Repetitive mechanical strain suppresses macrophage uptake of immunoglobulin G complexes and enhances cyclic adenosine monophosphate synthesis.

Uptake of immunoglobulin G (IgG) complexes by macrophages (M phi) may play an important role in disease states characterized by increased levels of circulating immune complexes. In sites such as the glomerular mesangium M phi may be subjected to repetitive mechanical strain, although in vitro studies of M phi endocytosis are typically carried out with cells grown on rigid surfaces. We undertook the present study to determine whether repetitive mechanical strain could modulate M phi endocytosis of IgG complexes. IgG complex uptake was significantly diminished in M phi that were subjected to repetitive mechanical strain using parameters corresponding to peak and minimal intraglomerular pressures compared with control, and uptake varied according to the amount of mechanical strain applied. There was no significant difference in surface binding of IgG between M phi subjected to strain and those not. Mechanical strain did not significantly influence the rate of IgG complex degradation. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and guanylate cyclase activity did not alter the effect of mechanical strain, although this effect was potentiated by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). Angiotensin II, which has been shown to reduce adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production in M phi, significantly attenuated the suppressive effect of mechanical strain on IgG complex uptake as well as another inhibitor of cAMP generation, indomethacin. Enzyme immunoassay demonstrated significantly enhanced levels of cAMP in M phi that were subjected to mechanical strain compared with control, an effect that was potentiated by IBMX and attenuated by angiotensin II and indomethacin. These results demonstrate that repetitive mechanical strain significantly reduces IgG complex uptake by M phi, most likely by enhancing cAMP synthesis. Such an effect might play a significant role in macromolecule handling by M phi in sites in which they are subjected to repetitive mechanical deformation such as the glomerular mesangium.