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The bioactive phospholipid lysophosphatidic acid is released from activated platelets
T Eichholtz1, K Jalink, I Fahrenfort
1Division of Cellular Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam.
The Biochemical Journal
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid, is found in active form in mammalian serum. Platelet activation during blood clotting releases this lipid mediator, suggesting its role in inflammation and tissue repair.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid with hormone-like and growth-factor-like properties.
- LPA activates specific G-protein-coupled receptors, but its natural source remains unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the natural source of exogenous lysophosphatidic acid (LPA).
- To investigate the role of blood clotting and platelets in LPA production.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of LPA in mammalian serum and platelet-poor plasma.
- Analysis of [32P]Pi-labeled platelet activation by thrombin.
- Detection of extracellular [32P]LPA release.
Main Results:
- LPA is present in active form (bound to albumin) in mammalian serum at 1-5 microM concentrations.
- LPA is undetectable in platelet-poor plasma.
- Thrombin-activated platelets rapidly release newly formed [32P]LPA into the extracellular environment.
Conclusions:
- LPA is a novel lipid mediator derived from platelets.
- LPA production during blood clotting suggests its involvement in inflammatory and proliferative responses to injury.