Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate (CPPD) Crystal-induced Chemotactic Factor: Subcellular Localization, Role of Protein Synthesis and Phagocytosis

A factor with chemotactic properties for polymorphonuclear leukocytes appears in their lysosomal fraction following phagocytosis of CCPD crystals. The factor, whose appearance was blocked by inhibition of protein synthesis, was estimated to have a molecular weight of 8,400 daltons. Inhibition of crystal phagocytosis by cytochalasin B was also shown to inhibit the generation of chemotactic factor activity, indicating that ingestion of the crystals by the cell is essential for the generation of the CPPD crystal-induced chemotactic factor. This latter finding provides a clue in the understanding of the development and termination of the acute pseudogout attack.