Bicuculline induces free fatty acid release from phospholipids in neuro-2A cells in culture.

This study characterizes free fatty acid release in a neuroblastoma cell line (Neuro-2A), a potential model system for the study of factors that control phospholipase A2 in neurons. Two compounds, bicuculline (an antagonist at gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors), and A23187 (a Ca2+ ionophore), were examined. The release of endogenous fatty acids and the turnover of radiolabeled arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids were measured. The cells actively incorporated radiolabeled fatty acids into various glycerolipid pools. Both endogenous fatty acids and radiolabeled fatty acids were released from glycerolipids in a time-dependent manner. Phosphatidylcholine was a major source of released fatty acids. Release of free fatty acids was markedly stimulated by both bicuculline and A23187. We conclude that the Neuro-2A cells contain phospholipase activity that is sensitive to Ca2+ ionophore and bicuculline, and may provide a good system for further studies on the regulation of phospholipase A2 in neurons.