Structure elucidation of platelet activating factor derived from human neutrophils

Platelet activating factor (PAF) synthesized by human neutrophils challenged by opsonized zymosan or calcium ionophore was isolated from cells and buffer using Bligh and Dyer extraction following the addition of tracer amounts of tritiated-PAF. The extract was subjected to TLC separation of phospholipid classes, followed by reverse phase HPLC for molecular species separation. All fractions were measured for radioactivity, biological activity and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. While the radioactive tracer PAF could be separated into three molecular species, PAF biological activity eluted as a single component which was characterized as 1-O-hexadecyl-2-acetyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine. The lack of molecular species heterogeneity of PAF produced in response to stimuli implies a higher degree of control of biosynthesis than previously suspected.     

Photoaffinity labeling of platelet activating factor binding sites in rabbit platelet membranes

A photoreactive, radioiodinated derivative of platelet activating factor (PAF), 1-O-(4-azido-2-hydroxy-3-iodobenzamido)undecyl-2-O-acetyl-sn- glycero-3-phosphocholine ([125I]AAGP), was synthesized and used as a photoaffinity probe to study the PAF binding sites in rabbit platelet membranes. The nonradioactive analog, IAAGP, induced rabbit platelet aggregation with an EC50 value of 3.2 +/- 1.9 nM as compared to 0.40 +/- 0.25 nM for PAF. Specific binding of [125I]AAGP to rabbit platelet membranes was saturable with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 2.4 +/- 0.7 nM and a receptor density (Bmax) of 1.1 +/- 0.2 pmol/mg protein. Photoaffinity labeling of platelet membranes with [125I]AAGP revealed several 125I-labeled components by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A protein species with apparent molecular weight of 52,000 was consistently observed and inhibited significantly by unlabeled PAF at nanomolar concentrations. The labeling was specific since the PAF antagonists, SRI-63,675 and L-652,731, at 1 uM also blocked the appearance of this band; whereas lysoPAF was not effective at the same concentration. These results suggest that the binding sites of PAF receptor in rabbit platelets reside in the polypeptide of Mr = 52,000.     

Selective acylation of lyso platelet activating factor by arachidonate in human neutrophils

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) incubated with 1-O-[3H]alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (1-[3H]alkyl-2-acetyl-GPC; platelet activating factor) inactivated the compound by removing the acetyl group and replacing it with a long chain acyl residue. The nature of the acyl group added at the 2-position of the 1-O-[3H]alkyl-2-acyl-GPC formed was examined by argentation chromatography and by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. A striking selectivity for arachidonate was observed in the acylation reaction. The major labeled component of the starting material was the 1-O-hexadecyl-linked species; high performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that 75 to 80% of this component was acylated by arachidonate. Similarly, based on argentation thin layer chromatography, approximately 80% of the total starting material was acylated by tetraenoic acyl residues. The incorporation of 1-O-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-GPC into 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC by the PMN was compared; no difference in the acylation pattern was observed with the 2-acetyl and 2-lyso precursors. Thus, activation of the PMN does not appear to be required to elicit the selectivity for arachidonate. When labeled 1-palmitoyl-2-lyso-GPC was compared in the system under the same conditions, it was also preferentially acylated by arachidonate; thus, it is not clear at this time whether or not the selectivity for arachidonate is physiologically limited to platelet activating factor. Our findings suggest a close relationship exists between the metabolism of platelet activating factor and arachidonate in human PMN.     

Reacylation of platelet activating factor with eicosapentaenoic acid in fish-oil-enriched monkey neutrophils

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is rapidly metabolized via a deacetylation: reacylation pathway which shows striking specificity for arachidonate at the sn-2 position of the 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC thus formed. We have now examined the effects of a diet enriched in fish oils on the metabolism of PAF and specificity for arachidonate in the reacylation reaction. [3H]PAF was incubated for various lengths of time with neutrophils from monkeys fed a control diet or one enriched in fish oils. The [3H]PAF added to the cell suspension was rapidly converted to 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis of the acyl chains added at the sn-2 position revealed that arachidonate was the major fatty acid incorporated into the 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC formed by neutrophils from monkeys on the control diet. In contrast, both 1-O-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC and 1-O-alkyl-2-eicosapentaenoyl-GPC were formed by the fish-oil-enriched neutrophils. We also report on the fatty acid composition of neutrophil phospholipids during such a diet.     

Staurosporine potentiates platelet activating factor stimulated phospholipase C activity in rabbit platelets but does not block desensitization by platelet activating factor

The possible involvement of protein kinase C activation in regulating PAF-stimulated PLC activity was studied in rabbit platelets. PAF (100 nM for 5 seconds) stimulated incorporation of 32P into proteins and caused [3H]InsP3 levels to increase about 260% of control. These responses were compared after platelets were pretreated with either PAF, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or staurosporine and also after pretreatments with staurosporine followed by PAF or PMA. Pretreating platelets with staurosporine potentiated PAF-stimulated [3H]InsP3 levels by 54% and blocked protein phosphorylation. Pretreatments with PAF and PMA caused PAF-stimulated [3H]InsP3 levels to decrease to 115 and 136%, respectively. Staurosporine pretreatment blocked the decrease caused by the PMA pretreatment but not that by PAF. This study demonstrates that PAF-stimulated PLC activity is negatively affected by protein kinase C (PKC) activation and that inhibition of PKC activity did not prevent desensitization of PLC by PAF.     

Characterization of 3H-labelled platelet activating factor receptor complex solubilized from rabbit platelet membranes

Rabbit platelet membranes, preincubated with 3H-labeled platelet activating factor ([3H]PAF), were solubilized with 2% digitonin. Sedimentation of the detergent extract in a sucrose density gradient revealed a major labeled component with a sedimentation coefficient (s20,omega) of 10.5 S, which was substantially diminished when an excess of unlabeled PAF or L-652,731, (trans-2,5-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)tetrahydrofuran), (PAF antagonist) was present in the preincubation mixture, suggesting that the 10.5 S component is a specific receptor-bound [3H]PAF complex. Gel filtration of the [3H]PAF-receptor complex on Sephacryl S-300 revealed a single radiolabeled fraction with an apparent Stokes' radius of 4.9 nm. The apparent molecular weight and the frictional ratio of the agonist-receptor complex were computed to be 220,000 and 1.13, respectively. Dissociation of [3H]PAF from the radioligand-receptor complex was facilitated by Na+ and Li+, whereas K+ and Cs+ were ineffective. The guanine nucleotide, GTP, was also found to promote the dissociation in a manner that is additive with the effect of Na+, suggestive of the coupling of a guanine nucleotide binding protein to the solubilized PAF-receptor complex.     

Characterization of3H-labelled platelet activating factor receptor complex solubilized from rabbit platelet membranes

Rabbit platelet membranes, preincubated with³H-labeled platelet activating factor ([³H]PAF), were solubilized with 2% digitonin. Sedimentation of the detergent extract in a sucrose density gradient revealed a major labeled component with a sedimentation coefficient (s_20,ω) of 10.5 S, which was substantially diminished when an excess of unlabeled PAF or L-652,731, (trans-2,5-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)tetrahydrofuran), (PAF antagonist) was present in the preincubation mixture, suggesting that the 10.5 S component is a specific receptor-bound [³H]PAF complex. Gel filtration of the [³H]PAF-receptor complex on Sephacryl S-300 revealed a single radiolabeled fraction with an apparent Stokes' radius of 4.9 nm. The apparent molecular weight and the frictional ratio of the agonist-receptor complex were computed to be 220 000 and 1.13, respectively. Dissociation of [³H]PAF from the radioligand-receptor complex was facilitated by Na⁺ and Li⁺, whereas K⁺ and Cs⁺ were ineffective. The guanine nucleotide, GTP, was also found to promote the dissociation in a manner that is additive with the effect of Na⁺, suggestive of the coupling of a guanine nucleotide binding protein to the solubilized PAF-receptor complex.     

Cardiodepressive effect of platelet activating factor

The cardiodepressive effect of PAF has been studied on the electrical and mechanical activities of isolated auricles of guinea pig. Intracellular resting potential, action potential (AP) and isometric contractions elicited by electrical stimulation (0.5 Hz) were measured. PAF (10(-7) M) induced negative inotropic effect, which reached its peak after 5 min with 23.5 +/- 6.6% in respect to prechallenge values (n = 8). After 20 min negative inotropic effect relaxed to 39.6 +/- 8.8%. 1 min after the beginning of washing in Tyrode solution, positive inotropic effect of PAF was evident, that reached its peak (217 +/- 49.5%) after 2 min, decayed after 5-10 min to normal values. PAF did not modify the resting membrane potential, produced a decrease in the amplitude and Vmax of the upstroke AP, shortened the AP duration. Ca-AP and contractions, elicited in partially depolarized myocardium were decreased by PAF (10(-7) M). PAF-produce the change of the AP and the negative effect on auricle contractile force was inhibited in muscles pretreated with 3mM 4 aminopyridine. Histamine (10(-4) M) was also capable of neutralizing the depressant effect of PAF. The obtained results suggested that PAF effects on the membrane of cardiac cells could be related to a change in Ca and K conductance.     

