Activation of NADPH-dependent superoxide production in plasma membrane extracts of pig neutrophils by phosphatidic acid

In memoriam: Filippo Rossi (1926-2022)

Description of the scientific life of Filippo Rossi, who died in October 2022.

Phospholipase D as a Potential Modulator of Metabolic Syndrome: Impact of Functional Foods

Significance: Cardiometabolic disorders (CMD) are composed of a plethora of metabolic dysfunctions such as dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and hypertension. The development of these disorders is highly linked to inflammation and oxidative stress (OxS), two metabolic states closely related to physiological and pathological conditions. Given the drastically rising CMD prevalence, the discovery of new therapeutic targets/novel nutritional approaches is of utmost importance. Recent Advances: The tremendous progress in methods/technologies and animal modeling has allowed the clarification of phospholipase D (PLD) critical roles in multiple cellular processes, whether directly or indirectly via phosphatidic acid, the lipid product mediating signaling functions. In view of its multiple features and implications in various diseases, PLD has emerged as a drug target. Critical Issues: Although insulin stimulates PLD activity and, in turn, PLD regulates insulin signaling, the impact of the two important PLD isoforms on the metabolic syndrome components remains vague. Therefore, after outlining PLD1/PLD2 characteristics and functions, their role in inflammation, OxS, and CMD has been analyzed and critically reported in the present exhaustive review. The influence of functional foods and nutrients in the regulation of PLD has also been examined. Future Directions: Available evidence supports the implication of PLD in CMD, but only few studies emphasize its mechanisms of action and specific regulation by nutraceutical compounds. Therefore, additional investigations are first needed to clarify the functional role of nutraceutics and, second, to elucidate whether targeting PLDs with food compounds represents an appropriate therapeutic strategy to treat CMD. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 252-278.

Cell-Free NADPH Oxidase Activation Assays: A Triumph of Reductionism

The superoxide (O₂^·-)-generating NADPH oxidase complex of phagocytes comprises a membrane-associated heterodimeric flavocytochrome, known as cytochrome b ₅₅₈ (consisting of NOX2 and p22^phox) and four cytosolic regulatory proteins, p47^phox, p67^phox, p40^phox, and the small GTPase Rac. Under physiological conditions, in the resting phagocyte, O₂^·- generation is initiated by engagement of membrane receptors by a variety of stimuli, followed by signal transduction sequences leading to the translocation of the cytosolic components to the membrane and their association with the cytochrome, a process known as NADPH oxidase assembly. A consequent conformational change in NOX2 initiates the electron flow along a redox gradient, from NADPH to molecular oxygen (O₂), leading to the one-electron reduction of O₂ to O₂^·-. Historically, methodological difficulties in the study of the assembled complex derived from stimulated cells, due to its lack of stability, led to the design of "cell-free" systems (also known as "broken cells" or in vitro systems). In a major paradigm shift, the cell-free systems have as their starting point NADPH oxidase components derived from resting (unstimulated) phagocytes, or as in the predominant method at present, recombinant proteins representing the components of the NADPH oxidase complex. In cell-free systems, membrane receptor stimulation and the signal transduction sequence are absent, the accent being placed on the actual process of assembly, all of which takes place in vitro. Thus, a mixture of the individual components of the NADPH oxidase is exposed in vitro to an activating agent, the most common being anionic amphiphiles, resulting in the formation of a complex between cytochrome b ₅₅₈ and the cytosolic components and O₂^·- generation in the presence of NADPH. Alternative activating pathways require posttranslational modification of oxidase components or modifying the phospholipid milieu surrounding cytochrome b ₅₅₈. Activation is commonly quantified by measuring the primary product of the reaction, O₂^·-, trapped immediately after its generation by an appropriate acceptor in a kinetic assay, permitting the calculation of rates of O₂^·- production, but numerous variations exist, based on the assessment of reaction products or the consumption of substrates. Cell-free assays played a paramount role in the identification and characterization of the components of the NADPH oxidase complex, the performance of structure-function studies, the deciphering of the mechanisms of assembly, the search for inhibitory drugs, and the diagnosis of various forms of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).

Regulation of μ-opioid receptors: desensitization, phosphorylation, internalization, and tolerance

Morphine and related µ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists remain among the most effective drugs known for acute relief of severe pain. A major problem in treating painful conditions is that tolerance limits the long-term utility of opioid agonists. Considerable effort has been expended on developing an understanding of the molecular and cellular processes that underlie acute MOR signaling, short-term receptor regulation, and the progression of events that lead to tolerance for different MOR agonists. Although great progress has been made in the past decade, many points of contention and controversy cloud the realization of this progress. This review attempts to clarify some confusion by clearly defining terms, such as desensitization and tolerance, and addressing optimal pharmacological analyses for discerning relative importance of these cellular mechanisms. Cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating MOR function by phosphorylation relative to receptor desensitization and endocytosis are comprehensively reviewed, with an emphasis on agonist-biased regulation and areas where knowledge is lacking or controversial. The implications of these mechanisms for understanding the substantial contribution of MOR signaling to opioid tolerance are then considered in detail. While some functional MOR regulatory mechanisms contributing to tolerance are clearly understood, there are large gaps in understanding the molecular processes responsible for loss of MOR function after chronic exposure to opioids. Further elucidation of the cellular mechanisms that are regulated by opioids will be necessary for the successful development of MOR-based approaches to new pain therapeutics that limit the development of tolerance.

Anionic lipid-induced conformational changes in human phagocyte flavocytochrome b precede assembly and activation of the NADPH oxidase complex

Phagocyte NADPH oxidases generate superoxide at high rates in defense against infectious agents, a process regulated by second messenger anionic lipids using incompletely understood mechanisms. We reconstituted the catalytic core of the human neutrophil NADPH oxidase, flavocytochrome b (Cyt b) in 99% phosphatidylcholine vesicles in order to correlate anionic lipid-dependent conformational changes in membrane-bound Cyt b and oxidase activity. The anionic lipid 10:0 phosphatidic acid (10:0 PA) specifically induced conformational changes in Cyt b as measured by a combination of fluorescence resonance energy transfer methods and size exclusion chromatography. The fluorescence lifetime of a complex between Cyt b and Cascade Blue-derivatized anti-p22(phox) antibody (CCB-CS9), increased after exposure to 10:PA by ∼50% of the change observed when the complex is dissociated, indicating a structural rearrangement of p22(phox) and/or the Cyt b heme prosthetic groups. Half of the quenching relaxation occurred at 10:0 PA concentrations permissive to less than 10% full NADPH oxidase activity, but saturated near the saturation in activity in a matched cell-free oxidase assay. We conclude that anionic lipids modulate the conformation of Cyt b in the membrane and suggest they may serve to modulate the structure of Cyt b as a control mechanism for the NADPH oxidase.

mu-opioid receptor-stimulated synthesis of reactive oxygen species is mediated via phospholipase D2

We have recently shown that the activation of the rat mu-opioid receptor (MOPr, also termed MOR1) by the mu-agonist [D-Ala(2), Me Phe(4), Glyol(5)]enkephalin (DAMGO) leads to an increase in phospholipase D2 (PLD2) activity and an induction of receptor endocytosis, whereas the agonist morphine which does not induce opioid receptor endocytosis fails to activate PLD2. We report here that MOPr-mediated activation of PLD2 stimulates production of reactive oxygen molecules via NADH/NADPH oxidase. Oxidative stress was measured with the fluorescent probe dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and the role of PLD2 was assessed by the PLD inhibitor D-erythro-sphingosine (sphinganine) and by PLD2-small interfering RNA transfection. To determine whether NADH/NADPH oxidase contributes to opioid-induced production of reactive oxygen species, mu-agonist-stimulated cells were pre-treated with the flavoprotein inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium, or the specific NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin. Our results demonstrate that receptor-internalizing agonists (like DAMGO, beta-endorphin, methadone, piritramide, fentanyl, sufentanil, and etonitazene) strongly induce NADH/NADPH-mediated ROS synthesis via PLD-dependent signaling pathways, whereas agonists that do not induce MOPr endocytosis and PLD2 activation (like morphine, buprenorphine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone) failed to activate ROS synthesis in transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells. These findings indicate that the agonist-selective PLD2 activation plays a key role in the regulation of NADH/NADPH-mediated ROS formation by opioids.

