Endotoxin-induced endothelial cell proinflammatory phenotypic differentiation requires stress fiber polymerization

Endotoxin-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) production in endothelial cells, which is mediated by Toll-receptor signaling, is essential for optimal neutrophil recruitment and migration during sepsis. Endotoxin also causes stress fiber polymerization that has recently been shown to affect intracellular signaling. However, the role of this polymerization process on endothelial-induced neutrophil adhesion and migration is unknown. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Selected cells were pretreated with cytochalasin D (CD) or lactrunculin A (LA), agents that disrupt actin polymerization. Cellular protein was extracted and analyzed by Western blot for the phosphorylated form of IL-1-associated kinase (IRAK) and production of ICAM-1. Extracted nuclear protein was analyzed by Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) for nuclear translocation and activity of NF-kappaB. IL-8 production was determined by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA). Neutrophil adhesion was assayed fluorometrically using calcein-AM-labeled neutrophils on treated endothelial cells. LPS treatment led to phosphorylation of IRAK, and subsequent NF-kappaB translocation and activation. This cellular signaling was followed by ICAM-1 expression and IL-8 production. Pretreatment of cells with CD or LA led to a significant inhibition of IRAK phosphorylation, and NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and activation. Actin depolymerization also significantly inhibited LPS-induced ICAM-1 and IL-8 production. HUVEC pretreated with CD or LA demonstrated significant inhibition of LPS-induced neutrophil adhesion. Endotoxin-induced actin polymerization is essential for optimal intracellular signaling through IRAK and NF-kappaB. Failure of these signaling events is associated with a marked reduction in adhesion molecule production, IL-8 production, and neutrophil adhesion. These findings support the necessity of stress fiber polymerization for optimal recruitment of neutrophils during sepsis.