Valpha14 NKT cells activated by alpha-galactosylceramide augment lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in mouse intra-hepatic lymphocytes

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Jan 16;378(3):579-83. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.11.075. Epub 2008 Dec 3.

Abstract

Valpha14 natural killer T (Valpha14 NKT) cells activated by alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) secrete a large amount of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. IFN-gamma plays a crucial role in the inflammation response, and is also known as an activator of nitric oxide (NO) production. We previously reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production is augmented by alpha-GalCer in mouse peritoneal cells. Since the liver is susceptible to LPS stimulation via the portal vein, we examined the effect of alpha-GalCer on LPS-induced NO production in murine intra-hepatic lymphocytes (IHLs). Although IHLs augmented LPS-induced NO production by alpha-GalCer administration, such an augmentation was not observed in non-treated mice. Furthermore, alpha-GalCer did not augment LPS-induced NO production in IHLs from IFN-gamma knockout mice. In flow cytometry analysis of IHLs from alpha-GalCer-treated mice, the ratio and number of F4/80- and TLR4-positive cells rose as compared with non-treated mice. The liver injury may be induced by LPS and NO under the condition where Valpha14 NKT cells were activated.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Galactosylceramides / immunology*
  • Interferon-gamma / genetics
  • Lipopolysaccharides / immunology
  • Liver / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / immunology*
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide / biosynthesis*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / genetics
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Galactosylceramides
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Tlr4 protein, mouse
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • alpha-galactosylceramide
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
  • Nos2 protein, mouse