melitten and 4-bromophenacyl-bromide

In order to know a role of phospholipase A2 in modulating nociceptive transmission, the effect of a secreted phospholipase A2 activator melittin on spontaneous glutamatergic excitatory transmission was investigated in substantia gelatinosa neurons of an adult rat spinal cord slice by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Bath-applied melittin at concentrations higher than 0.5 microM increased both the amplitude and the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current in a manner independent of tetrodotoxin; the latter effect of which was examined in detail. In 80% of the neurons examined (n = 64), melittin superfused for 3 min gradually increased spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency (by 65+/-6% at 1 microM; n = 51) in a dose-dependent manner (effective concentration for half-maximal effect = 1.1 microM). This effect subsided within 3 min after washout. The spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency increase produced by melittin was reduced by the phospholipase A2 inhibitor 4-bromophenacryl bromide (10 microM) while being unaffected by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (100 microM) and the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (100 microM). A similar increase in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency was produced by exogenous arachidonic acid (50 microM); this effect was also unaffected by the cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase inhibitor. Melittin failed to increase spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency in a nominally Ca2+-free or La3+-containing Krebs solution. We conclude that melittin increases the spontaneous release of L-glutamate to substantia gelatinosa neurons by activating secreted phospholipase A2 and increasing Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in nerve terminals, probably with an involvement of arachidonic acid but not its metabolites produced by cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Considering that the substantia gelatinosa plays an important role in regulating nociceptive transmission, it is suggested that this transmission may be positively modulated by secreted phospholipase A2 activation in the substantia gelatinosa.

Topics: Acetophenones; Anesthetics, Local; Animals; Calcium; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Electric Stimulation; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials; Glutamic Acid; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Melitten; Membrane Potentials; Neurons; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Substantia Gelatinosa; Synaptic Transmission; Tetrodotoxin; Time Factors

We have previously demonstrated that the release of arachidonic acid (AA) from human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-stimulated Leydig cells occurs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, the amount of AA released was dependent on the hormone-receptor interaction and the concentration of LH-hCG binding sites on the cell surface. The present study was conducted to evaluate the involvement of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) and G proteins in AA release from hormonally stimulated rat Leydig cells, and the possible role of this fatty acid in cAMP production. Cells were first prelabelled with [(14)C]AA to incorporate the fatty acid into cell phospholipids, and then treated in different ways to evaluate AA release. hCG (25 mIU) increased the release of AA to 180+/-12% when compared with AA released from control cells, arbitrarily set as 100%. Mepacrine and parabromophenacyl bromide (pBpB), two PLA(2) inhibitors, decreased the hormone-stimulated AA release to 85+/-9 and 70+/-24% respectively. Conversely, melittin, a PLA(2) stimulator, increased the release of AA up to 200% over control. The inhibitory effect of mepacrine on the release of AA was evident in hCG-treated Leydig cells, but not in the melittin-treated cells. To determine if the release of AA was also mediated through a G protein, cells were first permeabilized and subsequently treated with pertussis toxin or GTPgammaS, a non-hydrolyzable analog of GTP. Results demonstrate that GTPgammaS was able to induce a similar level of the release of AA as hCG. In addition, pertussis toxin completely abolished the stimulatory effect of hCG on the release of AA, indicating that a member of the G(i) family was involved in the hCG-dependent release of AA. Cells treated with PLA(2) inhibitors did not modify cAMP production, but exogenously added AA significantly reduced cAMP production from hCG-treated Leydig cells, in a manner dependent on the concentration of AA and hCG. Results presented here suggest an involvement of PLA(2) and G proteins in the release of AA from hCG-stimulated Leydig cells, and under particular conditions, regulation of cAMP production by this fatty acid in these cells.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Cyclic AMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Leydig Cells; Male; Melitten; Pertussis Toxin; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Quinacrine; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Stimulation, Chemical; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

Treatment of U937 cells with a sublethal concentration of tert-butylhydroperoxide generates DNA single strand breakage in U937 cells and this response is increased by caffeine, ATP, pyruvate or antimycin A. As we previously reported (Guidarelli, Clementi, Brambilla and Cantoni, (1997) Biochem. J. 328, 801-806), the enhancing effects of antimycin A are mediated by inhibition of complex III and the ensuing formation of superoxides and hydrogen peroxide in a reaction in which ubisemiquinone serves as an electron donor. Active electron transport was required in pyruvate-supplemented cells since the increased genotoxic response occurred as a consequence of enforced mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation, a process driven by the increased electrochemical gradient. The enhancing effects of caffeine or ATP were also the consequence of mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation but these responses were independent on electron transport. The increased formation of DNA lesions resulting from exposure to tert-butylhydroperoxide associated with the Ca2+-mobilizing agents or the respiratory substrate was mediated by arachidonic acid generated by Ca2+-dependent activation of phospholipase A2. Melittin, a potent phospholipase A2 activator, and reagent arachidonic acid mimicked the effects of caffeine, ATP or pyruvate on the tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced DNA single strand breakage.

