Guanine nucleotides inhibit poly-L-arginine-induced membrane damage in polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Poly-L-arginine induces a strong release of the cytoplasmic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase from rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes, indicating that plasma membrane damage occurs. GTP gamma S, a stable guanine nucleotide, completely inhibits poly-L-arginine-induced LDH release whereas pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin gives a moderate inhibition. The results suggest that poly-L-arginine-induced plasma membrane damage is mediated by guanine nucleotide binding structures.