Localization of lipoprotein lipase to discrete areas of the guinea pig brain

GPIHBP1 expression in gliomas promotes utilization of lipoprotein-derived nutrients

GPIHBP1, a GPI-anchored protein of capillary endothelial cells, binds lipoprotein lipase (LPL) within the subendothelial spaces and shuttles it to the capillary lumen. GPIHBP1-bound LPL is essential for the margination of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) along capillaries, allowing the lipolytic processing of TRLs to proceed. In peripheral tissues, the intravascular processing of TRLs by the GPIHBP1-LPL complex is crucial for the generation of lipid nutrients for adjacent parenchymal cells. GPIHBP1 is absent from the capillaries of the brain, which uses glucose for fuel; however, GPIHBP1 is expressed in the capillaries of mouse and human gliomas. Importantly, the GPIHBP1 in glioma capillaries captures locally produced LPL. We use NanoSIMS imaging to show that TRLs marginate along glioma capillaries and that there is uptake of TRL-derived lipid nutrients by surrounding glioma cells. Thus, GPIHBP1 expression in gliomas facilitates TRL processing and provides a source of lipid nutrients for glioma cells.

Non-Neuronal Cells in the Hypothalamic Adaptation to Metabolic Signals

Although the brain is composed of numerous cell types, neurons have received the vast majority of attention in the attempt to understand how this organ functions. Neurons are indeed fundamental but, in order for them to function correctly, they rely on the surrounding "non-neuronal" cells. These different cell types, which include glia, epithelial cells, pericytes, and endothelia, supply essential substances to neurons, in addition to protecting them from dangerous substances and situations. Moreover, it is now clear that non-neuronal cells can also actively participate in determining neuronal signaling outcomes. Due to the increasing problem of obesity in industrialized countries, investigation of the central control of energy balance has greatly increased in attempts to identify new therapeutic targets. This has led to interesting advances in our understanding of how appetite and systemic metabolism are modulated by non-neuronal cells. For example, not only are nutrients and hormones transported into the brain by non-neuronal cells, but these cells can also metabolize these metabolic factors, thus modifying the signals reaching the neurons. The hypothalamus is the main integrating center of incoming metabolic and hormonal signals and interprets this information in order to control appetite and systemic metabolism. Hence, the factors transported and released from surrounding non-neuronal cells will undoubtedly influence metabolic homeostasis. This review focuses on what is known to date regarding the involvement of different cell types in the transport and metabolism of nutrients and hormones in the hypothalamus. The possible involvement of non-neuronal cells, in particular glial cells, in physiopathological outcomes of poor dietary habits and excess weight gain are also discussed.

Genetic Restoration of Plasma ApoE Improves Cognition and Partially Restores Synaptic Defects in ApoE-Deficient Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in individuals over the age of 65 years. The most prevalent genetic risk factor for AD is the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE4), and novel AD treatments that target ApoE are being considered. One unresolved question in ApoE biology is whether ApoE is necessary for healthy brain function. ApoE knock-out (KO) mice have synaptic loss and cognitive dysfunction; however, these findings are complicated by the fact that ApoE knock-out mice have highly elevated plasma lipid levels, which may independently affect brain function. To bypass the effect of ApoE loss on plasma lipids, we generated a novel mouse model that expresses ApoE normally in peripheral tissues, but has severely reduced ApoE in the brain, allowing us to study brain ApoE loss in the context of a normal plasma lipid profile. We found that these brain ApoE knock-out (bEKO) mice had synaptic loss and dysfunction similar to that of ApoE KO mice; however, the bEKO mice did not have the learning and memory impairment observed in ApoE KO mice. Moreover, we found that the memory deficit in the ApoE KO mice was specific to female mice and was fully rescued in female bEKO mice. Furthermore, while the AMPA/NMDA ratio was reduced in ApoE KO mice, it was unchanged in bEKO mice compared with controls. These findings suggest that plasma lipid levels can influence cognition and synaptic function independent of ApoE expression in the brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

One proposed treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the reduction of ApoE, whose ε4 isoform is the most common genetic risk factor for the disease. A major concern of this strategy is that an animal model of ApoE deficiency, the ApoE knock-out (KO) mouse, has reduced synapses and cognitive impairment; however, these mice also develop dyslipidemia and severe atherosclerosis. Here, we have shown that genetic restoration of plasma ApoE to wild-type levels normalizes plasma lipids in ApoE KO mice. While this does not rescue synaptic loss, it does completely restore learning and memory in the mice, suggesting that both CNS and plasma ApoE are independent parameters that affect brain health.

Mechanisms of DHA transport to the brain and potential therapy to neurodegenerative diseases

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 ω-3) is highly enriched in the brain and is required for proper brain development and function. Its deficiency has been shown to be linked with the emergence of neurological diseases. Dietary ω-3 fatty acid supplements including DHA have been suggested to improve neuronal development and enhance cognitive functions. However, mechanisms of DHA incorporation in the brain remain to be fully understood. Findings suggested that DHA is better incorporated when esterified within lysophospholipid rather than under its non-esterified form. Furthermore, DHA has the potential to be converted into diverse oxylipins with potential neuroprotective effects. Since DHA is poorly synthesized de novo, targeting the brain with specific carriers of DHA might provide novel therapeutic approaches to neurodegenerative diseases.

GPIHBP1 and Plasma Triglyceride Metabolism

GPIHBP1, a GPI-anchored protein in capillary endothelial cells, is crucial for the lipolytic processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs). GPIHBP1 shuttles lipoprotein lipase (LPL) to its site of action in the capillary lumen and is essential for the margination of TRLs along capillaries - such that lipolytic processing can proceed. GPIHBP1 also reduces the unfolding of the LPL catalytic domain, thereby stabilizing LPL catalytic activity. Many different GPIHBP1 mutations have been identified in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (chylomicronemia), the majority of which interfere with folding of the protein and abolish its capacity to bind and transport LPL. The discovery of GPIHBP1 has substantially revised our understanding of intravascular triglyceride metabolism but has also raised many new questions for future research.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is associated with neurite pathology and its levels are markedly reduced in the dentate gyrus of Alzheimer's disease brains

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is involved in regulation of fatty acid metabolism, and facilitates cellular uptake of lipoproteins, lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins. We evaluated LPL distribution in healthy and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain tissue and its relative levels in cerebrospinal fluid. LPL immunostaining is widely present in different neuronal subgroups, microglia, astrocytes and oligodendroglia throughout cerebrum, cerebellum and spinal cord. LPL immunoreactivity is also present in leptomeninges, small blood vessels, choroid plexus and ependymal cells, Schwann cells associated with cranial nerves, and in anterior and posterior pituitary. In vitro studies have shown presence of secreted LPL in conditioned media of human cortical neuronal cell line (HCN2) and neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH), but not in media of cultured primary human astrocytes. LPL was present in cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of neuronal cells and astrocytes in vitro. LPL immunoreactivity strongly associates with AD-related pathology, staining diffuse plaques, dystrophic and swollen neurites, possible Hirano bodies and activated glial cells. We observed no staining associated with neurofibrillary tangles or granulovacuolar degeneration. Granule cells of the dentate gyrus and the associated synaptic network showed significantly reduced staining in AD compared to control tissue. LPL was also reduced in AD CSF samples relative to those in controls.

