Nutritional lipid emulsions modulate cellular signaling and activation of human neutrophils

Although numerous studies suggest that nutritional lipids modulate human immune responses, the mechanism behind this observation remains unclear. On the basis of the hypothesis that lipids might affect cellular signaling we evaluated the effects of various lipid emulsions on two major pathways involved in neutrophil activation: second messenger (Ca(2)+) mobilization and protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Activation by opsonized yeast particles (serum-treated zymosan; STZ) increased cytosolic [Ca(2)+] ([Ca(2)+](i)) in neutrophils, with an initial slow rise that turned into a fast phase until a plateau was reached. The PKC activator 4-alpha-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) markedly increased the initial STZ-induced [Ca(2)+](i) rise. This PMA effect was mimicked by emulsions containing medium-chain triglycerides (MT), but not by long-chain triglycerides (LT) or structured lipids (SL). However, like PMA, all emulsions decreased the STZ-induced [Ca(2)+](i) plateau and all activated purified PKC, suggesting that only MT emulsions activate PKC in the context of the intact cell. MT, like PMA, evoked a leftward shift of the dose-response curve for the STZ-induced [Ca(2)+](i) rise, indicating PKC-dependent sensitization of neutrophils for stimulation by STZ. This study is the first to show that nutritional lipids distinctively modulate cellular signaling and stimulation of neutrophils through effects on calcium mobilization and PKC activation: i) MT emulsions sensitize neutrophils for STZ in a PKC-dependent manner, and ii) MT, LT, and SL emulsions all reduce the stimulatory effect of STZ in a nonspecific manner. -- Wanten, G., S. van Emst-de Vries, T. Naber, and P. Willems. Nutritional lipid emulsions modulate cellular signaling and activation of human neutrophils. J. Lipid Res. 2001. 42: 428--436.     

Intracellular free calcium regulates the onset of the respiratory burst of human neutrophils activated by phorbol myristate acetate.

Thapsigargin was used to study the regulation of different static calcium level ([Ca2+]i) on the respiratory hurst of human neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The result showed that the onset time of the respiratory hurst was obviously reduced by elevation of static [Ca2+]i but is still much longer than that stimulated with N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP). To find the reason, the onset times of the respiratory burst stimulated with fMLP, 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DiC8), and PMA were determined at different static [Ca2+]i. It turns out that although DiC8 was unable to induce the respiratory burst at low [Ca2+], the onset time of DiC8-stimulated response at high [Ca2+]i was almost the same as that stimulated with fMLP. The study revealed that the fast onset of the fMLP-stimulated respiratory burst in comparison with PMA-stimulated response is not only due to the transient rise of [Ca2+]i, but is also due to the higher efficiency of diacylglycerol (DAG) in activating protein kinase c (PKC). The determining step in governing the onset of a respiratory burst is the activation of PKC.     

Nutritional evaluation of structured lipid containing omega 6 fatty acid synthesized from coconut oil in rats

Coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids, but deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Structured lipids (SL) enriched with omega 6 PUFA were synthesized from coconut oil triglycerides by employing enzymatic acidolysis with free fatty acids obtained from safflower oil. Rats were fed a diet containing coconut oil, coconut oil-safflower oil blend (1:0.7 w/w) or structured lipid at 10% levels for a period of 60 days. The SL lowered serum cholesterol levels by 10.3 and 10.5% respectively in comparison with those fed coconut oil and blended oil. Similarly the liver cholesterol levels were also decreased by 35.9 and 26.6% respectively in animals fed structured lipids when compared to those fed on coconut oil or the blended oil. Most of the decrease observed in serum cholesterol levels of animals fed structured lipids was found in LDL fraction. The triglyceride levels in serum showed a decrease by 17.5 and 17.4% while in the liver it was reduced by 45.8 and 23.5% in the structured lipids fed animals as compared to those fed coconut oil or blended oil respectively. Differential scanning calorimetric studies indicated that structured lipids had lower melting points and solid fat content when compared to coconut oil or blended oils. These studies indicated that enrichment of coconut oil triglycerides with omega 6 fatty acids lowers its solid fat content. The omega 6 PUFA enriched structured lipids also exhibited hypolipidemic activity.     

