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Voltage-dependent ion channels in T-lymphocytes.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|November 1, 1985
Summary
The patch-clamp technique reveals immune cell ion channels similar to nerve cells. Potassium channels, not calcium channels, appear crucial for T-lymphocyte activation and may explain effects of calcium channel blockers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Electrophysiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The gigaohm seal patch-clamp technique allows study of immune cell electrical properties.
- Ion channels in T-lymphocytes share similarities with those in nerve and muscle cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and present data on ion channels in T-lymphocytes and T-cell lines.
- To evaluate the role of ion channels in T-lymphocyte activation, particularly the calcium hypothesis.
Main Methods:
- Patch-clamp electrophysiology to identify ion channels in T-lymphocytes and derived cell lines.
- Review of existing literature on T-lymphocyte ion channel function and activation.
Main Results:
- Voltage-gated potassium channels are present in most T-lymphocytes and macrophages.
- Sodium channels are found in a subset of T-cells and natural killer cells.
- Calcium channels are absent in T-lymphocytes, challenging the calcium hypothesis of activation.
Conclusions:
- Potassium channels are essential for T-lymphocyte activation.
- The effects of calcium channel antagonists may be mediated by blocking potassium channels.
- The calcium hypothesis of T-lymphocyte activation requires re-evaluation in light of absent calcium channels.