Participation of the Na+/H+ exchanger in the phospholipase-A2 activation of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone release in rat hypothalamic fragments.

Abstract

The role of the Na+/H+ exchanger in the phospholipase-A2 (PLA2) stimulation of LHRH release was investigated using in vitro incubations of rat hypothalamic fragments. It was found that monensin, the Na+/H+ ionophore, increased LHRH release in a dose-related manner. That effect diminished in the absence of calcium as well as after the addition of 2,4'-dibromoacetophenone, a blocker of PLA2 action. Amiloride, a blocker of the Na+/H+ exchanger, did not alter the effect of monensin. However, amiloride significantly diminished the effect of melittin, an activator of PLA2 action. LHRH release under PLA2 did not change when amiloride was added to the incubation medium. Lysophosphatidylcholine also increased LHRH release. These results were interpreted as evidence of the participation of Na+/H+ exchange in PLA2 activation in the release of LHRH in rat hypothalamic fragments. A role of lysophospholipids in this process is also suggested.