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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Imaging the Neutrophil Phagosome and Cytoplasm Using a Ratiometric pH Indicator
Published on: April 5, 2017
Swell activated chloride channel function in human neutrophils
Michael D Salmon1, Jatinder Ahluwalia
1University of East London, Stratford Campus, UK.
Abstract:
Non-excitable cells such as neutrophil granulocytes are the archetypal inflammatory immune cell involved in critical functions of the innate immune system. The electron current generated (I(e)) by the neutrophil NADPH oxidase is electrogenic and rapidly depolarises the membrane potential. For continuous function of the NADPH oxidase, I(e) has to be balanced to preserve electroneutrality, if not; sufficient depolarisation would prevent electrons from leaving the cell and neutrophil function would be abrogated. Subsequently, the depolarisation generated by the neutrophil NADPH oxidase I(e) must be counteracted by ion transport. The finding that depolarisation required counter-ions to compensate electron transport was followed by the observation that chloride channels activated by swell can counteract the NADPH oxidase membrane depolarisation. In this mini review, we discuss the research findings that revealed the essential role of swell activated chloride channels in human neutrophil function.
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