Phospholipase inactivation induced by an amino-piperazine derivative: a study at the lipid-water interface

1-Amino-4-octylpiperazine, AP 22, an antiviral agent causes lipid accumulation in nervous tissue cultures. A physicochemical membrane model was used to demonstrate the formation of a lipid-AP 22 complex hindering phospholipase A2 action. A well defined amphiphilic balance seems essential to explain the mode of action of the drug. The hydrophilic group prevents enzyme-substrate complex formation whereas the hydrophobic group allows the penetration in the lipid layer and determines the stability of the drug-lipid complex. This stability of the drug-lipid association has a direct influence on phospholipase A2 activity but does not affect phospholipase C activity. No inactivation of phospholipase A2 due to a drug-enzyme interaction could be detected.