The protein kinase C inhibitor H-7 activates human neutrophils: effect on shape, actin polymerization, fluid pinocytosis and locomotion

The present study demonstrates new properties of H-7. The protein kinase inhibitor H-7 is a potent activator of several neutrophil functions. Stimulation of initially spherical nonmotile neutrophils elicits vigorous shape changes within a few seconds, increases in cytoskeletal actin, altered F-actin distribution, increased adhesiveness and a relatively small increase in pinocytic activity. H-7 has also chemokinetic activities. Depending on the experimental condition, H-7 may elicit or inhibit neutrophil locomotion. It failed to induce chemotaxis. Thus, the response pattern elicited by H-7 is different from that of other leukocyte activators such as chemotactic peptides, PMA or diacylglycerols. The finding that H-7 can elicit shape changes, actin polymerization and pinocytosis suggests that these events can occur without activation of protein kinase C (PKC). PMA-induced shape changes and stimulation of pinocytosis were not inhibited by H-7.