PAF. A review of its effects, antagonists and possible future clinical implications (Part II)

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate is the mediator of platelet-activating factor inhibition on transport by the mouse kidney thick ascending limb

Since we have previously shown a direct inhibitory effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on Cl reabsorption in the medullary thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TAL), the aim of this study was to extend this effect to the whole TAL and to further investigate the signaling pathway involved. In microperfused cortical TALs, PAF significantly decreased Cl reabsorption by 50.3 +/- 6.5%. On the one hand, this effect was not modified in the presence of staurosporine and was not mimicked by phorbol ester; chelating cytosolic Ca by BAPTA/AM failed to suppress the inhibitory effect of PAF on Cl reabsorption; moreover, no significant increase in intracellular Ca concentration could be observed in the presence of PAF on isolated tubules. On the other hand, 8-bromo cyclic GMP mimicked the PAF effect on Cl reabsorption and prevented a further effect of this agent; the PAF effect was significantly reduced by H-8, a cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor; in medullary TALs, PAF significantly increased by twofold cyclic GMP content, an effect inhibited by the PAF antagonist BN 50730, whereas PAF did not significantly modify cAMP content in basal or stimulated conditions. Finally, inhibition of nitric oxide production by NAME or NMMA failed to prevent the effect of PAF on Cl reabsorption. It is concluded that the PAF-induced inhibition of Cl reabsorption in the TAL was mediated by cyclic GMP, likely independent of a nitric oxide synthesis.

Quantitative measurement of a new synthetic hetrazepine derivative, BN50730, in human plasma and urine by combined liquid chromatography-negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry using a particle beam interface

A new simple and sensitive assay has been developed for the quantitative measurement of BN50730 at the picomole level in human plasma and urine. The drug and the internal standard (BN50765) were measured by combined liquid chromatography-negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry with methane as the reagent gas. A simple solid-liquid extraction procedure was used to isolate BN50730 from complex biological matrices. Mild operating conditions were required to assay the parent drug with a particle beam interface from Hewlett-Packard. The mass spectrometer was tuned to monitor the intense ion m/z 333, which was generated in the ion source by a dissociative capture process. This assay was performed with 1 ml of plasma or 0.1 ml of urine, and the quantification limit of the method was statistically calculated as 1 ng ml-1. The very low relative standard deviation and mean percentage of error calculated during the different within-day or between-day repeatability assays clearly demonstrate the ruggedness of the technique for the routine determination of BN50730 in the biological fluids. Some preliminary results on the pharmacokinetics of the drug are presented to illustrate the applicability of this new powerful LC-MS method.

The cleavage of plasmenylethanolamine by phospholipase A2 appears to be mediated by the low affinity binding site of the TxA2/PGH2 receptor in U46619-stimulated human platelets

Two TxA2/PGH2 receptor binding sites linked to different effector systems have recently been identified. Since plasmenylethanolamine represents the major phospholipid reservoir of arachidonic acid (AA) in resting human platelets, we assessed the differential role of these binding sites on plasmenylethanolamine hydrolysis by phospholipase A2 activity upon platelet activation by determining the generation of the corresponding [3H]lysoplasmenylethanolamine. Ethanolamine-containing phospholipids in platelets were pre-labelled with [3H]ethanolamine prior to platelet stimulation with U46619 (1 microM), a TxA2 mimetic, in the presence or absence of S-145, an antagonist of the low affinity TxA2/PGH2 receptor. Labelled platelets were also treated with the TxA2/PGH2 receptor antagonist, GR32191B, prior to washing (which blocks the low affinity site of the receptor) and subsequent stimulation. The above conditions provided for blockage of platelet aggregation but not shape change with U46619. The rise in [3H]lysoplasmenylethanolamine accumulation (170% of unstimulated controls) with U46619 as the agonist was inhibited in platelets pre-treated with S-145 and in platelets washed from GR32191B. Similar findings were also obtained for [3H]lysophosphatidylethanolamine accumulation. The present results indicate that the TxA2-dependent activation of plasmenylethanolamine cleavage by phospholipase A2 in intact human platelets is predominantly linked to the low affinity site of the TxA2/PGH2 receptor and may be important for platelet aggregation but not shape change.

Changing strategies in the management of asthma

Mortality from asthma is apparently on the rise and, in some cases, may be due to the type and amount of medication used by the patient. As a result, the role of some commonly prescribed agents has changed in recent years. In this article, the authors review modifications in the use of currently available drugs, discuss new applications of drugs not traditionally used for asthma, and examine the rationale behind the development of entirely new classes of drugs.

