RESUSPENSION-INDUCED ION FLUX

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.