Characterization of phospholipase A2 activity in aspirates of human pancreatic pseudocysts after isolation by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.

Phospholipase A (PLA) is able to attack membrane phospholipids and thereby plays a putative role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic pseudocysts. We looked for PLA2-like activity in aspirates from human pancreatic pseudocysts. In material originating from one cyst which occurred shortly after an acute pancreatitis attack, hydrolyzing enzymatic activity measured by a sensitive bioassay system for PLA2 activity was found without prior trypsin activation (67 x 10(3) U/min/100 microliters). A biochemical characterization of this hydrolyzing enzymatic activity was provided after resolution of the respective proteins contained in the cyst fluid by HPLC. High hydrolyzing activities were found in correspondence to one specific, early eluting peak. The purified enzyme had pH optima at 3.5 and 6. Addition of EDTA (5 mM) to the test system abolished the enzymatic activity which mirrored the requirement for calcium ions. The activity was optimal at calcium concentrations ranging from 1-2 mM. Higher calcium concentrations reduced the enzymatic activity. The enzyme showed high heat stability. SDS-gel analysis of the peak showed one single band with a molecular weight of about 20,000 Daltons. Our findings demonstrate the possibility of activated, PLA-like activity in human pancreatic pseudocyst fluid. We speculate that an inappropriate activation of this enzyme in peri- or intrapancreatic "fluid collections" could account for pseudocyst formation after an acute pancreatitis attack.