Macrophage activation in vitro by Parachartergus fraternus venom

• Published in: Toxicon (Oxford) Vol. 198; pp. 48 - 53
• Main Authors: Muller, Jéssica de Araujo Isaias, Lencina, Joyce dos Santos, Souza, Maria Inês Lenz, Mortari, Márcia Renata, Toffoli-Kadri, Mônica Cristina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 30-07-2021
• Subjects: Cell activation; Cytotoxicity; Hydrogen peroxide; Nitric oxide; Phagocytosis; Wasp; NO; Hydrogen peroxide; DMSO; CO2; NaOH; Cytotoxicity; ICAM-1; H2O2; MTT; NO2; UFMS; NF-κB; PRR; Cell activation; RNS; iNOS; PAMPs; PBS; Pfv; L-NAME; Wasp; NOS; Nitric oxide; ROS; NaCl; SEM; Phagocytosis; ELISA
• ISSN: 0041-0101; 1879-3150
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.04.028

Parachartergus fraternus wasp induces inflammation with a predominance of mononuclear cells, that can acquire macrophage functions at the sting site, amplifying the response. These cells can be activated by venomous animals and are involved in destruction of injurious agents and release of inflammatory mediators. The objective of this work was to evaluate the activity of P. fraternus venom (Pfv) on isolated murine macrophage function. The cells were obtained from peritoneal cavity of Swiss male mice and incubated with Pfv (2.5, 5 and 10 μg/mL). Cytotoxicity was determined using MTT assay. Adhesion and detachment were evaluated using violet crystal dye. Spreading was evaluated based on morphological parameters. Phagocytosis was performed with opsonized zymosan. Production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) were quantified using the phenol red and Griess assays, respectively. Pfv at concentrations evaluated was not cytotoxic in MTT assay and did not cause macrophage detachment in cell culture plates. However, it increased adhesion of macrophage, spreading and phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan, as well as induced production of H2O2 and NO. Therefore, Pfv induces macrophage activation in vitro and the response of these cells can be correlated with the previously reported inflammatory process triggered by this wasp.
•Parachartergus fraternus venom is not cytotoxic up to 10 μg/mL and it is a pro-inflammatory activator of macrophages.•P. fraternus venom increases adhesion and spreading of macrophages.•P. fraternus venom induces phagocytosis in vitro.•P. fraternus venom induces nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide production by macrophages.