The uptake of amines by polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Muscarinic and beta-adrenergic ligands associate with polymorphonuclear leukocytes to show high-affinity, saturable accumulation. This association can be distinguished from specific receptor binding by its temperature dependence, sensitivity to pH, requirement of an energy source, inhibition by ionophores, and inhibition by a variety of permeable basic amines. Our results suggest that these amines accumulate in acidic lysosomes which are plentiful in these cells. This permeable amine effect can be inhibited without affecting specific receptor binding.