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Published on: April 29, 2015
The effect of apelin on the functions of peritoneal macrophages
V N Izgüt-Uysal1, B Gemici, I Birsen
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey. nimetu@akdeniz.edu.tr.
Abstract:
Apelin, the endogenous ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor (APJ), plays an important role in the physiological response to homeostatic perturbations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of apelin on the functions of peritoneal macrophages. A double staining immunofluorescence technique was used to determine the expression of APJ in peritoneal macrophages. Rat peritoneal macrophages were randomly divided into three groups: control, apelin and apelin+F13A. A significant decrease in phagocytic and chemotactic activity of peritoneal macrophages resulted when the macrophages were incubated with [Pry(1)]-Apelin-13 (10 ng/ml). Incubation of peritoneal macrophages with the APJ receptor antagonist, F13A (20 ng/ml) prevented the suppressive effect of apelin on phagocytosis and chemotaxis. Peritoneal macrophages incubated with [Pry(1)]-Apelin-13 exhibited a decrease in the production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 compared to the control macrophages. Incubation of peritoneal macrophages with [Pry(1)]-Apelin-13 plus F13A prevented the decrease in the production of proinflammatory cytokines produced by [Pry(1)]-Apelin-13. In conclusion, apelin may be a mediator that inhibits the functions of activated macrophages.
Insights
Apelin suppresses peritoneal macrophage functions, including phagocytosis and cytokine production. Blocking the APJ receptor with F13A prevents apelin
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Apelin, the endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ, is involved in maintaining homeostasis.
- Peritoneal macrophages are key immune cells involved in inflammatory responses.
- The role of apelin in modulating macrophage function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of apelin on the functional activities of rat peritoneal macrophages.
- To determine if apelin modulates macrophage phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and cytokine production.
Main Methods:
- Double staining immunofluorescence was used to confirm APJ receptor expression on peritoneal macrophages.
- Rat peritoneal macrophages were treated with [Pry(1)]-Apelin-13 and/or the APJ receptor antagonist F13A.
- Phagocytic and chemotactic activities, as well as TNF-alpha and IL-6 production, were measured.
Main Results:
- Apelin significantly reduced the phagocytic and chemotactic activity of peritoneal macrophages.
- Apelin decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6.
- The APJ receptor antagonist F13A blocked the suppressive effects of apelin on macrophage functions.
Conclusions:
- Apelin inhibits the functions of activated peritoneal macrophages, including phagocytosis and cytokine release.
- Apelin acts through the APJ receptor to mediate these suppressive effects.
- Apelin may play a role in regulating inflammatory responses by modulating macrophage activity.
