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A N Fonteh

Publications and source records attributed to A N Fonteh.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Metabolism of gammalinolenic acid in human neutrophils.

Gammalinolenic acid (GLA), when provided as a dietary supplement, has been reported to improve clinical symptoms of several inflammatory disorders. The goal of the current study was to examine the metabolism of GLA and its relationship to arachidonic acid (AA) in the human neutrophil. Initial studies indicated that neutrophils provided GLA in vitro rapidly elongate it (by two carbons) to dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA). The bulk of this newly formed DGLA is incorporated into neutral lipids and specifically triacylglycerides. Neutrophils from volunteers supplemented with GLA as borage oil also had elevated quantities of DGLA but not GLA, when compared with neutrophils from volunteers not consuming the GLA supplement. To determine whether DGLA could be mobilized from cellular glycerolipids, neutrophils were stimulated with ionophore A23187 and fatty acid levels were determined. DGLA and AA were both released during stimulation, and the quantities of DGLA mobilized increased threefold after in vitro GLA supplementation. Exogenously provided DGLA was converted to one major metabolite during cell stimulation; this product migrated on reverse-phase HPLC with the 15-lipoxygenase product, 15-hydroxy-eicosa-trienoic acid (15-HETre). Both 15-HETre and DGLA (provided exogenously) inhibited the formation of leukotriene B4, (LTB4) and 20-hydroxy-leukotriene B4 (20-OH-LTB4). The IC50 for 15-HETre inhibition of both LTR, and 20-OH-LTB4 in A23187-stimulated neutrophils was 5 microM. This inhibition could be reversed by removing the compounds from the cells. Taken together, these data reveal that there are enzymes within the human neutrophil that metabolize GLA or its elongation product DGLA, and that the metabolism of GLA and AA may interact at a number of critical junctures.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Alterations in arachidonic acid metabolism in mouse mast cells induced to undergo maturation in vitro in response to stem cell factor.

We studied arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism during the maturation of bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMCMCs) into mast cells with phenotypic characteristics, which were more similar to those of connective tissue-type mast cells. BMCMCs were maintained in medium containing 100 ng/ml recombinant rat stem cell factor (SCF) for 1 to 6 weeks. After 3 to 4 weeks in SCF, BMCMCs acquired many phenotypic characteristics of maturation, including enlarged size, numerous electron-dense cytoplasmic granules, and a 50-fold elevation in histamine content. Maintenance in SCF for 6 weeks did not significantly alter the amounts or species of eicosanoids that were produced by BMCMCs stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187. However, SCF-treated mast cells released 2.6 +/- 0.13 times more free AA and accumulated 6.4 +/- 1.0 times higher levels of intracellular free AA than did immature BMCMCs not exposed to SCF. There was no increase in the mobilization of other fatty acids (e.g., linoleic or oleic acid), indicating specificity for AA. Moreover, there were no differences between the 5-lipoxygenase activities of SCF-treated or untreated cells, as assayed in cell homogenates prepared by nitrogen cavitation. Although the total AA content in SCF-treated cells was significantly elevated, the distribution of AA in phospholipid and neutral lipid classes was not altered by SCF treatment. Total phospholipase (PL)A2 activity increased 85% +/- 11.5% in SCF-treated cells. In homogenates of immature BMCMCs, 51.0% +/- 13.7% of the PLA2 activity was inhibited by 0.5 mmol/L dithiothreitol, whereas the same concentration of dithiothreitol caused only a 2.2% +/- 10.7% reduction in the PLA2 activity in homogenates of SCF-treated BMCMCs (p < or = 0.05, n = 4). These findings suggest that SCF treatment induces a dithiothreitol-resistant PLA2 and that this PLA2 may contribute to the mobilization of AA that is not further metabolized to eicosanoids.

Animals↗

Inhibitors of CoA-independent transacylase block the movement of arachidonate into 1-ether-linked phospholipids of human neutrophils.