Topics: 5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraynoic Acid; Acetophenones; Antimycin A; Arachidonic Acid; Calcium; DNA Damage; Electron Transport; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Melitten; Mitochondria; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Quinacrine; tert-Butylhydroperoxide; U937 Cells

Activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) by TNF has been shown to be an important component of the signaling pathway leading to cell death. The role of cPLA2 in the cytotoxic action of TNF was investigated in a panel of human leukemic cell lines. TNF could activate cPLA2 only in U937 and HL60 TNF-sensitive leukemic cells, but not in KG1a, CEM, and CEM/VLB100 cells that are relatively resistant to TNF. Pretreatment with 4-bromophenacyl bromide, a cPLA2 inhibitor, rendered U937 and HL60 cell lines resistant to the cytotoxic effect of TNF. Immunoblot and reverse-transcriptase PCR demonstrated that cPLA2 expression was detectable at both transcriptional and translational levels in all leukemic cell lines studied, although CEM and CEM/VLB100 cells expressed cPLA2 mRNA and protein at lower levels. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, increased TNF-induced cPLA2 activity and cytotoxicity in both CEM and CEM/VLB100 cell lines. Low levels of cPLA2 activity in the KG1a cell line could be activated by the cPLA2 activator mellitin, or the calcium ionophore A23187. The data suggest that cPLA2 activity is involved in TNF-induced cytotoxicity in leukemic cells. Resistance to TNF-induced cytotoxicity may involve either protein inhibitors that act upstream of cPLA2 in the TNF-signaling pathway or constitutive defects of cPLA2 itself, possibly involving calcium utilization.

Topics: Acetophenones; Antigens, CD; Apoptosis; Arachidonic Acid; Calcimycin; Cytosol; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; HL-60 Cells; Humans; Leukemia; Melitten; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I; Signal Transduction; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from bee (Apis mellifera) venom were rested for their ability to induce necrosis of skeletal muscle cells after intramuscular injection into mice. Light and electron microscopic examination of tissue indicated that both melittin (4 micrograms/g) and bee venom PLA2 (4 micrograms/g) caused necrosis of skeletal muscle cells within 30 min after i.m. injection. Early changes in the cells consisted of delta lesions, indicating a ruptured plasma membrane, and hypercontraction of myofibrils. By 24 hr the affected cells appeared as an amorphous mass of disorganized and disrupted myofibrils contained in an intact basal lamina. To ensure that the myotoxic activity of the melittin preparation was not due to contaminating. PLA2 activity, the preparation was treated with p-bromophenacyl bromide (p-BPB), a known inhibitor of PLA2 activity. The p-BPB-treated melittin was determined to have no detectable PLA2 activity using a sensitive muscle cell culture assay, and it still induced myonecrosis, although to a lesser extent and of a slower onset. Additionally, p-BPB treatment of purified bee venom PLA2 completely inhibited its myotoxic activity. These results indicate that both melittin and bee venom PLA2 are capable of inducing necrosis of skeletal muscle cells upon i.m. injection, and that the catalytic and myotoxic activities of bee venom PLA2 are inihibited by p-BPB. Also, melittin and contaminating PLA2 in the melittin fraction may be acting synergistically to induce a stronger and more rapid myotoxic effect than occurs with either alone.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Bee Venoms; Cells, Cultured; Enzyme Activation; Female; Melitten; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Muscle, Skeletal; Necrosis; Neurotoxins; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is an enzyme which participates in signalling mechanisms cleaving arachidonate from sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids. In this study we have verified the existence of a PLA2-like activity in the free living protozoan, Tetrahymena pyriformis GL. This activity is Ca(2+)-independent, EDTA (10 mM) has no effect on its activity. Quinacrine (0.1 mM) and 4-bromophenacyl bromide (BPB; 0.1 mM) inhibited, melittin (20 micrograms/ml) significantly stimulated the PLA2 activity and the release of free arachidonic acid (AA) from 1-acyl 2-14C-arachidonyl-3-phosphatidylethanolamine substrate. Melittin stimulated PLA2 hyperactivity is CA(2+)-dependent. There was no considerable alteration in the PLA2 activity by stimulation of the activity by tyrosine kinase (with vanadate, H2O2), phospholipase C (PLC) (with phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate) or G-proteins (with NaF, AlF4), thus in Tetrahymena PLA2 activity seems to be independent of these--in Tetrahymena (also functioning)--signalling pathways. Treatment with quinacrine and BPB leads to decreased synthesis and disturbed breakdown of phospholipids and phosphoinositides. These findings suggest that PLA2 activity is in connection with the phospholipid metabolism of Tetrahymena.

