Characterization and solubilization of membrane bound diacylglycerol lipases from bovine brain

2-Arachidonoylglycerol: A signaling lipid with manifold actions in the brain

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is a signaling lipid in the central nervous system that is a key regulator of neurotransmitter release. 2-AG is an endocannabinoid that activates the cannabinoid CB₁ receptor. It is involved in a wide array of (patho)physiological functions, such as emotion, cognition, energy balance, pain sensation and neuroinflammation. In this review, we describe the biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of 2-AG and how chemical and genetic perturbation of these pathways has led to insight in the biological role of this signaling lipid. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of modulating 2-AG levels in the brain.

The diacylglycerol lipases: structure, regulation and roles in and beyond endocannabinoid signalling

The diacylglycerol lipases (DAGLs) hydrolyse diacylglycerol to generate 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the most abundant ligand for the CB(1) and CB(2) cannabinoid receptors in the body. DAGL-dependent endocannabinoid signalling regulates axonal growth and guidance during development, and is required for the generation and migration of new neurons in the adult brain. At developed synapses, 2-AG released from postsynaptic terminals acts back on presynaptic CB(1) receptors to inhibit the secretion of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, with this DAGL-dependent synaptic plasticity operating throughout the nervous system. Importantly, the DAGLs have functions that do not involve cannabinoid receptors. For example, 2-AG is the precursor of arachidonic acid in a pathway that maintains the level of this essential lipid in the brain and other organs. This pathway also drives the cyclooxygenase-dependent generation of inflammatory prostaglandins in the brain, which has recently been implicated in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. Remarkably, we still know very little about the mechanisms that regulate DAGL activity-however, key insights can be gleaned by homology modelling against other α/β hydrolases and from a detailed examination of published proteomic studies and other databases. These identify a regulatory loop with a highly conserved signature motif, as well as phosphorylation and palmitoylation as post-translational mechanisms likely to regulate function.

Endothelium-derived 2-arachidonylglycerol: an intermediate in vasodilatory eicosanoid release in bovine coronary arteries

Acetylcholine stimulates the release of endothelium-derived arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites including prostacyclin and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which relax coronary arteries. However, mechanisms of endothelial cell (EC) AA activation remain undefined. We propose that 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) plays an important role in this pathway. An AA metabolite isolated from bovine coronary ECs was identified as 2-AG by mass spectrometry. In ECs pretreated with the fatty acid amidohydrolase inhibitor diazomethylarachidonyl ketone (DAK; 20 micromol/l), methacholine (10 micromol/l)-stimulated 2-AG release was blocked by the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 (10 micromol/l) or the diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor RHC-80267 (40 micromol/l). In U-46619-preconstricted bovine coronary arterial rings, 2-AG relaxations averaging 100% at 10 micromol/l were inhibited by endothelium removal, by DAK, by the hydrolase inhibitor methyl arachidonylfluorophosphate (10 micromol/l), by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 micromol/l), but not by the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR-141716 (1 micromol/l). The cytochrome P-450 inhibitor SKF-525a (10 micromol/l) and the 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5Z-enoic acid EET antagonist (14,15-EEZE; 10 micromol/l) further attenuated the indomethacin-resistant relaxations. The nonhydrolyzable 2-AG analogs noladin ether, 2-AG amide, and 14,15-EET glycerol amide did not induce relaxation. N-nitro-L-arginine-resistant relaxations to methacholine were also inhibited by U-73122, RHC-80267, and DAK. 14,15-EET glycerol ester increased opening of large-conductance K(+) channels 12-fold in cell-attached patches of isolated smooth muscle cells and induced relaxations averaging 95%. These results suggest that methacholine stimulates EC 2-AG production through phospholipase C and diacylglycerol lipase activation. 2-AG is further hydrolyzed to AA, which is metabolized to vasoactive eicosanoids. These studies reveal a role for 2-AG in EC AA release and the regulation of coronary tone.

