Conjugated linoleic acids influence fatty acid metabolism in ovine ruminal epithelial cells.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), particularly cis-9,trans-11 (c9t11) and trans-10,cis-12 (t10c12), are used as feed additives to adapt to constantly increasing demands on the performance of lactating cows. Under these feeding conditions, the rumen wall, and the rumen epithelial cells (REC) in particular, are directly exposed to high amounts of CLA. This study determined the effect of CLA on the fatty acid (FA) metabolism of REC and expression of genes known to be modulated by FA. Cultured REC were incubated with c9t11, t10c12, and the structurally similar FA linoleic acid (LA), oleic acid (OA), and trans-vaccenic acid (TVA) for 48 h at a concentration of 100 µM. Cellular FA levels were determined by gas chromatography. Messenger RNA expression levels of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and 4 were quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Fatty acid evaluation revealed significant effects of CLA, LA, OA, and TVA on the amount of FA metabolites of ß-oxidation and elongation and of metabolites related to desaturation by SCD. The observed changes in FA content point (among others) to the ability of REC to synthesize c9t11 from TVA endogenously. The mRNA expression levels of SCD identified a decrease after CLA, LA, OA, or TVA treatment. In line with the changes in mRNA expression, we found reduced amounts of C16:1n-7 cis-9 and C18:1n-9 cis-9, the main products of SCD. The expression of MCT1 mRNA increased after c9t11 and t10c12 treatment, and CLA c9t11 induced an upregulation of MCT4. Application of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α antagonist suggested that activation of PPARα is involved in the changes of MCT1, MCT4, and SCD mRNA expression induced by c9t11. Participation of PPARγ in the changes of MCT1 and SCD mRNA expression was shown by the application of the respective antagonist. The study demonstrates that exposure to CLA affects both FA metabolism and regulatory pathways within REC.

Both butyrate incubation and hypoxia upregulate genes involved in the ruminal transport of SCFA and their metabolites.

Butyrate modulates the differentiation, proliferation and gene expression profiles of various cell types. Ruminal epithelium is exposed to a high intraluminal concentration and inflow of n-butyrate. We aimed to investigate the influence of n-butyrate on the mRNA expression of proteins involved in the transmembranal transfer of n-butyrate metabolites and short-chain fatty acids in ruminal epithelium. N-butyrate-induced changes were compared with the effects of hypoxia because metabolite accumulation after O2 depletion is at least partly comparable to the accumulation of metabolites after n-butyrate exposure. Furthermore, in various tissues, O2 depletion modulates the expression of transport proteins that are also involved in the extrusion of metabolites derived from n-butyrate breakdown in ruminal epithelium. Sheep ruminal epithelia mounted in Ussing chambers were exposed to 50 mM n-butyrate or incubated under hypoxic conditions for 6 h. Electrophysiological measurements showed hypoxia-induced damage in the epithelia. The mRNA expression levels of monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) 1 and 4, anion exchanger (AE) 2, downregulated in adenoma (DRA), putative anion transporter (PAT) 1 and glucose transporter (GLUT) 1 were assessed by RT-qPCR. We also examined the mRNA expression of nuclear factor (NF) κB, cyclooxygenase (COX) 2, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α and acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) to elucidate the possible signalling pathways involved in the modulation of gene expression. The mRNA expression levels of MCT 1, MCT 4, GLUT 1, HIF 1α and COX 2 were upregulated after both n-butyrate exposure and hypoxia. ACO and PAT 1 were upregulated only after n-butyrate incubation. Upregulation of both MCT isoforms and NFκB after n-butyrate incubation could be detected on protein level as well. Our study suggests key roles for MCT 1 and 4 in the adaptation to an increased intracellular load of metabolites, whereas an involvement of PAT 1 in the transport of n-butyrate also seems possible.

Influence of isoform and DNP on butyrate transport across the sheep ruminal epithelium.

Short-chain fatty acids are absorbed in considerable amounts from the rumen. During transit through the epithelial layer, they are intensively metabolised. Interaction between intraepithelial metabolism and absorption, however, is hardly understood. The present study therefore compared the transepithelial transport of the easily metabolised n-butyrate with that of the more metabolism-resistant iso-butyrate both under in vivo conditions (isolated and washed reticulorumen) and in vitro conditions (Ussing chamber). Under in vivo conditions, net absorption of n-butyrate was significantly higher than that of iso-butyrate. The in vitro experiments showed that the higher net flux of n-butyrate was solely due to a higher mucosal-to-serosal flux, whereas the serosal-to-mucosal flux of butyrate was independent from the isoform. Blocking intraepithelial ATP delivery by 2,4-dinitrophenol abolished the net flux of n-butyrate. The study indicates that metabolism and/ or ATP availability stimulates n-butyrate net absorption. By this, the metabolic activity of the epithelium may have a regulatory influence on absorption of n-butyrate.

Atypical effect of minoxidil sulphate on guinea pig airways.

The effects of minoxidil sulphate, an "atypical" K(ATP) channel opener, and bimakalim, a benzopyran-type classical K(ATP) channel opener, on guinea pig airways in vitro and in vivo and on isolated portal veins from rats and guinea pigs were compared. Minoxidil sulphate inhibited the spontaneous activity of isolated guinea pig and rat portal vein preparations with pD2 values of 7.83+/-0.08 and 7.14+/-0.03, respectively (Emax=100% in both preparations). Bimakalim caused a more potent inhibition with pD2 values of 8.80+/-0.05 and 8.20+/-0.04, respectively (Emax=100% in both preparations). Minoxidil sulphate reduced the spontaneous tone of isolated guinea pig tracheal rings with a pIC50 value of 3.92+/-0.02 and the same efficacy as isoprenaline. Bimakalim was more potent (pIC50=7.25+/-0.02) but less efficacious (Emax=75% of the Emax of isoprenaline). The airway relaxant effect of bimakalim, but not minoxidil sulphate, was antagonised by glibenclamide (pA2=7.50) at concentrations above 0.1 microM. Bombesin-induced bronchoconstriction in anaesthetised, ventilated, normoreactive guinea pigs (measured as increase in total lung resistance) was dose-dependently reversed by intratracheally (i.t.) administered bimakalim (ED50=4 microg/kg; Emax=92% of maximally possible inhibition), but not by minoxidil sulphate, at doses up to 1 mg/kg i.t. In the same animals, following i.t. administration of higher doses, both minoxidil sulphate and bimakalim reduced blood pressure. Airways hyperreactivity to histamine induced by acute treatment of guinea pigs with immune complex was dose-dependently reversed by bimakalim (ED50=0.5 microg/kg i.t., Emax=100%). This effect was antagonised by glibenclamide (30 mg/kg i.v.). Minoxidil sulphate had a biphasic effect on airways hyperreactivity: at 1 microg/kg i.t., airways hyperreactivity was augmented, whereas at doses above 3.2 microg/kg i.t. it caused reversal of airways hyperreactivity. Both of the effects of minoxidil sulphate were insensitive to glibenclamide (30 mg/kg i.v.). It is concluded that the pharmacological profile of minoxidil sulphate in guinea pig airways is completely different from that of classical K(ATP) channel openers such as bimakalim. Minoxidil sulphate is either only weakly active or even inactive at K(ATP) channels in guinea pig airways or interacts with these channels in a different manner. The current results are consistent with there being differences between the K(ATP) channels in airways and blood vessels.

The enteric nervous system: region and target specific projections and neurochemical codes.

The goal of this report is to summarise the current knowledge on the projection pathways of enteric neurones innervating the muscle and mucosa in different regions of the gut. Combination of neuronal tracing, immunohistochemical and electrophysiological methods has allowed researchers to gain insight into the enteric hardwiring of specific target tissue in the gut. A polarised innervation pattern of the circular muscle was demonstrated for the stomach fundus/corpus and the ileum with descending pathways being primarily nitrergic while ascending pathways were primarily cholinergic. This characteristic hardwiring is thought to set in part the functional basis for peristalsis. A similar polarised innervation pathway was found for the enteric innervation of the mucosa in the stomach and large intestine but not in the small intestine. In both the stomach (myenteric neurones) and in the proximal and distal colon (submucosal neurones), ascending pathways to the mucosa are primarily cholinergic while descending pathways are primarily non-cholinergic. In the colon, results suggest that activation of both pathways induces a cross potentiation of cholinergic and vasoactive intestinal polypeptidergic mediated secretion. Furthermore, a large population of myenteric neurone s projecting to the mucosa in the small and large intestine are probably intrinsic primary afferent neurones sensitive to mechanical as well as chemical stimuli.

Immunohistochemical evidence for the presence of calbindin containing neurones in the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig stomach.

