Endothelial progenitor cells are differentially impaired in ANCA-associated vasculitis compared to healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are of major importance in vascular repair under healthy circumstances. Vascular injury in need of repair occurs frequently in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). A specialized T cell subset enhancing EPC function and differentiation has recently been described. These angiogenic T cells (Tang) may have an important impact on the vascular repair process. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate EPC and Tang in AAV. METHODS: Fifty-three patients suffering from AAV and 29 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in our study. Forty-four patients were in remission, nine patients were in active state of disease. Patients were either untreated or were under monotherapy with low-dose steroids (max. 5 mg/day) at the time of sampling. Circulating EPC and Tang were determined by flow cytometry (FACS). The functional capacity of EPC was assessed by established cell culture methods. RESULTS: Circulating EPC were significantly decreased in AAV as compared to HC. The capacity of EPC to differentiate and proliferate was differentially impaired in patients as compared to HC. The outgrowth of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC) was severely decreased in patients whereas colony-forming units-endothelial cell (CFU-EC) outgrowth was unaffected. ECFC and CFU-EC differentiation was strictly T cell-dependent. Patients with a relapsing disease course had an impaired ECFC outgrowth and expansion of Tang as compared to patients with a stable, nonrelapsing disease. CONCLUSIONS: The differentiation process of EPC is impaired in AAV. This may favor insufficient vascular repair promoting a relapsing disease course. Finally, these factors may explain a higher cardiovascular morbidity as has been previously documented in AAV.

Immunoglobulin G anti-endothelial cell antibodies: inducers of endothelial cell apoptosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension?

Endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis seems to play an important role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We aimed to test the hypothesis that circulating anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) of PAH patients induce EC apoptosis. Immunoglobulin (Ig)G was purified from sera of PAH patients (n = 26), patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) nephritis without PAH (n = 16), patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) without PAH (n = 58) and healthy controls (n = 14). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with patient or healthy control IgG for 24 h. Thereafter, apoptosis was quantified by annexin A5 binding and hypoploid cell enumeration by flow cytometry. Furthermore, real-time cell electronic sensing (RT-CES™) technology was used to monitor the effects of purified IgG from patient and healthy control IgG on HUVECs. As demonstrated previously, IgG of AECA-positive SLE nephritis patients (n = 7) induced a higher percentage of apoptosis of HUVECs compared to IgG of AECA-negative SLE nephritis patients and healthy controls. Furthermore, IgG of AECA-positive SLE nephritis patients induced a marked decrease in cell index as assessed by RT-CES™ technology. IgG of AECA-positive PAH patients (n = 12) and SSc patients (n = 13) did not alter the percentage of HUVEC apoptosis or cell index compared to IgG of AECA-negative PAH and SSc patients and healthy controls. AECA-positive PAH patients, in contrast to SLE nephritis patients, do not have circulating IgG AECA that enhances apoptosis of HUVECs in vitro. Further studies should focus on other mechanisms by which AECA may enhance EC apoptosis in PAH, such as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Effects of antibody reactivity to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and non-MHC alloantigens on graft endothelial cells in heart allograft rejection.