The enzyme CoA-independent transacylase (CoA-IT) has been proposed to mediate the movement of arachidonate between phospholipid subclasses and influence the formation of arachidonic acid metabolites and platelet-activating factor. To substantiate the critical role of CoA-IT, we have developed two structurally diverse inhibitors of CoA-IT activity, SK&F 98625 [diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-imidazole-1-yl)heptane phosphonate] and SK&F 45905 [2-[2-(3-4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-ureido]-4- (trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-4,5-dichlorobenzenesulfonic acid]. These compounds were tested for their capacity to block microsomal CoA-IT activity using two assay systems, the transacylation of 1-alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (GPC) and the transfer of [14C]arachidonate from 1-acyl-2-[14C]arachidonoyl-GPC to lyso-PE. Both SK&F 98625 and SK&F 45905 inhibited CoA-IT activity (IC50s 6-19 microM) in these two assays. In contrast, SK&F 98625 or SK&F 45905 had little or no effect on other lipid-modifying activities, including CoA-dependent acyltransferase or acetyltransferase. Kinetic analysis revealed that both SK&F 98625 and SK&F 45905 interact directly with the enzyme and prevented the acylation of lysophospholipids in a competitive manner. In intact human neutrophils, both SK&F 98625 and SK&F 45905 completely blocked the movement of [3H]arachidonate from 1-acyl-linked phospholipids into 1-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC and 1-alk-1'-enyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPE. In contrast, these compounds did not inhibit the incorporation of free arachidonic acid into cellular lipids indicating that they did not alter CoA-dependent acyl transferase activities in the intact cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acyltransferases↗

Selective induction of prostaglandin G/H synthase I by stem cell factor and dexamethasone in mast cells.

This study examines the regulatory effects of two cytokines, stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin-3, and a glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, on lipid mediator generation in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC). Treatment of BMMC with SCF induced a modest, dose-dependent increase in three eicosanoids, thromboxane B2, prostaglandin D2, and leukotriene B4. These increases were accompanied by a marked elevation in cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2). Dexamethasone blocked the induction of cPLA2 levels and the elevation in leukotriene B4 induced by SCF. By contrast, the combination of SCF and dexamethasone dramatically increased (5-8-fold) the capacity by BMMC to produce prostanoid products. This increase in prostanoid products was mirrored by an increase in prostaglandin G/H synthase I (PGHS-I) levels. Dexamethasone, alone, had no effect on PGHS-I, cPLA2, or prostanoid levels. Moreover, neither SCF or dexamethasone, alone or in combination, influenced prostaglandin G/H synthase II (PGHS-II) levels. In contrast to SCF, interleukin-3 alone or in combination with dexamethasone had no effect on prostanoid synthesis or PGHS-I or II levels. To better understand the SCF and dexamethasone effect, PGHS-I and PGHS-II mRNA expression were examined by Northern analysis. PGHS-I mRNA was markedly induced (maximal levels at 5 h) by the combination of SCF and dexamethasone. PGHS-II mRNA was undetectable in either control or SCF/dexamethasone-treated BMMC. Neither SCF or dexamethasone, alone, altered mRNA for either PGHS isotype. Taken together, these studies reveal that PGHS-I may be critical to prostanoid formation in mast cells exposed to cytokines and glucocorticoids. Moreover, they suggest that synergistic induction of PGHS-I could represent a novel mechanism for the anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids.

Animals↗

Regulation of arachidonic acid, eicosanoid, and phospholipase A2 levels in murine mast cells by recombinant stem cell factor.

