Intercellular Communication in Stimulated Human Lymphocytes

Abstract

Summary Microelectrode studies of human lymphocytes after 24 to 48 hr of stimulation by phytohemagglutinin are described. A stable transmembrane potential of about -18 mV was detected. The input resistance of these cells was about 5 megohms. Clumps of stimulated cells exhibit junctional communication as revealed by coupling coefficients of 0.2 to 0.6. No changes in membrane properties and intercellular communication were detected throughout the observed period. The results reported here suggest that the establishment of interlymphocyte communication is possibly involved in the control of mitosis.