Immune-electron microscopy reveals that the excitotoxin quinolinate is associated with the plasma membrane in human peripheral blood monocytes/macrophages

Quinolinate (QUIN), a tryptophan-derived excitotoxin, was localized ultrastructurally in human peripheral blood monocytes/macrophages (Mφ) by immuno-electron microscopy. A combined carbodiimide/ glutaraldehyde/paraformaldehyde-based fixation procedure was developed for optimal retention of QUIN in the cell as well as minimal loss of ultrastructure; a silver-enhanced colloidal gold detection system was used for electron-microscopic analysis. Gold particles representing QUIN immunoreactivity were associated with the inner side of the plasma membrane in normal Mφ. The number of gold particles increased significantly when QUIN levels were elevated by treatment with its precursor kynurenine, but location of the gold particles remained essentially the same under this condition. Treatment with interferon-γ increased the number of Golgi bodies, vacuoles and pseudopodia, reflecting the activated state of the cell. Significantly increased numbers of gold particles representing QUIN were detectable in approximately the same location as in the case of kynurenine treatment. Combined treatment with kynurenine and interferon-γ maximally increased the number of gold particles at the periphery of the cell. The pseudopodia were intensely stained with gold particles, while they were not detectable in the inner part of the cytoplasm or in any other organelle even under this activated condition. The significance of the specific location of QUIN revealed in the present study and its relation to the release and subsequent actions of QUIN are discussed.