Inhibition of neutrophil exocytosis ameliorates acute lung injury in rats

Shock. 2013 Mar;39(3):286-92. doi: 10.1097/SHK.0b013e318282c9a1.

Abstract

Exocytosis of neutrophil granules contributes to acute lung injury (ALI) induced by infection or inflammation, suggesting that inhibition of neutrophil exocytosis in vivo could be a viable therapeutic strategy. This study was conducted to determine the effect of a cell-permeable fusion protein that inhibits neutrophil exocytosis (TAT-SNAP-23) on ALI using an immune complex deposition model in rats. The effect of inhibition of neutrophil exocytosis by intravenous administration of TAT-SNAP-23 on ALI was assessed by albumin leakage, neutrophil infiltration, lung histology, and proteomic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Administration of TAT-SNAP-23, but not TAT-control, significantly reduced albumin leakage, total protein levels in the BALF, and intra-alveolar edema and hemorrhage. Evidence that TAT-SNAP-23 inhibits neutrophil exocytosis included a reduction in plasma membrane CD18 expression by BALF neutrophils and a decrease in neutrophil granule proteins in BALF. Similar degree of neutrophil accumulation in the lungs and/or BALF suggests that TAT-SNAP-23 did not alter vascular endothelial cell function. Proteomic analysis of BALF revealed that components of the complement and coagulation pathways were significantly reduced in BALF from TAT-SNAP-23-treated animals. Our results indicate that administration of a TAT-fusion protein that inhibits neutrophil exocytosis reduces in vivo ALI. Targeting neutrophil exocytosis is a potential therapeutic strategy to ameliorate ALI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Lung Injury / drug therapy*
  • Acute Lung Injury / metabolism
  • Acute Lung Injury / pathology
  • Animals
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / chemistry
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / cytology
  • CD18 Antigens / metabolism
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods
  • Exocytosis / drug effects*
  • Gene Products, tat / administration & dosage
  • Gene Products, tat / pharmacology
  • Gene Products, tat / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neutrophil Infiltration / drug effects
  • Neutrophils / drug effects*
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Neutrophils / physiology
  • Proteomics / methods
  • Rats
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / pharmacology
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / therapeutic use*
  • SNARE Proteins / administration & dosage
  • SNARE Proteins / pharmacology
  • SNARE Proteins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • CD18 Antigens
  • Gene Products, tat
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • SNARE Proteins
  • TAT-SNAP-23 fusion protein