Rat mast cells degranulate in response to microinjection of guanine nucleotide

Investigation of regulated exocytosis has frequently required the use of permeabilised cell preparations. This has provided evidence that Ca2(+)-binding and guanine nucleotide-binding proteins can mediate secretion. Since the manner and extent of membrane permeabilisation affect the requirements for Ca2+ and guanine nucleotide, we have introduced such effectors directly into intact, rat peritoneal mast cells by microinjection. During this brief procedure (approximately 1 s) a glass needle forms a seal with the plasma membrane. Following injection and withdrawal of the needle the membrane reseals without apparent loss of cell contents. Using fluorescent dye, we estimate that the volume injected is approximately 5 fl and that the dilution of injected solutes is approximately 100-fold. Injection of the nucleotides inosine triphosphate, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S) and guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate causes degranulation. The EC50 for GTP gamma S is approximately 10 microM (concentration in the needle) equivalent to an intracellular concentration of approximately 100 nM. However, the effect of GTP gamma S is dependent on the presence of Ca2+ in the external medium. This may be explained by a transitory influx of Ca2+ that occurs during impalement, since the seal between needle and membrane will not prevent the movement of small ions. Thus an increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ appears to be necessary for secretion induced by GTP gamma S. Using metabolic inhibitors we have investigated the requirement for ATP. Under conditions where [ATP]i has fallen to 60 +/- 18 microM (S.E.M., n = 3) the mast cell agonist, compound 48/80, is unable to induce degranulation, yet injection of GTP gamma S still activates the cells.