Phospholipase D2‐derived phosphatidic acid binds to and activates ribosomal p70 S6 kinase independently of mTOR

The product of phospholipase D (PLD) enzymatic action in cell membranes, phosphatidic acid (PA), regulates kinases implicated in NADPH oxidase activation, as well as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase. However, other protein targets for this lipid second messenger must exist in order to explain other key PA-mediated cellular functions. In this study, PA was found to specifically and saturably bind to and activate recombinant and immunoprecipitated endogenous ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K) with a stoichiometry of 94:1 lipid/protein. Polyphosphoinositides PI4-P and PI4,5P2 and cardiolipin could also bind to and activate S6K, albeit with different kinetics. Conversely, PA with at least one acyl side chain saturated (10:0) was ineffective in binding or activating the enzyme. Transfection of COS-7 cells with a wild-type myc-(pcDNA)-PLD2 construct resulted in high PLD activity, concomitantly with an increase in ribosomal p70S6K enzyme activity and phosphorylation in T389 and T421/S424 as well as phosphorylation of p70S6K's natural substrate S6 protein in S235/S236. Overexpression of a lipase inactive mutant (K758R), however, failed to induce an increase in both PLD and S6K activity or phosphorylation, indicating that the enzymatic activity of PLD2 (i.e., synthesis of PA) must be present to affect S6K. Neither inhibiting mTOR kinase activity with rapamycin nor silencing mTOR gene expression altered the augmentative effect of PLD2 exerted on p70S6K activity. This finding indicates that PA binds to and activates p70S6K, even in the absence of mTOR. Lastly, COS-7 transfection with PLD2 changed the pattern of subcellular expression, and a colocalization of S6K and PLD2 was observed by immunofluorescence microscopy. These results show for the first time a direct (mTOR-independent) participation of PLD in the p70S6K pathway and implicate PA as a nexus that brings together cell phospholipases and kinases.

The respiratory burst oxidase

Sbarra and Karnovsky were the first to present evidence suggesting the presence in phagocytes of a special enzyme designed to generate reactive oxidants for purposes of host defense. In the years since their report appeared, a great deal has been learned about this enzyme, now known as the respiratory burst oxidase. It has been found to be a plasma membrane-bound heme- and flavin-containing enzyme, dormant in resting cells, that catalyzes the one-electron reduction of oxygen to O2- at the expense of NADPH: O2 + NADPH----O2- + NADP+ + H+ Its behavior in whole cells and its response to various activating stimuli have been described in detail, although important insights continue to emerge, as for example a very interesting new series of observations on differences in oxidase activation patterns between suspended and adherent cells. The enzyme has been shown by biochemical and genetic studies to consist of at least six components. In the resting cell, three of these components are in the cytosol and three in the plasma membrane, but when the cell passes from its resting to its activated state the cytosolic components are all transferred to the plasma membrane, presumably assembling the oxidase. Of the components initially bound to the membrane, two constitute cytochrome b558, a heme protein characteristic of the respiratory burst oxidase, and the third may represent an oxidase flavoprotein. With regard to the cytosolic components, one is a phosphoprotein and another is the NADPH-binding component, possibly a second oxidase flavoprotein. The nature of the third (p67phox) is a puzzle. Four of the six oxidase components have now been cloned and sequenced. These findings only scratch the surface, however, and many questions remain. How many oxidase components, for example, remain to be discovered, and how do they fit together to form the active enzyme? How is the route of activation of the oxidase integrated into the general signal transduction systems of the cell? How did the oxidase come to be? Could there be a widespread system that generates small amounts of O2- as an intercellular signaling molecule, as recent work is beginning to suggest, and did the ever-destructive respiratory burst oxidase arise from that innocuous system as the creation of some evolutionary Frankenstein--an oxidase from hell? Finally, will it be possible to develop drugs that specifically block the respiratory burst oxidase, and will such drugs prove to be clinically useful as anti-inflammatory agents?(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Signal transduction mechanism involved in Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin-induced superoxide anion generation in rabbit neutrophils

Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin induces the generation of superoxide anion (O2(-)) via production of 1,2-diacylglycerol (DG) in rabbit neutrophils. The mechanism of the generation, however, remains poorly understood. Here we report a novel mechanism for the toxin-induced production of O2(-) in rabbit neutrophils. Treatment of the cells with the toxin resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of a protein of about 140 kDa. The protein reacted with anti-TrkA (nerve growth factor high-affinity receptor) antibody and bound nerve growth factor. Anti-TrkA antibody inhibited the production of O2(-) and binding of the toxin to the protein. The toxin induced phosphorylation of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1). K252a, an inhibitor of TrkA receptor, and LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), reduced the toxin-induced production of O2(-) and phosphorylation of PDK1, but not the formation of DG. These inhibitors inhibited the toxin-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase C theta (PKCtheta). U73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, and pertussis toxin inhibited the toxin-induced generation of O2(-) and formation of DG, but not the phosphorylation of PDK1. These observations show that the toxin independently induces production of DG through activation of endogenous PLC and phosphorylation of PDK1 via the TrkA receptor signaling pathway and that these events synergistically activate PKCtheta in stimulating an increase in O2(-). In addition, we show the participation of mitogen-activated protein kinase-associated signaling events via activation of PKCtheta in the toxin-induced generation of O2(-).

Role of MMP-2 in inhibiting Na+ dependent Ca2+ uptake by H2O2 in microsomes isolated from pulmonary smooth muscle

Treatment of microsomes (preferentially enriched with endoplasmic reticulum) isolated from bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle tissue with H2O2 (1 mM) markedly stimulated matrix metalloproteinase activity and also inhibited Na+ dependent Ca2+ uptake. Electron micrograph revealed that H2O2 (1 mM) does not cause any damage to the microsomes. MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were determined to be the ambient protease and corresponding antiprotease of the microsomes. Pretreatment with vitamin E (1 mM) and TIMP-2 (50 microg/ml) reversed the effect produced by H2O2 (1 mM) on Na+ dependent Ca2+ uptake in the microsomes. However, H2O2 (1 mM) caused changes in MMP-2 activity and Na+ dependent Ca2+ uptake were not reversed upon pretreatment of the microsomes with a low concentration of 5 microg/ml of TIMP-2 which otherwise reversed MMP-2 (1 microg/ml) mediated increase in 14C-gelatin degradation and inhibition of Na+ dependent Ca2+ uptake. Combined treatment of the microsomes with a low dose of MMP-2 (0.5 microg/ml) and H2O2 (0.5 mM) inhibited Na+ dependent Ca2+ uptake in the microsomes compared to the respective low dose of either of them. Direct treatment of TIMP-2 (5 microg/ml) with H2O2 (1 mM) abolished the inhibitory effect of the inhibitor on 14C-gelatinolytic activity elicited by 1 microg/ml of MMP-2. Thus, one of the mechanisms by which H2O2 activates MMP-2 could be due to inactivation of TIMP-2 by the oxidant. The resulting activation of MMP-2 subsequently inhibits Na+ dependent Ca2+ uptake in the microsomes.

Anionic amphiphile and phospholipid-induced conformational changes in human neutrophil flavocytochrome b observed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer

The integral membrane protein flavocytochrome b (Cyt b) comprises the catalytic core of the human phagocyte NADPH oxidase complex and serves to initiate a cascade of reactive oxygen species that participate in the elimination of infectious agents. Superoxide production by the NADPH oxidase complex has been shown to be specifically regulated by the enzymatic generation of lipid second messengers following phagocyte activation. In the present study, a Cyt b-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb 44.1) was labeled with Cascade Blue (CCB) and used in resonance energy transfer (RET) studies probing the effects of a panel of lipid species on the structure of Cyt b. The binding of CCB-mAb 44.1 to immunoaffinity-purified Cyt b was both highly specific and resulted in significant quenching of the steady state donor fluorescence. Titration of the CCB-mAb 44.1:Cyt b complex with the anionic amphiphile lithium dodecyl sulfate (LDS) resulted in a saturable relaxation of fluorescence quenching due to conformational changes in Cyt b at concentrations of the amphiphile required for maximum rates of superoxide production by Cyt b in cell-free assays. Similar results were observed for the anionic amphiphile arachidonic acid (AA), although no relaxation of fluorescence quenching was observed for arachidonate methyl ester (AA-ME). Saturable relaxation of fluorescence quenching was also observed with the anionic, 18:1 phospholipids phosphatidic acid (DOPA) and phosphatidylserine (DOPS), while no relaxation was observed upon addition of the neutral 18:1 lipids phosphatidylcholine (DOPC), phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) or diacylglycerol (DAG) at similar levels. Further examination of a variety of phosphatidic acid (PA) species demonstrated DOPA to both potently induce conformational changes in Cyt b and to cause more dramatic conformational changes than PA species with shorter, saturated acyl chains. The data presented in this study support the hypothesis that second messenger lipids, such as AA and PA, directly bind to flavocytochrome b and modulate conformational states relevant to the activation of superoxide production.