Tracking of the kinetic stability of 2 types of total nutrient admixtures containing different lipid emulsions

The physical stability of 2 types of total nutrient admixtures was studied as a function of storage time and temperature. One of them contained only structured triglycerides and the other exclusively long-chain triglycerides as lipid components. To evaluate the possible changes in the kinetic stability of the emulsions and in the surface characteristics of the droplets during storage, particle size analysis, zeta potential, and dynamic surface tension measurements were performed. To follow any chemical decomposition processes that occurred during storage, the pH of the emulsions was also monitored. The mean droplet size of emulsions prepared with lipids containing exclusively long-chain triglycerides showed a remarkable increase after 4 days of storage, in contrast with that of the mixtures containing structured lipids. A combination of size distribution, zeta potential, and dynamic surface tension measurements proved to be useful for an adequate tracking of the kinetic stability of total nutrient admixtures. Structured triglycerides not only provide advantageous metabolic effects but improve the physical stability of total parenteral nutrition admixtures.     

Metabolic effects of intravenous LCT or MCT/LCT lipid emulsions in preterm infants

Most lipid emulsions for parenteral feeding of premature infants are based on long-chain triacylglycerols (LCTs), but inclusion of medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs) might provide a more readily oxidizable energy source. The influence of these emulsions on fatty acid composition and metabolism was studied in 12 premature neonates, who were randomly assigned to an LCT emulsion (control) or an emulsion with a mixture of MCT and LCT (1:1). On study day 7, all infants received [13C]linoleic (LA) and [13C]alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) tracers orally. Plasma phospholipid (PL) and triacylglycerol (TG) fatty acid composition and 13C enrichments of plasma PL fatty acids were determined on day 8. After 8 days of lipid infusion, plasma TGs in the MCT/LCT group had higher contents of C8:0 (0.50 +/- 0.60% vs. 0.10 +/- 0.12%; means +/- SD) and C10:0 (0.66 +/- 0.51% vs. 0.15 +/- 0.17%) than controls. LA content of plasma PLs was slightly lower in the MCT/LCT group (16.47 +/- 1.16% vs. 18.57 +/- 2.09%), whereas long-chain polyunsaturated derivatives (LC-PUFAs) of LA and ALA tended to be higher. The tracer distributions between precursors and products (LC-PUFAs) were not significantly different between groups. Both lipid emulsions achieve similar plasma essential fatty acid (EFA) contents and similar proportional conversion of EFAs to LC-PUFAs. The MCT/LCT emulsion seems to protect EFAs and LC-PUFAs from beta-oxidation.     

Intracellular alkalinization induces Ca2+ influx via non-voltage-operated Ca2+ channels in rat aortic smooth muscle cells

In smooth muscle, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) is the primary determinant of contraction, and the intracellular pH (pH(i)) modulates contractility. Using fura-2 and 2',7'-biscarboxyethyl-5(6) carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) fluorometry and rat aortic smooth muscle cells in primary culture, we investigated the effect of the increase in pH(i) on [Ca2+](i). The application of the NH(4)Cl induced concentration-dependent increases in both pH(i) and [Ca2+](i). The extent of [Ca2+](i) elevation induced by 20mM NH(4)Cl was approximately 50% of that obtained with 100mM K(+)-depolarization. The NH(4)Cl-induced elevation of [Ca2+](i) was completely abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ or the addition of extracellular Ni2+. The 100mM K(+)-induced [Ca2+](i) elevation was markedly inhibited by a voltage-operated Ca2+ channel blocker, diltiazem, and partly inhibited by a non-voltage-operated Ca2+ channel blocker, SKF96365. On the other hand, the NH(4)Cl-induced [Ca2+](i) elevation was resistant to diltiazem, but was markedly inhibited by SKF96365. It is thus concluded that intracellular alkalinization activates the Ca2+ influx via non-voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and thereby increases [Ca2+](i) in the vascular smooth muscle cells. The alkalinization-induced Ca2+ influx may therefore contribute to the enhancement of contraction.     

