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Transforming growth factor-beta1 stimulates degranulation and oxidant release by adherent human neutrophils

K J Balazovich1, R Fernandez, V Hinkovska-Galcheva

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor 48109-0238, USA.

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) activates human neutrophils (PMN) to release hydrogen peroxide and lactoferrin when they are adherent to fibrinogen. This response involves beta2 integrin receptors and a phospholipase D pathway, similar to chemoattractant activation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Signal transduction pathways in human neutrophils (PMN) activated by cytokines and growth factors are not well understood.
  • Adherent PMN stimulated with cytokines or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) release hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lactoferrin.
  • Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is known to stimulate PMN chemotaxis but not exocytosis or superoxide production in suspension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether TGF-beta1 stimulates H2O2 and lactoferrin release from adherent PMN.
  • To explore the role of beta2 integrin receptors in TGF-beta1-mediated PMN activation.
  • To elucidate the signal transduction pathway involved in TGF-beta1-induced PMN activation.

Main Methods:

  • Human neutrophils were plated onto fibrinogen-coated surfaces.
  • Cells were stimulated with varying concentrations of TGF-beta1.
  • Hydrogen peroxide and lactoferrin release were measured.
  • PMN adhesion and spreading were assessed.
  • The involvement of phospholipase D and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase pathways was investigated using ethanol and propranolol, respectively.
  • Intracellular signaling molecules were tracked using radiolabeled precursors.

Main Results:

  • TGF-beta1 stimulated H202 and lactoferrin release from adherent PMN in a concentration-dependent manner (0.1-100 pg/mL).
  • Release of H202 and lactoferrin was observed within 60 minutes and continued for at least 180 minutes.
  • PMN adhesion and spreading paralleled the release of H202 and lactoferrin.
  • Ethanol and propranolol inhibited TGF-beta1-induced H202 and lactoferrin release, indicating the involvement of phospholipase D and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase.
  • TGF-beta1 treatment increased [3H]phosphatidate levels in PMN labeled with lyso-[3H]phosphatidylcholine.

Conclusions:

  • TGF-beta1 activates adherent human neutrophils to release H202 and lactoferrin.
  • This activation is mediated by beta2 integrin receptors and involves the phospholipase D pathway.
  • The findings suggest a common signaling pathway for both chemoattractant and cytokine activation of adherent PMN.

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