Abstract
Epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) possess a plasma membrane Mg++- or Ca++-dependent ecto-ATPase (mATPase), the function of which is not known. On the other hand, extracellular ATP (ATP°) has been shown to cause a rapid increase in cell-membrane permeability for selected cells, thus inducing the entry of exogenous substances, leading eventually to cell death. ATP°has also been shown to be a mediator of T cell - mediated cytotoxicity. We have observed human LC to be resistant to the permeabilizing effects of ATP°when compared to cultured human keratinocytes and J774 macrophages. In addition, our preliminary evidence in vitro suggests that mATPase on LC may provide protection against the lytic effects of ATP°. Finally, we propose that this latter mechanism may also operate in vivo.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 12-14 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of Investigative Dermatology |
Volume | 99 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1992 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology