James B. Mangum

Opposing Actions of Stat1 and Stat6 on IL-13-Induced Up-Regulation of Early Growth Response-1 and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Ligands in Pulmonary Fibroblasts

IL-13 is a key cytokine involved in airway remodeling in asthma. We previously reported that IL-13 stimulated the mitogenesis of lung fibroblasts via platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA. In this report, we show that IL-13 increases PDGF-A and PDGF-C mRNA levels through a dual intracellular cascade that requires coactivation of Stat6 and Stat1 to impact transcriptional regulation of the early growth response (Egr)-1 gene, which then drives PDGF expression. Increased levels of PDGF-AA and PDGF-CC protein were observed in vivo in the airways of IL-13 transgenic mice. IL-13 up-regulated PDGF-A and PDGF-C mRNA levels in lung fibroblasts isolated from three different background strains of mice. However, IL-13-induced PDGF-A and PDGF-C mRNA levels were significantly reduced in Stat6-deficient (Stat6−/−) fibroblasts as compared with wild-type Stat6+/+ fibroblasts. In contrast, IL-13-induced PDGF-A and PDGF-C mRNAs were enhanced in Stat1−/− fibroblasts as compared with Stat1+/+ fibroblasts. IL-13 did not up-regulate PDGF-A or PDGF-C mRNA levels in Egr-1−/− fibroblasts. Moreover, IL-13 did not increase Egr-1 mRNA and protein levels in Stat6−/− fibroblasts and yet enhanced Egr-1 mRNA and protein levels in Stat1−/− fibroblasts. Our findings support the hypothesis that Stat6 and Stat1 exert stimulatory and inhibitory effects on Egr-1 and PDGF ligand mRNA transcription, respectively. This novel mechanism could aid in identifying molecular targets for the treatment of chronic airway remodeling and fibrosis in asthma.

Co-culture of primary pulmonary cells to model alveolar injury and translocation of proteins.

SummaryPrimary rat alveolar type II cells and early passage rat lung fibroblasts were co-cultured on opposite sides of a collagen-coated polycarbonate filter. This is an approach to “model”, in part, an alveolar wall to study mechanisms of cytotoxicity and translocation of bioactive materials from the alveolar space to the lung interstitium. Type II cells were recovered from adult rat (Fischer 344) lungs by enzyme digestion and “panning”. Lung fibroblasts were separated from the same species, cultured initially in 10% fetal bovine serum and used in the co-culture system at early passage. The type II cells formed a monolayer of defferentiated epithelium which provided a barrier on the upper side of the collagen (human type IV)-coated filter. The fibroblasts on the bottom of the filter replicated logarithmically in the presence of serum, could be rendered quiescent in defined medium and then returned to rapid growth phase with the reintroduction of serum. The intact epithelial monolayer excluded trypan blue, albumin, platelet-derived growth factor, and alpha2-macroglobulin from the lower compartment of the culture chamber. Altering the integrity of the monolayer by a variety of means allowed translocation of these materials through the collagen-coated filters. Particularly interesting was the effect of taurine chloramine which caused subtle changes in the alveolar epithelium and allowed subsequent translocation of albumin. In addition, we showed that rat alveolar macrophages remain viable with some spreading on the surface of the epithelial monolayer. This co-culture system will have future application in the study of how reactive oxygen species might affect the epithelial barrier, and whether macrophage-derived growth factors can influence fibroblast proliferation if the monolayer is intact or injured.

High Mortality with Severe Dystrophic Cardiac Calcinosis in C3H/OUJ Mice Fed High Fat Purified Diets

Severe degenerative myocardial disease occurred in female C3H/OUJ mice fed purified diets for 36 weeks; the diet contained 5% or 20% fat as non-hydrogenated soybean oil. Deaths of lactating females of this group (17/35 high fat diet and 7/35 low fat diet animals) were due to sudden cardiovascular collapse. Cardiomegaly with marked atrial and ventricular myocardial mineralization was seen at necropsy. Histologically. the random, myopathic foci were characterized by severe myocardial degeneration, mineralization, and fibrosis. Mural thrombosis, pulmonary arteriosclerosis, and mild myocardial inflammatory cell infiltrates were also present. Pathological changes were similar to those of dystrophic cardiac calcinosis, an incidental necropsy finding in certain mouse strains.

