Loss of cytosolic 15-lipoxygenase activity in A23187-stimulated human leukocytes: involvement of a translocation process?

We focused our study on the subcellular redistribution of 15-lipoxygenase in human leukocytes challenged with A23187 and arachidonic acid (AA). We found that in cytosolic fractions of stimulated cells the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) activity, measured as 15-HETE, was 65% less than in controls. However, no activity was found in cell membranes. This effect was complete within 2 min of incubation and was correlated in a dose dependent manner to exogenously added AA. No significant difference in cytosolic distribution of 15-LO activity was observed when cells were stimulated in presence of various concentrations of Ca++. Immunoblot analysis showed that the loss of cytosolic 15-LO activity registered after challenging with A23187 was associated with a concomitant loss of the enzyme content in the cytosol, suggesting the possibility of a translocation process. Neither the 15-LO activity nor the enzyme was, however, found in the cell membrane under our present experimental conditions. But, addition of protease inhibitors showed a slight increase of 15-LO activity in the membrane fraction. Despite the small effect, this may indicate a translocation of 15-LO following challenge of human leukocytes with A23187.