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Activation of macrophages and macrophage cell lines by bacterial LPS elicits a delayed phase of PG biosynthesis that appears to be entirely mediated by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In previous work, we found that a catalytically active group V secreted phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-V) was required for COX-2 induction, but the nature of the sPLA(2)-V metabolite involved was not defined. In this study, we identify lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) as the sPLA(2)-V downstream mediator involved in COX-2 induction by LPS-stimulated macrophages. Inhibition of sPLA(2)-V by RNA interference or by the cell-permeable compound scalaradial blocked LPS-induced COX-2 expression, and this inhibition was overcome by incubating the cells with a nonhydrolyzable lysoPC analog, but not by arachidonic acid or oleic acid. Moreover, inhibition of sPLA(2)-V by scalaradial also prevented the activation of the transcription factor c-Rel, and such an inhibition was also selectively overcome by the lysoPC analog. Collectively, these results support a model whereby sPLA(2)-V hydrolysis of phospholipids upon LPS stimulation results in lysoPC generation, which in turn regulates COX-2 expression by a mechanism involving the transcriptional activity of c-Rel.

Murine P388D(1) macrophages exhibit a delayed prostaglandin biosynthetic response when exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for prolonged periods of time that is dependent on induction of the genes coding for Group V secretory phospholipase A(2) and cyclooxygenase-2. We herein report that LPS-induced arachidonic acid (AA) metabolite release in P388D(1) macrophages is strongly attenuated by the P2X(7) purinergic receptor antagonists periodate-oxidized ATP and pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2', 4'-disulfonic acid, and this is accompanied by suppression of the expression of both Group V secretory phospholipase A(2) and cyclooxygenase-2. The effect appears to be specific for LPS, because the P2 purinergic receptor antagonists do not affect P388D(1) cell stimulation by other stimuli such as platelet-activating factor or the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187. Moreover, extracellular nucleotides are found to stimulate macrophage AA mobilization with a pharmacological profile that implicates the participation of the P2X(7) receptor and that is inhibited by periodate-oxidized ATP. Collectively these results demonstrate coupling of the P2X(7) receptor to the AA cascade in P388D(1) macrophages and implicate the participation of this type of receptor in LPS-induced AA mobilization.

Q-fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii, which is an obligate intracellular bacterium with a broad spectrum of host cells, including macrophages. Cytokines produced from macrophages infected by intracellular bacteria play a critical role in the expression of innate immune responses as well as in the subsequent triggering of protective acquired cell-mediated immunity. We followed the induction and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1alpha), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin 12 (IL-12) in the macrophage-like mouse cell line P388D1 during the initial phase of an in vitro infection by virulent C. burnetii Nine Mile. Secretion of IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha were observed within 3 h post-inoculation. IL-12, however, was not detected in cell supernatants. Two forms of C. burnetii exist, virulent phase I and avirulent phase II organisms. To determine whether the cytokine response was dependent on the form of C. burnetii, the induction of IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha in infected P388D1 cells was compared. Both cytokines were produced by macrophages early after infection with Phase I bacteria. A similar induction of TNF-alpha was observed after infection with the avirulent Phase II bacteria, but no IL-1alpha induction could be detected. As the only difference identified between the two forms of C. burnetii is the composition of their lipopolysaccharides (LPS), the ability of each of the purified LPS from the two variants to induce IL-1alpha was investigated. Purified C. burnetii LPS induced a moderate IL-1alpha response in comparison to that induced by the efficient stimulator E. coli LPS. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in action between Phase I and Phase II LPS preparations. We thus postulate that factors other than LPS differ between the two variants of C. burnetii, and these differences may account for differences in IL-1alpha induction.

Group V secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) rather than Group IIA sPLA2 is involved in short term, immediate arachidonic acid mobilization and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in the macrophage-like cell line P388D1. When a new clone of these cells, P388D1/MAB, selected on the basis of high responsivity to lipopolysaccharide plus platelet-activating factor, was studied, delayed PGE2 production (6-24 h) in response to lipopolysaccharide alone occurred in parallel with the induction of Group V sPLA2 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). No changes in the level of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) or COX-1 were observed, and Group IIA sPLA2 was not detectable. Use of a potent and selective sPLA2 inhibitor, 3-(3-acetamide 1-benzyl-2-ethylindolyl-5-oxy)propanesulfonic acid (LY311727), and an antisense oligonucleotide specific for Group V sPLA2 revealed that delayed PGE2 was largely dependent on the induction of Group V sPLA2. Also, COX-2, not COX-1, was found to mediate delayed PGE2 production because the response was completely blocked by the specific COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. Delayed PGE2 production and Group V sPLA2 expression were also found to be blunted by the inhibitor methylarachidonyl fluorophosphonate. Because inhibition of Ca2+-independent PLA2 by an antisense technique did not have any effect on the arachidonic acid release, the data using methylarachidonyl fluorophosphonate suggest a key role for the cPLA2 in the response as well. Collectively, the results suggest a model whereby cPLA2 activation regulates Group V sPLA2 expression, which in turn is responsible for delayed PGE2 production via COX-2.

The intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of P338D.1 macrophage-like cells, activated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and/or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were determined using fura-2/AM and ratiometric imaging techniques. Treatment of macrophages with IFN-gamma and LPS resulted in significant downward shift in [Ca2+]i, 8, 16 and 24 h but not at 1 and 4 h after treatment. The decrease in [Ca2+]i also occurred when macrophages were treated with LPS only, but not after exposure of the cells to recombinant IFN-gamma, indicating that LPS was an essential signal in the observed changes in [Ca2+]i of activated macrophages. The IFN-gamma and/or LPS alteration in the [Ca2+]i, paralleled the in vitro nitric oxide production of the activated macrophages, 8, 16 and 24 h after treatment. The decrease in the [Ca2+]i may be caused by vigorous buffering and storing of Ca2+ by macrophages to below the normal resting quantities, following the reported transient increase in Ca2+ during the priming stage of macrophage activation. Thus, the downward shift in [Ca2+]I may play a physiological role in the activation processes of macrophages for antimicrobial responses.

We have previously shown that low-density (LDL) and high-density (HDL) lipoprotein from healthy subjects can promote in vitro prostaglandin (PG) release by murine macrophages. In this pilot study, we have measured PG production induced by lipoproteins of six diabetic patients with poor metabolic control, compared to five healthy controls. Plasma lipoprotein levels were similar in both groups. Lipoprotein fractions were purified by sequential ultracentrifugation. After lipoprotein incubation with cells, supernatants were extracted and PG quantified by HPLC. In presence of LDL, in control subjects, there was an increase in total PG production, mainly due to thromboxane B2 (TxB2). In diabetic patients, the secretion pattern was similar. In presence of HDL, in control subjects, total PG secretion was also increased, but it was balanced between TxB2 and prostacyclin. In diabetic patients, at low HDL concentration (10 mg/l) the secretion was mainly due to TxB2, while at higher HDL concentrations (100 mg/l). the secretion was balanced between TxB2 and prostacyclin. Comparison of means of areas under curve for the two groups studied showed that LDL increased all PG secretion in diabetic patients compared to controls (P < 0.05 for PGF2alpha), while HDL increased all PG secretion in controls compared to diabetic patients, except PGF2alpha. Our work suggests a key role of LDL in TxB2 secretion in diabetic patients, which is a major proaggregant and vasoconstrictive agent. There was also an increased secretion of all PG in diabetic patients.

The regulation of cellular vitamin E concentration was studied in P388D1 macrophage-like cells. Cellular alpha-tocopherol levels increased more than 5000-fold over constitutive levels without reaching saturation when P388D1 cells were cultured in vitamin-E-supplemented fetal calf serum. The uptake of alpha-tocopherol was accompanied by accumulation of alpha-[3H]tocopherol and [14C]cholesterol in these cells. Human unmodified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) inhibited the uptake of alpha-[3H]tocopherol and [14C]cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner and with very similar IC50. Acetylated, Cu2+-oxidized and aggregated human LDL and human very-low-density-lipoprotein (VLDL) were similarly potent, whereas human HDL was at least tenfold less effective than human LDL when inhibitory activity was correlated to lipoprotein protein levels. The rate of vitamin E uptake by P388D1 cells, however, always correlated with the extracellular alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio. Efflux of alpha-[3H]tocopherol from labeled P388D1 cells required extracellular acceptors and was accompanied by the concomitant release of [14C]cholesterol. Both human LDL and HDL could serve as acceptors. Changes in the cellular alpha-tocopherol level appear to be the direct consequence of changes in the extracellular alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio due to a rapid exchange of lipids between P388D1 cells and their extracellular environment. While the transfer of alpha-tocopherol from LDL, VLDL, and fetal calf serum into P388D1 cells appears to occur mainly by diffusion, HDL-stimulated efflux of alpha-tocopherol may underlie a different mechanism. The alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio of the extracellular environment may be a critical factor in determining cellular vitamin E levels in vivo.

Cells of the murine macrophage cell line P388D1 express cell surface CD14 and respond to LPS (lipopolysaccharide) stimulation with the production of TNF (tumor necrosis factor). When the cells are stimulated with LPS a second time then little TNF is produced, i.e. the cells are tolerant. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrates that this tolerance is not due to a downregulation of the CD14 cell surface receptor. Analysis of proteins binding to the -516 NF-kappa B motif of the murine TNF promoter reveals that constitutive p50p50 and LPS stimulation lead to mobilization of a heterodimer consisting of p65/c-rel. In tolerant cells less of the p65/c-rel heterodimer is mobilized but there is a strong upregulation of p50p50. These data show that tolerance to LPS in murine macrophages may involve a predominance of p50 homodimers.

Oxidised human low density lipoprotein (LDL) is thought to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis. Recent reports suggest that glucose-derived oxidants are capable of oxidising LDL. In this report, the effect of glucose-mediated oxidation of LDL upon the macrophage like cell line, P388D(1), was examined. Glucose-mediated oxidation of LDL was assessed by changes in the electrophoretic mobility of LDL and by analysis of lipid content using gas chromatography. The presence of Cu(II) (0.5 microM) was essential for the oxidation of LDL. The oxidation was potentiated by glucose in a dose- and time-dependent manner. At the concentration of LDL used (1 mg/ml), high concentrations of glucose (up to 500 mM) were required to oxidise LDL. The electrophoretic mobility of LDL correlated with the degree of lipid oxidation; both correlated with an inhibitory effect of oxidised LDL upon P388D(1) DNA synthesis. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DETAPAC), a transition metal chelator, and aminoguanidine (AMG), an anti-glycation agent, inhibited the oxidation of LDL and attenuated the effects on DNA synthesis. Thus, glucose can mediate transition metal-dependent oxidation of LDL to a level that can affect P388D(1) cells, a mechanism which might have relevance to accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.

Four related genes encode four different secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) enzymes in mammals, namely the well described Group I and IIA enzymes and the more recently described Groups IIC and V. A large body of research has putatively demonstrated that the Group IIA sPLA2 is involved in diverse pathologic processes, such as rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, intestinal neoplasia, and epidermal hyperplasia, as well as in cellular signaling by regulating the formation of arachidonate-derived lipid messengers. However, we demonstrate herein the involvement of another sPLA2, i.e. the Group V sPLA2, in arachidonic acid release and prostaglandin production in the mouse macrophage-like cell line P388D1. Abundant message for Group V sPLA2 was detected in both resting and activated cells. In contrast, Group IIA sPLA2 message was undetectable as analyzed by Northern blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, blockage of Group V sPLA2 gene expression by antisense RNA oligonucleotides resulted in inhibition of prostaglandin E2 production as well as reduction of the amount of sPLA2 protein at the cellular surface. Collectively, these results uncover Group V sPLA2 as a novel effector involved in arachidonic acid-mediated signal transduction.

A recently developed immunosuppressive substance, 2-chloro-2-deoxyadenosine (2-CdA), was reported to inhibit monocyte functions at low concentration. Because macrophages play a key role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, it was of interest to study the effect of 2-CdA on cellular lipid metabolism. For this purpose we have used a macrophage cell line (P388) to perform incubation studies in the presence of acetylated low density lipoprotein (Ac-LDL) and 2-CdA. The addition of 2-CdA, in concentrations ranging from 5-20 nM, induced a dose-dependent decrease in cellular cholesterol content and in the amount of extracellular [14C]oleic acid (OA) incorporated into the cholesteryl ester (CE) fraction. The effect was maximized at 20 nM 2-CdA with an 86% reduction in cholesterol esterification compared to controls (P < 0.008). To evaluate the mechanism of interaction of 2-CdA with cellular lipid metabolism, deoxycytidine (dCyt) and 3-methoxybenzamide (3-MOB), substances known to antagonize the effect of 2-CdA in different ways, were co-administered with 2-CdA. dCyt, a competitive inhibitor of dCyt kinase, which catalyzes phosphorylation to the active metabolite, antagonized the effects of 20 nM 2-CdA, producing significantly greater incorporation of extracellular [14C]OA into the CE fraction than in the presence of 2-CdA alone (P < 0.0086). Co-incubation with 2-CdA and the poly-ADP-ribose synthetase inhibitor 3-MOB, which is known to render cells resistant to 2-CdA toxicity by preventing cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)- and adenosine triphosphase-depletion, also reversed the effect of 2-CdA on lipid accumulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Numerous soluble factors and their receptors contribute to the regulation of immune responses. An important area of investigation concerns defining the regulation of expression of such receptor/ligand pairs, since understanding such events are central in the quest to manipulate immune responses. Receptors for the neuropeptide, substance P, are present on a variety of leukocytes, and these receptor positive cells respond to in vitro stimulation with substance P in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, little is known about the regulation of expression of substance P or its receptor in leukocytes. Here we begin to address this question by examining the ability of macrophages to express mRNAs which encode substance P and its receptor. A radiolabeled oligonucleotide probe complementary to the mRNA which encodes substance P (i.e., preprotachykinin mRNA) hybridized to a 1.3 kb RNA species present in rat macrophages. In addition, the expression of this RNA could be upregulated 6 to 8 fold when macrophages were stimulated with LPS. The ability of macrophages to synthesize and secrete immunoreactive-substance P was demonstrated by incorporation of L-[35S]methionine into material from macrophage cultures which could be recognized by a monoclonal antisubstance antibody. Macrophage RNA of approximately 3.1 kb in size was capable of hybridizing with an oligonucleotide probe complementary to rat brain substance P receptors. In addition, this RNA could be upregulated when cells were exposed to LPS. Taken together, these studies suggest that the genes used by neuronal cells and macrophages to encode substance P and its receptor are similar if not identical.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The interaction between interleukin IL-1 alpha and PGE2 on P388D1 cells has been investigated. Preincubation of murine macrophage-like cells, P388D1, with IL-1 alpha (0-73 pM) reduced the binding of PGE2 to these cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Scatchard analysis showed that IL-1 alpha decreased the PGE2 binding by lowering both the high and low affinity receptor binding capacities (from 0.31 +/- 0.02 to 0.12 +/- 0.01 fmol/10(6) cells for the high affinity receptor binding sites and from 2.41 +/- 0.12 to 1.51 +/- 0.21 fmol/10(6) cells for the low affinity receptor binding sites). However, the dissociation constants of the receptors of the IL-1 alpha-treated cells remained unchanged. Inhibition of PGE2 binding by IL-1 alpha did not involve changes in either protein phosphorylation or intracellular cyclic AMP levels. Our data clearly show that IL-1 alpha inhibits the binding of PGE2 to monocytes/macrophages and may thereby counter the immunosuppressive actions of PGE2.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) induced accumulation of cholesterol esters was analyzed by the digital imaging fluorescence microscopy (DIFM) in murine tumor macrophages. To analyze cholesterol ester accumulation, P388D1 macrophages were incubated with increasing quantities of unmodified or acetylated human LDL, washed, and live stained with a lipophylic fluorescent dye Nile Red. The increase in fluorescence intensity was quantitatively determined by the interactive laser cytometer (ACAS 470) and compared with the accumulation of cellular cholesterol esters determined by the gas liquid chromatography. Correlation between the two methods was highly significant (r greater than 0.9, P less than 0.001). A good agreement between the two methods was also found in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility. With the use of 589 nm narrowband interference filter in the light path of emitted light the intensity of fluorescence correlated well with cellular cholesterol ester content even in the presence of relatively high concentrations of triglycerides. Therefore, digital imaging fluorescence microscopy appears to be a reliable method for quantification of cholesterol ester accumulation at the single cell level offering new possibilities of studying interactions between cells and cholesterol ester rich lipoproteins.

