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Cerebral microvessel phospholipase A2 activity in senescent mouse
W M Williams1, M C Chang, S I Rapoport
1Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0010.
Neurochemical Research
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Phospholipase A2 activity in mouse brain microvessels declines with age. This age-related decrease in phospholipase A2 (PLA2) impacts phosphoglyceride metabolism and fatty acid turnover in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
Background:
- Cerebral microvessels play a crucial role in brain health.
- Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes are involved in lipid metabolism and cellular signaling.
- Age-related changes in brain microvessel function are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of aging on Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in mouse cerebral microvessels.
- To characterize the substrate specificity and cofactor dependency of PLA2 in aged versus young adult mice.
Main Methods:
- Cerebral microvessels were isolated from young adult (5-6 months) and aged adult (21-24 months) mice.
- Radiolabeled choline phosphoglyceride was used as a substrate to measure PLA2 activity at pH 8 and pH 9.
- Calcium dependency of the enzyme activity was assessed.
Main Results:
- PLA2 activity was significantly lower in cerebral microvessels of aged mice compared to young adult mice at both pH levels.
- PLA2 activity was primarily calcium-dependent, with a minor calcium-independent component observed.
- Minimal diacylglycerol production indicated negligible phospholipase C activity.
Conclusions:
- Aging significantly reduces Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in mouse cerebral microvessels.
- This age-associated decline in PLA2 activity may alter phosphoglyceride metabolism and fatty acid turnover in the aging brain.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for addressing age-related neurological conditions.