Topics: Acetophenones; Aluminum Compounds; Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Calcium; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fluorides; Hydrogen Peroxide; Inositol; Lithium Chloride; Melitten; Phorbol 12,13-Dibutyrate; Phosphatidylinositols; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Phospholipids; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Quinacrine; Signal Transduction; Sodium Fluoride; Tetrahymena pyriformis; Vanadates

In sea urchin eggs activated by sperm, A23187 or melittin, BPB (4-bromophenacyl bromide, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor) blocked fertilization envelope formation and transient CN(-)-insensitive respiration in a concentration-dependent manner. BPB had virtually no effect on the increase in [Ca2+]i (cytosolic Ca2+ level), the activity of phosphorylase a and the rate of protein synthesis, as well as acid production and augmentation of CN(-)-sensitive respiration. BPB also inhibited fertilization envelope formation and augmentation of CN(-)-insensitive respiration induced by melittin. Melittin, known to be an activator of phospholipase A2, induced the envelope formation, acid production, augmentation of CN(-)-insensitive and sensitive respiration, but did not cause any increase in [Ca2+]i, the phosphorylase a activity and the rate of protein synthesis. An activation of phospholipase A2 induced by Ca2+ or melittin seems to result in cortical vesicle discharge and production of fatty acids, which are to be utilized in CN(-)-insensitive lipid peroxidase reactions. Activation of other examined cell functions in eggs activated by sperm or A23187, probably results from Ca(2+)-triggered sequential reactions other than Ca(2+)-caused activation of phospholipase A2.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cyanides; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Fertilization; Ionophores; Male; Melitten; Ovum; Oxygen Consumption; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Sea Urchins

Previous studies have shown that palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid levels in trophocytes prepared from the fat body of male Periplaneta americana are increased following treatment of the cells with hypertrehalosemic hormone (HTH). Melittin, an activator of phospholipase A2, mimicked the action of HTH by increasing the free fatty acid content in a concentration-dependent manner. The increase caused by HTH could be eliminated by pretreatment of the trophocytes with 1 mM 4'-bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), an inhibitor of phospholipase A2. BPB also decreases the concentration of free fatty acids in trophocytes not treated with HTH but by a smaller margin. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and indomethacin, inhibitors of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, respectively, eliminated the increase in free fatty acids evoked by HTH. In the absence of HTH both inhibitors increased the free fatty acid content of the trophocytes, an effect consistent with the known mode of action of these agents. None of the inhibitors tested, all of which blocked HTH activated trehalose synthesis, prevented activation of phosphorylase by HTH. This is taken as evidence that other downstream sites are also important in the regulation of trehalose production by the fat body. It is suggested that the increase in free fatty acids evoked by HTH, or metabolites of those fatty acids, may regulate the synthesis and release of trehalose from the trophocytes because of potential effects on trehalose phosphate synthase, trehalose 6-phosphate phosphatase, and the trehalose transport mechanism in the trophocyte membrane.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fat Body; Fatty Acids; Indomethacin; Insect Hormones; Linoleic Acid; Male; Masoprocol; Melitten; Neuropeptides; Oleic Acid; Palmitic Acid; Periplaneta; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Stearic Acids; Trehalose

