Effects of systemic inflammation on the network oscillation in the anterior cingulate cortex and cognitive behavior.

Network oscillation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a key role in attention, novelty detection and anxiety; however, its involvement in cognitive impairment caused by acute systemic inflammation is unclear. To investigate the acute effects of systemic inflammation on ACC network oscillation and cognitive function, we analyzed cytokine level and cognitive performance as well as network oscillation in the mouse ACC Cg1 region, within 4 hours after lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 30 µg/kg) administration. While the interleukin-6 concentration in the serum was evidently higher in LPS-treated mice, the increases in the cerebral cortex interleukin-6 did not reach statistical significance. The power of kainic acid (KA)-induced network oscillation in the ACC Cg1 region slice preparation increased in LPS-treated mice. Notably, histamine, which was added in vitro, increased the oscillation power in the brain slices from LPS-untreated mice; for the LPS-treated mice, however, the effect of histamine was suppressive. In the open field test, frequency of entries into the center area showed a negative correlation with the power of network oscillation (0.3 µM of KA, theta band (3-8 Hz); 3.0 µM of KA, high-gamma band (50-80 Hz)). These results suggest that LPS-induced systemic inflammation results in increased network oscillation and a drastic change in histamine sensitivity in the ACC, accompanied by the robust production of systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines in the periphery, and that these alterations in the network oscillation and animal behavior as an acute phase reaction relate with each other. We suggest that our experimental setting has a distinct advantage in obtaining mechanistic insights into inflammatory cognitive impairment through comprehensive analyses of hormonal molecules and neuronal functions.

Group IVA phospholipase A2 participates in the progression of hepatic fibrosis.

Group IVA phospholipase A2 (IVA-PLA2) is an enzyme that intiates the arachidonic acid pathway and plays an important role in inflammation. We demonstrate that IVA-PLA2 deficiency suppresses lipid deposition in the liver, which was induced by administration of a high-fat and -cholesterol diet (HFCD) for 16 wk in mice. Herein, we performed 2-dimensional gel-based comparative proteomics to further define the suppressive effect of IVA-PLA2 deficiency on fatty liver formation. In comparisons among 4 groups, wild-type (WT)/normal diet (ND), IVA-PLA2-deficient knockout (KO)/ND, WT/HFCD, and KO/HFCD, 4 proteins, 3 of which are associated with hepatic fibrosis, were identified as molecules, of which altered expression by HFCD was suppressed in KO mice compared to WT mice. Therefore, we assessed the effect of IVA-PLA2 deficiency on hepatic fibrosis induced by HFCD or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mouse models. Biochemical and histological analyses revealed that IVA-PLA2 deficiency markedly reduced overall collagen accumulation in the liver of HFCD- and CCl4-derived mouse models. We found that IVA-PLA2 deficiency prevented activation of hepatic stellate cells and infiltration of F4/80-positive macrophages without affecting other immunocytes such as CD8+ lymphocytes and natural killer cells. In summary, IVA-PLA2 deficiency attenuates not only lipid deposition in the liver but also hepatic fibrosis formation.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha contributes to blood pressure increases and endothelial dysfunction under chronic NO inhibition.

OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide (NO) is an important modulator of cardiovascular function. In this study, we examined whether cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α), an initial enzyme in the arachidonic acid pathway, is involved in blood pressure (BP) elevation in a murine model of chronic NO inhibition. METHODS AND RESULTS: cPLA2α gene-deficient mice (cPLA2α-/-) and wild-type mice (WT) were administered the NO synthesis inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) for 4 weeks. Before treatment, BP was comparable in both groups; it increased significantly in the WT but not in the cPLA2α-/- after treatment. Bone marrow transplantation experiments showed that cPLA2α in blood cells and plasma eicosanoid concentrations were not involved in BP elevation by L-NAME treatment. Activation of cPLA2α and subsequent production of eicosanoids in the aortic endothelium but not in aortic smooth muscle cell, heart, or kidney was observed after L-NAME treatment. Aortic ring assays revealed that endothelial function was comparable in both groups of mice before treatment. L-NAME treatment disturbed endothelial function in WT but not in cPLA2α-/-. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that endothelial cPLA2α may play a principal role in L-NAME-induced hypertension and may be a target molecule for maintaining endothelial function under NO inhibition.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha mediates Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS-induced airway constriction of CFTR -/- mice.

