Ion-channel activities regulate transmembrane signaling in thymocyte apoptosis and T-cell activation.

Several examples have shown that plasma membrane ion channels (e.g., Ca2+ and K+ channels) make an important contribution to lymphocyte activation or thymocyte apoptosis. Here we report on the importance of these ion channels in the sensitivity or resistance of lymphoid cells to extracellular ATP-induced apoptosis. Thymocytes of Balb/c mice responded to extracellular ATP (ATPex) sensitively, with an immediate increase in the intracellular calcium level and later with an increased membrane permeability to low MW markers. Mature (medullary) thymocytes showed a higher sensitivity than did cortical thymocytes. Three human lymphoma cell lines, including SUPT13, a cell line reported to be sensitive to TcR/CD3 activation-induced apoptosis, showed a high resistance to ATPex action. These observations suggest that maturation/differentiation state-dependent activity or disappearance of early ATP-receptor operated signaling systems (including ion channels) are critical for the cells in developing towards apoptosis. Using the patch-clamp technique we demonstrated that bretylium tosylate (a particular K(+)-channel blocker) known as inhibitor of T-lymphocyte proliferation also influences the single-channel properties of voltage-gated K+ channels through depressing whole-cell K+ currents. This finding is yet another example underlying the importance of K+ channel activity in T-lymphocyte proliferation.