Dependence on Ca2+ of lipoprotein lipase stability

Macrophages continuously secrete lipoprotein lipase (LPL) into the culture medium. When LPL was collected from thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages (Tg-Mø) or J774.1 cells over a 4 h period in Ca2+ and Mg2(+)-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (d-DMEM) the activity in the collection medium was reduced by 40-62% and 23%, respectively, as compared to that expressed in full medium (DMEM). Ca2+ supplementation during the collection period in d-DMEM augmented LPL activity in the medium; about 1 mM Ca2+ was required for attainment of activity comparable to that expressed in DMEM. Addition of Ca2+ during the assay did not enhance LPL activity collected into d-DMEM. Addition of EGTA to the assay mixture reduced LPL activity by 34-60% and when present in the collection medium, EGTA led to a reduction in enzyme activity greater than 90%. A 4 h incubation of Tg-Mø in 3 mM EGTA led to an almost complete loss of intracellular Ca2+ (measured by efflux of 45Ca2+ from preloaded cells), yet there was no change in the overall synthesis and secretion of proteins and in the phagocytic capability of the cells. LPL activity in the enzyme collection medium after its removal from cell monolayers was stable at least up to 4 h at 0 degrees C and at 23 degrees C. Activity was progressively lost with increased temperatures: up to 40% loss at 37 degrees C in 4 h. Addition of EGTA to the above medium led to an enhanced rate of irreversible enzyme inactivation: 76-86% loss of activity in 4 h at 37 degrees C. No inactivation was observed at 0 degrees C and at 23 degrees C in the presence of EGTA. The results indicate a critical role for Ca2+ in enzyme stabilization.