Sequestration of calcium by mitochondria is an important mechanism to maintain normal intracellular calcium homeostasis. Anoxic or toxic damage to these organelles has been postulated to disrupt intracellular calcium compartmentalization, leading to cell death. The authors examined the potential relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction, altered calcium homeostasis, and irreversible injury in a model system of silica-induced toxicity to P388D1 cells. Exposure to toxic silica particles, but not to nontoxic latex heads, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, increased membrane-associated calcium, elevated free cytosolic calcium, and killed 50% to 60% of the cell population after 6 to 8 hours. To test whether disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential was sufficient to cause irreversible injury, P388D1 cells were exposed to either the proton ionophore, carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) or to the mitochondrial inhibitor, antimycin A. Over 90% of the treated cells showed depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane as indicated by the fluorescent probe rhodamine 123. Carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylbydrazone also caused an elevation in free cytosolic calcium as monitored by fura-2. However, even after 6 hours of exposure to these proton ionophores or mitochondrial inhibitors, P388D1 cells did not show increased chlorotetracycline (CTC)-induced fluorescence or loss of viability. P388D1 cells exposed to silica have been shown previously to lose 80% of their adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. The effect of reduced ATP levels on intracellular calcium homeostasis and viability was assessed by exposing P338D1 cells to FCCP in the presence of sodium azide and 2-deoxyglucose, which reduced ATP content by more than 90%. Under these conditions, none of the cells were killed, and only 5.5% showed increased CTC-induced fluorescence after 6 hours. These data indicate that disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential, even in combination with reduced ATP content, is not sufficient to kill P388D1 cells.

The receptor-mediated uptake of rat hypercholesterolemic very low density lipoproteins (beta VLDL) and rat chylomicron remnants was studied in monolayer cultures of the J774 and P388D1 macrophage cell lines and in primary cultures of mouse peritoneal macrophages. Uptake of 125I-beta VLDL and 125I-chylomicron remnants was reduced 80-90% in the presence of high concentrations of unlabeled human low density lipoproteins (LDL). Human acetyl-LDL did not significantly compete at any concentration tested. Uptake of 125I-beta VLDL and 125I-chylomicron remnants was also competitively inhibited by specific polyclonal antibodies directed against the estrogen-induced LDL receptor of rat liver. Incubation in the presence of anti-LDL receptor IgG, but not nonimmune IgG, reduced specific uptake greater than 80%. Anti-LDL receptor IgG, 125I-beta VLDL, and 125I-chylomicron remnants bound to two protein components of apparent molecular weights 125,000 and 111,000 on nitrocellulose blots of detergent-solubilized macrophage membranes. Between 70-90% of 125I-lipoprotein binding was confined to the 125,000-Da peptide. Binding of 125I-beta VLDL and 125I-chylomicron remnants to these proteins was competitively inhibited by anti-LDL receptor antibodies. Comparison of anti-LDL receptor IgG immunoblot profiles of detergent-solubilized membranes from mouse macrophages, fibroblasts, and liver, and normal and estrogen-induced rat liver demonstrated that the immunoreactive LDL receptor of mouse cells is of a lower molecular weight than that of rat liver. Incubation of J774 cells with 1.0 micrograms of 25-hydroxycholesterol/ml plus 20 micrograms of cholesterol/ml for 48 h decreased 125I-beta VLDL uptake and immuno- and ligand blotting to the 125,000- and 111,000-Da peptides by only 25%. Taken together, these data demonstrate that uptake of beta VLDL and chylomicron remnants by macrophages is mediated by an LDL receptor that is immunologically related to the LDL receptor of rat liver.

Subcutaneous injection of murine macrophage cell line P388D1 into syngeneic DBA/2 produced tumors, which upon solubilization with 40 mM octyl glucoside contained acetylated low density lipoprotein binding activity. The tumor-derived receptor specifically bound acetylated low density lipoprotein with an affinity of approximately 3 X 10(-8) M but did not bind low density lipoprotein or high density lipoprotein. It was identical in binding specificity, affinity, and Pronase sensitivity to the receptor in intact cells or that obtained from solubilized cultured cell membranes. Partial purification of the receptor was achieved by solubilizing tumors with 1% Triton X-100 followed by chromatography on polyethyleneimine cellulose. After elution with a NaCl gradient in the presence of octyl glucoside and association with liposomes, a 287-fold purification of the receptor was achieved. The receptor was identified by specific ligand blotting as a 260,000-dalton protein having a pI of approximately 6.0. Binding to the receptor by acetylated low density lipoprotein, malondialdehyde-modified low density lipoprotein, and maleic anhydride-modified serum albumin was demonstrated by ligand blotting. A single receptor protein can, therefore, account for the binding of multiple types of charge-modified lipoprotein and nonlipoprotein ligands to the macrophage cell surface.

