Synergistic effect of histamine and TNF-α on monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelial cells

Inflammation. 2013 Apr;36(2):309-19. doi: 10.1007/s10753-012-9548-0.

Abstract

The histamine level is high during allergic attacks, and patients with allergy may have chronic inflammatory conditions at which tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is extensively released by macrophages. Here, in vitro static and microfluidic flow assays were conducted to investigate the combined influence of histamine and TNF-α on adhesion of monocytic THP-1 cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In a static assay, histamine stimulation of TNF-α-activated HUVEC elevated the number of attached THP-1 cells. In a flow assay, the number of crawling and firmly adherent THP-1 cells was higher on TNF-α + histamine activated HUVEC than on HUVEC activated by TNF-α alone. This synergistic effect of histamine and TNF-α is caused by the increased endothelial surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin. Since the exposure of TNF-α-activated endothelium to histamine favors monocyte recruitment, it may be a serious risk factor for atherosclerosis and other inflammatory disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Adhesion*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • E-Selectin / metabolism
  • Histamine / metabolism*
  • Histamine / pharmacology
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism
  • Monocytes / metabolism*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / pharmacology
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism

Substances

  • E-Selectin
  • ICAM1 protein, human
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Histamine