ELEVATED CYTOSOLIC CALCIUM LEVELS IN HUMAN-LYMPHOCYTES DURING SURFACEVIRUS-INFECTIONS

Generalised metabolic and electrolyte disturbances are known to accomp any both plasma and surface virus infections. We have investigated whe ther these infections could impair the transport of Ca2+, from cells u nder conditions of controlled concentrations of the energy substrate g lucose. Thus, cytosolic calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) were measured in sing le isolated lymphocytes obtained from healthy volunteers or those suff ering from coryza. Before making measurements using a Ca2+-sensitive f luorescent dye indo 1, we incubated lymphocytes in buffers containing 0 mM-, 5.6 mM- or 11.2 mM-[glucose]. We found that [Ca2+]i of lymphocy tes obtained from the sick were significantly higher than those from h ealthy controls both at 0 mM and 5.6 mM-[glucose], and that [Ca2+]i wa s inversely related to the media glucose concentration for both groups . These results suggest a diminished capacity of cation pumping in vir al infections, such as coryza, in relationship to the available glucos e as energy substrate.