Tumor necrosis factor-alpha modulates the expression of its p60 receptor and several cytokines in rat tracheal epithelial cells.

The epithelium of the conducting airways is frequently the target of toxic chemical and microbial agents causing inflammation, hypersecretion, and epithelial necrosis. TNF-alpha is a prototypical inflammatory cytokine released by macrophages and other inflammatory cells. The purpose of this study was to characterize TNF-alpha receptors in fully differentiated rat tracheal epithelial (RTE) cells in culture and to examine the effects of TNF-alpha on this epithelium. We demonstrated the presence of approximately 250 TNF-alpha receptors per RTE cell. Both known receptor types, p60 (TNF-RI, CD 120a) and p80 (TNF-RII, CD 120b), were expressed. The level of p80 mRNA was unaffected by TNF-alpha treatment, whereas p60 mRNA was down-regulated, and soluble TNF-RI was shed from cells within 30 min. Treatment of RTE cultures with TNF-alpha (1000 U) caused no cytotoxicity (as determined by lactate dehydrogenase release). However, TNF-alpha exposure of the cultures induced the expression of several inflammatory mediators, as determined by reverse transcription-PCR and ELISA. Low levels of IFN-gamma mRNA became detectable after 4 h. Increased levels of TNF-alpha mRNA and protein were found, which peaked after 6 h of TNF-alpha treatment, but neither IL-1 alpha nor IL-1 beta was detectable. Calcium-independent nitric oxide synthase transcripts were elevated two- to threefold within 2 to 6 h of TNF-alpha treatment. These findings suggest that the airway epithelium may actively participate in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation through the production of mediators similar to those found in a Th1 response.