Sexual dimorphism in the activation of neutrophils by shock mesenteric lymph

BACKGROUND

After trauma/hemorrhagic shock (T/HS), inflammatory products exit the gut via mesenteric lymph. These products can prime neutrophils (PMN) and predispose to lung injury. Female gender and the proestrous state (PE) may confer protection against lung injury after T/HS. We therefore studied the dependence of T/HS-induced PMN priming on gender and stage of estrous.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

T/HS was induced in male (M) and proestrous female (F) rats by laparotomy plus hemorrhagic shock (30 mm Hg, 90 min) followed by reinfusion of shed blood. Six hours later rats were sacrificed and plasma was obtained. Control male rat PMN were primed 5 min in buffer or in the plasma of M-T/HS or F-T/HS rats (n = 4-6/group). PMN were then assayed using DHR for respiratory burst (RB) initiated by sequential MIP-2 and PAF stimulation (MIP/PAF). Because MIP and PAF mobilize cell calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in a step crucial for RB initiation, we also assayed PMN [Ca(2+)](i) responses to MIP/PAF.

RESULTS

M-T/HS plasma primed PMN RB (208 +/- 8 [SEM] U/sec versus buffer 51 +/- 12 U/sec, p < 0.01, ANOVA/Tukey's). F-T/HS plasma did not (87 +/- 20 U/sec, NS). PMN basal [Ca(2+)](i) was increased by pre-incubation in both M-T/HS and F-T/HS plasma (183 +/- 26 and 225 +/- 20 nM, p < 0.02, p < 0.01 compared to buffer [80 +/- 3 nM]). Peak PMN [Ca(2+)](i) response to MIP/PAF was 159 +/- 2 nM without priming. Priming PMN in either M-T/HS or F-T/HS plasma increased peak [Ca(2+)](i) responses to MIP/PAF to 274 +/- 35 (p < 0.04) and 330 +/- 24 nM (p < 0.02), but the effects of M-T/HS and F-T/HS plasma on [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization were indistinguishable.

CONCLUSION

Plasma from male rats subjected to T/HS primes PMN respiratory burst, but plasma from proestrous females subjected to T/HS does not. In contrast, the male and proestrous female plasma primed PMN [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization by MIP/PAF equally. The decrease in pathologic PMN activation seen after T/HS in proestrous female rats depends on soluble mediators present in plasma. The decreased PMN RB seen after T/HS in proestrous females is mediated by calcium-independent pathways.

Phospholipase D contributes to transmural pressure control of prorenin processing in juxtaglomerular cell

This study was designed to delineate the involvement of phospholipase C (PLC) and phospholipase D (PLD) in transmural pressure control of renin synthesis and secretion. Primary cultures of rat juxtaglomerular (JG) cells were applied to a transmural pressure-loading apparatus for 12 hours, and the renin secretion rate (RSR), active renin content (ARC), and total (active + inactive) renin content (TRC) were determined. Under control conditions (n=5), transmural pressure decreased RSR (78.1 +/- 3.0 and 64.6 +/- 4.4% for 0 or 40 mm Hg, respectively; P<0.05) and ARC (42.8 +/- 3.3 and 26.0 +/- 3.9 ng of angiotensin I per hour per million cells for 0 or 40 mm Hg, respectively; P<0.05) but did not have a significant effect on TRC (99.5 +/- 6.7 and 89.2 +/- 4.6 ng of angiotensin I per hour per million cells for 0 or 40 mm Hg, respectively). Treatment with PLC inhibitors, 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl-N,N-diphenyl-carbamate (200 micromol/L) and U73122 (10 micromol/L) did not alter RSR but prevented the RSR decrease with transmural pressure, whereas neither 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl-N,N-diphenyl-carbamate nor U73122 altered ARC, TRC, or the decrease in ARC with transmural pressure. Experiments were also performed using JG cells (n=5) treated with a PLD inhibitor, 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzensulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF, 100 micromol/L). Treatment with AEBSF did not influence basal levels of RSR, ARC, and TRC or the RSR decrease with transmural pressure. However, AEBSF did inhibit the decrease in ARC with transmural pressure. These results indicate that transmural pressure inhibits renin secretion via PLC-dependent pathways and prevents conversion of inactive renin to active renin via PLD-dependent mechanisms in JG cells.

Salmonella evasion of the NADPH phagocyte oxidase

The bacteria-phagocyte interaction is of central importance in Salmonella pathogenesis. Immediately following phagocytosis, the NADPH phagocyte oxidase complex assembles in vesicles and produces highly toxic reactive oxygen species that play a major role in initial Salmonella killing by phagocytes. However, Salmonella has evolved a number of strategies to reduce the efficacy of oxygen-dependent phagocyte antimicrobial systems. Some of these strategies, such as superoxide dismutases, hydroperoxidases, oxidoreductases, scavengers and repair systems are common to most aerobic bacteria. In addition, Salmonella has acquired, by horizontal gene transfer, a type III secretory system encoded by Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 that interferes with the trafficking of vesicles containing functional NADPH phagocyte oxidase to the phagosome, thereby enhancing the survival of Salmonella within macrophages.

Signal transduction pathways involved in low intensity He-Ne laser-induced respiratory burst in bovine neutrophils: a potential mechanism of low intensity laser biostimulation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Low intensity He-Ne laser irradiation has been reported to induce respiratory burst of neutrophils for a long time, but the mechanism remains obscure. We speculated that it is mediated by some signal transduction pathways.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

The protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) inhibitor, genistein, the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, U-73122, and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, calphostin C, were used to probe signal transduction pathways of respiratory burst of bovine neutrophils which were induced by He-Ne laser at a dose of 300 J/m(2), respectively.

RESULTS

The inhibitor of PTKs can completely inhibit the He-Ne laser-induced respiratory burst of neutrophils. PLC and PKC inhibitors can obviously reduce it, but not fully inhibit it.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that PTKs play a key role in the He-Ne laser-induced respiratory burst of neutrophils and [PTK-PLC-PKC-NADPH oxidase] signal transduction pathways may be involved in this process.

Independent functioning of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and phospholipase D1 in Trp-Lys-Tyr-Met-Val-D-Met-induced superoxide generation in human monocytes

Recently, a novel peptide (Trp-Lys-Tyr-Met-Val-D-Met, WKYMVm) has been shown to induce superoxide generation in human monocytes. The peptide stimulated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Superoxide generation as well as arachidonic acid (AA) release evoked by treatment with WKYMVm could be almost completely blocked by pretreatment of the cells with cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2)-specific inhibitors. The involvement of cPLA2 in the peptide-induced AA release was further supported by translocation of cPLA2 to the nuclear membrane of monocytes incubated with WKYMVm. WKYMVm-induced phosphatidylbutanol formation was completely abolished by pretreatment with PKC inhibitors. Immunoblot showed that monocytes express phospholipase D1 (PLD1), but not PLD2. GF109203X as well as butan-1-ol inhibited peptide-induced superoxide generation in monocytes. Furthermore, the interrelationship between the two phospholipases, cPLA2 and PLD1, and upstream signaling molecules involved in WKYMVm-dependent activation was investigated. The inhibition of cPLA2 did not blunt peptide-stimulated PLD1 activation or vice versa. Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was indispensable for the activation of PLD1 as well as cPLA2. The WKYMVm-dependent stimulation of cPLA2 activity was partially dependent on the activation of PKC and mitogen-activated protein kinase, while PKC activation, but not mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, was an essential prerequisite for stimulation of PLD1. Taken together, activation of the two phospholipases, which are absolutely required for superoxide generation, takes place through independent signaling pathways that diverge from a common pathway at a point downstream of Ca2+.

A phosphatidic acid-activated protein kinase and conventional protein kinase C isoforms phosphorylate p22(phox), an NADPH oxidase component

Using a phosphorylation-dependent cell-free system to study NADPH oxidase activation (McPhail, L. C., Qualliotine-Mann, D., and Waite, K. A. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 92, 7931-7935), we previously showed that p47(phox), a cytosolic NADPH oxidase component, is phosphorylated. Now, we show that p22(phox), a subunit of the NADPH oxidase component flavocytochrome b(558), also is phosphorylated. Phosphorylation is selectively activated by phosphatidic acid (PA) versus other lipids and occurs on a threonine residue in p22(phox). We identified two protein kinase families capable of phosphorylating p22(phox): 1) a potentially novel, partially purified PA-activated protein kinase(s) known to phosphorylate p47(phox) and postulated to mediate the phosphorylation-dependent activation of NADPH oxidase by PA and 2) conventional, but not novel or atypical, isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC). In contrast, all classes of PKC isoforms could phosphorylate p47(phox). In a gel retardation assay both the phosphatidic acid-dependent kinase and conventional PKC isoforms phosphorylated all molecules of p22(phox). These findings suggest that phosphorylation of p22(phox) by conventional PKC and/or a novel PA-activated protein kinase regulates the activation/assembly of NADPH oxidase.

Effects of local anesthetics on phospholipase D activity in differentiated human promyelocytic leukemic HL60 cells

Local anesthetics impair certain functions of neutrophils, and phospholipase D (PLD) is considered to play an important role in the regulation of these functions. To understand the mechanisms by which local anesthetics suppress the functions of neutrophils, we examined the effects of local anesthetics on PLD in neutrophil-like differentiated human promyelocytic leukemic HL60 cells. Tetracaine, a local anesthetic, inhibited formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)- and 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced PLD activation, but potentiated fMLP-stimulated phospholipase C activity. All four local anesthetics tested suppressed PMA-induced PLD activation to different extents, and the order of their potency was tetracaine > bupivacaine > lidocaine > procaine. In a cell-free system, tetracaine suppressed guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS)-induced PLD activation as well as PMA-induced PLD activation. Western blot analysis revealed that tetracaine prevented the membrane translocation of PLD-activating factors, ADP-ribosylation factor, RhoA, and protein kinase Calpha. Tetracaine also inhibited the activity of recombinant hPLD1a in vitro. These results suggest that local anesthetics suppress PLD activation in differentiated HL60 cells by preventing the membrane translocation of PLD-activating factors, and/or by directly inhibiting the enzyme per se. Therefore, it could be assumed that local anesthetics would suppress the functions of neutrophils by inhibition of PLD activation.

Ang II-stimulated superoxide production is mediated via phospholipase D in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Intracellular signaling events that mediate the long-term effects of Ang II in vascular smooth muscle cells are unclear, but oxidative stress may play an important role. This study examined the ability of Ang II to generate reactive oxygen species and investigated the putative role of phospholipase D (PLD)-dependent signaling pathways for its production in human vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, we assessed whether redox-sensitive pathways influence Ang II-stimulated cell growth. Primary and low-passage cells (passages 1 to 4) derived from resistance arteries of subcutaneous gluteal biopsies from healthy subjects were studied. Oxidative stress was measured with the fluorescent probe 5-(and 6)-chloromethyl-2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM-H(2)DCFDA) (8 micromol/L), and the role of PLD was assessed with the PLD inhibitor D-erythro-sphingosine, dihydro (sphinganine) (10 micromol/L). To determine whether NADH/NADPH oxidase contributes to production of reactive oxygen species, Ang II-stimulated cells were pretreated with the specific flavoprotein inhibitor diphenylene iodinium (DPI) (10 micromol/L). DNA and protein synthesis were determined by [(3)H]thymidine and [(3)H]leucine incorporation, respectively. Ang II increased CM-H(2)DCFDA fluorescence, and this was inhibited by catalase (350 U/mL), indicating that the fluorescence signal was derived predominantly from H(2)O(2). Ang II dose-dependently increased H(2)O(2) production (E(max)=57.6+/-1.7 nmol/L, pD(2)=7.7+/-0.06) and PLD activation (E(max)=207+/-3.3% of control, pD(2)=7.7+/-0.5). H(2)O(2) effects were evident within 1 hour, and maximal PLD activation occurred within 40 minutes after stimulation. DPI inhibited (P<0.01) Ang II-stimulated responses. PLD inhibition significantly attenuated (P<0.05) Ang II-elicited H(2)O(2) production (E(max)=29+/-5 nmol/L). DPI and sphinganine inhibited Ang II-induced DNA and protein synthesis. These data indicate that in vascular smooth muscle cells from human peripheral resistance arteries, Ang II increases H(2)O(2) generation via PLD-dependent, NADH/NADPH oxidase-sensitive pathways. These cascades may function as second messengers in long-term Ang II-mediated growth-signaling events.

Activation of human neutrophil NADPH oxidase by phosphatidic acid or diacylglycerol in a cell-free system. Activity of diacylglycerol is dependent on its conversion to phosphatidic acid

The superoxide-generating neutrophil NADPH oxidase can be activated in cell-free reconstitution systems by several agonists, most notably arachidonic acid and the detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate. In this study, we show that both phosphatidic acids and diacylglycerols can serve separately as potent, physiologic activators of NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system. Stimulation of superoxide generation by these lipids was dependent upon both Mg(2+) and agonist concentration. Activation of NADPH oxidase by phosphatidic acids did not appear to require their conversion to corresponding diacylglycerols by phosphatidate phosphohydrolase, since diacylglycerols were much slower than phosphatidic acids to activate the system and required the presence of ATP. Stimulation of the oxidase by dioctanoylglycerol proved to be by a means other than the activation of protein kinase C. Instead, dioctanoylglycerol was converted to dioctanoylphosphatidic acid by an endogenous diacylglycerol kinase present in the cell-free reaction system. This conversion was sensitive to the diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor R59949 and explains the markedly slower kinetics of activation and the novel ATP requirement seen with dioctanoylglycerol. The level of dioctanoylphosphatidic acid formed was suboptimal for NADPH oxidase activation but could synergize with the unmetabolized dioctanoylglycerol to activate superoxide generation.

Regulation and function of PLDs in yeast

While yeast contain multiple phospholipase D activities, only one, encoded by SPO14, appears to be a member of the phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D gene family. Genetic analyses have revealed a role for this enzyme in regulated membrane trafficking events.

A novel protein kinase target for the lipid second messenger phosphatidic acid

Activation of phospholipase D occurs in response to a wide variety of hormones, growth factors, and other extracellular signals. The initial product of phospholipase D, phosphatidic acid (PA), is thought to serve a signaling function, but the intracellular targets for this lipid second messenger are not clearly identified. The production of PA in human neutrophils is closely correlated with the activation of NADPH oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the respiratory burst. We have developed a cell-free system, in which the activation of NADPH oxidase is induced by the addition of PA. Characterization of this system revealed that a multi-functional cytosolic protein kinase was a target for PA, and that two NADPH oxidase components were substrates for the enzyme. Partial purification of the PA-activated protein kinase separated the enzyme from known protein kinase targets of PA. The partially purified enzyme was selectively activated by PA, compared to other phospholipids, and phosphorylated the oxidase component p47-phox on both serine and tyrosine residues. PA-activated protein kinase activity was present in a variety of hematopoietic cells and cell lines and in rat brain, suggesting it has widespread distribution. We conclude that this protein kinase may be a novel target for the second messenger function of PA.

Stimulation of a vascular smooth muscle cell NAD(P)H oxidase by thrombin. Evidence that p47(phox) may participate in forming this oxidase in vitro and in vivo

Thrombin is a potent vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) mitogen. Because recent evidence implicates reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in VSMC proliferation in general and atherogenesis in particular, we investigated whether ROI generation is necessary for thrombin-induced mitogenesis. Treatment of human aortic smooth muscle cells with thrombin increased DNA synthesis, an effect that was antagonized by diphenyleneiodonium but not by other inhibitors of cellular oxidase systems. This effect of thrombin was accompanied by increased O-2 and H2O2 generation and NADH/NADPH consumption. ROI generation in response to thrombin pretreatment could also be blocked by diphenyleneiodonium, suggesting that the NAD(P)H oxidase was necessary for ROI generation and thrombin-induced mitogenesis. Because of observed differences between the VSMC and neutrophil oxidase, we examined whether the cytosolic components of the phagocytic NAD(P)H oxidase were present in VSMC. p47(phox) and Rac2 were present in VSMC. Furthermore, thrombin increased expression of p47(phox) and Rac2 and stimulated their translocation to the cell membrane. We examined whether p47(phox) might be similarly regulated in vivo in a rat aorta balloon injury model and found that p47(phox) protein was increased after injury. Immunocytochemistry localized expression of p47(phox) to the neointima and media of injured arteries. Our data demonstrate that generation of O-2 and H2O2 is required for thrombin-mediated mitogenesis in VSMC and that p47(phox) is regulated by thrombin in vitro and is associated with vascular lesion formation in vivo.