The adult frog dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and their sciatic nerves (ScN) survive in organ culture for several days. About 3 days after a local test crush, the sensory axons start to regenerate into the distal nerve stump at a rate of approximately 0.6-0.9 mm/day. The axonal outgrowth is inhibited in a non-toxic way by low concentrations of three different phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors: 4-bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), aristolochic acid, and oleyl-oxyethyl-phosphoryl-choline (OOPC). In contrast, the outgrowth was slightly stimulated by 0.2 microM melittin, a PLA2 activator. Most experiments refer to the effects of BPB, which was shown to almost completely inhibit outgrowth at a concentration which did not affect either ganglionic protein synthesis or axonal transport. Using a compartmental system it could clearly be shown that BPB exerted its action in the outgrowth region. Other experiments showed that the initial period (about 3 days), which precedes the outgrowth, was unaffected by BPB. Several structures, including axonal ones, showed immunoreactivity for the low molecular form of PLA2 (sPLA2). The results suggest that PLA2 activity plays an important role in nerve regeneration and exerts its action at a local level, where the growth cones move forward.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Axons; Cells, Cultured; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Ganglia, Spinal; Immunohistochemistry; Melitten; Nerve Regeneration; Neurons, Afferent; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Rana temporaria; Sciatic Nerve; Stimulation, Chemical

The molecular mechanisms of depolarization-induced calcium-dependent acetylcholine (ACh) release and its inhibition by botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoTx) are not clear. We studied these mechanisms in an in vitro cholinergic neuronal pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line model. Cultured monolayer PC12 cells were differentiated by treatment with 50 ng/ml nerve growth factor (NGF) for 4 days to enhance cellular ACh synthesis and release. Stimulation of these cells with high K+ (80 mM) in the perfusion medium caused a marked increase (three to four times) in [3H]ACh release in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. K(+)-stimulated [3H]ACh release was totally inhibited by pretreatment of cells with BoTx (2 nM) for 2 h. High K+ also stimulated the release of arachidonic acid ([3H]AA) from the cell membrane, which was inhibited by BoTx (2 nM). Addition of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors (quinacrine, 4-bromophenacyl bromide, manoalide) to the perfusion medium inhibited K(+)-stimulated [3H]ACh and [3H]AA release in a dose-dependent manner. Inclusion of exogenous AA, the PLA2 activator melittin, or PLA2 itself prevented the effect of BoTx. These results demonstrate that in NGF-differentiated PC12 cells, AA release is associated with ACh release, BoTx inhibits both processes, and increased AA can protect against BoTx.

Topics: Acetophenones; Acetylcholine; Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Botulinum Toxins; Cell Differentiation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethacrynic Acid; Indomethacin; Kinetics; Masoprocol; Melitten; Models, Biological; Nerve Growth Factors; PC12 Cells; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Potassium; Protein Kinase C; Quinacrine; Terpenes

Incubation of rocker-cultured neonatal rat heart cells with 3 mM L(+)-lactate led to a sharp increase in the sensitivity of cardiomyocytes to the beta-adrenergic agonist isoprenaline, as measured by their chronotropic response. This effect was accompanied by a reduction in the arachidonic acid content of the total phospholipids. The phospholipase A2-activator melittin as well as free arachidonic acid induced this supersensitivity to the same degree. On the other hand, the L(+)-lactate-evoked supersensitivity could be blocked by the phospholipase A2 inhibitors mepacrine and n-bromophenacyl-bromide, suggesting an involvement of phospholipase A2 in the process of beta-adrenergic sensitization. The sensitizing action of arachidonic acid was blocked by the lipoxygenase inhibitors esculetin and nordihydroguaiaretic acid, but not by the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Supersensitivity was likewise evoked by 15-S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-S-HETE), but not by 5-S-HPETE or 5-S-HETE. These findings suggest that the phospholipase A2-15-lipoxygenase pathway plays a role in the induction of beta-adrenergic supersensitivity in the cultured cardiomyocytes and point to a new physiological role of the lipoxygenase product 15-S-HETE.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Arachidonic Acids; Cells, Cultured; Chronobiology Phenomena; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activation; Heart; Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acids; Isoproterenol; Lactates; Leukotrienes; Melitten; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Prostaglandins D; Quinacrine; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta

The lipoxygenase (LO) inhibitors nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and 15S-hydroxy-5,8,11,13-(Z,Z,Z,E)-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) have been found to suppress the rise in free cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) induced by the Ca2+ ionophores ionomycin and A23187 in rat thymocytes. Bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor, produced a much weaker inhibitory effect, and indomethacin, a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, practically did not influence the [Ca2+]i response to ionomycin. These findings implicate the involvement of LO product(s) in the [Ca2+]i rise triggered by the Ca2+ ionophores. The contribution of the NDGA-sensitive component to the ionomycin-induced [Ca2+]i rise was significant in the ionomycin concentration range of 0.1 nM to 0.1 microM whereas at higher doses of the ionophore it gradually diminished. By contrast, the [Ca2+]i rise induced by exogenous arachidonic acid (AA) or melittin, a PLA2 activator, was not suppressed but potentiated by NDGA. Ionomycin and exogenous AA also elicited opposite changes in thymocyte cytoplasmic pH (pHi): the former elevated the pHi while the latter induced a pronounced acidification of the cytoplasm. This difference in the pHi responses may account for the different sensitivity of ionomycin- and AA-elicited [Ca2+]i signal to LO inhibitors.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Arachidonic Acids; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acids; Indomethacin; Ion Channel Gating; Ionomycin; Masoprocol; Melitten; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; T-Lymphocytes

LPS has been identified as a potent activator of mononuclear phagocytes. This activation is associated with TNF gene expression. The intracellular signaling mechanisms responsible for this effect, however, are unknown. The present studies demonstrate that LPS induces TNF transcripts in HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells. Because previous studies have demonstrated that eicosanoids are involved in the regulation of TNF gene expression in these cells, we examined the effects of LPS on activation of the arachidonic acid cascade. The results demonstrate that LPS stimulates phospholipase A2 activity and the hydrolysis of both 1,2-dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and 1-steroyl 2-arachidonoyl phosphatidylcholine. In contrast, there was no detectable effect of LPS on activation of protein kinase C. We also demonstrate that inhibition of phospholipase A2 activity with bromophenacyl bromide or quinacrine blocks the induction of TNF transcripts by LPS. These findings suggested that LPS induces TNF gene expression through formation of arachidonic acid metabolites. Indeed, similar results were obtained with mellitin, a known activator of phospholipase A2 and eicosanoid production. Previous studies have also suggested that TNF mRNA levels are increased in HL-60 cells by the 5-lipoxygenase pathway and, in the present work inhibitors of this enzyme blocked LPS-induced TNF expression. Moreover, the cyclooxygenase metabolite, PGE2, as well as dibutyryl cAMP, inhibited the induction of TNF transcripts by LPS. Taken together, these results suggest that LPS induces TNF gene expression through activation of phospholipase A2 and that the level of this induction is regulated by activity of the 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways.

Topics: Acetophenones; Bucladesine; Dinoprostone; Enzyme Activation; Gene Expression; Ketoconazole; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Lipopolysaccharides; Masoprocol; Melitten; Phospholipases; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Protein Kinase C; Quinacrine; RNA, Messenger; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Melittin from bee venom has been suggested to activate tissue phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, and subsequently has been used as a specific PLA2 probe. The melittin in most cases was obtained commercially and used without further purification or treatment. To test the hypothesis that commercially obtained melittin specifically activates tissue PLA2, we radiolabeled the lipids of immortalized epithelial cells by incubating the cells for 22 hr with 14C-linoleic acid. The cells were then incubated with 2 microM melittin, 2nM bee venom PLA2, 2 microM melittin treated with p-bromophenacyl bromide (p-BPB) or PLA2 plus p-BPB-treated melittin. Lipids were extracted and separated by thin-layer chromatography. The radioactivity in each lipid fraction was then quantitated. The melittin-stimulated PLA2 activity observed in cells was primarily associated with phosphatidylcholine. Fatty acid release was decreased by 75% when the melittin fraction was pretreated with p-BPB to reduce contaminating venom PLA2 activity. Adding PLA2 to the p-BPB-treated melittin at an amount about equal to the original contamination (0.1%) resulted in the same PLA2 activity in cell as observed with the untreated melittin fraction. These findings suggest that bee venom PLA2 contamination, even at very low levels, can account for approximately 75% of the PLA2 activity in cells treated with commercial melittin fractions.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Bee Venoms; Enzyme Activation; Hemolysis; Humans; Melitten; Phospholipases; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Phospholipids

