Transmembrane signalling and modulation of neutrophil behaviour

Neutrophils are blood cells which respond to chemotactic stimuli and phagocytize invading microorganisms. The activation of oriented locomotion, the formation of pseudopods, and the production and secretion of factors toxic to the endycytized organisms all require the transmission and amplification of external stimuli by the neutrophil plasma membrane. Ca²⁺ mobilization, the transient elevation of cyclic AMP, protein phosphorylation and lipid turnover may all be involved in transmembrane signalling and the modulation of neutrophil functions.