2-Hydroxymethyl-1-naphthol diacetate (TAC) suppresses the superoxide anion generation in rat neutrophils

We have investigated the inhibitory effect of 2-hydroxymethyl-1-naphthol diacetate (TAC) on the respiratory burst of rat neutrophils and the underlying mechanism of action was also assessed in this study. TAC caused concentration-related inhibition of the formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) plus dihydrocytochalasin B (CB)- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced superoxide anion (O2*-) generation (IC50 10.2+/-2.3 and 14.1+/-2.4 microM, respectively) and O2 consumption (IC50 9.6+/-2.9 and 13.3+/-2.7 microM, respectively) of neutrophils. TAC did not scavenge the generated O2*- during dihydroxyfumaric acid autoxidation. TAC inhibited both the transient elevation of [Ca2+]i in the presence or absence of [Ca2+]o (IC50 75.9+/-8.9 and 84.7+/-7.9 microM, respectively) and the generation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) (IC50 72.0+/-9.7 microM) in response to fMLP. Cytosolic phospholipase C (PLC) activity was also reduced by TAC at a same range of concentrations. The PMA-induced PKC-beta associated to membrane was attenuated by TAC (about 80% inhibition at 30 microM). Upon exposure to fMLP, the cellular cyclic AMP level was decreased in neutrophils pretreated with TAC. TAC attenuated fMLP-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p42/44 (IC50 17.4+/-1.7 microM), but not p38. The cellular formation of phosphatidic acid (PA) and, in the presence of ethanol, phosphatidylethanol (PEt) induced by fMLP was inhibited by TAC in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 25.4+/-2.4 and 25.9+/-1.4 microM, respectively). TAC had no effect on the O2*- generation of PMA-stimulated and arachidonic acid (AA)-stimulated NADPH oxidase preparations. However, TAC caused concentration-related decrease of the membrane associated p47phoX in PMA-stimulated neutrophils (about 80% inhibition at 30 microM). We conclude that inhibition by TAC of the neutrophil respiratory burst is probably attributable to the blockade of the p42/44 MAPK and phospholipase D (PLD) pathways, the membrane translocation of PKC, and to the failure in assembly of a functional NADPH oxidase complex. Blockade of the PLC pathway by TAC probably plays a minor role.

Stimulation of respiratory burst by cyclocommunin in rat neutrophils is associated with the increase in cellular Ca2+ and protein kinase C activity

In this study, the underlying mechanisms of stimulation by cyclocommunin, a natural pyranoflavonoid, of respiratory burst in rat neutrophils was investigated. Cyclocommunin evoked a concentration-dependent stimulation of superoxide anion (O2*-) generation with a slow onset and long lasting profile. The maximum response (16.4+/-2.3 nmol O2*-/10 min per 10(6) cells) was observed at 3-10 microM cyclocommunin. Cyclocommunin did not activate NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system. Cells pretreated with pertussis toxin or n-butanol did not affect the cyclocommunin-induced O2*- generation. However, a protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine and EGTA greatly reduced the O2*-generation caused by cyclocommunin. Treatment of neutrophils with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), but not with formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), for 20 min significantly reduced the O2*- generation following the subsequent stimulation of cells with cyclocommunin. Cyclocommunin did not affect the cellular mass of phosphatidic acid (PA). Neither the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, nor the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, SB203580, affected cyclocommunin-induced O2*- generation. The enzyme activities of neutrophil cytosolic and membrane-associated protein kinase C (PKC) were both increased significantly with 100 microM cyclocommunin. The membrane-associated PKC-theta and PKC-beta were increased following the stimulation of neutrophils with 30 and 100 microM cyclocommunin, respectively. Cyclocommunin reduced the [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]PDB) binding to cytosolic PKC in a concentration-dependent manner. Cyclocommunin (> or =3 microM) significantly evoked a slow and long lasting [Ca2+]i elevation in neutrophils, and a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 greatly inhibited these Ca2+ responses. Moreover, the increase in cellular inositol bis- and trisphosphate (IP2 and IP3) levels were observed in neutrophils stimulated with 30 microM cyclocommunin for 3 min. Collectively, these results indicate that the stimulation of respiratory burst by cyclocommunin is probably mediated by the synergism of PKC activation and [Ca2+]i elevation in rat neutrophils.

Inhibition by magnolol of formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenyl alanine-induced respiratory burst in rat neutrophils

The influence of the plant product magnolol on neutrophil superoxide anion (O2-*) generation has been investigated in the rat. Intraperitoneal injection of magnolol (30mg kg(-1)) significantly inhibited the formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced respiratory burst in rat whole blood ex-vivo. Magnolol also inhibited the 02-* generation with an IC50 (concentration resulting in 50% inhibition) of 15.4+/-1.6 microM and O2 consumption in rat neutrophils in-vitro. Magnolol weakly inhibited the O2-* generation in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system, decreased cellular cyclic AMP level and had no effect on cyclic GMP levels. It weakly inhibited neutrophil cytosolic protein kinase C activity but did not alter porcine heart protein kinase A activity. Magnolol attenuated fMLP-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation with an IC50 of 24.0+/-1.9 microM and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase p42/44 with an IC50 of 28.5+/-4.5 microM. However, magnolol alone activated neutrophil phospholipase D activity as determined by the formation of phosphatidic acid and phosphatidyl-ethanol in the presence of ethanol. In the presence of NADPH, the arachidonate-activated NADPH oxidase activity in a cell-free system was weakly suppressed by magnolol. These results suggest that the inhibition of respiratory burst in fMLP-activated neutrophils by magnolol is probably attributable mainly to the attenuation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, and partly to the suppression of protein kinase C and NADPH oxidase activities.

JunB forms the majority of the AP-1 complex and is a target for redox regulation by receptor tyrosine kinase and G protein-coupled receptor agonists in smooth muscle cells

To understand the role of redox-sensitive mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth, we have studied the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a thiol antioxidant, and diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), a potent NADH/NADPH oxidase inhibitor, on serum-, platelet-derived growth factor BB-, and thrombin-induced ERK2, JNK1, and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation; c-Fos, c-Jun, and JunB expression; and DNA synthesis. Both NAC and DPI completely inhibited agonist-induced AP-1 activity and DNA synthesis in VSMC. On the contrary, these compounds had differential effects on agonist-induced ERK2, JNK1, and p38 MAP kinase activation and c-Fos, c-Jun, and JunB expression. NAC inhibited agonist-induced ERK2, JNK1, and p38 MAP kinase activation and c-Fos, c-Jun, and JunB expression except for platelet-derived growth factor BB-induced ERK2 activation. In contrast, DPI only inhibited agonist-induced p38 MAP kinase activation and c-Fos and JunB expression. Antibody supershift assays indicated the presence of c-Fos and JunB in the AP-1 complex formed in response to all three agonists. In addition, cotransfection of VSMC with expression plasmids for c-Fos and members of the Jun family along with the AP-1-dependent reporter gene revealed that AP-1 with c-Fos and JunB composition exhibited a higher transactivating activity than AP-1 with other compositions tested. All three agonists significantly stimulated reactive oxygen species production, and this effect was inhibited by both NAC and DPI. Together, these results strongly suggest a role for redox-sensitive mechanisms in agonist-induced ERK2, JNK1, and p38 MAP kinase activation; c-Fos, c-Jun, and JunB expression; AP-1 activity; and DNA synthesis in VSMC. These results also suggest a role for NADH/NADPH oxidase activity in some subset of early signaling events such as p38 MAP kinase activation and c-Fos and JunB induction, which appear to be important in agonist-induced AP-1 activity and DNA synthesis in VSMC.

The signal transduction mechanism involved in kazinol B-stimulated superoxide anion generation in rat neutrophils

1. In this study, the underlying mechanism of stimulation of respiratory burst by kazinol B, a natural isoprenylated flavan, in rat neutrophils in vitro was investigated. 2. Kazinol B concentration-dependently stimulated the superoxide anion (O2*-) generation, with a lag but transient activation profile, in neutrophils but not in a cell-free system. The maximum response (13.2+/-1.4 nmol O2*- 10 min(-1) per 10(6) cells) was observed at 10 microM kazinol B. 3. Pretreatment of neutrophils with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) significantly enhanced the O2*- generation following the subsequent stimulation of cells with kazinol B. 4. Cells pretreated with EGTA or a protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine effectively attenuated the kazinol B-induced O2*- generation. However, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 and a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin had no effect on the kazinol B-induced response. 5. Kazinol B significantly stimulated [Ca2+]i elevation in neutrophils, with a lag and slow rate of rise activation profile, and this response was attenuated by a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122. Kazinol B also stimulated the inositol bis- and trisphosphate (IP2 and IP3) formation with a 1 min lag time. 6. The membrane-associated PKC-alpha and PKC-theta but not PKC-iota were increased following the stimulation of neutrophils with kazinol B. It was more rapid and sensitive in the activation of PKC-theta than PKC-alpha by kazinol B. Kazinol B partially inhibited the [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]PDB) binding to the neutrophil cytosolic PKC. 7. Neither the cellular mass of phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylethanol (PEt), in the presence of ethanol, nor the protein tyrosine phosphorylation were stimulated by kazinol B. In addition, the kazinol B-induced O2*- generation remained relatively unchanged in cells pretreated with ethanol or a tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. 8. Collectively, these results indicate that the stimulation of the respiratory burst by kazinol B is probably mediated by the synergism of PKC activation and [Ca2+]i elevation in rat neutrophils.