BACKGROUND: To gain insight in the pathogenesis of vascular lesions in heart allograft rejection, we investigated effects of allosera reactive with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or non-MHC alloantigens on graft endothelial cells (EC) in a rat transplantation model. METHODS: Anti-MHC and anti-non-MHC allosera were obtained from Brown Norway (RT.1(n)) recipients of a Lewis (RT.1(1)) or congenic LEW.1N (RT.1(n)) heart allograft respectively. Reactivity with endothelial alloantigens was studied in vitro using a series of three rat heart endothelial cell (RHEC) lines of Lewis origin. Phenotypic studies of MHC and non-MHC alloantigen expression, and adhesion molecule induction on EC were performed by immunostaining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Complement-mediated cytotoxicity of allosera was studied using a 51Cr release assay. RESULTS: Both anti-MHC allosera and anti-non-MHC allosera showed reactivity with all three RHEC lines. EC stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-y resulted in increased reactivity of anti-MHC but not of anti-non-MHC allosera. Anti-MHC allosera showed complement-mediated cytotoxicity for EC, which was strongly increased when cytokine-stimulated EC were used. With anti-non-MHC allosera, only minor cytotoxicity was measured, irrespective of the activation of EC. Anti-MHC and anti-non-MHC allosera from the day of rejection (days 7-8 and days 29-35, respectively) had similar subclass profiles of allospecific IgG, except for allospecific IgM, which was only detected in anti-MHC allosera. Complement-mediated cytotoxicity of anti-MHC allosera from the day of rejection was effected mainly by IgM alloantibodies, whereas, in allosera taken 4 days after rejection, a predominance of cytotoxic alloantibodies of the IgG class was observed. No indications were found that either alloantibody reactivity alone or in combination with complement activation led to EC activation processes relevant to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 induction. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that, in heart allograft rejection, MHC but also non-MHC alloantigens on EC are target structures in the alloantibody response. Alloantibodies reactive with endothelial MHC, but not those reactive with non-MHC alloantigens, may significantly contribute to vasculopathy by complement-mediated cytotoxicity. Although no evidence was found that alloantibodies reactive with graft EC induce adhesion molecule expression, they may trigger other EC mechanisms relevant to graft vasculopathy.

Renal injury and salt-sensitive hypertension after exposure to catecholamines.

We investigated whether chronic infusion of phenylephrine could induce structural and functional changes in the kidney of rats with the subsequent development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Rats were infused with phenylephrine (0.15 mmol/kg per day) by minipump, resulting in a moderate increase in systolic blood pressure (BP) (17 to 25 mm Hg) and a marked increase in BP variability as measured by an internal telemetry device. After 8 weeks, the phenylephrine infusion was stopped with the return of BP to normal, and a nephrectomy was performed for histological studies. Glomeruli were largely spared, but focal tubulointerstitial fibrosis was present, with the de novo expression of osteopontin by injured tubules, macrophage and "myofibroblast" accumulation, and focal increases in mRNA for transforming growth factor beta by in situ hybridization. Peritubular capillaries at sites of injury had distorted morphology with shrinkage, rounding, and focal rarefaction, and endothelial cell proliferation was also identified. Rats were randomized to a high (8% NaCl or 1.36 mol/kg) or low (0.1% NaCl or 17 mmol/kg) salt diet. After 4 to 8 weeks, phenylephrine-treated rats on a high salt diet developed marked hypertension, which was in contrast with phenylephrine-treated rats placed on a low salt diet or vehicle-treated rats given a high salt diet. Hypertension after phenylephrine exposure correlated with the initial mean systolic BP (r(2)=0.99) and the degree of BP lability (r(2)=0.99) during the phenylephrine infusion, the amount of osteopontin expressed in the initial biopsy/nephrectomy (r(2)=0.74), and the final glomerular filtration rate (r(2)=0.58). These studies provide a mechanism by which a markedly elevated sympathetic nervous system can induce salt-dependent hypertension even when the hyperactive sympathetic state is no longer engaged.

Comparison of detection techniques for cytokine reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; digoxigenin-labeled polymerase chain reaction permits sensitive detection of cytokine mRNA in rat heart allografts.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a sensitive method for the analysis of cytokine mRNA expression. The amount of specific mRNA in tissues involved in an inflammatory immune response can be low and therefore requires highly sensitive detection of the PCR products. In our study we have compared different detection techniques in order to replace the commonly used detection by means of radiolabeled probes. Besides the detection of DNA in agarose gels by ethidium bromide (EB), we used detection by digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled probes, as well as the direct incorporation of DIG-labeled nucleotides in the PCR, in comparison to detection by means of 32P-labeled probes. In vitro activated rat lymph node cells, lymph node tissue, and acutely or chronically rejected rat heart allografts were examined for expression of mRNA of the cytokines IL-2 and IFNgamma. The directly DIG-labeled PCR appeared to be the best alternative for detection of PCR products by means of radiolabeled probes. While IL-2 mRNA was not detected by means of EB and IFNgamma mRNA was only detected at the highest PCR cycle numbers in acutely and chronically rejected rat heart allografts, both cytokine mRNA's were readily detected by directly DIG-labeled PCR.

Superantigens but not mitogens are capable of inducing upregulation of E-selectin ligands on human T lymphocytes.

Bacterial infections can exacerbate immune mediated dermatoses, possibly via superantigens produced by these bacteria. Therefore, we asked whether superantigens induce the expression of adhesion molecules which may then facilitate invasion of highly activated T cells into different organs. The influence of exfoliative toxin (ET) and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) stimulation on the expression of a broad panel of adhesion and costimulatory molecules was investigated by flow cytometry. We found that only the E-selectin ligands cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA) and sialylated Lewis(x) (CD15s) are significantly upregulated by these superantigens but not by mitogen stimulation. In contrast, the mucosal lymphocyte-associated antigen (MLA) recognized by the monoclonal antibody Ber-Act8 was not differentially induced by mitogen or superantigen stimulation. Therefore, T lymphocyte stimulation by bacterial superantigens might directly influence their skin homing capacity. Furthermore, the superantigen-driven induction of CD15s-an adhesion molecule which is absent or only weakly expressed by resting or mitogen stimulated T cells-may indicate a role of this antigen for T cell skin homing. An additional adhesion pathway via E-selectin may thus be available to lymphocytes, comparable to granulocytes which constitutively express CD15s.

Heart EC respond heterogeneous on cytokine stimulation in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, but not in MHC expression. A study with 3 rat heart endothelial cell (RHEC) lines.

Cytokine-induced expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MHC class I and II was studied at different time points in microvascular endothelial cells (EC) of heart origin, using three different rat endothelial cell (RHEC) lines that were stimulated with TNFalpha and/or IFNgamma. Each of the three RHEC lines responded to TNFalpha as well as to IFNgamma; stimulation with combined cytokines led to increased or even synergistic effects. TNFalpha was most potent in inducing ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, whereas MHC class II was most effectively induced by IFNgamma. The 3 RHEC lines responded similarly regarding induction of MHC class II and upregulation of constitutively expressed MHC class I on the cells. However, the RHEC lines showed remarkable differences with respect to ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 induction, with each line having a unique expression profile. In RHEC-3, both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were well inducible, whereas in RHEC-10, no ICAM-1 and only some VCAM-1 could be induced. RHEC-11 showed minimal induction of ICAM-1, but strong induction of VCAM-1. For P-selectin induction, no such differences were found between the RHEC lines. These heterogeneous effects of cytokine stimulation could neither be explained by differences in mobilization of calcium nor by ultra-structural differences between the lines. Stimulation of the RHEC lines for ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 or MHC class II molecule induction resulted in expressing and non-expressing EC. Experiments with selected and subsequently cultured expressing and non-expressing cell populations for either ICAM-1, VCAM-1 or MHC class II, indicated that this selective induction most likely results from intrinsic regulation mechanisms in the cell cultures, and not from the presence of particular EC subpopulations within the lines. We conclude that microvascular heart endothelial cells, as represented by the 3 RHEC lines, demonstrate a selective heterogeneity in expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, but not of MHC class I and II, upon cytokine stimulation. The consequences of this heterogeneity for leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in heart inflammation and immune reactivity is discussed.

Mast cell-mediated induction of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin in endothelial cells in vitro: constitutive release of inducing mediators but no effect of degranulation.