Using immunohistochemistry we studied the presence of calbindin in myenteric neurones of the guinea-pig stomach. A rabbit anti recombinant rat calbindin-D28k (CALB) stained 12, 12 and 25% of all myenteric neurones in the fundus, corpus and antrum, respectively. A rabbit anti recombinant human CALB stained 4, 4 and 16%, respectively. A mouse monoclonal antibody against the chicken intestinal CALB showed no labelling. In all regions most calbindin neurones were additionally choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) positive while only a small proportion exhibited nicotinamide adenosine dinucleatide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase-activity. Numerous calbindin-positive varicose nerve fibres were present within myenteric ganglia, rarely detectable in the muscle layers and virtually absent in the mucosa. This study demonstrated that a supopulation of cholinergic myenteric neurones in the stomach contain calbindin and suggested that many of these neurones fulfil interneuronal tasks.

Mast cell degranulation following adenosine A3 receptor activation in rats.

The present studies were carried out to provide further evidence for the hypothesis that the hypotensive response to adenosine A3 receptor activation in the anaesthetized rat involves mediator release from mast cells. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized and given just supramaximal hypotensive doses of either the non-selective A3 receptor agonist, N6(-2)-(4-aminophenyl)ethyladenosine (APNEA: 100 micrograms/kg, preceded by the A1/A2 receptor antagonist, 8-p-(sulphophenyl)theophylline, to "isolate' the A3 receptor-mediated component of the response), the mast cell degranulating agent, compound 48/80 (300 micrograms/kg) or the vehicle for APNEA, intravenously. Blood was withdrawn from a carotid artery between 2 and 10 min after the injection and plasma and serum histamine concentrations measured. Samples of connective tissue (surrounding the abdominal musculature), thymus, mesenteric lymph node, kidney, skin and diaphragm were removed for histological analysis. The plasma and serum histamine concentrations were markedly and significantly higher in the APNEA- or compound 48/80-treated animals compared to vehicle-treated controls. Consistent with this, a substantially greater proportion of mast cells was seen to be undergoing degranulation in all tissues removed from animals treated with APNEA or compound 48/80 compared to those from rats treated with vehicle. Thus, adenosine A3 receptor activation results in rapid mast cell degranulation in the anaesthetized rat. The data provide further evidence of a key role for the mast cell in adenosine A3 receptor-mediated hypotension in this species.

A role for mast cells in adenosine A3 receptor-mediated hypotension in the rat.

1. The adenosine A3 receptor agonist, N6-2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyladenosine (APNEA) induces hypotension in the anaesthetized rat. The present experiments were carried out to explore the role of mast cells in the response. 2. Intravenous injection of APNEA (1-30 micrograms kg-1 to rats in which the A3 receptor-mediated response had been isolated by pretreatment with 8-(p-sulphophenyl) theophylline (8-SPT)), induced dose-related falls in blood pressure accompanied at higher doses by small falls in heart rate. Responses to the mast cell degranulating agent, compound 48/80 (10-300 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) were qualitatively similar to those to APNEA. 3. Pretreatment with sodium cromoglycate (0.25-20 mg kg-1, i.v.) induced dose-related, although incomplete, blockade of the hypotensive responses to APNEA. At 20 mg kg-1, sodium cromoglycate also inhibited the cardiovascular response to compound 48/80 but had no effects on those to the selective A1 receptor agonist, N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) or the selective A2A receptor agonist, 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680). Lodoxamide (0.01-20 mg kg-1) also blocked selectively but incompletely the response to APNEA. 4. The cardiovascular responses to compound 48/80 (10-300 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) were markedly suppressed in animals which had received repeated doses of the compound by the intraperitoneal route. Similarly APNEA was essentially devoid of cardiovascular activity in such preparations. In contrast, responses to CPA were similar in animals treated repeatedly with compound 48/80 to those obtained in control animals. 5. Plasma and serum histamine concentrations were markedly increased associated with the pronounced hypotensive responses induced by intravenous injections of APNEA (30 or 100 microg kg-1) in the presence of 8-SPT, or compound 48/80 (300 microg kg-1).6. Taken together the data implicate the mast cell in a key role in adenosine A3 receptor-mediated hypotension in the anaesthetized rat.

Protein kinase C activation and protooncogene expression in differentiation/retrodifferentiation of human U-937 leukemia cells.