The sodium pump modulates the influence of I(Na) on [Ca2+]i transients in mouse ventricular myocytes

To investigate whether activity of the sarcolemmal Na pump modulates the influence of sodium current on excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling, we measured [Ca(2+)](i) transients (fluo-3) in single voltage-clamped mouse ventricular myocytes ([Na+](pip) = 15 or 0 mM) when the Na pump was activated (4.4 mM K(+)(o)) and during abrupt inhibition of the pump by exposure to 0 K with a rapid solution-switcher device. After induction of steady state [Ca2+](i) transients by conditioning voltage pulses (0.25 Hz), inhibition of the Na pump for 1.5 s immediately before and continuing during a voltage pulse (200 ms, -80 to 0 mV) caused a significant increase (15 +/- 2%; n = 16; p < 0.01) in peak systolic [Ca2+](i) when [Na+](pip) was 15 mM. In the absence of sodium current (I(Na), which was blocked by 60 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX)), inhibition of the Na pump immediately before and during a voltage pulse did not result in an increase in peak systolic [Ca2+](i). Abrupt blockade of I(Na) during a single test pulse with TTX caused a slight decrease in peak [Ca2+](i), whether the pump was active (9%) or inhibited (10%). With the reverse-mode Na/Ca exchange inhibited by KB-R 7943, inhibition of the Na pump failed to increase the magnitude of the peak systolic [Ca2+](i) (4 +/- 1%; p = NS) when [Na+](pip) was 15 mM. When [Na+](pip) was 0 mM, the amplitude of the peak systolic [Ca2+](i) was not altered by abrupt inhibition of the Na pump immediately before and during a voltage pulse. These findings in adult mouse ventricular myocytes indicate the Na pump can modulate the influence of I(Na) on E-C coupling in a single beat and provide additional evidence for the existence of Na fuzzy space, where [Na+] can significantly modulate Ca2+ influx via reverse Na/Ca exchange.     

Products of phosphoinositide specific phospholipase C can trigger dephosphorylation of cofilin in chemoattractant stimulated neutrophils

The signal transduction pathways that trigger dephosphorylation of cofilin in neutrophils stimulated with the chemoattractant fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLP) were investigated with a phospho-specific antibody that recognized cofilin only when this protein was phosphorylated on ser-3. Unlike earlier studies that monitored changes in (32)P-labeled cofilin, this Ab allowed us to monitor changes in the total mass of phosphorylated cofilin during neutrophil stimulation. Neutrophils stimulated with fMLP (1.0 microM) for 1.0 min exhibited a massive loss (> 85%) of phosphate from cofilin, which was blocked by an antagonist of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) (1.0 microM U73122). Products of PI-PLC, sn-1,2-diglyceride and inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate, are known to activate protein kinase C (PKC) and increase intracellular Ca(2+), respectively. Treatment of neutrophils with agents that selectively activate PKC [4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) ] or cellular Ca(2+) (ionophore A23187) also triggered dephosphorylation of cofilin. Both a nonspecific (100 nM staurosporine) and a highly selective antagonist of PKC (200 nM bisindolylmaleimide I) blocked dephosphorylation of cofilin in neutrophils stimulated with PMA but not with fMLP or ionophore A23187. The calmodulin (CaM) antagonists trifluoperazine (15 microM) and W-7 (50 microM) blocked dephosphorylation of cofilin in stimulated neutrophils whereas inactive/less-active analogs of these inhibitors (15 microM promethazine, 50 microM W-5) were substantially less effective. Calyculin A (40 nM), an antagonist of type 1 and 2A protein phosphatases, also triggered a massive dephosphorylation of cofilin in unstimulated neutrophils through a pathway that was insensitive to inhibitors of type 2B phosphatases. These data suggest that both PKC-dependent and independent pathways can trigger dephosphorylation of cofilin in neutrophils with the latter pathway predominating in fMLP-stimulated cells. These pathways may also contain CaM and a type 2C and/or novel phosphatase (e.g., slingshot).     

Protease priming of neutrophil superoxide production. Effects on membrane lipid order and lateral mobility.

