title: Human lymphocyte potassium content during the initiation of phytohemagglutinin-induced mitogenesis.
abstract: The K+ content of human lymphocytes has been examined during the initial 24 hours after exposure of cells to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). We have reconfirmed that lymphocyte K+ exchanges rapidly for extracellular counterions during preparative washing if cells are exposed to PHA. By using a technique to measure cation content which does not require removal of cells from their culture medium, we have shown that K+ does not change for 24 hours following PHA treatment. Previous reports have demonstrated that an enhanced uptake of K+ occurs in lymphocytes treated with PHA. This increased uptake may be a compensatory change for an increased exodus, explaining the failure of K+ to change following lectin treatment.
mesh_terms: D001692:Biological Transport; D006801:Humans; D037102:Lectins; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D010042:Ouabain / Q000494:pharmacology; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D037102:Lectins; D010042:Ouabain; D011188:Potassium