The current study evaluates the capacity of recombinant rat stem cell factor (rrSCF) to regulate enzymes that control AA release and eicosanoid generation in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Initial studies indicated that rrSCF provided for 24 h inhibited the release of AA into supernatant fluids of antigen- and ionophore A23187-stimulated BMMCs. Agonist-induced increases in cellular levels of AA were also inhibited, albeit to a lesser degree by rrSCF. To determine the inhibitory mechanism, several steps (e.g., mobilization of cytosolic calcium, release of BMMC granules, and regulation of phospholipase A2 [PLA2] activity) that could influence AA release were measured in rrSCF-treated cells. rrSCF did not alter the capacity of BMMCs to mobilize cytosolic calcium or release histamine in response to antigen and ionophore. BMMCs released large amounts of PLA2 with characteristics of the group II family in response to antigen and ionophore A23187. rrSCF treatment of BMMCs reduced the secretion of this PLA2 activity by BMMCs. Partial purification of acid-extractable PLA2 from rrSCF-treated and untreated BMMCs suggested that rrSCF decreased the quantity of acid-stable PLA2 within the cells. In contrast to group II PLA2, the quantity of cPLA2 (as determined by Western blot analysis) increased in response to rrSCF. To assess the ramifications of rrSCF-induced reductions in AA and group II PLA2, eicosanoid formation was measured in antigen- and ionophore-stimulated BMMCs, rrSCF-inhibited (100 ng/ml, 24 h) prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), thromboxane B2, and leukotriene B4 by 48.4 +/- 7.7%, 61.1 +/- 10.0% AND 38.1 +/- 3.6%, respectively, in antigen-stimulated cells. Similar patterns of inhibition were observed in ionophore-stimulated BMMCs. The addition of a group I PLA2 or exogenous AA to BMMCs reversed the inhibition of eicosanoid generation induced by rrSCF. Together, these data indicate that rrSCF differentially regulates group II and cytosolic PLA2 activities in BMMCs. The resultant reductions in eicosanoid generation suggest that group II PLA2 provides a portion of AA that is used for eicosanoid biosynthesis by BMMCs.

Animals↗

Effects of CoA-independent transacylase inhibitors on the production of lipid inflammatory mediators.

The enzyme CoA-independent transacylase (CoA-IT) has been proposed to mediate the movement of arachidonate between specific phospholipid subclasses, and we have shown that two inhibitors of CoA-IT (SK&F 98625 and SK&F 45905) block this movement. In this report, we use these inhibitors to further characterize the role of CoA-IT in the production of lipid mediators. SK&F 98625 (diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-imidazol-1-yl)heptane- phosphonate) and SK&F 45905 [2(-)[3-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)ureido]-4-trifluoromethyl phenoxy]-4,5-dichlorobenzenesulfonic acid) inhibited CoA-IT activity (IC50 values of 9 microM and 6 microM, respectively). Neither compound had any effect on cyclooxygenase, 14-kDa PLA2 or acetyltransferase activities at concentrations below 20 microM. However, SK&F 45905 inhibited 85-kDa PLA2 activity (IC50 = 3 microM), and both compounds inhibited 5-lipoxygenase activity (IC50 values of 2-4 microM). In ionophore-stimulated neurotrophils, SK&F 98625 and SK&F 45905 blocked the liberation of arachidonic acid from phospholipids, which suggests that the movement of arachidonate into specific phospholipid pools is a prerequisite for release. Both compounds also inhibited the production of platelet-activating factor in ionophore-stimulated neutrophils and antigen-stimulated mast cells. This inhibition of platelet-activating factor and arachidonic acid release was not mimicked by an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, zileuton, which indicates that the primary mode of action of SK&F 98625 and SK&F 45905 is via inhibition of CoA-IT. SK&F 98625 and SK&F 45905 were able to decrease prostaglandin production in several inflammatory cells and to block signs of inflammation in ears of phorbol ester-challenged mice. Taken together, these results show that blockade of CoA-IT, which leads to inhibition of arachidonate remodelling between phospholipids, results in the attenuation of platelet-activating factor production, arachidonic acid release and the formation of eicosanoid products.

Acyltransferases↗

Fatty acid and phospholipid selectivity of different phospholipase A2 enzymes studied by using a mammalian membrane as substrate.

