BSF-1 action on resting B cells does not require elevation of inositol phospholipid metabolism or increased [Ca2+]i

B cell stimulatory factor-1 (BSF-1) acts on resting B cells to increase expression of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and to prepare for more prompt entry into S phase in response to anti-IgM and lipopolysaccharide. It also acts as a costimulant, with low concentrations of anti-IgM, to cause resting B cells to synthesize DNA. Unlike anti-IgM, BSF-1 does not cause elevation in inositol phospholipid metabolism or in concentration of intracellular free calcium, nor does it enhance such biochemical responses to anti-IgM. Furthermore, increased expression of class II MHC molecules to BSF-1 is observed when essentially all extracellular calcium is chelated by EGTA, whereas lower concentrations of EGTA completely inhibit increases in class II molecules in response to anti-IgM. These results indicate that BSF-1 effects on resting B cells are not mediated by the inositol phospholipid metabolic pathway.