Lymphocyte surface modulation and cyclic nucleotides I. Topographic correlation of cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate and immunoglobulin immunofluorescence during lymphocyte capping.

The cross-linking of human peripheral lymphocyte surface Ig results in an early association of cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and the cell surface Ig patches. Examination of the subsequent stages of cap formation reveals the continued relationship of cAMP and the clustered surface Ig. In addition, the generalized influx of calcium produced by the ionophore A-23187 disrupts human lymphocyte caps. During the process of cap dissolution cAMP is still associated with surface Ig. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the localized concentration of cyclic nucleotide and calcium ion regulates the movement of cell surface constituents by coordinating the function of the cell's contractile and structural elements.