The unicellular Tetrahymena enzymatically split the synthetic phosphodiester, 4-methylum-belliferyl phosphocoline substrate. The enzyme activity was completely blocked in vitro and drastically inhibited in vivo by G-protein activating fluorides (NaF; AlF4– and BeF3–). The phospholipase A2 inhibitor, quinacrine, and the protein phosphatase inhibitor, neomycin, inhibited the enzyme activity in vitro and activated it in vivo. Another phospholipase A2 inhibitor 4-bromo phenacyl bromide was ineffective in vivo and in vitro alike, as well as the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Results of these experiments indicate that some treatments could be specific for a well defined activity (e.g., phospholipase A2, G-protein) but subject to influence by other enzymes (e.g., phospholipase C, sphingomyelinase). The experiments call attention to the differences in the results of the in vivo and in vitro studies.
In vivo treatment with varespladib, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, prevents the peripheral neurotoxicity and systemic disorders induced by Micrurus corallinus (coral snake) venom in rats
