Localization of Nonpancreatic Secretory Phospholipase A 2 in Normal and Atherosclerotic Arteries

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Secretory nonpancreatic type II phospholipase A2 (snpPLA2) hydrolyzes fatty acids at the sn-2 position in phospholipids releasing free fatty acids (FFAs) and lysophospholipids. These products may act as intracellular second messengers or can be further metabolized into proinflammatory lipid mediators. The presence of snpPLA2 in extracellular fluids and serum during inflammation has suggested a role of the enzyme in this process. However, the presence of snpPLA2 in a variety of normal tissues suggests that snpPLA2 may also have physiological functions. Atherosclerosis appears to have an inflammatory component. Here we report on the snpPLA2 localization in normal and atherosclerotic lesions and on the properties of the isolated enzyme. A strong snpPLA2 immunoreactivity was observed in the arterial media that was colocalized with α-actin–positive vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in both normal and atherosclerotic vessels. In aortic atherosclerotic lesions, snpPLA2 was observed colocalized with CD68-positi...