Previous studies using phospholipid mixed vesicles have demonstrated that several types of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes exhibit different selectivity for fatty acids at the sn-2 position, for the type of chemical bond at the sn-1 position or for the phosphobase moiety at the sn-3 position of phospholipids. In the present study, we have utilized natural mammalian membranes from U937 monocytes to determine whether two purified 14 kDa PLA2 isoenzymes (Type I, Type II) and a partially purified 110 kDa PLA2 exhibit substrate selectivity for certain fatty acids or phospholipids. In these studies, arachidonic acid (AA) release from membranes was measured under conditions where the remodelling of AA mediated by CoA-independent transacylase (CoA-IT) activity has been eliminated. In agreement with the mixed-vesicle models, AA was the major unsaturated fatty acid hydrolysed from membranes by the 110 kDa PLA2, suggesting that this PLA2 is selective in releasing AA from natural membranes. By contrast, Type I and Type II PLA2s were less selective in releasing AA from phospholipids and released a variety of unsaturated fatty acids at molar ratios that were proportional to the ratios of these fatty acids in U937 microsomal membranes. Examination of AA release from phospholipid classes indicated that all three enzymes released AA from the major AA-containing phospholipid classes (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol) of U937 membranes. The 110 kDa PLA2 released AA from phospholipid subclasses in ratios that were proportional to the AA content within phospholipid classes and subclasses of U937 membranes. These data suggested that the 110 kDa PLA2 shows no preference either for the sn-1 linkage or for the sn-3 phosphobase moiety of phospholipids. By contrast, Type I and Type II PLA2s preferentially released AA from ethanolamine-containing phospholipids and appeared to prefer the 1-acyl-linked subclass. Taken together, these data indicate that the 110 kDa PLA2 selectively releases AA from U937 membranes, whereas Type I and Type II PLA2 release a variety of unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the 110 kDa PLA2 releases the same molar ratios of AA from all major phospholipid subclasses, whereas Type I and Type II PLA2s show some specificity for phosphatidylethanolamine when these enzymes are incubated with a complex mammalian membrane substrate.

Arachidonic Acid↗

Evidence that secretory phospholipase A2 plays a role in arachidonic acid release and eicosanoid biosynthesis by mast cells.

This study investigated the role of secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) in arachidonic acid (AA) release and lipid mediator generation in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells. Initial studies indicated that mast cells contain multiple PLA2 activities and secreted PLA2 activity upon Ag stimulation. The secreted PLA2 activity is blocked by DTT and by a group II PLA2-neutralizing Ab. Mast cells incubated with groups I or II PLA2 selectively release polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as AA, into supernatant fluids. The bulk of AA released by sPLA2 is derived from phosphatidylethanolamine. The fatty acids released by extracellular PLA2 mimic those found in supernatant fluids after Ag stimulation of mast cells. Incubation of mast cells with PLA2 generates cyclooxygenase (CO) products but no 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) products. Ag, but not PLA2, induces the translocation of 5-LO to cellular membranes and the formation of 5-LO products. The addition of sPLA2 to Ag-stimulated mast cells increases the synthesis of 5-LO products. Octadeuterated AA (2H8AA) added to the outside of cells to trace extracellular AA metabolism is rapidly converted to CO products. Addition of sPLA2, or Ag in combination with 2H8AA reduces the quantity of 2H8AA converted to deuterated CO products, when compared with adding 2H8AA alone. The reduction of deuterated CO products can be accounted for with increases in nondeuterated CO products. 2H8AA is only converted to 5-LO produces when mast cells are activated with Ag. The amount of 2H8AA converted to deuterated 5-LO products is reduced by the addition of PLA2 to Ag-stimulated cells. The competitive formation of deuterated and nondeuterated products observed when mast cells are incubated with 2H8AA, indicates that extracellular AA released by sPLA2 is used for both CO and 5-LO product formation. Taken together, these data reveal a role for sPLA2 in the release of AA and demonstrate that AA released by this mechanism is used for eicosanoid generation.

Animals↗

Influence of isoproterenol and phosphodiesterase inhibitors on platelet-activating factor biosynthesis in the human neutrophil.

