MODIFICATION OF PHOSPHOLIPID CATABOLISM IN MICROSOMAL-MEMBRANES OF GAMMA-IRRADIATED CAULIFLOWER (BRASSICA-OLERACEA L)

Acceleration of membrane deterioration has been observed recently during storage of gamma-irradiated cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L., Botrytis group). In the present study, the activity of microsome-associated lipolytic enzymes was investigated in cauliflower florets exposed to 0 or 4 kilograys of gamma radiation and stored for 8 d at 13-degrees-C. Radiolabeled breakdown products obtained from the metabolism of (16:0/18:2*)-phosphatidylcholine and (16:0/16:0)-phos-phatidyl-[N-methyl-H-3]choline by microsomal membranes indicated that phospholipase D (EC 3.1.4.4), phosphatidic acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.4), and lipolytic acyl hydrolase were associated with the membranes. The rate of phosphatidylcholine catabolism by the membranes increased slowly in control cauliflower during storage. Gamma irradiation caused an immediate rise in phosphatidylcholine catabolism that remained higher than that of the controls during subsequent storage. Collectively, the data suggest that enhancement of membrane lipolytic activity results from free-radical-induced stress. Rapid increase of the membrane-associated phospholipase D activity may be a key event leading to accelerated membrane deterioration following gamma irradiation.