate the role of ICAM-1 in inflammation further.     

Expression of HLA-ABC, HLA-DR and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in oesophageal carcinoma.

AIM--To examine the expression of HLA-ABC and HLA-DR major histocompatibility (MHC) antigens and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in normal, inflamed, metaplastic, and neoplastic oesophageal tissue and in freshly disaggregated tumours. METHODS--Sequential sections of frozen tissue and cytospins of freshly disaggregated tumour were stained using the ABC peroxidase system and monoclonal antibodies specific for HLA-ABC, HLA-DR and ICAM-1. RESULTS--Normal oesophageal tissue showed positive staining for HLA-ABC in the basal layers of the oesophageal squamous epithelium and on the epithelial cells of the submucosal oesophageal glands. HLA-DR and ICAM-1 were not detected in either of these cell types. In 20 of 37 (54%) carcinomas HLA-ABC was expressed weakly, with heterogeneous expression in nine (24%). Two tumours showed strong expression of HLA-ABC, but 15 of 37 (41%) were negative. HLA-DR and ICAM-1 were expressed weakly in six of 37 (16%) carcinomas without correlation with each other or with the expression of HLA-ABC. CONCLUSIONS--HLA-ABC is absent from a high proportion of oesophageal carcinomas (41%) and is otherwise variably and weakly expressed with strong expression in only a small fraction (3%). In other carcinomas there is a higher level of HLA-ABC expression. This discrepancy may partly explain the aggressive nature of oesophageal carcinomas. HLA-DR and ICAM-1 are not normally expressed on those cells from which oesophageal carcinomas are thought to arise. The limited expression found here could suggest a partial or inhibited immune response against oesophageal carcinoma. In vivo repressive factors may be involved.     

The role of endothelial cell adhesion molecules P-selectin, E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in leucocyte recruitment induced by exogenous methylglyoxal

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl metabolite formed during glucose, protein and fatty acid metabolism. In hyperglycaemic conditions, increased MG level has been linked to the development of diabetes and its vascular complications at the macrovascular and microvascular levels where inflammation plays a role. To study the mechanism of MG‐induced inflammation in vivo, we applied MG locally to healthy mice and used intravital microscopy to investigate the role of endothelial cell adhesion molecules in MG‐induced leucocyte recruitment in cremasteric microvasculature. Administration of MG (25 and 50 mg/kg) to the tissue dose‐dependently induced leucocyte recruitment at 4·0–5·5 hr, with 84–92% recruited cells being neutrophils. Such MG treatment up‐regulated the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules P‐selectin, E‐selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, but not vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1. Activation of the nuclear factor‐κB signalling pathway contributed to MG‐induced up‐regulation of these adhesion molecules and leucocyte recruitment. The role of the up‐regulated endothelial cell adhesion molecules in MG‐induced leucocyte recruitment was determined by applying specific functional blocking antibodies to MG‐treated animals and observing changes in leucocyte recruitment parameters. Our data demonstrate that the up‐regulation of P‐selectin, E‐selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 contributes to the increased leucocyte rolling flux, reduced leucocyte rolling velocity, and increased leucocyte adhesion, respectively. Our results reveal the role of endothelial cell adhesion molecules in MG‐induced leucocyte recruitment in microvasculature, an inflammatory condition related to diabetic vascular complications.     

内毒素致新生大鼠肺组织PECAM-1表达的研究

目的探讨内毒素作用于新生大鼠后,肺组织血小板内皮细胞粘附分子-1(PECAM-1)表达的变化及可能作用.方法用脂多糖(LPS)诱发7日龄新生大鼠肺损伤以至于肺出血模型,用免疫组化和RT-PCR方法观察肺组织PECAM-1蛋白水平和mRNA水平表达的变化.结果正常新生大鼠肺组织表达较高水平的PECAM-1蛋白水平和mRNA水平,LPS作用后,肺组织PECAM-1蛋白水平和mRNA水平表达均存在逐渐下降趋势,mRNA水平的表达在给药后1h即明显下降,蛋白水平在给药后4h明显下降,至LPS作用后8h降至最低水平,24h存活大鼠PECAM-1蛋白水平和mRNA水平有所恢复,二者的变化趋势基本一致.结论正常新生大鼠肺组织表达较高水平的PECAM-1蛋白及mRNA,PECAM-1可能在新生大鼠肺出血的发病机制中有一定的作用,并且PECAM-1表达变化的调节是在转录水平.     

人参皂苷Rg1预处理对大鼠离体心缺血/再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的:探讨人参皂苷Rg1对离体大鼠心缺血/再灌注(I/R)损伤的保护作用。方法:选取SPF级SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、I/R组、人参皂苷Rg1(1、5、10、20μmol/L)处理组。利用Langendorff灌流系统建立大鼠离体心I/R损伤模型。IabOhart电生理系统实时监测心功能指标,血清生化检测心流出液中心肌酶含量,TTC染色法测定心肌梗死面积。结果:不同浓度人参皂苷Rg1均可改善心肌I/R损伤引起的左室发展压(LVDP)和左室内上升/下降最大速率(±dp/dt_(max))的下降,并降低流出液巾乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK MB)、肌红蛋白(MYO)和肌钙蛋白I(TroI)的含量,显著减少心肌梗死面积。其中5μmol/L和10μmol/L浓度的人参皂苷Rg1对心的保护作用最显著。结论:人参皂苷Rg1具有药物预适应作用,改善心肌I/R损伤后的心肌生理功能,减少流出液中心肌酶的释放和心肌梗死面积,从而发挥抗心肌I/R损伤的保护作用。     

Expression and regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on airway parasympathetic nerves

BACKGROUND: Eosinophils cluster along airway nerves in patients with asthma and release eosinophil major basic protein, an antagonist of inhibitory M2 muscarinic receptors on nerves. Blocking M2 function increases bronchoconstriction, leading to airway hyperreactivity. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mediates eosinophil adhesion to nerves. OBJECTIVE: We investigated mechanisms of ICAM-1 expression by parasympathetic nerves. METHODS: ICAM-1 expression was examined by immunocytochemistry of lung sections from ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged guinea pigs. ICAM-1 was measured in parasympathetic nerves isolated from subjects and guinea pigs and in human neuroblastoma cells by real-time RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot. RESULTS: ICAM-1 was not detected in control airway parasympatheric nerves in vivo or in cultured cells. ICAM-1 was expressed throughout antigen-challenged guinea pig lung tissue and was selectively decreased by dexamethasone only in nerves. ICAM-1 was induced in human and guinea pig parasympathetic nerves by TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma and was inhibited by dexamethasone and by an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). In neuroblastoma cell lines TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma-induced ICAM-1 was blocked by an inhibitor of NF-kappaB but not by inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Dexamethasone did not inhibit ICAM-1 expression in neuroblastoma cells. CONCLUSIONS: ICAM-1 induced in nerves by antigen challenge and proinflammatory cytokines is sensitive to dexamethasone. ICAM-1 expression is also sensitive to inhibitors of NF-kappaB. Neuroblastoma cells mimic many, but not all, characteristics of ICAM-1 expression in parasympathetic nerves. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dexamethasone and NF-kappaB inhibitors could prevent eosinophils from adhering to nerves by blocking ICAM-1 expression on parasympathetic nerves, thus protecting inhibitory M2 muscarinic receptors and making this pathway a potential target for asthma treatment.     

Relaxin protects against myocardial injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion in rat heart.

Myocardial injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion comes from multiple pathogenic events, including endothelial damage, neutrophil extravasation into tissue, platelet and mast cell activation, and peroxidation of cell membrane lipids, which are followed by myocardial cell alterations resulting eventually in cell necrosis. The current study was designed to test the possible cardioprotective effect of the hormone relaxin, which has been found to cause coronary vessel dilation and to inhibit platelet and mast cell activation. Ischemia (for 30 minutes) was induced in rat hearts in vivo by ligature of the left anterior descending coronary artery; reperfusion (for 60 minutes or less if the rats died before this predetermined time) was induced by removal of the ligature. Relaxin (100 ng) was given intravenously 30 minutes before ischemia. The results obtained showed that relaxin strongly reduces 1) the extension of the myocardial areas affected by ischemia-reperfusion-induced damage, 2) ventricular arrhythmias, 3) mortality, 4) myocardial neutrophil number, 5) myeloperoxidase activity, a marker of neutrophil accumulation, 6) production of malonyldialdehyde, an end product of lipid peroxidation, 7) mast cell granule release, 8) calcium overload, and 9) morphological signs of myocardial cell injury. This study shows that relaxin can be regarded as an agent with a marked cardioprotective action against ischemia-reperfusion-induced myocardial injury.