Galvanotaxis of human granulocytes. Dose-response curve

Eur Biophys J. 1988;16(5):313-9. doi: 10.1007/BF00254068.

Abstract

The galvanotactic response of human granulocytes was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The basic results are: (i) The granulocytes move towards the anode. (ii) The directed movement has been quantified by two different polar order parameters--the McCutcheon index and the average of cos phi. (iii) The polar order parameters are a function of the applied electric field (= dose-response curve). (iv) The inverse of the galvanotactic constant of migrating cells (analogous to the Michaelis-Menten constant) has a value of -0.2 +/- 0.03 V/mm. (v) The galvanotactic response of granulocytes is a non-cooperative process with a cooperativity coefficient of 1 +/- 0.2. (vi) The galvanotactic constant is a function of pH. (vii) The protein essential for the galvanotactic response is very likely a G-protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Movement
  • Electricity
  • Granulocytes / physiology*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques