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Comparison of PAF- and fMLP-induced [Ca2+]i transients in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

D Nowak1, P Bialasiewicz, A Antczak

  • 1Department of Pneumology and Allergology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland.

Insights

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) both trigger calcium transients in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). PAF-induced calcium influx is partly independent of intracellular calcium release, unlike fMLP.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) play a critical role in immune responses.
  • Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) signaling is a key mechanism regulating PMNL functions.
  • Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) are potent activators of PMNL.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the dynamics of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) changes in human PMNL induced by PAF and fMLP.
  • To elucidate the distinct mechanisms of calcium mobilization by PAF and fMLP in PMNL.

Main Methods:

  • Human PMNL suspensions were stimulated sequentially with PAF and fMLP at defined concentrations and time intervals.
  • Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) transients were measured using calcium indicator dyes in PMNL suspended in media with varying calcium concentrations (1 mM Ca2+ and 100 nM Ca2+).
  • The contribution of intracellular calcium release versus extracellular calcium influx was analyzed for both stimuli.

Main Results:

  • Both PAF and fMLP induced three consecutive [Ca2+]i transients, with initial responses involving both intracellular release and extracellular influx, while subsequent responses depended solely on extracellular influx.
  • The contribution of intracellular calcium stores to the first PAF-induced response was significantly lower than that of fMLP.
  • PAF pretreatment potentiated the fMLP response, but fMLP pretreatment did not enhance the PAF response.
  • Crucially, PAF-stimulated calcium influx in PMNL preceded intracellular calcium release, suggesting a degree of independence, unlike fMLP.

Conclusions:

  • PAF and fMLP activate distinct calcium signaling pathways in human PMNL.
  • PAF-induced calcium influx is at least partly independent of intracellular calcium release, a mechanism differing from fMLP.
  • These findings highlight the differential regulation of calcium homeostasis by inflammatory mediators in PMNL, impacting immune cell function.

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