BACKGROUND: Lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Increased airway constriction has been reported in CF patients but underplaying mechanisms have not been elucidated. AIM: To examine the effect of P. aeruginosa LPS on airway constriction in CF mice and the implication in this process of cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2alpha), an enzyme involved in arachidonic acid (AA) release. METHODS: Mice were instilled intra-nasally with LPS. Airway constriction was assessed using barometric plethysmograph. MIP-2, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), leukotrienes and AA concentrations were measured in BALF using standard kits and gas chromatography. RESULTS: LPS induced enhanced airway constriction and AA release in BALF of CF compared to littermate mice. This was accompanied by increased levels of PGE2, but not those of leukotrienes. However, airway neutrophil influx and MIP-2 production remained similar in both mouse strains. The cPLA2alpha inhibitor arachidonyl trifluoro-methyl-ketone (ATK), but not aspirin which inhibit PGE2 synthesis, reduced LPS-induced airway constriction. LPS induced lower airway constriction and PGE2 production in cPLA2alpha -/- mice compared to corresponding littermates. Neither aspirin nor ATK interfered with LPS-induced airway neutrophil influx or MIP-2 production. CONCLUSIONS: CF mice develop enhanced airway constriction through a cPLA2alpha-dependent mechanism. Airway inflammation is dissociated from airway constriction in this model. cPLA2alpha may represent a suitable target for therapeutic intervention in CF. Attenuation of airway constriction by cPLA2alpha inhibitors may help to ameliorate the clinical status of CF patients.

The cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor, etodolac, but not aspirin reduces neovascularization in a murine ischemic hind limb model.

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors are often prescribed to relieve severe ischemic leg pain in critical ischemic limb patients. Prescription of high doses of aspirin and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors is reported to increase cardiovascular events through suppression of the vasodilative prostanoid prostaglandin I(2) in endothelium. Here, we evaluated the influence of aspirin and etodolac, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, on neovascularization using a murine ischemia hind limb model. C57BL/6J mice were treated with aspirin or etodolac for twenty-eight days after induction of ischemia. We exploited a concentration of the agents that suppressed cyclooxygenase activity efficiently, especially in prostaglandin I(2) production. Recovery of limb blood perfusion and capillary density in ischemic limbs was significantly suppressed by etodolac treatment when compared to the aspirin treated group and untreated group. Production of 6-keto prostaglandin F(1alpha) and prostaglandin E(2) was lower in the aspirin treated group when compared with the etodolac-treated group. Also, these concentrations were lower in both treatment groups compared with the untreated group. Immunohistochemical analysis suggested cyclooxygenase-2 was expressed in endothelium but not in inflammatory cells in ischemic tissue from the acute to chronic phase. Cyclooxygenase-1 was expressed strongly in inflammatory cells in the acute phase. Furthermore, bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell transplantation improved neovascularization, whereas aspirin and etodolac did not inhibit these effects. Production of arachidonic acid metabolites by transplanted cells was independent of the improvement of neovascularization. In conclusion, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition reduces ischemia-induced neovascularization.

Lipopolysaccharide exposure is linked to activation of the acute phase response and growth failure in pediatric Crohn's disease and murine colitis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been linked to clinical disease activity in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We hypothesized that markers of LPS exposure and the acute phase response (APR) would be increased in pediatric IBD patients with growth failure, and that LPS signaling would be required for induction of the APR in murine colitis. METHODS: Serum markers of LPS exposure, endotoxin core IgA antibody (EndoCAb), and the APR, LPS binding protein (LBP) were quantified in pediatric IBD patients and controls. LBP and cytokine production were determined after administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) enemas to mice with genetic deletion of Toll-Like receptor 4 (TLR4), and wildtype (WT) controls. RESULTS: Serum EndoCAb and LBP were significantly elevated in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), compared to disease controls with ulcerative colitis (UC) and healthy controls (P < 0.001). This was independent of disease activity or location. CD patients with elevated serum EndoCAb and LBP exhibited linear growth failure which persisted during therapy. Serum LBP increased in WT mice following TNBS administration, in conjunction with increased serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10, and expansion of regulatory T-cell numbers. Both the APR and expansion of foxp3+ T cells were abrogated in TLR4-deficient mice, in conjunction with a reduction in acute weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: LPS exposure and a persistent APR are associated with growth failure in pediatric CD. LPS signaling is required for the APR in murine colitis. Therapies targeting this pathway may benefit the subset of patients with refractory growth failure.

Modulation of lipid and protein mediators of inflammation by cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha during experimental sepsis.

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha (cPLA(2)alpha) is one of the key enzymes in lipid mediator generation. It preferentially hydrolyzes arachidonoyl-phospholipid in response to cellular stimuli, liberating arachidonic acid, the shared precursor of PGs and leukotrienes. Mice with disruption of the cPLA(2)alpha gene exhibit a more than 80% decrease in the generation of these lipid mediators, leading to dramatic phenotypes in various models of inflammatory and allergic disease. In this study, we use the cecal ligation and puncture model of sepsis along with multiplex quantitation systems to explore interactions between eicosanoids and protein mediators. cPLA(2)alpha-deficient mice exhibited significantly less weight loss accompanied by decreased generation of PGs, leukotriene B(4), IL-6, and CCL2. Despite these differences, genetic ablation of cPLA(2)alpha did not provide any survival advantage. Unexpectedly, abundant production of 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid, another arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediator, was found to be unaffected by disruption of the cPLA(2)alpha gene. Eicosanoid production preceded the production of cytokines. Eicosanoid modulation of IL-6 and CCL2 expression was suggested by scattergram analyses. These results provide in vivo evidence for the rapid generation of eicosanoids, regulatory role(s) for cPLA(2)alpha-derived lipid mediators on protein mediator production, and the existence of a robust cPLA(2)alpha-independent pathway(s) of eicosanoid generation.

Inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) suppresses production of cholesteryl ester through the reesterification of free cholesterol but not formation of foam cells in oxidized LDL-stimulated macrophages.

Macrophage-derived foam cells are formed as a result of the accumulation of cholesteryl ester (CE) not only in cytoplasm where CE is produced by the reesterification of free cholesterol derived from oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) undergoing hydrolysis, but also in lysosomes where the remaining CE of OxLDL is deposited. We examined the possible involvement of cytosolic phospholipase A(2)s (cPLA(2)s) in the production of CE through the reesterification and in the formation of foam cells. In [(3)H]oleic acid-labeled human acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1) cell-derived macrophages (THP-M) and mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM), which possessed at least cPLA(2)alpha and cPLA(2)gamma, stimulation with OxLDL induced the production of [(3)H]cholesteryl oleate ([(3)H]CE).The production was suppressed by an inhibitor of cPLA(2)s. However, the inhibitor tended to slightly decrease total intracellular levels of CE, and did not affect the formation of foam cells, as estimated by staining with Oil Red O. In cPLA(2)alpha-knockout MPM, OxLDL-induced increases in [(3)H]CE and total CE did not differ from those in wild-type MPM. Our results suggest that cPLA(2)s other than cPLA(2)alpha contribute to the supply of fatty acids, which are utilized for the production of CE through the reesterification, in OxLDL-stimulated macrophages. However, the formation of foam cells could not be inhibited only by the suppression of cPLA(2)-mediated CE production.

Roles of nitric oxide as a vasodilator in neurovascular coupling of mouse somatosensory cortex.

Neural activities trigger regional vasodilation in the brain. Diffusible messengers such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostanoids are considered to work as vasodilators in neurovascular coupling. However, their roles are still controversial. In the present study, cortical images of neural activities and vasodilation were recorded through the intact skull of C57BL/6 mice anesthetized with urethane. Flavoprotein fluorescence responses elicited by vibratory hindpaw stimulation were followed by darkening of arteriole images reflecting vasodilation in the somatosensory cortex. Vasodilation was also observed in light reflection images at the wavelength of 570 nm in the same mice. We perfused the surface of the cortex under the skull with 100 microM N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NA), an inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS), and 10 microM indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX). These drugs suppressed vasodilation without changing flavoprotein fluorescence responses. A mixture of l-NA and indomethacin almost completely eliminated vasodilation. In mice lacking neuronal NOS (nNOS), activity-dependent vasodilation was significantly suppressed compared with that in littermate control mice, while that in mice lacking cytosolic phospholipase A2 alpha (cPLA2alpha) was unchanged. These results indicate that NO works as a vasodilator in neurovascular coupling of the mouse somatosensory cortex.

Biochemical properties and pathophysiological roles of cytosolic phospholipase A2s.

Phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) (EC 3.1.1.4) catalyzes hydrolysis of the sn-2 ester bond of glycerophospholipids. The enzyme is essential for the production of two classes of lipid mediators, fatty acid metabolites and lysophospholipid-related lipids, as well as being involved in the remodeling of membrane phospholipids. Among many mammalian PLA(2)s, cytosolic PLA(2)alpha (cPLA(2)alpha) plays a critical role in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions through generating lipid mediators. Here, we summarize the in vivo significance of cPLA(2)alpha, revealed from the phenotypes of cPLA(2)alpha-null mice, and properties of newly discovered cPLA(2) family enzymes. We also briefly introduce a quantitative lipidomics strategy using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, a powerful tool for the comprehensive analysis of lipid mediators.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 alpha-deficient mice are resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a Th1-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), is a model of human multiple sclerosis. Cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2alpha), which initiates production of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and platelet-activating factor, is present in EAE lesions. Using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) immunization, as well as an adoptive transfer model, we showed that cPLA2alpha-/- mice are resistant to EAE. Histologic examination of the CNS from MOG-immunized mice revealed extensive inflammatory lesions in the cPLA2alpha+/- mice, whereas the lesions in cPLA2alpha-/- mice were reduced greatly or completely absent. MOG-specific T cells generated from WT mice induced less severe EAE in cPLA2alpha-/- mice compared with cPLA2alpha+/- mice, which indicates that cPLA2alpha plays a role in the effector phase of EAE. Additionally, MOG-specific T cells from cPLA2alpha-/- mice, transferred into WT mice, induced EAE with delayed onset and lower severity compared with EAE that was induced by control cells; this indicates that cPLA2alpha also plays a role in the induction phase of EAE. MOG-specific T cells from cPLA2alpha-/- mice were deficient in production of Th1-type cytokines. Consistent with this deficiency, in vivo administration of IL-12 rendered cPLA2alpha-/- mice susceptible to EAE. Our data indicate that cPLA2alpha plays an important role in EAE development and facilitates differentiation of T cells toward the Th1 phenotype.

A multiplex quantitation method for eicosanoids and platelet-activating factor using column-switching reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Eicosanoids and platelet-activating factor (PAF) are phospholipid-derived lipid mediators produced by various tissues and cells through a cascade pathway. For a comprehensive analysis of these lipid mediators, a simultaneous quantitation method with sensitivity and reliability is necessary. This article details a development of column-switching reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for multiplex quantitation of eicosanoids and PAF. The adsorptive nature of lipids caused significant loss of signal in a conventional column-switching configuration. The use of an online-dilution method allowed use of 100% methanol as a sample solvent, which prevented sample adsorption to contacting surfaces. Addition of 0.2% formic acid to the sample solvent was required for the successful introduction of LTC4 to the trapping column and minimizing its carryover. The optimized method provided rapid analysis of 14 lipid mediators with a throughput of 96 samples/24 h, lower limits of quantitation of 5 pg on column, and linear calibration ranges up to 2000-5000 pg. The system was highly compatible with solid-phase-extracted samples, as methanol-eluted fractions were directly injected without reconstitution. The analysis of lipid mediator production of macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells demonstrated that the cell-based assay can be performed in a 96-well format, suitable for metabolomics analyses and/or screening strategies.

Identification of novel cytosolic phospholipase A(2)s, murine cPLA(2){delta}, {epsilon}, and {zeta}, which form a gene cluster with cPLA(2){beta}.

Phospholipase A(2) hydrolyzes the sn-2 ester bond of glycerophospholipids that produce free fatty acids and lysophospholipids. Cytosolic phospholipase A(2)s (cPLA(2), group IV) are a subgroup of enzymes that act on the intracellular phospholipid membrane. The best investigated cPLA(2)alpha (group IVA) is a key enzyme for lipid mediator production in vivo. Here we report cloning and characterization of novel murine cPLA(2)s: cPLA(2)delta (group IVD), cPLA(2)epsilon (group IVE), and cPLA(2)zeta (group IVF), that form a gene cluster with cPLA(2)beta (group IVB). The deduced amino acid sequences of cPLA(2)delta, epsilon, and zeta demonstrated a conserved domain structure of cPLA(2), i.e. one C2 domain and one lipase domain. The potential catalytic dyad, Ser and Asp, was conserved for these newly cloned cPLA(2)s along with relatively high conservation for the surrounding residues. Transcripts of murine cPLA(2)delta, epsilon, and zeta appeared to be enriched in certain organs rather than ubiquitous distribution. Major Northern signals for cPLA(2)delta were detected in placenta, cPLA(2)epsilon in thyroid, heart, and skeletal muscle, and cPLA(2)zeta in thyroid. Recombinant proteins expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells demonstrated molecular sizes of about 100 kDa by Western blotting and exhibited Ca(2+)-dependent PLA(2) activities on 1-palmitoyl-2-[(14)C]arachidonoyl-phosphatidylcholine substrate. In contrast to cPLA(2)alpha, cPLA(2)zeta preferred phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine. Intracellular localization was visualized by green fluorescent-tagged proteins. Each molecule showed specific localization, and cPLA(2)delta translocated from the cytosol to the perinuclear region by calcium-ionophore stimulation. We thus discovered these functional novel cPLA(2) genes, which cluster on murine chromosome 2E5.

Pathway-oriented profiling of lipid mediators in macrophages.

Macrophages produce various kinds of lipid mediators including eicosanoids and platelet-activating factor. Since they are produced from common precursors, arachidonic acid-containing phospholipids, regulations of metabolic pathways underlie the patterning of lipid mediator production. Here, we report a pathway-oriented profiling strategy of lipid mediators by a newly developed multiplex quantification system. We profiled mouse peritoneal macrophages in different activation states. The analysis of kinetics revealed the differences in the production time course of various lipid mediators, which also differed by the macrophage types. Scatterplot matrix analysis of the inhibitor study revealed correlations of lipid mediator species. The changes of these correlations provided estimates on the effects of lipopolysaccharide priming. We also found a highly linked production of 11-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and prostaglandin E2, implying the in vivo property of cyclooxygenase-mediated 11-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid production. The present approach will serve as a strategy for understanding the regulatory mechanism of lipid mediator production.

Group X secretory phospholipase A2 can induce arachidonic acid release and eicosanoid production without activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 alpha.

Group X secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-X) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 alpha (cPLA2alpha) are involved in the release of arachidonic acid (AA) from membrane phospholipids linked to the eicosanoid production in various pathological states. Recent studies have indicated the presence of various types of cross-talk between sPLA2s and cPLA2alpha resulting in effective AA release. Here we examined the dependence of sPLA2-X-induced potent AA release on the cPLA2alpha activation by using specific cPLA2alpha or sPLA2 inhibitors as well as cPLA2alpha-deficient mice. We found that Pyrrophenone, a cPLA2alpha-specific inhibitor, did not suppress the sPLA2-X-induced potent AA release and prostaglandin E2 formation in mouse spleen cells. Furthermore, the amount of AA released by sPLA2-X from spleen cells was not significantly altered by cPLA2alpha deficiency. These results suggest that sPLA2-X induces potent AA release without activation of cPLA2a, which might be relevant to eicosanoid production in some pathological states where cPLA2a is not activated.

Short report: Lethal malaria in cytosolic phospholipase A2- and phospholipase A2IIA-deficient mice.

Lipid mediators play important roles in the pathogenesis of malaria. Phospholipase A2s are enzymes involved in the production of these mediators, and they function in inflammation. Among them, cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of arachidonic acid, the first intermediate in the production of lipid mediators. Plasmodium berghei ANKA causes cerebral malaria in CL57B/6 mice, and we recently produced cPLA2-deficient mice with this background. With the expectation of reduced pathogenicity, we performed experimental infection in these mice. Unexpectedly, the infected mice developed cerebral malaria and died at the same time as the control mice, while the parasitemia progressed similarly in both groups. These observations suggest that secretory PLA2s rather than cPLA2 may be involved in the aggravation, although possible compensation by the induction of other enzymes has not been excluded. The present findings are expected to help clarify the involvement of various phospholipase A2s in malaria.