Phagocyte superoxide (O2-) response is primed by a variety of physiologic compounds including the neutrophil secretory proteases cathepsin G and elastase. To study whether protease priming of neutrophil O2- response is related to changes in membrane physical state, we examined enzyme effects on the order and lateral mobility of lipid probes in intact neutrophil membranes. Exposure to cathepsin G (5 micrograms/ml) or elastase (10 micrograms/ml) caused a significant decrease in fluorescence anisotropy of the probe trimethylammonium diphenylhexatriene in neutrophil plasma membranes (0.279 to 0.256 for cathepsin G, 0.274 to 0.256 for elastase, p less than 0.02 for both), indicating a decrease in phospholipid chain order in the surface membrane bilayer. Cathepsin G and elastase also caused significant increases in membrane lipid lateral mobility as measured by excimer formation of the fluorescent probe 1-pyrenedecanoic acid (for cathepsin G, a 107% increase, and for elastase, a 44% increase in excimer/monomer fluorescence ratio, p less than 0.001). Enzyme effects on membrane structure were dependent on intact proteolytic activity, and were cell specific; the proteases had no effect on lipid order or lateral mobility in liposomes. In corollary studies, the possible association between the physical state of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane and O2- generation was analyzed with the membrane modifying compounds, linoleic acid, ethanol, and cholesterol. Cell exposure to linoleic acid (1 microM) caused a significant decrease in lipid order and an increase in lipid lateral mobility along with increased O2- production to N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) (191%) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) (39%), p less than 0.02 for each. 3 mM ethanol also augmented O2- response to fMLP (31%) and PMA (48%) and caused a significant decrease in lipid order, but did not affect lipid lateral mobility. Treatment with cholesteryl hemisuccinate (100 micrograms/ml) resulted in increased lipid order and decreased lipid lateral mobility, as well as decreased neutrophil superoxide response to fMLP (-61%, p less than 0.001) and PMA (-50%, p less than 0.02). We then examined whether modulation of membrane physical state may explain the mechanism of action of a known priming agent by studying the effects of low concentrations of a diacylglycerol. Cells treated with 10 microM 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol had a greater than 8-fold increase in superoxide response to fMLP (p less than 0.001) while demonstrating a significant decrease in lipid order (0.289 to 0.281, p less than 0.01) and a 50% increase in lipid lateral mobility (p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Key role of PKC and Ca2+ in EGF protection of microtubules and intestinal barrier against oxidants

Using monolayers of human intestinal (Caco-2) cells, we showed that growth factors (GFs) protect microtubules and barrier integrity against oxidative injury. Studies in nongastrointestinal cell models suggest that protein kinase C (PKC) signaling is key in GF-induced effects and that cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+](i)) is essential in cell integrity. We hypothesized that GF protection involves activating PKC and maintaining normal ([Ca2+](i)) Monolayers were pretreated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or PKC or Ca2+ modulators before exposure to oxidants (H2O2 or HOCl). Oxidants disrupted microtubules and barrier integrity, and EGF protected from this damage. EGF caused rapid distribution of PKC-alpha, PKC-betaI, and PKC-zeta isoforms to cell membranes, enhancing PKC activity of membrane fractions while reducing PKC activity of cytosolic fractions. EGF enhanced (45)Ca2+ efflux and prevented oxidant-induced (sustained) rises in ([Ca2+](i)). PKC inhibitors abolished and PKC activators mimicked EGF protection. Oxidant damage was mimicked by and potentiated by a Ca2+ ionophore (A-23187), exacerbated by high-Ca2+ media, and prevented by calcium removal or chelation or by Ca2+ channel antagonists. PKC activators mimicked EGF on both (45)Ca2+ efflux and ([Ca2+](i)). Membrane Ca2+-ATPase pump inhibitors prevented protection by EGF or PKC activators. In conclusion, EGF protection of microtubules and the intestinal epithelial barrier requires activation of PKC signal transduction and normalization of ([Ca2+](i)).     

Accelerated clearance of plasma triglycerides and free fatty acids in omega3-depleted rats.

The present study aims mainly at exploring the effects of a severe depletion in polyunsaturated long-chain omega3 fatty acids upon the fate of circulating lipids. The plasma concentration and fatty acid pattern of triglycerides, diglycerides, free fatty acids, and phospholipids were measured in omega3-depleted and control rats injected intravenously one hour before sacrifice with either saline, a control medium-chain triglyceride:olive oil emulsion or a medium-chain triglyceride:fish oil emulsion recently found to rapidly increase the phospholipid content of C20:5omega3 and C22:6omega3 in different cell types. The estimated fractional removal rate of the injected triglycerides and the clearance of free fatty acids from circulation were both higher in omega3-depleted rats than in control animals. The injection of the lipid emulsions apparently inhibited intracellular lipolysis, this being least pronounced in omega3-depleted rats. The increased clearance of circulating triglycerides and unesterified fatty acids in omega3-depleted rats may favor the cellular accumulation of lipids. In turn, such an accumulation and the lesser regulatory inhibition of tissular lipolysis may match the increased clearance of circulating unesterified fatty acids and, hence, account for the lack of any significant difference in plasma unesterified fatty acid concentration between these and control animals.     

Intra- and intercellular Ca(2+)-transient propagation in normal and high glucose solutions in ROS cells during mechanical stimulation

Experiments using confocal laser microscopy on the rat osteosarcoma cell line (ROS 17/2.8) indicate that mechanical stimulation elicits pronounced [Ca2+](i)transients in the MS (mechanically stimulated) cell, which then propagate to the NB (neighbouring) cells. Experiments with Ca(2+)-free solutions or gadolinium suggest that Ca(2+)-influx through stretch-sensitive channels is required. When intracellular stores are depleted with thapsigargin, mechanical stimulation was able to evoke a Ca(2+)transient of reduced amplitude that disappeared entirely after subsequent blocking of Ca(2+)-influx. Heptanol inhibited intercellular propagation of the Ca(2+)transient, demonstrating the involvement of gap junctions in the propagation of the Ca(2+)transient in ROS cells. PKC activation has only a small inhibitory effect, while inhibition of PKC or tyrosine kinase was ineffective. PKA activation reduced the amplitude of the [Ca2+](i)-rise in NB cells, and decreased the percentage of responsive cells. Cells grown in 50mM glucose for 72h presented only a very limited decrease of the Ca(2+)-rise during mechanical stimulation in the MS and NB cells compared to control conditions. PKC downregulation in high glucose did not modulate this effect.The results of our experiments indicate that PKC or sustained high glucose concentrations do not affect gap junctional communication in ROS cells, while activation of PKA has an inhibitory effect. This might indicate that osteoblastic dysfunction in diabetes could be directly related to the high glucose concentrations and not to inhibition of the intercellular communication.     

Injectable Lipid Emulsions—Advancements,Opportunities and Challenges

Injectable lipid emulsions, for decades, have been clinically used as an energy source for hospitalized patients by providing essential fatty acids and vitamins. Recent interest in utilizing lipid emulsions for delivering lipid soluble therapeutic agents, intravenously, has been continuously growing due to the biocompatible nature of the lipid-based delivery systems. Advancements in the area of novel lipids (olive oil and fish oil) have opened a new area for future clinical application of lipid-based injectable delivery systems that may provide a better safety profile over traditionally used long- and medium-chain triglycerides to critically ill patients. Formulation components and process parameters play critical role in the success of lipid injectable emulsions as drug delivery vehicles and hence need to be well integrated in the formulation development strategies. Physico-chemical properties of active therapeutic agents significantly impact pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition following intravenous administration of drug-containing lipid emulsion and hence need special attention while selecting such delivery vehicles. In summary, this review provides a broad overview of recent advancements in the field of novel lipids, opportunities for intravenous drug delivery, and challenges associated with injectable lipid emulsions.     