Biochemistry and pathophysiology of intravascular and intracellular lipolysis

All organisms use fatty acids (FAs) for energy substrates and as precursors for membrane and signaling lipids. The most efficient way to transport and store FAs is in the form of triglycerides (TGs); however, TGs are not capable of traversing biological membranes and therefore need to be cleaved by TG hydrolases ("lipases") before moving in or out of cells. This biochemical process is generally called "lipolysis." Intravascular lipolysis degrades lipoprotein-associated TGs to FAs for their subsequent uptake by parenchymal cells, whereas intracellular lipolysis generates FAs and glycerol for their release (in the case of white adipose tissue) or use by cells (in the case of other tissues). Although the importance of lipolysis has been recognized for decades, many of the key proteins involved in lipolysis have been uncovered only recently. Important new developments include the discovery of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), the molecule that moves lipoprotein lipase from the interstitial spaces to the capillary lumen, and the discovery of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58) as crucial molecules in the hydrolysis of TGs within cells. This review summarizes current views of lipolysis and highlights the relevance of this process to human disease.

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 and the intravascular processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is produced by parenchymal cells, mainly adipocytes and myocytes, but is involved in hydrolysing triglycerides in plasma lipoproteins at the capillary lumen. For decades, the mechanism by which LPL reaches its site of action in capillaries was unclear, but this mystery was recently solved. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein of capillary endothelial cells, 'picks up' LPL from the interstitial spaces and shuttles it across endothelial cells to the capillary lumen. When GPIHBP1 is absent, LPL is mislocalized to the interstitial spaces, leading to severe hypertriglyceridaemia. Some cases of hypertriglyceridaemia in humans are caused by GPIHBP1 mutations that interfere with the ability of GPIHBP1 to bind to LPL, and some are caused by LPL mutations that impair the ability of LPL to bind to GPIHBP1. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the role of GPIHBP1 in health and disease and discuss some of the remaining unresolved issues regarding the processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.

Lipoprotein lipase in the brain and nervous system

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is rate limiting in the provision of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein-derived lipids into tissues. LPL is also present in the brain, where its function has remained elusive. Recent evidence implicates a role of LPL in the brain in two processes: (a) the regulation of energy balance and body weight and (b) cognition. Mice with neuron-specific deletion of LPL have increases in food intake that lead to obesity, and then reductions in energy expenditure that further contribute to and sustain the phenotype. In other mice with LPL deficiency rescued from neonatal lethality by somatic gene transfer wherein LPL in the brain remains absent, altered cognition ensues. Taking into consideration data that associate LPL mutations with Alzheimer's disease, a role for LPL in learning and memory seems likely. Overall, the time is ripe for new insights into how LPL-mediated lipoprotein metabolism in the brain impacts CNS processes and systems biology.

New wrinkles in lipoprotein lipase biology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We summarize recent progress on GPIHBP1, a molecule that transports lipoprotein lipase (LPL) to the capillary lumen, and discuss several newly studied molecules that appear important for the regulation of LPL activity.

RECENT FINDINGS

LPL, the enzyme responsible for the lipolytic processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, interacts with multiple proteins and is regulated at multiple levels. Several regulators of LPL activity have been known for years and have been investigated thoroughly, but several have been identified only recently, including an endothelial cell protein that transports LPL to the capillary lumen, a microRNA that reduces LPL transcript levels, a sorting protein that targets LPL for uptake and degradation, and a transcription factor that increases the expression of apolipoproteins that regulate LPL activity.

SUMMARY

Proper regulation of LPL is important for controlling the delivery of lipid nutrients to tissues. Recent studies have identified GPIHBP1 as the molecule that transports LPL to the capillary lumen, and have also identified other molecules that are potentially important for regulating LPL activity. These new discoveries open new doors for understanding basic mechanisms of lipolysis and hyperlipidemia.

GPIHBP1, an endothelial cell transporter for lipoprotein lipase

Interest in lipolysis and the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins was recently reignited by the discovery of severe hypertriglyceridemia (chylomicronemia) in glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1)-deficient mice. GPIHBP1 is expressed exclusively in capillary endothelial cells and binds lipoprotein lipase (LPL) avidly. These findings prompted speculation that GPIHBP1 serves as a binding site for LPL in the capillary lumen, creating "a platform for lipolysis." More recent studies have identified a second and more intriguing role for GPIHBP1-picking up LPL in the subendothelial spaces and transporting it across endothelial cells to the capillary lumen. Here, we review the studies that revealed that GPIHBP1 is the LPL transporter and discuss which amino acid sequences are required for GPIHBP1-LPL interactions. We also discuss the human genetics of LPL transport, focusing on cases of chylomicronemia caused by GPIHBP1 mutations that abolish GPIHBP1's ability to bind LPL, and LPL mutations that prevent LPL binding to GPIHBP1.

