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Influence of aminophylline on the lipids in Microsporum gypseum

A Bindra1, G K Khuller

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|January 4, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Aminophylline impacts lipid synthesis in Microsporum gypseum. While short-term exposure decreases lipid synthesis, long-term growth with aminophylline increases phospholipids by boosting cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Mycology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Microsporum gypseum is a fungus known for its role in dermatophytosis.
  • Lipid synthesis is crucial for fungal cell membrane integrity and function.
  • Aminophylline is a methylxanthine drug with known effects on cellular signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of aminophylline on lipid synthesis in Microsporum gypseum.
  • To explore the relationship between aminophylline, cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, and phospholipid metabolism.
  • To determine the effect of aminophylline on key enzymes involved in phospholipid biosynthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Incubation of Microsporum gypseum cells with aminophylline.
  • Measurement of [14C]acetate incorporation into total lipids and individual lipid fractions.
  • Quantification of intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels.
  • Assay of phosphodiesterase activity.
  • Enzyme activity assays for phospholipid biosynthesis.

Main Results:

  • A 1-hour incubation with aminophylline decreased [14C]acetate incorporation into lipids across all fractions.
  • Cells grown with aminophylline exhibited a 4-fold increase in intracellular cAMP levels.
  • Aminophylline treatment led to decreased phosphodiesterase activity.
  • Cells grown with aminophylline showed increased total phospholipids, enhanced [14C]acetate incorporation into phospholipids, and elevated activities of phospholipid biosynthetic enzymes.

Conclusions:

  • Aminophylline has a dual effect on Microsporum gypseum lipid metabolism: short-term inhibition and long-term stimulation of phospholipid synthesis.
  • The observed increase in phospholipids is mediated by elevated intracellular cAMP levels due to phosphodiesterase inhibition.
  • Aminophylline enhances phospholipid biosynthesis in Microsporum gypseum by increasing enzyme activities.

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