Plasma membrane potential of lymphocytes from ataxia telangiectasia patients.

Abstract

The plasma membrane potential of lymphocytes prepared from ataxia telangiectasia (AT) patients and normal subjects was assessed using the optical indicator bis-(3-phenyl-5-oxoisoxazol-4-yl) pentamethineoxonol (oxonol-V). AT lymphocytes had a potential of -46 +/- 9 mV and normal lymphocytes had a potential of -63 +/- 4 mV. The intracellular cation content (Na+ and K+) of AT and normal lymphocytes was similar. AT and normal lymphocytes were both depolarized by extracellular K+ and to a similar extent. This study indicates that one feature characterizing ataxia telangiectasia is a modification of the ability of the lymphocyte cell membrane to sustain a normal membrane potential.

• Authors: N K Ozer, C L Bashford, N D Carter, C A Pasternak
• Journal: Clinical biochemistry (Clin Biochem) Vol. 22 Issue 6 Pg. 469-73 (Dec 1989) ISSN: 0009-9120 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2611994 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Fluorescent Dyes
• Isoxazoles
• Valinomycin
• oxonol V

Topics

• Adolescent
• Ataxia Telangiectasia (blood)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Fluorescent Dyes
• Humans
• Isoxazoles
• Lymphocytes (drug effects, physiology)
• Membrane Potentials (drug effects, physiology)
• Valinomycin (pharmacology)