tacrolimus and diphenyleneiodonium

Alveolar macrophages (AM) have an important role in clearing particles from the lungs. In response to different stimuli they can release reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory mediators and promote pulmonary inflammation. We exposed rat AM to carbon black (CB) particles (0.63-20 microg/ml) and measured the eneration of ROS by using the fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Fluorescence was elevated in a concentration dependent manner in the AM exposed to CB. Follow-up experiments using a series of enzyme inhibitors indicate that the ERK MAP kinase pathway and the p38 MAP kinase pathway may be involved in the formation of ROS.

Topics: Animals; Butadienes; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Imidazoles; In Vitro Techniques; Macrophages, Alveolar; Male; MAP Kinase Kinase 5; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 7; NADPH Oxidases; Nitriles; Onium Compounds; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Particulate Matter; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Inbred WKY; Reactive Oxygen Species; Soot; Tacrolimus