Dual granule localization of the dormant NADPH oxidase and cytochrome b559 in human neutrophils.

The subcellular localization of the microbicidal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and associated b-cytochrome was investigated in human neutrophils. In unperturbed neutrophils 85% of b-cytochrome and the major part of membrane-bound components of the NADPH oxidase co-sedimented with markers for specific granules and gelatinase. Using cytochrome b559 as a marker for membrane-bound components of the NADPH oxidase in quantitative studies we observed that, of the remaining 15%, the vast majority co-sedimented with latent alkaline phosphatase, a marker for a newly identified mobilizable intracellular compartment. Only a small fraction co-localized with the plasma membranes. Azurophil granules contained a protease activity which rapidly inactivated the NADPH oxidase components present in other membranes. Stimulation of the neutrophils with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenyl-alanine and leukotriene B4 which caused minimal degranulation of specific granules, resulted in translocation of b-cytochrome to the plasma membrane, concomitant with incorporation of alkaline phosphatase into the plasma membrane.