K channels in T lymphocytes: a patch clamp study using monoclonal antibody adhesion.

Ionic fluxes are thought to be involved in mediating the proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in response to mitogenic substances. Among the earliest events occurring after the addition of mitogen to cultured lymphocytes are changes in rates of cation transport. We were interested, therefore, in the possible role of ion channels in mediating the lymphocyte proliferative response. The development of patch clamp techniques by Neher and colleagues has made it possible to study membrane conductances in a variety of small cell types. We have developed a method which uses monoclonal antibodies to make cells adhere to solid surfaces for two major reasons: (1) it is much easier to patch clamp stationary cells, and (2) the method can be used to selectively adhere a particular cell type from a heterogeneous population. We have used these techniques here to identify whole-cell potassium currents, in lymphocytes recognized by OKT11 monoclonal antibody, which are increased 1.9-fold by mitogenic stimulation.