Effect of Homocysteine on Properties of Neutrophils Activated in vivo

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E. A. Bryushkova^1,2*, E. A. Vladychenskaya¹, M. S. Stepanova², and A. A. Boldyrev^1,2

¹Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; E-mail: kate-msu2008@yandex.ru

²Laboratory of Clinical Neurochemistry, Research Center of Neurology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Volokolamskoe Shosse 80, 123367 Moscow, Russia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received October 25, 2010; Revision received November 29, 2010

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We have found that neutrophils begin to express NMDA receptors on their membranes after in vivo activation. These receptors are the target for action of homocysteine (HC). After incubation of activated neutrophils with HC, the degranulation process is stimulated and generation of reactive oxygen species is increased. We conclude that expression of NMDA receptors on neutrophil membrane makes neutrophils sensitive to HC. Thus, hyperhomocysteinemia may induce additional stimulation of immune competent cells.

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KEY WORDS: neutrophils, inflammation, NMDA receptors, homocysteine

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297911040109

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