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Tumor necrosis factor enhances the neutrophil-dependent increase in endothelial permeability

L S Gibbs1, L Lai, A B Malik

  • 1Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Albany Medical College of Union University, New York 12208.

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) primes endothelial cells, increasing pulmonary microvascular permeability by enhancing neutrophil adherence. This effect, mediated by CD18 integrins and protein synthesis, is crucial for TNF alpha-induced endothelial injury.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary vascular research
  • Cellular immunology
  • Inflammation biology

Background:

  • Pulmonary microvascular endothelial permeability increases with activated neutrophils (PMN).
  • Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) is implicated in inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of TNF alpha on PMN-induced pulmonary microvascular endothelial permeability.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying TNF alpha-mediated potentiation of endothelial permeability.

Main Methods:

  • Endothelial monolayers were treated with TNF alpha and exposed to activated PMN.
  • 125I-albumin clearance measured monolayer permeability.
  • PMN adherence was quantified.
  • Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) IB4 (anti-CD18) and OKM-1 (anti-CD11b) were used.
  • Protein synthesis inhibition was employed.

Main Results:

  • 6-hour TNF alpha pretreatment potentiated PMN-induced permeability increase.
  • TNF alpha increased PMN adherence to endothelial cells in a time-dependent manner.
  • Anti-CD18 MAb IB4, but not anti-CD11b MAb OKM-1, reduced PMN adherence and permeability.
  • The potentiation effect was dependent on protein synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • TNF alpha primes endothelial cells, leading to protein synthesis-dependent expression of a CD18 ligand.
  • This enhances PMN adherence and potentiates PMN-mediated increases in pulmonary microvascular permeability.
  • TNF alpha-induced endothelial hyperadhesiveness is a key step in endothelial injury.

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