Pelleting and resuspension of Fura 2-labeled c6 glioma cells leads to
a large Ca flux characterized by a high initial internal level of Ca w
hich rapidly declines to close to basal levels. The effect has been te
rmed resuspension-induced ion flux (RIIF). The RIIF effect is temperat
ure dependent and requires external calcium, cytoskeletal integrity, a
nd functional calcium and potassium channels. The magnitude of the RII
F effect is dependent upon pelleting speed, suggesting cell contact an
d reduction in external fluid medium to be important causative paramet
ers. Several other cell species also exhibit the RIIF effect. (C) 1998
Academic Press.