Physiochemical properties of polymorphonuclear leukocyte surface structures associated with the f-Met-Leu-Phe receptor.

Surface property changes of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) as a result of development of functional receptors to f-Met-Leu-Phe and as a result of f-Met-Leu-Phe binding have been studied by aqueous biphasic partitioning of the cells in systems of dextran and polyethylene glycol (PEG) with part of the PEG exchanged for positively charged or hydrophobic PEG. The Phe was associated with increased exposure of hydrophobic surface structures as well as of negatively charged groups on the PMNL surface. Binding of f-Met-Leu-Phe to the PMNL surface receptors caused hiding of hydrophobic and charged structures, indicating that these properties are of importance in the interaction between PMNL and the chemotactic peptide.