[Changes in free calcium concentration and protein kinase C activity in activated T cells of burn mice and their...

TBSA 10%III degrees burn mice model was used. The changes in free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and protein kinase C (PKC) activity in activated T cells from burn mice, and their relationship with T cell functions was studied. The results showed that [Ca2+]i and PKC activity in activated T cells were reduced after burn and these changes were closely related to reduced interleukin 2(IL-2) mRNA and IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2R alpha) mRNA levels, decreased IL-2 production, suppressed IL-2R alpha expression, reduced T lymphocytes transformation in T cells of burn mice. Calcium cation ionophore A 23187 and PKC activator TPA could in vitro elevate respectively [Ca2+]i and PKC activity in activated T cells of burn mice. They also increased significantly IL-2 and IL-2R alpha gene expression in T cells of burn mice, but not up to the normal control. It is suggested that reduced [Ca2+]i, PKC activity in activated T cells may be one of the causes which produce suppression of T cell functions after burns.