NFATc3 Regulates Trypsinogen Activation, Neutrophil Recruitment, and Tissue Damage in Acute Pancreatitis in Mice.

Darbaz Awla, Anna Zetterqvist, Aree Abdulla, Cristina Camello, Lisa Berglund, Peter Spégel, Maria J Pozo, Pedro J Camello, Sara Regnér, Maria Gomez, Henrik Thorlacius

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIMS:
The signaling mechanisms that regulate trypsinogen activation and inflammation in acute pancreatitis (AP) are unclear. We explored the involvement of the calcium- and calcineurin-dependent transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) in development of AP in mice.

METHODS:
We measured levels of myeloperoxidase and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (CXCL2), trypsinogen activation, and tissue damage in the pancreas 24 h after induction of AP by retrograde infusion of taurocholate into the pancreatic ducts of wild-type, NFAT luciferase reporter (NFAT-luc), and NFATc3-deficient mice. We isolated acinar cells and measured NFAT nuclear accumulation, trypsin activity, and expression of NFAT-regulated genes.

RESULTS:
Infusion of taurocholate increased the transcriptional activity of NFAT in the pancreas, aorta, lung, and spleen of NFAT-luc mice. Inhibition of NFAT with A-285222 blocked taurocholate-induced activation of NFAT in all organs. A-285222 also reduced taurocholate-induced increases in levels of amylase, myeloperoxidase and CXCL2; activation of trypsinogen; necrosis of acinar cells; edema; leukocyte infiltration; and hemorrhage in the pancreas. NFATc3-deficient mice were protected from these effects of taurocholate. Similar results were obtained using an L-arginine-induced model of AP. Reverse transcriptase PCR and confocal immunofluorescence analyses showed that NFATc3 is expressed by acinar cells. NFATc3 expression was activated by stimuli that increase intracellular calcium; activation was prevented by the calcineurin blocker cyclosporine A or A-285222. Activation of trypsinogen by secretagogues in acinar cells was prevented by pharmacologic inhibition of NFAT signaling or lack of NFATc3. A-285222 also reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines such as CXCL2 in acinar cells.

CONCLUSIONS:
NFATc3 regulates trypsinogen activation, inflammation, and pancreatic tissue damage during development of AP in mice, and might be a therapeutic target.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1352
JournalGastroenterology
Volume143
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Bibliographical note

The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.
The record was previously connected to the following departments: Surgery Research Unit (013242220), Molecular Metabolism (013244000), Emergency medicine/Medicine/Surgery (013240200)

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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