The effect of lysolecithin on prostanoid and platelet-activating factor formation by human gall-bladder mucosal cells

It has been demonstrated that lysolecithin (lysophosphatidyl choline, LPC) produces experimental cholecystitis in cats mediated by arachidonic acid metabolites. LPC is a cytolytic agent that has been postulated as a contributing factor in the development of cholecystitis in humans. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of LPC on human gall-bladder mucosal cell phospholipase A(2) and cyclooxygenase activity. Gall-bladder mucosal cells were isolated from the gall-bladders of patients undergoing routine cholecystectomy. Fresh, isolated cells were maintained in tissue culture and stimulated with varying doses of LPC. Platelet-activating factor concentration was quantitated as an index of phospholipase A(2) activity and prostanoids were measured as an index of cyclooxygenase activity. Also, the effect of LPC on cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 expression in microsomal protein was evaluated. LPC caused dose related increases in 6-keto-PGF(1α) and PAF produced by human gall-bladder mucosal cells. Exposure of human gall-bladder mucosal cells to LPC failed to elicit expression of constitutive cyclooxygenase-1, while the expression of inducible cyclooxygenase-2 was increased. The results of this study indicate that LPC induces the formation of prostanoids and PAF by human gall-bladder mucosal cells, suggesting that this substance may promote the development of gall-bladder inflammation.