Effect of modified α2macroglobulin on leucocyte locomotion and chemotaxis.

Authors :: Forrester, J. V.
Wilkinson, P. C.
Lackie, J. M.
Source :: Immunology; Oct83, Vol. 50 Issue 2, p251-259, 9p
Publication Year :: 1983
Abstract: The effects of human α<subscript>2</subscript> macroglobulin (α<subscript>2</subscript>M) on locomotion of human neutrophils and monocytes in micropore filter assays in vitro were studied. Native α<subscript>2</subscript>M had no effect on cell locomotion. In contrast, α<subscript>2</subscript>M which had been modified by interaction with proteases (trypsin, collagenase), or with ammonium sulphate, stimulated locomotion of both cell types. The degree of locomotory response induced in the cells by α<subscript>2</subscript>M correlated closely with changes in molecular conformation of α<subscript>2</subscript>M as estimated by measurements of binding of the fluorescent probe, l-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulphonic acid (ANS). However neutrophil locomotion stimulated by modified α<subscript>2</subscript>M appeared to be solely chemokinetic, whereas monocytes showed both chemokinetic and chemotactic responses to modified α<subscript>2</subscript>M. The reason for this difference in response between the two cell types is unclear, but it is reflected in the lack of specific binding of α<subscript>2</subscript>M-protease complexes by neutrophils. Earlier workers had shown specific binding of such complexes by mononuclear phagocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]