scholarly journals Effects of Ebola Virus Glycoproteins on Endothelial Cell Activation and Barrier Function

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (16) ◽  
pp. 10442-10450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria M. Wahl-Jensen ◽  
Tatiana A. Afanasieva ◽  
Jochen Seebach ◽  
Ute Ströher ◽  
Heinz Feldmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Endothelial Barrier ◽  
Endothelial Barrier Function ◽  
Endothelial Cell Activation ◽  
Tnf Α

ABSTRACT Ebola virus causes severe hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates in humans and nonhuman primates. Vascular instability and dysregulation are disease-decisive symptoms during severe infection. While the transmembrane glycoprotein GP1,2 has been shown to cause endothelial cell destruction, the role of the soluble glycoproteins in pathogenesis is largely unknown; however, they are hypothesized to be of biological relevance in terms of target cell activation and/or increase of endothelial permeability. Here we show that virus-like particles (VLPs) consisting of the Ebola virus matrix protein VP40 and GP1,2 were able to activate endothelial cells and induce a decrease in barrier function as determined by impedance spectroscopy and hydraulic conductivity measurements. In contrast, the soluble glycoproteins sGP and Δ-peptide did not activate endothelial cells or change the endothelial barrier function. The VLP-induced decrease in barrier function was further enhanced by the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which is known to induce a long-lasting decrease in endothelial cell barrier function and is hypothesized to play a key role in Ebola virus pathogenesis. Surprisingly, sGP, but not Δ-peptide, induced a recovery of endothelial barrier function following treatment with TNF-α. Our results demonstrate that Ebola virus GP1,2 in its particle-associated form mediates endothelial cell activation and a decrease in endothelial cell barrier function. Furthermore, sGP, the major soluble glycoprotein of Ebola virus, seems to possess an anti-inflammatory role by protecting the endothelial cell barrier function.

scholarly journals Endothelial disruptive proinflammatory effects of nicotine and e-cigarette vapor exposures

2015 ◽  
Vol 309 (2) ◽  
pp. L175-L187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly S. Schweitzer ◽  
Steven X. Chen ◽  
Sarah Law ◽  
Mary Van Demark ◽  
Christophe Poirier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Endothelial Permeability ◽  
Endothelial Barrier ◽  
Endothelial Cell Proliferation ◽  
Endothelial Cell Activation ◽  
Dose Dependent

The increased use of inhaled nicotine via e-cigarettes has unknown risks to lung health. Having previously shown that cigarette smoke (CS) extract disrupts the lung microvasculature barrier function by endothelial cell activation and cytoskeletal rearrangement, we investigated the contribution of nicotine in CS or e-cigarettes (e-Cig) to lung endothelial injury. Primary lung microvascular endothelial cells were exposed to nicotine, e-Cig solution, or condensed e-Cig vapor (1–20 mM nicotine) or to nicotine-free CS extract or e-Cig solutions. Compared with nicotine-containing extract, nicotine free-CS extract (10–20%) caused significantly less endothelial permeability as measured with electric cell-substrate impedance sensing. Nicotine exposures triggered dose-dependent loss of endothelial barrier in cultured cell monolayers and rapidly increased lung inflammation and oxidative stress in mice. The endothelial barrier disruptive effects were associated with increased intracellular ceramides, p38 MAPK activation, and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, and was critically mediated by Rho-activated kinase via inhibition of MLC-phosphatase unit MYPT1. Although nicotine at sufficient concentrations to cause endothelial barrier loss did not trigger cell necrosis, it markedly inhibited cell proliferation. Augmentation of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling via S1P1 improved both endothelial cell proliferation and barrier function during nicotine exposures. Nicotine-independent effects of e-Cig solutions were noted, which may be attributable to acrolein, detected along with propylene glycol, glycerol, and nicotine by NMR, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography, in both e-Cig solutions and vapor. These results suggest that soluble components of e-Cig, including nicotine, cause dose-dependent loss of lung endothelial barrier function, which is associated with oxidative stress and brisk inflammation.

