Conversion of 1-O-[3H]alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine to lyso platelet-activating factor by the CoA-independent transacylase in membrane fractions of human neutrophils

Roles of specific lipid species in the cell and their molecular mechanism

Thousands of different molecular species of lipids are present within a single cell, being involved in modulating the basic processes of life. The vast number of different lipid species can be organized into a number of different lipid classes, which may be defined as a group of lipids with a common chemical structure, such as the headgroup, apart from the nature of the hydrocarbon chains. Each lipid class has unique biological roles. In some cases, a relatively small change in the headgroup chemical structure can result in a drastic change in function. Such phenomena are well documented, and largely understood in terms of specific interactions with proteins. In contrast, there are observations that the entire structural specificity of a lipid molecule, including the hydrocarbon chains, is required for biological activity through specific interactions with membrane proteins. Understanding of these phenomena represents a fundamental change in our thinking of the functions of lipids in biology. There are an increasing number of diverse examples of roles for specific lipids in cellular processes including: Signal transduction; trafficking; morphological changes; cell division. We are gaining knowledge and understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. They are of growing importance in both basic and applied sciences.

Altered arachidonate distribution in macrophages from caveolin-1 null mice leading to reduced eicosanoid synthesis

In this work we have studied the effect of caveolin-1 deficiency on the mechanisms that regulate free arachidonic acid (AA) availability. The results presented here demonstrate that macrophages from caveolin-1-deficient mice exhibit elevated fatty acid incorporation and remodeling and a constitutively increased CoA-independent transacylase activity. Mass spectrometry-based lipidomic analyses reveal stable alterations in the profile of AA distribution among phospholipids, manifested by reduced levels of AA in choline glycerophospholipids but elevated levels in ethanolamine glycerophospholipids and phosphatidylinositol. Furthermore, macrophages from caveolin-1 null mice show decreased AA mobilization and prostaglandin E(2) and LTB(4) production upon cell stimulation. Collectively, these results provide insight into the role of caveolin-1 in AA homeostasis and suggest an important role for this protein in the eicosanoid biosynthetic response.

Influence of cellular arachidonic acid levels on phospholipid remodeling and CoA-independent transacylase activity in human monocytes and U937 cells

The availability of free arachidonic acid (AA) constitutes a limiting step in the synthesis of biologically active eicosanoids. Free AA levels in cells are regulated by a deacylation/reacylation cycle of membrane phospholipids, the so-called Lands cycle, as well as by further remodeling reactions catalyzed by CoA-independent transacylase. In this work, we have comparatively investigated the process of AA incorporation into and remodeling between the various phospholipid classes of human monocytes and monocyte-like U937 cells. AA incorporation into phospholipids was similar in both cell types, but a marked difference in the rate of remodeling was appreciated. U937 cells remodeled AA at a much faster rate than human monocytes. This difference was found not to be related to the differentiation state of the U937 cells, but rather to the low levels of esterified arachidonate found in U937 cells compared to human monocytes. Incubating the U937 cells in AA-rich media increased the cellular content of this fatty acid and led to a substantial decrease of the rate of phospholipid AA remodeling, which was due to reduced CoA-independent transacylase activity. Collectively, these findings provide the first evidence that cellular AA levels determine the amount of CoA-independent transacylase activity expressed by cells and provide support to the notion that CoA-IT is a major regulator of AA metabolism in human monocytes.

Lipid oxidation by hypochlorous acid: chlorinated lipids in atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia

Leukocytes, containing myeloperoxidase (MPO), produce the reactive chlorinating species, HOCl, and they have important roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Leukocyte-derived HOCl can target primary amines, alkenes and vinyl ethers of lipids, resulting in chlorinated products. Plasmalogens are vinyl ether-containing phospholipids that are abundant in tissues of the cardiovascular system. The HOCl oxidation products derived from plasmalogens are α-chlorofatty aldehyde and unsaturated molecular species of lysophosphatidylcholine. α-chlorofatty aldehyde is the precursor of both α-chlorofatty alcohol and α-chlorofatty acid. Both α-chlorofatty aldehyde and α-chlorofatty acid accumulate in activated neutrophils and have disparate chemotactic properties. In addition, α-chlorofatty aldehyde increases in activated monocytes, human atherosclerotic lesions and rat infarcted myocardium. This article addresses the pathways for the synthesis of these lipids and their biological targets.

On the presence of C2-ceramide in mammalian tissues: possible relationship to etherphospholipids and phosphorylation by ceramide kinase

C(2)-ceramide (N-acetyl-sphingenine) is often used as an analog to study ceramide-mediated cellular processes. According to Lee et al. [J. Biol. Chem. 271 (1996), 209-217], C(2)-ceramide is formed by an acetyl transfer from platelet-activating factor (PAF, 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) to sphingenine. To substantiate these unconfirmed findings, we (i) developed a method to quantify C(2)-ceramide and (ii) analyzed C(2)-ceramide levels in Pex5(-/-) mice, a model for Zellweger syndrome, in which the synthesis of ether lipids such as PAF is impaired. The presence of C(2)-ceramide could be established in brain (+/-10 pmol/g) and liver (+/-25 pmol/g) from control mice, and was approximately 5000-fold less than the main long-chain ceramide species. In Pex5(-/-) mice, C(2)-ceramide levels did not differ significantly compared to control tissues. Given the presence of a ceramide kinase in mammals, phosphorylation of C(2)-ceramide by human ceramide kinase (HsCERK) was tested. C(2)-ceramide appears to be a good substrate when albumin is used as carrier. In CHO cells overexpressing HsCERK, phosphorylation of exogenously added C(2)-ceramide could also be demonstrated. Our data indicate that C(2)-ceramide is present in mammalian tissues and can be converted to C(2)-ceramide-1-phosphate, in addition to other documented metabolic alterations, but does not seem to be linked to ether lipid metabolism.

Regulation of platelet-activating factor synthesis in human neutrophils by MAP kinases

Human neutrophils (PMN) are potentially a major source of platelet-activating factor (PAF) produced during inflammatory responses. The stimulated synthesis of PAF in PMN is carried out by a phospholipid remodeling pathway involving three enzymes: acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (acetyltransferase), type IV phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and CoA-independent transacylase (CoA-IT). However, the coordinated actions and the regulatory mechanisms of these enzymes in PAF synthesis are poorly defined. A23187 has been widely used to activate the remodeling pathway, but it has not been shown how closely its actions mimic those of physiological stimuli. Here we address this important problem and compare responses of the three remodeling enzymes and PAF synthesis by intact cells. In both A23187- and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated PMN, acetyltransferase activation is blocked by SB 203580, a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, but not by PD 98059, which blocks activation of the ERKs. In contrast, either agent attenuated cPLA(2) activation. Correlating with these results, SB 203580 decreased stimulated PAF formation by 60%, whereas PD 98059 had little effect. However, the combination of both inhibitors decreased PAF formation to control levels. Although a role for CoA-IT in PAF synthesis is recognized, we did not detect activation of the enzyme in stimulated PMN. CoA-IT thus appears to exhibit full activity in resting as well as stimulated cells. We conclude that the calcium ionophore A23187 and the receptor agonist fMLP both act through common pathways to stimulate PAF synthesis, with p38 MAP kinase regulating acetyltransferase and supplementing ERK activation of cPLA(2).