Previous studies have shown that plasma membranes of murine lymphocytes and lymphoid tumor cells can reversibly inhibit the growth of both normal and transformed lymphocytes. The inhibitor can be extracted with organic solvents and has properties consistent with it being a lipid or lipid-like component of the membrane. This report identifies a series of cloned macrophage hybridoma cell lines, obtained by fusion of splenic adherent cells and the P388D1 line, which have very high levels of lipid-like growth-inhibitory molecules. Furthermore, a survey of seven cloned lines indicated that the macrophages fell into two distinct groups with regard to their level of growth-inhibitory activity. Group 1 lines had little or no inhibitory activity when cells were examined for their effect on a B lymphocyte proliferative response. Organic extracts from these macrophages had inhibitory activity (on a per cell basis) comparable to that seen with extracts of the P388D1 parental cell line and lymphoid tumor cells. In contrast, relatively low numbers of Group 2 macrophages could profoundly inhibit B macrophage proliferation. The growth-inhibitory activity was quantitatively recovered in organic extracts of the macrophages. Although the precise nature of the lipid moiety remains undefined, the data argue against the involvement of oxidized cholesterol. These findings indicate that lipid-like inhibitors of cell growth are present and functional in these macrophage cell lines. In addition, the results demonstrate that the inhibitory activity found in plasma membranes and liposomes is present and active in the membranes of intact cells, which is in contrast to the possibility that the inhibitor is an artifact generated during subcellular fractionation. Thus, the inhibitor is likely to have a physiologic role in growth control and in macrophage-mediated immunoregulation, probably acting via a mechanism involving cell-cell contact.

The coordinated control of cholesterol biosynthesis and esterification by 25-hydroxycholesterol was studied in the macrophage-like cell line P388D1. Since 25-hydroxycholesterol rapidly stimulated incorporation of [3H]oleate into the cholesteryl ester fraction of these cells, we have tested the possibility that the well-known inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) by 25-hydroxycholesterol might be the indirect consequence of an increased cholesterol esterification rather than a direct effect on HMG-CoA reductase. The experimental results show that progesterone, an inhibitor of acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT), when added together with 25-hydroxycholesterol, abolished the increased cholesterol esterification without affecting the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by 25-hydroxycholesterol. Thus, uncoupling cholesterol esterification had no effect on 25-hydroxycholesterol's ability to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase. Unexpectedly, pretreatment of P388D1 cells with 25-hydroxycholesterol resulted in no elevation of ACAT activity as measured in broken cell preparations. Therefore, the possibility that 25-hydroxycholesterol stimulated cholesteryl ester formation by increasing the amount of cholesterol available for esterification, rather than by acting directly on ACAT activity, was considered. Labeling experiments using [14C]-cholesterol have provided evidence for this assumption.

Near nanomolar concentrations of substance P induce production of IL-1 or an IL-1-like activity in the mouse macrophage cell line P388D1. Moreover, this could be accomplished with the carboxyl-terminal octapeptide substance P4-11, and could be inhibited with the substance P antagonist [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9]-substance P. Two other mammalian neurokinins, neurokinin A and neurokinin B, were also found to induce secretion of IL-1-like activity in P388D1 cells. These findings suggest that activation of immune cells by neuromodulators can contribute to the maintenance of the chronic inflammatory state and the immunopathology observed in arthritic disease mediated by IL-1. The results also suggest that one approach to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis might be to attempt to inhibit the local effects of immuno-modulatory neuropeptides, specifically the neurokinins, in affected joints.

Previous studies have demonstrated that paraformaldehyde-treated macrophages possess IL-1 alpha activity in a variety of bioassay systems. However, no definitive biochemical data in support of the membrane IL-1 alpha concept has been reported. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the biologic activity associated with treated cells is due to a membrane form of IL-1 alpha or alternatively, to the leakage of IL-1 alpha. If the former case was true, then the exposed membrane IL-1 alpha should bind anti-IL-1 alpha antibodies or be cleaved by mild trypsin treatment. In both instances, IL-1 alpha activity should be lost when measured in a subsequent IL-1 bioassay. Our results indicate that pulsing paraformaldehyde-treated normal or cell line macrophages with anti-IL-1 alpha antibodies or treating the cells with trypsin did not affect the ability of the treated cells to function in a murine thymocyte proliferation assay. Furthermore, the standard short term treatment of cells with paraformaldehyde (15 min) did not prevent the leakage of IL-1 alpha from the cells or the processing of the precursor forms of the protein. When cells were treated with paraformaldehyde for 2 h, they no longer released IL-1 alpha or possessed thymocyte stimulatory activity. We also found that short term glutaraldehyde treatment of macrophages completely blocked the release of IL-1 alpha from cells as well as the appearance of cell-associated IL-1 alpha activity. Our results support the conclusion that the stimulatory activity of paraformaldehyde-treated macrophages is not due to a membrane form of IL-1 alpha but is, in fact, due to the continuous release of IL-1 alpha from the cells.

Murine P388D1 macrophages have a receptor pathway that binds human hypertriglyceridemic very low density lipoproteins (HTG-VLDL) that is fundamentally distinct from the LDL receptor pathway. Trypsin-treated HTG-VLDL (tryp-VLDL), devoid of apolipoprotein (apo)-E, fail to bind to the LDL receptor, yet tryp-VLDL and HTG-VLDL cross-compete for binding to P388D1 macrophage receptors, indicating that these lipoproteins bind to the same sites. The specific, high affinity binding of tryp-VLDL and HTG-VLDL to macrophages at 4 degrees C is equivalent and at 37 degrees C both produce rapid, massive, curvilinear (receptor-mediated) triglyceride accumulation in macrophages. Ligand blots show that P388D1 macrophages express a membrane protein of approximately 190 kD (MBP190) that binds both tryp-VLDL and HTG-VLDL; this binding is competed by HTG-VLDL, trypsinized HTG-VLDL, and trypsinized normal VLDL but not by normal VLDL or LDL. The macrophage LDL receptor (approximately 130 kD) and cellular uptake of beta-VLDL, but not MBP 190 nor uptake of tryp-VLDL, are induced when cells are exposed to lipoprotein-deficient medium and decreased when cells are cholesterol loaded. Unlike the macrophage LDL receptor, MBP 190 partitions into the aqueous phase after phase separation of Triton X-114 extracts. An anti-LDL receptor polyclonal antibody blocks binding of HTG-VLDL to the LDL receptor and blocks receptor-mediated uptake of beta-VLDL by P388D1 cells but fails to inhibit specific cellular uptake of tryp-VLDL or to block binding of tryp-VLDL to MBP 190. Human monocytes, but not human fibroblasts, also express a binding protein for HTG-VLDL and tryp-VLDL similar to MBP 190. We conclude that macrophages possess receptors for abnormal human triglyceride-rich lipoproteins that are distinct from LDL receptors in ligand specificity, regulation, immunological characteristics, and cellular distribution. MBP 190 shares these properties and is a likely receptor candidate for the high affinity uptake of TG-rich lipoproteins by macrophages.

The mechanisms of Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis of immune complexes were investigated by the use of a murine macrophage-like cell line (P388D1) and murine peritoneal resident macrophages. About 40 to 80% of P388D1 cells phagocytosed SRBC coated with IgG2a subclass anti-SRBC mAb (EA2a) within 60 min, whereas only 10 to 20% of the cells phagocytosed EA2b during the same period. The treatment of P388D1 cells with inhibitors of phospholipase A2 (p-bromophenacylbromide, EGTA, or dexamethasone) or of cyclooxygenase (indomethacin or aspirin) significantly promoted the Fc gamma 2bR-mediated phagocytosis of EA2b, but did not affect the Fc gamma 2aR-mediated phagocytosis of EA2a. These results suggest that the activation of phospholipase A2 activity associated with Fc gamma 2bR may lead to the inhibition of phagocytosis of EA2b. This inhibition appeared to be due to the blockade of the interaction of Fc gamma 2bR with various cytoskeletal components, because the association of Fc gamma 2bR and these cytoskeletal components, which could be eliminated by cytochalasin D, was found to be increased by the inhibition of phospholipase A2 activity.

Ultraviolet irradiation (UV) exposure may lead to the development of multiple immunologic defects. One such defect is a dysfunction of normal antigen-presenting cell (APC) activation of T lymphocytes after whole body or in vitro UV. Although the mechanism of this interaction is not clearly defined, several possibilities have been suggested. One proposal is that UV may inhibit or abrogate the APC IL 1 signal and thus prevent normal T cell activation. To investigate this possibility further, we examined the functional consequences of UV on murine peritoneal adherent cell (PAC) activation of a cloned antigen-specific T cell hybridoma (A2.2.E10). In agreement with previous reports, we found a marked UV-induced inhibition of PAC activation of A2.2.E10 after sublethal UV. To correlate this UV-APC dysfunction with UV alterations of IL 1 production, both the IL 1-producing murine macrophage cell line P388D1 and normal murine PAC were exposed to various amounts of in vitro UV and the 24-hr post-UV IL 1 activity production of these cells was determined. The results surprisingly indicated that certain amounts of sublethal UV may actually augment the production of IL 1 activity, by using a dose range that clearly inhibits antigen presentation. This UV-induced activity was cycloheximide-sensitive, suggesting that de novo protein synthesis rather than release from cells was responsible for the increased IL 1 activity. In addition, the UV-induced IL 1 activity had a m.w. of 14K, consistent with previous reports, and demonstrated pyrogen activity when tested in the rabbit pyrogen assay. Thus UV clearly inhibits normal APC function; however, this may not be due to abrogation of IL 1 production, but rather the result of UV toxicity for other complex events involved in antigen presentation.

A series of macrophage (M phi) hybridomas were generated by fusion of drug-marked P388D1 (H-2d) tumor cells with CKB (H-2k) splenic adherent cells. The ability of this panel of cloned M phi hybridomas expressing various levels of surface Ia antigens to induce allogeneic mixed lymphocytes responses (MLR) was examined. All MLR stimulatory M phi hybridomas expressed surface Ia antigens. However, some Ia+ and all Ia- M phi hybridomas were unable to induce vigorous MLR responses. Furthermore, even after induction of surface Ia antigen expression with Con A supernatants (Con A Sn) or purified interferon-gamma, the nonstimulatory M phi hybridomas remained ineffective at inducing strong MLR proliferative responses. Furthermore, addition of the latter M phi hybridoma clones (both with and without Con A Sn treatment) to conventional MLR cultures resulted in inhibition of MLR responses. The series of inhibitory M phi hybridomas secreted normal levels of IL 1 upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. After surface Ia induction with Con A Sn, the inhibitory M phi hybridomas could stimulate secretion of IL 2 and expression of IL 2 receptors. Moreover, although they inhibited conventional MLR responses, IL 2 production and IL 2 receptor expression were not significantly inhibited. Addition of these M phi hybridomas 24 to 48 hr after initiation of MLR response also inhibited MLR proliferation. The results indicated that the group of inhibitory M phi hybridomas can inhibit MLR responses after IL 2 secretion and acquisition of IL 2 receptors. Finally, this inhibitory activity has been maintained during 1 yr of continuous in vitro culture, and the hybridomas represent a stable "homogeneous" subpopulation of inhibitory macrophages. Thus, the inhibitory phenotype appears to reflect arrest at a distinct differentiation stage.

