Integrity of the cytoskeletal system is important for phagocytosis by Kupffer cells.

The mechanism of phagocytosis by Kupffer cells is believed to involve the Ca2(+)-calmodulin system. However, the role of myosin in this system is still unknown. In this study, we found that myosin light chain kinase inhibitor (ML-9) inhibited phagocytosis by cultured Kupffer cells using polystyrene beads, a time-lapse VTR system and fluorescent staining techniques. The inhibitory effects of ML-9 suggest that myosin may be involved in this complex cellular function and that the integrity of the cytoskeletal system is essential for normal phagocytosis.