Effects of Tamm-Horsfall protein on polymorphonuclear leukocyte function.
BACKGROUND
Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP), a glycoprotein produced exclusively by renal tubular cells, is thought to be involved in several inflammatory disorders such as bacterial interstitial nephritis as well as in defence against uropathogenic microorganisms. The specific effects of THP on inflammatory cells, however, are not yet well known. Therefore, the present study investigates the effects of THP in its soluble form on distinct polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) functions.


METHODS
PMNL were isolated from the venous blood of healthy adult donors and incubated at low THP concentrations (70-350 ng/ml), resembling plasma concentrations, and at high THP concentrations (1.75-8.75 micro g/ml), resembling urinary concentrations.


RESULTS
High (urinary) THP concentrations inhibited PMNL apoptosis and chemotaxis and stimulated PMNL phagocytosis, while low (plasma) THP concentrations increased PMNL chemotaxis.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that THP influences several PMNL functions, suggesting a crucial immunomodulatory role for this glycoprotein in host defence mechanisms of the kidney and genitourinary tract.
Wimmer
Thomas
T
Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
Cohen
Gerald
G
Saemann
Marcus D
MD
Hörl
Walter H
WH
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009088:Mucoproteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects; D058949:Uromodulin
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D009088:Mucoproteins; C548612:UMOD protein, human; D058949:Uromodulin