Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Activation: Effects of Phospholipase C

Summary Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were incubated with and without phospholipase C (plC) to investigate the possible interrelationship of cell metabolism to membrane alterations. Cells treated with plC showed increased hexose monophosphate shunt (HMPS) activity, increased incorporation of acetate-1-14C into lipids, and an increase in the NADP/NADPH ratio. These findings suggest a possible mechanism for the early activation of the HMPS during phagocytosis through hydrolysis and repair of the cell membrane. This work was supported by Public Health Research Grant (CA HE 11106-06), Public Health Training Grant (HE 5316 09) and Health Research and Services Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA (M 22).