Structural-functional relationships in pig heart AMP-deaminase in the presence of ATP, orthophosphate, and phosphatidate bilayers

The secondary structure of pig heart AMP-deaminase (AMP-d) in the absence and in the presence of orthophosphate or dioleoyl phosphatidic acid (DOPA) or ATP was investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy. While the latter substance activates the enzyme, orthophosphate is a well-known negative allosteric effector and DOPA exerts a noncompetitive inhibition on AMP-deaminase. Small changes in the secondary structure of AMP-d were induced by the above mentioned substances. Only DOPA reduced the thermal stability of AMP-d and avoided protein intermolecular interactions suggesting structural-functional relationships in AMP-d in the presence of the above substances and a possible role of phosphatidic acid in the subtle regulation of AMP-d activity by temporary binding of the enzyme to cellular membranes.

Phospholipase D: a novel major player in signal transduction

The role of the mammalian phospholipase D (PLD) in the control of key cellular responses has been recognised for a long time, but only recently have there been the reagents to properly study this very important enzyme in the signalling pathways, linking cell agonists with intracellular targets. With the recent cloning of PLD isoenzymes, their association with low-molecular-weight G proteins, protein kinase C and tyrosine kinases, the availability of antibodies and an understanding of the role of PLD product, phosphatidic acid (PA), in cell physiology, the field is gaining momentum. In this review, we will explore the molecular properties of mammalian PLD and its gene(s), the complexity of this enzyme regulation and the myriad physiological roles for PLD and PA and related metabolic products, with particular emphasis on a role in the activation of NADPH oxidase, or respiratory burst, leading to the generation of oxygen radicals.

Oscillatory and steady laminar shear stress differentially affect human endothelial redox state: role of a superoxide-producing NADH oxidase

Atherosclerotic lesions are found opposite vascular flow dividers at sites of low shear stress and oscillatory flow. Since endothelial proinflammatory genes prominent in lesions are regulated by oxidation-sensitive transcriptional control mechanisms, we examined the redox state of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells after either oscillatory or steady laminar fluid shear stress. Endothelial oxidative stress was assessed by measuring activity of the superoxide (O2.- )-producing NADH oxidase (a major source of reactive oxygen species in vascular cells), intracellular O2.- levels, induction of the redox-sensitive gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and abundance of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD), an antioxidant defense enzyme whose level of expression adapts to changes in oxidative stress. When cells were exposed to oscillatory shear (+/-5 dyne/cm2, 1 Hz) for 1, 5, and 24 hours, NADH oxidase activity and the amount of HO-1 progressively increased up to 174+/-16% (P<0.05) and 505+/-111% (P<0.05) versus static conditions, respectively, whereas levels of Cu/Zn SOD remained unchanged. This upregulation of HO-1 was completely blocked by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 20 mmol/L). In contrast, steady laminar shear (5 dyne/cm2) induced NADH oxidase activity and NAC-sensitive HO-1 mRNA expression only at 1 and 5 hours, a transient response that returned toward baseline at 24 hours. Levels of Cu/Zn SOD mRNA and protein were increased after 24 hours of steady laminar shear. Furthermore, intracellular O2.-, as measured by dihydroethidium fluorescence, was higher in cells exposed to oscillatory than to laminar shear. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that continuous oscillatory shear causes a sustained activation of pro-oxidant processes resulting in redox-sensitive gene expression in human endothelial cells. Steady laminar shear stress initially activates these processes but appears to induce compensatory antioxidant defenses. We speculate that differences in endothelial redox state, orchestrated by different regimens of shear stress, may contribute to the focal nature of atherosclerosis.

Phosphatidic acid-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+ is mediated by RhoA and H2O2 in Rat-2 fibroblasts

We have investigated possible roles of RhoA and H2O2 in the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) by phosphatidic acid (PA) in Rat-2 fibroblasts. PA induced a transient elevation of [Ca2+]i in the presence or absence of EGTA. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) also increased [Ca2+]i, but the sustained Ca2+ response was inhibited by EGTA. LPA stimulated the production of inositol phosphates, but PA did not. In the presence of EGTA, preincubation with LPA completely blocked the subsequent elevation of [Ca2+]i by PA, but not vice versa. PA stimulated the translocation of RhoA to the particulate fraction as did LPA. Scrape loading of C3 transferase inhibited the transient Ca2+ response to PA, but not to LPA, suggesting an essential role of RhoA in the elevation of [Ca2+]i by PA. H2O2 also induced a transient increase of [Ca2+]i as did PA. H2O2 scavengers, catalase and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, completely blocked the rise of [Ca2+]i stimulated by PA, but not by LPA. Furthermore, preincubation with PA blocked the subsequent Ca2+ response to H2O2, and the incubation with H2O2 also blocked the PA-induced rise of [Ca2+]i. Thus, it was suggested that PA stimulated Ca2+ release from PA-sensitive, but not inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive, Ca2+ stores by the activation of RhoA and intracellular H2O2.

Priming of phosphatidic acid production by staurosporine in f-Met-Leu-Phe-stimulated human neutrophils--correlation with respiratory burst

Staurosporine, a microbial alkaloid known as a potent though non specific PKC inhibitor, enhances the production of superoxide anion (respiratory burst) of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) stimulated by chemoattractants such as f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP). To gain insights into the mechanisms of this priming, we analysed staurosporine effects on formation of second messengers issued from phospholipase D (PLD), i.e., phosphatidic acid (PA) and its dephosphorylated form, diglycerides (DG). PA and DG were measured by two methods, in mass and after the labelling of PMN with a phosphatidylcholine precursor, [3H]-1-O-alkyl-2-lyso-3-phosphatidylcholine. Treatment of labelled PMN with low concentrations of staurosporine (12.5 and 50 nM) which prime respiratory burst had no significant effect on basal amounts of tritiated PA and DG, but potentiated fMLP-mediated formation of [3H]PA and phosphatidylethanol (PEt) pointing to a priming of PLD activity. PA mass in resting PMN increased (approximately 80 +/- 7%) in the presence of high drug concentrations only (250-500 nM), with no change in basal DAG mass. Low staurosporine concentrations (6.25-25 nM) markedly potentiated PA mass formation induced by fMLP and positive correlation (R = 0.95) was found between enhanced superoxide formation and generation of PA but not DG. Furthermore, cytochalasin B, which is known to prime PA production induced by fMLP, synergised the priming of respiratory burst by staurosporine, which further suggests a functional role of PA. In contrast to staurosporine, the more selective PKC inhibitor GF109203X neither stimulated PLD nor primed fMLP-induced PLD or respiratory burst. These data indicate that priming of fMLP-mediated PMN respiratory burst by staurosporine correlates with PA formation. This priming may be linked to alteration of early signalling events upstream of PLD rather than to feedback inhibition of PKC.

Relocalization of phospholipase D activity mediates membrane formation during meiosis

Phospholipase D (PLD) enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine and are involved in membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal reorganization. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SPO14 gene encodes a PLD that is essential for meiosis. We have analyzed the role of PLD in meiosis by examining two mutant proteins, one with a point mutation in a conserved residue (Spo14pK--> H) and one with an amino-terminal deletion (Spo14pDeltaN), neither of which can restore meiosis in a spo14 deletion strain. Spo14pK--> H is enzymatically inactive, indicating that PLD activity is required, whereas Spo14pDeltaN retains PLD catalytic activity in vitro, indicating that PLD activity is not sufficient for meiosis. To explore other aspects of Spo14 function, we followed the localization of the enzyme during meiosis. Spo14p is initially distributed throughout the cell, becomes concentrated at the spindle pole bodies after the meiosis I division, and at meiosis II localizes to the new spore membrane as it surrounds the nuclei and then expands to encapsulate the associated cytoplasm during the formation of spores. The catalytically inactive protein also undergoes relocalization during meiosis; however, in the absence of PLD activity, no membrane is formed. In contrast, Spo14pDeltaN does not relocalize properly, indicating that the failure of this protein to complement a spo14 mutant is due to its inability to localize its PLD activity. Furthermore, we find that Spo14p movement is correlated with phosphorylation of the protein. These experiments indicate that PLD participates in regulated membrane formation during meiosis, and that both its catalytic activity and subcellular redistribution are essential for this function.

