Alcohol extracts of Echinacea inhibit production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by macrophages in vitro

It has been suggested that Echinacea has anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. Nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1beta are important mediators in the inflammatory response. The effect of alcohol extracts of E. angustifolia (EA), E. pallida (EPA) and E. purpurea (EP) on the production of these inflammatory mediators in both LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro and murine peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) in vivo were investigated. As macrophages produce these inflammatory mediators in response to pathogenic infection, parallel cultures of macrophages were studied for phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Salmonella enterica. EPA and EP in vitro inhibited NO production and TNF-α release in a dose-dependent manner. RAW 264.7 cells treated with EA or EP showed decreased killing over 24 h, although EA enhanced bacterial phagocytosis. Upon bacterial infection, RAW 264.7 cells produce high levels of NO; however, an Echinacea-mediated decrease in NO production was observed. Echinacea alcohol extracts administered orally at 130 mg/kg per day for seven days had a weak effect on NO production and phagocytosis by LPS-stimulated PECs. The results indicated that all Echinacea species significantly decreased inflammatory mediators in vitro, however, only EA and EP reduced bacterial killing. Oral administration of Echinacea alcohol extracts did not adversely affect the development and anti-bacterial function of inflammatory PECs in vivo, however, NO production was decreased during bacterial infection of PECs.     

Quercetin inhibits LPS-induced nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in murine macrophages.

High amounts of nitric oxide and TNF-alpha generated by activated macrophages induce several pathophysiological conditions during acute and chronic inflammation. Identification of new pharmacological reagents that can prevent TNF-alpha and/or NO overproduction is of considerable medical interest. In this report we provide evidence that the overproduction of TNF-alpha and NO by LPS stimulated macrophages can be markedly inhibited by quercetin, a major active component of plant Rhododendron cinnabarium.     

Heat shock prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha synthesis by rat mononuclear phagocytes.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a mononuclear phagocyte-derived peptide is known to participate in the pathogenesis of fever. To determine whether a feedback mechanism exists by which elevated temperatures influence TNF-alpha generation, we have examined the effects of heat shock on the in vitro synthesis of TNF-alpha by rat glomeruli, inflammatory peritoneal macrophages and blood monocytes. Preexposure of peritoneal macrophages to elevated temperatures for 20 min decreased the subsequent lipopolysaccharide-induced release of TNF-alpha bioactivity. The mean reductions were 11.9 +/- 5.0%, 86.3 +/- 12.0%, and 95.2 +/- 3.5% after pretreatment at 39, 41 and 43 degrees C, respectively. Reductions, that were transient, were maximum when lipopolysaccharide was added 0-2 h after heat shock. They correlated with the decreased release of immunoreactive TNF-alpha and the decreased expression of both cell-associated TNF-alpha molecule and TNF-alpha mRNA. Heat shock-induced inhibition of TNF-alpha release was independent of variations of prostaglandin synthesis, but was possibly related to the induction of heat-shock proteins since (a) macrophages exposed to heat shock synthesized the major 70- and 90-kDa heat-shock proteins, and (b) chemical inducers of the heat-shock response were also effective inhibitors of TNF-alpha release. The mean reduction of TNF-alpha release after pretreatment at 41 degrees C was found to be identical in glomerular tissue (82.0 +/- 7.5%), but significantly less in blood monocytes (43.9 +/- 10.9%). This supports the hypothesis that a negative-feedback mechanism exists between elevated temperature and lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha synthesis, and suggests that this regulation is less active in blood monocytes than in tissue macrophages.     