Reactive brominating species produced by myeloperoxidase target the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens: disparate utilization of sodium halides in the production of alpha-halo fatty aldehydes

Plasmalogens are a phospholipid molecular subclass that are enriched in the plasma membrane of many mammalian cells. The present study demonstrates that reactive brominating species produced by myeloperoxidase, as well as activated neutrophils, attack the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens. Reactive brominating species produced by myeloperoxidase target the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens, resulting in the production of a neutral lipid and lysophosphatidylcholine. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and proton NMR analyses of this neutral lipid demonstrated that it was 2-bromohexadecanal (2-BrHDA). In comparison to myeloperoxidase-generated reactive chlorinating species, reactive brominating species attacked the plasmalogen vinyl ether bond at neutral pH. In the presence of a 20-fold molar excess of NaCl compared with NaBr, myeloperoxidase-derived reactive halogenating species favored the production of 2-BrHDA over that of 2-chlorohexadecanal. Additionally, 2-BrHDA was preferentially produced from plasmalogen treated with hypochlorous acid in the presence of NaBr. The potential physiological significance of this pathway was suggested by the demonstration that both 2-BrHDA and 2-bromooctadecanal were produced by PMA-stimulated neutrophils. Taken together, the present studies demonstrate the targeting of the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens by the reactive brominating species produced by myeloperoxidase and by activated neutrophils, resulting in the production of novel brominated fatty aldehydes.

Participation of prostaglandin E2 and platelet-activating factor in thapsigargin-induced production of interleukin-6

Incubation of rat peritoneal macrophages in the presence of thapsigargin increased production of prostaglandin E2, intracellular platelet-activating factor (PAF) and interleukin-6. However, no PAF was detected in the conditioned medium. In the presence of SK&F 98625 (diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane phosphonate), a CoA-independent transacylase inhibitor, the thapsigargin-induced increases in the interleukin-6 mRNA level and interleukin-6 production were suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner. This inhibitor also suppressed the production of prostaglandin E2 and intracellular PAF. The PAF receptor antagonists such as E6123 ((S)-(+)-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-cyclopropanecarbonyl-8,11-dimethyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-8H-pyrido[4',3':4,5]thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo [4,3-a][1,4]diazepine) and L-652,731 (2,5-bis(3,4,5-trimethylphenyl)tetrahydrofuran) partially inhibited the thapsigargin-induced increase in the levels of interleukin-6 mRNA and interleukin-6 protein. The SK&F 98625-induced suppression of interleukin-6 mRNA accumulation and interleukin-6 production was partially restored by addition of exogenous prostaglandin E2. However, exogenous PAF failed to reverse the suppression suggesting that the intracellular PAF does not act in an autocrine mechanism. These findings suggested that the concurrently produced prostaglandin E2 and intracellular PAF participate in the thapsigargin-induced increase in the interleukin-6 mRNA level and interleukin-6 production by rat peritoneal macrophages.

Reactive chlorinating species produced by myeloperoxidase target the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens: identification of 2-chlorohexadecanal

Plasmalogens contain a vinyl ether bond linking the sn-1 aliphatic chain to the glycerol backbone of this predominant phospholipid molecular subclass, which is found in many mammalian tissues. The present study demonstrates that the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens is a molecular target of the reactive chlorinating species produced by myeloperoxidase. Analysis by thin layer chromatography revealed that reactive chlorinating species produced by myeloperoxidase target the vinyl ether bond of the plasmalogen, lysoplasmenylcholine (1-O-hexadec-1'-enyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine), resulting in the production of a neutral lipid. Capillary gas chromatographic analyses demonstrated that the neutral lipid generated from lysoplasmenylcholine was neither hexadecanal nor did it contain masked hexadecanal (i.e. the vinyl ether) because the dimethyl acetal of hexadecanal produced by acid methanolysis derivatization was no longer present. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of the myeloperoxidase-generated neutral lipid product was consistent with the production of a 16-carbon fatty aldehyde containing one chlorine atom. Furthermore, proton NMR analysis indicated that this neutral lipid product was a 2-chloro-fatty aldehyde. Additional structural analysis of this neutral lipid by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the underivatized product as well as its pentafluorobenzyl oxime-derivative product was consistent with the neutral lipid being 2-chlorohexadecanal. The reactive chlorinating species, hypochlorous acid and chlorine gas, both attacked the vinyl ether bond of lysoplasmenylcholine resulting in the production of 2-chlorohexadecanal. The production of 2-chlorohexadecanal was dependent on the presence of the plasmalogen masked aldehyde (i.e. the vinyl ether) in the substrate because the free fatty aldehyde, hexadecanal, was not converted to 2-chlorohexadecanal by the reactive chlorinating species generated by myeloperoxidase. Taken together, the present studies demonstrate for the first time the targeting of the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogens by the reactive chlorinating species produced by myeloperoxidase resulting in the production of novel chlorinated fatty aldehydes.

Involvement of calcium-independent phospholipase A2 in uterine stromal cell phospholipid remodelling

The role of Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) in arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid incorporation and phospholipid remodelling in rat uterine stromal cells (UIII cells) was studied. Incorporation of AA and DHA into UIII cell phospholipids was Ca2+-independent. Bromoenollactone (BEL), a potent inhibitor of iPLA2, reduced lysophosphatidylcholine level and AA incorporation into phospholipids by approximately 20%. DHA incorporation was not affected by BEL, indicating that the pathways for AA and DHA incorporation are partially different. In control cells, the transfer of AA occurred mainly from diacyl-glycerophosphocholine (GroPCho) to alkenylacyl-glycerophosphoethanolamine (GroPEtn) and to a lesser extent from diacyl-GroPCho to diacyl-GroPEtn. [3H]DHA was redistributed from diacyl-GroPCho and alkylacyl-GroPEtn to alkenylacyl-GroPEtn. BEL treatment inhibited completely the redistributrion of AA within diacyl-GroPCho and diacyl -GroPEtn and reduced the [3H]DHA content of diacyl-GroPEtn, indicating that a BEL-sensitive iPLA2 controls the redistribution of polyunsaturated fatty acids to diacyl-GroPEtn. In contrast the redistribution of radioactive AA and DHA to alkenylacyl-GroPEtn was almost insensitive to BEL. The analysis of substrate specificity and BEL sensitivity of iPLA2 activity indicates that UIII cells exhibit at least two isoforms of iPLA2, one of which is BEL-sensitive and quite selective of diacyl species, and another one that is insensitive to BEL and selective for alkenylacyl-GroPEtn. Taken together, these results suggest that several iPLA2 participate independently in the remodelling of UIII cell phospholipids.

