The Effects of External K+ and Na+ on the Chemotaxis of Rabbit Peritoneal Neutrophils

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Abstract
Extracellular K+ enhances the chemotactic responsiveness and spontaneous movement of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils but is not required for these functions. Other monovalent cations act the same; the rank order of their effectiveness is K+ = NH4 τ; Rb+ Cs+ τ; Li = Na. The K+ specific ionophore, valinomycin (10-7 M) inhances chemotaxis in the presence of K+ but not in its absence; another K+-specific ionophore, nigericin (10-7 M) inhibits chemotaxis in the absence of K+ but not in its presence. Ouabain (5 × 10-6 M) prevents the enhancing effects of K+ on chemotaxis. Removing the Na+ of the buffer and substituting it with K+, choline or glucose greately enhances spontaneous motility but depresses chemotactic activity. One hypothesis suggested by the above results is that as a part of their action, chemotactic factors stimulate a net influx of K+ into the neutrophil; and alternative or additional hypothesis is that chemotactic factors stimulate a net efflux of Na+ from the neutrophil.

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