Novel subtype-specific genes identify distinct subpopulations of callosal projection neurons

Little is known about the molecular development and heterogeneity of callosal projection neurons (CPN), cortical commissural neurons that connect homotopic regions of the two cerebral hemispheres via the corpus callosum and that are critical for bilateral integration of cortical information. Here we report on the identification of a series of genes that individually and in combination define CPN and novel CPN subpopulations during embryonic and postnatal development. We used in situ hybridization analysis, immunocytochemistry, and retrograde labeling to define the layer-specific and neuron-type-specific distribution of these newly identified CPN genes across different stages of maturation. We demonstrate that a subset of these genes (e.g., Hspb3 and Lpl) appear specific to all CPN (in layers II/III and V-VI), whereas others (e.g., Nectin-3, Plexin-D1, and Dkk3) discriminate between CPN of the deep layers and those of the upper layers. Furthermore, the data show that several genes finely subdivide CPN within individual layers and appear to label CPN subpopulations that have not been described previously using anatomical or morphological criteria. The genes identified here likely reflect the existence of distinct programs of gene expression governing the development, maturation, and function of the newly identified subpopulations of CPN. Together, these data define the first set of genes that identify and molecularly subcategorize distinct populations of callosal projection neurons, often located in distinct subdivisions of the canonical cortical laminae.

The expression and activity of brain lipoprotein lipase is increased after acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key enzyme involved in lipid metabolism. Previous studies have shown that the levels of brain LPL mRNA, protein and activity are up-regulated after brain and nerve injury. The aim of this study was to determine the response of expression and activity of brain LPL following acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to surgical occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. The expression of brain LPL was assessed by immunohistochemical staining and the enzyme activity of brain LPL was evaluated by colorimetric method. Increase of LPL immunopositive cells in the cerebral cortex around the infarction area was observed at 4, 6, 12 h ischemia, 2 h ischemia 2 h reperfusion, and 4 h ischemia 2 h reperfusion. LPL activity was significantly decreased in the ischemic side cortex at 2 h ischemia, and then significantly increased at 4 and 6 h ischemia. Our results showed that LPL immunopositive cells were increased in the cortex around the infarction area, and activity of LPL first decreased and then increased following acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. These results may suggest that LPL plays a potential role in the pathophysiological response of the brain to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.

Lipoprotein lipase: from gene to obesity

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a multifunctional enzyme produced by many tissues, including adipose tissue, cardiac and skeletal muscle, islets, and macrophages. LPL is the rate-limiting enzyme for the hydrolysis of the triglyceride (TG) core of circulating TG-rich lipoproteins, chylomicrons, and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). LPL-catalyzed reaction products, fatty acids, and monoacylglycerol are in part taken up by the tissues locally and processed differentially; e.g., they are stored as neutral lipids in adipose tissue, oxidized, or stored in skeletal and cardiac muscle or as cholesteryl ester and TG in macrophages. LPL is regulated at transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels in a tissue-specific manner. Nutrient states and hormonal levels all have divergent effects on the regulation of LPL, and a variety of proteins that interact with LPL to regulate its tissue-specific activity have also been identified. To examine this divergent regulation further, transgenic and knockout murine models of tissue-specific LPL expression have been developed. Mice with overexpression of LPL in skeletal muscle accumulate TG in muscle, develop insulin resistance, are protected from excessive weight gain, and increase their metabolic rate in the cold. Mice with LPL deletion in skeletal muscle have reduced TG accumulation and increased insulin action on glucose transport in muscle. Ultimately, this leads to increased lipid partitioning to other tissues, insulin resistance, and obesity. Mice with LPL deletion in the heart develop hypertriglyceridemia and cardiac dysfunction. The fact that the heart depends increasingly on glucose implies that free fatty acids are not a sufficient fuel for optimal cardiac function. Overall, LPL is a fascinating enzyme that contributes in a pronounced way to normal lipoprotein metabolism, tissue-specific substrate delivery and utilization, and the many aspects of obesity and other metabolic disorders that relate to energy balance, insulin action, and body weight regulation.