Heparin disaccharides inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by macrophages and arrest immune inflammation in rodents

Inflammation is the clinical expression of chemical mediators such as the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-)-alpha produced by macrophages and other cells activated in the immune response. Hence, agents that can inhibit TNF-alpha may be useful in treating arthritis and other diseases resulting from uncontrolled inflammation. We now report that the cleavage of heparin by the enzyme heparinase I generates sulfated disaccharide (DS) molecules that can inhibit the production of TNF-alpha. Administration of nanogram amounts of the sulfated DS molecules to experimental animals inhibited delayed- type hypersensitivity to a skin sensitizer and arrested the joint swelling of immunologically induced adjuvant arthritis. Notably, the sulfated DS molecules showed a bell-shaped dose-response curve in vitro and in vivo: decreased effects were seen using amounts of the DS molecules higher than optimal. Thus, molecular regulators of inflammation can be released from the natural molecule heparin by the action of an enzyme.      

Tumoristatic effects of anti-CD40 mAb-activated macrophages involve nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor-alpha

Effector cells of the innate immune system have diverse functions that can result in tumour inhibition or tumour progression. Activation of macrophages by CD40 ligation has been shown to induce antitumour effects in vitro and in vivo. Here we investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as mediators in the tumoristatic effects of murine peritoneal macrophages activated with agonistic anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody (alphaCD40) alone and following further stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that macrophages activated in vivo by alphaCD40 exhibited tumoristatic activity in vitro against B16 melanoma cells; the tumoristatic effect correlated with the level of NO production and was enhanced by LPS. Use of the NO inhibitor L-nitro-arginine-methyl esterase (L-NAME) and evaluation of macrophages from inducible NO synthase (iNOS)-knockout (KO) mice following alphaCD40 activation showed reduced tumoristatic activity. CD40 ligation enhanced expression of TNF-alpha. Macrophage tumoristatic activity following alphaCD40 treatment was reduced by TNF-alpha mAb or use of macrophages from TNF-alpha-KO mice. However, further stimulation of alphaCD40-activated macrophages with LPS resulted in strong tumoristatic activity that was much less dependent on NO or TNF-alpha. Taken together, these results suggest that NO and TNF-alpha are involved in, but not solely responsible for, the antitumour effects of macrophages after activation by CD40 ligation.     

Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha exert their antirickettsial effect via induction of synthesis of nitric oxide.

How the host defenses control rickettsiae in the cytosol of nonphagocytic host cells, where they are not exposed to antibodies or phagocytes, has posed a difficult question. Rickettsia conorii infection of a mouse fibroblast cell line was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by nitrogen oxide synthesized by eukaryotic host cells stimulated by interferon-gamma or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. L-arginine was the source of the nitric oxide as demonstrated by competitive inhibition by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. Nitric oxide synthesis required host cell protein synthesis and had an approximately 48-hour lag phase following cytokine stimulation. At low doses of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which had no detectable response as single agents, dramatic synergistic nitric oxide synthesis and antirickettsial effects were observed.     

Endocytosis of uncleaved tumor necrosis factor-alpha in macrophages

Activated monocytes and macrophages secrete the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha is produced as a 26 kd transmembrane protein that is cleaved to release a 17 kd soluble protein. TNF-alpha in both forms is biologically active. The intracellular trafficking of membrane-associated TNF-alpha in lipopolysaccharide-activated mouse macrophages was assessed after treatment with the metalloprotease inhibitor BB-3103, which prevents the cleavage of pro-TNF-alpha. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence studies showed sustained expression of cell-associated TNF-alpha in the presence of the inhibitor. Cell immunoreactivity and surface biotinylation revealed that uncleaved TNF-alpha accumulated on the cell surface and was endocytosed, appearing in intracellular vesicles. Perturbation of post-Golgi traffic blocked the surface expression of 26 kd TNF-alpha. Tracking a bolus of TNF-alpha over time in cycloheximide-treated cells confirmed that uncleaved TNF-alpha is first transported to the cell surface and subsequently endocytosed. Vesicular structures immunoreactive for TNF-alpha were identified as endosomes by double labeling. The secretory and membrane-associated endocytic trafficking of TNF-alpha provides a mechanism for modulating the quantity of biologically active 26 kd TNF-alpha expressed on macrophages, allowing regulation of paracrine and autocrine responses.     

