Induction of prostanoid synthesis in human platelets by the late complement components C5b-9 and channel forming antibiotic nystatin: inhibition of the reacylation of liberated arachidonic acid.

Treatment of human platelets by the purified late complement components C5b-9 results in a dose- and time-dependent release of prostaglandin E (PGE) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2). To study the mechanism underlying the complement-induced prostanoid synthesis, we examined whether C5b-9 affected the enzyme acyl-coA:lysolecithin acyltransferase (E.C.2.3.1.2.3) that catalyzes the reinsertion of liberated arachidonic acid, the precursor molecule of the prostanoids. With C5b-9 doses sufficient to induce prostanoid synthesis, the activity of lysolecithin acyltransferase, measured as conversion of lysophosphatidyl choline to phosphatidyl choline, was inhibited. For comparison, another channel-forming substance, nystatin, was studied. Nystatin had an effect similar to C5b-9: PGE and TXB2 release was stimulated, whereas acyltransferase activity was inhibited. These finding support the concept that inhibition of lysolecithin acyltransferase might be the prerequisite for prostanoid production.