Requirement for enzymatically active lipoprotein lipase in neuronal differentiation: a site-directed mutagenesis study

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is well known for its role in the catabolism of plasma triglyceride (Tg)-rich lipoproteins, such as very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicrons. The action of LPL on Tg-rich lipoproteins provides free fatty acids to skeletal muscle and adipose tissues, the main sites of LPL synthesis. Several studies have demonstrated that LPL is widely expressed in the parenchyma of brain tissues. We have recently shown that LPL expression is essential for promoting VLDL-stimulated differentiation of Neuro-2A cells. In the present study, we have generated stably transfected Neuro-2A cell lines expressing either wild-type LPL or various LPL mutants, including three enzymatically inactive variants (Asp156Asn, Gly188Glu and Pro207Leu), an enzymatically defective variant (Asn291Ser) and a variant known to express increased LPL activity (Ser447Ter). In Neuro-2A cells expressing enzymatically inactive LPL variants, VLDL-stimulated differentiation and neurite extension were not observed. However, in Neuro-2A cells expressing partially active or overactive LPL variants, VLDL added to the cultured medium was able to induce the phenotypic differentiation similar to that observed in Neuro-2A cells expressing wild-type LPL. In summary, these data show that the availability of fatty acids, resulting from the catabolism of VLDL by LPL, is required to promote the phenotypical differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. These findings may have significant relevance to lipoprotein metabolism in the brain as well as to the maturation and regeneration of nervous tissues in carriers of mutant LPL.

Lipoprotein lipase and endothelial lipase expression in mouse brain: regional distribution and selective induction following kainic acid-induced lesion and focal cerebral ischemia

Lipoprotein and endothelial lipases are members of the triglyceride lipase gene family. These genes are expressed in the brain, where the encoded proteins are fulfilling functions that have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the distribution of their respective mRNAs in the C57BL/6 mouse brain by in situ hybridization. In control mice, we observed widespread expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA mainly in pyramidal cells of the hippocampus (CA1, CA2 and CA3 areas), in the striatum and in several cortical areas. Endothelial lipase (EL) mRNA expression was restricted to CA3 pyramidal cells of the hippocampus, to ependymal cells in the ventral part of the third ventricle and to some cortical cell layers. To gain insight into the role played by lipases in the brain, neurodegeneration was induced by intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA) or by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Upon injection of KA, a rapid increase in EL mRNA expression was observed in the piriform cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and neocortex. However, the levels of LPL mRNA were unaffected by KA injection. Remarkably, after focal cerebral ischemia, the expression of EL was unaffected whereas a dramatic increase in LPL expression was observed in neocortical areas of the lesioned side of the brain. These results show that LPL and EL transcripts are selectively upregulated in function of the type of brain injury. LPL and EL could thus fulfill a function in the pathophysiological response of the brain to injury.

