Flow cytometric analysis of cell function: cytosolic Ca++ modulation in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and T lymphocytes

Flow cytometry and fluo-3/AM have been used to track cytosolic Ca++ modulation in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and T lymphocytes. The chemotactic peptide N-formylmethionyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) but not the phorbol ester PMA induced cytosolic Ca++ modulation in PMN along with forward and side scatter modification. PMA inhibited FMLP activity when preincubated with PMN. T lymphocytes were antigen specific T cell clones and were stimulated with various amounts of diverse superantigens or PHA. Data show that superantigens can induce either activation or anergy depending on culture conditions. The biological significance of these data are discussed.