Enzymes of platelet activating factor synthesis in brain

In this review, evidence is summarized for the production of PAF in brain, in response to stimulation associated with pathology. As well, there is a growing literature on the duality of actions of this lipid autocoid upon nervous tissue, indicated by extracellular and intracellular actions and binding sites for PAF in brain. The metabolic routes to PAF can be divided into the de novo and remodelling pathways of synthesis. The de novo route consists of 1-alkyl glycerophosphate acetyltransferase, and the subsequent actions of distinct phosphohydrolase and cholinephosphotransferase activities. This acetyltransferase can be activated by phosphorylation, and inhibited by MgATP and fatty acyl CoA thioesters, inhibitions which have particular relevance to brain ischemia. There is also evidence that the cholinephosphotransferase is controlled by phosphorylation, and regulated by levels of CDP-choline. The remodelling pathway to PAF relies upon the actions of phospholipase A₂ or CoA-independent transacylases to generate the l-alkyl glycerophosphorylcholine, as substrate for a distinct acetyltransferase. Following stimulation, rising intracellular calcium may trigger arachidonate selective cytosolic phospholipase activity which leads to increased PAF synthesis. The l-alkyl glycerophosphocholine acetyltransferase activity is quite small in brain in comparison with the de novo acetyltransferase activity, and is also controlled by phosphorylation. Evidence has been presented for the actions of both pathways in brain, in response to biologically relevant stimulation pertinent to the disease state.Special issue dedicated to Dr. Leon S. Wolfe.     

Binding of platelet activating factor to albumin

Binding of platelet activating factor (1-O-alkyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) to albumin is an important facet of the biological activity of this phospholipid. Measurement of that binding has been hampered by the physical nature of the lipid, which made estimation of the free and bound concentrations difficult. With the use of ultracentrifugation to generate an albumin gradient and to produce a region free of protein, the successful measurement of free PAF and PAF bound to albumin was accomplished. This study has demonstrated that PAF binds to albumin at four binding sites and that the average equilibrium dissociation constant for this binding is 1.10(-7) M. Consideration of these data has led to the hypothesis that the receptor active form of PAF is the albumin-PAF complex, rather than free PAF.     

Synthesis of a fluorescently-labeled platelet activating factor

The synthesis of fluorescently labelled PAF-acether, 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-[N-(9-anthrylmethyl)-N, N-dimethylethanolamine] with the label in the choline moiety is described, plasmalogen lysophosphatidylcholine of bovine heart being used as starting material.     

Unique inhibitory profile of platelet activating factor induced calcium mobilization, polyphosphoinositide turnover and granule enzyme secretion in rabbit neutrophils towards pertussis toxin and phorbol ester

Platelet activating factor has been found to increase the intracellular level of free calcium (as monitored by the fluorescent calcium indicator quin-2) and to stimulate the turnover of the polyphosphoinositides in rabbit neutrophils. Calcium mobilization induced by platelet activating factor, in contrast to previous reports with chemotactic factors, is unaffected by pertussis toxin; on the other hand, stimulated polyphosphoinositol hydrolysis and granule enzyme secretion are potently antagonized under the same conditions. The calcium, as well as the secretory responses to the lipid mediator are largely dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. Internal contributions to the quin-2 signal are only detectable at relatively high concentrations of platelet activating factor. Calcium mobilization and secretion stimulated by platelet activating factor are inhibited following a short incubation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. These results are discussed in terms of the possibility that platelet activating factor activates neutrophils via dual pathways, the first involving direct interaction with phorbol ester inhibitable calcium channels and the other the stimulation in a manner dependent on a guanine nucleotide binding protein of the phospholipase C specific for polyphosphoinositides.     

Metabolism of 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol by washed rabbit platelets: formation of platelet activating factor

A new type of neutral lipid, 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (AAG), induced a delayed aggregation pattern on interaction with washed rabbit platelets. Although far less potent on a molar basis than platelet activating factor (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, AGEPC, nevertheless this compound caused an aggregation, albeit delayed in time, remarkably similar to that exhibited by AGEPC. In view of the possible formation of AGEPC in this reaction, AAG was incubated with washed rabbit platelets, and a lipid corresponding in chromatographic behavior to AGEPC was isolated and identified as such by a combined gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry technique coupled with selected ion monitoring.     

Structural identification of platelet activating factor in psoriatic scale

Platelet activating factor was isolated from the lesional scale of psoriatic patients using the method described by Bligh and Dyer (8). The extract was subjected to thin layer chromatography, and the region of the plate co-migrating with platelet activating factor removed. A portion of each sample was assayed for aggregating activity using washed guinea-pig platelets and the remainder treated with phospholipase C, derivatised, and subjected to reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Fractions were analysed for platelet activating factor using capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nanogram quantities of platelet activating factor were recovered from 100 mg scale and both the C16 and C18 alkyl substituents were present in the ratio 3:1, C16:C18.     

Conversion of 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerols to platelet activating factor and related phospholipids by rabbit platelets

Bleomycin is an anti-tumor agent whose cytotoxicity is related to the introduction of both single-stranded and double-stranded breaks in cellular DNA. In an assay using isolated nuclei, low levels of ethidium bromide substantially increased bleomycin induced release of nuclear chromatin. Treatment of mouse L1210 leukemia cells in vitro with low levels of ethidium bromide followed 1 hr later by bleomycin produced a synergistic effect that was 8 fold greater than that expected from the additive cytotoxicity of each drug alone. Interestingly, when the order of drug addition was reversed the drug synergism was much reduced (2 fold). The combination of DNA unwinding and strand scission agents may represent a novel and rational approach to the chemotherapy of cancer.