Mast cell (MC)-mediated induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and of E-selectin was studied in cultures of rat heart endothelial cells (EC) and human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) respectively. MC induced VCAM-1 and E-selectin, but hardly any ICAM-1 in EC. Induction was not dependent on MC degranulation, but seemed to be provoked by constitutively released substances, other than histamine, from MC. Co-incubation of MC and EC, allowing for direct contact between the two cell types, was more potent in induction than MC co-incubated separately from EC using a permeable membrane. MC were less potent in induction than exogenous added cytokines or LPS. Induction of cell adhesion molecules in rat heart EC was MC-specific, since EC incubations with either rat cardiomyocytes or heart fibroblasts had no effect. The data show that rat MC, independent of degranulation, secrete mediators relevant for the induction of a specific set of EC adhesion molecules in vitro. This suggests a (supportive) role for MC in cell-adhesion molecule induction in the endothelium in settings of early or mild inflammation. The results are discussed in the context of inflammatory processes in the heart in vivo.

A dual role for endothelial cells in cytomegalovirus infection? A study of cytomegalovirus infection in a series of rat endothelial cell lines.

Several clinical findings point to the involvement of microvascular endothelial cells in cytomegalovirus-related pathology. In this study the interactions of cytomegalovirus (CMV) with microvascular endothelial cells was investigated in an in vitro rat model. A series of rat endothelial cell lines, considered representative for the heterogeneity of heart microvascular endothelium in vivo, were infected with rat CMV (RCMV). The course of infection and production of infectious virus were examined using immunofluorescence staining and plaque titration assays, and was compared with infection of fully permissive rat fibroblasts. These endothelial cell lines displayed differences in susceptibility to CMV infection. Two endothelial cell lines (RHEC 50 and 191) were practically non-permissive, while four endothelial cell lines (RHEC 3, 10, 11 and 116) were partly permissive for CMV infection. In contrast to CMV infection in fibroblasts, only limited infection of the permissive endothelial cell lines was observed without spreading of CMV infection through the monolayer, although infectious virus was produced. Detachment of infected endothelial cells and recovery of the monolayer with time was observed. The detached endothelial cells were able to transmit CMV infection to fibroblast monolayers, but not to endothelial monolayers. Our in vitro results demonstrate differences in permissiveness for RCMV between the series of rat endothelial cell lines, which is suggestive for endothelial heterogeneity to CMV infection in vivo. Our findings indicate that endothelial cells are relatively resistant to CMV infection and that, upon infection, the endothelial monolayer may dispose of the virus via detachment of the infected cells. This points to a dual role for the endothelium in CMV infection in vivo: a barrier for CMV infection (by the endothelial monolayer) on the one hand and spreading of CMV infection (by detached infected cells) on the other hand.

Production and characterization of spontaneous rat heart endothelial cell lines.

Endothelial cells (EC) are important regulatory cells in physiology and pathology. in vitro studies with rat EC from heart tissue are hampered by laborious isolation and purification procedures, low yield, and limited lifespan of the cells. Therefore, it is essential to obtain long-term heart EC lines that offer a more adequate in vitro system for studying rat heart EC. An ex vivo perfusion model was used to isolate EC from rat heart. Isolation and culture conditions were modified to allow spontaneous development of immortalized rat heart EC (RHEC) lines. Produced cell lines were tested for endothelial nature using a panel of markers. The selected RHEC lines were subsequently tested for a series of phenotypic and functional properties representative of EC in the context of physiologic and inflammatory functions in vivo. A series of three spontaneous RHEC lines was produced from 13 isolations from Lewis rat hearts: RHEC-3, RHEC-10, and RHEC-11. These lines were stable for more than 30 passages (RHEC-3 for more than 100). The cell lines were tumorigenic and developed hemangiomas on in vivo injection. All three lines expressed major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I but no MHC class II. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 was only expressed by RHEC-3. Cytokine stimulation induced vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 in RHEC-3 and RHEC-11 as well as MHC class II in all three lines in different quantities. The phenotypic characteristics of the different RHEC lines resembled the myocardial microvascular endothelium in situ. The three lines expressed angiotensin-converting enzyme, and they responded to histamine and ATP but not to thrombin and bradykinin. They constitutively produced small amounts of endothelin and high levels of tissue plasminogen activator; they produced little (after stimulation with phorbol-ester PMA) or no von Willebrand factor. The RHEC lines produced thromboxane A2 but no prostacyclin; on stimulation with arachidonic acid and A23187, they produced prostaglandin E2. Therefore, we conclude the following. 1) The described isolation and culture technique is successful for production of spontaneous stable EC lines from rat heart. 2) RHEC-3, -10, and -11 can be considered a series of different lines representative of the heterogeneity of heart microvascular endothelium in vivo. 3) The RHEC lines offer a series of valuable tools to study various heart EC functions and mechanisms in physiology and pathology.