In order to ascertain the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in the release of arachidonic acid for eicosanoid biosynthesis, we have characterized a Ca2+-dependent PLA2 from P388D1 cells, evaluated inhibitors of its activity, and correlated the effects of these inhibitors on prostaglandin (PG) E2 production in the intact cell. The Ca2+-dependent PLA2 has little preference for the polar head group or sn-2 fatty acid of phospholipids, and we have now found that it will hydrolyze 1-alkyl,2-acyl phospholipids, but it does not show a preference for this substrate over other phospholipids. Inhibitor studies with the Ca2+-dependent PLA2 have shown that arachidonic acid is an effective inhibitor. The analogs of natural fatty acids, eicosatetraynoic acid and octadecyleicosaynoic acid, were ineffective as inhibitors of the P388D1 PLA2. However, 7,7-dimethyl-5,8-eicosadienoic acid was as effective an inhibitor (IC50 = 16 microM) as arachidonic acid. Manoalide and its analog, manoalogue, were found to be good inhibitors of the P388D1 PLA2 (IC50 = 16 and 26 microM, respectively). The irreversible inhibitor of the extracellular PLA2, p-bromophenacyl bromide, was a very poor inhibitor of the P388D1 PLA2, apparent IC50 = 500-600 microM. Quinacrine was also ineffective as an inhibitor as was the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. On the cellular level, the P388D1 cells respond to various stimuli to produce PGD2 and PGE2 as the major cyclooxygenase products with minor production of PGI2 and thromboxane A2. Similar arachidonic acid metabolite profiles were seen for calcium ionophore A23187, melittin, and platelet-activating factor. Manoalide, manoalogue, and 7,7-dimethyl-5,8-eicosadienoic acid, effective inhibitors of the isolated PLA2, inhibited PGE2 production in intact P388D1 cells 40-85% in the concentration range studied. In contrast, p-bromophenacyl bromide, which is ineffective as an inhibitor of the P388D1 PLA2, did not significantly effect PGE2 production in the concentration ranges used. These results demonstrate that there may be important differences between the intracellular P388D1 PLA2 and the more commonly studied extracellular forms of PLA2. These differences are also observed in the intact cell studies and emphasize the need for the evaluation of inhibitors both in vitro and in vivo using the isolated enzyme and intact cell. This is the first example of studies aimed at correlating the inhibition of a purified intracellular PLA2 with inhibition of prostagl

Topics: Acetophenones; Calcimycin; Cell Line; Dinoprostone; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Kinetics; Macrophages; Melitten; Phospholipases; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Platelet Activating Factor; Substrate Specificity; Terpenes

The role of phospholipase A2 (PlA2) in lipid peroxidation induced with t-butyl hydroperoxide was examined in rat liver microsomes. Exposure of microsomes to t-butyl hydroperoxide was associated with activation of endogenous PlA2. When PlA2 was inhibited with chlorpromazine, mepacrine, or p-bromphenacyl bromide, the accumulation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was reduced in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, the accumulation of conjugated dienes was not affected by chlorpromazine, and was slightly increased by mepacrine. When endogenous PlA2 was activated with mellitin prior to induction of peroxidation, accumulation of both TBARS and dienes was reduced. Analogously, pretreatment with exogenous PlA2 reduced both dienes and TBARS. In contrast, addition of mellitin following the induction of peroxidation did not alter either TBARS or dienes.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Chlorpromazine; Enzyme Activation; Fatty Acids; Lipid Peroxidation; Melitten; Microsomes, Liver; Peroxides; Phospholipases; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Quinacrine; Rats; tert-Butylhydroperoxide; Thiobarbiturates

We have used mixed- and co-cultures of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells to investigate the role of phospholipase activation and arachidonic acid metabolites in the production of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Inhibition of phospholipase A2 with para-bromophenacyl bromide, dexamethasone or quinacrine, alone or in combination, blocked arachidonate release by 50%-60% but had no effect on EDRF production as assessed by cyclic GMP accumulation in mixed- or co-cultures of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Inhibition of the phospholipase C-diacylglycerol (DAG) lipase pathway of arachidonate release by the DAG lipase inhibitor RHC-80267 also caused partial inhibition of arachidonate release and had no effect on EDRF. When both phospholipase A2 and phospholipase C pathways for arachidonate mobilization were inhibited (dexamethasone + RHC 80267), arachidonate release was totally inhibited while EDRF release remained intact. We conclude that neither phospholipase activation nor arachidonate mobilization is required for EDRF release from cultured bovine endothelial cells.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Arachidonic Acids; Biological Products; Bradykinin; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Activation; Melitten; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Phospholipases; Vasodilator Agents

