Neuromodulation of Ion Channels and Calcium Signaling in T Lymphocytes
Abstract
Ion channels play a crucial role during early periods of lymphocyte activation by mitogens. This project seeks to define the molecular substrates of neural modulation of immunity, using a combination of patch clamp methods to examine ion channels in lymphocytes, and fluorescence imaging to monitor changes in intracellular (Ca2+). Our hypothesis is that neurotransmitters and peptides may influence functional responses of the immune system by modulating properties of ion channels, which in turn regulate several aspects of lymphocyte activation and effector function. Over the past year we have constructed two experimental setups to monitor (Ca2+) inside cells using fura-2, a dye which changes its fluorescence excitation properties when CA(2+) binds. We have also further characterized the diversity of channels which occurs in T lymphocytes and demonstrated that the distribution of K(+) channels is subset-specific. These experiments have expanded the list of potential substrates for neural modulation of immunity, and have provided the technical framework for studying ion channels responsible for Ca(2+) signalling, a cellular response to mitogens crucial for activation. Keywords: Calcium, Potassium, Ion channels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA202869
Entities
People
- Michael Cahalan
Organizations
- University of California, Irvine