Abstract
Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) belongs to a family of phospholipid-hydrolyzing enzymes. In addition to its well known digestive function in the intestinal tract, PLA2 participates in the phospholipid metabolism of cell membranes including prostaglandin systhesis, in cellular signal transduction, and in the metabolism of serum lipoproteins. This chapter deals with the role of PLA2 in the scope of “mediator disease” in inflammatory processes. In the late 1960s, the pathogenetic significance of PLA2 in acute pancreatitis was postulated. The activation and release of PLA2 in acute pancreatitis was not only assumed to be responsible for tissue necroses connected to the autodigestion of the pancreas, but was also associated with the development of pulmonary complications. In the pancreatic acinar cells, PLA2 is synthesized as an inactive Pro-PLA2 and stored along with the other secretory enzymes in zymogen granules. The development and improvement of assays for PLA2 have given rise to extensive clinical studies on the role of this enzyme in various diseases.
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