Stimulation of intracellular free calcium increases by platelet-activating factor in HT29 colon carcinoma cells. Spectrofluorimetric and preliminary spatio-temporal analysis using confocal laser scanning fluorescence imaging microscopy

We examined the ability of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and its lyso derivative (lyso-PAF) to elicit increases in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in HT29 human colon carcinoma cells. Using spectrofluorimetric analysis with indo-1 as the [Ca2+]i reporter molecule, we found that 1-10 microM concentrations of both lipids stimulated substantial, reversible, monophasic [Ca2+]i elevations. Evidence was obtained that the two lipids may act via specific receptors to release Ca2+ from internal stores. Homologous desensitization was observed in both cases and PAF and lyso-PAF were also able to desensitize cells reciprocally (heterologous desensitization). The potent PAF receptor antagonist WEB 2086 (3-[4-(chlorophenyl)-9-methyl-6H-thieno[3,2-f][1,2, 4]triazolo-[4,3-a][1,4]-diazepin-2-yl]-1-(4-morpholinyl)-1-propano ne) successfully blocked PAF-induced [Ca2+]i elevations, but did not affect rises in response to lyso-PAF, suggesting that lyso-PAF may act through a different cellular receptor or mechanism. Higher concentrations (> 10 microM) of PAF resulted in non-reversible [Ca2+]i elevations which were caused by Ca2+ influx following membrane lysis. However, the WEB 2086 insensitivity of these effects and the resultant cellular toxicity clearly showed that such events were mechanistically distinct from the reversible [Ca2+]i elevations apparently operating via WEB 2086-sensitive receptors. Preliminary spatio-temporal observations, using confocal microscopy and fluo-3 as the [Ca2+]i reporter molecule, suggested that PAF can also induce [Ca2+]i elevations in the absence of cell lysis in monolayer HT29 cells. Visual impressions were obtained of cellular and subcellular heterogeneity and of [Ca2+]i oscillations in responding cells. However, these need to be interpreted with caution because of the intrinsic limitations of the methodology, particularly using non-ratiometric dyes. The significance of a receptor-mediated, reversible elevation of [Ca2+]i by sub-toxic concentrations of PAF in HT29 colon cancer cells remains to be elucidated, but it is tempting to speculate that PAF might function as a locally acting signalling mediator in these and possibly other tumour cells.

Platelet-activating factor inhibits (Na+,K+) ATPase activity in rat brain

In the present study, experiments were conducted to determine the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on (Na+,K+)-ATPase in rat cerebral cortex. PAF, but not lysoPAF, inhibited (Na+,K+)ATPase activity, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, 10(-7) to 10(6) M being the most effective dose. These effects were abolished in the presence of PCA-4248, a PAF antagonist, indicating that the PAF effect may be mediated by its specific membrane receptors. Omission of external calcium caused an increase in the basal activity and abolished the PAF effect on (Na+,K+)ATPase. The present study demonstrates that PAF inhibits (Na+,K+)ATPase activity in the cerebral cortex and suggests that PAF released during certain pathological conditions, such as ischemia, may act on ATPase. This could be one possible mechanism of PAF action that needs further attention.

Protective effect of SV-IV on platelet-activating factor-induced hypotension, bronchoconstriction and gastric mucosal injury

The inhibitory effect of one of the major proteins secreted by the rat seminal vesicles (SV-IV) on platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced biological activities was investigated in vivo. SV-IV was found to prevent dose dependently both hypotension and acute bronchospasm caused by PAF administration in guinea-pigs. In addition, SV-IV inhibited both PAF- and ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in a dose-dependent manner.

Effect of platelet-activating factor, lyso-platelet-activating factor, and lysophosphatidylcholine on sperm motion: importance of albumin for motility stimulation

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF), the PAF derivative lyso-PAF, and lysophosphatidylcholine on in vitro sperm motility and to determine the role of albumin in this interaction.

DESIGN

Washed human spermatozoa were exposed to a range of PAF, lyso-PAF, or lysophosphatidylcholine concentrations, supplemented with different albumin concentrations, and the effect on sperm motion was quantified with a computer-assisted motion analysis. The metabolism of these compounds by spermatozoa was also assessed.

SETTING

University research laboratory.

PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS

Semen samples were obtained from donors and patients attending an infertility clinic.

INTERVENTIONS

Human spermatozoa were incubated with PAF, lyso-PAF, or lysophosphatidylcholine at 10(-11) to 6 x 10(-4) M, with 0% to 1.2% albumin, and motility was evaluated at different time periods from 5 to 240 minutes. Tritiated PAF, lyso-PAF, or lysophosphatidylcholine was incubated with spermatozoa, and the metabolites were separated and quantified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sperm motion characteristics, including the percentage of motile spermatozoa, velocity, and linearity, and sperm viability were determined. The metabolism of PAF, lyso-PAF, and lysophosphatidylcholine by spermatozoa was also studied.

RESULTS

Fifty micromolar of PAF and 100 microM lyso-PAF, supplemented with 0.3% albumin, increased sperm linear velocity by 41% +/- 5% (+/- SEM) and 44% +/- 5% and curvilinear velocity by 17% +/- 3% and 21 +/- 3%, respectively. Lysophosphatidylcholine had a similar effect but only at 22 degrees C and not 37 degrees C. In the absence of albumin, neither PAF, lyso-PAF, or lysophosphatidylcholine induced increases in sperm motion. Lysophosphatidylcholine and lyso-PAF are not detectably metabolized by spermatozoa, whereas 12.5% +/- 1.2% of PAF is hydrolyzed to lyso-PAF in 1 hour.

