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Immunoglobulin E mediated membrane conductance changes in rat basophilic leukemia cells
C Barajas-López1, J D Huizinga
1Intestinal Disease Research Unit, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Canada.
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Anaphylactic stimulation causes electrical changes in rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3). These cell membrane potential shifts are linked to calcium influx, impacting the stimulus-secretion process.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells are a model for studying mast cell degranulation.
- Anaphylaxis involves complex cellular signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrophysiological effects of anaphylactic stimulation on RBL-2H3 cells.
- To elucidate the role of calcium influx in these cellular responses.
Main Methods:
- Conventional microelectrode recordings were used to measure membrane potential and resistance.
- RBL-2H3 cells were passively sensitized and stimulated with anti-immunoglobulin E.
- Experiments were conducted in Ca2+-free solutions and with calcium channel blockers (Co2+).
- The calcium ionophore A-23187 was used to mimic calcium influx.
Main Results:
- Anaphylactic stimulation induced cell hyperpolarization followed by depolarization.
- These membrane potential changes correlated with a decreased input membrane resistance.
- No electrophysiological effects were observed in the absence of extracellular calcium or when calcium influx was blocked.
- The calcium ionophore A-23187 replicated the observed changes, indicating calcium dependency.
Conclusions:
- Anaphylactic stimulation triggers significant electrophysiological changes in RBL-2H3 cells.
- Calcium influx is a critical mediator of these membrane conductance changes.
- The findings support the hypothesis that alterations in membrane conductance are integral to the stimulus-secretion coupling in RBL-2H3 cells.