Role of platelet-activating factor in cardiovascular pathophysiology

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid mediator that belongs to a family of biologically active, structurally related alkyl phosphoglycerides. PAF acts via a specific receptor that is coupled with a G protein, which activates a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. In this review we focus on the aspects that are more relevant for the cell biology of the cardiovascular system. The in vitro studies provided evidence for a role of PAF both as intercellular and intracellular messenger involved in cell-to-cell communication. In the cardiovascular system, PAF may have a role in embryogenesis because it stimulates endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis and may affect cardiac function because it exhibits mechanical and electrophysiological actions on cardiomyocytes. Moreover, PAF may contribute to modulation of blood pressure mainly by affecting the renal vascular circulation. In pathological conditions, PAF has been involved in the hypotension and cardiac dysfunctions occurring in various cardiovascular stress situations such as cardiac anaphylaxis and hemorrhagic, traumatic, and septic shock syndromes. In addition, experimental studies indicate that PAF has a critical role in the development of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Indeed, PAF cooperates in the recruitment of leukocytes in inflamed tissue by promoting adhesion to the endothelium and extravascular transmigration of leukocytes. The finding that human heart can produce PAF, expresses PAF receptor, and is sensitive to the negative inotropic action of PAF suggests that this mediator may have a role also in human cardiovascular pathophysiology.

Subcellular localization of enzyme activities involved in the metabolism of platelet-activating factor in rainbow trout leukocytes

The subcellular distribution of an alkyllyso-GPC: acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.67) and transacylase, two important enzyme activities involved in the remodeling pathway for the biosynthesis of platelet-activating factor (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, PAF) have been examined in leukocytes isolated from the pronephros of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Contrary to mammalian systems, in which the acetyltransferase is localized to intracellular membranes, the subcellular distribution of an acetyltransferase activity in rainbow trout leukocytes was localized to the plasma membrane. Analysis of the acetyltransferase products by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed synthesis of two subclasses of PAF, 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1-acyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. The transacylase activity in this study was detected in membrane fractions in two domains of the intermediate density region which also contained the NADH dehydrogenase activity, a marker enzyme for the endoplasmic reticulum. Acylation of lysoPAF (1-O-alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) exhibited approximately 95% specificity for omega-3 fatty acids. Acylation patterns were not significantly different in either domain of the endoplasmic reticulum. A model is proposed herein for the metabolism of PAF in rainbow trout leukocytes.

Transacylase formation of bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate

Recent work within our laboratory has focused on the enzymes we hypothesize are involved in the biosynthesis of bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate from phosphatidylglycerol. Here we describe a transacylase, active at acidic pH values, isolated from a macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7. This enzyme acylates the head group glycerol of sn-3:sn-1' lysophosphatidylglycerol to form sn-3:sn-1' bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate. Here we demonstrate that this enzyme uses two lysophosphatidylglycerol molecules, one as an acyl donor and another as an acyl acceptor, and that the acyl contributions from all other lipids tested are comparatively minor. This enzyme prefers saturated acyl chains to monounsaturates, 16 and 18 carbon fatty acids over 14 carbon fatty acids, and saturated acyl chains at the sn-1 position to monounsaturated acyl chains on the sn-2 carbon of lysophosphatidylglycerol. We present data which show the transacylase activity depends on the presence of a lipid-water interface and the lipid polymorphic state.

Types of purinoceptors and phospholipase A2 involved in the activation of the platelet-activating factor-dependent transacetylase activity and arachidonate release by ATP in endothelial cells

Acyl analogs of PAF are the major products synthesized during agonist stimulation of endothelial cells. We have previously shown that PAF: 1-acyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine transacetylase in calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells is activated by ATP through protein phosphorylation, and the increase in transacetylase activity by ATP contributes to the biosynthesis of acyl analogs of PAF (J. Biol. Chem. 272, 17431-17437, 1997). To understand the mechanisms(s) by which ATP stimulates acyl analogs of PAF production, we have identified the subtypes of the purinergic receptor that are linked to the activation of two enzymes involved in the generation of acyl analogs of PAF, namely, transacetylase and phospholipase A2. Experiments with transient transfection of the cells with antisense and sense thio-oligonucleotide to cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) were also performed to evaluate whether downstream activation of cPLA2 is involved in ATP-receptor mediated induction of arachidonate release and synthesis of radylacetyl-GPC. We found that the P2u/P2Y2 receptor, which recognizes a pyrimidine nucleotide, UTP, as well as purine nucleotides, shows a potency profile of UTP > ATP = ATP gamma S > 2-methylthio-ATP in mediating the activation of PAF: lysophospholipid transacetylase. On the other hand, ADP beta S and 2-methylthio-ATP have similar potencies as ATP but have lower potencies than UTP and ATP gamma S in stimulating the release of arachidonate. These results suggest that both P2u/P2Y2 and P2y/P2Y1 receptor subtypes promote arachidonate release. In addition, transient transfection of endothelial cells with cPLA2 antisense but not the sense thio-oligonucleotide inhibited the stimulation of arachidonate release and [3H]acetate incorporation into radyl[3H]acetyl-GPC. Thus, our data suggest that a receptor-mediated process is involved in the activation of transacetylase for the induced synthesis of acyl analogs of PAF in endothelial cells. Furthermore, it is likely that cPLA2 supplies the lysophospholipids as substrates for the transacetylation reaction.

Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by SK&F 98625, a CoA-independent transacylase inhibitor, in cultured rat peritoneal macrophages

When rat peritoneal macrophages were incubated in medium containing thapsigargin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production was increased time-dependently. In the presence of SK&F 98625, a CoA-independent transacylase inhibitor, the thapsigargin-induced TNF-alpha production was inhibited dose-dependently. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production were also inhibited by SK&F 98625. The SK&F 98625-induced inhibition of TNF-alpha production was not prevented by addition of PGE2. PAF antagonists such as E6123, L-652,731 and CV-6209 partially inhibited the thapsigargin-induced TNF-alpha production, suggesting that concurrently produced PAF in thapsigargin-stimulated macrophages up-regulates TNF-alpha production. The inhibition by SK&F 98625 of thapsigargin-induced TNF-alpha production might be partly due to the inhibition of PAF production.

Beta-lactams SB 212047 and SB 216754 are irreversible, time-dependent inhibitors of coenzyme A-independent transacylase

The enzyme coenzyme A-independent transacylase (CoA-IT) has been demonstrated to be the key mediator of arachidonate remodeling, a process that moves arachidonate into 1-ether-containing phospholipids. Blockade of CoA-IT by reversible inhibitors has been shown to block the release of arachidonate in stimulated neutrophils and inhibit the production of eicosanoids and platelet-activating factor. We describe novel inhibitors of CoA-IT activity that contain a beta-lactam nucleus. beta-Lactams were investigated as potential mechanism-based inhibitors of CoA-IT on the basis of the expected formation of an acyl-enzyme intermediate complex. Two beta-lactams, SB 212047 and SB 216754, were shown to be specific, time-dependent inhibitors of CoA-IT activity (IC50 = 6 and 20 microM, respectively, with a 10-min pretreatment time). Extensive washing and dilution could not remove the inhibition, suggesting it was irreversible. In stimulated human monocytes, SB 216754 decreased the production of eicosanoids in a time-dependent manner. In an in vivo model of phorbol ester-induced ear inflammation, SB 216754 was able to inhibit indices of both edema and cell infiltration. Taken together, the results support two hypotheses: 1) CoA-IT activity is important for the production of inflammatory lipid mediators in stimulated cells and in vivo and 2) the mechanism by which CoA-IT acts to transfer arachidonate is through an acyl-enzyme intermediate.