B-Myb-dependent regulation of c-Myc expression by cytosolic phospholipase A2.

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) cleaves membrane phospholipids to release arachidonic acid, initiating lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways. Mice lacking a gene for cPLA(2) suggested important roles of the protein in allergic responses, fertility, and neural cell death. Here we show that cPLA(2) negatively regulates c-Myc expression in a B-Myb-dependent manner. Overexpression of cPLA(2) protein but not a mutant cPLA(2) protein that lacks in vitro binding ability with B-Myb inhibits B-Myb-dependent c-myc gene expression. The inhibition was associated with physical interaction of B-Myb protein with cPLA(2) both in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Binding site analysis demonstrated that both the N and C termini of cPLA(2) interact with B-Myb. Macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF) stimulated cPLA(2) redistribution into the nucleus and also association with B-Myb in human monocytes. Importantly, macrophages from mice with a disrupted cPLA(2) gene demonstrated significantly increased levels of c-Myc protein in the nucleus compared with cells from the wild-type mice, whereas B-Myb levels were similar in the cells from the cPLA(2)(+/+) and cPLA(2)(-/-) mice. Moreover, an introduction of cPLA(2) into cPLA(2)(-/-) mouse macrophages resulted in decreased c-Myc protein levels, and an inhibition of cPLA(2) expression by small interfering RNAs or antisense RNA increased the c-myc transcription in macrophage colony stimulating factor-activated human monocytes. These findings provide new insights into the function of cPLA(2) in B-Myb-dependent gene expression.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha-deficient mice are resistant to collagen-induced arthritis.

Pathogenic mechanisms relevant to rheumatoid arthritis occur in the mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2alpha) releases arachidonic acid from cell membranes to initiate the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These inflammatory mediators have been implicated in the development of CIA. To test the hypothesis that cPLA2alpha plays a key role in the development of CIA, we backcrossed cPLA2alpha-deficient mice on the DBA/1LacJ background that is susceptible to CIA. The disease severity scores and the incidence of disease were markedly reduced in cPLA2alpha-deficient mice compared with wild-type littermates. At completion of the study, >90% of the wild-type mice had developed disease whereas none of the cPLA2alpha-deficient mice had more than one digit inflamed. Furthermore, visual disease scores correlated with severity of disease determined histologically. Pannus formation, articular fibrillation, and ankylosis were all dramatically reduced in the cPLA2alpha-deficient mice. Although the disease scores differed significantly between cPLA2alpha mutant and wild-type mice, anti-collagen antibody levels were similar in the wild-type mice and mutant littermates. These data demonstrate the critical role of cPLA2alpha in the pathogenesis of CIA.

An essential role of cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha in prostaglandin E2-mediated bone resorption associated with inflammation.

Prostaglandin E (PGE)2 produced by osteoblasts acts as a potent stimulator of bone resorption. Inflammatory bone loss is accompanied by osteoclast formation induced by bone-resorbing cytokines, but the mechanism of PGE2 production and bone resorption in vivo is not fully understood. Using cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2alpha)-null mice, we examined the role of cPLA2alpha in PGE2 synthesis and bone resorption. In bone marrow cultures, interleukin (IL)-1 markedly stimulated PGE2 production and osteoclast formation in wild-type mice, but not in cPLA2alpha-null mice. Osteoblastic bone marrow stromal cells induced the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and membrane-bound PGE2 synthase (mPGES) in response to IL-1 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to produce PGE2. Osteoblastic stromal cells collected from cPLA2alpha-null mice also induced the expression of COX-2 and mPGES by IL-1 and LPS, but could not produce PGE2 due to the lack of arachidonic acid release. LPS administration to wild-type mice reduced femoral bone mineral density by increased bone resorption. In cPLA2alpha-null mice, however, LPS-induced bone loss could not be observed at all. Here, we show that cPLA2alpha plays a key role in PGE production by osteoblasts and in osteoclastic bone resorption, and suggest a new approach to inflammatory bone disease by inhibiting cPLA2alpha.