Binding of polycation DEAE-dextran to Chinese hamster ovary cells induces reversible Ca2+ influx and inhibits capping of concanavalin A acceptor proteins.

Binding of the polycation DEAE-dextran to the cell surface of HA-1 CHO cells caused a marked increase in 45Ca2+ exchange influx. The effect was fairly selective for Ca2+, undirectional (efflux was not increased) and was rapidly reversed by treatment with polyanion dextran sulfate. 45Ca2+ influx could not be stimulated by treatment with multivalent lectins or fibronectin.