Increasing cellular levels of cAMP inhibit eicosanoid production in the human neutrophil; however, little is known about the effects of cAMP on platelet-activating factor (PAF) biosynthesis in this cell. In the current study, the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol, alone or in combination with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), was used to increase cAMP in neutrophils. The incorporation of [3H]acetate into PAF and the synthesis of leukotrienes in response to ionophore A23187 were significantly inhibited by 10 microM isoproterenol. The inhibitory effect on PAF was potentiated by the addition of 10 microM IBMX. The effects of IBMX were mimicked by rolipram, an inhibitor of the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase IV. Mass spectrometric analysis of the PAF molecular species in stimulated neutrophils indicated that the combination of isoproterenol and IBMX inhibited (> 50%) ionophore- and fMLP-induced production of PAF. To better understand the mechanism involved in the inhibition of PAF formation, the major biosynthetic steps were examined in the presence and absence of a maximally effective concentration of isoproterenol and IBMX. Isoproterenol alone or in the presence of IBMX had no measurable effect on the ionomycin-induced increase in cytosolic calcium concentration, as assessed by fura-2 fluorescence. Treating intact neutrophils with a combination of isoproterenol and IBMX did not inhibit acetyltransferase activity when assayed in a subsequent broken cell preparation. Finally, increasing cellular cAMP with these drugs did not influence the ability of the neutrophil to catabolize PAF. Phospholipase A2-like activity was assayed in the whole cell by measuring the mobilization of phospholipase A2 products, PAF, lyso PAF, and arachidonic acid, from cellular phosphoglycerides. Treatment of neutrophils with isoproterenol and IBMX significantly reduced the production of lyso PAF and PAF from 1-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Similarly, increasing cellular levels of cAMP inhibited the cell's ability to mobilize arachidonic acid upon cell activation. These data suggest that increasing cellular levels of cAMP leads to the inhibition of PAF and leukotriene biosynthesis, at least in part, by regulation of phospholipase A2 activity.

Acetyltransferases↗

Mobilization of different arachidonate pools and their roles in the generation of leukotrienes and free arachidonic acid during immunologic activation of mast cells.

Immunologic activation of mast cells leads to the mobilization of arachidonic acid (AA) from membrane phospholipids and the subsequent conversion of this AA to bioactive products. The objective of our study was to determine if segregated pools of AA-containing phospholipids within mast cells serve as independent sources of AA. Initial studies indicated that the appearance of free AA occurred rapidly (maximal level formed within 1 min) within supernatant fluids of Ag-stimulated mast cells and was kinetically different from the formation of leukotriene (LT) B4 or LTC4. To examine whether free AA and leukotrienes were mobilized from different sources, AA-containing phospholipids of mast cells were labeled with [14C] and [3H] AA such that all major subclasses (1-acyl-1-alkyl-1-alk-1'-enyl) of phospholipids contained different ratios of [3H] to [14C] (sp. act. ratios (SAR)). Mast cells were then stimulated with Ag and the SAR of cellular AA, extracellular AA and extracellular LTC4, LTB4, 6-trans LTB4, were determined. The SAR were uniform in all LT and mimicked the ratio found in cellular AA. By contrast, the SAR of AA released into supernatant fluids was twofold lower than that of LT. This indicated that AA released as free fatty acid clearly was derived from a different lipid pool than AA that formed LT. Although it was apparent that the pools which gave rise to AA and LT were different, defining phospholipid(s) that constitute these distinct pools proved more difficult. The SAR of LT suggested that their cellular precursor AA could have been derived from several phospholipid subclasses; however, the SAR in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol most closely matched the LT. The SAR of AA in supernatant fluids implied that it was derived, in part, from phosphatidylethanolamine subclasses. Taken together, these data suggest that there are at least two different pools of AA that are mobilized in mast cells during Ag activation.

Animals↗

Dietary n-3 fatty acid effects on neutrophil lipid composition and mediator production. Influence of duration and dosage.