Analysis of calcium homeostasis in activated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Evidence for two distinct mechanisms for lowering cytosolic calcium

The stimulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) by chemoattractants triggers a rapid rise in cytosolic free calcium concentration(s) ([Ca2+]i), which quickly returns to base line, suggesting a role for calcium removal in the homeostasis of activated PMNs. To investigate cytosolic calcium homeostasis, PMNs were treated with a fluoroprobe and ionomycin to induce a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i. The cells were then stimulated, and attenuation of the fluorescence signal was measured as an indication of calcium loss from the cytosol. The formyl peptide chemoattractant N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol, but not the inactive phorbol ester 4 alpha-phorbol didecanoate, induced a dose-dependent decrease in [Ca2+]i in ionomycin-pretreated cells. However, the decline in [Ca2+]i caused by PMA was sustained and occurred following a lag time, whereas the response to fMLP was immediate, lasted approximately 2 min, and then was followed by a return of [Ca2+]i to its initial level. The restoration of [Ca2+]i required extracellular calcium. Varying the ionomycin concentration allowed studies at different initial [Ca2+]i, which in untreated PMNs was approximately 135 nM. In contrast to fMLP, PMA did not lower calcium at concentrations below 200 nM. The decline in [Ca2+]i induced by fMLP, but not PMA, was blocked by pertussis toxin. In contrast, the decrease in [Ca2+]i caused by PMA and 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol, but not fMLP, was inhibited by the protein kinase C antagonists staurosporine, H-7, and sphingosine. These results suggest that formyl peptide chemoattractants transiently stimulate an activity which lowers [Ca2+]i to normal intracellular levels. Activation of this process appears to be independent of protein kinase C. An additional cytosolic calcium lowering activity, dependent on protein kinase C, operates at [Ca2+]i above 200 nM. Thus, activated PMNs can use at least two processes for attentuation of elevated cytosolic calcium levels.     

Mitochondrial membrane potential modulates regulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ in rat ventricular myocytes

Although recent studies focused on the contribution of mitochondrial Ca2+ to the mechanisms of ischemia-reperfusion injury, the regulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ under pathophysiological conditions remains largely unclear. By using saponin-permeabilized rat myocytes, we measured mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](m)) at the physiological range of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](c); 300 nM) and investigated the regulation of [Ca2+](m) during both normal and dissipated DeltaPsi(m). When DeltaPsi(m) was partially depolarized by carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP, 0.01-0.1 microM), there were dose-dependent decreases in [Ca2+](m). When complete DeltaPsi(m) dissipation was achieved by FCCP (0.3-1 microM), [Ca2+](m) remained at one-half of the control level despite no Ca2+ influx via the Ca2+ uniporter. The DeltaPsi(m) dissipation by FCCP accelerated calcein leakage from mitochondria in a cyclosporin A (CsA)-sensitive manner, which indicates that DeltaPsi(m) dissipation opened the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). After FCCP addition, inhibition of the mPTP by CsA caused further [Ca2+](m) reduction; however, inhibition of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange (mitoNCX) by a Na+-free solution abolished this [Ca2+](m) reduction. Cytosolic Na(+) concentrations that yielded one-half maximal activity levels for mitoNCX were 3.6 mM at normal DeltaPsi(m) and 7.6 mM at DeltaPsi(m) dissipation. We conclude that 1) the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter accumulates Ca2+ in a manner that is dependent on DeltaPsi(m) at the physiological range of [Ca2+](c); 2) DeltaPsi(m) dissipation opens the mPTP and results in Ca2+ influx to mitochondria; and 3) although mitoNCX activity is impaired, mitoNCX extrudes Ca2+ from the matrix even after DeltaPsi(m) dissipation.     

fMLP-induced arachidonic acid release in db-cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells is independent of phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate-specific phospholipase C activation and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) activation

