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Lysosphingomyelin-elicited Ca2+ mobilization from rat brain microsomes
S Furuya1, S Kurono, Y Hirabayashi
1Laboratory for Cellular Glycobiology, Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Saitama, Japan. furuyash@postman.riken.go.jp
Journal of Lipid Mediators and Cell Signalling
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Sphingosylphosphorylcholine, a sphingolipid, rapidly releases calcium ions (Ca2+) from rat brain neurons. This finding suggests a novel mechanism for calcium signaling in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Sphingolipids play diverse roles in cellular functions.
- Calcium ions (Ca2+) are critical signaling molecules in neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Ca2+ release activity of sphingolipid derivatives in rat brain microsomes.
- To explore the potential role of sphingosylphosphorylcholine in neuronal Ca2+ signaling.
Main Methods:
- Fura-2 cytofluorometric assay to measure Ca2+ release.
- Examination of rat cerebral and cerebellar microsomes.
- Immunocytochemical analysis of sphingomyelin localization.
Main Results:
- Sphingosylphosphorylcholine rapidly elicited Ca2+ release from brain microsomes.
- Other sphingolipids like sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate did not induce Ca2+ release.
- Pharmacological properties suggest Ca2+ release is independent of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors.
Conclusions:
- Sphingosylphosphorylcholine is a potent Ca2+ releaser in brain neurons.
- This mechanism may represent a novel pathway for neuronal Ca2+ mobilization.
- Sphingomyelin, a precursor, is found in neuronal membrane domains, supporting the pathway.