TNF-alpha induces the late-phase airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation through cytosolic phospholipase A(2) activation.

BACKGROUND: Late-phase airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma is considered the event leading to persistent inflammation in the lungs, but the molecular mechanisms involved in this process are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of TNF-alpha in the development of a late AHR and airway inflammation in asthma.

METHODS: We established a murine model of asthma with not only biphasic AHR to methacholine but also airway eosinophilia. The effect of TNF-alpha blockade was determined by using anti-TNF-alpha antibody and TNF-alpha knockout mice. Cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) mRNA expression and activity were assessed by using RT-PCR and 1-stearoyl-2-[1-(14)C] arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine as the substrate, respectively.

RESULTS: TNF-alpha blockade resulted in significant inhibition of the late AHR without affecting the early AHR, and reduction in airway eosinophilia and inflammation. cPLA(2) activity was increased in asthmatic lungs in a TNF-alpha-dependent way, and cPLA(2) inhibitor blocked late AHR and airway eosinophilia. TNF-alpha also stimulated the synthesis of cPLA(2) metabolites such as leukotriene B(4) and platelet-activating factor in the airway. Specific inhibitors of cPLA(2) metabolites inhibited the late AHR and airway eosinophilia.

CONCLUSIONS: TNF-alpha is the proximal key cytokine capable of developing late-phase AHR and subsequent airway inflammation through expression/activation of cPLA(2).