ROLES OF CALCIUM-INDEPENDENT PHOSPHOLIPASE A₂ IN ACUTE INFLAMMATION

Abstract

　　Phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) is an essential enzyme regulating inflammatory processes. However, the relationship between calcium-independent PLA₂ and acute inflammation remains unclear. The cytotoxicity of mesenteric lymph is one of the pathogenic mechanisms of multiple organ failure following hemorrhagic shock. We have identified biologically active lysophospholipids with unsaturated fatty acids that are elaborated through the activation of iPLA₂γ. In addition, we have demonstrated that iPLA₂γ may be involved in multiple PMN cytotoxic functions (respiratory burst, degranulation, chemotaxis, adherence, and surface expression of adhesion molecules) as well as the adherence cascade in the mesenteric microcirculation. Taken together, it is likely that the iPLA₂γ enzyme plays crucial roles in acute inflammatory conditions.