Kv1.3 channel blockade enhances the phagocytic function of RAW264.7 macrophages

Connective tissue proteins and phagocytic cell function. Laminin enhances complement and Fc-mediated phagocytosis by cultured human macrophages

Brief exposure of culture-derived human macrophages to laminin, a glycoprotein component of all mammalian basement membranes that has a molecular weight of 1,000,000, led to enhancement of subsequent macrophage phagocytosis of EAC4b, EAC3bi, and EAIgG (sheep erythrocytes sensitized with IgG anti-Forssman antibody). This effect on macrophage phagocytosis occurred with both substrate-adherent and...

A MAGUK Enhances EAG Potassium Channel Function

Adaptor proteins, by bringing together kinases and other effectors, form a submembrane scaffold of signaling molecules. One such adaptor, Drosophila Camguk (CMG), is a member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase family and associates with calciumand calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). This week, Marble et al. describe a signaling complex including CMG, CaMKII, and the Ether-...

Vesicles to Help Phagocytic uptake in Macrophages

Suppression of phagocytic function and phospholipid metabolism in macrophages by phosphatidylinositol liposomes.

Increased phagocytosis of complement-opsonized vesicles was accompanied by increased phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) turnover in murine macrophages. However when PtdIns was also present as one of the lipids in the opsonized liposomes, it reduced both phagocytosis and stimulation of endogenous PtdIns turnover. These suppressive effects did not occur with liposomes containing PtdIns phosphate (PtdI...

Influence of the acute alcoholism on the phagocytic function of the mononuclear phagocytic system

RATIONALE Alcoholics are more likely to have infections, mainly in the respiratory system. Alcohol seems to inhibit the immune system. Despite the extensive literature related to alcoholism, data related to the immune system are still not conclusive. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to verify the influence of acute alcohol intake on colloid distribution in the organs of the mononuclear...