Attenuation of the low-density-lipoprotein-activated phosphoinositide signalling system by calcium blockers in human lymphocytes.

1. The capacity of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (40 micrograms/ml) to stimulate both the phosphoinositide cycle and the dislocation of the phospholipid- and calcium-dependent protein kinase C activity from the cytosolic to the membranous compartment in human circulating lymphocytes has been studied. 2. Pretreatment of lymphocytes with pertussis toxin inhibited significantly the low-density-lipoprotein-induced formation of inositol trisphosphate. 3. The calcium-channel blockers verapamil, nifedipine and diltiazem, each in a concentration range from 1 mumol/l to 1 nmol/l, attenuated the low-density lipoprotein-induced formation of inositol trisphosphate in a dose-dependent manner. Similar results were observed when so-called non-specific calcium antagonists, such as flunarizine and molsidomine, were used. 4. The results suggest that low-density lipoprotein activates the phosphoinositide cycle in circulating lymphocytes through mechanisms sensitive to calcium blockers and pertussis toxin.