Bridging of IgE receptors activates phospholipid methylation and adenylate cyclase in mast cell plasma membranes

Bridging of IgE receptors on normal rat mast cells by divalent anti-receptor antibodies induced phospholipid methylation and an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP within 15 sec after the receptor bridging. These biochemical events were followed by Ca²⁺ influx and histamine release. When IgE receptors on isolated plasma membranes were bridged by the antibody, both the increase in the incorporation of [³H]methyl into lipid fraction and the synthesis of cyclic AMP were demonstrated. The synthesis of cyclic AMP in this system was enhanced in the presence of GTP. The results indicated that the bridged IgE receptors are linked to both methyltransferases and adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] in the plasma membrane. An increase in cyclic AMP prior to receptor bridging suppressed phospholipid methylation in the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ uptake, and subsequent histamine release. On the other hand, inhibition of phospholipid methylation by (s)-isobutyryl-3-deazaadenosine resulted in the suppression of cyclic AMP synthesis in the plasma membrane. These findings suggest that the activation of phospholipid methylation and the activation of adenylate cyclase are mutually regulated.