The concentration and subcellular localisation of zinc, magnesium and calcium in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The calcium, magnesium and zinc content of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte homogenates and their subcellular fractions has been determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Neutrophils were homogenised in sucrose medium and subjected to analytical subcellular fractionation. The sucrose density gradient fractions were assayed for zinc, magnesium and the principal organelle marker enzymes. Zinc was found to be largely soluble, with small amounts in the alkaline phosphatase-containing granules (phosphasomes). Magnesium had a multimodal distribution with a soluble component, and peaks corresponding to plasma membrane, specific granules and azurophils. The level of calcium, expressed per mg DNA, was significantly decreased in both chronic granulocytic leukaemia (CGL) and pregnancy. Leucocyte zinc was only significantly reduced in CGL. Leukocyte magnesium showed no significant variation within the three groups of subjects. No significant correlation was noted between the zinc, calcium or magnesium content and leukocyte alkaline phosphatase activity in any of the three groups.