Human U-937 leukemia cells differentiate along the monocytic lineage following 3-day exposures to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). This induction of differentiation is accompanied by adherence and loss of proliferation, as well as expression/repression of differentiation-associated genes. Long term culture of TPA-differentiated U-937 cells in the absence of phorbol ester for 32-36 days resulted in a process of retrodifferentiation. The retrodifferentiated cells detached from the substrate and reinitiated proliferation. Other cellular parameters, such as glycosidase activities, cytokine release, and filament expression, returned to levels similar to that observed in uninduced cells. Treatment of U-937 cells with TPA resulted in a rapid translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) from the cytosol to cell membrane fractions within 2-8 min. Increased levels of membrane-associated PKC activity persisted until 17-29 days. However, longer periods of incubation were associated with a return to the distribution of PKC in control cells. Activation of PKC has been implicated in the regulation of certain immediate early response genes, and in the present studies, TPA rapidly induced c-fos and c-jun gene expression. Levels of c-fos and c-jun transcripts remained elevated during periods of PKC activation and also returned to levels observed in control cells by 30-36 days, when the cells entered retrodifferentiation. Staurosporine, a nonspecific inhibitor of PKC, partially blocked TPA-induced adherence and growth inhibition and concomitantly prevented TPA-induced c-fos and c-jun gene expression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The ratio of macrophage prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis is determined by the intracellular free calcium level.

The induction of eicosanoid synthesis in various cell types by different physiological stimuli is dependent on an increase in the intracellular calcium level and stimulation of the protein kinase C (PKC). In a model system this can be mimicked by using calcium ionophores and direct PKC activators. In mouse peritoneal macrophages calcium ionophores induced the formation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4). A synergistic enhancement of both eicosanoids could be achieved by simultaneous addition of the calcium ionophore A23187 together with a suboptimal dose of the direct protein kinase C activator 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Low concentrations of the ionophore, resulting in only marginally increased intracellular calcium levels, led to a more than additive prostaglandin E2 production in combination with TPA. Higher concentrations of A23187 together with TPA favoured LTC4 synthesis, whereas PGE2 levels at the same time were even diminished. This observed shift from prostaglandin to leukotriene formation was amplified by simultaneous addition of indomethacin. Manganese as inhibitor of the A23187-induced calcium influx decreased PGE2 synthesis. On the other hand, in the presence of manganese LTC4 production was also inhibited at high concentrations of A23187 but elevated in the absence or at low doses of A23187. Our data provide evidence that in macrophages the ratio of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products caused by mediators, acting via the phospholipase C or D/PKC signal transduction pathway, is regulated by the extent of the intracellular calcium increase.

Regulation of prostaglandin synthesis by protein kinase C in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Resident mouse peritoneal macrophages synthesized and released prostaglandins (PGs) when challenged with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) or 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DiC8). Both stimuli were found to activate Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C (PKC). 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulphonyl)-2-methylpiperazine ('H-7') and D-sphingosine, known to inhibit PKC by different mechanisms, were able to decrease the PKC activity of macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of either PKC inhibitor decreased PG synthesis and also the release of arachidonic acid (AA) from phospholipids induced by TPA or DiC8. Simultaneously TPA or DiC8 also decreased incorporation of free AA into membrane phospholipids of macrophages. AA incorporation could be restored, however, by pretreatment with the PKC inhibitors. Our results demonstrate an involvement of PKC in the regulation of PG synthesis in mouse peritoneal macrophages and provide further evidence that reacylation of released fatty acids may be an important regulatory step.

The diacylglycerols dioctanoylglycerol and oleoylacetylglycerol enhance prostaglandin synthesis by inhibition of the lysophosphatide acyltransferase.

Prostanoids are synthesized by resident macrophages upon stimulation with diacylglycerols. Oleoylacetylglycerol and dioctanoylglycerol induced prostaglandin E and thromboxane synthesis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Both diacylglycerols inhibited the lysophosphatide acyltransferase, which is the key enzyme in the reacylation of arachidonic acid. By this mechanism the pool of free arachidonic acid available for prostanoid synthesis is increased. Both diacylglycerols were able to inhibit the membrane-bound lysophosphatide acyltransferase by a direct interaction independent of protein kinase C. Thus lysophosphatide acyltransferase could be shown to be a new target of these diacylglycerols, known as activators of protein kinase C.

A possible role of protein kinase C in regulating prostaglandin synthesis of mouse peritoneal macrophages.

The addition of the analogue of diacylglycerol, 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG), to resident macrophages isolated from the peritoneal cavity of mice led to a dose and time dependent increase in the synthesis of prostaglandin E. This was likely due to an enhanced amount of arachidonic acid available for eicosanoid synthesis as OAG suppressed the incorporation of arachidonic acid into cellular phospholipids by inhibiting acyl-CoA:lysophosphatide acyltransferase. Since OAG has been shown to activate protein kinase C in various cells, these data lead us to suggest that synthesis of eicosanoids in peritoneal macrophages is mediated by the activation of protein kinase C.