黄芪多糖通过NF-κB诱导巨噬细胞产生NO和TNF-α

目的 通过体外试验研究黄芪多糖(Astragalus mongholicus polysaccharides,ASP)激活巨噬细胞产生NO和TNF-α的分子机制和细胞内信号转导机制.方法 黄芪多糖刺激RAW264.7细胞,用Western blot方法 检测细胞核内核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)的变化.用Griess还原法观察黄芪多糖对巨噬细胞释放NO的作用的影响以及NF-κB抑制剂对黄芪多糖诱导巨噬细胞释放NO作用和分泌TNF-α的影响.ELISA法检测黄芪多糖对巨噬细胞分泌肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的变化.结果 100μg/ml黄芪多糖刺激RAW264.7细胞,4 h后可引起细胞核内NF-κB含量显著增加,6 h达到顶峰.16 h后可显著诱导NO[(18.9±1.5)μmol/L;P<0.01]释放和TNF-α分泌[(81.2±16.7)pg/ml,P<0.01]的增加,以及诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)[(23.54±2.41)U/mg蛋白质,P<0.01]活性的增加.NF-κB抑制剂吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐(PDTC)可明显抑制黄芪多糖诱导RAW264.7生成NO和分泌TNF-α.结论 NF-κB在黄芪多糖诱导巨噬细胞生成NO和TNF-α过程中发挥重要作用.     

黄芪多糖通过NF-κB诱导巨噬细胞产生NO和TNF-α

Objective To explore the molecular and cell signal transduction mechanism of Astragalus mongholicus polysaccharides (ASP) on macrophage. Methods After stimulating RAW264.7, the change in value of NF-κB was determined by Western blot. The induction of NO and secretion of TNF-α by ASP in macrophage was observed with or without inhibitor of NF-κB using Griess method. Moreover, protein levels of TNF-α secreted by macrophage were investigated with ELISA in respond to ASP. Results 4 h after stimulation by 100 μg/ml ASP, the concentration of NF-κB in nucleus increased significantly, peaked at 6 h. 16 h after stimulation by 100 μg/ml ASP, the activity of iNOS[(23.54±2.41) U/mg protein; P<0.01], producton of NO [(18.9±1.5)μmol/L, P<0.01] and level of TNF-α[(81.2±16.7)pg/ml, P<0.0l] in macrophage were improved markedly. Blocking NF-κB with inhibitor results in decreased levels of NO and TNF-α. Conclusion The results suggest that NF-κB play an important role in induction of NO and TNF-α by ASP in macrophage.     

黄芪多糖通过NF-κB诱导巨噬细胞产生NO和TNF-α

Objective To explore the molecular and cell signal transduction mechanism of Astragalus mongholicus polysaccharides (ASP) on macrophage. Methods After stimulating RAW264.7, the change in value of NF-κB was determined by Western blot. The induction of NO and secretion of TNF-α by ASP in macrophage was observed with or without inhibitor of NF-κB using Griess method. Moreover, protein levels of TNF-α secreted by macrophage were investigated with ELISA in respond to ASP. Results 4 h after stimulation by 100 μg/ml ASP, the concentration of NF-κB in nucleus increased significantly, peaked at 6 h. 16 h after stimulation by 100 μg/ml ASP, the activity of iNOS[(23.54±2.41) U/mg protein; P<0.01], producton of NO [(18.9±1.5)μmol/L, P<0.01] and level of TNF-α[(81.2±16.7)pg/ml, P<0.0l] in macrophage were improved markedly. Blocking NF-κB with inhibitor results in decreased levels of NO and TNF-α. Conclusion The results suggest that NF-κB play an important role in induction of NO and TNF-α by ASP in macrophage.     

