Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent Ca2+ mobilization triggered by a lipid factor isolated from vitreous body

A complex phospholipid from bovine vitreous body with a strong Ca2+-mobilizing activity has been recently isolated to homogeneity by our group. In this work, a sequential analysis of its transmembrane signaling pathway has been undertaken to characterize the intracellular mechanisms responsible for the Ca2+ rise. The results show that this phospholipid induces, in a dose-dependent manner (ED50 of around 0.25 mu g/ml), a Ca2+ mobilization from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-insensitive intracellular stores, with no participation of extracellular Ca2+. Upon repeated administration, it shows no signs of autologous desensitization, does not induce heterologous desensitization of the L-alpha-lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor but is desensitized by the previous administration of LPA. The Ca2+-mobilizing activity requires a membrane protein, is blocked after pre-incubation of the cells with pertussis tcPxin and phorbol eaters, as well as by U73122 tan inhibitor of phospholipases C/D, R59022 (a diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor), and D609 (which inhibits phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C). Upon administration of this phospholipid, the intracellular levels of phosphatidic acid (PA) rise with a time course that parallels that of the Ca2+ mobilization, suggesting that PA could be responsible for this Ca2+ signal. Exposure to AACOCF(3) (a specific inhibitor of phospholipase A(2)) does not modify the Ca2+ rise, ruling out the possibility that the PA generated could be further converted to LPA by the action of phospholipase A(2). Based on the experimental data obtained, a signaling pathway involving a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C coupled to diacylglycerol kinase is proposed. This compound may represent a new class of bioactive lipids with a putative role in the physiology of the vitreous body.