Colonic Cl Research Articles

Divergent roles of estrogen receptor subtypes in regulating estrogen-modulated colonic ion transports and epithelial repair

Although it was described previously for estrogen (E2) regulation of intestinal epithelial Cl- and HCO3- secretion in sex difference, almost nothing is known about the roles of estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes in regulating E2-modulated epithelial ion transports and epithelial restitution. Here, we aimed to investigate ERα and ERβ subtypes in the regulation of E2-modulated colonic epithelial HCO3- and Cl- secretion and epithelial restitution. Through physiological and biochemical studies, in combination of genetic knockdown, we showed that ERα attenuated female colonic Cl- secretion but promoted Ca2+-dependent HCO3- secretion via store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) mechanism in mice. However, ERβ attenuated HCO3- secretion by inhibiting Ca2+via the SOCE and inhibiting cAMP via protein kinases. Moreover, ERα but not ERβ promoted epithelial cell restitution via SOCE/Ca2+ signaling. ERα also enhanced cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and β-catenin expression in normal human colonic epithelial cells. All ERα-mediated biological effects could be attenuated by its selective antagonist and genetic knockdown. Finally, both ERα and ERβ were expressed in human colonic epithelial cells and mouse colonic tissues. We therefore conclude that E2 modulates complex colonic epithelial HCO3- and Cl- secretion via ER subtype-dependent mechanisms and that ERα is specifically responsible for colonic epithelial regeneration. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of how ERα and ERβ subtypes orchestrate functional homeostasis of normal colonic epithelial cells.

Vitamin D Receptor Activation Exerts Anti‐Secretory Actions In Colonic Epithelial Cells

BackgroundThe vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear receptor that is expressed in many tissues throughout the body, but is particularly abundant within the colon. VDR is classically known to be activated by the active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, but is appreciated to also serve as a receptor for luminal bile acids. VDR has previously been shown to have anti‐inflammatory and barrier promoting actions in the large intestine. However, there is little known of the role VDR plays in regulating colonic epithelial transport function. Interestingly, previous studies from our laboratory have shown the nuclear bile acid receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), to exert anti‐secretory actions in colonic epithelial cells. The current study aims to investigate a potential role for VDR in regulating colonic Cl‐ secretion and whether it may be a target for the treatment of diarrhoeal diseases.AimTo investigate the effects of VDR activation by calcitriol on colonic epithelial Cl‐ secretion.MethodsPolarised monolayers of T84 cells, grown on permeable supports, were used as a model of the colonic epithelium. Protein expression of VDR and CFTR was measured by western blotting. Calcitriol (1 ‐ 20 nM) was used to activate VDR and the VDR target protein, CYP24A1, was used to verify activation of the receptor by qRT‐PCR. The specificity of calcitriol as a VDR agonist was determined by investigating FXR activation using the FXR target protein, FGF19, and a FXR‐luciferase reporter cell line. The effects of VDR activation by calcitriol (10 nM) on chloride secretion over a timecourse (6 – 48 hr) was determined using the Ussing chamber technique. Changes in short‐circuit current (Isc) induced by the Ca2+‐dependent agonist, carbachol (CCh; 100 µM) were assessed.ResultsVDR was found to be expressed in T84 cell monolayers as determined by western blotting. Treatment of T84 cells with calcitriol (5 ‐ 20 nM) significantly (n = 3, *p ≤ 0.05) increased expression of CYP24A1, indicating activation of VDR by the agonist. Calcitriol did not alter the activity of FXR, either in an FXR‐luciferase reporter cell line or in T84 cells, indicating specificity of the agonist for VDR. In Ussing chambers, the FXR agonist, GW4064 (5 µM; 24 hrs), inhibited Cl‐ secretory responses to CCh, as previously reported (n = 5, **p ≤ 0.01). Calcitriol (10 nM) was also found to significantly inhibit CCh‐stimulated Cl‐ secretory responses by 39.9 ± 5.1% (6 hr), 40.4 ± 4.3% (18 hr) and 62.0 ± 6.1% (24 hr) (n = 5, **p ≤ 0.01). In addition to their effects on CCh‐induced chloride secretion, GW4064 (5 µM; 24 hrs) downregulated the protein expression of CFTR by 0.5 ± 0.1 (n = 8, ***p ≤ 0.001) (as previously reported) and calcitriol (10 nM) downregulated CFTR by 0.35 ± 0.1 (n=8, *p≤ 0.05).ConclusionSimilar to the bile acid receptor, FXR, VDR is expressed in colonic epithelial cells where activation by its natural ligand, calcitriol, downregulates CFTR expression and inhibits agonist‐induced Cl‐ secretory responses. Since Cl‐ secretion is the primary driving force for intestinal fluid secretion, our data suggest that VDR may serve as a target for the development of new anti‐diarrhoeal agents. Future studies will aim to determine the molecular mechanisms involved and investigate a possible role for VDR in mediating anti‐secretory actions of luminal bile acids.

