Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (L-alpha-lecithin) stimulates phospholipase A2 activity in human amnion

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1990 Jul 16;170(1):328-35. doi: 10.1016/0006-291x(90)91278-z.

Abstract

In order to investigate the mechanism of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC, L-alpha-lecithin) stimulation of the prostaglandin E (PGE) production of the amniotic membrane, effects of DPPC (50-800 micrograms/ml) on phospholipase A2 (PLA2), phospholipase C (PLC), PG endoperoxide synthase, and PGE synthase activities of human amniotic membrane were studied. Only PLA2 activity was increased by DPPC, suggesting that lecithin, the major surfactant component, increases the PGE production of the amniotic membrane by activating PLA2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine / pharmacology*
  • Amnion / drug effects
  • Amnion / enzymology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Phospholipases / metabolism*
  • Phospholipases A / metabolism*
  • Phospholipases A2
  • Pregnancy
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / metabolism
  • Prostaglandins E / biosynthesis*
  • Type C Phospholipases / metabolism

Substances

  • Prostaglandins E
  • 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
  • Phospholipases
  • Phospholipases A
  • Phospholipases A2
  • Type C Phospholipases