Platelet-neutrophil-smooth muscle cell interactions: lipoxygenase-derived mono- and dihydroxy acids activate cholesteryl ester hydrolysis by the cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase cascade

Fluid-phase interactions between hematologic cells and those of the vessel wall were studied in order to define a role for lipoxygenase products as cell signals in the control of vascular cholesterol metabolism. A functional parameter for hydroxy acids in this system has not been previously demonstrated. We report herein for the first time a biochemical effect of lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids in the modulation of cholesterol metabolism in smooth muscle cells. Products of platelet-neutrophil interactions served as cell signals in vitro to modulate cholesterol metabolism. We demonstrate that 12-HETE, 12,20-DiHETE, and 12-HETE-1,20-dioic acid activate both lysosomal and cytoplasmic cholesteryl ester (CE) hydrolytic activities, although no effect was observed on CE synthetic (ACAT) activity. The platelet lipoxygenase product, 12-HETE, was the most effective stimulator of CE hydrolysis in the smooth muscle cell, and its conversion to 12,20-DiHETE and the dioic acid derivative by the neutrophils was not necessary for the activation of CE hydrolase. A 2-fold enhancement on CE hydrolysis occurred and was independent of any "cross-activation" by hydroxy acids on production of cyclooxygenase or other lipoxygenase products. The activation of cytoplasmic CE hydrolysis had a lesser cofactor dependence on bile salts in the presence of 12-HETE. This suggested a reduced requirement for surface-active agents in an enzyme-substrate interaction where enzymes are hydrolyzing insoluble lipid substrates. Moreover, 12-HETE induced an additive effect with several lipolytic hormones in the activation of CE catabolism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)