Is cytoplasmic Ca2+ in lymphocytes elevated in cystic fibrosis?

An increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ( [Ca2+]i) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis. We compared the [Ca2+]i levels of normal and cystic fibrosis peripheral blood lymphocytes and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblasts using quin 2, an internally trapped indicator. The [Ca2+]i levels of normal and cystic fibrosis cells were not significantly different. The ionophore-releasable intracellular Ca2+ stores were also comparable in both types of individual.