Cyclooxygenase-2 contributes to the selective induction of cell death by the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol in hepatic stellate cells.

The endogenous cannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) is an anti-fibrotic lipid mediator that induces apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), but not in hepatocytes. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of this selective induction of HSC death are still unresolved. Interestingly, the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase, COX-2, can metabolize 2-AG to pro-apoptotic prostaglandin glycerol esters (PG-GEs). We analyzed the roles of COX-2 and endocannabinoid-derived PG-GEs in the differential susceptibility of primary activated HSCs and hepatocytes toward 2-AG-induced cell death. HSCs displayed significant COX-2 expression in contrast to hepatocytes. Similar to 2-AG, treatment of HSCs with PGD2-GE dose-dependently induced cell death independently from cannabinoid receptors that was accompanied by PARP- and caspase 3-cleavage. In contrast to 2-AG, PGD2-GE failed to induce significant ROS formation in HSCs, and depletion of membrane cholesterol did not rescue HSCs from PGD2-GE-induced apoptosis. These findings indicate differential engagement of initial intracellular signaling pathways by 2-AG and its COX-2-derived metabolite PGD2-GE, but similar final cell death pathways. Other PG-GEs, such as PGE2-or PGF2α-GE did not induce apoptosis in HSCs. Primary rat hepatocytes were mainly resistant against 2-AG- and PGD2-GE-induced apoptosis. HSCs, but not hepatocytes were able to metabolize 2-AG to PGD2-GE. As a proof of principle, HSCs from COX-2(-/-) mice lacked PDG2-GE production after 2-AG treatment. Accordingly, COX-2(-/-) HSCs were resistant against 2-AG-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, the divergent expression of COX-2 in HSCs and hepatocytes contributes to the different susceptibility of these cell types towards 2-AG-induced cell death due to the generation of pro-apoptotic PGD2-GE by COX-2 in HSCs. Modulation of COX-2-driven metabolization of 2-AG may provide a novel physiological concept allowing the specific targeting of HSCs in liver fibrosis.

Release of sphingosine-1-phosphate from human platelets is dependent on thromboxane formation.

BACKGROUND: Platelets release the immune-modulating lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). However, the mechanisms of platelet S1P secretion are not fully understood. OBJECTIVES: The present study investigates the function of thromboxane (TX) for platelet S1P secretion during platelet activation and the consequences for monocyte chemotaxis. METHODS: S1P was detected using thin-layer chromatography in [(3)H]sphingosine-labeled platelets and by mass spectrometry. Monocyte migration was measured in modified Boyden chamber chemotaxis assays. RESULTS: Release of S1P from platelets was stimulated with protease-activated receptor-1-activating peptide (PAR-1-AP, 100 µM). Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and two structurally unrelated reversible cyclooxygenase inhibitors diclofenac and ibuprofen suppressed S1P release. Oral ASA (500-mg single dose or 100 mg over 3 days) attenuated S1P release from platelets in healthy human volunteers ex vivo. This was paralleled by inhibition of TX formation. S1P release was increased by the TX receptor (TP) agonist U-46619, and inhibited by the TP antagonist ramatroban and by inhibitors of ABC-transport. Furthermore, thrombin-induced release of S1P was attenuated in platelets from TP-deficient mice. Supernatants from PAR-1-AP-stimulated human platelets increased the chemotactic capacity of human peripheral monocytes in a S1P-dependent manner via S1P receptors-1 and -3. These effects were inhibited by ASA-pretreatment of platelets. CONCLUSIONS: TX synthesis and TP activation mediate S1P release after thrombin receptor activation. Inhibition of this pathway may contribute to the anti-inflammatory actions of ASA, for example by affecting activity of monocytes at sites of vascular injury.

Effect of age on gingival crevicular fluid concentrations of MIF and PGE2.

We used an experimental gingivitis study design to compare crevicular fluid concentrations of Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) and Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in younger (18 to 30 yrs) and older (46 to 77 yrs) healthy adults. PGE(2) increased after 1 wk in younger participants, whereas it decreased in older individuals after 1 wk of plaque accumulation. A significant interaction between age and time was observed for PGE(2) (p = 0.04). High concentrations of MIF were identified in both age groups at baseline. MIF increased in the younger participants, whereas in the older individuals a decrease over time was observed. MIF concentration was positively correlated with plaque index and gingival index in the older age group. Total counts of bacteria, Parvimonas micra and Prevotella intermedia, were significantly correlated with MIF concentration in older participants. In conclusion, MIF and PGE(2) production in response to bacterial accumulation seems to be modified by age.