CONCLUSION

Platelet-activating factor, lyso-PAF, and lysophosphatidylcholine independently stimulate sperm linear and curvilinear velocity. This action requires albumin. These compounds may be of use in the treatment of asthenozoospermic males.

Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase in the male reproductive tract: origin and properties

The properties and origin of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase- (PAF-AH)-like activity in the male reproductive tract were investigated. Seminal plasma (SP) and serum were obtained from normal donors and infertile patients while prostatic fluid (PF), seminal vesicle fluid (SVF) and vas deferens fluid were collected at autopsy. PAF-AH-like activity was found in all fluids tested. The specific activity of the enzyme in SP and PF was twice that of PAF-AH in serum and 15-fold higher than that in SVF and vas deferens fluid. In SP, PAF-AH-like activity was Ca(++)-independent, acid and heat labile, stable to freezing, not inhibited by phosphatidylcholine, but was inhibited by 10 mM disopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) and 13 mM phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF). These data indicate that the properties of the enzyme in SP are similar to those reported for PAF-AH in serum. The variation in specific activity of PAF-AH in reproductive tract fluids suggest that there are either activators of PAF-AH in SP or inhibitors in one or several of the other reproductive tract fluids.

Binding of [3H]SR 27417, a novel platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, to rabbit and human platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Binding of [3H]SR 27417 to washed rabbit platelets was time-dependent and saturable. [3H]-SR 27417 binding was reversible after short incubation periods but became progressively irreversible when incubated for more than 2 hr. Scatchard analysis of the saturation binding data indicated that [3H]-SR 27417 bound to two populations of specific binding sites with high (KD = 0.75 +/- 0.06 nM; Bmax = 58.7 +/- 4.3 fmol/10(8) cells; N = 3) and low affinity (KD = 53.8 +/- 4.9 nM; Bmax = 1665 +/- 87 fmol/10(8) cells; N = 3). Unlabelled C16-PAF competitively and selectively inhibited the specific binding of [3H]SR 27417 with an IC50 value of 1.9 +/- 0.04 nM (N = 3). SR 27414 fully and competitively displaced [3H]SR 27417 from its binding sites on rabbit platelets with a Ki value of 260 +/- 20 pM (N = 3) therefore demonstrating that SR 27417 was more potent than C16-PAF itself. On washed human platelets, [3H]SR 27417 displayed specific as well as saturable binding to two populations of binding sites (KD = 0.21 +/- 0.01 nM; Bmax = 13.9 +/- 0.9 fmol/10(8) cells and KD = 4.75 +/- 1.9 nM; Bmax = 82.2 +/- 2.9 fmol/10(8) cells; N = 3) for high- and low-affinity binding sites, respectively, whereas [3H]SR 27417 bound to only one single class of binding sites on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (KD = 0.31 +/- 0.1 nM; Bmax = 9.36 +/- 1.2 fmol/10(6) cells; N = 3). IC50 values for C16-PAF, SR 27417 and other PAF receptor antagonists on all three cell types indicated that SR 27417 was at least three times more potent than C16-PAF itself and more than 30-fold as active as the best synthetic PAF receptor antagonist tested (L 659,989). In conclusion, these data indicate that SR 27417 appears to be one of the most potent PAF receptor antagonists yet described, as well as a suitable radioligand for labelling PAF receptors on intact blood cells.

Studies of the effect of a platelet-activating factor antagonist, CL 184,005, in animal models of gram-negative bacterial sepsis

The effect of CL 184,005, a potent and specific platelet-activating factor antagonist, has been examined in a variety of animal models relevant to gram-negative bacterial sepsis. Pretreatment of mice with CL 184,005 protected them from the lethal effects of platelet-activating factor. When rats or primates rendered hypotensive with endotoxin were treated with CL 184,005, blood pressure was normalized. Pretreatment of rats with CL 184,005 protected them from the gastrointestinal lesions induced by endotoxin. Pretreatment of rats and mice with CL 184,005 protected them from the lethal effects of endotoxin. Plasma tumor necrosis factor levels in endotoxin-treated mice were lower when the mice were pretreated with CL 184,005. These observations suggest that CL 184,005 may be potentially useful in the treatment of gram-negative bacterial sepsis, and the agent is undergoing clinical evaluation.

Interaction between PAF and human platelet membranes: a fluorescence study

The interaction between PAF and human platelet membranes was investigated by measuring the steadystate fluorescence anisotropy and fluorescence decay of 1 (4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) incorporated in platelet plasma membranes. PAF induced a time-limited and significant increase of the lipid order in the exterior part of the membrane and a decrease in membrane heterogeneity. These changes were blocked in the presence of the PAF antagonists, L-659,989 and 1-O-hexadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho(N,N,N-trimethyl)hexanolamine.H(2)O. These results indicate that the observed changes in the physico-chemical properties of the membrane are attributed to the PAF-receptor interaction and signal transduction.