Involvement of calcium and arachidonate metabolism in acetylated-low-density-lipoprotein-stimulated tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha production by rat peritoneal macrophages.

We show that lipopolysaccharide-free actetylated low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but not native LDL, stimulates tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion by rat peritoneal macrophages and the signal-transduction pathways involved. The role of the scavenger receptor (SR) in this response was suggested by the absence of an effect induced by native LDL, signal coupling involving pertussis-toxin-dependent guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory (G) protein, and the complete inhibition of this response by SR ligands [poly(I) and dextran sulfate]. Acetylated LDL induces rapid Ca2+ release from inositol-phosphate-sensitive Ca2+ stores mediated by pertussis-sensitive G proteins and a sustained Ca2+ rise mediated by Ca2+ influx and by Ca2+ release from ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores.