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Production and metabolism of platelet-activating factor by human bone marrow cells

F Dupuis1, F Rougier, F Trimoreau

  • 1Laboratoire d'Hématologie Expérimentale, Faculté de Médecine, Limoges, France.

Research in Immunology
|February 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Human bone marrow stromal cells are a major source of platelet-activating factor (PAF), a key inflammation mediator. Both stromal and mononuclear cells metabolize PAF, suggesting a role in regulating its concentration in bone marrow.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a significant phospholipid mediator involved in inflammatory processes.
  • PAF has been detected in human bone marrow, but its cellular source and regulation remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular sources of PAF production in human bone marrow.
  • To determine the metabolic fate of PAF by human bone marrow cells.
  • To explore the role of different cell types in regulating PAF concentration.

Main Methods:

  • Human bone marrow mononuclear cells and marrow stromal cell cultures were stimulated with calcium ionophore and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
  • Production of PAF was quantified under various stimulation conditions.
  • Metabolism of PAF was assessed, and major metabolic products were identified.
  • The effect of protease inhibitors (PMSF, p-BPB) on PAF catabolism was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Marrow stromal cells produced significantly higher levels of PAF (50-fold) compared to freshly isolated mononuclear marrow cells.
  • PAF production was stimulated by calcium ionophore and LPS, but not by M-CSF, GM-CSF, IL1, IL3, IL6, or stem cell factor.
  • Both mononuclear and stromal cells metabolized PAF, with 1-alkyl-2-acyl-glycerophosphocholine identified as the primary metabolite.
  • PMSF and p-BPB inhibited PAF catabolism in mononuclear cells but not in stromal cells.

Conclusions:

  • Human bone marrow stromal cells are likely the predominant source of PAF in the bone marrow.
  • Both hematopoietic progenitors (mononuclear cells) and stromal cells contribute to PAF metabolism.
  • These findings suggest a dual role for bone marrow cells in both producing and regulating PAF levels, impacting inflammatory responses within the bone marrow microenvironment.

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