Regulation of leukotriene and platelet-activating factor synthesis in human alveolar macrophages

It has been suggested that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) contributes to the regulation of leukotriene (LT) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis by controlling the release of their precursors, arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), from membrane phospholipids. In rat alveolar macrophages (AMs), PLA2 appears to have a major role in LT synthesis but a more limited role in PAF synthesis. The present study was designed to define the role of PLA2 in LT and PAF synthesis in human AMs and determine whether differences exist between AMs obtained from normal subjects and those from patients with asthma. In the normal subjects, the calcium ionophore A23187 (Cal) increased AM PAF synthesis (percent incorporation of tritiated acetate) by 135% (p < 0.01) and LTB4 synthesis 88-fold (p < 0.001). Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) had little effect alone, but it had a synergistic effect with Cal, increasing PAF synthesis by 466% and LTB4 synthesis to 229-fold above the control values (p < 0.001 for both). Ro 25-4331, a combined cytosolic (c) and secretory (s) PLA2 inhibitor, had little effect on the Cal-stimulated PAF synthesis, but it completely blocked the effect of PMA. It also blocked the Cal- and Cal+PMA-stimulated LTB4 synthesis. AACOCF3, a cPLA2 inhibitor, had no effect on either Cal or Cal+PMA-stimulated PAF synthesis. It reduced LTB4 synthesis, but it did so less effectively than Ro 25-4331. CoA-independent transacylase (CoAI-TA) activity in the AMs increased after stimulation and exposure to Ro 25-4331. SK&F 45905, a CoAI-TA inhibitor, reduced stimulated PAF synthesis by 30% to 40%. Patients with asthma had similar results except that cPLA2 had a greater role in stimulated LTB4 synthesis. These data indicate that PLA2 plays a direct role in human AM LT synthesis; both the cytosolic and secretory forms contribute to LT synthesis; PLA2 appears to have a more limited role in PAF synthesis, although it mediates the synergistic effect of PMA, probably via sPLA2; and CoAI-TA contributes to PAF synthesis during PLA2 inhibition. With the exception of the greater role for cPLA2 in stimulated LTB4 synthesis in the patients with asthma, the contributions of PLA2 and CoAI-TA to AM LT and PAF synthesis appear to be similar in normal subjects and patients with asthma.

Relevance of platelet-activating factor in inflammation and sepsis: mechanisms and kinetics of removal in extracorporeal treatments

Sepsis can be considered a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused by infection. When an excessive and/or persistent activation of humoral and cellular mechanisms of host defense is present, an exaggerated and generalized activation of inflammatory mechanisms can lead to a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Mediators thought to be involved in this syndrome include the major plasma cascade systems (complement, coagulation, and fibrinolytic systems) and soluble cell-derived mediators (cytokines, reactive oxygen species, platelet-activating factor (PAF), arachidonic acid metabolites, and nitric oxide and related compounds). Several findings indicate that among these mediators, PAF may exert an important role in the pathophysiology of septic shock. Evidence is accumulating that in human sepsis this scenario is far more complicated and that removal of inflammatory mediator excess from plasma, rather than blockade of their potentially beneficial local production, might provide a rationale for the use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). There is an emerging view that CRRT should be considered in the light of broader concept (ie, the use of blood purification for the treatment of sepsis). Recent studies, performed in an experimental model of continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration with exogenous PAF, demonstrated that polysulfone membranes can adsorb substantial amounts of biologically active PAF. These studies also showed that the removal of this mediator occurs by a two-step process involving early adsorption followed by ultrafiltration. Although the removal of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), remains controversial, mainly because of differences in membrane used, operational conditions, and inter- and intra-assay variability, the crucial point is that no evidence has yet been given to show real benefit from CRRT in significantly reducing the plasma concentration of cytokines. The net advantage of CRRT, however, may not only be the removal of cytokines per se, but also the simultaneous elimination of cytokine-inducing substances. Experimental and human studies will be discussed as to whether extracorporeal treatments may remove an excess of circulating cytokines, either by increasing the turnover rate (the so-called high-volume hemofiltration), or by using sorbent systems to regenerate plasma filtrate.

The role of platelet-activating factor-dependent transacetylase in the biosynthesis of 1-acyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine by stimulated endothelial cells

Acyl analogs of platelet-activating factor (PAF) (1-acyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, acylacetyl -GPC) are the predominant products synthesized during thrombin or ionophore A23187-mediated activation of endothelial cells. However, the biosynthetic pathway responsible for the production of acylacetyl-GPC is not well understood. In the present investigation, we have demonstrated that the acyl analogs of PAF are also the major products from calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells in response to a time-dependent stimulation of ATP (10(-3) M), bradykinin (10(-8) M), or ionophore A23187 (2 microM). In addition, we have found that the CoA-independent PAF:acyllyso-GPC transacetylase recently identified by us is concurrently and transiently induced with maximal 4-fold enhancement at 5 min and returned to near basal level by 10 min treatment of endothelial cells with ATP. Acid phosphatase reduces the increased PAF:acyllyso-GPC transacetylase activity from the homogenates of ATP-activated endothelial cells. Reduced PAF:acyllyso-GPC transacetylase activity can be restored by incubating the acid phosphatase-treated homogenates with ATP (5 mM) and Mg2+ (10 mM). Furthermore, okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase 1 and 2A inhibitor, incubated with endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner (1-100 nM) for 10-min potentiates and sustained the stimulation of PAF:acyllyso-GPC transacetylase activity by ATP. On the other hand, genistein, tyrphostin-25 (inhibitors of tyrosine-specific protein kinase), and calphostin C (an inhibitor of protein kinase C) block the activation of PAF:acyllyso-GPC transacetylase by ATP. These results are consistent with the notion that ATP regulates the transacetylase activity by reversible activation and inactivation via the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cycle. ATP also augments the activities of alkyllyso-GPC/acyllyso-GPC:acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase. However, the activation of the acetyltransferases precedes that of the transacetylase with peak activation occurring at 1-2 min of the ATP treatment. In addition, sodium vanadate, also an inhibitor of protein phosphatase, stimulates the increase in the incorporation of [3H]acetate into acyl[3H]acetyl-GPC of the ATP-treated endothelial cells. Collectively, our data show that both acetyltransferases and transacetylase participate in and contribute to the biosynthesis of acyl analogs of PAF in a coordinate fashion in endothelial cells.

Regulation of platelet-activating factor (PAF) biosynthesis via coenzyme A-independent transacylase in the macrophage cell line IC-21 stimulated with lipopolysaccharide

The regulation of PAF synthesis by the macrophage cell line IC-21 challenged with bacterial endotoxin was investigated. The LPS-induced increase in cellular PAF levels was rapid, sustained and attained maximal levels within 30 min following LPS stimulation. PAF accumulation was accompanied by the activation of the CoA-independent transacylase and acetyl-CoA: lyso-PAF acetyltransferase, whereas the release of free [3H]arachidonic acid in prelabeled cells reflecting the activation of phospholipase A2, occurred primarily within the initial 1-5 min of treatment with LPS. Cell lysates from LPS-stimulated macrophages exhibited a markedly increased enzymatic activity that was capable of both acylation of 1-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-GPC (lyso-PAF) and deacylation of 1-[3H]alkyl-2-acyl-GPC generating [3H]lyso-PAF via CoA-independent transacylation of exogenous lysoplasmenylethanolamine compared with extracts from resting macrophages. Pretreatment of the cells with LPS for 5 and 30 min enhanced significantly the transfer of [14C]arachidonic acid from 1-[3H]alkyl-2-[14C]arachidonoyl-GPC into plasmenylethanolamine in prelabeled cell homogenates following the addition of exogenous lysoplasmenylethanolamine. Taken together, these data suggest that the CoA-independent transacylase, but not phospholipase A2, is a key enzyme responsible for the prolonged generation of lyso-PAF and that the increased capability of CoA-independent transacylation followed by CoA-dependent acetylation of lyso-PAF can sustain the biosynthesis of PAF in LPS-stimulated IC-21 macrophages.

Platelet-activating factor and cardiac diseases: therapeutic potential for PAF inhibitors

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent phospholipid mediator released from inflammatory cells in response to diverse immunologic and non-immunologic stimuli. Animal studies have implicated PAF as a major mediator involved in coronary artery constriction, modulation of myocardial contractility and the generation of arrhythmias which may bear on cardiac disorders such as ischemia, infarction and sudden cardiac death. PAF effects are induced by direct actions of PAF on cardiac tissue to modify chronotropic and inotropic activity, or indirectly via the release of eicosanoids such as thromboxane A2 (TXA2), leukotrienes (LT) or cytokines (TNF alpha). The development of selective, high affinity PAF receptor antagonists has permitted investigations on the role of PAF in experimental animal models of cardiac injury. In vivo and in vitro studies strongly suggest that PAF receptor antagonists might convey therapeutic benefits in ischemic conditions and certain arrhythmias. In addition, PAF antagonists might have a cardiac allograft-preservation effect. Although clinical studies with PAF receptor antagonists in patients with cardiac diseases have not yet been reported, the experimental results to date suggest that PAF receptor antagonists might be useful in some specific cardiac disorders in humans.

Simultaneous determination of lysophospholipids by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure for the separation of choline lysophospholipids including 1-acyl-lysophosphatidylcholines and 1-O-alkyl-lysophosphatidyl- cholines, like the lysoform of the platelet activating factor (2-lysoPAF), is described. The lysophospholipids are derivatized at the sn-2 position of the hydroxyl group by 7-diethylaminocoumarin-3-carbonylazide, which converts them into the corresponding carbamoyl derivatives. The derivatized compounds were well separated by reversed-phase HPLC and quantified by fluorimetric detection. This method shows a high sensitivity and allows the separation and quantification of mixtures of lysophospholipids at picomolar level. The method was applied to assay enzyme activities, like phospholipase A2 and PAF-acetylhydrolase, on single phospholipids or their mixtures.

Platelet-activating factor biosynthesis induced by various stimuli in human HaCaT keratinocytes

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent inflammatory mediator that is thought to play a role in cutaneous inflammation. These studies used mass spectrometry to examine the molecular species of PAF precursor glycerophosphocholine lipids (GPC) as well as the biosynthesis of PAF and other sn-2 acetyl-GPC in a human keratinocyte-derived cell line (HaCaT keratinocytes). Approximately 28% of HaCaT keratinocyte GPC consisted of 1-alkyl species, and the relative amounts of the sn-1 alkyl constituents of the PAF precursor 1-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC were as follows: hexadecyl > octadecenyl > octadecyl. Ionophore (A23187)-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes synthesized both PAF (1-hexadecyl, 1-octadecenyl, and 1-octadecyl species) and less potent 1-acyl analogs (1-palmitoyl, 1-oleoyl, and 1-stearoyl species). PAF production was rapid and maximal by 10 min. The major species of sn-2acetyl-GPC at 2.5 min were 1-hexadecyl-2-acetyl-GPC (2.2 ng/10(6) cells) and 1-palmitoyl-2-acetyl-GPC (2.4 ng/10(6) cells). HaCaT keratinocytes also synthesized PAF and 1-acyl PAF analogs when stimulated with the peptide growth factor endothelin-1 and the nonhydrolyzable PAF receptor agonist carbamyl-PAF. Both 1-hexadecyl-2- acetyl-GPC and 1-palmitoyl-2-acetyl-GPC stimulated intracellular calcium mobilization in HaCaT cells, indicating that these sn-2 acetyl-GPC act in autocrine fashion. These studies revealed that the human keratinocyte-derived cell line HaCaT can synthesize significant amounts of PAF and 1-acyl analogs in vitro from both nonspecific (A23187) and specific (endothelin-1, carbamyl-PAF) stimulation, suggesting a role for this inflammatory lipid mediator in keratinocyte pathophysiology.

Comparison of acceptor and donor substrates in the CoA-independent transacylase reaction in human neutrophils

In human neutrophils (PMN) the ethanolamine-containing phosphoglyceride fraction (PE), principally plasmalogen-linked PE (1-O-alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine), is the major store of arachidonic acid (AA). Exogenous AA is initially incorporated into 1-acyl-linked phosphoglycerides and is believed to be transferred into the 1-ether-linked phosphoglycerides via the action of a CoA-independent transacylase (CoA-IT). We have investigated the selectivity for both the "acceptor' lysophospholipids and "donor' AA-containing phospholipid substrates in the CoA-IT reaction. Evidence suggests CoA-IT may also participate in the synthesis of platelet activating factor. The transfer of [3H]AA from endogenously labeled choline-containing phosphoglycerides (PC) to exogenously added alkenyl-lyso-PE (0-50 microM) was examined in saponin-permeabilized PMN. In these "donor' studies, we observed that [3H]AA was transferred from both alkyl- and diacyl-linked PC in a proportional manner. More detailed molecular species analysis showed that [3H]AA was deacylated from all the major AA-containing molecular species in both the alkyl and diacyl subclasses with no selectivity for either subclass. To investigate the "acceptor' selectivity, membrane fractions prelabeled with either [3H]alkyl-arachidonoyl-PE or -PC were utilized as donor substrates. Various unlabeled lysophospholipids (10 microM) were added and the generation of [3H]lyso-PE or -PC was monitored as a measure of CoA-IT activity. Significant subclass preference was observed upon addition of lyso-PE species (1-alkenyl > 1-alkyl > 1-acyl) however, little selectivity was seen with the corresponding lyso-PC species. On the other hand, lysophosphatidylserine, lysophosphatidylinositol, and lysophosphatidic acid all served as poor acceptor substrates in the reaction. These data from PMN are consistent with other evidence that the CoA-IT plays a pivotal role in the enrichment of AA into plasmalogen-linked PE.

Biosynthesis of N-acetylsphingosine by platelet-activating factor: sphingosine CoA-independent transacetylase in HL-60 cels

We have previously identified a novel CoA-independent transacetylase in the membrane fraction of HL-60 cells that transfers the acetate group from platelet activating factor (PAF) to a variety of lysophospholipid acceptors (Lee, T.-c., Uemura, Y., and Snyder, F. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 19992-20001). In the present study, we demonstrate that a similar transacetylase can transfer the acetate group from PAF to sphingosine forming N-acetylsphingosine (C2-ceramide). The chemical structure of the reaction product, C3-ceramide, was established by its identical Rf value with authentic C2-ceramide standard on thin-layer plate, sensitivity to acid treatment, resistance to alkaline hydrolysis, and ability to form the C2-ceramide dibenzoate derivative. Nonspecific transfer of the acetate from PAF to sphingosine in the absence of enzyme and nonlinearity of the reaction rates were rectified by complexing sphingosine to bovine serum albumin in a 1:1 molar ratio. Under these conditions, the apparent Km for PAF is 5.4 microM, which is in the same range as the Km (12.0 microM) when lysoplasmalogen is the acetate acceptor. PAF:sphingosine transacetylase has a narrow substrate specificity and strict stereochemical configuration requirements. Ceramide, sphingosylphosphocholine, stearylamine, sphingosine 1-phosphate, or sphingomyelin are not substrates, whereas sphinganine has a limited capacity to accept the acetate from PAF. Also, only the naturally synthesized D-erythroisomer but not the synthetic L-erythro-, D-threo-, or L-threosiomers of sphingosine can serve as a substrate. PAF transacetylase activity is widely distributed among several tissues and may involve histidine and cysteine for its catalytic activity due to inhibitory effects to the enzyme by diethyl pyrocarbonate and N-ethylmaleimide, respectively. C2-ceramide is produced via PAF:sphingosine transacetylase, and physiological levels of C2-ceramide are detected in both undifferentiated and differentiated intact HL-60 cells. Collectively, because C2-ceramide has many biological activities that differ from that of PAF and sphingosine, the CoA-independent, PAF-dependent transacetylase serves as a modifier of PAF, and sphingosine functions by generating a variant lipid mediator, C2-ceramide.

Biosynthesis of platelet-activating factor and enzyme inhibitors

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is known to be synthesized by either a remodeling or de novo pathway. The enzymes responsible have been extensively studied by a number of laboratories. All evidence indicates the remodeling route is activated during inflammation and other hypersensitivity responses, whereas the de novo pathway is thought to be the source of PAF required for physiological functions. This article provides an update of what is currently known about the enzymatic systems that generate PAF as well as some preliminary findings we have obtained using potential inhibitors of the specific enzymes involved. Recent progress from our laboratory toward understanding the role of the CoA-independent and Co-A dependent transacylases in the formation of lyso-PAF and PAF is summarized.

Mediators of injury in neurotrauma: intracellular signal transduction and gene expression

Membrane lipid-derived second messengers are generated by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) during synaptic activity. Overstimulation of this enzyme during neurotrauma results in the accumulation of bioactive metabolites such as arachidonic acid, oxygenated derivatives of arachidonic acid, and platelet-activating factor (PAF). Several of these bioactive lipids participate in cell damage, cell death, or repair-regenerative neural plasticity. Neurotransmitters may activate PLA2 directly when linked to receptors coupled to G proteins and/or indirectly as calcium influx or mobilization from intracellular stores is stimulated. The release of arachidonic acid and its subsequent metabolism to prostaglandins are early responses linked to neuronal signal transduction. Free arachidonic acid may interact with membrane proteins, i.e., receptors, ion channels, and enzymes, modifying their activity. It can also be acted upon by prostaglandin synthase isoenzymes (the constitutive prostaglandin synthase PGS-1 or the inducible PGS-2) and by lipoxygenases, with the resulting formation of different prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Glutamatergic synaptic activity and activation of postsynaptic NMDA receptors are examples of neuronal activity, linked to memory and learning processes, which activate PLA2 with the consequent release of arachidonic acid and platelet-activating factor (PAF), another lipid mediator. Both mediators may exert presynaptic and postsynaptic effects contributing to long-lasting changes in glutamate synaptic efficacy or long-term potentiation (LTP), PAF, a potential retrograde messenger in LTP, stimulates glutamate release. The PAF antagonist BN 52021 competes for receptors in presynaptic membranes and blocks this effect. PAF may also be involved in plasticity responses because PAF leads to the expression of early response genes and subsequent gene cascades. The PAF antagonist BN 50730, selective for PAF intracellular binding, blocks PAF-mediated induction of gene expression. A consequence of neural injury induced by ischemia, trauma, or seizures is an increased release of neurotransmitters, that in turn generates an overproduction of second messengers. Glutamate, a key player in excitotoxic neuronal damage, triggers increased permeation of calcium mediated by NMDA receptors and activation of PLA2 in postsynaptic neurons. NMDA receptor antagonists reduce the accumulation of free fatty acids and elicit neuroprotection in ischemic damage. Increased production of free arachidonic acid and PAF converges to exacerbate glutamate-mediated neurotransmission. These neurotoxic actions may be brought about by arachidonic acid-induced potentiation of NMDA receptor activity and decreased glutamate reuptake. On the other hand, PAF stimulates the further release of glutamate at presynaptic endings. The neuroprotective effects of the PAF antagonist BN 52021 in ischemia-reperfusion are due, at least in part, to an inhibition of presynaptic glutamate release. PAF also induces expression of the inducible prostaglandin synthase gene, and PAF antagonists selective for the intracellular sites inhibit this effect. The PAF antagonist also inhibits the enhanced abundance, due to vasogenic cerebral edema and ischemia-reperfusion damage, of inducible prostaglandin synthase mRNA in vivo. Therefore, PAF, an injury-generated mediator, may favor the formation of other cell injury and inflammation mediators by turning on the expression of the gene that encodes prostaglandin synthase.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2

To summarize the regulation of cPLA2, we have proposed a model for the activation of cPLA2 based both on our previous studies (Clark et al., 1991; Lin et al., 1993) and the work of many others (Fig. 5). In this model, cPLA2 is tightly regulated by multiple pathways, including those that control Ca2+ concentration, phosphorylation states and cPLA2 protein levels, to exert both rapid and prolonged effects on cellular processes, such as inflammation. cPLA2 is rapidly activated by increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration and phosphorylation by MAP kinase. When cells are stimulated with a ligand for a receptor, such as ATP or PDGF, PLC is activated via either a G protein-dependent or -independent process, leading to the production of diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol triphosphate (IP3). The rise in these intracellular messengers cause the activation of PKC and mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. Alternatively, the increase in intracellular Ca2+ can result from a Ca2+ influx. Increased Ca2+ acts through the CaLB domain to cause translocation of cPLA2 from the cytosol to the membrane where its substrate, phospholipid, is localized. This step is essential for the activation of cPLA2 and may account for the partial activation of cPLA2 in the absence of phosphorylation. MAP kinase activation can occur through both PKC-dependent and -independent mechanisms (Cobb et al., 1991; Posada and Cooper, 1992; Qiu and Leslie, 1994). In many cases, this pathway is also G protein-dependent. Activated MAP kinase phosphorylates cPLA2 at Ser-505, causing increased enzymatic activity of cPLA2, which is realized only upon translocation of cPLA2 to the membrane. Therefore, full activation of cPLA2 requires both increased cytosolic Ca2+ and cPLA2 phosphorylation at Ser-505. In a more delayed response, cPLA2 activity in the cells can be controlled by changes in its expression levels, such as in response to inflammatory cytokines and certain growth factors. Thus the expression level of cPLA2 is regulated by both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms.