The CDP-choline pathway is the major route of phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis in mammalian cells. The incorporation of [14C]choline into PC of isolated pancreatic islets of the rat was time dependent, glucose stimulable, and inhibited by mannoheptulose. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ enhanced glucose-stimulated choline incorporation without affecting basal levels. Glucose stimulated PC synthesis in islets labeled to equilibrium with 32PO4 in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+. The water-soluble intermediates of the CDP-choline pathway, phosphorylcholine and CDP-choline, accumulated to a lesser extent under Ca2+-free conditions; however, glucose enhanced the levels of these intermediates in the presence and absence of Ca2+. Thus, glucose stimulates CDP-choline-pathway activity. Ca2+-free conditions may promote flux of choline intermediates through the pathway and retard the hydrolysis of PC. The phospholipase A2-activating agents delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and melittin enhanced [3H]choline incorporation into PC and potentiated incorporation in response to a submaximal secretagogic concentration of glucose (8.5 mM); insulin release paralleled the changes in PC. p-Bromophenacyl bromide and mepacrine reduced islet glucose utilization and glucose-stimulated [3H]choline levels in PC. An inhibitor of CTP: phosphorylcholine cytidylyltransferase, 5'-deoxy-5'-isobutylthioadenosine, reduced glucose-stimulated [14C]choline incorporation into PC; insulin release was inhibited in a parallel fashion. Thus, islet PC turnover and CDP-choline pathway activity appear to be modulated by glucose metabolism and membrane phospholipid hydrolysis. PC turnover and insulin release appear to be related.

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Calcium; Choline; Cytidine Diphosphate Choline; Deoxyadenosines; Dronabinol; Enzyme Activation; Glucose; Islets of Langerhans; Male; Melitten; Phosphatidylcholines; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Thionucleosides; Type C Phospholipases

The alkylating agent para-bromophenacyl bromide (PBPB) has been reported to block endothelium-dependent relaxation of arteries, presumably by inhibiting phospholipase in the endothelium. We have investigated the site of action of PBPB-induced inhibition of melittin (MEL)- and bradykinin (BK)-stimulated endothelium-dependent relaxation and vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cyclic GMP (cGMP) accumulation. Studies were performed using short-term co-cultures of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (EC) grown on microcarrier beads and rat aortic VSM. The culture system allowed separate pretreatment of ECs and VSM cells with PBPB (3 X 10(-5) M) before placement of the two cell types in co-culture. Because PBPB is an alkylating agent, it was felt that any blockade would endure after washout. Intracellular (VSM) concentrations of cGMP rose in response to MEL or BK stimulation only when EC were present, and were not decreased when only the EC had been pretreated with PBPB. cGMP accumulation induced by MEL or BK was significantly (P less than .01) inhibited in co-cultures where either the VSM alone or VSM and EC combined were pretreated with PBPB. The PBPB pretreatment adequately blocked EC phospholipase activity as measured by attenuation of the release of [3H]arachidonate from prelabeled EC by MEL. In parallel studies, when endothelium-derived relaxing factor was transferred by superfusion of EC to denuded rabbit aortic rings contracted with phenylephrine and pretreated with PBPB, the relaxation response induced by MEL or BK was inhibited. Similarly, when endothelium-derived relaxing factor was transferred to wells of cultured VSM pretreated with PBPB, cGMP accumulation was inhibited.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Acetophenones; Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Arachidonic Acids; Biological Factors; Bradykinin; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic GMP; Endothelium, Vascular; Melitten; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside

The present experiments were undertaken to investigate the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activation in histamine release from human basophils. A PLA2 inhibitor, P-bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), inhibited IgE-mediated anti-IgE-induced histamine release from human basophils with a concentration of drug required to produce 50% inhibition (IC50) of 1.5 x 10(-6) M when leukocytes were preincubated with this agent for 15 min. Histamine release induced by calcium ionophore A23187 and formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine was also blocked by BPB with IC50 of 4.1 x 10(-6) M, and 3.5 x 10(-6) M, respectively. A PLA2 activator, 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) caused basophil histamine release with a dose-dependent fashion. BPB inhibited TPA-induced histamine release (IC50: 2.5 x 10(-6) M). However, another PLA2 activator, melittin, and PLA2 did not release histamine through non-cytotoxic mechanisms. Collectively, these results suggest that PLA2 activation plays a central role in histamine release from human basophils via generation of lysophosphatidylcholine or products of the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism.

Topics: Acetophenones; Basophils; Calcimycin; Histamine Release; Humans; Melitten; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Phospholipases; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate