Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) membrane fluidity and PMN cytosolic Ca2+content after activation in diabetes mellitus

In the present study we evaluated the polmorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) memb rane fluidity in both Type 1 and 2 diabetic subjects without macrovascular complications. PMN cells were marked with the fluorescent probe l-[4-(trime thylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH), and with the fluores cent probe Fura 2-AM for PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content, at baseline and after activation with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-methio nyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). From the data obtained it is evident that in Type 1 diabetic subjects the behaviour of PMN membrane fluidity is diffe rent not only in normal controls but also in Type 2 diabetic subjects. Less evident is the difference regarding the PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content between the two types of diabetic subjects.