Activation of phospholipases D and A by amphiphilic cations of cultured LA-N-2 cells is G protein- and protein kinase C-independent.

Several amphiphilic cations such as mepacrine, desipramine, didodecyldimethylamine, chlorpromazine, oleylamine and W-7 activated the phospholipase D (PLD) activity of cultured LA-N-2 cells. These compounds, except for oleylamine, provoked the release of fatty acids, suggesting phospholipase A activation. Melittin, a PLA2 stimulator, caused the robust release of the free fatty acids but was a poor PLD activator. Although PLD could be activated by GTP gamma S, the stimulation by these amphiphilic cations was not abolished by GDP beta S, an inhibitor of G protein function. There was no change in the PLD activation by these amphiphilic cations by DiC8, a PKC activator, or by H-7, a PKC inhibitor or in PKC down-regulated cells.