Human T lymphocytes express N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors functionally active in controlling T cell activation

Journal Article · Fri Dec 30 04:00:00 EST 2005 · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BBRC.2005.1· OSTI ID:20793245

Miglio, Gianluca ^[1]; Varsaldi, Federica ^[1]; Lombardi, Grazia ^[1]

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1. DiSCAFF Department, Eastern Piedmont University, Via Bovio 6, 28100 Novara (Italy)

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and the functional role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in human T cells. RT-PCR analysis showed that human resting peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and Jurkat T cells express genes encoding for both NR1 and NR2B subunits: phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-activated PBL also expresses both these genes and the NR2A and NR2D genes. Cytofluorimetric analysis showed that NR1 expression increases as a consequence of PHA (10 {mu}g/ml) treatment. D-(-)-2-Amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (D-AP5), and (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine [(+)-MK 801], competitive and non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists, respectively, inhibited PHA-induced T cell proliferation, whereas they did not affect IL-2 (10 U/ml)-induced proliferation of PHA blasts. These effects were due to the prevention of T cell activation (inhibition of cell aggregate formation and CD25 expression), but not to cell cycle arrest or death. These results demonstrate that human T lymphocytes express NMDA receptors, which are functionally active in controlling cell activation.

• OSTI ID: 20793245
• Journal Information: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Journal Name: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 338; ISSN 0006-291X; ISSN BBRCA9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
CELL CYCLE
CELL PROLIFERATION
DEATH
GENES
INHIBITION
LYMPHOCYTES
PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININ
POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION
RECEPTORS