In vitro endothelial cell activation and inflammatory responses in end-stage heart failure

2006 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 1466-1473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ginette S. Hoare ◽  
Emma J. Birks ◽  
Christopher Bowles ◽  
Nandor Marczin ◽  
Magdi H. Yacoub
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Endothelial Cell Activation ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
End Stage Heart Failure ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Iκbα Degradation

Background: vascular endothelial cell activation and dysfunction are observed in patients with severe heart failure and may contribute to systemic manifestations of this syndrome. It remains unknown whether inflammatory activation of these cells occurs in these patients because of increased circulating proinflammatory mediators. Aim: to determine whether the serum from patients with heart failure possesses a net proinflammatory bioactivity to active proinflammatory pathways in cultured endothelial cells. Methods: serum was obtained from stable patients with end-stage heart failure undergoing elective cardiac transplantation (Tx) and severely decompensated patients with heart failure requiring emergency left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Net proinflammatory bioactivity of serum was investigated by monitoring IκBα degradation and E-selectin expression in cultured human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) following incubation with serum samples. Serum cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA and neutralizing antibodies were used to determine the role of specific factors in the observed bioactivity. Result: serum from both patient groups induced HPAEC IκBα degradation. Low basal HPAEC E-selectin expression significantly increased following treatment with Tx but not LVAD serum. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-10 concentrations were higher in patients with LVAD than those with Tx, and soluble TNF-α receptor expression was high in both groups. Neither TNF-α nor IL-10 blocking experiments altered either bioassay result. Conclusion: activation of a specific profile of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators is associated with heart failure resulting in HPAEC nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation. However, E-selectin expression is further regulated by unidentified factors. TNF-α is upregulated but appears to play no part in NFκB activation in these patients. These findings could have important therapeutic implications.

P4501Identification and characterization of endothelial microRNAs that modulate leukocyte adhesion through novel mechanistic pathways

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Giral Arnal ◽  
A Kratzer ◽  
M Moobed ◽  
U Landmesser
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Leukocyte Adhesion ◽  
Endothelial Barrier ◽  
Monocyte Adhesion ◽  
Endothelial Barrier Function ◽  
Ras Gtpase

Abstract Introduction Inflammation is essential for the protective response of the immune system. However, hyperactivated inflammation and dysregulated resolution strongly associates with the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and ischemia-induced injury after myocardial infarction. Therefore, attenuation of inflammatory response has emerged as a promising approach to reduce cardiovascular disease burden. A limiting step of inflammation is the local recruitment of leukocytes to the lesion, a process regulated by intense cross-talk between immune and endothelial cells. A better understanding of the modulatory mechanisms of adhesion is paramount for the development of better therapies. Purpose Identify endothelial miRNAs that impact leukocyte adhesion and characterize the underlying pathways that regulate this process. Methods A functional high-throughput screening (HTS) of human miRNA libraries (mimics and inhibitors) measured miRNA impact on monocyte (THP-1) adhesion to an endothelial monolayer (HAEC). Individually miRNAs were transfected in HAEC and fluorescently-labeled monocyte attachment was recorded by a robotic automated microscopy platform. Computational analysis lead to identification of potential targets and relevant pathways associated to the action of candidate miRNAs. Further validation of promising targets was performed by qPCR and western blotting. Additional endothelial phenotypic properties such as cytoskeleton morphology or endothelial barrier function were analyzed in the presence of specific miRNAs. Results Functional HTS and secondary screening resulted in 38 microRNAs that reduced and 2 that increased monocyte adhesion. Bioinformatic target prediction and pathway analysis narrowed the set of miRNA candidates used for characterization studies. These miRNAs significantly modulated cell adhesion of both monocytic-leukemia THP-1 cells and freshly isolated human CD14+ monocytes, but effect on CD14+ was weaker compared to THP-1. Several miRNAs induced severe changes on endothelial cell morphology, likely due to cytoskeleton rearrangement. We identified and validated several miRNA targets belonging to the Ras GTPase family of actin remodeling modulators (RalA, RAP1A). Additionally, a few miRNAs targeted Ephrin signaling molecules (EFNs, EPHs) which mediate multiple cell functions including cell-cell contacts. We also explored miRNA effects on endothelial barrier function and measured monocyte adhesion under physiological and disturbed flow conditions. Conclusions We identified a set of miRNAs able to modulate monocyte cell adhesion to endothelial cells under inflammatory conditions. Potential mechanistic pathways of miRNA modulation of adhesion included Ephrin signaling pathway and Ras GTPase family. A better understanding of the role of specific microRNAs regulating the immune-endothelial cell interaction may lead to novel therapeutic strategies in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Acknowledgement/Funding DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH)

Tumor necrosis factor-α–dependent expression of phosphodiesterase 2: role in endothelial hyperpermeability