Distribution of NTS3 receptor/sortilin mRNA and protein in the rat central nervous system

The neurotensin (NT) receptor, NTS3, originally identified as the intracellular sorting protein sortilin, is a member of a recently discovered family of receptors characterized by a single transmembrane domain. The present study provides the first comprehensive description of the distribution of NTS3/sortilin mRNA and protein in adult rat brain using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. Both NTS3/sortilin mRNA and immunoreactivity displayed a widespread distribution throughout the brain. High levels of NTS3/sortilin expression and immunoreactivity were found in neuronal cell bodies and dendrites of allocortical areas such as the piriform cortex and hippocampus. Regions expressing both high levels of NTS3/sortilin mRNA and protein also included several neocortical areas, the islands of Calleja, medial and lateral septal nuclei, amygdaloid nuclei, thalamic nuclei, the supraoptic nucleus, the substantia nigra, and the Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellar cortex. In the brainstem, all cranial nerve motor nuclei were strongly labeled. NTS3/sortilin mRNA and immunoreactivity were also detected over oligodendrocytes in major fiber tracts. Subcellularly, NTS3/sortilin was predominantly concentrated over intracytoplasmic membrane-bound organelles. Many of the areas exhibiting high levels of NTS3/sortilin (e.g., olfactory cortex, medial septum, and periaqueductal gray) have been documented to contain high concentrations of NT nerve cell bodies and axons, supporting the concept that NTS3/sortilin may play a role in NT sorting and/or signaling. Other areas (e.g., hippocampal CA fields, cerebellar cortex, and cranial nerve motor nuclei), however, are NT-negative, suggesting that NTS3/sortilin also exerts functions unrelated to NT signaling.

Lipoprotein lipase affects the survival and differentiation of neural cells exposed to very low density lipoprotein

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key enzyme involved in the metabolism of lipoproteins, providing tissues like adipose tissue or skeletal muscle with fatty acids. LPL is also expressed in the brain, fulfilling yet unknown functions. Using a neuroblastoma cell line transfected with a NEO- or a LPL-expression vector, we have developed a model to study the function of LPL in neurons exposed to native or copper-oxidized lipoproteins. The addition to the culture media of VLDL with 10 microm copper sulfate led to a significant reduction in the viability of NEO transfectants whereas LPL-transfectants were protected from this injury. In the presence of VLDL and CuSO(4), LPL transfectants were even able to display significant neurite extension. This neuritogenic effect was also observed in LPL transfectants exposed to native lipoproteins. However, addition of VLDL particles oxidized with CuSO(4) prior to their addition to the culture media resulted in neurotoxic effects on LPL transfectants. These findings suggest that the presence of LPL in cultured neuronal cells modulates the physiological response of neurons following exposure to native or oxidized lipoproteins. LPL could thus play a key role in the differentiation of Neuro-2A cells and in the pathophysiological effects of oxidative stress in several neurodegenerative disorders.

Lipoprotein lipase: genetics, lipid uptake, and regulation

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) regulates the plasma levels of triglyceride and HDL. Three aspects are reviewed. 1) Clinical implications of human LPL gene variations: common mutations and their effects on plasma lipids and coronary heart disease are discussed. 2) LPL actions in the nervous system, liver, and heart: the discussion focuses on LPL and tissue lipid uptake. 3) LPL gene regulation: the LPL promoter and its regulatory elements are described.

Sciatic nerve lipoprotein lipase is reduced in streptozotocin-induced diabetes and corrected by insulin

The metabolic abnormalities underlying the cause of diabetic neuropathy have been the subject of much debate. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a 56-kDa enzyme produced by several tissues in the body and has recently been shown in vitro to be expressed in cultured Schwann cells, where it is important in phospholipid synthesis. This suggests a role for LPL in myelin biosynthesis in the peripheral nervous system. The aim of this study was to determine if acute streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes reduces the expression and regulation of sciatic nerve LPL in vivo. Adult Sprague Dawley rats were rendered diabetic via an sc injection of STZ. A decrease in sciatic nerve LPL activity was observed in the STZ-treated rats after just 2 d of diabetes and remained significantly reduced for at least 35 d. The decrease in LPL activity coincided temporally with a drop in motor nerve conduction velocity. Treatment with insulin for 4 d showed a normalization of sciatic nerve LPL activity. These results show that STZ-induced diabetes causes a decrease in LPL activity in the sciatic nerve that, as in other tissues, is reversible with insulin treatment. These data may suggest a role for LPL in the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy.

