Analysis of subcellular calcium signals in T-lymphocytes

Subcellular Ca(2+) signals were analysed in Jurkat and peripheral human T-lymphocytes by confocal Ca(2+) imaging employing an off-line deconvolution method. Stimulation of the TCR/CD3 complex in T-lymphocytes resulted in a series of subcellular pacemaker Ca(2+) signals preceding the first global Ca(2+) signal. The pacemaker signals occurred in a cytosolic "trigger" zone, which is localised close to the plasma membrane. The pacemaker signals were almost independent of extracellular Ca(2+) as shown by measurements in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), or in the presence of the Ca(2+) channel blocker SK-F 96365. Analysis of the confocal Ca(2+) images revealed characteristic amplitudes of 82 +/- 30 to 109 +/- 21 nM, signal diameters between 2.5 +/- 0.9 and 3.5 +/- 1.5 microm and frequencies between 0.235 and 0.677 s(-1). Taken together, our data constitute the first analysis of subcellular Ca(2+) signals in T cells and indicate that the pacemaker Ca(2+) release events, which are necessary for the development of the global Ca(2+) signal, are composed of Ca(2+) release both from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- and ryanodine receptors.