Comparison of leukotriene A4 metabolism into leukotriene C4 by human platelets and endothelial cells.

Leukotriene (LT) A4 metabolism was studied in human platelets and endothelial cells, since both cells could be involved in transcellular formation of LTC4. Upon addition of exogenous LTA4, both cells produced LTC4 as a major metabolite at various incubation times, and no LTB4, LTD4, or LTE4 was detected. Kinetic studies revealed a higher apparent Km for LTA4 in endothelial cells as compared to platelets (5.8 microM for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) versus 1.3 microM for platelets); platelets were more efficient in this reaction with a higher Vmax (174 pmol/mg protein/min) versus 15 pmol/mg protein/min in HUVEC. The formation of LTC4 and corresponding kinetic parameters were not modified when platelets or endothelial cells were stimulated by thrombin prior to or simultaneously with the addition of LTA4. In both cells LTC4 synthase activity was not modified by repeated addition of LTA4 showing that it is not a suicide-inactivated enzyme. Furthermore, in platelets and endothelial cells, the enzyme activity was localized in the membrane fraction and was distinct from cytosolic glutathione-S-transferases. Platelet membrane fractions showed apparent Km values of 31 microM and 1.2 mM for LTA4 and GSH, respectively. Inhibition of LTC4 formation from platelets and endothelial cells preparations by S-substituted glutathione derivatives was correlated to the length of the S-alkyl chain. The same substances inhibited cytosolic glutathione-S-transferases with significantly lower IC50, confirming the distinct nature of the two enzymes. These results show that platelets and HUVEC possess similar enzymes for the production of LTC4 from LTA4; however, platelets seem to have a higher efficiency than HUVEC in performing this reaction.