Phosphatase activity regulates superoxide anion generation and intracellular signaling in human neutrophils

Phosphorylation of components of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase plays a critical role in activation and maintenance of superoxide anion (O2-) generation. To investigate the role of dephosphorylation by phosphatases in regulating O2- production, human neutrophils were treated with calyculin A, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, prior to stimulation. Calyculin A alone did not stimulate O2- production. However, neutrophils exposed to 50 nM calyculin A and the chemotactic peptide formyl-met-leu-phe (FMLP, 100 nM) displayed markedly enhanced O2- production in comparison to cells stimulated with FMLP alone (28.63 +/- 7.00 versus 8.69 +/- 3.69 nmol O2-/1.5 x 10(6) neutrophils/5 min, respectively, n = 18, p < 0.001), with an increased duration of O2- production. In contrast, phosphatase-inhibition decreased oxidative responsiveness to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, > or = 16 nM). We next examined the effect of calyculin A on products of the phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D (PLD) pathway by assaying the mass levels of phosphatidic acid (PA), choline and diacylglycerol (DAG). Calyculin A increased both PA and choline production to 224 +/- 28% and 315 +/- 61% of FMLP-stimulated controls, respectively (p < 0.01, n = 7) without significantly increasing DAG. Also, membrane protein kinase C activity increased more than 10-fold in FMLP-stimulated cells exposed to calyculin A but decreased in cells stimulated with PMA following calyculin A pre-treatment. These results suggest that phosphatases exert variable and stimulus-dependent effects on pathways leading to O2- production. Further, it appears that phospholipase D activity and PA generation represent important steps in the pathway for NADPH activation triggered by FMLP.

Phosphatidic acid-mediated phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase component p47-phox. Evidence that phosphatidic acid may activate a novel protein kinase

Phosphatidic acid (PA), generated by phospholipase D activation, has been linked to the activation of the neutrophil respiratory burst enzyme, NADPH oxidase; however, the intracellular enzyme targets for PA remain unclear. We have recently shown (McPhail, L. C., Qualliotine-Mann, D., and Waite, K. A. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 92, 7931-7935) that a PA-activated protein kinase is involved in the activation of NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system. This protein kinase phosphorylates numerous endogenous proteins, including p47-phox, a component of the NADPH oxidase complex. Phospholipids other than PA were less effective at inducing endogenous protein phosphorylation. Several of these endogenous substrates were also phosphorylated during stimulation of intact cells by opsonized zymosan, an agonist that induces phospholipase D activation. We sought to identify the PA-activated protein kinase that phosphorylates p47-phox. The PA-dependent protein kinase was shown to be cytosolic. cis-Unsaturated fatty acids were poor inducers of protein kinase activity, suggesting that the PA-activated protein kinase is not a fatty acid-regulated protein kinase (e.g. protein kinase N). Chromatographic techniques separated the PA-activated protein kinase from a number of other protein kinases known to be activated by PA or to phosphorylate p47-phox. These included isoforms of protein kinase C, p21 (Cdc42/Rac)-activated protein kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Gel filtration chromatography indicated that the protein kinase has an apparent molecular size of 125 kDa. Screening of cytosolic fractions from several cell types and rat brain suggested the enzyme has widespread cell and tissue distribution. The partially purified protein kinase was sensitive to the same protein kinase inhibitors that diminished NADPH oxidase activation and was independent of guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate and Ca2+. Phosphoamino acid analysis showed that serine and tyrosine residues were phosphorylated on p47-phox by this kinase(s). These data indicate that one or more potentially novel protein kinases are targets for PA in neutrophils and other cell types. Furthermore, a PA-activated protein kinase is likely to be an important regulator of the neutrophil respiratory burst by phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase component p47-phox.

Investigation of the inhibition by acetylshikonin of the respiratory burst in rat neutrophils

1. The ability of acetylshikonin to inhibit the respiratory burst in rat neutrophils was characterized and the underlying mechanism of action was also assessed in the present study. 2. Acetylshikonin caused an irreversible and a concentration-dependent inhibition of formylmethionylleucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) plus dihydrocytochalasin B (CB)- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced superoxide anion (O2.-) generation with IC50 values of 0.48 +/- 0.03 and 0.39 +/- 0.03 microM, respectively. Acetylshikonin also inhibited the O2 consumption in neutrophils in response to fMLP/CB as well as to PMA. 3. Acetylshikonin did not scavenge the generated O2.- in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system or during dihydroxyfumaric acid (DHF) autoxidation but, on the contrary, acetylshikonin enhanced the O2.- generation in these cell-free oxygen radical generating systems. 4. Acetylshikonin inhibited the formation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) (39.0 +/- 7.8% inhibition at 10 microM, P < 0.05) in neutrophils in response to fMLP. 5. Both the neutrophil cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC) activity and the PMA-induced PKC associated with the membrane were unaffected by acetylshikonin. 6. Acetylshikonin did not affect the porcine heart protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Upon exposure to acetylshikonin, the cellular cyclic AMP level was decreased in neutrophils in response to fMLP. 7. The cellular formation of phosphatidic acid (PA) and, in the presence of ethanol, phosphatidylethanol (PEt) induced by fMLP/CB were inhibited by acetylshikonin (60.1 +/- 7.3 and 63.2 +/- 10.5% inhibition, respectively, at 10 microM, both P < 0.05). Moreover, acetylshikonin attenuated the fMLP/CB-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation (about 90% inhibition at 1 microM). 8. In PMA-activated neutrophil particulate NADPH oxidase preparations, acetylshikonin did not inhibit, but enhanced, the O2.- generation in the presence of NADPH. However, acetylshikonin decreased the membrane associated p47phox in PMA-activated neutrophils (about 60% inhibition at 1 microM). 9. Collectively, these results suggest that the attenuation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and a failure in the assembly of a functional NADPH oxidase complex probably contribute predominantly to the inhibition of respiratory burst in neutrophils by acetylshikonin. In contrast, the blockade of phospholipase C (PLC) and phospholipase D (PLD) pathways play only a minor role in this respect.

Modulation of noninduced and phorbol ester-induced generation of superoxide anion by free liposomes and liposomes containing dexamethasone

We tested the relative efficacy of free dexamethasone, dexamethasone containing liposomes and free liposomes in preventing superoxide anion, O-2 generation by neutrophils. O-2 production by 5 x 10(5) neutrophils, whether primed or not with lipopolysaccharide, was stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to 13.4 +/- 1.3 nmoles after 15 minutes compared to 1.2 +/- 0.3 nmoles with nonstimulated cells. Free liposomes but not dexamethasone (dexa) decreased non-stimulated as well as PMA-induced O-2 generation. Dexa-containing phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk: phosphatidylserine from bovine brain (PC:PS 7:3) liposomes, unlike free dexa, diminished PMA-stimulated O-2 production in a dose-dependent manner with a maximal effect at 37.5 micrograms/ml phospholipid (6.6 +/- 1.6 nmoles). The kinetics of cytochrome-c reduction revealed that decreased O-2 production resulted from an extended lag-time of release to almost 8 minutes with PMA induction and consequently led to the conclusion that liposomes modified the activity of NADPH oxidase as well as that of protein kinase C. Liposomes prepared with PC and PS of natural origin had a greater inhibitory effect on O-2 generation by neutrophils than dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and phosphatidylethanolamine from egg yolk (PE):PC (3:1) liposomes. When 100 microM of Ca2+ was added to the medium, the inhibitory action of liposomes prepared with egg yolK PC and DPPC was increased by 30 and 60% respectively, while that of PS and PE:PC was prevented. We also verified that liposomes by themselves, even if phagocytized, did not induce O-2 generation or its concentration was too low to be detected by this technique. From the clinical point of view, some formulations delayed non-induced and PMA-induced O-2 generation, thus adding to the anti-inflammatory effect of the glucocorticoid they transported.

Cellular localization of the inhibitory action of abruquinone A against respiratory burst in rat neutrophils

1. The possible mechanisms of action of the inhibitory effect of abruquinone A on the respiratory burst in rat neutrophils in vitro was investigated. 2. Abruquinone A caused an irreversible and a concentration-dependent inhibition of formylmethionylleucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) plus dihydrocytochalasin B (CB)- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced superoxide anion (O2.-) generation with IC50 values of 0.33 +/- 0.05 microgram ml-1 and 0.49 +/- 0.04 microgram ml-1, respectively. 3. Abruquinone A also inhibited O2 consumption in neutrophils in response to fMLP/CB and PMA. However, abruquinone A did not scavenge the generated O2.- in xanthine-xanthine oxidase system and during dihydroxyfumaric acid (DHF) autoxidation. 4. Abruquinone A inhibited both the transient elevation of [Ca2+]i in the absence of [Ca2+]o (IC50 7.8 +/- 0.2 micrograms ml-1) and the generation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) (IC50 10.6 +/- 2.0 micrograms ml-1) in response to fMLP. 5. Abruquinone A did not affect the enzyme activaties of neutrophil cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC) and porcine heart protein kinase A (PKA). 6. Abruquinone A had no effect on intracellular guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) levels but decreased the adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) levels. 7. The cellular formation of phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylethanol (PEt) induced by fMLP/ CB was inhibited by abruquinone A with IC50 values of 2.2 +/- 0.6 micrograms ml-1 and 2.5 +/- 0.3 micrograms ml-1, respectively. Abruquinone A did not inhibit the fMLP/CB-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation but induced additional phosphotyrosine accumulation on proteins of 73-78 kDa in activated neutrophils. 8. Abruquinone A inhibited both the O2.- generation in PMA-activated neutrophil particulate NADPH oxidase (IC50 0.6 +/- 0.1 microgram ml-1) and the iodonitrotetrazolium violet (INT) reduction in arachidonic acid (AA)-activated cell-free system (IC50 1.5 +/- 0.2 micrograms ml-1) 9. Collectively, these results indicate that the inhibition of respiratory burst in rat neutrophils by abruquinone A is mediated partly by the blockade of phospholipase C (PLC) and phospholipase D (PLD) pathways, and by suppressing the function of NADPH oxidase through the interruption of electron transport.

Angiotensin II signaling in vascular smooth muscle. New concepts

Angiotensin II is a multifunctional hormone that affects both contraction and growth of vascular smooth muscle cells through a complex series of intracellular signaling events initiated by the interaction of angiotensin II with the AT1 receptor. The cellular response to angiotensin II is multiphasic, involving stimulation within seconds of phospholipase C and Ca2+ mobilization; activation within minutes of phospholipase D, A2, protein kinase C, and MAP kinase; and stimulation after a period of hours of gene transcription and NADH/NADPH oxidase activity. Angiotensin II also activates numerous intracellular tyrosine kinases. In this respect, it shares some aspects of signaling with growth factor and cytokine receptors, including activation of phospholipase C-gamma, src, and ras; association of shc with grb2; and stimulation of the Jak/STAT pathway. The cellular events responsible for this unique series of events may involve receptor movement and the creation of a signaling domain. Elucidation of these pathways is important to our understanding of AT1 receptor function as a final effector of the renin-angiotensin system.

Examination of the inhibitory effect of norathyriol in formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced respiratory burst in rat neutrophils

Norathyriol, aglycone of a xanthone C-glycoside mangiferin isolated from Tripterospermum lanceolatum, concentration dependently inhibited the formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced superoxide anion (O2.-) generation and O2 consumption in rat neutrophils. In cell-free oxygen radical generating system, norathyriol inhibited the O2.- generation during dihydroxyfumaric acid (DHF) autoxidation and in hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase system. fMLP-induced transient elevation of [Ca2/]i and the formation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) were significantly inhibited by norathyriol (30 microM) (about 30 and 46% inhibition, respectively). Norathyriol concentration dependently suppressed the neutrophil cytosolic phospholipase C (PLC). In contrast with the marked attenuation of fMLP-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation (about 70% inhibition at 10 microM norathyriol), norathyriol only slightly modulated the phospholipase D (PLD) activity as determined by the formation of phosphatidic acid (PA) and, in the presence of ethanol, phosphatidylethanol (PEt). Norathyriol did not modulate the intracellular cyclic AMP level. In the presence of NADPH, the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-activated particulate NADPH oxidase activity was suppressed by norathyriol in a concentration-dependent manner and the inhibition was noncompetitive with respect to NADPH. Norathyriol inhibited the iodonitrotetrazolium violet (INT) reduction in arachidonic acid (AA)-activated cell-free NADPH oxidase system at the same concentration range as those used in the suppression of PMA-activated particulate NADPH oxidase activity. Taken together, these results suggest that the scavenging ability of norathyriol contributes to the reduction of generated O2.-, however, the inhibition of O2.- generation from neutrophils by norathyriol is attributed to the blockade of PLC pathway, the attenuation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and to the suppression of NADPH oxidase through the interruption of electrons transport.

Inhibition by HAJ11 of respiratory burst in neutrophils and the involvement of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and phospholipase D activation

1. The possible mechanisms of the inhibitory effect of ethyl 2-(3-hydroxyanilino)-4-oxo-4,5-dihydrofuran-3-carboxylate (HAJ11) on the respiratory burst of rat neutrophils in vitro was investigated. 2. HAJ11 caused a reversible and a concentration-dependent inhibition of formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-induced superoxide anion (O2.-) generation (IC50 4.9 +/- 0.7 microM) and O2 consumption (IC50 4.9 +/- 1.5 microM). Concanavalin A (Con A)- and NaF-induced O2.- generation were also suppressed by HAJ11. However, HAL11 was a weak inhibitor of the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced responses. 3. HAJ11 did not scavenge the /2.- generation in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system and dihydroxyfumaric acid (DHF) autoxidation. 4. HAJ11 showed no activity on fMLP-induced inositol phosphates formation and [Ca2+]i elevation in intact neutrophils. In addition, HAJ11 had no effect on neutrophil cytosolic phospholipase C (PLC) activity. 5. HAJ11 reduced fMLP-induced phosphatidic acid (PA) (IC50 29.1 +/- 6.5 microM) and phosphatidylethanol (PE+) (IC50 22.6 +/- 1.9 microM) formation in a concentration-dependent manner. HAJ11 also reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation in neutrophils stimulated by fMLP. 6. HAJ11 was a weak inhibitor of neutrophil cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC) activity, and had a negligible effect on brain PKC. Cellular cyclic nucleotides levels were not altered by HAJ11. In addition, HAJ11 did not affect protein kinase A (PKA) activity. 7. HAJ11 had not effect on the O2.- generation of PMA-activated and arachidonic acid (AA)-activated NADPH oxidase preparations. 8. Taken together these results indicate that the inhibition of respiratory burst by HAJ11 probably mainly occurs through inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and phospholipase D (PLD) activity.

The cytosolic component p47(phox) is not a sine qua non participant in the activation of NADPH oxidase but is required for optimal superoxide production

The superoxide (O-2)-generating NADPH oxidase of phagocytes is a multicomponent complex consisting of a membrane-associated flavocytochrome (cytochrome b559), bearing the NADPH binding site and two redox centers (FAD and heme) and three cytosolic activating components: p47(phox), p67(phox), and the small GTPase Rac (1 or 2). The canonical view is that the induction of O-2 generation involves the stimulus-dependent assembly of all three cytosolic components with cytochrome b559, a process mimicked in vitro by a cell-free system activated by anionic amphiphiles. We studied the requirement for individual cytosolic components in the activation of NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system consisting of purified and relipidated cytochrome b559, recombinant p47(phox), p67(phox), and Rac1, and the amphiphile, lithium dodecyl sulfate. We found that pronounced activation of NADPH oxidase can be achieved by exposing cytochrome b559 to p67(phox) and Rac1, in the total absence of p47(phox) (turnover = 60 mol O-2/s/mol cytochrome b559). However, maximal activation (turnover = 153 mol O-2/s/mol cytochrome b559) could only be obtained in the presence of p47(phox). O-2 production, in the absence of p47(phox), was dependent on: high molar ratios of p67(phox) and Rac1 to cytochrome b559, Rac1 being in the GTP-bound form, cytochrome b559 being saturated with FAD, and an optimal concentration of amphiphile. Single cytosolic components or combinations of two cytosolic components, other than p67(phox) and Rac1, were incapable of activation. We conclude that p67(phox) and Rac1 are the only cytosolic components directly involved in the induction of electron transport in cytochrome b559. p47(phox) appears to facilitate or stabilize the interaction of p67(phox) and, possibly, Rac1 with cytochrome b559, and is required for optimal generation of O-2 under physiological conditions.