Related Experiment Videos
Migration-associated volume changes in neutrophils facilitate the migratory process in vitro
S Rosengren1, P M Henson, G S Worthen
1Department of Medicine, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, Colorado 80206.
The American Journal of Physiology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Neutrophil migration involves a significant volume increase, crucial for their function. This swelling is regulated by sodium/proton antiport activity and is essential for neutrophils to reach infection sites.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Physiology
Background:
- Neutrophil granulocytes change shape during migration.
- Understanding neutrophil volume changes is key to immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neutrophil volume changes during migration.
- To determine the role of cell swelling in neutrophil function.
Main Methods:
- Confocal microscopy and 3D reconstruction for cell volume measurement.
- Utilized chemotactic agent N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) gradients.
- Employed sodium/proton antiport inhibitors and buffer manipulations.
Main Results:
- Migrating neutrophils showed a 35-60% volume increase.
- Cell swelling was dependent on sodium/proton antiport activity.
- Volume changes were observed with FMLP gradients but not homogeneous concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophil migration is associated with significant cell swelling.
- Sodium/proton antiport activity is critical for migration-induced volume increase.
- Cell volume increase is essential for neutrophil migration and immune defense.