Hyperpolarization by N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-l-homoserine-lactone, a quorum sensing molecule, in rat thymic lymphocytes

To study the adverse effects of N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-l-homoserine-lactone (ODHL), a quorum sensing molecule, on mammalian host cells, its effect on membrane potential was examined in rat thymic lymphocytes using flow cytometric techniques with a voltage-sensitive fluorescent probe. As 3–300 μM ODHL elicited hyperpolarization, it is likely that it increases membrane K+ permeability because hyperpolarization is directly linked to changing K+ gradient across membranes, but not Na+ and Cl− gradients. ODHL did not increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration. ODHL also produced a response in the presence of an intracellular Zn2+ chelator. Thus, it is unlikely that intracellular Ca2+ and Zn2+ are attributed to the response. Quinine, a non-specific K+ channel blocker, greatly reduced hyperpolarization. However, because charybdotoxin, tetraethylammonium chloride, 4-aminopyridine, and glibenclamide did not affect it, it is pharmacologically hypothesized that Ca2+-activated K+ channels, voltage-gated K+ channels, and ATP-sensitive K+ channels are not involved in ODHL-induced hyperpolarization. Although the K+ channels responsible for ODHL-induced hyperpolarization have not been identified, it is suggested that ODHL can elicit hyperpolarization in mammalian host cells, disturbing cellular functions. •N-(3-Oxododecanoyl)-l-homoserine-lactone (ODHL) is a quorum sensing molecule.•ODHL induced hyperpolarization in rat thymic lymphocytes.•The hyperpolarization was inhibited by quinine, but not by other K+ channel blockers.•The hyperpolarization was due to an increase in membrane K+ permeability.•ODHL may disturb lymphocyte functions via changes in membrane potential.