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[Macrophage membrane potential test: an electrophysiological modification of the Field-Caspary test in melanoma
Abstract:
In modification of the cytopherometric test according to FIELD and CASPARY [3] were studied the influence of the cell-free supernatant (lymphokine) of the lymphocyte antigen reaction on the transmembrane potential of macrophages obtained from guinea pigs (peritoneal exsudate cells PEC). Macrophage membrane potential (MMP) was determined by glass microelectrode technique. In agreement with histological and clinical findings in malignant melanoma and Dubreuilh's disease with malignatization we observed a depolarization of the macrophage membrane up to 40% as compared with controls. A depolarization up to 60% was obtained in patients having undergone BCG vaccination, if the antigen used was PPD. In control persons and in non-malignant pigmentary tumors (such as foreign body granuloma) we found no variation of MMP. The results indicate that cell mediated immunity is closely correlated with membrane permeabilities, ion gradients and cell metabolism.
Insights
Cell-free lymphokines from lymphocyte reactions alter macrophage membrane potential. This finding correlates cell-mediated immunity with changes in membrane permeability, ion gradients, and cell metabolism in conditions like malignant melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The cytopherometric test, modified from FIELD and CASPARY, assesses lymphocyte antigen reactions.
- Macrophage membrane potential (MMP) is a key indicator of cellular activity and immune response.
- Previous studies noted clinical and histological changes in malignant melanoma and Dubreuilh's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of lymphokines from lymphocyte antigen reactions on macrophage transmembrane potential.
- To correlate changes in MMP with specific conditions, including malignant melanoma and BCG vaccination responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified cytopherometric test.
- Isolated peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) from guinea pigs.
- Measured macrophage membrane potential (MMP) using glass microelectrodes.
- Applied cell-free supernatant (lymphokine) from lymphocyte antigen reactions.
Main Results:
- Observed a significant depolarization of macrophage membranes (up to 40%) in conditions related to malignant melanoma and Dubreuilh's disease.
- Demonstrated a greater depolarization (up to 60%) in patients vaccinated with BCG when challenged with PPD antigen.
- Found no significant variation in MMP for control individuals or those with non-malignant tumors (e.g., foreign body granuloma).
Conclusions:
- Cell-mediated immunity is closely linked to alterations in macrophage membrane potential.
- Changes in membrane permeability, ion gradients, and cell metabolism are correlated with immune responses.
- The study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying immune responses in cancer and vaccination.