High LDL levels lead to increased synovial inflammation and accelerated ectopic bone formation during experimental osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: A relation between osteoarthritis (OA) and increased cholesterol levels is apparent. In the present study we investigate OA pathology in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)(-)(/-) mice with and without a cholesterol-rich diet, a model for high systemic low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels independent of weight. METHOD: Wild type (WT), Apoe(-)(/-), S100a9(-/-) and Apoe(-)(/-)S100a9(-/-) mice (C57BL/6 background) received a standard or cholesterol-rich diet. Experimental OA was induced by intra-articular injection of collagenase and animals were sacrificed at day 10 and day 36. RESULTS: Although minimal differences in cartilage damage were found between the WT and ApoE(-)(/-) mice, increased synovial thickening was found in the latter. Thirty-six days after OA-induction, ApoE(-)(/-) mice on a standard diet showed increased ectopic bone formation, particularly at the medial collateral ligament, compared with OA in WT mice. Furthermore, a significant increase in synovial gene expression of both S100a8 and S100a9 and S100A8/S100A9 protein levels was found in ApoE(-)(/-) mice, suggesting an activated inflammatory status of synovial cells. In both ApoE(-)(/-) and WT mice, addition of a cholesterol-rich diet resulted in excessive bone formation in the medial collateral ligament at late-time-point OA. Interestingly, at the early time point, proteoglycan deposition was already significantly increased in ApoE(-)(/-) mice compared with WT mice. Mice deficient for both ApoE and S100a9 also showed increased ectopic bone formation, but not synovial activation, suggesting a role for S100-proteins in cholesterol-mediated synovial activation. CONCLUSIONS: Increased cholesterol levels strongly elevate synovial activation and ectopic bone formation in early-stage collagenase-induced OA.

Molecular imaging of macrophage protease activity in cardiovascular inflammation in vivo.

Macrophages contribute pivotally to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), notably to atherosclerosis. Imaging of macrophages in vivo could furnish new tools to advance evaluation of disease and therapies. Proteolytic enzymes serve as key effectors of many macrophage contributions to CVD. Therefore, intravital imaging of protease activity could aid evaluation of the progress and outcome of atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm formation, or rejection of cardiac allografts. Among the large families of proteases, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteinyl cathepsins have garnered the most interest because of their participation in extracellular matrix remodelling. These considerations have spurred the development of dedicated imaging agents for protease activity detection. Activatable fluorescent probes, radiolabelled inhibitors, and nanoparticles are currently under exploration for this purpose. While some agents and technologies may soon see clinical use, others will require further refinement. Imaging of macrophages and protease activity should provide an important adjunct to understanding pathophysiology in vivo, evaluating the effects of interventions, and ultimately aiding clinical care.

A novel tyrosine kinase switch is a mechanism of imatinib resistance in gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

KIT or alpha-platelet-derived growth factor receptor (alpha-PDGFR) activating mutations are the pathogenic mechanisms that characterize gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Despite excellent responses to imatinib mesylate (IM), patients are relapsing. We developed an IM-resistant GIST cell line (GIST-R) from the IM-sensitive GIST882 cell line (GIST-S) by growing these cells in IM. Gene expression profiling (GEP) of GIST-S, GIST-R cells and two IM resistant GIST patients demonstrated that KIT is downregulated implying a major role in IM resistance. Instead, GIST-R cells have acquired IM resistance by overexpressing the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase - AXL - in a 'kinase switch'. Further, the two IM resistant GIST patients express AXL and not c-Kit, seen by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting of the GIST-S and GIST-R cells confirmed the switch from Kit to AXL. In GIST-R, AXL is tyrosine phosphorylated and its ligand growth-arrest-specific gene 6 is overexpressed implying autocrine activation. The kinase switch is associated with a morphological change from spindle to epithelioid. Molecular modeling of the kinase domain of mutant c-Kit (V654A) and AXL showed no binding to IM but efficient binding to MP470, a novel c-Kit/AXL kinase inhibitor. MP470 synergizes with docetaxel (taxotere) and is cytotoxic to GIST cells.

Targeted gene disruption demonstrates that P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) is required for P-selectin-mediated but not E-selectin-mediated neutrophil rolling and migration.

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) is a mucin-like selectin counterreceptor that binds to P-selectin, E-selectin, and L-selectin. To determine its physiological role in cell adhesion as a mediator of leukocyte rolling and migration during inflammation, we prepared mice genetically deficient in PSGL-1 by targeted disruption of the PSGL-1 gene. The homozygous PSGL-1-deficient mouse was viable and fertile. The blood neutrophil count was modestly elevated. There was no evidence of spontaneous development of skin ulcerations or infections. Leukocyte infiltration in the chemical peritonitis model was significantly delayed. Leukocyte rolling in vivo, studied by intravital microscopy in postcapillary venules of the cremaster muscle, was markedly decreased 30 min after trauma in the PSGL-1-deficient mouse. In contrast, leukocyte rolling 2 h after tumor necrosis factor alpha stimulation was only modestly reduced, but blocking antibodies to E-selectin infused into the PSGL-1-deficient mouse almost completely eliminated leukocyte rolling. These results indicate that PSGL-1 is required for the early inflammatory responses but not for E-selectin-mediated responses. These kinetics are consistent with a model in which PSGL-1 is the predominant neutrophil P-selectin ligand but is not a required counterreceptor for E-selectin under in vivo physiological conditions.

Inhibition of calpain blocks platelet secretion, aggregation, and spreading.

Previous studies have indicated that the Ca(2+)-dependent protease, calpain, is activated in platelets within 30-60 s of thrombin stimulation, but specific roles of calpain in platelets remain to be identified. To directly test the functions of calpain during platelet activation, a novel strategy was developed for introducing calpain's specific biological inhibitor, calpastatin, into platelets prior to activation. This method involves treatment of platelets with a fusion peptide, calpastat, consisting of the cell-penetrating signal sequence from Kaposi's fibroblast growth factor connected to a calpain-inhibiting consensus sequence derived from calpastatin. Calpastat specifically inhibits thrombin peptide (SFLLR)-induced alpha-granule secretion (IC(50) = 20 microM) during the first 30 s of activation, thrombin-induced platelet aggregation (IC(50) = 50 microM), and platelet spreading on glass surfaces (IC(50) = 34 microM). Calpastat-Ala, a mutant peptide in which alanine is substituted at conserved calpastatin residues, lacks calpain inhibitory activity and fails to inhibit secretion, aggregation, or spreading. The peptidyl calpain inhibitors calpeptin, MDL 28,170 (MDL) and E64d also inhibit secretion, aggregation and spreading, but require 3-10-fold higher concentrations than calpastat for biological activity. Together, these findings demonstrate that calpain regulates platelet secretion, aggregation, and spreading and indicate that calpain plays an earlier role in platelet activation following thrombin receptor stimulation than had been previously detected.

Proteins of the exocytotic core complex mediate platelet alpha-granule secretion. Roles of vesicle-associated membrane protein, SNAP-23, and syntaxin 4.

To understand the molecular basis of granule release from platelets, we examined the role of vesicle-associated membrane protein, SNAP-23, and syntaxin 4 in alpha-granule secretion. A vesicle-associated membrane protein, SNAP-23, and syntaxin 4 were detected in platelet lysate. These proteins form a SDS-resistant complex that disassembles upon platelet activation. To determine whether these proteins are involved in alpha-granule secretion, we developed a streptolysin O-permeabilized platelet model of alpha-granule secretion. Streptolysin O-permeabilized platelets released alpha-granules, as measured by surface expression of P-selectin, in response to Ca2+ up to 120 min after permeabilization. Incubation of streptolysin O-permeabilized platelets with an antibody directed against vesicle-associated membrane protein completely inhibited Ca2+-induced alpha-granule release. Tetanus toxin cleaved platelet vesicle-associated membrane protein and inhibited Ca2+-induced alpha-granule secretion from streptolysin O-permeabilized platelets. An antibody to syntaxin 4 also inhibited Ca2+-induced alpha-granule release by approximately 75% in this system. These results show that vesicle-associated membrane protein, SNAP-23, and syntaxin 4 form a heterotrimeric complex in platelets that disassembles with activation and demonstrate that alpha-granule release is dependent on vesicle SNAP receptor-target SNAP receptor (vSNARE-tSNARE) interactions.

Interaction between soluble P-selectin and soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1: equilibrium binding analysis.

Leukocyte rolling in the vasculature is mediated by the interaction of endothelial P-selectin and leukocyte P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1). Since cell-cell interaction mediated by P-selectin and PSGL-1 is cooperative and complex, we have developed a model system to examine the binding of P-selectin to PSGL-1 in a soluble system. Equilibrium binding analyses were performed with truncated forms of soluble human P-selectin and dimeric PSGL-1, both lacking the transmembrane domain and both produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Soluble PSGL-1 (sPSGL-1), which contains no tryptophan residues and exhibits no intrinsic fluorescence, was harvested from CHO cells cotransfected with either fucosyltransferase III (sPSGL-1/Fuc-TIII) or fucosyltransferase VII (sPSGL-1/Fuc-TVII). Both fucosylation isoforms of sPSGL-1 bound to sP-selectin. The interaction of sP-selectin and sPSGL-1 was studied by monitoring changes in the intrinsic fluorescence of sP-selectin upon binding to sPSGL-1. Binding of sPSGL-1 to sP-selectin in the presence of calcium caused an increase in tryptophan fluorescence that could be reversed by the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The fluorescence enhancement of sP-selectin by sPSGL-1 was used to generate binding isotherms, and these data were fitted to a bimolecular binding model. The binding constant, Kd, for the binding of sPSGL-1/Fuc-TIII and sPSGL-1/Fuc-TVII to sP-selectin was 3 +/- 2 nM and 80 +/- 44 nM, respectively. Monomeric sP-selectin bound to dimeric sPSGL-1 with a 2:1 stoichiometry. In a system in which both protein species are soluble and lack transmembrane domains, these results indicate high-affinity interaction between P-selectin and PSGL-1. Furthermore, the fucosylation pattern of PSGL-1 can affect its affinity for P-selectin. These binding constants can be used to explore models of cell adhesion in flow systems.