In inflammatory cells, agonist-stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) release is thought to be induced by activation of group IV Ca(2+)-dependent cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase)- and/or protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation and Ca(2+)-dependent translocation of the enzyme to the membrane. Here we investigated the role of phospholipases in N-formylmethionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine (fMLP; 1 nM-10 microM)-induced AA release from neutrophil-like db-cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells. U 73122 (1 microM), an inhibitor of phosphatidyl-inositol-4,5-biphosphate-specific phospholipase C, or the membrane-permeant Ca(2+)-chelator 1, 2-bis?2-aminophenoxy?thane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (10 microM) abolished fMLP-mediated Ca(2+) signaling, but had no effect on fMLP-induced AA release. The protein kinase C-inhibitor Ro 318220 (5 microM) or the inhibitor of cPLA(2) arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF(3); 10-30 microM) did not inhibit fMLP-induced AA release. In contrast, AA release was stimulated by the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 (10 microM) plus the PKC activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) (0.2 microM). This effect was inhibited by either Ro 318220 or AACOCF(3). Accordingly, a translocation of cPLA(2) from the cytosol to the membrane fraction was observed with A23187 + PMA, but not with fMLP. fMLP-mediated AA release therefore appeared to be independent of Ca(2+) signaling and PKC and MAP kinase activation. However, fMLP-mediated AA release was reduced by approximately 45% by Clostridium difficile toxin B (10 ng/ml) or by 1-butanol; both block phospholipase D (PLD) activity. The inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC), D609 (100 microM), decreased fMLP-mediated AA release by approximately 35%. The effect of D609 + 1-butanol on fMLP-induced AA release was additive and of a magnitude similar to that of propranolol (0.2 mM), an inhibitor of phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase. This suggests that the bulk of AA generated by fMLP stimulation of db-cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells is independent of the cPLA(2) pathway, but may originate from activation of PC-PLC and PLD.     

Protein kinase C stimulates dense tubular Ca2+ uptake in the intact human platelet by increasing the Vm of the Ca(2+)-ATPase pump: stimulation by phorbol ester, inhibition by calphostin C.

The effects of protein kinase C (PKC) on Ca2+ transport were investigated in human intact platelets. The indicator quin2 was used to measure the free cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) and to search for possible PKC effects on the Ca(2+)-ATPase extrusion pump located in the plasma membrane. The Ca2+ indicator chlorotetracycline (CTC) was used to study PKC effects on the dense tubular Ca(2+)-ATPase uptake pump. The activity of PKC was stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and was inhibited with calphostin C. Neither PKC activation nor inhibition had any effect on [Ca2+]cyt or the Ca2+ extrusion pump. Substantial activation of the dense tubular pump was observed with PMA. In resting platelets bathed in 2 mM external Ca2+ giving [Ca2+]cyt = 102-106 nM, activation of PKC by PMA (100 nM) increases the rate and extent of dense tubular Ca2+ uptake to 1.62 +/- 0.35 and 1.25 +/- 0.3 times control value (respectively). The Vm of the dense tubular pump was measured by using ionomycin to manipulate [Ca2+]cyt. It is shown that PMA increases the Vm by a factor of 1.7 +/- 0.4 but has no effect on the Km value (= 180 nM). An unexpected finding was that PKC activity supports a portion of the basal activity of the dense tubular Ca2+ pump in resting platelets. Preincubation with the inhibitor calphostin C (100 nM) decreases the rate and extent of dense tubular Ca2+ uptake in resting platelets by 38 +/- 5% and 29 +/- 21% (respectively). This is due to a 28 +/- 9% decrease in the Vm of the dense tubular pump. This suggests that there is a low level of stimulation of dense tubular Ca2+ pump mediated by PKC in resting platelets.     

Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) augments chemoattractant-induced diglyceride generation in human neutrophils but inhibits phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Implications for the mechanism of PMA priming of the respiratory burst