Lack of evidence for a role of mast cell degranulation in acute hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury in the isolated rat heart.

In the present study, we evaluated the potential role of mast cell degranulation in acute hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury to cardiomyocytes in the isolated rat heart. Histamine release was determined to delineate the extent of mast cell degranulation, whereas the release of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was assessed to quantitate the extent of irreversible injury to cardiomyocytes. The suitability of peroxidase (PO) as a marker for mast cell degranulation was also evaluated. Reoxygenation resulted in a release of histamine corresponding with 6.5% +/- 0.6% of total tissue content, whereas LDH, CK and PO release amounted to 30% +/- 2%, 28% +/- 2% and 32% +/- 3% of their respective tissue contents. Identical perfusion in the presence of the mast cell stabilizer lodoxamide tromethamine resulted in a reduced histamine release (2.8% +/- 0.1%) of total tissue content upon reoxygenation, but the release of LDH, CK or PO was not influenced. Cumulative histamine release did not correlate with the amount of LDH, CK or PO released. Treatment with consecutive bolus injections of the mast cell degranulating compound 48/80 during normoxic perfusion resulted in an almost complete histamine release, whereas PO release remained below detection limit. When the compound 48/80-treated hearts were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation, the release of LDH, CK or PO during reoxygenation again remained unchanged, whereas histamine release was negligible. Determination of PO activity of freshly isolated cardiomyocytes demonstrated that the bulk of PO in rat hearts was located in this particular cell type. Therefore we conclude that in the isolated rat heart, PO release is not a specific marker of mast cell degranulation. In addition, our data provide no firm evidence that in this experimental model, mast cell degranulation contributes to a significant extent to acute hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury to cardiomyocytes.

The superantigen exfoliative toxin induces cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen expression in peripheral human T lymphocytes.

Several immune-mediated dermatoses including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis can be exacerbated by bacterial infections. Superantigen producing bacteria can be isolated from skin lesions of these dermatoses. Consistent with superantigen effects, skewed T cell receptor variable gene usage has been demonstrated within these lesions. Therefore, the question arises whether superantigen induce a skin-seeking phenotype within peripheral T cells. In this study, we investigated the in vitro influence of the V beta 2-selective superantigen exfoliative toxin from Staphylococcus aureus on the expression of the cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen on peripheral T lymphocytes of healthy donors. We demonstrate that exfoliative toxin dramatically upregulates cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen expression on T cell receptor V beta 2+ lymphocytes. Up to 69% of V beta 2+ lymphocytes expressed cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen after 5 days of in vitro culture. Additionally, exfoliative toxin also increased cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen expression in CD3+ T cell receptor V beta 2- lymphocytes indicating a different effect as caused by the superantigen-T cell receptor V beta 2 interaction. Our findings suggest influence of bacterial superantigens on T lymphocyte skin homing in vivo.

Participation of glomerular endothelial cells in the capillary repair of glomerulonephritis.