Healthy volunteers supplemented their usual Western diets with Promega fish oil supplement (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], 0.28 g; docosahexaenoic acid [DCHA], 0.12 g; other n-3 fatty acids 0.10 g per capsule) using three protocols. Initial experiments (protocol 1 and 2) investigated the kinetics of incorporation of n-3 fatty acids into serum and neutrophil lipids after 10 capsules/d of Promega. EPA was rapidly detected in both serum and neutrophil lipids; the arachidonic acid (AA) to EPA ratio in neutrophil phospholipids showed a maximal reduction of 49:1 to 8:1 within 1 wk of beginning supplementation. EPA was preferentially incorporated into phosphatidyl-ethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine but not phosphatidylinositol. Long-term supplementation for up to 7 wk did not influence the AA/EPA ratio or the distribution of EPA among neutrophil phospholipids in a manner that was not observed after the first week. Neutrophils produced similar quantities of platelet-activating factor and slightly lower quantities of leukotriene B4 during long-term supplementation when compared with presupplementation values. Experiments examining the influence of Promega dosage indicated that the AA/EPA ratio in neutrophil lipids decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Only when the dose was increased to 15 capsules/d was there a reduction in the AA/DCHA ratio in neutrophil lipids. The quantity of AA in neutrophil lipids remained relatively constant at all supplement doses. Taken together, the current study demonstrates the capacity of n-3 fatty acids provided with a Western diet to be rapidly incorporated into neutrophil lipids. However, dietary n-3 fatty acids appear not to significantly reduce arachidonate content within neutrophil phospholipids. Constant arachidonate levels may account for the lack of large reductions in the biosynthesis of lipid mediators by neutrophils after fish-oil supplementation.

Adult↗

Factors that influence the proportions of platelet-activating factor and 1-acyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine synthesized by the mast cell.

Recent studies have demonstrated that inflammatory cells can be divided into two groups depending on the type of 2-acetylated phospholipids [1-radyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (GPC)] they produce: those that produce predominantly platelet-activating factor (PAF), and those that produce predominantly its 1-acyl analogue (1-acyl-2-acetyl-GPC; AAGPC) [Triggiani, Schleimer, Warner & Chilton (1991) J. Immunol. 147, 660-666]. The present study has examined the factors that regulate the production of these two molecules in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC). Initial experiments indicated that PAF and AAGPC were catabolized by BMMC in a differential manner via two pathways: the first, exclusive for AAGPC, involved a 1-acyl hydrolase that removed the long chain at the sn-1 position of the molecule, and the second, common to AAGPC and PAF, involved acetylhydrolase that removed the acetate at the sn-2 position of the two molecules. Experiments were next designed to identify conditions where the differential catabolism of AAGPC and PAF could be eliminated in order to uncover other factors that regulate the proportions of AAGPC and PAF produced. Phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride (PMSF) completely blocked the 1-acylhydrolase activity while having little or no effect on the acetyl hydrolase activity, thereby eliminating the influence of the catabolic pathway unique to AAGPC. Moreover, PMSF did not alter the release of arachidonic acid from phospholipid subclasses. PMSF-treated BMMC produced larger quantities of AAGPC than of PAF. The AAGPC/PAF ratio detected in PMSF-treated BMMC was very similar to the ratio of arachidonate contained in and released from 1-acyl-/1-alkyl-linked phosphatidylcholine (PC). BMMC supplemented with arachidonic acid in culture for 3 days increased their total arachidonic acid content in PC as well as the ratio of 1-acyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC to 1-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC. These changes resulted in parallel and significant increases in both the total amount of 1-radyl-2-acetyl-GPC and the AAGPC/PAF ration in BMMC. These data indicate that the AAGPC/PAF ratio produced by inflammatory cells is regulated by at least two factors: (1) differential catabolism of these two molecules, and (2) the distribution of arachidonate in 1-acyl- and 1-alkyl-2-arachidonyl-GPC. These observations support the concept of a common pathway for AAGPC and PAF biosynthesis in which the two precursor molecules are 1-acyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC and 1-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC, respectively.

Animals↗

Rapid remodeling of arachidonate from phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine pools during mast cell activation.