Pretreatment ("priming") of neutrophils with a non-activating concentration (2 nM) of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) augments superoxide (O2-) production in response to the chemoattractant formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP). We initially examined the effect of sphinganine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent enzyme), on activation of primed neutrophils. In both primed and unprimed cells activation by fMLP was blocked, and inhibition occurred at identical concentrations, supporting a common inhibited site. PMA also augmented (about 2-fold) fMLP-induced generation of sn-1,2-diglyceride (DG), the level of which correlated with O2- generation. In contrast to its effects on DG, PMA diminished by about 50% the magnitude of the fMLP-stimulated rise in cytosolic Ca2+. Thus, PMA priming dissociates the fMLP-stimulated Ca2+ increase from DG and O2- generation. The effect of PMA on Ca2+ levels appeared to be due in part to lowered levels of inositol trisphosphate. Lowering of inositol phosphate levels correlated with inhibition of fMLP-induced hydrolysis of inositol-containing phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. PMA did not inhibit (and in fact augmented at early time points) formation of [32P] phosphatidic acid in response to fMLP, indicating that the increase in DG was not due to inhibition of cellular diglyceride kinase. Thus, the data suggest that PMA enhances fMLP-stimulated DG generation concomitant with switching the source of DG from phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate to an alternative lipid(s). Increased DG and inhibition of activation by sphinganine are consistent with a role for protein kinase C in activation of the respiratory burst in PMA-primed neutrophils.     

Metabolic effects of glucose, medium chain triglyceride and long chain triglyceride feeding before prolonged exercise in rats

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that oral ingestion of lipids could increase endurance by slowing the rate of glycogen depletion. Trained rats were killed after a 2 h run on a rodent treadmill, following an intragastric infusion of water, glucose, medium chain triglycerides (MCT) or long chain triglycerides (LCT). Glucose and triglycerides were administered in equicaloric concentrations (50 kJ). The results show that oral ingestion of lipids (MCT or LCT) did not reduce glycogen depletion in liver, heart or skeletal muscle after exercise whereas the fat diet increased muscle and heart glycogen stores in resting conditions. In contrast, glucose feeding induced a significant sparing effect on endogenous carbohydrate utilization and reduced physical exercise lipolysis. These data indicated, firstly, that enhanced lipid availability induced by a single lipid meal before exercise was not able to modify the glycogen depletion occurring after exercise and, secondly, that the glucose/fatty acid cycle was not effective in these conditions. The comparison between lipids indicated that the effect on glycogen use of MCT did not differ from that of LCT, and did not seem to be of any particular importance during physical exercise.     

Mechanisms involved in the bidirectional effects of protein kinase C activators on neutrophil responses to leukotriene B4

Three protein kinase C (PKC) activators (PMA, mezerein, and a diacylglycerol) had bidirectional effects on human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) degranulation responses to leukotriene (LT) B4. Lower concentrations of the three agents enhanced, whereas higher concentrations inhibited, release of lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase stimulated by the arachidonic acid metabolite. Contrastingly, the activators inhibited but never enhanced LTB4-induced Ca2+ transients. We examined the causes for these varying effects. Each PKC activator reduced PMN specific binding of [3H]LTB4. Scatchard analyses revealed that PMA (greater than or equal to 0.16 nM) decreased the number of high affinity LTB4 receptors. The receptor losses correlated closely with inhibition of Ca2+ transients. PMN pretreated with 0.5 nM PMA for 5 min retained approximately 50% of their high affinity LTB4 receptors. These cells responded to 10 nM LTB4 with reduced but still substantial rises in cytosolic Ca2+, enhanced PKC mobilization, and increased granule enzyme release. The latter two effects appeared calcium-dependent because sequential exposure to PMA and LTB4 did not synergistically stimulate PKC mobilization or degranulation in PMN that were: 1) Ca2(+)-depleted; 2) challenged with 5 nM PMA; or 3) treated with LTB4 for 5 min before PMA. Each of the latter treatments completely interfered with the extent or timing of LTB4-induced Ca2+ transients. Accordingly, we suggest that the response-specific, bidirectional effects of PKC activators on LTB4 result from two opposing mechanisms. First, PKC activators down-regulate LTB4 high affinity receptors and thereby reduce those PMN responses that are not elicited by activated PKC (i.e., Ca2+ transients). Second, LTB4, by elevating cytosolic Ca2+, increases the amount of PKC mobilized by PKC activators and thereby promotes PKC-dependent responses (e.g., degranulation). The two mechanisms may be pertinent to the bidirectional effects of PKC activators on various other agonists. Furthermore, PKC, by down-regulating receptors, may serve as a physiologic stop signal for terminating function and producing a poststimulatory state of desensitization.