Vasoconstrictor and vasodilator effects of serotonin in the isolated rabbit kidney.

The renal vascular effects of serotonin (5-HT) in vivo vary among preparations, which may reflect that this autacoid can modulate the vascular response to certain spasmogens. We investigated this phenomenon in the isolated rabbit kidney perfused under constant flow (5 ml/min) with Krebs-bicarbonate buffer. Dose-response experiments to 5-HT were conducted before and during an infusion of half-maximal effective doses of norepinephrine (NE), phenylephrine (PE) or endothelin-1 (ET-1). Each infusion was varied to raise the perfusion pressure (PP) from a baseline of 18-28 mm Hg to a level of 80-100 mm Hg. In the absence of infused NE, PE or ET-1, bolus injections of 5-HT had little or no effect. However, in the presence of NE, 5-HT injections of 20 pmol to 20 nmol caused a dose-dependent increase in PP; higher doses (0.4-4 mumol) of 5-HT caused a dose-dependent decrease in PP. Similar results with 5-HT were obtained in the presence of an infusion of PE. However, in the presence of ET-1, 5-HT injections elicited only a modest increase in PP, which was significantly less than the increase in the presence of NE; and they did not have the vasodilator effect on the isolated perfused kidney. Histamine injections only increased but did not decrease the PP in PE-precontracted renal vasculature. Infusion of 5-HT at 20 nmol/min potentiated the dose-dependent effect of NE on PP, but 5-HT infusion of 1 mumol/min attenuated the effect of NE on PP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of the steroid hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone, on the growth of neurites by identified insect motoneurons in vitro.

During metamorphosis in the hawkmoth, Manduca sexta, identified larval leg motoneurons survive the degeneration of their larval targets to innervate new muscles of the adult legs. The dendrites and axon terminals of these motoneurons regress at the end of the larval stage and then regrow during adult development. Previous studies have implicated the insect steroid, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE), in similar examples of dendritic reorganization during metamorphosis. The present studies were undertaken to test whether 20-HE acts directly on the leg motoneurons to regulate dendritic growth. Larval leg motoneurons were labeled with a fluorescent dye to permit their identification in culture following the dissociation of thoracic ganglia at later stages of development. Leg motoneurons isolated from early pupal stage animals (just before the normal onset of dendritic regrowth) survived in vitro and grew processes regardless of whether 20-HE was added to the culture medium. The extent of process outgrowth, however, as measured by the total length of all processes and the number of branches, was significantly greater for motoneurons maintained in the presence of 20-HE. The enhancement could be blocked by the addition of a juvenile hormone analog. By contrast, larval leg motoneurons that were isolated just before the normal period of dendritic regression did not show enhanced growth of neurites in the presence of 20-HE. The results suggest that 20-HE acts directly on the leg motoneurons to regulate the growth of processes during metamorphosis.

Regional differences in the effects of septic shock on vascular reactivity in the rabbit.

Experiments were performed to investigate the vascular reactivity in both large and resistance artery preparations from an animal model of septic shock. New Zealand White rabbits were injected with a priming dose of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 15 micrograms/kg i.v., 18 hr before an i.v. dose of 200 to 2000 micrograms/kg under pentobarbital anesthesia. The second LPS challenge dropped mean blood pressure from 79 +/- 4 to 27 +/- 5 mm Hg in approximately 1 hr. At this time animals were sacrificed with the central ear arteries and kidneys being isolated for alignment in a Krebs-bicarbonate buffer perfusion apparatus to monitor perfusion pressure under constant flow conditions. Individual dose-response curves (DRCs) for norepinephrine (NE) and histamine were performed to assess contractile function. For examining vascular relaxant function, DRCs for methacholine (MC) and nitroprusside (NP) were conducted during a submaximal infusion of NE. The DRCs to NE and histamine were shifted to the right by 2- and 2.7-fold, respectively, in isolated ear artery preparations from LPS-treated vs. vehicle-treated animals. There was no difference in contractile function (using NE) in the two groups of perfused kidneys. The relaxation DRCs to MC were similar in the ear artery preparations from the two treatment groups whereas, in isolated kidneys, the relaxation to MC was significantly attenuated, by an average of 26 +/- 2% at each of six doses, in preparations from LPS-treated animals. The relaxation to NP was similar between the LPS- and vehicle-treated animals in the ear artery and kidney preparations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)