Neutrophil haptotaxis induced by mouse MNCF: interactions with extracellular matrix glycoproteins probably contribute to overcoming the anti-inflammatory action of dexamethasone.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The Macrophage-derived Neutrophil Chemotactic Factor (MNCF) has been characterized as a dexamethasone-resistant neutrophil chemotactic lectin produced by rat macrophages. This study was undertaken to evaluate different MNCF cellular sources and investigate the mechanisms by which MNCF overcomes the anti-inflammatory actions of dexamethasone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The mouse macrophage-like cell line P388D1 and thioglycollate-elicited mouse macrophages were studied regarding their capacity to release MNCF. Neutrophil migration assays were performed in vivo and in vitro, in either the presence or absence of extracellular matrix glycoproteins (ECM). RESULTS: Mouse and P388D1 macrophages release a lectin that reproduces the activities of rat MNCF. The ability of MNCF to induce neutrophil adhesion and haptotaxis is enhanced through its interaction with laminin and fibronectin. These properties are not inhibited by dexamethasone. CONCLUSIONS: Together, our results suggest that dexamethasone-resistant neutrophil migration induced by MNCF occurs probably because of its interactions with ECM.

Ultrasonically nebulized distilled water prevents exogenous histamine hyperreactivity in Toxocara canis-infected mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the effect of ultrasonically nebulized distilled water inhalation on the systemic histamine hyperreactivity of Toxocara canis-infected mice. METHODS: Uninfected and T. canis-infected mice received an intravenous sublethal dose of histamine and lethality rates were documented. At 24 days post infection, infected mice received ultrasonically nebulized distilled water inhalation for 1 h. Twenty-four hours later histamine levels were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as histamine lethality and toluidine blue-stained mast cell number in the lung. RESULTS: T. canis-infected mice showed increased lethality after exposure to histamine in comparison to uninfected mice. Ultrasonically nebulized distilled water inhalation prevented histamine-induced lethality and reduced toluidine blue-stained mast cell numbers in the lung. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between decreases in stained mast cells in the lung after ultrasonically nebulized distilled water inhalation and inhibition of histamine-induced lethality in these animals suggests participation of mast cells in the phenomenon and could be helpful in understanding the mechanisms of hyperreactivity during helminth parasite infections.