Role of endogenous cannabinoids in synaptic signaling

Research of cannabinoid actions was boosted in the 1990s by remarkable discoveries including identification of endogenous compounds with cannabimimetic activity (endocannabinoids) and the cloning of their molecular targets, the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Although the existence of an endogenous cannabinoid signaling system has been established for a decade, its physiological roles have just begun to unfold. In addition, the behavioral effects of exogenous cannabinoids such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the major active compound of hashish and marijuana, await explanation at the cellular and network levels. Recent physiological, pharmacological, and high-resolution anatomical studies provided evidence that the major physiological effect of cannabinoids is the regulation of neurotransmitter release via activation of presynaptic CB1 receptors located on distinct types of axon terminals throughout the brain. Subsequent discoveries shed light on the functional consequences of this localization by demonstrating the involvement of endocannabinoids in retrograde signaling at GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses. In this review, we aim to synthesize recent progress in our understanding of the physiological roles of endocannabinoids in the brain. First, the synthetic pathways of endocannabinoids are discussed, along with the putative mechanisms of their release, uptake, and degradation. The fine-grain anatomical distribution of the neuronal cannabinoid receptor CB1 is described in most brain areas, emphasizing its general presynaptic localization and role in controlling neurotransmitter release. Finally, the possible functions of endocannabinoids as retrograde synaptic signal molecules are discussed in relation to synaptic plasticity and network activity patterns.

Phospholipase A2: its usefulness in laboratory diagnostics

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids. This article reviews the source and structure of PLA2, the involvement of the enzyme in various biological and pathological phenomena, and the usefulness of PLA2 assays in laboratory diagnostics. Of particular importance is the role of PLA2 in the cellular production of mediators of inflammatory response to various stimuli. Assays for PLA2 activity and mass concentration are discussed, and the results of enzyme determinations in plasma from patients with different pathological conditions are presented. The determination of activity and mass concentration in plasma is particularly useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatitis, multiple organ failure, septic shock, and rheumatoid arthritis. A very important result is the demonstration that PLA2 is an acute phase protein, like CRP. Indeed, there is a close correlation between PLA2 mass concentration and CRP levels in several pathological conditions. Although the determination of C-reactive protein is much easier to perform and is routinely carried out in most clinical laboratories, the assessment of PLA2 activity or mass concentration has to be considered as a reliable approach to obtain a deeper understanding of some pathological conditions and may offer additional information concerning the prognosis of several disorders.

Biochemistry of the endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors

In 1992 the discovery of the first endogenous ligand of cannabinoid receptors, anandamide, provided conclusive support to the hypothesis that an "endogenous cannabinoid regulatory system" exists in mammalian nervous tissue. Anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine) was the first of a series of long-chain fatty acid derivatives, including two other polyunsaturated N-acylethanolamines and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol, found to exert cannabimimetic properties in either central or peripheral tissues. Here we review the current knowledge on the biochemical bases of the formation and inactivation of endogenous cannabinoid ligands as well as of their interaction with cannabinoid receptor subtypes.

A second endogenous cannabinoid that modulates long-term potentiation

Cannabinoid receptors are molecular targets for marijuana and hashish, the widespread drugs of abuse. These receptors are expressed in areas of the central nervous system that contribute in important ways to the control of memory, cognition, movement and pain perception. Indeed, such functions can be strongly influenced by cannabinoid drugs, with consequences that include euphoria, analgesia, sedation and memory impairment. Although the pharmacology of cannabinoid drugs is now beginning to be understood, we still lack essential information on the endogenous signalling system(s) by which cannabinoid receptors are normally engaged. An endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptors, anandamide, has been described. Here we report that sn-2 arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), a cannabinoid ligand isolated from intestinal tissue, is present in brain in amounts 170 times greater than anandamide. 2-AG is produced in hippocampal slices by stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals, an excitatory fibre tract that projects from CA3 to CA1 neurons. Formation of 2-AG is calcium dependent and is mediated by the enzymes phospholipase C and diacylglycerol lipase. 2-AG activates neuronal cannabinoid receptors as a full agonist, and prevents the induction of long-term potentiation at CA3-CA1 synapses. Our results indicate that 2-AG is a second endogenous cannabinoid ligand in the central nervous system.

Partial purification of a diacylglycerol lipase from bovine aorta

A diacylglycerol (DG) lipase has been purified from a soluble subcellular fraction of bovine aorta by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation in the presence of 5.0% (w/v) Triton X-100, followed by chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, heparin-Sepharose and octyl-Sepharose in the presence of either CHAPS or Triton X-100 detergents. Under basal conditions, the hydrolysis of a short-chain [3H]dioctanoylglycerol ([3H]diC8) substrate was much greater than that of a long-chain 1-[1-14C]palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (1-[14C]POG) substrate. Lipase activity measured with 1-[14C]POG was markedly enhanced by Triton X-100. In the presence of 0.1% Triton X-100, specific enzyme activities in the octyl-Sepharose fraction determined with 1-[14C]POG or 1-stearoyl-2-[1-14C]-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol as substrates were the same as that measured with [3H]diC8. MgCl2 (5mM) or CaCl2 (2 mM) also selectively stimulated lipase activity (up to 10-13-fold) measured with the long-chain (1-[14C]POG) substrate only. The increase in relative specific activity in the octyl-Sepharose fraction was 60-fold and 155-fold, based on hydrolysis of [3H]diC8 and 1-[14C]POG (+ Triton X-100), respectively. Unlabelled diC8 was a competitive inhibitor of 1-[14C]POG hydrolysis, suggesting that a single lipase hydrolyses both the short-chain and long-chain DG substrates; selective stimulatory effects of non-ionic detergents and bivalent cations on the hydrolysis of 1-[14C]POG may be due to effects on the physical properties of the substrate preparation. Monoacylglycerol lipase, DG kinase and cholesterol esterase activities could not be detected in the partially purified lipase preparation.

Differential properties of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase and diacylglyceride lipase activities in retinal subcellular fractions and rod outer segments

1. The effect of magnesium and dl-propranolol on phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAPase) and diacylglycerol lipase (DGL) activities in isolated rod outer segments (ROS) and of the former on subcellular fractions from bovine retina was investigated. 2. Mg(2+)-independent PAPase activity was found in ROS, whereas in the other subcellular fractions PAPase activities both dependent on and independent of Mg2+ were detected. 3. The membrane-bound PAPase activity was stimulated at low concentrations of Mg2+ and inhibited at higher concentrations. The soluble activity was always stimulated by the ion. 4. dl-Propranolol (1000 microM) exerted a slight stimulatory effect on PAPase in ROS whereas total PAPase activity of microsomal fraction was not affected. 5. Mg2+ (0.2 mM) stimulated DGL activity (30%) whereas it was inhibited at higher concentration. 6. DGL lipase activities, both dependent on and independent of Mg2+, were detected in subcellular fractions of bovine retina. 7. DGL properties in ROS are also described.

Bradykinin stimulates arachidonic acid release through the sequential actions of an sn-1 diacylglycerol lipase and a monoacylglycerol lipase

In cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid [( 3H]AA), bradykinin (BK) stimulation resulted in increased levels of radioactive diacylglycerol, monoacylglycerol, and free AA. The transient increases in content of radioactive diacylglycerol and monoacylglycerol preceded the increase in level of free AA, suggesting the contribution of a diacylglycerol lipase pathway to AA release. An analysis of the molecular species of diacylglycerols in unstimulated cultures revealed the presence of two primary [3H]AA-containing species, 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl and 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl diacylglycerol. BK stimulation resulted in a preferential increase in content of 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl diacylglycerol. When DRG cultures were labeled with [3H]stearic acid, treatment with BK increased the amount of label in diacylglycerol and free stearic acid, but not in monoacylglycerol. This result suggested that AA release occurred through the successive actions of an sn-1 diacylglycerol lipase and monoacylglycerol lipase. Other data supporting a diacylglycerol lipase pathway was the significant inhibition of [3H]AA release and consequent accumulation of diacylglycerol by RG 80267, which preferentially inhibits diacylglycerol lipase. Analysis of the molecular species profiles of individual phospholipids in DRG neurons indicated that phosphoinositide hydrolysis may account for a significant portion of the rapid increase in content of 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl diacylglycerol. We were unable to obtain evidence that the phospholipase A2 pathway makes a significant contribution to BK-stimulated AA release in DRG cultures. Under our assay conditions there were no BK-stimulated increases in levels of radioactive lysophosphatidylinositol, lysophosphatidylcholine, or lysophosphatidylethanolamine in cultures prelabeled with [3H]inositol, [3H]choline, or [3H]-ethanolamine, respectively.

Phospholipases in biology and medicine

Phospholipases, a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids, are classified according to the bond cleaved in a phospholipid into PLA1 (EC 3.1.1.3), PLA2 (EC 3.1.1.4), PLB (EC 3.1.1.5), PLC (EC 3.1.4.3), and PLD (EC 3.1.4.4). This paper reviews source and structure of PLA2 and the involvement of PLA2 and PLC in several biological phenomena, such as, signal transduction, photoreception, biosynthesis of lung surfactant, sperm motility, and fertilization. New assays for PLA2 activity and concentration in biological fluids are discussed. Phospholipases are involved in many inflammatory reactions by making arachidonate available for eicosanoid biosynthesis. The determination of PLA2 activity and mass concentration in plasma is useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatitis and of septic shock. Naturally occurring phospholipase inhibitors, such as lipocortins act as second messengers in the anti-inflammatory response to steroids. Lipocortins may be valuable therapeutic agents, because they are more specific in their anti-inflammatory action than glucocorticoids; therefore, they are less likely to produce harmful side effects.

Rapid hydrolysis of diacylglycerol formed during phosphatidate phosphatase assay by lipase activities in rat liver cytosol and microsomes

Side reactions which may affect the determination of phosphatidate phosphatase activity were investigated in rat liver cytosol and microsomes. Incubation of these subcellular fractions with either 14C-labeled phosphatidate bound to microsomal membranes (PAmb) or that coemulsified with microsomal lipids resulted in rapid formation of water-soluble products, most of which were identified as glycerol, in addition to diacylglycerol. Neither lysophosphatidate nor glycerol 3-phosphate accumulated under any of the conditions used and only a minute amount of activity catalyzing hydrolysis of glycerol 3-phosphate could be detected in cytosol and microsomes, suggesting that glycerol was not formed by the deacylation of phosphatidate to glycerol 3-phosphate and subsequent dephosphorylation. On the other hand, pretreatment of cytosol or microsomes with diisopropylfluorophosphate abolished the formation of water-soluble products, indicating that glycerol was formed from diacylglycerol, the product of the phosphatidate phosphatase reaction, by lipase-type activities. Rapid deacylation of diacylglycerol by these subcellular fractions was also observed with an emulsion of phosphatidate, which has been purified from the total lipid extract of PAmb as substrate. The rate of hydrolysis of diacylglycerol was maximum when the concentration of diacylglycerol was less than 20 microM with either cytosol or microsomes. The present results suggest that it is essential to characterize the reaction products before employing specific assay conditions for phosphatidate phosphatase. At least under the conditions we tested, reliable measurement of the enzyme activity in rat liver cytosol and microsomes can be achieved only by determining the release of Pi or that of water-soluble activity from 32P-labeled phosphatidate.

Diacylglycerol breakdown in plasma membranes of bovine chromaffin cells is a two-step mechanism mediated by a diacylglycerol lipase and a monoacylglycerol lipase

The recently identified diacylglycerol lipase activity in membranes of chromaffin cells from bovine adrenal medulla [24] is now shown to consist of two enzymes working in series. First the predominantly saturated fatty acid in the sn-1-position is split by a diacylglycerol lipase (glycerol ester hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.34). Subsequently the resulting sn-2-monoacylglycerol is split by a monoacylglycerol lipase (glycerol-monoester acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.23) which prefers sn-2-arachidonoyl-monoacylglycerol to sn-2-palmitoyl-monoacylglycerol. At pH 4.0 only the diacylglycerol lipase is active, whereas the monoacylglycerol lipase is irreversibly inactivated. At pH 6.0 both enzymes are active. Pretreatment of the membranes at pH 10 leads to the selective inactivation of the diacylglycerol lipase. Both enzymes are Ca2+- and calmodulin-independent and both are partially inhibited by p-bromophenacyl bromide, however, only at relatively high concentrations of the inhibitor. Chlorpromazine inhibits the diacylglycerol lipase to about the same extent as p-bromophenacyl bromide but the monoacylglycerol lipase is less sensitive. The specific diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor RHC 80267 (1,6-di(O-(carbamoyl)cyclohexanone oxime)hexane) only interacts with the first step, i.e. the diacylglycerol lipase.

Mono- and diacylglycerol lipases in spinal cord of lean and obese Zucker rats

1. Genetically obese Zucker rats (fa/fa) contain 2-3 times higher activities mono- and diacylglycerol lipases in their spinal cords than their lean littermates. 2. When rats were exercised (1 hr daily, 5 days/week) on a treadmill for 6 months, there was a decrease of about 30% (P less than 0.05) in the activities of mono- and diacylglycerol lipases in lean rats but not in obese animals. 3. High activities of lipases in Zucker obese rats may be related to the elevated levels of beta-endorphin present in these animals. 4. The activities of arylsulfatase, beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase and alkaline phosphatase, tested to check the stability of spinal cord extracts, were similar in lean and obese rat spinal cords.