The CoA-independent transacylase in PAF biosynthesis: tissue distribution and molecular species selectivity

Microsomal membranes from six different rat tissues (spleen, lung, kidney, brain, testis, and liver) were found to possess CoA-independent transacylase activity that could both acylate lyso-[3H]PAF (1-[3H]hexadecyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and then deacylate the 1-[3H]hexadecyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine product via the transacylation of added exogenous 1-alk-1'-enyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine. Platelet-activating factor (1-[3H]hexadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) was produced when acetyl-CoA was added to the spleen microsomes during generation of lyso-[3H]PAF by the transacylases. More extensive studies with subcellular fractions from spleen revealed that, in addition to microsomes, the transacylase activities were also present in the 15,000 x g membrane fraction but not in the cytosol. Analysis of molecular species of 1-[3H]hexadecyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine before and after addition of 1-alk-1'-enyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine as the acyl acceptor demonstrated a high selectivity for polyunsaturated fatty acids (> 3 double bonds/acyl group) in both the acylation and deacylation processes that occurred in testicular microsomal membranes. The transfer of acyl groups by the transacylase appeared to be equally effective for either arachidonic or docosapentaenoic(n - 6) fatty acids, whereas linoleic and oleic fatty acids were not transferred from 1-[3H]hexadecyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine following the addition of 1-alk-1'-enyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine. Similar experiments with the membrane fraction of undifferentiated HL-60 cells showed that arachidonic acid supplementation of intact cells enhanced both the CoA-independent transacylation of lyso-[3H]PAF and the subsequent deacylation of 1-[3H]hexadecyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine caused by addition of 1-alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine. Differentiation of the HL-60 cells into a neutrophil-like form had no effect on the transacylase activity. Our results indicate the PAF-related transacylase is widely distributed among tissues and, although highly selective for polyunsaturated acyl groups, does not discriminate selectively among the polyunsaturates.

Inhibition of lipid mediator biosynthesis in human inflammatory cells by BIRM 270

BIRM 270 was developed as a potent and enantioselective inhibitor of LTB4 biosynthesis by human neutrophils, and was also found to inhibit LTC4 production by human eosinophils and lung mast cells. BIRM 270 inhibited LTB4 synthesis in neutrophils by preventing arachidonate release from membrane phospholipids, and over the same concentration range, inhibited PAF biosynthesis. BIRM 270 did not directly inhibit acylhydrolases which have been implicated in eicosanoid and PAF biosynthesis, suggesting an indirect mode of action.

CoA-independent transacylase activity is increased in human neutrophils after treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha

CoA-independent transacylase (CoA-IT) appears to play a critical role in lipid mediator generation by rapidly moving arachidonate (AA) between phospholipid pools during cell activation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) pretreatment of human neutrophils increases agonist-induced production of inflammatory mediators. The current study tested if the TNF-induced increase in lipid mediator production may be, in part, due to altered CoA-IT activity. Neutrophils were treated with TNF (250 U/ml, 30 min), homogenates prepared, and CoA-IT activity measured by the ability of these homogenates to acylate 1-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (GPC). There was an increased CoA-IT activity, from 9.1 +/- 1.1 to 13.7 +/- 1.4 pmol/mg per min in control vs. TNF-treated samples, respectively. Varying the concentration of 1-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC revealed an increased CoA-IT activity in microsomes that was due to an increased Vmax, from 26 to 54 pmol/mg per min. The ability of TNF to increase CoA-IT activity was concentration-dependent, with maximal response observed at 25 U/ml. This effect on CoA-IT appears to be specific, in that TNF treatment of neutrophils had no effect on CoA-dependent acylation of 1-acyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, using either AA-CoA or linolenoyl-CoA as substrates. In the intact cell, the movement of [3H]AA from other phospholipids into PE in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils was greatly enhanced after TNF treatment, demonstrating a functional consequence of increased CoA-IT activity. In addition, TNF treatment doubled platelet-activating factor production in response to the chemotactic peptide fMLP, as measured by [3H]acetate incorporation, while the response to A23187 remained unchanged. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence of modulation of CoA-IT activity by a proinflammatory cytokine and suggest that one mechanism for augmented lipid mediator formation is through increases in CoA-IT activity.

Increased incorporation of arachidonic acid into phospholipids in zymosan-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages

Zymosan, a particle that can be phagocytosed, has been shown to stimulate the release of arachidonic acid (delta 4Ach) in macrophages via a phospholipase-A2-mediated mechanism, and to promote the incorporation of this fatty acid into cellular phospholipids [Balsinde, J., Fernández, B., Solís-Herruzo, J. A. & Diez, E. (1992) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1136, 75-82]. This work was designed to better understand the regulation of and relationship between these two processes during cellular activation. Initial studies were conducted to examine the incorporation of exogenous [3H]delta 4Ach into the different phospholipid classes. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol initially accounted for most of the radioactivity incorporated into the cell. Prolonged incubation resulted in a decrease in radioactivity in phosphatidylcholine with a concomitant increase in phosphatidylethanolamine. Stimulation of the cells with zymosan led to a remarkable enhancement of the response without changing the pattern of phospholipid acylation by delta 4Ach. In the next series of experiments, the regulatory features of both delta 4Ach release and phospholipid acylation by delta 4Ach in zymosan-treated cells were comparatively investigated. Zymosan-stimulated [3H]delta 4Ach release from previously labeled cells was notably reduced when calcium was absent from the incubation medium and also when the cells were treated with pertussis toxin. Cell treatment with cholera toxin promoted a potentiation of the response. In contrast, neither of these treatments had appreciable effects on zymosan-stimulated [3H]delta 4Ach incorporation into phospholipids. Taken together, these data suggest that zymosan-stimulated delta 4Ach release and phospholipid acylation by delta 4Ach, although closely related, are independently regulated events.

Comparison of 1-O-alkyl-, 1-O-alk-1'-enyl-, and 1-O-acyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamines and -3-phosphocholines as agonists of the platelet-activating factor family

Four naturally occurring platelet-activating factor (PAF) analogs, 1-alk-1'-enyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1-hexadecanoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1-octadecanoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, and 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, stimulated human neutrophils (PMN) to mobilize Ca2+, degranulate, and produce superoxide anion. They were, respectively, 5-, 300-, 500-, and 4000-fold weaker than PAF in each assay; inhibited PMN-binding of [3H]PAF at concentrations paralleling their biological potencies; and showed sensitivity to the inhibitory effects of PAF antagonists. PAF and the analogs, moreover, desensitized PMN responses to each other but not to leukotriene B4 and actually increased (or primed) PMN responses to N-formyl-MET-LEU-PHE. Finally, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoate-enhanced PMN responses to PAF and the analogs without enhancing the actions of other stimuli. It stereospecifically raised each analog's potency by as much as 100-fold and converted a fifth natural analog, 1-alk-1'-enyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine from inactive to a weak stimulator of PMN. PAF and its analogs thus represent a structurally diverse family of cell-derived phospholipids which can activate, prime, and desensitize neutrophils by using a common, apparently PAF receptor-dependent mechanism.

Studies on the subcellular distribution of 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero phosphocholine (PAF) and on the enzymic activities involved in its biosynthesis within the ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis

The ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis contains platelet-activating factor (PAF) as a physiological minor lipid. Its subcellular localization was found as follows: 13.7% in the pellicles, 24.9% in mitochondria, 56.5% in microsomes and 7.1% in the cytosol. Succinate dehydrogenase was used as marker enzyme. PAF remains cell-associated unless bovine serum albumin is included in the extracellular medium. In this case 15% of total PAF, portion comparable to that found in the pellicles, is released. Investigation of the principal enzymic activities involved in PAF formation showed that PAF-acetyltransferase (2.3.167) is totally absent from the protozoan. This means that the 'remodelling' pathway occurring in pro-inflammatory cells does not contribute in PAF formation in our system. A dithiothreitol (DTT)-insensitive CDPcholine phosphocholinetransferase activity involved in PAF biosynthesis is shown for the first time to be responsible for PAF production in T. pyriformis. It uses exogenous alkyl-acetyl-glycerol as substrate and is saturated over substrate concentration 250 microM. It can also use endogenous lipids as substrate. It is distributed mainly in mitochondria and microsomes, much less is found in the pellicles and it is totally absent from the cytosol. Its insensitivity to DTT, its selectivity to alkyl-acetyl-G and its different distribution compared to the enzymic activity involved in PC formation (EC 2.7.8.2) suggest that a different enzyme, specific for PAF formation (EC2.7.8.16) via the de novo pathway exists in the protozoan.

Biosynthesis of platelet-activating factor in cultured mast cells. Involvement of the CoA-independent transacylase demonstrated by analysis of the molecular species of platelet-activating factor

We have recently demonstrated that arachidonate [20:4(5,8,11,14)] was primarily linked to the hexadecyl (16:0) and octadecenyl (18:1) species of alkylacyl derivatives of glycerolphosphocholine (GroPCho). Consistent with the involvement of arachidonate-specific CoA-independent transacylase in the synthesis of platelet-activating factor (PAF; 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-GroPCho), 16:0 and 18:1 PAF species were formed upon antigen stimulation [Joly, F., Breton, M., Wolf, C., Ninio, E. & Colard, O. (1992) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1125, 305-312]. In the present work, addition of lyso-PAF to mast cells resulted in PAF production. We analyzed the PAF species formed in the presence of a defined lyso-PAF molecular species in order to differentiate between either direct acetylation or involvement of the membrane precursor. The 18:1 lyso-PAF was more effective than the 16:0 in producing PAF which was composed of 95% 18:1 PAF, the balance being 16:0, indicating that part of the acetylated lyso-PAF originated from the cellular pool of alkyl-arachidonyl-GroPCho in resting cells. Consistent with alkyl-arachidonyl-GroPCho species content and acetyltransferase specificity, similar amounts of 16:0 and 18:1 PAF species were formed when mast cells were stimulated with antigen. Supplemented with 16:0 or 18:1 lyso-PAF, antigen-stimulated mast cells responded by 230% and 125% increase in PAF synthesis, respectively. As expected, the amount of the PAF species corresponding to the added lyso-PAF was increased. More interestingly, addition of 16:0 lyso-PAF almost doubled the amount of 18:1 PAF content as compared to antigen alone, thus indicating that the lyso-PAF formed via the CoA-independent transacylase was significantly used for PAF synthesis, despite a large excess of exogenous lyso-PAF. The CoA-independent transacylase, measured using [3H]lyso-PAF as a substrate in sonicates from antigen-stimulated cells, was decreased concurrently with PAF formation. In conclusion, we show that when lyso-PAF is added to mast cells, a direct acetylation may occur. However, PAF is preferentially synthesized through a mechanism involving the CoA-independent transacylase reaction.

Metal ion and salt effects on the phospholipase A2, lysophospholipase, and transacylase activities of human cytosolic phospholipase A2

Human cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is an arachidonic acid specific enzyme which may play a role in arachidonic acid release, eicosanoid production, and signal transduction. The PLA2 activity of this enzyme is stimulated by microM levels of Ca2+. Using a pure recombinant enzyme, we have confirmed that cPLA2 is not absolutely dependent on Ca2+, since Sr2+, Ba2+ and Mn2+ also gave full enzyme activity. Heavy metals, in contrast, inhibited enzyme catalysis suggesting the involvement of an essential cysteine residue. In the absence of Ca2+, high salt concentrations overcame the requirement for divalent metals, indicating that Ca2+ is not required for PLA2 catalytic activity. cPLA2 also displays a lysophospholipase (lyso PLA) activity with lysophosphatidylcholine micelles as a substrate. Unlike the PLA2 activity, the lyso PLA activity toward these micelles is not stimulated by Ca2+. However, upon the addition of glycerol or Triton X-100 to the assay, Ca2+ activation is observed, indicating that substrate presentation can affect the apparent Ca2+ dependence. Glycerol was found to be a potent stimulator of lyso PLA activity and specific activities up to 50 mumol min-1 mg-1 were observed. In addition to the PLA2 and lyso PLA activities, we report that cPLA2 displays a relatively low, CoA-independent transacylase activity which produces phosphatidylcholine from lysophosphatidylcholine substrate. The observation of this novel transacylase activity is consistent with the formation of an acyl-enzyme intermediate.

Evidence for different mechanisms involved in the formation of lyso platelet-activating factor and the calcium-dependent release of arachidonic acid from human neutrophils

Recent studies suggest that the first step in platelet-activating factor (PAF) biosynthesis, 1-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC (lyso PAF) formation, may be initiated by the selective transfer of arachidonate from 1-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC to an acceptor lyso phospholipid by a CoA-independent transacylase activity (CoA-IT). The present study was designed to determine whether the formation of 1-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC and the release of arachidonic acid can occur by different mechanisms. These experiments examined both the formation of 1-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-GPC from 1-[3H]alkyl-2-acyl-GPC and the release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids as determined by GC/MS in neutrophil homogenates under various conditions. The addition of unlabelled lyso phospholipids to neutrophil homogenates stimulated the time-dependent formation of 1-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-GPC from 1-[3H]alkyl-2-acyl-GPC. Without exogenous lyso phospholipids, little 1-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-GPC was formed in this reaction. The activity which catalyzed the formation of 1-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-GPC had characteristics identical to CoA-IT as indicated by the fact that both reactions were: independent of Ca2+, Mg2+, CoA and CoA fatty acids, located in microsomal fractions, and stable in 10 mM dithiothreitol. In sharp contrast to the aforementioned reaction, addition of lyso phospholipids did not affect the quantity of arachidonic acid released from membrane phospholipids. Furthermore, there was a Ca(2+)-independent release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipid that was increased 4 to 5-fold after the addition of 5 mM Ca2+. Finally, Ca(2+)-dependent arachidonic acid release was inhibited by putative phospholipase A2 inhibitors, aristolochic acid and scalaradial, at concentrations where neither the production of 1-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-GPC nor Ca(2+)-independent arachidonic acid release was altered. Together these data imply that there may be different mechanisms involved in the formation of 1-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC and arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids.