Changes in the lateral ordering of the macrophage plasma membrane during Fc receptor mediated phagocytosis

Electron spin resonance spectroscopy in the study of lymphoid cell receptors

ESR spectroscopy is a sensitive method which can be used to monitor a wide range of changes in and near the plasma membranes of lymphoid cells during such events as ligand-induced receptor patching and capping, activation and endocytosis and phagocytosis. The advantages of the technique are rapidity, sensitivity, small sample size (10(6)-10(7) cells), and nondestructive nature. Spin labels that are attached to a range of intrinsic and extrinsic molecules give information about the fluidity and polarity of the environment in which they are located. Because of the occurrence of interaction when probes are sequestered in restricted regions of the membrane, ESR spectroscopy is also a valuable technique for measuring the formation of domains in the cell membrane.

Macrophage Fc gamma 2b receptor expression and receptor-mediated phospholipase activity: regulation by endogenous eicosanoids

The expression of Fc gamma 2b receptors and receptor-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism by murine peritoneal macrophages was examined in vitro. The expression of Fc gamma 2b receptors was found to increase progressively with time in culture and this increase was dependent on protein synthesis and glycosylation. The increase in Fc gamma 2b receptor expression was inhibited by hydrocortisone and by BW755C, an inhibitor of both the lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. Inhibition by BW755C was found to be reversed in the presence of exogenous leukotriene D4. In contrast, selective inhibition of the cyclo-oxygenase pathway by indomethacin enhanced the increase in receptor expression. This enhancement was only partially reversed by exogenous prostaglandin (PG)E2. Interaction of the Fc gamma 2b receptor with ligand in the form of erythrocytes specifically sensitized with IgG2b resulted in the release and subsequent metabolism of arachidonic acid. PGE2 was found to be the principal product. Occupation of the Fc gamma 2a receptor did not result in arachidonic acid release. Down regulation of Fc gamma 2b receptor expression produced a commensurate reduction in receptor-mediated phospholipase activity measured by arachidonic acid release. Macrophages cultured for 24 h in the presence of fetal calf serum without additional stimuli produced substantial amounts of eicosanoids. PGI2 was the principal product. Taken together these data demonstrate a potential feedback regulation of receptor-triggered arachidonic acid metabolism by eicosanoids acting at the level of Fc gamma 2b receptor expression.

Spin probe clustering in human erythrocyte ghosts

A model has been developed for 5-nitroxide stearate, I(12,3), distribution in human erythrocyte ghosts which accurately predicts ESR spectral alterations observed with increased probe/total lipid (P/L) at 37 degrees C. This spin probe occupies a class of high-affinity, noninteracting sites at low loading. Saturation occurs with increasing probe concentration, and, at higher loading, the probe inserts itself at initially dilute sites to form membrane-bound clusters of variable size. No 'low' probe remains at high P/L where all I(12,3) clusters in a 'concentrated' phase. This model allows determination of the dilute/clustered probe ratio, and shows that I(12,3) segregates in erythrocytes at what might otherwise be considered low P/L (e.g., 1/359). These findings validate the earlier use of empirical parameters to estimate probe sequestration in biological membranes.

Fc receptor--more answers, more questions

Fc receptors, belonging to the most important surface structures of a number of cells participating in the immune processes, have been intensely studied during the past decade. The present review summarizes the contemporary knowledge of the specificity and heterogeneity of Fc receptors and of factors influencing their expression, and includes some views on their function. In addition, it mentions their relationship to other cell surface structures, expression of Fc receptors during ontogeny of the organism and in certain diseases. Finally, data concerning the isolation and biochemical characterization of the Fc receptor molecule are presented.

IgG-Fc receptors differ in sensitivity to primary amines

The effect of 12 different amines was tested on the IgG-Fc receptor (IgG-FcR) function of human peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBCs). While histamine and to a lesser extent dopamine resulted in a higher ratio of EA-rosette forming cells, a group of amines, like methylamine, dansylcadaverine, hydroxylamine and some others inhibited the EA-rosette formation. Neither the enhancement nor the inhibition was found to be mediated through direct interaction of amines with the Fc portion of the IgG molecule or the IgG-FcR. Only a portion of IgG-FcRs are sensitive to the amine-mediated inhibition and the results suggest that amines inhibit the cluster formation of IgG-FcRs.