Activation of phospholipase D in rabbit neutrophils by fMet-Leu-Phe is mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein that may be distinct from a phospholipase C-regulating protein.

Stimulation by N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils, in which phosphatidylcholine was preferentially labeled with 1-O-[3H]octadecyl lyso platelet-activating factor, activated phospholipase D, resulting in the formation of [3H]PA from [3H]PC. A direct activator of GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins), NaF, also stimulated [3H]PA formation. fMLP-stimulated [3H]PA formation was inhibited by pertussis toxin (IAP) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. IAP also inhibited fMLP-stimulated IP3 formation, but the inhibition of IP3 formation was significantly greater than that of [3H]PA formation. These results indicate that activation of phospholipase D by fMLP in rabbit neutrophils is mediated by an IAP-sensitive G-protein that may be distinct from a phospholipase C-regulating protein.