In many glomerular diseases severe injury to the mesangium may occur, leading to matrix dissolution and damage to the glomerular capillaries. Although the destruction of glomerular architecture may lead to permanent injury, in some cases spontaneous recovery occurs. The mechanisms that mediate this recovery are unknown. In this study we provide evidence for glomerular capillary repair (angiogenesis) in the adult injured glomerulus. Injection of anti-Thy 1 antibody into rats results in severe mesangiolysis with capillary ballooning, microaneurysm formation, and loss of endothelial cells in addition to mesangial cells. Although mesangial proliferation is a major response to injury, proliferation of endothelial cells also can be documented from days 2 to 14 in association with repair of the capillaries. The endothelial cell proliferation peaks on days 2 and 7, when it is seven- to ninefold greater than normal. Many of the endothelial cells display morphological features of angiogenesis. The initial wave of endothelial cell proliferation can be reduced by 40% with neutralizing anti-basic fibroblast growth factor antibodies (P < 0.001). The later glomerular endothelial cell proliferation is associated with upregulated expression of vascular permeability factor/endothelial cell growth factor (VPF/VEGF) and an increase of flk, a VPF/VEGF receptor. Although PDGF is expressed in this model, anti-PDGF antibody treatment did not affect the endothelial cell proliferative response. In summary, glomerular endothelial cells have an active role in the glomerular response to injury. Glomeruli are capable of healing microaneurysms, and the mechanism involves basic fibroblast growth factor- and VPF/VEGF-mediated endothelial proliferative responses.

Immunohistochemistry of Nasopharyngeal (Waldeyer's ring equivalent) lymphoid tissue in the rat.

Previously we have described the presence of Waldeyer's ring equivalent (WRE) lymphoid tissue in the rat, and pointed out the importance of such an experimental model for studying the immunological role of nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue. Here we extend this work with immunohistological data in terms of compartmentalization and distribution of the various lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells of this WRE lymphoid tissue in situ. WRE tissue consists of distinct T cell and B cell areas. B cell areas predominate; they are located directly under the mucosal epithelium and consist mainly of follicles. These follicles frequently contain a germinal center with IgD negative B cells interspersed with scattered CD4 (helper/inducer) T cells. Follicular dendritic cells are present in the germinal centers. T cell areas, on the other hand, are predominantly present at the abluminal side of the WRE in interfollicular areas. In these areas high endothelial venules and both CD4 and CD8 (suppressor/cytotoxic) T cell populations with a clear preponderance of CD4 over CD8 cells can be observed. MHC class II positive interdigitating dendritic cells are also scattered throughout these T cell areas. Mononuclear phagocytes (ED1-positive monocytes/macrophages) are scattered throughout the WRE, but especially in the T cell areas. A subpopulation of (ED3-positive) mononuclear phagocytes, e.g., the lymphoid tissue macrophage, is exclusively scattered between the small blood vessels along the abluminal side of the lymphoid tissue. Here, plasma cells, including those of the IgA type, are located. The data show that nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue in the rat can be considered as an immunologically fully equipped and active mucosal lymphoid organ presumably executing similar immune functions as the tonsils in the human Waldeyer's ring.

Expression patterns of leukocyte adhesion ligand molecules on human liver endothelia. Lack of ELAM-1 and CD62 inducibility on sinusoidal endothelia and distinct distribution of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and LFA-3.

Vascular expressed adhesion molecules mediate leukocyte reactivity and activation by receptor-ligand binding. A number of different ligand molecules have been identified to mediate the interaction between endothelial cells and leukocyte subpopulations. In this study, the tissue expression of ELAM-1, CD62 (PADGEM, GMP-140), VACM-1 (INCAM-110), ICAM-2, ICAM-1, and LFA-3 was analyzed on various liver endothelial cell types by immunohistology. The results reveal a differential expression of these molecules in normal liver and inflammation or rejection after liver transplantation. The selectins ELAM-1 and CD62 are basally expressed and inducible on portal tract endothelia (arterial and venous) and central vein endothelia with acute and chronic liver inflammation. Sinusoidal endothelia, however, lack this mechanism, even with severe inflammation, as in cases of irreversible rejection and sepsis. Portal and sinusoidal endothelia show a different expression and inducibility of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and LFA-3. The differences in expression of adhesion molecules on liver endothelial cell types may reflect their ability to regulate leukocyte trafficking and activation by means of the expression of specific ligand molecules. The inability of sinusoidal endothelia to express selectins may have implications for the pathophysiology of liver graft infiltration.

Tonsillar (Waldyer's ring equivalent) lymphoid tissue in the rat: lymphocyte subset binding to high endothelial venules (HEV) and in situ distribution.

We have studied lymphocyte traffic to the Waldeyer's ring equivalent (WRE) lymphoid tissue of the rat, by measuring the in vitro binding of various lymphocyte subsets to high endothelial venules (HEV) in the WRE. In addition, we studied the in situ distribution of these lymphocyte subsets. WRE tissue consists of B and T cell areas; the latter contain HEV. B cells outnumber T cells, and T helper (CD4) cells outnumber T suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8) cells (T/B ratio = 0.7; CD4/CD8 ratio = 5.1). In vitro studies of lymphocyte binding showed that lymphocytes adhere almost equally well to HEV in WRE tissue as to HEV in lymph node (LN) tissue, and much better to HEV in WRE than to HEV in Peyer's patch (PP) tissue. T cells bind better than B cells to HEV in WRE (T/B binding ratio = 1.8), and CD8 cells better than CD4 cells (CD8/CD4 ratio of 2.9-3.2, dependent on cell source). The observed preference of T over B cells in binding to HEV is not reflecting the distribution of these lymphocyte sets in situ. In this respect the WRE takes a unique position, since in other lymphoid organs T/B binding ratios parallels T and B cell distribution in situ. This may suggest a much more rapid passage of T cells through the WRE than through other lymphoid tissues, although other mechanisms cannot be ruled out. The CD8/CD4 binding ratio to HEV in WRE contrasts with situ distribution of these cells also; however, this is found for LN and PP lymphoid tissue too.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reactivation of rat cytomegalovirus in lung allografts: an experimental and immunohistochemical study in rats.

Reactivation of latent rat cytomegalovirus (RCMV) from a lung allograft or from a recipient was studied in RCMV-mismatched combinations (donor [D]-/recipient [R]+, D+/R-, and D+/R+) with latently infected lung grafts and chronically infected rats in an inbred rat model. Nineteen transplants in a major histocompatibility complex different strain combination (Brown-Norway/Lewis) were immunosuppressed daily (cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisolone) from day 3 after orthotopic left lung transplantation and killed on days 3, 6, and 21. Control groups consisted of nine chronically RCMV-infected rats with immunosuppression without transplantation and six allografts with immunosuppression without RCMV infection. Reactivation of latent RCMV was tested by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies against RCMV-induced antigens and by plaque assays of the virus in the salivary glands. The following results were obtained: (1) All allotransplants developed acute ongoing rejection on days 3 and 6, and the rejection was resolved on day 21 by immunosuppression. (2) Reactivation was observed in allotransplanted groups, but not in the control rats. (3) In the D+/R+ and D-/R+ groups on days 3 and 6, the number of RCMV-related antigen-positive cells increased in the recipient spleen and lymph nodes and in the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue of the donor lung in the D-/R+ group, but not in the chronically RCMV-infected controls. (4) In the D+/R- group on day 6, RCMV-induced antigen-positive cells were observed in the spleen and lymph nodes of the recipient and also around the vessels in the recipient lung. (5) In the D-/R+ group, vascular endothelial cells or mildly infiltrated mononuclear cell subpopulations around the vessels in the lung allograft showed weakly positive staining against RCMV-related antigens on day 6. (6) After the initial acute rejection on days 3 and 6 was treated by immunosuppressive drugs, reactivated acute RCMV infection became chronic or latent again on day 21. We conclude that RCMV infection could be transferred with latently infected lung allografts by reactivation of latent RCMV. In rats, as in man, alloimmune responses seemed to have a definite influence on the reactivation of latent RCMV after lung transplantation.