Enzymatically-inactive Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator Reverses Disease Progression in the Dextran Sulfate Sodium Mouse Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Enzymatically inactive tissue-type plasminogen activator (EI-tPA) does not activate fibrinolysis but still interacts with the N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) and low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein-1 (LRP1) in macrophages to block innate immune system responses mediated by toll-like receptors. Herein, we examined the ability of EI-tPA to treat colitis in mice, induced by dextran sulfate sodium. In two separate studies, designed to generate colitis of differing severity, a single dose of EI-tPA administered after inflammation was established significantly improved disease parameters. EI-tPA–treated mice demonstrated improved weight gain. Stools improved in character and became hemoccult negative. Abdominal tenderness decreased. Colon shortening was significantly decreased in EI-tPA–treated mice, suggesting attenuation of irreversible tissue damage and remodeling. Furthermore, histopathologic evidence of disease was decreased in the distal 25% of the colon in EI-tPA–treated mice. EI-tPA did not decrease the number of CD45-positive leukocytes or F4/80-positive macrophage-like cells detected in extracts of colons from dextran sulfate sodium–treated mice by flow cytometry; however, multiple colon cell types expressed the NMDA-R, suggesting the ability of diverse cells to respond to EI-tPA, including CD3-positive cells, CD103-positive cells, Ly6G-positive cells, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule–positive epithelial cells. Mesenchymal cells that line intestinal crypts and provide barrier function expressed LRP1 and, thus, represent another potential target for EI-tPA. These results demonstrate that the NMDA-R/LRP1 receptor system may be a target for drug development in diseases characterized by tissue damage and chronic inflammation.