Regulation by thyroid hormone of the expression of basement membrane components in rat prepubertal Sertoli cells.

The present study reports the modulation of basement membrane (BM) components, laminin, entactin, and type IV collagen, expression in prepubertal rat Sertoli cell by the thyroid hormone T3. Immunocytochemical studies of permeabilized Sertoli cells in culture showed that T3 treatment (10[-7] M for 24 h) increased the number of cells staining positive for laminin and/or entactin (from 58 +/- 5.3% to 86.4 +/- 6.5%, P < 0.01). In contrast, a strong inhibition of type IV collagen immunopositivity was observed. Western blot analysis of Sertoli cell-conditioned media indicated that T3 treatment significantly (P < 0.01) increased the level of secreted entactin by 60-65% without affecting the levels of laminin A and B1/B2 chains. Moreover, thyroid hormone treatment of Sertoli cells significantly reduced type IV collagen secretion by 62% (P < 0.05). Slot blot analysis of poly-A RNA demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the level of entactin messenger RNA (mRNA) by 140% (P < 0.01) and a 50% reduction of type IV collagen alpha1 chain mRNA after thyroid hormone treatment. No effect of the hormone was observed on the accumulation of the laminin B1 and B2 chain mRNAs in Sertoli cell cultures. These effects cannot be ascribed to changes in the degradation of BM components, because no effect of thyroid hormone was observed on plasminogen activators or metalloproteinase secretion by Sertoli cells. These observations indicate the Sertoli cell as a source of entactin within the testis, demonstrate the ability of T3 to differentially regulate the expression of BM components, and can be regarded as a part of the integrated mechanism by which thyroid hormone affects testicular development and differentiation.

Natural killer and lectin-dependent cytotoxic activities of Kurloff cells: target cell selectivity, conjugate formation, and Ca++ dependency.

Kurloff cells may represent a major component of NK cell activity in the guinea pig. We have pursued to characterize the mechanism of their action. Using murine target cells, we found Kurloff cell cytotoxicity to be selective for the NK-sensitive YAC-1 target cell, with minimal activity against the NK-resistant P815 target cell. In the presence of PHA, but not ConA, cytotoxicity was markedly augmented against both YAC-1 and P815. While effector-target conjugate formation was observed with YAC-1 cells but not P815 cells in control cultures, it was augmented with both target cell types in cultures with PHA. Pretreatment alone with PHA was ineffective, however. NK cell activity of Kurloff cells was dependent on extracellular Ca++ and entry of Ca++ into the effector cells, as demonstrated by abrogation of cytotoxicity when extracellular Ca++ was chelated with EDTA or EGTA, or following treatment with the Ca++ channel blockers verapamil and diltiazem. Furthermore, inhibition of PKC by H7 resulted in significant reduction of Kurloff cell-mediated NK activity, while pretreatment of effector cells with the PKC activator TPA enhanced NK activity. Kurloff cells could also be stimulated to produce serine esterases by contact with target cells or treatment with phorbol ester and ionophore. Finally, a majority of Kurloff cells, identified by the monoclonal antibody 14D1, reacted with the human NK cell marker CD56. Taken together, these data suggest that Kurloff cells have NK-like characteristics and activity, with target cell selectivity, and that their lytic mechanisms involve influx of extracellular Ca++, PKC activation and serine esterase production.

Sarcomas: genetics, signalling, and cellular origins. Part 1: The fellowship of TET.

Sarcomas comprise some of the most aggressive solid tumours that, for the most part, respond poorly to chemo- and radiation therapy and are associated with a sombre prognosis when surgical removal cannot be performed or is incomplete. Partly because of their lower frequency, sarcomas have not been studied as intensively as carcinomas and haematopoietic malignancies, and the molecular mechanisms that underlie their pathogenesis are only beginning to be understood. Even more enigmatic is the identity of the primary cells from which these tumours originate. Over the past 25 years, however, several non-random chromosomal translocations have been found to be associated with defined sarcomas. Each of these translocations generates a fusion gene believed to be directly related to the pathogenesis of the sarcoma in which it is expressed. The corresponding fusion proteins provide a unique tool not only to study the process of sarcoma development, but also to identify cells that are permissive for their putative oncogenic properties. This is the first of two reviews that cover the mechanisms whereby specific fusion/mutant gene products participate in sarcoma development and the cellular context that may provide the necessary permissiveness for their expression and oncogenicity. Part 1 of the review focuses on sarcomas that express fusion genes containing TET gene family products, including EWSR1, TLS/FUS, and TAFII68. Part 2 (J Pathol 2007; DOI: 10.1002/path.2008) summarizes our current understanding of the genetic and cellular origins of sarcomas expressing fusion genes exclusive of TET family members; it also covers soft tissue malignancies harbouring specific mutations in RTK-encoding genes, the prototype of which are gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST).

Sarcomas: genetics, signalling, and cellular origins. Part 2: TET-independent fusion proteins and receptor tyrosine kinase mutations.

Although the mechanisms that underlie sarcoma development are still poorly understood, the identification of non-random chromosomal translocations and receptor tyrosine kinase mutations associated with defined sarcoma types has provided new insight into the pathogenesis of these tumours. In Part 1 of the review (J Pathol 2007;213:4-20), we addressed sarcomas that express fusion genes containing TET gene family products. Part 2 of the review summarizes our current understanding of the implications of fusion genes that do not contain TET family members in sarcoma development, as well as that of specific mutations in genes encoding receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The final section will serve as a summary of both reviews and will attempt to provide a synthesis of some of the emerging principles of sarcomagenesis.

Diacylglycerol lipase activation and 5-lipoxygenase activation and translocation following TCR/CD3 triggering in T cells.

Arachidonic acid (AA) release was observed following T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex cross-linking in different tumor T cell lines as well as on purified peripheral T cells in vivo. Direct measurement of enzymatic activity in vitro of TCR/CD3-stimulated Jurkat cell extracts on labeled vesicle substrates showed that TCR/CD3 cross-linking resulted in AA release from sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) vesicles, as detected by TLC analysis, suggesting that DAG lipase was activated following TCR/CD3 stimulation and DAG generation. On the contrary, no phospholipase A2 activation was observed in response to TCR/CD3 stimulation, since no lyso-phospholipids were generated in vitro from either phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylinositol-3,4-bisphosphate, or from phosphatidic acid vesicles. Moreover, the 1-DAG lipase inhibitor RHC80267 completely blocked TCR/CD3-dependent AA release in vitro and in vivo, without effect upon TCR/CD3-dependent inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) generation. Importantly, evidence for further metabolism of released AA was obtained, since synthesis and release of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CLT), but not of leukotriene B4 or cyclooxygenase products, could be detected by radioimmunoassay in different T cell lines and peripheral blood T cells following TCR/CD3 cross-linking. Moreover, HPLC analysis revealed an accumulation of leukotriene E4 in TCR/CD3 stimulated Jurkat cells. This was associated with translocation of 5-lipoxygenase from the cytosol to the cell membranes. Finally, TCR/CD3-mediated CLT production was blocked by MK886, a specific inhibitor of 5-LO translocation and activation. Our data help define a further level in the fate of second messengers generated after TCR/CD3 triggering and suggest that additional mediators can play a role in the context of T cell activation.

NKR-P1A stimulation of arachidonate-generating enzymes in rat NK cells is associated with granule release and cytotoxic activity.

NKR-P1A protein has been implicated in the triggering of NK-mediated natural killing contributing to target cell recognition by NK cells. The aim of the present work was to assess whether NKR-P1A receptor triggering also induced arachidonic acid (AA) generation and to determine the possible role of this event on granule release and cytotoxicity. We demonstrated that activation of fresh peripheral blood rat NK cells by cross-linking with the anti-NKR-P1A 3.2.3 mAb induced calcium-dependent AA release, which is due to the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), and diacylglycerol/monoacylglycerol lipase. We also documented the presence of a type II sPLA2 activity in the supernatant fluids from NKR-P1A-activated rat NK cells, suggesting that AA and lysophospholipids could be mobilized from the outside of the cell. The involvement of AA-generating enzymes in NKR-P1A-induced cytotoxic functions was also investigated. Treatment of effector cells with arachidonyl trifluoromethylketone, a cPLA2 inhibitor; p-bromophenacylbromide, a sPLA2 inhibitor; or RHC80267, a diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, led to a partial inhibition of the redirected lysis against P815 target cells as well the granule content release induced by NKR-P1A cross-linking. A complete abolishment of these events was observed when the cells were simultaneously incubated with all three inhibitors. Taken together, our results support a crucial role for the arachidonate-generating enzymes in the induction of lytic activity of NK cells directly or by leading to generation of additional mediators that can play a role in the context of NK cell activation and cytotoxic functions.

Induction of the nitric oxide-synthesizing pathway in fresh and interleukin 2-cultured rat natural killer cells.

