Chloroquine and primary amines inhibit the internalization of antithrombin III.trypsin complex in cultured cells.

Bovine corneal endothelial (BCE) cells have been shown to specifically bind, internalize and degrade antithrombin III (AT III).protease complexes as well as thrombin. Previous studies have indicated that chloroquine has no effect on the internalization of thrombin or other cell surface-bound ligands, but it inhibits their subsequent degradation. In contrast, the present study demonstrates the unique inhibitory effect of chloroquine on the internalization of 125I-AT III.trypsin complex by BCE cultures. Similarly, the primary amines, monodansylcadaverine and methylamine, inhibit the internalization of 125I-AT III.trypsin complex, but not the internalization of 125I-thrombin. The various amines used in this study revealed: (1) differences in the process of cellular binding and internalization between AT III.protease complex and thrombin, although the degradation of both internalized ligands proceed in an analogous manner; and (2) the unique sensitivity to chloroquine of 125I-AT III.trypsin complex internalization by cultured cells. These results might indicate that AT III.protease complexes are internalized via a distinct receptor and/or a different mechanism from thrombin.