Foreign antigens conjugated to alpha-2-Macroglobulin (alpha-2-M) were effectively taken up by murine macrophages via alpha-2-M receptors. Such effective internalization of alpha-2-M:antigen conjugate by macrophages resulted in a remarkable increase in its ability to activate murine immune T cells under the following conditions. After macrophages were incubated with alpha-2-M:antigen conjugate or unconjugated antigen, they were cultured with immune T cells and antigen-stimulated tritiated thymidine incorporation by T cells was measured. The stimulation of T cell proliferative response by macrophages fed with the conjugate was sixteen times higher than what was observed with macrophages pretreated in the same concentration of unconjugated antigen. These findings suggest a physiological function of alpha-2-M and give us a new technique of immunization.

Ca2+-channel blockers are shown to modulate, like peripheral benzodiazepines, the oxidative burst induced by arachidonic acid in the macrophage-like P 388D1 cell line. Nifedipine (1 and 10 nM) enhanced the cellular response to arachidonate; this stimulation by nifedipine was reversed by PK 1195, a specific antagonist for the peripheral benzodiazepine binding site. Verapamil (5 microM), on the other hand, antagonized the stimulation of the oxidative burst by benzodiazepines. The data suggest some possible interaction of Ca2+-channel blockers at the benzodiazepine binding site or at a secondary step in the activation mechanism. None of the molecules modulated the calcium influx triggered by arachidonate. Instead, the oxidative response of P 388D1 cells to arachidonate was inhibited by K+-channel blockers, quinidine and tetraethylammonium bromide.

Lysosome-associated membrane protein (LAMP)-1, a major glycoprotein of mouse embryo 3T3 cells and specifically associated with the lysosomal membrane, has been identified in P388 macrophage cells and compared with the homologous glycoprotein of NIH 3T3 cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy with anit-LAMP-1 monoclonal antibodies shows that the antigen was distributed throughout P388 cells including the ruffled edges or pseudopodia, identical to the pattern of acridine orange accumulation. LAMP-1 was purified from P388 cells by affinity chromatography with 1D4B monoclonal antibody, yielding a homogeneous glycoprotein comprising 0.1% of the total detergent-extracted cell protein. The apparent mass of P388 LAMP-1 was 130,000 to 150,000 compared to the 3T3 glycoprotein of 105,000 to 115,000. Analysis of tryptic peptides indicated that the two purified glycoproteins were highly homologous. Protein synthesis was analyzed in a variety of cell lines by pulse-chase labeling with [35S]methionine; in every case, LAMP-1 was synthesized as a precursor of apparent Mr 92,000, and then converted to heterogeneous mature forms differing in average Mr from 110,000 to 140,000. The basis for these apparent differences in mass was examined by studies of the biosynthesis and oligosaccharide composition of the glycoprotein. Core polypeptides of 45,000 Da were obtained from both HaNIH and P388 cells by treating immunoprecipitates of [35S]methionine pulse-labeled molecules with endoglycosidase H. Cells treated with monensin contained heterogeneous molecules of 80,000 to 85,000 Da. Isoelectric heterogeneity of mature LAMP-1 was markedly reduced by treatment with neuraminidase whereas there was little effect on the apparent molecular weight of the molecules or the differences between the various cell lines. beta-D-Xyloside inhibition of glycosaminoglycan synthesis had little effect on the apparent mass of LAMP-1.

Macrophage tumour cell lines (PU5-1.8, P388D1) produced detectable granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating (CSF-2) activity measured using a factor-dependent cell line FDC-P1. The production of CSF-2 was enhanced by endotoxin and inhibited by serum, and correlated inversely with [3H]TdR incorporation. mRNA isolated from PU5-1.8 or P388D1 cells initiated CSF-2 production when injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes. The specific activity in this assay was unaltered in mRNA isolated from endotoxin-treated cells. The results suggest that endotoxin acts at a post-transcriptional level.

Four murine macrophage-like continuous cell lines (P388D1, J774.1, RAW 264.7, and PU5-1.8) and two human cell lines displaying macrophage-monocyte characteristics (HL-60, U-937) have been examined for their ability to degrade both normal and acetylated low-density lipoproteins. All of these cell lines, except PU5-1.8, were demonstrated to have LDL receptors that were induced 2-5-fold by preincubation in lipoprotein-deficient serum. Metabolism of dextran sulfate-LDL complexes by all lines except PU5-1.8 was observed. Three cell lines, P388D1, J774.1 and RAW 264.7, while exhibiting individual differences in their metabolism of acetyl-LDL, all processed acetyl-LDL in a fashion qualitatively analogous to that by murine peritoneal macrophages and human monocytes. Cell lines PU5-1.8, U-937 and HL-60 did not bind or degrade significant quantities of acetyl-LDL. In P388D1 cells, metabolism of acetyl-LDL exhibited time and concentration dependence, was reversibly inhibited by chloroquine, blocked by fucoidan and dextran sulfate, and was calcium independent. Approximately 4 X 10(5) receptors, with an apparent Kd of 3 X 10(-8) M, were present on P388D1 cells. P388D1 cells metabolized 30% as much acetyl-LDL as murine peritoneal macrophages at 37 degrees C and bound 60% as much at 4 degrees C. Chemical measurement demonstrated a 250-fold increase in the cholesteryl ester content of P388D1 cells over 96 h. The accumulation of cholesteryl esters was reversible in the presence of HDL3 and involved continuous hydrolysis and reesterification. These lines represent a convenient resource for examining the metabolism of chemically modified lipoproteins, for isolation of cell mutants, and for isolation of specific lipoprotein receptors.

Properties of prostaglandin (PG) E2 binding sites of a murine macrophage cell line (P388D1) were investigated. The specific binding of [3H]-PGE2 to intact P388D1 cells at 4 degrees C in the presence of cytochalasin D (10 micrograms/ml) approached saturation at concentration greater than 7.5 X 10(-9) M, and could be displaced most effectively by unlabeled PGE2 and less effectively by unlabeled PGI2. The Scatchard analysis of the binding data clearly indicated the heterogeneity with respect to the PGE2 binding affinity and showed the presence of about 3.9 fmol/10(8) cells of the high affinity sites (KD = 1.1 X 10(-9) M) and about 24 fmol/10(8) cells of the low affinity sites (KD = 2 X 10(-8) M). PGE2-binding proteins were isolated from the detergent lysate of the radiolabeled P388D1 cells by affinity chromatography on Sepharose 4B coupled to PGE2. The affinity-isolated materials were further purified by successive use of Sephadex G-100 gel filtration and isoelectric focusing in the presence of dithiothreitol (1 mM) and Triton X-100 (0.5%). The final step yielded about 0.25% of the original radioactivity, which sharply focused as a single peak at pH near 6.5. The electrofocused PGE2-binding proteins migrated as a single band with a m.w. of 95,000 during SDS-PAGE. The electrofocused PGE2-binding proteins bound specifically to [3H]-PGE2 but showed again the heterogeneity with respect to their affinity.

Peritoneal cells from highly susceptible BALB/c mice were infected with Leishmania major and cultured for various times in vitro. The culture supernatants contained significant levels of IL-1 which were consistently higher than those in the cell cultures stimulated with an optimal concentration of LPS. This finding extends to a macrophage cell line, P388D1, and peritoneal exudate cells stimulated with starch in vivo. However, the level of IL-1 produced was significantly reduced when the cells were preincubated with a lymphokine preparation (supernatant of Con A-stimulated rat spleen cells). The level of IL-1 produced seems to be directly correlated with the degree of parasitization of the macrophages. A similar and dose-dependent reduction in IL-1 production by infected macrophages could also be obtained when the cells were preincubated with IFN-gamma. This finding is in direct contrast to that of visceral leishmaniasis in which peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania donovani not only fail to produce IL-1 but also lose the capacity to produce IL-1. This apparent discrepancy is discussed in terms of a possible difference in the induction of cell-mediated immunity between the two leishmanial diseases.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) binding and metabolism by eight murine and human cell lines was analyzed. Only the murine P388D1 macrophage line had specific, high affinity PAF binding sites. PAF binding reached saturation within 10 min at room temperature and was irreversible. Minimal PAF metabolism was observed at the time binding saturation was achieved. Scatchard analysis of PAF binding revealed a single class of PAF receptors (7872 +/- 1310/cell) which had a dissociation constant of 0.08 +/- 0.01 nM (mean +/- SEM, eta = 6). The dissociation constant was confirmed independently by quantifying the kinetics of initial specific PAF binding. PAF binding was stereospecific, required an sn-2 acetyl substituent, and was inhibited by structurally diverse PAF antagonists including kadsurenone, BN 52021, triazolam, and CV3988. The fact that the receptors are functionally active was shown by the observation that 1 to 100 pM PAF increased free intracellular calcium in P388D1 cells in a dose-related manner. These studies demonstrate that P388D1 macrophages have functional PAF receptors whose affinity and structural specificities are similar to PAF receptors in other cells. The availability of a stable cell line that binds but does not metabolize PAF will greatly facilitate studies of the PAF receptor.

The relationship between ATP depletion and the loss of cell integrity was examined in the killing of hepatocytes by anoxia and P388D1 macrophages by silica. ATP depletion is a feature of the reaction to either hazard. Treatment of hepatocytes, however, with antimycin, oligomycin, sodium azide, or N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide produced a rate and extent of ATP depletion comparable with anoxia without significant loss of viability. Treatment of P388D1 cells with 2-deoxyglucose plus antimycin, oligomycin, or sodium azide reproduced the loss of ATP accompanying silica particle intoxication. Again, there was no loss of viability. These data dissociate the loss of cellular ATP from the genesis of lethal injury in both cell types. ATP depletion was, however, associated with a loss of lysosomal integrity. With the metabolic inhibitors, loss of lysosomal integrity occurred in the absence of irreversible cell injury over the time course that anoxia and silica intoxication significantly damaged the cells. This implies that neither hazard produces lethal damage through mechanisms dependent on intracellular lysosomal enzyme release. While ATP depletion can cause lysosomal rupture in P388D1 macrophages, phagocytosis of silica particles in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ ions is associated with release of lysosomal contents without depletion of ATP or loss of cell integrity. Silica particles are concluded to interact directly with both the plasma and lysosomal membranes. The former leads to Ca2+ influx with resultant cell death and ATP depletion. The latter leads to release of lysosomal contents that is not followed by irreversible cell injury.