Differential inhibition of IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha generation by ammonium metavanadate in murine macrophages

K Vaddi1, C Wei

  • 1Du Pont Merck Pharmaceutical Company, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.

Insights

Ammonium metavanadate exposure alters macrophage cytokine production, potentially explaining reduced resistance to Listeria monocytogenes. This study investigated immunotoxicity by examining tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels in macrophages.

Area of Science:

  • Immunotoxicology
  • Cellular immunology
  • Macrophage biology

Background:

  • Ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) is known to cause immunotoxicity.
  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) are key cytokines involved in immune responses.
  • Macrophages play a critical role in host defense against pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) immunotoxicity and the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1.
  • To determine the effect of NH4VO3 exposure on both intracellular and extracellular cytokine production in macrophages.
  • To elucidate the mechanism behind the reduced resistance of vanadate-treated mice to Listeria monocytogenes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a murine macrophage-like cell line (1774) and primary resident peritoneal macrophages (PEM) from NH4VO3-treated mice.
  • Stimulated cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce cytokine production.
  • Quantified intracellular and extracellular levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha using various treatment concentrations of NH4VO3.

Main Results:

  • Extracellular TNF-alpha levels were largely unaffected by vanadate treatment.
  • Intracellular TNF-alpha showed varied responses: decreased in PEM at 10 mg V/kg but increased in 1774 cells at lower vanadate concentrations.
  • Intracellular IL-1 alpha levels were significantly reduced in both PEM and 1774 cells following vanadate exposure and LPS stimulation, suggesting an inhibitory effect.

Conclusions:

  • Ammonium metavanadate exposure significantly inhibits intracellular interleukin-1 alpha production in macrophages.
  • The observed reduction in IL-1 alpha may underlie the decreased resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infections in vanadate-treated mice.
  • Vanadate's impact on macrophage cytokine profiles highlights its immunotoxic potential and its interference with crucial immune signaling pathways.

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