Inhibitors of membrane transmethylation reactions prevent the lymphocyte chemokinetic response.

The methylation of membrane phospholipids has been shown to occur following receptor-mediated activation of leukocytes. The present studies show that the human lymphocyte response to two positive chemokinetic signals (bradykinin and lymphocyte chemoattractant factor) can be interrupted by inhibitors of S-adenosyl-L-methionine-mediated transmethylation reactions. The chemokinetic response to the nonphysiologic stimulant colchicine is not affected. We speculate that phospholipid methylation accompanies receptor-mediated lymphocyte migration, and may facilitate activation of second messenger systems.