RESUMEN
Cell matrix interactions play a critical role in hepatic development and regeneration after acute injury. These interactions are mediated by transmembrane receptors belonging mainly to the integrin family. We have tried to assess the role of divalent cations in mediating attachment of hepatocytes to matrix proteins like collagen IV (Col IV) and laminin (Ln). The three cations examined viz. Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+ showed attachment promoting activity. Since alpha1beta1 integrin is a common receptor for col IV and LN in liver, the effect of cations in its binding to these matrix proteins was studied. Although cations in general enhanced the binding, different cations exhibited differential effect in promoting the binding for different ligands. Mg2+ ions were more effective in promoting the binding of alpha1beta1 integrin to col IV but Ca2+ proved to be more effective one for Ln. Kinetic analysis of binding in dot blot assays using different concentrations of cations showed that while Mg2+ was active at low concentrations Ca2+ and Mn2+ promoted the binding more at higher concentrations. Absence of competitive effect in binding studies showed that they bind at different sites on the receptor. Differential effects of cations in promoting the binding of alpha1beta1 integrin to Col IV and Ln suggest that changes in level of diffusible cations can modulate affinity of the common receptor alpha1beta1 integrin to its ligands and can influence adhesion of hepatic cells to different matrix proteins during hepatic development and regeneration.