Genomic analysis of human lung fibroblasts exposed to vanadium pentoxide to identify candidate genes for occupational bronchitis

BackgroundExposure to vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is a cause of occupational bronchitis. We evaluated gene expression profiles in cultured human lung fibroblasts exposed to V2O5in vitro in order to identify candidate genes that could play a role in inflammation, fibrosis, and repair during the pathogenesis of V2O5-induced bronchitis.MethodsNormal human lung fibroblasts were exposed to V2O5 in a time course experiment. Gene expression was measured at various time points over a 24 hr period using the Affymetrix Human Genome U133A 2.0 Array. Selected genes that were significantly changed in the microarray experiment were validated by RT-PCR.ResultsV2O5 altered more than 1,400 genes, of which ~300 were induced while >1,100 genes were suppressed. Gene ontology categories (GO) categories unique to induced genes included inflammatory response and immune response, while GO catogories unique to suppressed genes included ubiquitin cycle and cell cycle. A dozen genes were validated by RT-PCR, including growth factors (HBEGF, VEGF, CTGF), chemokines (IL8, CXCL9, CXCL10), oxidative stress response genes (SOD2, PIPOX, OXR1), and DNA-binding proteins (GAS1, STAT1).ConclusionOur study identified a variety of genes that could play pivotal roles in inflammation, fibrosis and repair during V2O5-induced bronchitis. The induction of genes that mediate inflammation and immune responses, as well as suppression of genes involved in growth arrest appear to be important to the lung fibrotic reaction to V2O5.

Pulmonary and Pleural Responses in Fischer 344 Rats Following Short-Term Inhalation of a Synthetic Vitreous Fiber I. Quantitation of Lung and Pleural Fiber Burdens

The pleura is an important target tissue of fiber-induced disease, although it is not known whether fibers must be in direct contact with pleural cells to exert pathologic effects. In the present study, we determined the kinetics of fiber movement into pleural tissues of rats following inhalation of RCF-1, a ceramic fiber previously shown to induce neoplasms in the lung and pleura of rats. Male Fischer 344 rats were exposed by nose-only inhalation to RCF-1 at 89 mg/m3 (2645 WHO fibers/cc), 6 hr/day for 5 consecutive days. On Days 5 and 32, thoracic tissues were analyzed to determine pulmonary and pleural fiber burdens. Mean fiber counts were 22 x 10(6)/lung (25 x 10(3)/pleura) at Day 5 and 18 x 10(6)/lung (16 x 10(3)/pleura) at Day 32. Similar geometric mean lengths (GML) and diameters (GMD) of pulmonary fiber burdens were observed at both time points. Values were 5 microns for GML (geometric standard deviation GSD approximately 2.3) and 0.3 micron for GMD (GSD approximately 1.9), with correlations between length and diameter (tau) of 0.2-0.3. Size distributions of pleural fiber burdens at both time points were approximately 1.5 microns GML (GSD approximately 2.0) and 0.09 micron GMD (GSD approximately 1.5; tau approximately 0.2-0.5). Few fibers longer than 5 microns were observed at either time point. These findings demonstrate that fibers can rapidly translocate to pleural tissues. However, only short, thin (< 5 microns in length) fibers could be detected over the 32-day time course of the experiment.

SOLUBLE ICAM-1, MCP-1, AND MIP-2 PROTEIN SECRETION BY RAT PLEURAL MESOTHELIAL CELLS FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO AMOSITE ASBESTOS

Pleural inflammation is a sequela of exposure to toxic mineral fibers such as amosite asbestos. This inflammatory response involves the influx of leukocytes from the vasculature into the pleural space. Adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM)-1 and chemokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP)-1 and macrophage inhibitory protein-2 (MIP)-2 are known to be important in pulmonary inflammation following inhalation of particulate matter. However, little is known about their role in pleural inflammation secondary to amosite asbestos exposure. Because the pleural mesothelial cell is believed to be a key target cell of asbestos exposure, the purpose of this study was to determine if ICAM-1, MCP-1, and MIP-2 proteins were secreted by these mesothelial cells following in vitro and in vivo exposure to amosite asbestos. Increased levels of ICAM-1 and MCP-1 protein were measured following 24 or 48 hours exposure of cultured rat pleural mesothelial cells to amosite fibers (1.5 to 5.0 μ g/cm 2) . Increased levels of ICAM-1, MCP-1, and MIP-2 protein were found in pleural lavage fluid from Fischer-344 rats exposed to amosite asbestos for 4 and 12 weeks and after a 12-week recovery period (following the 12-week exposure period). These findings suggest that the secretion of ICAM-1, MCP-1, and MIP-2 by rat pleural mesothelial cells may contribute to amosite-induced pleural inflammation.

Cytochrome P-450- and glutathione-associated enzyme activities in freshly isolated enriched lung cell fractions from β-naphthoflavone-treated male F344 rats

Abstract Xenobiotics metabolized in rat pulmonary tissue are often selectively cytotoxic to individual lung cell populations. A non-homogeneous distribution of xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes, e.g., cytochrome P-450- and glutathione (GSH)-associated enzymes, in rat lung tissue may underlie this observed cell-selective pneumotoxicity. To evaluate this hypothesis, the relative activities of P-450- and GSH-associated enzymes were measured in sonicated, freshly isolated preparations containing enriched complements of individual toxicant-sensitive lung cell types, including non-ciliated bronchiolar epithelial (Clara) cells (24% pure), alveolar type II cells (86% pure) and pulmonary endothelial cells (identified by membrane-associated angiotensin converting enzyme activity). Lung cell fractions were isolated by centrifugal elutriation from male F344 rats that 48 h earlier received a single i.p. injection of either P-450-inducer s-naphthoflavone (50 mg β-NF/kg body weight) or corn oil vehicle. The enriched Clara cell fraction possessed (per 106 cells) greater P-450 and reduced GSH contents and higher enzyme activities (i.e., NADPH- and NADH cytochrome c reductases, benzyloxy (BROD)-, pentoxy (PROD)- and ethoxyresorufin (EROD)-O-dealkylases, GSH transferase, GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase) than either the enriched type II cell or endothelial cell preparations. However, the relative biochemical activities for the enriched fractions (Clara > type II > endothelial) generally reflected respective sonicate cellular protein content. Treatment of rats with s-NF resulted in: (a) an induction in EROD activity in the enriched preparations of type II cells, Clara cells and endothelial cells (125-, 89, and 35-fold, respectively); (b) higher NADPH quinone oxidoreductase activities, which were increased to the greatest degree (3-fold) in the enriched type II cell fraction and (c) a small elevation in GSH transferase activity measured in the enriched Clara cell fraction. Although the enriched rat lung cell preparations possessed unique biochemical profiles for constitutive and β-NF-inducible P-450- and GSH-associated enzymes, additional studies with higher purity preparations (e.g., Clara cells) will be required to more fully evaluate the relationship between relative cellular complements of xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes and pneumotoxicant susceptibility.

The Acute Extracellular Flux (XF) Assay to Assess Compound Effects on Mitochondrial Function

Numerous investigations have linked mitochondrial dysfunction to adverse health outcomes and drug-induced toxicity. The pharmaceutical industry is challenged with identifying mitochondrial liabilities earlier in drug development and thereby reducing late-stage attrition. Consequently, there is a demand for reliable, higher-throughput screening methods for assessing the impact of drug candidates on mitochondrial function. The extracellular flux (XF) assay described here is a plate-based method in which galactose-conditioned HepG2 cells were acutely exposed to test compounds, then real-time changes in the oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate were simultaneously measured using a Seahorse Bioscience XF-96 analyzer. The acute XF assay was validated using marketed drugs known to modulate mitochondrial function, and data analysis was automated using a spline curve fitting model developed at GlaxoSmithKline. We demonstrate that the acute XF assay is a robust, sensitive screening platform for evaluating drug-induced effects on mitochondrial activity in whole cells.

Osteopontin expression in particle-induced lung disease

□ Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted cytokine with cell adhesive and chemoattractive functions whose expression is induced by a variety of environmental toxicants. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several pulmonary granulomatous and fibrotic conditions. For these reasons the authors investigated OPN expression in experimental particle-induced lung disease using a titanium dioxide exposure model in the rat. Under exposure conditions that resulted in fibroproliferative lung disease, rats had significant increases in total lung OPN mRNA expression and increased levels of OPN protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) prior to the development of lesions. OPN immunoreactivity studies of lesion development provide evidence that this multifunctional cytokine may be important in the pathogenesis of particle-induced lung disease. Findings suggest that OPN may serve as an important biomarker for particle-induced lung disease.

Chrysotile asbestos and H2O2 increase permeability of alveolar epithelium.

The alveolar epithelium contains tight junctions and provides a barrier to passage of potentially injurious substances into the pulmonary interstitium. Alveolar epithelial injury is hypothesized to be an important early event in the pathogenesis of asbestosis. Mechanisms that may contribute to alveolar epithelial cell injury following asbestos exposure include the physicochemical interactions between asbestos fibers and cells, and the generation of reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The present study examined changes in transepithelial resistance (Rt) (a measure of barrier function) and permeability of alveolar epithelium after chrysotile asbestos and H2O2 exposure. Alveolar epithelial cell monolayers, obtained from isolation of rat alveolar type II cells and grown on porous supports, were exposed to chrysotile asbestos or polystyrene beads (control) at concentrations of 5, 10, and 25 micrograms/cm2 for 24 h. In separate experiments, monolayers were exposed to H2O2 at concentrations of 50, 75, and 100 microM for 1 h Rt was measured using a voltohmmeter. Prior to treatment, monolayers had a high Rt (> 2000 ohms.cm2). Permeability was assessed by measuring flux of [3H]sucrose from apical to basolateral compartments. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and preincorporated [14C]adenine release. The morphological integrity of the monolayers was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Chrysotile asbestos and H2O2 exposure resulted in dose-dependent decrease in alveolar epithelial Rt and increases in permeability under conditions that did not result in over cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that both chrysotile asbestos and H2O2 have effects on alveolar epithelial Rt and permeability and suggest a potential role for the alveolar epithelium in mediation of asbestos-induced pulmonary interstitial disease.