The lipid molecule, lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), is hypothesised to form part of a novel lipid signalling system that involves the G protein-coupled receptor GPR55 and distinct intracellular signalling cascades in endothelial cells. This work aimed to study the possible mechanisms involved in LPI-evoked cytosolic Ca(2+) mobilization in human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations were measured using cell population Ca(2+) assay. LPI evoked biphasic elevation of intracellular calcium concentration, a rapid phase and a sustained phase. The rapid phase was attenuated by the inhibitor of PLC (U 73122), inhibitor of IP(3) receptors, 2-APB and the depletor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) store, thapsigargin. The sustained phase, on the other hand, was enhanced by U 73122 and abolished by the RhoA kinase inhibitor, Y-27632. In conclusion, the Ca(2+) signal evoked by LPI is characterised by a rapid phase of Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum, and requires activation of the PLC-IP(3) signalling pathway. The sustained phase mainly depends on RhoA kinase activation. LPI acts as novel lipid signalling molecule in endothelial cells, and elevation of cytosolic Ca(2+) triggered by it may present an important intracellular message required in gene expression and controlling of vascular tone.

Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy College of Medicine and Health Sciences Sultan Qaboos University Sultanate of Oman

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