The objective of the present study was to better understand the remodeling of arachidonic acid (AA) in phospholipids of the mouse bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC) during Ag and ionophore A23187 activation. Initial studies were designed to understand the movement of AA in phospholipid classes under resting conditions. BMMC pulse labeled with AA incorporated greater than 95% of the label into the major phospholipid classes. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) subclasses, 1-acyl-2-arachidonoyl-(sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (GPC)) in particular, initially accounted for most of the label incorporated into the cells with phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylserine (PI/PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) subclasses containing much smaller quantities. Prolonged incubation of labeled BMMC resulted in a decrease in the radioactivity in PC with a concomitant increase in PE such that 1-alk-1-enyl-2-arachidonoyl-(sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (GPE)) became the single largest labeled AA pool by 24 h. Further experiments indicated that 24 h was the time required to reach isotopic equilibrium among AA-containing phospholipids of the BMMC. In the next series of experiments, BMMC phospholipids were labeled to different specific activities by either labeling the cells for 0.5 h or for 24 h followed by stimulation. Under isotopic equilibrium conditions (24 h), stimulation resulted in AA release from PE greater than PC much greater than PI/PS with 1-alk-1-enyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPE providing the bulk of AA released from the BMMC. By contrast, cells labeled for 0.5 h released AA from PC much greater than PI/PS, with 1-acyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC accounting for most of the AA released from BMMC phospholipids. Label associated with PE subclasses under nonequilibrium conditions remained unchanged or slightly increased throughout a 10-min stimulation period. Finally, BMMC were double labeled with [14C]-AA for 24 h and then with [3H]-AA for 0.5 h. Cell stimulation resulted in a decrease in the [3H]/[14C] ratio in PC and PI and an increase in the ratio in PE. The decrease in [3H]/[14C] ratio in PC was mainly in 1-acyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC, whereas the increase in PE subclasses was primarily in 1-alk-1-enyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPE. The [3H]/[14C] ratio in cellular neutral lipids and in supernatant fluid products were at values between PC and PE subclasses. Taken together, these data suggest that during Ag activation, the release of free arachidonic acid is from predominantly PE subclasses. Concomitant with the release of AA, there is a rapid remodeling of AA from PC subclasses into PE subclasses (1-alk-1-enyl-2-acyl-GPE).

Animals↗

Arachidonic acid metabolism during antigen and ionophore activation of the mouse bone marrow derived mast cell.

This study has examined the metabolism of arachidonic acid in the mouse bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC) during immunologic and nonimmunologic activation. The predominant pools of endogenous arachidonate in the mast cells were found in ethanolamine (46%), choline (39%) and inositol (14%) containing glycerolipids. Initial studies established conditions where equilibrium labelling of these major phospholipids in the BMMC could be reached. Upon challenge, arachidonate was lost from all major phospholipid classes (phosphatidylethanolamine greater than phosphatidylcholine greater than phosphatidylinositol). There was a small but significant increase in the amount of label associated with phosphatidic acid during cell activation. Arachidonate was distributed among 1-acyl, 1-alkyl and 1-alk-1-enyl-linked subclasses of PC and PE. The rank order of loss of labelled arachidonate from the major PE and PC subclasses during antigen and ionophore activation was 1-alk-enyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPE greater than 1-acyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC greater than 1-acyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPE greater than 1-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC. Labelled products released into the supernatant fluids and free arachidonic acid within the cell accounted for the bulk of arachidonate lost from phospholipids. Labelled products in the supernatant fluids were composed of LTB4, LTC4, PGD2 and free arachidonic acid. BMMC phospholipids were also labelled for 24 hr with [3H]choline, [3H]myoinositol or [14H]ethanolamine and labelled 2-lyso phospholipids were measured after cell activation. Radioactivity in lysophospholipids from PC, PE and PI increased significantly between 30 s and 2 min after antigen activation and then declined. Taken together, these studies suggest that arachidonate is mobilized predominantly from PE and in particular 1-alk-1-enyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPE by the direct removal of arachidonate from the sn-2 position of the molecule. Most of this arachidonate is then released from cells as eicosanoids or free fatty acid.

Animals↗