Functional Role of Basolateral ClC-2 Channels in the Regulation of Duodenal Anion Secretion in Mice.

Although ClC-2 channels are important in colonic Cl- secretion, it is unclear about their roles in small intestinal anion secretion. Therefore, we sought to examine whether ClC-2 channels play important roles in anion secretion, particularly duodenal bicarbonate secretion (DBS). Duodenal mucosae from mice were stripped of seromuscular layers and mounted in Ussing chambers. Both duodenal short-circuit current (Isc) and HCO3- secretion in vitro were simultaneously recorded. DBS in vivo was measured by a CO2-sensitive electrode. Lubiprostone, a selective ClC-2 activator, concentration-dependently increased both duodenal Isc and DBS only when applied basolaterally, but not when applied apically. Removal of extracellular Cl- abolished lubiprostone-induced duodenal Isc, but did not alter HCO3- secretion even in the presence of DIDS, a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger inhibitor. However, further addition of glibenclamide, a CFTR channel blocker, abolished lubiprostone-evoked HCO3- secretion. Moreover, lubiprostone-induced HCO3- secretion was impaired in CFTR-/- mice compared to wild-type littermates. Luminal perfusion of duodenal lumen with lubiprostone did not alter basal DBS in vivo, but lubiprostone (i.p.) was able to induce DBS, which was also significantly inhibited by Cd2+, a ClC-2 channel blocker. [Ca2+]cyt level, Ca2+-activated K+ channel- and cAMP-mediated duodenal Isc, and HCO3- secretion were unchanged by lubiprostone. We have provided the first evidence for the novel functional role of basolateral ClC-2 channels in the regulation of duodenal anion secretion.

Aldosterone Down-Regulates Colonic CL- Secretion Mediated by CA2+-Activated CL- Channels (CACC): A Possible Target for Treating Constipation?

Aldosterone Down-Regulates Colonic CL- Secretion Mediated by CA2+-Activated CL- Channels (CACC): A Possible Target for Treating Constipation?

Lysophosphatidic acid increases SLC26A3 expression in inflamed intestine and reduces diarrheal severity in C57BL/6 mice with dextran-sodium-sulfate-induced colitis

Background Diarrhea is a common clinical feature of ulcerative colitis resulting from unbalanced intestinal fluid and salt absorption and secretion. The Cl-/HCO3 - exchanger SLC26A3 is strongly expressed in the mid-distal colon and plays an essential role in colonic Cl- absorption and HCO3 - secretion. Slc26a3 expression is up-regulated by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)in vitro. Our study was designed to investigate the effects of LPA on SLC26A3 expression and the diarrheal phenotype in a mouse colitis model. Methods Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by adding 4% of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to the drinking water. The mice were assigned to LPA treatment DSS group, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) treatment DSS group, DSS only group and untreated mice with a completely randomized design. Diarrhea severity was evaluated by measuring mice weight, disease activity index (DAI), stool water content and macroscopic evaluation of colonic damage. The effect of LPA treatment on Slc26a3 mRNA level and protein expression in the different groups of mice was investigated by quantitative PCR and Western blotting. Results All mice treated with DSS lost weight, but the onset and severity of weight loss was attenuated in the LPA treatment DSS group. The increases in stool water content and the macroscopic inflammation score in LPA treatment DSS group were significantly lower compared to DSS control group or PBS treatment DSS group ((18.89±8.67)% vs. (28.97±6.95)% or (29.48±6.71)%, P=0.049, P=0.041, respectively and 2.67±0.81 vs. 4.5±0.83 or 4.5±0.54, P=0.020, P=0.006, respectively), as well as the increase in DAI (P=0.004, P=0.008, respectively). LPA enema resulted in higher Slc26a3 mRNA and protein expression levels compared to PBS-treated and untreated DSS colitis mice. Conclusion LPA increases Slc26a3 expression in the inflamed intestine and reduces diarrhea severity in DSS-induced colitis, suggesting LPA might be a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of colitis associated diarrhea.

Cyclic AMP-induced K+ secretion occurs independently of Cl− secretion in rat distal colon

cAMP induces both active Cl(-) and active K(+) secretion in mammalian colon. It is generally assumed that a mechanism for K(+) exit is essential to maintain cells in the hyperpolarized state, thus favoring a sustained Cl(-) secretion. Both Kcnn4c and Kcnma1 channels are located in colon, and this study addressed the questions of whether Kcnn4c and/or Kcnma1 channels mediate cAMP-induced K(+) secretion and whether cAMP-induced K(+) secretion provides the driving force for Cl(-) secretion. Forskolin (FSK)-enhanced short-circuit current (indicator of net electrogenic ion transport) and K(+) fluxes were measured simultaneously in colonic mucosa under voltage-clamp conditions. Mucosal Na(+) orthovanadate (P-type ATPase inhibitor) inhibited active K(+) absorption normally present in rat distal colon. In the presence of mucosal Na(+) orthovanadate, serosal FSK induced both K(+) and Cl(-) secretion. FSK-induced K(+) secretion was 1) not inhibited by either mucosal or serosal 1-[(2-chlorophenyl) diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole (TRAM-34; a Kcnn4 channel blocker), 2) inhibited (92%) by mucosal iberiotoxin (Kcnma1 channel blocker), and 3) not affected by mucosal cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator inhibitor (CFTR(inh)-172). By contrast, FSK-induced Cl(-) secretion was 1) completely inhibited by serosal TRAM-34, 2) not inhibited by either mucosal or serosal iberiotoxin, and 3) completely inhibited by mucosal CFTR(inh)-172. These results indicate that cAMP-induced colonic K(+) secretion is mediated via Kcnma1 channels located in the apical membrane and most likely contributes to stool K(+) losses in secretory diarrhea. On the other hand, cAMP-induced colonic Cl(-) secretion requires the activity of Kcnn4b channels located in the basolateral membrane and is not dependent on the concurrent activation of apical Kcnma1 channels.

TMEM16A and NHERF1 Regulate Ca2+ and cAMP Stimulated Cl‐ Secretion in Murine Colon

TMEM16A is a calcium activated chloride channel (CaCC). However, its role in colonic Cl secretion is unknown. By qPCR, we identified TMEM16A as the predominant CaCC in mouse colon and hypothesized that it was involved in basal and Ca2+‐ stimulated colonic Cl secretion. Because the NHERF family of PDZ domain containing proteins has been shown to regulate intestinal ion transporters, we tested whether NHERF1 and NHERF2 are involved in TMEM16A regulation. Colonic Cl secretion was measured as the change in short circuit current (ΔIsc) by Ussing chamber. Digallic acid, a CaCC inhibitor inhibited basal Isc by 50% (p<0.05) and completely abolished carbachol (CCH) stimulated Isc in the wild type (WT) mouse colon. In TMEM16A+/− colon, basal, CCH and forskolin (FSK) stimulated Isc were reduced by 47% (p<0.04), 67% (p<0.001) and 75% (p<0.001), respectively. In NHERF1−/− mice, basal and CCH stimulated Isc were reduced by 60% (P<0.01) and 92% (P<0.001), while there was no significant change in the FSK stimulated Isc. Basal, CCH and FSK stimulated Isc in NHERF2−/− colonic tissues were not different from WT. Our results suggest that in mouse colon (1) TMEM16A is a major contributor of basal, CCH and unexpectedly also cAMP stimulated Cl secretion; (2) NHERF1, but not NHERF2 plays an important role in basal and CCH stimulated Cl secretion. In conclusion, NHERF1 affects colonic Cl secretion via effects on TMEM16A.

The Early Effect of Dextran Sodium Sulfate Administration on Carbachol-Induced Short-Circuit Current in Distal and Proximal Colon During Colitis Development

Increased colonic Cl(-) secretion was supposed to be a causative factor of diarrhea in inflammatory bowel diseases. Surprisingly, hyporesponsiveness to Cl(-) secretagogues was later described in inflamed colon. Our aim was to evaluate changes in secretory responses to cholinergic agonist carbachol in distal and proximal colon during colitis development, regarding secretory activity of enteric nervous system (ENS) and prostaglandins. Increased responsiveness to carbachol was observed in both distal and proximal colon after 3 days of 2 % dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) administration. It was measured in the presence of mucosal Ba(2+) to emphasize Cl(-) secretion. The described increase was abolished by combined inhibitory effect of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and indomethacin. Indomethacin also significantly reduced TTX-sensitive current. On the 7th day of colitis development responsiveness to carbachol decreased in distal colon (compared to untreated mice), but did not change in proximal colon. TTX-sensitive current did not change during colitis development, but indomethacin-sensitive current was significantly increased the 7th day. Decreased and deformed current responses to serosal Ba(2+) were observed during colitis induction, but only in proximal colon. We conclude that besides inhibitory effect of DSS on distal colon responsiveness, there is an early stimulatory effect that manifests in both distal and proximal colon.

Emodin induces chloride secretion in rat distal colon through activation of mast cells and enteric neurons.

Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) is an active component of many herb-based laxatives. However, its mechanism of action is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of mast cells and enteric neurons in emodin-induced ion secretion in the rat colon. Short-circuit current (I(SC)) recording was used to measure epithelial ion transport. A scanning ion-selective electrode technique was used to directly measure Cl(-) flux (J(Cl)-) across the epithelium. RIA was used to measure emodin-induced histamine release. Basolateral addition of emodin induced a concentration-dependent increase in I(SC) in colonic mucosa/submucosa preparations, EC(50) 75 µM. The effect of emodin was blocked by apically applied glibenclamide, a Cl(-) channel blocker, and by basolateral application of bumetanide, an inhibitor of the Na(+) -K(+) -2Cl(-) cotransporter. Emodin-evoked J(Cl)- in mucosa/submucosa preparations was measured by scanning ion-selective electrode technique, which correlated to the increase in I(SC) and was significantly suppressed by glibenclamide and bumetanide. Pretreatment with tetrodotoxin and the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine had no effect on emodin-induced ΔI(SC) in mucosa-only preparations, but significantly reduced emodin-induced ΔI(SC) and J(Cl)- in mucosa/submucosa preparations. The COX inhibitor indomethacin, the mast cell stabilizer ketotifen and H(1) receptor antagonist pyrilamine significantly reduced emodin-induced ΔI(SC) in mucosa and mucosa/submucosa preparations. The H(2) receptor antagonist cimetidine inhibited emodin-induced ΔI(SC) and J(Cl)- only in the mucosa/submucosa preparations. Furthermore, emodin increased histamine release from the colonic mucosa/submucosa tissues. The results suggest that emodin-induced colonic Cl(-) secretion involves mast cell degranulation and activation of cholinergic and non-cholinergic submucosal neurons.

Cellular localization of NKCC2 and its possible role in the Cl − absorption in the rat and human distal colonic epithelia

Recently, we demonstrated the expression of NKCC2, an absorptive isoform of NKCC specifically expressed in the kidney, in the rat gastrointestinal tract including the distal colonic mucosa. This study aims to investigate its localization in colonic epithelia and possible role in the colonic ion transport. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the expression and localization of NKCC2. The role of NKCC2 on the colonic ion transport was examined by mean of short-circuit current (I(SC)) monitoring. The results indicated that NKCC2 was expressed in the apical region of the epithelia in rat distal colon and human sigmoid colon. NKCC1, which is a secretive NKCC isoform, was localized predominantly in the basolateral membrane, which has been well documented. Serosal (basolateral) administration of bumetanide, an inhibitor of both NKCC1 and NKCC2, inhibited serosal forskolin-induced I(SC) increase by 66% but enhanced the luminal (apical) forskolin-induced I(SC) response by 63%. Furthermore, the blocking of epithelial Na(+) channels by apical addition of amiloride (10 μmol/L), K(+) channels by tetraethylammoniumion (TEA) (5 mmol/L), or glibenclimide (0.1 mmol/L) did not affect apical forskolin-induced I(SC) increase, excluding the involvement of cations, Na(+) and K(+), in the I(SC) response. The luminal forskolin-induced I(SC) increase was enhanced markedly by the apical pretreatment with bumetanide or the reduction of apical Cl(-) concentration by 114% and 198%, respectively, which were inhibited by apical addition of glibenclimide (1 mmol/L) by more than 60%. This finding suggests the involvement of an anion. Furthermore, the removal of basolateral HCO(3)(-) reduced apical forskolin-induced I(SC) by more than 75% indicated that the apical forskolin-induced I(SC) increase in rat distal colon was mediated by Cl(-) absorption and HCO(3)(-) secretion. In conclusion, NKCC2 is expressed widely in the colonic epithelium in rat distal colon and human sigmoid colon, especially in the apical membrane. Itinvolves the process of colonic Cl(-) absorption coupled with HCO(3)(-) secretion.

Berberine Reduces cAMP-Induced Chloride Secretion in T84 Human Colonic Carcinoma Cells through Inhibition of Basolateral KCNQ1 Channels

Berberine is a plant alkaloid with multiple pharmacological actions, including antidiarrhoeal activity and has been shown to inhibit Cl− secretion in distal colon. The aims of this study were to determine the molecular signaling mechanisms of action of berberine on Cl− secretion and the ion transporter targets. Monolayers of T84 human colonic carcinoma cells grown in permeable supports were placed in Ussing chambers and short-circuit current measured in response to secretagogues and berberine. Whole-cell current recordings were performed in T84 cells using the patch-clamp technique. Berberine decreased forskolin-induced short-circuit current in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 80 ± 8 μM). In apically permeabilized monolayers and whole-cell current recordings, berberine inhibited a cAMP-dependent and chromanol 293B-sensitive basolateral membrane K+ current by 88%, suggesting inhibition of KCNQ1 K+ channels. Berberine did not affect either apical Cl− conductance or basolateral Na+–K+-ATPase activity. Berberine stimulated p38 MAPK, PKCα and PKA, but had no effect on p42/p44 MAPK and PKCδ. However, berberine pre-treatment prevented stimulation of p42/p44 MAPK by epidermal growth factor. The inhibitory effect of berberine on Cl− secretion was partially blocked by HBDDE (∼65%), an inhibitor of PKCα and to a smaller extent by inhibition of p38 MAPK with SB202190 (∼15%). Berberine treatment induced an increase in association between PKCα and PKA with KCNQ1 and produced phosphorylation of the channel. We conclude that berberine exerts its inhibitory effect on colonic Cl− secretion through inhibition of basolateral KCNQ1 channels responsible for K+ recycling via a PKCα-dependent pathway.

Stimulation of Airway and Intestinal Mucosal Secretion by Natural Coumarin CFTR Activators

Mutations of cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cause lethal hereditary disease CF that involves extensive destruction and dysfunction of serous epithelium. Possible pharmacological therapy includes correction of defective intracellular processing and abnormal channel gating. In a previous study, we identified five natural coumarin potentiators of ΔF508-CFTR including osthole, imperatorin, isopsoralen, praeruptorin A, and scoparone. The present study was designed to determine the activity of these coumarine compounds on CFTR activity in animal tissues as a primary evaluation of their therapeutic potential. In the present study, we analyzed the affinity of these coumarin potentiators in activating wild-type CFTR and found that they are all potent activators. Osthole showed the highest affinity with Kd values <50 nmol/L as determined by Ussing chamber short-circuit current assay. Stimulation of rat colonic mucosal secretion by osthole was tested by the Ussing chamber short-circuit current assay. Osthole reached maximal activation of colonic Cl− secretion at 5 μmol/L. Stimulation of mouse tracheal mucosal secretion was analyzed by optical measurement of single gland secretion. Fluid secretion rate of tracheal single submucosal gland stimulated by osthole at 10 μmol/L was three-fold more rapid than that in negative control. In both cases the stimulated secretions were fully abolished by CFTRinh-172. In conclusion, the effective stimulation of Cl– and fluid secretion in colonic and tracheal mucosa by osthole suggested the therapeutic potential of natural coumarin compounds for the treatment of CF and other CFTR-related diseases.

Bradykinin regulates human colonic ion transport in vitro

Kinins are acknowledged as important regulators of intestinal function during inflammation; however, their effects on human intestinal ion transport have not been reported. Here, we used muscle-stripped human colonic tissue and cultured T(84)-cell monolayers to study bradykinin (BK) actions on human intestinal ion transport. Ion transport was measured as changes in short-circuit current (I(sc)) across colonic epithelia mounted in Ussing chambers. In intact tissue, there was a distinct polarity to BK-elicited I(sc) responses. Whereas basolateral BK stimulated sustained responses (EC(50)=0.5+/-0.1 microM), those to apical BK were more rapid and transient (EC(50)=4.1+/-1.2 nM). In T(84) cells, responses to both apical and basolateral BK were similar to those seen upon apical addition to intact tissues. Cross-desensitization between apical and basolateral domains was not observed. BK-induced responses were largely due to Cl(-) secretion as shown by their sensitivity to bumetanide and removal of Cl(-) from the bathing solution. Studies using selective agonists and antagonists indicate responses to BK are mediated by B(2) receptors. Finally, responses to basolateral BK in intact tissues were inhibited by tetrodotoxin (1 microM), atropine (1 microM), capsaicin (100 microM) and piroxicam (10 microM). BK-stimulated prostaglandin (PG)E(2) release from colonic tissue. BK stimulates human colonic Cl(-) secretion by activation of apical and basolateral B(2) receptors. Responses to apical BK reflect a direct action on epithelial cells, whereas those to basolateral BK are amplified by stimulation of enteric nerves and PG synthesis.

Palmatine, a protoberberine alkaloid, inhibits both Ca2+‐ and cAMP‐activated Cl− secretion in isolated rat distal colon

The protoberberine alkaloid berberine has been reported to inhibit colonic Cl(-) secretion. However, it is not known if other protoberberine alkaloids share these effects. We have therefore selected another protoberberine alkaloid, palmatine, to assess its effects on active ion transport across rat colonic epithelium. Rat colonic mucosa was mounted in Ussing chambers and short circuit current (I (SC)), apical Cl(-) current and basolateral K(+) current were recorded. Intracellular cAMP content was determined by an enzyme immunoassay. Intracellular Ca(2+) concentration was measured with Fura-2 AM. Palmatine inhibited carbachol-induced Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) secretion and the carbachol-induced increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Palmatine also inhibited cAMP-activated Cl(-) secretion induced by prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) or forskolin. Palmatine prevented the elevation of intracellular cAMP by forskolin. Determination of apical Cl(-) currents showed that palmatine suppressed the forskolin-stimulated, apical cAMP-activated Cl(-) current but not the carbachol-stimulated apical Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) current. Following permeabilization of apical membranes with nystatin, we found that palmatine inhibited a carbachol-stimulated basolateral K(+) current that was sensitive to charybdotoxin and resistant to chromanol 293B. However, the forskolin-stimulated basolateral K(+) current inhibited by palmatine was specifically blocked by chromanol 293B and not by charybdotoxin. Palmatine attenuated Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) secretion through inhibiting basolateral charybdotoxin-sensitive, SK4 K(+) channels, whereas it inhibited cAMP-activated Cl(-) secretion by inhibiting apical CFTR Cl(-) channels and basolateral chromanol 293B-sensitive, KvLQT1 K(+) channels.

Anion secretion evoked by Pasteurella multocida toxin across rat colon

Stimulation of muscarinic receptors is known to have a biphasic effect on colonic Cl − secretion: a short-lasting activation, which is followed by a long-lasting inhibition. In order to find out, which role G q proteins play in both processes, Pasteurella multocida toxin was used, a known activator of Gα q. This toxin (1.5 µg/ml) had a dual action on short-circuit current ( I sc) across rat distal colon: it stimulated transiently I sc and subsequently down-regulated the I sc evoked by Ca 2+-dependent secretagogues such as acetylcholine or ATP. The inactive mutant ( P. multocida toxin C1165S), which does not stimulate G α q, was ineffective. Cl − dependence and sensitivity against bumetanide, a blocker of the Na +–K +–2Cl − cotransporter, confirmed that the increase in I sc evoked by the toxin represented Cl − secretion. The effect of P. multocida toxin was suppressed by YM-254890 (10 − 7 M), a blocker of Gα q. Experiments with apically permeabilized tissues revealed that the secretory response to P. multocida toxin was concomitant with an increase in basolateral K + conductance as it is observed for other agonists inducing Ca 2+-dependent anion secretion. Consequently, these results suggest that G q proteins are not only involved in the activation of secretion, e.g. after stimulation of muscarinic or purinergic receptors, but also play a central role in the long-term down-regulation of intestinal secretion after activation of these types of receptors.

Epidermal Growth Factor Stimulates Chloride Transport in Primary Cultures of Weanling and Adult Rabbit Colonocytes

We have shown that Ca2+-dependent regulation of Cl- secretion in the mammalian colon exhibits age dependence. Because epidermal growth factor (EGF) has a well-established role in growth and can increase intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, it is conceivable that its developmental influence may extend to the regulation of intestinal ion transport. In this study, we examined the role of EGF in the regulation of Cl- transport in the developing rabbit distal colon. Because serum contains growth factors, which could have confounded our studies, we first established an optimal milieu for testing EGF in primary cultures of adult rabbit distal colonocytes by culturing them for 24 h in media containing 0%, 1%, 5%, and 20% serum. Chloride transport (millimoles per second) and [Ca2+]i were measured with use of the fluorescent indicator N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (MQAE) and Fura-2AM, respectively. Serum depletion had no effect on cell number, DNA content, or basal Cl- transport, but it significantly affected cell viability. In media with 0%, 1%, or 20% serum, bethanechol, 8BrcAMP, taurodeoxycholate, and EGF stimulated Cl- transport to a similar extent. EGF maximally stimulated Cl- transport at 16.3 nmol/L and 20 minutes. Bethanechol, but not EGF, increased [Ca2+]i. EGF did not alter bethanechol-stimulated Cl- transport or [Ca2+]i. EGF acts via an EGF-receptor and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, since stimulation of Cl- transport was abolished by genistein, AG1478, and PD98059. Weanling and adult colonocytes, cultured in 1% serum, showed similar basal and EGF-stimulated Cl- transport. EGF stimulates rabbit colonic Cl- transport via a Ca2+-independent, tyrosine kinase- and MAPK-dependent pathway, and its effects are not age dependent.

Age-dependent effect of secretagogues during colonic maturation

Intestinal secretory response is altered during colonic development. The aim of this report was to study the developmental changes of the Ca2+- and cAMP-induced regulatory pathways with special attention to the direct and indirect effect of secretagogues on the colonic epithelium. We investigated the effect of bethanechol, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and histamine on Cl− secretion and stimulation of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and cAMP in the distal colon of suckling, weanling and adult rats. In the presence of tetrodotoxin, immature colon of suckling and weanling rats displayed higher potency (EC50) of 5-HT to stimulate Cl− secretion, whereas the potency of histamine was not changed during development. The potency of bethanechol was reduced during weaning and partially restored in adulthood. 5-HT increased cAMP level similarly in both neonatal and adult colonic crypts, but the adults had higher basal level of cAMP than suckling rats. Also the effect of bethanechol on [Ca2+]i was independent of colonic maturation. The results suggest that colonic Cl− secretion displays developmental changes of regulation depending on the non-neural secretagogue-signalling pathway and that these developmental changes seem to be localized somewhere outside colonocytes.

Differential Cl- and HCO3- mediated anion secretion by different colonic cell types in response to tetromethylpyrazine.

Colonic epithelium is known to secrete both Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-), but the secretory mechanisms of different colonic cell types are not fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the differential activation of Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) secretion by tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in human crypt-like cell line, T84, and villus-like cell line, Caco-2, in comparison to the TMP-induced secretory response in freshly isolated rat colonic mucosa. Colonic epithelial anion secretion was studied by using the short circuit current (I(SC)) technique. RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of Na(+)-HCO(3)(-)-cotranspoter in different epithelial cell types. TMP produced a concentration-dependent I(SC) which was increase in both T84 and Caco-2 cells. When extracellular Cl(-) was removed, TMP-induced I(SC) was abolished by 76.6% in T84 cells, but not in Caco-2 cells. However, after both Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) were removed, TMP-induced I(SC) in Caco-2 cells was reduced to 10%. Bumetanide, an inhibitor of Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-)-cotranspoter, inhibited the TMP-induced I(SC) by 96.7% in T84 cells, but only 47.9% in Caco-2 cells. In the presence of bumetanide and 4, 4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2, 2'-disulfonic acid, an inhibitor of Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporter, inhibited the TMP-induced current in Caco-2 cells by 93.3%. In freshly isolated rat colonic mucosa, TMP stimulated distinct I(SC) responses similar to that observed in T84 and Caco-2 cells depending on the concentration used. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporter in Caco-2 cells was 4-fold more greater than that in T84 cells. TMP exerts concentration-dependent differential effects on different colonic cell types with stimulation of predominant Cl(-) secretion by crypt cells at a lower concentration, but predominant HCO(3)(-) secretion by villus cells at a higher concentration, suggesting different roles of these cells in colonic Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) secretion.

Nitric oxide-induced Cl- secretion in isolated rat colon is mediated by the release of thromboxane A2.

We have shown previously that thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which may be released by the anti-tumour drug irinotecan and by platelet-activating factor (PAF), causes Cl- secretion in the isolated rat colon. In the present study, the involvement of TXA2 in nitric oxide-induced Cl- secretion in isolated rat colon was investigated. In colonic mucosa set between Ussing chambers, the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 100 microM) caused Cl- secretion, an effect that was almost completely inhibited by the NO scavenger carboxy-PTIO at 200 microM. The SNP-induced Cl- secretion was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the TXA2 receptor antagonist ONO-3708 (IC50 = 2 microM) and the TX synthase inhibitor Y-20811 (IC50 = 0.4 microM). SNP significantly increased the release of TXA2 (measured as TXB2 release) from the mucosa. The SNP-induced increases in Cl- secretion and TXA2 release were blocked by a NO-sensitive guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ). Dibutyryl cGMP (500 microM) also induced Cl- secretion, which was sensitive to ONO-3708 (10 microM) and Y-20811 (1 microM), and increased the release of TXA2 from the mucosa. PAF-induced (10 microM) Cl- secretion was inhibited by carboxy-PTIO (200 microM) and ODQ (10 microM), whereas irinotecan-induced (500 microM) Cl- secretion was not significantly inhibited by these drugs. A stable TXA2 analogue (STA2) but not SNP (100 microM) changed the membrane potential of epithelial cells in isolated colonic crypts under the whole-cell current-clamp condition. These results indicate that PAF elicits the NO-cGMP pathway and then stimulates the release of TXA2, which is a stimulant of colonic Cl- secretion. In contrast, the NO-cGMP pathway is not involved in the TXA2-mediated Cl- secretion induced by irinotecan.

Differences in Ca(2+) signaling underlie age-specific effects of secretagogues on colonic Cl(-) transport.

Taurodeoxycholic acid (TDC) stimulates Cl(-) transport in adult (AD), but not weanling (WN) and newborn (NB), rabbit colonic epithelial cells (colonocytes). The present study demonstrates that stimuli like neurotensin (NT) are also age specific and identifies the age-dependent signaling step. Bile acid actions are segment and bile acid specific. Thus although TDC and taurochenodeoxycholate stimulate Cl(-) transport in AD distal but not proximal colon, taurocholate has no effect in either segment. TDC increases intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in AD, but not in WN and NB, colonocytes. In AD cells, TDC (5 min) action on Cl(-) transport needs intra- but not extracellular Ca(2+). NT, histamine, and bethanechol increase Cl(-) transport and [Ca(2+)](i) in AD, but not WN, distal colonocytes. However, A-23187 increased [Ca(2+)](i) and Cl(-) transport in all age groups, suggesting that Ca(2+)-sensitive Cl(-) transport is present from birth. Study of the proximal steps in Ca(2+) signaling revealed that NT, but not TDC, activates a GTP-binding protein, Galpha(q), in AD and WN cells. In addition, although WN and AD colonocytes had similar levels of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, NT and TDC increased 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate content only in AD cells. Nonresponsiveness of WN cells to Ca(2+)-dependent stimuli, therefore, is due to the absence of measurable phospholipase C activity. Thus delays in Ca(2+) signaling afford a crucial protective mechanism to meet the changing demands of the developing colon.