Phospholipase C activator m-3M3FBS affects Ca2+ homeostasis independently of phospholipase C activation.

In this study, we have investigated responses to the phospholipase C (PLC) activator m-3M3FBS in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. As measured using fura-2, m-3M3FBS caused a slowly developing - full response was obtained within 4-6 min - Ca(2+) elevation both in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca(2+), indicating Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores, putatively from endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. PLC activity was also measured using two methods, the classical ion-exchange separation and the more novel fluorescent real-time method. In the time frame in which m-3M3FBS caused Ca(2+) elevation (up to 7 min), no PLC activation was detected. Instead, more than 20 min were required to see any inositol phosphate generation in response to m-3M3FBS. m-3M3FBS also interfered with store-operated Ca(2+) influx and Ca(2+) extrusion. In conclusion, m-3M3FBS cannot be considered either potent or specific PLC activator.