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 105 (9) ◽  
pp. 3569-3576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim Seybold ◽  
Dirk Thomas ◽  
Martin Witzenrath ◽  
Şengül Boral ◽  
Andreas C. Hocke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Tumor Necrosis Factor ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Tumor Necrosis ◽  
Tumor Necrosis Factor Α ◽  
Endothelial Barrier ◽  
Endothelial Barrier Function ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
Necrosis Factor

AbstractThe pleiotropic cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and thrombin lead to increased endothelial permeability in sepsis. Numerous studies demonstrated the significance of intracellular cyclic nucleotides for the maintenance of endothelial barrier function. Actions of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) are terminated by distinct cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). We hypothesized that TNF-α could regulate PDE activity in endothelial cells, thereby impairing endothelial barrier function. In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we found a dramatic increase of PDE2 activity following TNF-α stimulation, while PDE3 and PDE4 activities remained unchanged. Significant PDE activities other than PDE2, PDE3, and PDE4 were not detected. TNF-α increased PDE2 expression in a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)–dependent manner. Endothelial barrier function was investigated in HUVECs and in isolated mice lungs. Selective PDE2 up-regulation sensitized HUVECs toward the permeability-increasing agent thrombin. In isolated mice lungs, we demonstrated that PDE2 inhibition was effective in preventing thrombin-induced lung edema, as shown with a reduction in both lung wet-to-dry ratio and albumin flux from the vascular to bronchoalveolar compartment. Our findings suggest that TNF-α–mediated up-regulation of PDE2 may destabilize endothelial barrier function in sepsis. Inhibition of PDE2 is therefore of potential therapeutic interest in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Thrombin, TNF-α, and LPS exert overlapping but nonidentical effects on gene expression in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells

2005 ◽  
Vol 289 (2) ◽  
pp. H873-H885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng-Qian Wu ◽  
William C. Aird
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Endothelial Cell Activation ◽  
Tnf Α

Thrombin, TNF-α, and LPS have each been implicated in endothelial cell and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation. We wanted to test the hypothesis that these three agonists display mediator and/or cell type-specific properties. The addition of thrombin to human pulmonary artery endothelial cells resulted in an upregulation of PDGF-A, tissue factor (TF), ICAM-1, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), whereas TNF-α and LPS failed to induce PDGF-A. These effects were mimicked by protease-activated receptor-1 activation. In VSMC, thrombin induced expression of TF and PDGF-A but failed to consistently induce ICAM-1 or u-PA expression. In contrast, TNF-α and LPS increased expression of all four genes in this cell type. Inhibitor studies in endothelial cells demonstrated a critical role for PKC in mediating thrombin, TNF-α, and LPS induction of ICAM-1, TF, and u-PA and for p38 MAPK in mediating thrombin, TNF-α, and LPS induction of TF. Taken together, these results suggest that inflammatory mediators engage distinct signaling pathways and expression profiles in endothelial cells and VSMC. The data support the notion that endothelial cell activation is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon but rather is dependent on the nature of the extracellular mediator.

scholarly journals Glutathione Peroxidase-1 Deficiency Augments Proinflammatory Cytokine-induced Redox Signaling and Human Endothelial Cell Activation

2011 ◽  
Vol 286 (41) ◽  
pp. 35407-35417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith Lubos ◽  
Neil J. Kelly ◽  
Scott R. Oldebeken ◽  
Jane A. Leopold ◽  
Ying-Yi Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Glutathione Peroxidase ◽  
Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Microvascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell Activation ◽  
Glutathione Peroxidase 1 ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Microvascular Endothelial

Glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) is a crucial antioxidant enzyme, the deficiency of which promotes atherogenesis. Accordingly, we examined the mechanisms by which GPx-1 deficiency enhances endothelial cell activation and inflammation. In human microvascular endothelial cells, we found that GPx-1 deficiency augments intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression by redox-dependent mechanisms that involve NFκB. Suppression of GPx-1 enhanced TNF-α-induced ROS production and ICAM-1 expression, whereas overexpression of GPx-1 attenuated these TNF-α-mediated responses. GPx-1 deficiency prolonged TNF-α-induced IκBα degradation and activation of ERK1/2 and JNK. JNK or NFκB inhibition attenuated TNF-α induction of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in GPx-1-deficient and control cells, whereas ERK1/2 inhibition attenuated only VCAM-1 expression. To analyze further signaling pathways involved in GPx-1-mediated protection from TNF-α-induced ROS, we performed microarray analysis of human microvascular endothelial cells treated with TNF-α in the presence and absence of GPx-1. Among the genes whose expression changed significantly, dual specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4), encoding an antagonist of MAPK signaling, was down-regulated by GPx-1 suppression. Targeted DUSP4 knockdown enhanced TNF-α-mediated ERK1/2 pathway activation and resulted in increased adhesion molecule expression, indicating that GPx-1 deficiency may augment TNF-α-mediated events, in part, by regulating DUSP4.

Abstract 48: Deletion of the Neuronal Guidance Molecule Epha2 Reduces Inflammation in Experimental Atherosclerosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven D Funk ◽  
Arif Yurdagul ◽  
Jonette Green ◽  
Patrick Albert ◽  
Marshall McInnis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Experimental Atherosclerosis ◽  
Marker Genes ◽  
Endothelial Cell Activation ◽  
Enhanced Expression ◽  
Guidance Molecule ◽  
Neuronal Guidance ◽  
Deficient Mice

Neuronal guidance molecules are increasingly implicated in inflammatory responses. Recently, our group demonstrated enhanced expression of the neuronal guidance molecule EphA2 and its ephrinA1 ligand in mouse and human atherosclerotic plaques, and elucidated a novel proinflammatory function for EphA2 perpetuating proinflammatory gene expression during endothelial cell activation. However, a direct role for Eph/ephrins in atherosclerosis has never been demonstrated. We now show that knocking out the EphA2 gene in Western diet-fed ApoE mice blunts atherosclerotic plaque location at multiple sites. This reduction in atherosclerosis is associated with decreased monocyte infiltration and diminished expression of proinflammatory genes. EphA2 reduction may affect monocyte homing through multiple mechanisms, since reducing EphA2 expression in cytokine-activated endothelial cells does not affect endothelial adhesion molecule expression or monocyte rolling but significantly decreases firm adhesion in primary human monocytes. Like endothelial cells, plaque macrophages also express EphA2, and macrophages derived from EphA2 deficient mice show diminished expression of M1 marker genes and enhanced expression of M2 marker genes compared to their ApoE counterparts. Surprisingly, EphA2 deficient mice show significantly elevated plasma cholesterol. However, this elevation does not involve increased LDL levels but instead occurs due to elevations in plasma HDL levels. Taken together, the current data suggest EphA2 inhibition results in a multifaceted protective effect on experimental atherosclerosis characterized by reduced endothelial cell activation, monocyte recruitment, and M1/M2 polarization and enhanced circulating HDL levels.

scholarly journals Direct Activation of Human Endothelial Cells by Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes

2005 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 3271-3277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola K. Viebig ◽  
Ulrich Wulbrand ◽  
Reinhold Förster ◽  
Katherine T. Andrews ◽  
Michael Lanzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Immune Reactivity ◽  
Human Endothelial Cells ◽  
Tnf Α

ABSTRACT Cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (PRBC) to endothelial cells causes severe clinical disease, presumably as a of result perfusion failure and tissue hypoxia. Cytoadherence to endothelial cells is increased by endothelial cell activation, which is believed to occur in a paracrine fashion by mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) released from macrophages that initially recognize PRBC. Here we provide evidence that PRBC directly stimulate human endothelial cells in the absence of macrophages, leading to increased expression of adhesion-promoting molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1. Endothelial cell stimulation by PRBC required direct physical contact for a short time (30 to 60 min) and was correlated with parasitemia. Gene expression profiling of endothelial cells stimulated by PRBC revealed increased expression levels of chemokine and adhesion molecule genes. PRBC-stimulated endothelial cells especially showed increased expression of molecules involved in parasite adhesion but failed to express molecules promoting leukocyte adhesion, such as E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, even after challenge with TNF-α. Collectively, our data suggest that stimulation of endothelial cells by PRBC may have two effects: prevention of parasite clearance through increased cytoadherence and attenuation of leukocyte binding to endothelial cells, thereby preventing deleterious immune reactivity.

scholarly journals Effect of inflammation-mediated endothelial metabolic shift on endothelial barrier function

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Aslam ◽  
H Idrees ◽  
C W Hamm ◽  
Y Ladilov
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Atp Synthesis ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Endothelial Barrier ◽  
Synthesis Rate ◽  
Endothelial Barrier Function ◽  
Metabolic Switch ◽  
Barrier Integrity

