Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2026

Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages
Published on: June 23, 2013
Priming effects of lipopolysaccharide on UTP-induced arachidonic acid release in RAW 264.7 macrophages
1Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei.
Abstract:
Stimulation of mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages with UTP activates both the inositol phosphate signal transduction pathway and the phospholipase A2 pathway. In the present study, we investigated the interactions between bacterial lipopolysaccharide and UTP in these two systems and the underlying mechanisms involved. While the UTP-induced release of arachidonic acid was only 2.9-fold that in controls, priming the cells with 1 microgram/ml lipopolysaccharide for 1 h before UTP treatment resulted in 9.2-fold arachidonic acid release upon stimulation with UTP. Lipopolysaccharide priming was both concentration- and time-dependent with a peak effect after 1 h treatment at a concentration of 1 microgram/ml. Lipopolysaccharide treatment affect neither the basal nor the UTP-stimulated inositol phosphate formation and [Ca2+]i rise. Pretreatment of the cells with staurosporine, calphostin, N-(2-aminoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide H-7), genistein or K-252a led marked inhibition of the priming effect, suggesting that both protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase are involved in the lipopolysaccharide effect. Buffering intracellular Ca2+ levels using [1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxyl)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl)ester] (BAPTA/AM) or pretreatment with either N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide (H-89), 2-(2-amino-3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (PD098059) or {1-N,O-bis-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl] -4-phenyl-piperazine (KN-62) did not affect the lipopolysaccharide-induced priming effect. Primed UTP stimulation was inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide, indicating a requirement for both gene expression and protein translation. To further examine whether the stimulatory effects of lipopolysaccharide on phospholipase A2 activity were independent of [Ca2+]i levels but dependent on protein phosphorylation, a fixed Ca2+ concentration and inhibitors of protein phosphatases were used in primed permeabilized cells. Arachidonic acid release from permeabilized cells containing 100 nM Ca2+ was high in lipopolysaccharide-primed cells and potentiated by addition of microcystin, orthovanadate or FK 506. These results that the Ser/Thr and tyrosine phosphorylation cascades induced by protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase, respectively, are required for the arachidonic acid potentiation effect of lipopolysaccharide, which was independent of modulation of the upper stream signaling pathways of UTP.
Insights
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide primes macrophages to enhance UTP-induced arachidonic acid release via phospholipase A2 activation. This priming involves protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase, requiring gene expression and protein translation, but is independent of intracellular calcium levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Macrophages, such as RAW 264.7 cells, are activated by UTP through inositol phosphate and phospholipase A2 pathways.
- Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent immune modulator.
- Understanding the interplay between LPS and UTP signaling is crucial for deciphering inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and UTP in macrophage signaling pathways.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying LPS-mediated potentiation of UTP-induced arachidonic acid release.
- To determine the role of protein kinases and intracellular calcium in LPS priming.
Main Methods:
- RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with varying concentrations and durations of LPS before UTP stimulation.
- Inositol phosphate formation and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels were measured.
- Arachidonic acid release was quantified using various kinase and phosphatase inhibitors, as well as calcium chelators.
- Gene expression and protein synthesis inhibitors (actinomycin D, cycloheximide) were employed.
- Permeabilized cells were used to assess LPS effects independent of upstream signaling.
Main Results:
- LPS priming significantly enhanced UTP-induced arachidonic acid release in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.
- LPS priming did not affect UTP-stimulated inositol phosphate formation or [Ca2+]i rise.
- Inhibition of protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase markedly reduced the LPS priming effect.
- The priming effect was dependent on gene expression and protein translation.
- LPS-induced potentiation of phospholipase A2 activity was independent of [Ca2+]i but dependent on protein phosphorylation cascades.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial lipopolysaccharide primes macrophages to amplify UTP-induced arachidonic acid release via the phospholipase A2 pathway.
- This potentiation is mediated by protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase signaling, requiring de novo gene expression and protein synthesis.
- The LPS priming effect on arachidonic acid release is independent of alterations in UTP-induced inositol phosphate or calcium signaling.
More Related Videos
11:48Isolation Protocol of Mouse Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells and Their Subsequent In Vitro Activation with Tumor Immune Complexes
Published on: May 31, 2018
07:55A Macrophage Reporter Cell Assay to Examine Toll-Like Receptor-Mediated NF-kB/AP-1 Signaling on Adsorbed Protein Layers on Polymeric Surfaces
Published on: January 7, 2020