RECEPTOR-MEDIATED PHAGOCYTOSIS BY MACROPHAGES INDUCES A CALCIUM-DEPENDENT TRANSIENT INCREASE IN C-FOS TRANSCRIPTION

  • 1 February 1989
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 4  (2) , 237-241
Abstract
The transcription of the c-fos gene and the level of c-fos mRNA in mouse peritoneal macrophages are rapdily, strongly and transiently increased after Fc- and C3b-mediated phagocytosis, but not after phagocytosis of latex particles. In order to induce both phagocytosis and a rise in c-fos mRNA, binding to receptors must be followed by mobilization of Ca++ from intracellular sources. Induction of c-fos transcription in macrophages by other agents acting through different intracellular ''messengers'', i.e. phorbol esters (protein kinase C), cholera toxin (cAMP) and dexamethasone (glucocorticoid receptor) also depends on intracellular Ca++. In all these conditions, induction of c-fos transcription is inhibited by the calmodulin antagonist W7, suggesting a common Ca++-dependent pathway for c-fos gene activation in macrophages.