Effects of edible bird's nest on tumour necrosis factor-alpha secretion,nitric oxide production and cell viability of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a popular delicacy among the Chinese diaspora associated with various health claims. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of white-EBN acid hydrolysate on tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) generation, while examining its cytotoxic effect on a lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Processed commercial EBN and unprocessed raw EBN collected from different geographical zones and at different harvesting seasons were studied. The cytotoxic effect was determined by cell viability assessed by MTS assay, while NO production was determined by the Griess reaction and TNF-α concentration was measured using an ELISA kit. The results showed that both commercial and raw EBN inhibited TNF-α and NO generation, the highest inhibition 58% and 63%, respectively without significant cytotoxic effect was brought about by raw EBN from the South zone. The results suggest that EBN may possess anti-inflammatory properties that should be further studied.     

Glycoinositolphospholipids of Leishmania major inhibit nitric oxide synthesis and reduce leishmanicidal activity in murine macrophages

Murine macrophages express high levels of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase and produce large amounts of nitric oxide when activated with interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide in vitro. Nitric oxide is a mediator of a variety of biological functions including microbicidal activity against the protozoan parasite Leishmania species. Glycoinositolphospholipids (GIPL) are the predominant surface glycolipids in both developmental stages of Leishmania major. We report here that GIPL can inhibit the synthesis of NO in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In contrast, lipophosphoglycan, which is present in the promastigote stage did not inhibit NO synthesis. GIPL-treated macrophages also showed markedly reduced leishmanicidal activity. The majority of the inhibitory activity of GIPL was found within the alkylacylglycerol moiety of the GIPL molecule. These data, therefore, suggest that GIPL may contribute towards the survival of the parasite in the immune hosts.     

Immobilized IgG immune complex induces secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by porcine alveolar macrophages.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an important inflammatory mediator produced by activated monocytes and macrophages. We have previously shown that porcine alveolar macrophages (PAM) mediate bystander cytotoxicity through hydrogen peroxide production following activation with immobilized IgG immune complex (IIC) (J. Immunol. 1983; 131:1438-1442). In this report, we have investigated whether IIC induces TNF-alpha secretion by PAM. Isolated PAM from Minnesota miniature swine were cultured for 18 h with and without recombinant human interferon-gamma (rhIFN-gamma). Cultured PAM were then incubated with IIC or IgG immune complex in suspension (SIC). The supernatants generated were assessed for cytotoxic activity using a TNF-alpha-sensitive WEHI-164 cell line. Anti-recombinant human TNF-alpha (rhTNF-alpha) monoclonal antibody neutralized the observed cytotoxicity of IIC-activated PAM supernatant completely, indicating that this cytotoxicity is mediated by TNF-alpha. IIC induced TNF-alpha secretion by PAM after 3 h of incubation, reaching a plateau from 6 to 12 h and decreasing thereafter. TNF-alpha release was enhanced by pretreatment of PAM with rhIFN-gamma. SIC did not induce significant levels of TNF-alpha secretion by PAM; however, SIC with cytochalasin B-pretreated PAM induced equivalent levels of TNF-alpha secretion as IIC-activated PAM. We conclude that IIC or SIC with cytochalasin B pretreatment, both of which prevent internalization of IgG immune complex-bound Fc receptor (FcR), provide a signal for PAM to generate TNF-alpha through FcR modulation. This suggests that in vivo, deposited (immobilized) IgG immune complexes-bound FcR may be a stimulus for activation of PAM to generate TNF-alpha rather than circulating (mobilized) immune complexes, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of diffuse interstitial fibrosis of the lung, especially in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.     

Localization and post-Golgi trafficking of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in macrophages.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted by activated macrophages. In this study, we examined the intracellular distribution and trafficking of TNF-alpha. Immunofluorescence and immunogold localization demonstrated that in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264 macrophages, the greatest concentration of TNF-alpha is found in the perinuclear Golgi complex. Staining of the Golgi complex appeared 20 min after activation of cells and persisted for 2-12 h, and TNF-alpha appeared on the cell surface only transiently during this time. The rate of disappearance of Golgi staining correlated with the release of the cleaved, mature TNF-alpha into the medium. Pulse chase labeling and subcellular fractionation studies indicated that both 26-kDa and 17-kDa forms of TNF-alpha may be present at the level of the Golgi complex. Post-Golgi trafficking of TNF-alpha was modulated by agents that disrupt the cytoskeleton. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), which primes macrophages for TNF-alpha-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, potentiated the effect of LPS by sustaining enhanced intracellular pools of TNF-alpha and also promoted redistribution of TNF-alpha into post-Golgi vesicular compartments. We propose that the primary pool of biologically active TNF-alpha in activated macrophages is held in the Golgi complex and that the cytokine is recruited directly from this intracellular pool for release in response to tumor cells or pathogens.     

Superoxide dismutase-overexpressing mice are resistant to ozone-induced tissue injury and increases in nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Reactive oxygen intermediates have been implicated in lung injury induced by inhaled irritants. The present studies used mice overexpressing Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD+/+) to analyze their role in ozone-induced lung inflammation and cytotoxicity. Treatment of wild-type mice with ozone (0.8 ppm, 3 h) resulted in increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein, which was maximal after 24-48 h. Significant increases in lung macrophages and 4-hydroxyalkenals were also observed. In contrast, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein and macrophage content and 4-hydroxyalkenals were at control levels in ozone-treated SOD+/+ mice. There was also no evidence of peroxynitrite-mediated lung damage, demonstrating that SOD+/+ mice are resistant to ozone toxicity. Whereas alveolar macrophages from wild-type mice produced increased amounts of nitric oxide and expressed more inducible nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A(2), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha after ozone inhalation, this was not evident in cells from SOD+/+ mice. Ozone-induced decreases in interleukin-10 were also not observed. In wild-type mice, ozone inhalation resulted in activation of nuclear factor-kappaB, which regulates proinflammatory gene activity. This response was significantly reduced in SOD+/+ mice. These data demonstrate that antioxidant enzymes play a critical role in ozone-induced tissue injury and in inflammatory mediator production.     

Babesia bovis-stimulated macrophages express interleukin-1beta, interleukin-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and nitric oxide and inhibit parasite replication in vitro

The tick-transmitted hemoparasite Babesia bovis causes an acute infection that results in persistence and immunity against challenge infection in cattle that control the initial parasitemia. Resolution of acute infection with this protozoal pathogen is believed to be dependent on products of activated macrophages (Mphi), including inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) and its derivatives. B. bovis stimulates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and production of NO in bovine Mphi, and chemical donors of NO inhibit the growth of B. bovis in vitro. However, the induction of inflammatory cytokines in Mphi by babesial parasites has not been described, and the antiparasitic activity of NO produced by B. bovis-stimulated Mphi has not been definitively demonstrated. We report that monocyte-derived Mphi activated by B. bovis expressed enhanced levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor alpha that are important for stimulating innate and acquired immunity against protozoal pathogens. Furthermore, a lipid fraction of B. bovis-infected erythrocytes stimulated iNOS expression and NO production by Mphi. Cocultures of Mphi and B. bovis-infected erythrocytes either in contact or physically separated resulted in reduced parasite viability. However, NO produced by bovine Mphi in response to B. bovis-infected erythrocytes was only partially responsible for parasite growth inhibition, suggesting that additional factors contribute to the inhibition of B. bovis replication. These findings demonstrate that B. bovis induces an innate immune response that is capable of controlling parasite replication and that could potentially result in host survival and parasite persistence.     

Active and inactive influenza virus induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide in J774.1 murine macrophages: modulation by interferon-gamma and failure to induce apoptosis

Infection of J774.1 murine macrophages by influenza A virus (IAV) induces two major responses, production of host defense molecules and death by apoptosis. We investigated whether induction of two cytotoxic compounds, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO), directly caused IAV-induced apoptosis, and whether induction could be modulated by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or the replication competence of the virus. Live IAV potently induced production of both TNF-alpha and NO, but UV inactivated virus was a poor inducer of both molecules. When cells were pre-treated with IFN-gamma, inactive IAV became as effective an inducer of NO, but not TNF-alpha, as live IAV. Amantadine, which antagonizes viral entry and replication, partly inhibited TNF-alpha and NO production in unprimed cells, but did not inhibit NO in IFN-gamma primed cells. IAV-induced cytotoxicity was not due to the induction of TNF-alpha or NO. Cells were insensitive to either TNF-alpha-containing supernatants or to recombinant TNF-alpha. Anti-TNF-alpha antibody did not protect cells from IAV-induced cell death, and anti-oxidants that inhibited TNF-alpha production also failed to increase cell survival. Inhibitors of NO production did not protect from IAV-induced cell death, either alone or in combination with superoxide dismutase (SOD). We conclude that, even though IAV was a potent inducer of TNF-alpha and NO in macrophages, IAV-induced apoptosis was not mediated directly by them. Importantly, viral replication was not required for the induction of TNF-alpha or NO, and the action of inactive IAV could be potentiated by IFN-gamma.     

Influenza A virus infects macrophages and stimulates release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha

The clinical picture of influenza A virus infections indicates that release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may be involved. In the present study we exposed the murine macrophage line PU5-1.8 to influenza A virus and observed a productive infection which was followed by subsequent cell death. Infection of macrophages was accompanied by TNF-alpha mRNA accumulation and TNF-alpha release. TNF-alpha production could only be induced by live virus whereas interferon release was also stimulated by inactivated virus. When virus-infected macrophages were exposed to low amounts of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1-10 ng/ml) TNF-alpha production was strongly potentiated. These data show that low LPS concentrations could readily trigger a high TNF-alpha release from influenza-A-virus-infected macrophages which could, at least partially, explain the serious complications of combined influenza A virus and bacterial infections.     

In vivo exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis up-regulates nitric oxide but suppresses tumour necrosis factor-alpha production by cultured macrophages.

The present study was designed to test whether the functional response of mouse macrophages elicited by chronic exposure to bacteria will be different from that of cells elicited by a non-bacterial irritant. Macrophage elicitation was conducted by Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontal pathogen, in comparison to a standard elicitation by thioglycollate (TG). We measured lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion by the elicited macrophages, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the whole elicited cell population. In addition, we tested the response of TG-elicited macrophages to pretreatment with P. gingivalis LPS in vitro. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were harvested 4 days after intraperitoneal injection of TG or heat-killed P. gingivalis. TG-elicited macrophages produced undetectable levels of TNF-alpha and approximately 0.5 microM of NO. The stimulation of the macrophages with LPS resulted in the secretion of NO and TNF-alpha in a dose-dependent manner. The P. gingivalis-elicited macrophages produced basal levels of approximately 5 microM NO, but TNF-alpha was not detectable. LPS stimulation of these cells further increased the secretion of NO eightfold while TNF-alpha remained undetectable. The NO secretion by P. gingivalis-elicited cells was significantly higher than that by TG-elicited cells. Examination of cytokine expression in the whole elicited cell population revealed that both P. gingivalis-elicited cells and TG-elicited cells expressed messenger RNA for interleukin-2 (IL-2), TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), but not for IL-4. IL-6 was expressed in P. gingivalis-elicited cells only. Pretreatment of TG-elicited macrophages with P. gingivalis LPS for 24 hr prior to a second LPS challenge resulted in down-regulation of TNF-alpha secretion and up-regulation of NO secretion, a response similar to that seen in P. gingivalis-elicited peritoneal macrophages. The results suggest that the in vivo exposure of resident macrophages to P. gingivalis induces functional changes in peritoneal macrophages. These changes might be due to the effect of P. gingivalis LPS.