The membrane phospholipid hypothesis as a biochemical basis for the neurodevelopmental concept of schizophrenia

The neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia is becoming an important feature of research in the field. However, its major drawback is that it lacks any biochemical basis which might draw the diverse observations together. It is suggested that the membrane phospholipid hypothesis can provide such a biochemical basis and that the neurodevelopmental phospholipid concept offers a powerful paradigm to guide future research.

Forms of lipoprotein lipase in rat tissues: in adipose tissue the proportion of inactive lipase increases on fasting

Previous studies have shown that the ratio of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) catalytic activity to LPL mass in tissues differs in different conditions, but it is not clear whether this occurs by a change in the catalytic efficiency of the LPL molecules, or because of a shift in the relation between active and inactive forms of the enzyme. To explore this, we have measured LPL activity and mass in detergent extracts of rat tissues. LPL specific activity was high and similar in heart, skeletal muscle, lung and brain. The liver had significantly lower specific activity, which is in accord with previous findings that the liver takes up and catabolizes LPL. The specific activity was also low in adipose tissue from fasted rats. When tissue extracts were applied to columns of heparin-agarose and eluted by a gradient of NaCl, a peak of active LPL was eluted at 1.0 M NaCl, but there was also a peak of inactive LPL protein, which was eluted at 0.6 M NaCl. In adipose tissue, LPL activity decreased by 70-80% during an overnight fast, whereas LPL mass decreased by only 20-40%. The mass ratio between inactive and active LPL, as separated by heparin-agarose chromatography, increased from 0.5 to over 2 during the fast. In hearts there was no significant difference between fed and fasted rats in total LPL activity, LPL mass or in the distribution between inactive and active forms. The results indicate that the relation between inactive (probably monomeric) and active (dimeric) forms of LPL is a target for post-translational regulation in adipose tissue.

Expression in mouse embryos and in adult mouse brain of three members of the amyloid precursor protein family, of the alpha-2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein and of its ligands apolipoprotein E, lipoprotein lipase, alpha-2-macroglobulin and the 40,000 molecular weight receptor-associated protein

We have analysed by northern blotting and by in situ hybridization the expression patterns of eight different genes during the second half of mouse embryonic development and in adult mouse brain: we compared the messenger RNA levels of amyloid precursor protein and of the two amyloid precursor protein-like proteins 1 and 2 and we have analysed expression of apolipoprotein E and of its main receptor in brain, the alpha-2-macroglobulin/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein and three other ligands: the proteinase inhibitor alpha-2-macroglobulin, the modifying enzyme lipoprotein lipase and the 44,000 molecular weight heparin binding protein, a ligand of unknown function. During embryogenesis the temporal expression pattern differs considerably for the three members of the amyloid precursor proteins. Total embryo messenger RNA levels of amyloid precursor protein and amyloid precursor protein-like protein 2 increased progressively, while amyloid precursor protein-like protein 1 messenger RNA showed a burst of synthesis between days 10 and 13 post-coitum. Significantly, expression of the alpha-2-macroglobulin/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein and of its associated protein, the 44,000 molecular weight heparin binding protein, exhibited their most important increase very similar to that of amyloid precursor protein-like protein 1, between days 10 and 13 post-coitum. Apolipoprotein E, lipoprotein lipase and alpha-2-macroglobulin messenger RNA levels in total embryos increased progressively, beginning most pronounced at days 13, 15 and 17, respectively. In mouse embryos, in situ hybridization established amyloid precursor protein, amyloid precursor protein-like protein 2 and alpha-2-macroglobulin/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein messenger RNA to be expressed in most organs, with the notable exception of the liver, while expression of the other studied proteins was much more restricted. Among adult mouse tissues, the genes investigated were expressed very prominently in brain, except for lipoprotein lipase and for the complete absence of alpha-2-macroglobulin messenger RNA. In adult mouse brain, the cortex and hippocampus exhibited strong signals for most genes analysed. Exceptions are lipoprotein lipase and apolipoprotein E messenger RNAs, and the absent alpha-2-macroglobulin messenger RNA. Several interesting features, similarities as well as differences, between brain tissue sections hybridized with probes for amyloid precursor protein, amyloid precursor protein-like proteins 1 and 2 and between alpha-2-macroglobulin/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein and heparin binding protein-44 were observed and are described. The results are further discussed in view of the known or anticipated physiological functions of the proteins examined and of their possible role in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease.

