Cell-membrane receptor classes delimited through cap formation either with diamide or with membrane mobility agent, A 2C

Abstract

Receptors on normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes can be divided into two classes by means of the capping response exhibited in the presence of the reagents, diamide or colchicine (microtubule-related) and A 2C (microtubule-independent). Diamide and colchicine promote capping of concanavalin A (Con A) receptors. Diamide capping is reversible, while colchicine capping is not reversible under the conditions used. A 2C does not promote the capping of Con A receptors. In contrast, diamide and colchicine do not affect the rate at which either anti-immunoglobulin (anti-Ig) or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) receptors cap, but A 2C effectively enhances cap formation for both anti-Ig and WGA receptors. The simplicity of the classification method promises to be of use in the investigation of membrane receptors.