Effects of selective COX-2 inhibition on prostanoids and platelet physiology in young healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) called coxibs, are effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Recently, these drugs were associated with an increased risk for myocardial infarction and atherothrombotic events. The hypothesis of thromboxane-prostacyclin imbalance has been preferred to explain these unwanted effects. METHODS: We studied the effects of 14 days intake of rofecoxib (25 mg q.d.), celecoxib (200 mg b.i.d.), naproxen (500 mg b.i.d.) and placebo in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study in young healthy volunteers (median age 25-30 years, each group n = 10). We assessed prostanoid metabolite excretion (PGE-M, TXB(2), 6-keto-PGF(1alpha), 11-dehydro-TXB(2), 2,3-dinor-TXB(2), and dinor-6-keto-PGF(1alpha)), the expression of platelet activation markers (CD62P, PAC-1, fibrinogen), platelet-leukocyte formation, the endogenous thrombin potential, platelet cAMP content and plasma thrombomodulin level. RESULTS: Naproxen suppressed biosynthesis of PGE-M, prostacyclin metabolites and thromboxane metabolites and thrombomodulin levels. In contrast, both coxibs had an inhibitory effect only on PGE-M, 6-keto-PGF(1alpha), and on dinor-6-keto-PGF(1alpha), whereas TXB(2), 2,3-dinor-TXB(2) and 11-dehydro-TXB(2) excretion were unaffected. None of the coxibs exerted significant effects on the expression of platelet activation markers, cAMP generation, platelet-leukocyte formation, or on thrombomodulin plasma levels. Interestingly, platelet TXB(2) release during aggregation was enhanced after coxib treatment following arachidonic acid or collagen stimulation. CONCLUSION: In young healthy volunteers coxibs inhibit systemic PGE(2) and PGI(2) synthesis. Platelet function and expression of platelet aggregation markers are not affected; however, coxibs can stimulate TXB(2) release from activated platelets. Combined decrease in vasodilatory PGE(2) and PGI(2) together with increased TXA(2) in proaggregatory conditions may contribute to coxib side effects.

The effect of age on prostaglandin-synthesizing enzymes in the development of gingivitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the expression of cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, cyclooxygenase-3, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 in young and elderly subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Periodontally healthy subjects were divided into young (18-30 years, n = 7) and elderly (46-77 years, n = 7). A gingival biopsy was taken at baseline. After experimental gingivitis, clinical examination was repeated and a second biopsy was taken. The expression of cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, cyclooxygenase-3, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 was analyzed by means of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In both healthy age groups, cyclooxygenase-1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 were expressed in epithelial cells, endothelial cells and fibroblast-like connective tissue cells. Cyclooxygenase-1 was found in Langerhans' cells of the epithelium. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression was observed in cells exhibiting the morphology of epithelial mitosis cells, and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in periodontally healthy elderly subjects was significantly lower (p < or = 0.05). Following experimental gingivitis, cyclooxygenase-1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 expression did not change. However, the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 was significantly increased in both age groups (p < or = 0.05). Cyclooxygenase-3 was not detected in any group investigated. CONCLUSION: Cyclooxygenase-1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 were expressed constitutively in gingival tissue, and expression was unaffected by age or inflammation states. In contrast, the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 was weaker in elderly subjects. In the course of experimental gingivitis, cyclooxygenase-2 was induced in both age groups.

Renal cortical regulation of COX-1 and functionally related products in early renovascular hypertension (rat).

Renal volume regulation is modulated by the action of cyclooxygenases (COX) and the resulting generation of prostanoids. Epithelial expression of COX isoforms in the cortex directs COX-1 to the distal convolutions and cortical collecting duct, and COX-2 to the thick ascending limb. Partly colocalized are prostaglandin E synthase (PGES), the downstream enzyme for renal prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) generation, and the EP receptors type 1 and 3. COX-1 and related components were studied in two kidney-one clip (2K1C) Goldblatt hypertensive rats with combined chronic ANG II or bradykinin B(2) receptor blockade using candesartan (cand) or the B(2) antagonist Hoechst 140 (Hoe). Rats (untreated sham, 2K1C, sham + cand, 2K1C + cand, sham + Hoe, 2K1C + Hoe) were treated to map expression of parameters controlling PGE(2) synthesis. In 2K1C, cortical COX isoforms did not change uniformly. COX-2 changed in parallel with NO synthase 1 (NOS1) expression with a raise in the clipped, but a decrease in the nonclipped side. By contrast, COX-1 and PGES were uniformly downregulated in both kidneys, along with reduced urinary PGE(2) levels, and showed no clear relations with the NO status. ANG II receptor blockade confirmed negative regulation of COX-2 by ANG II but blunted the decrease in COX-1 selectively in nonclipped kidneys. B(2) receptor blockade reduced COX-2 induction in 2K1C but had no clear effect on COX-1. We suggest that in 2K1C, COX-1 and PGES expression may fail to oppose the effects of renovascular hypertension through reduced prostaglandin signaling in late distal tubule and cortical collecting duct.

The role of cyclooxygenases and prostanoid receptorsin furosemide-like salt losing tubulopathy: the hyperprostaglandin E syndrome.

Hyperprostaglandin E syndrome/antenatal Bartter syndrome is characterized by NaCl wasting and volume depletion, juxtaglomerula hypertrophy, hyperreninism and secondary hyperaldosteronism. Primary causes are mutations in the gene for Na-K-2Cl-cotransporter, NKCC2, or for potassium channel, ROMK, responsible for medullary NaCl malabsorption. Most intriguing aspect of the syndrome is the association with a massively increased renal prostaglandin production which contributes substantially to the clinical picture of the patients. Therefore the term hyperprostaglandin E syndrome has been introduced. It is unclear how prostaglandins aggravate the NaCl transport deficiency. Aspects to prostaglandin synthesis and receptor-mediated function within the kidney in patients suffering from hyperprostaglandin E syndrome/antenatal Bartter syndrome will be discussed.

Induction of hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2) in human vascular smooth muscle cells by vasodilatory prostaglandins.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a prominent constituent of the extracellular matrix of atherosclerotic vascular lesions in humans known to modulate vascular smooth muscle phenotype. The regulation of HA synthesis by vasodilatory prostaglandins was analyzed in human arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The prostacyclin analogue, iloprost (100 nmol/L), markedly increased pericellular formation of HA coats and HA secretion into the cell culture medium in human arterial SMCs (8.7+/-1.6-fold). Expression of HA synthase 2 (HAS2) was determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR and found to be strongly upregulated at concentrations of iloprost between 1 and 100 nmol/L after 3 hours. Furthermore, endogenous cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) activity was required for basal expression of HAS2 mRNA in SMCs in vitro. Total HA secretion in response to iloprost was markedly decreased by RNA interference (RNAi), specific for HAS2. In addition, siRNA targeting HAS2 strongly increased the spreading of human SMCs compared with mock-transfected cells. HAS2 mRNA levels were also stimulated by a selective prostacyclin receptor (IP) agonist, cicaprost (10 nmol/L), prostaglandin E(2) (10 nmol/L), and the EP(2) receptor agonist, butaprost (1 micromol/L). Induction of HAS2 mRNA and HA synthesis by prostaglandins was mimicked by stable cAMP analogues and forskolin. In human atherectomy specimens from the internal carotid artery, HA deposits and COX2 expression colocalized frequently. In addition, strong EP(2) receptor expression was detected in SMCs in HA-rich areas. Therefore, upregulation of HAS2 expression via EP(2) and IP receptors might contribute to the accumulation of HA during human atherosclerosis, thereby mediating proatherosclerotic functions of COX2.

Regulation of the human thromboxane A2 receptor gene in human megakaryoblastic MEG-01 cells.

Thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) is an important mediator for platelet aggregation and blood vessel constriction. TXA(2) receptor (TP receptor) is expressed in different cell types including smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and platelets. Expression level of TP receptor may modulate the action of TXA(2) on target cells. In megakaryoblastic MEG-01 cells, a cell line representing a model for platelet precursor cells, addition of phorbolester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) caused an increase in transcriptional activity of TP receptor gene promoter. Within 20 h a rise in expression of TP receptor mRNA and protein was observed. The effect of TPA was concentration-dependent and was blocked by specific inhibitors of protein kinase C. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that the increase in TP receptor expression appeared to be one of the earliest events in the course of TPA-induced maturation of MEG-01 cells. Stimulation of the protein kinase A pathway by incubation with forskolin or IBMX caused a decrease in transcriptional activity. Promoter deletion experiments indicated that the responsive elements for protein kinase A and C are located upstream and downstream, respectively, of -700 bp of the TP receptor gene. These experiments indicate that the expression of the human thromboxane receptor is differently regulated in platelet precursor cells by the protein kinase A and C pathway.

Prostaglandin E2 stimulates sodium reabsorption in MDCK C7 cells, a renal collecting duct principal cell model.

We examined the direct epithelial effects of the major product of arachidonic acid metabolism in the kidney, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), on ion transport and signal transduction in the hormone-sensitive Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) C7 subclone as a model of renal collecting duct principal cells. MDCK C7 cells were grown on microporous permeable filter supports and mounted in Ussing-type chambers. Reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR and sequencing were used to determine E-prostanoid (EP) receptor expression. Basolateral and, about 14-fold less potent, apical addition of PGE(2) increased short-circuit current (I(sc)) in a concentration-dependent manner. This ion transport was biphasic with a rapid peak not detectable under chloride-free conditions. The remaining, stably elevated current was unaffected by furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, ethylisopropanol amiloride, and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenyl-propyl-amino)benzoic acid (NPPB). In contrast, apical amiloride (10 microM) significantly decreased I(sc), indicating sodium reabsorption. The effect of PGE(2) was attenuated in the presence of vasopressin. Agonists acting by cAMP elevation like dibutyryl-cAMP and theophylline also induced an amiloride-sensitive ion transport with similar kinetics as PGE(2). Moreover, PGE(2) rapidly increased intracellular cAMP levels. RT-PCR demonstrated mRNA expression of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), and of the EP2 receptor in MDCK C7 cells. Accordingly, EP2 receptor agonist butaprost mimicked PGE(2) epithelial action. In conclusion, PGE(2) induces amiloride-sensitive sodium reabsorption in MDCK C7 monolayers. This ion transport is most likely mediated by EP2 receptor activation leading to increased intracellular cAMP levels. Therefore, PGE(2) might also contribute to Na(+) reabsorption in the mammalian collecting duct.

The 5' region of the human thromboxane A(2) receptor gene.

Thromboxane is an important modulator of hemostasis and smooth muscle tonus and signals via G-protein-coupled thromboxane receptor. Previously, we characterized the TP receptor gene and suggested the presence of three promoter regions within the gene. The aim of the present study was to examine the regulation of transcriptional gene expression. By primer extension experiments the major transcription initiation site was shown to be a doublet at -160/165 bp upstream of the ATG codon in human megakaryoblastic MEG-01 cells, endothelial ECV 304 cells and in human myometrium smooth muscle cells. In the erythroleukemic HEL 1 cells transcription initiation site was identified at -10 bp. Transcriptional activity of the three 5'flanking regions of TP receptor gene representing the putative promoter regions was evaluated by transfection of MEG-01 cells with chimeric constructs containing luciferase gene-encoding sequence. Promoter region I displayed highest transcriptional activity and RT-PCR analysis confirmed the transcription of TP receptor mRNA driven by promoter I. Although, weak transcriptional activity was also observed regarding promoter region II, we were unable to amplify cDNA fragments representing promoter II-driven mRNA synthesis. Considering promoter region III, transcriptional activity was barely detectable. Various deletions of the 3.9 kb promoter I region revealed a size-dependent transcriptional activity. Further, for full activity a 'core' promoter corresponding to the region from -160/165 to -588 bp appeared to be necessary for full transcriptional activity of promoter 1.

Inhibition of COX-2 counteracts the effects of diuretics in rats.

BACKGROUND: It is well established that the diuretic- and renin-stimulated effects of loop diuretics can be attenuated by nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Since it is yet unclear which of the isoforms of cyclooxygenases, COX-1 and COX-2, is relevant in this context, our study aimed to determine the effects of selective COX-2 inhibition on the renal effects of the loop diuretic furosemide, as well as the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, which acts on the distal tubule. METHOD: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with furosemide (12 mg/day subcutaneously by osmotic pump) or hydrochlorothiazide (30 mg/kg body weight/day orally by gavage). In addition, parallel groups received rofecoxib (1 to 10 mg/kg body weight/day) for selective inhibition of COX-2. Controls were treated with vehicle. RESULTS: Induction of COX-2 mRNA expression due to furosemide was paralleled by increased renal excretion of prostanoids. Also, hydrochlorothiazide led to a rise in prostanoid excretion. Rofecoxib blunted the diuretic-induced increase in prostanoid excretion, thus confirming an effective blockade of COX-2. Moreover, the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib dose-dependently attenuated diuresis and saluresis, as well as the stimulation of the renin system induced by furosemide. Furthermore, rofecoxib completely reversed diuresis and saluresis and prevented the increase of plasma renin activity induced by hydrochlorothiazide. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that COX-2-derived prostanoids are of major relevance in modulating the renal effects of diuretics. COX-2 inhibitors might be valuable drugs to treat salt and water wasting during Bartter and Gitelman diseases.

Low sodium and furosemide-induced stimulation of the renin system in man is mediated by cyclooxygenase 2.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of highly selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) with rofecoxib on the renin system during long-term stimulation and after short-term stimulation. Six healthy male volunteers received, in a randomized crossover design, a low-sodium diet for days 1 through 9 with or without 25 mg rofecoxib twice daily on days 5 through 9 and, in addition, 20 mg of furosemide intravenously on day 8. Plasma renin activity increased 2 to 3 times over baseline with a low-sodium diet and 5 times over baseline 30 minutes after intravenous furosemide; it was still elevated nearly 5 times on day 9. These effects were completely blocked by rofecoxib. Plasma aldosterone and urinary aldosterone concentrations basically reflected the findings with plasma renin activity. Urinary sodium excretion decreased during a low-sodium diet and increased after intravenous furosemide without being significantly affected by rofecoxib. We have concluded that low-sodium and furosemide-stimulated renin and aldosterone secretion is completely blocked in healthy volunteers during COX-2 inhibition with rofecoxib, suggesting that intact COX-2 is of major importance for stimulation of the renin system under these conditions in man.

Pathogenetic role of cyclooxygenase-2 in hyperprostaglandin E syndrome/antenatal Bartter syndrome: therapeutic use of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor nimesulide.

Patients with hyperprostaglandin E syndrome/antenatal Bartter syndrome typically have renal salt wasting, hypercalciuria with nephrocalcinosis, and secondary hyperaldosteronism. Antenatally, these patients have fetal polyuria, leading to polyhydramnios and premature birth. Hyperprostaglandin E syndrome/antenatal Bartter syndrome is accompanied by a pathologically elevated synthesis of prostaglandin E(2), thought to be responsible for aggravation of clinical symptoms such as salt and water loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to thrive. In this study administration of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitor nimesulide to patients with hyperprostaglandin E syndrome/antenatal Bartter syndrome blocked renal prostaglandin E(2) formation and relieved the key parameters hyperprostaglandinuria, secondary hyperaldosteronism, and hypercalciuria. Partial suppression of serum thromboxane B(2) synthesis resulting from platelet COX-1 activity and complete inhibition of urinary 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha), reflecting endothelial COX-2 activity, indicate preferential inhibition of COX-2 by nimesulide. Amelioration of the clinical symptoms by use of nimesulide indicates that COX-2 may play an important pathogenetic role in hyperprostaglandin E syndrome/antenatal Bartter syndrome. Moreover, on the basis of our data we postulate that COX-2-derived prostaglandin E(2) is an important mediator for stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the kidney.

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 attenuates urinary prostanoid excretion without affecting renal renin expression.

This study aimed to assess the impact of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) on the secretion and expression of renin in the kidney cortex. For this purpose renocortical COX-2 expression was moderately stimulated by a low-salt diet or strongly stimulated (increase in mRNA about fivefold) by the combination of a low-salt diet and the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril in male Sprague-Dawley rats. None of these manoeuvres changed medullary COX-2 expression or cortical or medullary COX-1 expression. Treatment with low salt plus ramipril but not with low salt alone led to a three- to fourfold increase of the urinary output of all major prostanoids. The selective COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib (10 mg/kg per day) markedly lowered basal urinary prostanoid excretion and blunted the stimulation of prostanoid excretion during treatment with low salt plus ramipril. The stimulation of renin secretion by the low-salt diet but not by low salt plus ramipril was attenuated by rofecoxib. The low-salt diet led to a moderate increase of renin gene expression, and additional treatment with ramipril caused a 15-fold increase of renin mRNA. However, no effect of rofecoxib on renin gene expression was observed in any group. These findings suggest that stimulation of COX-2 in the renal cortex leads to the increased formation of all major prostanoids. COX-2-derived prostanoids may play a role in the regulation of renin secretion but not in renin gene expression during the intake of a low-salt diet. However, no major relevance of COX-2-derived prostanoids to renin secretion or renin gene expression during ramipril treatment or a combination of ramipril and a low-salt diet was found.

Generation of 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha) in isolated rat kidney glomeruli by a radical-independent mechanism.

Isoprostanes comprise a group of free radical-catalyzed products of arachidonic acid. However, there is recent evidence pointing towards an enzyme-dependent formation of isoprostanes. With the use of isolated rat glomeruli we addressed the mechanisms of isoprostane generation. Synthesis of prostanoids and isoprostanes, including 8-epi-PGF(2alpha), was studied under conditions favouring radical formation. Cultured glomeruli formed different prostanoids including 8-epi-PGF(2alpha). Upon LPS challenge cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 expression was enhanced, and this was paralleled by a 2 - 9-fold increase in prostanoid formation, including isoprostanes. Addition of COX-isoform unselective inhibitors (diclofenac, indomethacin) or a selective inhibitor (NS-398) suppressed the synthesis of prostanoids, 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) and total isoprostane fraction; however, inhibition of the latter was less pronounced. Antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), or dimethylurea exhibited an only minimal inhibitory effect on 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) synthesis. Moreover, ROS-generating drugs (menadione, methylviologen) or NADPH-driven radical formation were unable to cause the generation of significant amounts of 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) by rat glomeruli. In contrast, the total isoprostane fraction could be increased by menadione addition. These data provide further evidence for a radical-independent, but COX-dependent formation of 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) in renal tissue. Regarding the other isoprostanes, both radicals and COX enzymes contribute to their formation. Based on our data we assume that elevated release of vasoactive 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) has to be expected under conditions when the prostanoid system in the kidney is stimulated, e.g. under inflammatory conditions. Regarding renal oxidative injuries, the usefulness of 8-epi-PGF(2alpha) as a representative marker molecule of oxidative stress has to be questioned.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor amplifies lipopolysaccharide-induced bronchoconstriction by a neutrophil- and cyclooxygenase 2-dependent mechanism.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is used to ameliorate neutropenia in patients after antineoplastic treatment. It has also been suggested as an adjunct treatment in septic patients; however, the recruitment and priming of leukocytes by GM-CSF bears the hazard of a hyperinflammatory response. In particular, the role of GM-CSF in pulmonary functions in septic lungs is still unclear. Therefore, we pretreated rats in vivo with GM-CSF (50 microg/kg, intravenous) and assessed the pulmonary functions of their subsequently prepared isolated perfused lungs when exposed to subtoxic concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 2 microg/ml). These lungs showed enhanced expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), a significant increase in thromboxane (TX) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release into the venous perfusate, and bronchoconstriction. COX-2 inhibition or blocking of the TX receptor abolished the GM-CSF/LPS-induced bronchoconstriction, but not the TNF release. Neutralizing antibodies against TNF did not prevent GM-CSF/LPS-induced bronchoconstriction. After GM-CSF pretreatment, massive neutrophil invasion into the lung occurred. Neutropenic rats were protected against GM-CSF/ LPS-induced lung injury. Similar results were obtained in rats pretreated with G-CSF instead of GM-CSF. We conclude that GM-CSF pretreatment exacerbates pulmonary injury by low-dose LPS via COX-2 expression, TX release, and bronchoconstriction by initiating neutrophil invasion and activation.