Incorporation of chylomicron fatty acids into the developing rat brain

The developing brain obtains polyunsaturated fatty acids from the circulation, but the mechanism and route of delivery of these fatty acids are undetermined. 14C-labeled chylomicrons were prepared by duodenal infusion of [1-14C]16:0, [1-14C]18:2(n-6), [1-14C]18:3(n-3), or [1-14C]22:6(n-3) into adult donor rats, and were individually injected into hepatectomized 2-wk-old suckling rats. After minor correction for trapped blood in the brain, the incorporation of chylomicron fatty acids after 30 min was nearly half that of a co-injected free fatty acid reference. [1-14C]22:6(n-3)-labeled chylomicrons showed an average 65% greater incorporation than chylomicrons prepared from the other fatty acids. This apparent selectivity may have been partly due to lower oxidation of 22:6(n-3) in the brain compared to the other fatty acids tested, based on recovered water-soluble oxidation products. The bulk of the radioactivity in the brain was found in phospholipid and triacylglycerol, except that animals injected with [1-14C]22:6(n-3) chylomicrons showed considerable incorporation also into the fatty acid fraction instead of triacylglycerol. These data show that chylomicrons may be an important source of fatty acids for the developing rat brain.

A quantitative method for measuring regional in vivo fatty-acid incorporation into and turnover within brain phospholipids: review and critical analysis

An experimental method and its associated mathematical model are described to quantitate in vivo incorporation rates into and turnovers of fatty acids (FAs) within stable brain metabolic compartments, particularly phospholipids. A radiolabeled FA is injected i.v. in a rat, and arterial plasma unacylated FA radioactivities and unlabeled concentrations are sampled until the animal is killed after 15 min, when the brain is analyzed biochemically or with quantitative autoradiography. Unbound unacylated label in blood easily crosses the blood-brain barrier; rapidly equilibrates in the unacylated FA, acyl-CoA and phosphatidate-diacylglycerol brain pools; then is incorporated into phospholipids and other stable metabolic compartments. Uptake and incorporation of labeled FAs are independent of cerebral blood flow at constant brain blood volume. Different labeled FAs enter specific sn positions of different brain phospholipids, suggesting that a combination of probes can be used to investigate metabolism of these phospholipids. Thus, [9,10-3-H]palmitate preferentially labels the sn1 position of phosphatidylcholine; [1-14C]arachidonate the sn2 positions of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine; and [1-14C]docosahexaenoate the sn2 positions of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine. The FA model provides an operational equation for rates of incorporation of FAs into brain phospholipids, taking into account intracerebral recycling and de novo synthesis of the FA, as well as entry into brain of FA from acylated blood sources. The equation is essentially independent of specific details of the proposed model, and can be used to calculate turnovers and half-lives of FAs within different phospholipid classes. For the model to be most applicable, experiments should satisfy conditions for pulse-labeling of the phospholipids, with brain sampling times short enough to minimize exchange of label between stable metabolic compartments. A 15-20 min sampling time satisfies these criteria. The FA method has been used to elucidate the dynamics of brain phospholipids metabolism in relation to brain development, brain tumor, chronically reduced auditory input, transient ischemic insult, axotomy with and without nerve regeneration, and cholinergic stimulation in animals with or without a chronic unilateral lesion of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis.