Effects of human neutrophil elastase (HNE) on neutrophil function in vitro and in inflamed microvessels

The primary objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that human neutrophil elastase (HNE) affects neutrophil infiltration (adhesion and emigration) into inflamed vessels. To determine whether HNE contributes to neutrophil adhesion in vivo, intravital microscopy was used to study neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions in single inflamed postcapillary venules. Superfusion of platelet-activating factor (PAF) (100 nmol/L) onto the mesentery caused an increase in neutrophil-neutrophil interactions, neutrophil adhesion to postcapillary venules, and cellular emigration out of the vasculature. Both L658 758 (an elastase-specific inhibitor), and Eglin C (an elastase and cathepsin G inhibitor) significantly attenuated all of these parameters in vivo. To further characterize the mechanism(s) involved, various in vitro parameters were assessed. HNE, but not trypsin, caused a dose-dependent (0.01 to 1.0 microgram/mL) increase in the expression of the beta subunit (CD18) of the CD11/CD18 adhesive glycoprotein complex on neutrophils. An HNE-dependent increase in CD11b expression was also observed; however, HNE did not affect the expression of other neutrophil adhesion molecules (L-selectin), superoxide production, or degranulation. PAF-enhanced CD18 expression on neutrophils and neutrophil migration were both abolished by L658 758 but PAF-induced neutrophil adhesion to endothelial monolayers was not affected by the antiproteinase. The in vitro data suggest that the antiproteinases do not directly prevent neutrophil adhesion in vivo but may be important in other CD18-dependent events such as neutrophil-neutrophil interaction or neutrophil infiltration (chemotaxis). These results translate into an important, rate-limiting role for elastase in the process of leukocyte infiltration and accumulation in inflamed microvessels.