[Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces release of endothelial microparticles from human endothelial cells].
OBJECTIVE
The present study was designed to investigate whether Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha stimulates release of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) by human endothelial cells, and whether EMPs may serve as a promising marker for endothelial injury and dysfunction.


METHODS
Human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVEC) were incubated with or without TNF-alpha for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. EMPs generated on the surface of HUVEC were observed with a scanning electron microscopy. The CD31 and CD51 positive EMPs in culture supernatants were measured by flow cytometer.


RESULTS
Fewer vesicles were observed on cell surface of control group, in TNF-alpha-stimulated one, however, cells manifested a blebby surface (eruption phenomenon) and more vesicles on surface were observed. The levels of EMPs were significantly increased in TNF-alpha stimulated cells compared with controls [CD31 + EMP, (164 +/- 63)/1000 cells vs. (42 +/- 10)/1000 cells, P < 0.05; CD51 + EMP, (260 +/- 108)/1000 cells vs. (19 +/- 4)/1000 cells, P < 0.05].


CONCLUSIONS
TNF-alpha can stimulate HUVEC to release EMPs which may serve as a surrogate marker for endothelial injury and dysfunction.
Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Yan
Y
Wang
Jun
J
Tao
Zhen
Z
Yang
Chang
C
Tu
Ming-guo
MG
Xu
Jie-mei
JM
Wang
Yi-jun
YJ
Huang
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000378:metabolism; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000166:cytology
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha