Activation and desensitization of phospholipase D in intact rat hepatocytes

Activation of phospholipase D (PLD) by receptor-coupled stimuli (vasopressin, ATP), phorbol esters, and Ca2+ ionophores was studied in isolated rat hepatocytes, double labeled with [3H]arachidonate and [14C]stearate. Phosphatidylethanol (Peth) was formed when cells were stimulated in the presence of ethanol. The effect of combinations of agonists was not additive, indicating that the same PLD isozyme(s) were activated. With all agonists, the 3H- and 14C-specific radioactivity in Peth was higher than in any of the main phospholipid classes. The 3H/14C ratios of Peth and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were identical and differed from other phospholipid classes, indicating that the predominant PLD substrate was a PC pool labeled preferentially with radioactive fatty acids. Ethanol (50-300 mM) decreased the initial rate of phosphatidic acid (PA) formation, but did not affect total PLD activity. Agonist-induced changes in steady state accumulation of PA or 1,2-diacylglycerol were also unaffected. A slow degradation of Peth (apparent t1/2 > 60 min) occurred after ethanol removal from cells prestimulated with vasopressin. The rate of degradation was unaffected by agonists that stimulate PLD. Thus, Peth formation is a suitable cumulative indicator for PLD activation in intact hepatocytes. Peth accumulation declined over a period of 5-20 min, depending on the agonist. The decline was not due to increased Peth degradation, or limitations in substrate supply to PLD, or enzyme inhibition by accumulated Peth. Instead, a homologous desensitization of PLD occurs with all agonists. This desensitization may involve the action of selective protein kinase C isozymes.