Several lines of evidence suggest that nitric oxide (NO), generated through nitric oxide synthase (NOS) by cleavage of terminal guanidino nitrogen from L-arginine, mediates tumor cell killing by mononuclear phagocytes. Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic effector cells that lyse a variety of tumor and virus-infected cells in a MHC-unrestricted manner. NK cells cultured with interleukin 2 proliferate and acquire the ability to lyse a wide range of targets, including NK-resistant tumor cells (LAK activity). The present study was designed to investigate whether a NOS pathway exists in fresh or IL-2-activated NK cells and to assess the importance of NO synthesis in their activation and cytotoxic functions. NKR-P1 triggering, which is known to induce NK cell activation and mediate reverse ADCC, was able to induce arginine metabolism with consequent increase of nitrite and citrulline levels. Moreover, stimulated NO synthesis leads to guanylate cyclase activity with consequent cGMP generation. We also report that cytotoxic activities of fresh or IL-2-activated NK cells appear to be dependent on arginine levels in medium. Tumoricidal activity of both these effector cells, assessed against YAC-1 and P815 target cells, respectively, was indeed significantly reduced when cytotoxic assays were performed in arginine-free medium or in the presence of the L-arginine analog L-N-monomethyl-arginine, which inhibits nitroxide formation from L-arginine. Normal levels of cytotoxic activities could be restored by addition of exogenous L-arginine. NO generation by NK and LAK cells, determined as nitrite, citrulline, and cGMP synthesis, correlated well with their cytotoxic activities. Moreover, NOS activity gradually increased during the LAK generation and correlated well with the increasing capability of IL-2-activated NK cells to lyse NK-resistant targets, such as P815.

Follicle-stimulating hormone-induced phospholipase A2 activity and eicosanoid generation in rat Sertoli cells.

The possibility that FSH stimulates the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) pathway was studied in cultured immature Sertoli cells. FSH induced [3H]-arachidonic acid (AA) release from prelabeled cells in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion (ED50 = 21.8 +/- 1.9 ng/ml). This response could be fully prevented by pretreatment of cells with the PLA2 inhibitor, mepacrine. That PLA2 was the main enzyme responsible for cleavage of AA from membrane phospholipids was directly shown by PLA2 activity assay using vesicles of radiolabeled phosphatidylcholine (PC) as substrate. Furthermore, FSH stimulated eicosanoid generation in a time-dependent manner through the cyclooxygenase but not the lipoxygenase pathway. In fact, higher levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2, F2 alpha, and the stable products of PGI2 and thromboxane A2 (6-keto PGF1 alpha and thromboxane B2, respectively) were generated by the gonadotropin-treated cells as compared to control cells. The effect was inhibited by mepacrine, further supporting the pivotal role of PLA2 in the release of the eicosanoid precursor, AA. Finally, the effect of the main product of FSH-induced AA metabolism, i.e., PGE2, was studied. Intracellular cAMP accumulation in Sertoli cells was stimulated by the prostanoid in a dose-dependent manner (ED50 = 2.3 +/- 0.37 nM). PGE2 also significantly stimulated aromatase activity, a specific marker of Sertoli cell functions, measured as 17 beta-estradiol production (ED50 = 4.7 +/- 0.8 nM). Similar results were obtained with PGF2 alpha. Our findings show that FSH, through the activation of PLA2, leads to AA release with consequent metabolism by the cyclooxygenase pathway.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of nitric oxide in cell-mediated tumor cytotoxicity.

Strong and increasing evidence shows that nitric oxide (NO) contributes to immune function, and in particular to 'non-specific host defense'. The aim of the present review was to focus the current understanding of the role of NO as a biochemical effector of L-arginine-dependent cell-mediated immune responses to neoplastic cells in vitro and in vivo. The cytokine-inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) seems to mainly be implicated in the cytotoxic activity of almost all the effector cells involved in tumor cell killing. The cytotoxic actions of NO against tumor cells appear to be related mainly to inhibition of several heme-containing enzymes of the mitochondrial electron transport complex and the citric acid cycle.

Phospholipase A2 activity and calpactin I levels in rat lymphokine-activated killer cells: correlation with the cytotoxic activity.

In the present paper we have shown evidence for a significant increase of type II sPLA2 activity in A-LAK cells. The A-LAK-mediated cytotoxicity against YAC-1 target cells was strongly inhibited by two inhibitors of sPLA2, p-BPB and mepacrine, suggesting the involvement of this enzyme in the lytic mechanism of A-LAK. On the other hand, stimuli such as A23187 ionophore and TPA, which were able to induce in control cells an increased AA release, failed to cause this effect in IL-2-treated cells, suggesting that PLA2 was not active in these cells. Thus, we analyzed the levels of calpactin I, which is considered to be involved in the down-regulation of PLA2 activity. HrIL-2 treatment led to an increased expression of calpactin I at both the RNA and the protein level. A substantial portion of calpactin I was associated with the external surface of A-LAK and was able to exert a strong inhibitory effect on a purified porcine pancreatic PLA2 activity in vitro. Our results suggest that the role of calpactin I could be relevant to regulate PLA2 activity, and to protect the effector cells against a possible toxic effect which this enzyme could exert if present at high levels.