Clonidine increases membrane-associated phospholipase A2

Background and objective: An anti-inflammatory effect of α 2 -adrenoreceptor agonists has been suggested. Phospholipase A 2 is a key enzyme in the production of precursors of inflammatory lipid mediators. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of clonidine on phospholipase A 2 activity in an established in vitro model. Methods: Human being platelet membranes containing active phospholipase A 2 were exposed to buffer control or to three increasing concentrations of clonidine. Phospholipase A 2 was measured by a radioisotope technique. Results: A massive increase in phospholipase A 2 activity was measured after clonidine exposure leading to final values of 92.5 ′ 3.1 pmol …