Abstract Background The integrity of the endothelial cell barrier of the microvasculature is compromised by inflammation. The increased vascular permeability leads to tissue injury and organ dysfunction. In recent years, considerable advances have been made in the understanding of signalling mechanisms regulating the endothelial barrier integrity. The role of endothelial metabolism as a modulator of endothelial barrier integrity is not yet well-studied. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of inflammation on endothelial metabolism and its role in the maintenance of endothelial barrier integrity. Methods The study was carried out on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells and rat coronary microvascular endothelial cells. Inflammatory condition was simulated by treating cells with low concentrations (1 ng/mL) of TNFα for 24h. Endothelial barrier function was analysed by measuring the flux of albumen through endothelial monolayers cultured on filter membranes. Gene expression was analysed by qPCR-based assays. The capacity of endothelial cells for maximal ATP synthesis rate was investigated by the real-time live-cell imaging using FRET-based ATP-biosensor (live cell FRET). Total cellular ATP concentration was measured using luminescence-based commercial kit (ATPLite, PerkinElmer). Mitochondrial mass was analysed by the ratio of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to nuclear DNA (nDNA). The cellular glucose uptake was measured by fluorescent microscopy using a fluorescent analogue of glucose (2-NBDG). Results Treatment of human endothelial cells with TNFα resulted in significant suppression of mitochondrial and upregulation of glycolytic ATP synthesis rate, suggesting a metabolic switch. This was accompanied by a reduction in mitochondrial content (mtDNA/nDNA), reduction in total cellular ATP levels, an enhanced expression of glycolytic enzymes 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) and phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1), and enhanced glucose uptake by endothelial cells (n=5; p<0.05 for all parameters tested). Moreover, TNFα caused a 3-fold increase in endothelial permeability. Pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis either by partial replacement of glucose with 2-deoxy glucose (2DG) or an inhibition of PFKFB3 resulted in further worsening (a 5-fold increase in permeability) of TNFα-induced endothelial barrier failure. On the other hand pharmacological activation of AMPK, a potent inducer of mitochondrial biogenesis, could attenuate TNFα-induced but not 2DG-induced endothelial hyperpermeability. Conclusion The study demonstrates that TNFα induces metabolic switch towards glycolysis in endothelial cells. Moreover, the data suggest that upregulation of glycolysis may serve as an endogenous metabolic adaptation to the TNFα-induced suppression of mitochondrial ATP synthesis, which protects endothelial barrier integrity. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Justus-Liebig University GiessenDZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Rhein-Main, Bad Nauheim, Germany

scholarly journals Neutrophil extracellular traps are associated with altered human pulmonary artery endothelial barrier function

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 205873922110623
Author(s):  
Hisatake Mori ◽  
Muhammad Aminul Huq ◽  
Md. Monirul Islam ◽  
Naoshi Takeyama
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Pulmonary Artery ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps ◽  
Endothelial Barrier ◽  
Endothelial Barrier Function ◽  
Extracellular Traps ◽  
Activated Neutrophils ◽  
Human Pulmonary Artery

Introduction: Acute respiratory response syndrome (ARDS) leads to increased permeability of the endothelial-epithelial barrier, which in turn promotes edema formation and hypoxemic respiratory failure. Although activated neutrophils are thought to play a significant role in mediating ARDS, at present the contribution of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to lung endothelial barrier function is unclear. Methods: To clarify their role, we co-cultured in vitro NETs induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)–activated neutrophils with lung endothelial cell monolayers and examined the barrier function of lung endothelial cells by immunofluorescence microscopy and albumin permeability in a double-chamber culture method. Results: Co-culture with stimulated neutrophils increased the albumin permeability of the human pulmonary artery endothelial cell (HPAEC) monolayer and altered cytoskeleton F-actin and vascular endothelial-cadherin in cell-cell junctions. Hyperpermeability to albumin and histological alterations were prevented by inhibition of NET formation with peptidyl arginine deiminase inhibitor or a neutrophil elastase inhibitor and were also prevented by increased degradation of NET structure with DNase. Conclusion: This in vitro experiment shows that altered HPAEC barrier function and increased albumin permeability are caused by the direct effect of PMA-induced NETs and their components. NET formation may be involved in the increased vascular permeability of the lung, which is a common feature in ARDS of various etiologies. These insights may help generate novel approaches for medical interventions.

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