Phospholipases elevate cyclic AMP levels and promote neurite extension in a clonal nerve cell line.

Phospholipases A2 and C increase choline acetyltransferase (CAT) activity and promote neurite extension in PC12 cells. Since these phospholipases also elevate intracellular cyclic AMP, they probably stimulate CAT and neurite outgrowth through their ability to increase cyclic AMP levels. Other possible modes of action of phospholipases such as the release of arachidonic acid or the production of lysolipids are less likely to play a role in this system.