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression is associated with the renal macula densa of patients with Bartter-like syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Bartter-like syndrome (BLS) is a heterogeneous set of congenital tubular disorders that is associated with significant renal salt and water loss. The syndrome is also marked by increased urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) excretion. In rodents, salt and volume depletion are associated with increased renal macula densa cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. The expression of COX-2 in human macula densa has not been demonstrated. The present studies examined whether COX-2 can be detected in macula densa from children with salt-wasting BLS versus control tissues. METHODS: The intrarenal distribution of COX-2 protein and mRNA was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in 12 patients with clinically and/or genetically confirmed BLS. Renal tissue rejected for transplantation, from six adult patients not affected by BLS, was also examined. RESULTS: The expression of COX-2 immunoreactive protein was observed in cells of the macula densa in 8 out 11 patients with BLS. In situ hybridization confirmed the expression of COX-2 mRNA in the macula densa in 6 out of 10 cases. COX-2 protein was also detected in the macula densa in a patient with congestive heart failure. The expression of COX-2 immunoreactive protein was not observed in cells associated with the macula densa in kidneys from patients without disorders associated with hyper-reninemia. CONCLUSION: These studies demonstrate that COX-2 may be detected in the macula densa of humans. Since macula densa COX-2 was detected in cases of BLS, renal COX-2 expression may be linked to volume and renin status in humans, as well as in animals.

Characterization of prostanoid receptors in podocytes.

Prostaglandins participate in the regulation of important glomerular functions and are involved in the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases. This study investigates the influence of prostaglandins on membrane voltage, ion conductances, cAMP accumulation, and cytosolic calcium activity ([Ca2+]i) in differentiated podocytes. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) caused a concentration-dependent depolarization and an increase of the whole cell conductance in podocytes (EC50 approximately 50 nM). Compared with PGE2, the EP2/EP3/EP4 receptor agonist 11-deoxy-PGE1 caused an equipotent depolarization, whereas the DP receptor agonist BW 245 C, the EP1/EP3 receptor agonist sulprostone, and the IP receptor agonist iloprost were at least 100 to 1000 times less potent than PGE2. The EP2 receptor agonist butaprost did not change membrane voltage of podocytes. The depolarizing effect of PGE2 was increased in an extracellular solution with a reduced Cl- concentration (from 145 to 32 mM). PGE2 and the prostaglandin agonists, but not the IP receptor agonist iloprost and the EP2 receptor agonist butaprost, induced a time- and concentration-dependent cAMP accumulation in podocytes. In fura-2 fluorescence experiments, PGE2, sulprostone, PGF2alpha, fluprostenol (a potent FP agonist), and U-46619 (a selective thromboxane A2 agonist) induced a biphasic increase of [Ca2+]i in 60 to 80% of podocytes. In reverse transcription-PCR studies, podocyte mRNA for the EP1, EP4, FP, and TP receptor could be amplified. These data indicate that in podocytes, PGE2 regulates distinct cellular functions via the EP1 and EP4 receptor, thereby increasing [Ca2+]i and cAMP, respectively. Furthermore, PGF1alpha and U-46619 increase [Ca2+]i via their specific receptors.

Temporal sequence of pulmonary and systemic inflammatory responses to graded polymicrobial peritonitis in mice.

The lungs are the remote organ most commonly affected in human peritonitis. The major goals of this study were to define the dose- and time-dependent relationship between graded septic peritonitis and systemic and pulmonary inflammatory responses in mice. BALB/c mice were treated with intraperitoneal polymicrobial inoculi and sacrificed at 3, 12, and 24 h. The treatment protocol resulted in distinct groups of animals with respect to mortality rate, kinetics, and concentrations of a broad spectrum of pro- and anti-inflammatory endogenous mediators, intrapulmonary bacterial accumulation, and static lung compliance. In sublethally infected mice, pulmonary bacterial proliferation was controlled. Levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-10, interleukin-6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in plasma were elevated 3 h after infection exclusively. At 3 h, MCP-1, gamma interferon, and TNF were detected in extracts of pulmonary tissue or in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Static lung compliance (C(st)) was transiently decreased at 12 h. In contrast, in lethally infected mice pulmonary bacterial proliferation was not contained. Concentrations of MCP-1, G-CSF, and TNF in plasma were maximal at 24 h, as were pulmonary MCP-1 levels. Lung myeloperoxidase activity was increased at 3, 12, and 24 h. C(st) was reduced after 3 h and did not reach control values at 24 h. Pulmonary cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and eicosanoids in BAL fluid and plasma were elevated at 3 and 24 h. This study shows that polymicrobial peritonitis in mice leads to dose-dependent systemic and pulmonary inflammation accompanied by a decrease in lung compliance.