Stimulated Anion Secretion Research Articles

Escherichia coli EAST1 toxin toxicity of variants 17-2 and O 42

EAST1 (EnteroAggregative heat-Stable Toxin 1) is a 4.1kDa toxin that was first detected in the enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) strain 17-2 (O3:H2) isolated from the stools of a Chilean child with diarrhoea. Accordingly, EAST1 is thought to play a role in the pathogenicity of EAEC. The goal of this study was to obtain purified biologically active forms of two EAST1 variants (17-2 and O 42). Purified toxin samples were treated with protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) to ascertain the integrity of the disulfide bridges. Since EAST1 is often compared to STa (heat-Stable Toxin a), both purified EAST1 variants were tested for biological activity using the suckling mouse assay, the reference test for STa. A positive gut to body (G/B) weight ratio was not observed for any of the EAST1 preparations tested, although STa was active. Exposure of the purified toxins to T84 cell monolayers, an epithelial cell line derived from a human colon carcinoma, in modified Ussing flux chambers resulted in a rapidly attained and prolonged increase in short circuit current, a sensitive measure of net ion transport. Responses to 17-2 and O 42 variants were comparable in magnitude and inhibitable by bumetanide and DASU-02, indicating net anion secretion. The results demonstrate that EAST1 toxin stimulates anion secretion by T84 cell monolayers and it is sustained for the duration of toxin exposure.

Oxytocin and Vasopressin Stimulate Anion Secretion by Human and Porcine Vas Deferens Epithelia1

Experiments were conducted to characterize the effects of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) on epithelial cells isolated from human (1 degree HVD) and porcine (1 degree PVD) vas deferens and an immortalized epithelial cell line derived from porcine vas deferens (PVD9902 cells). Cultured monolayers were assessed in modified Ussing flux chambers and the OT- or VP-induced change in short circuit current (I(SC)) was recorded. All cell types responded to basolateral OT or VP with a transient increase in I(SC) that reached a peak of 3-5 microA cm(-2). Concentration-response curves constructed with 1 degree PVD and PVD9902 cells revealed that the apparent K(D) (k(app)) for OT was approximately 100-fold less than the k(app) for VP. Amplicons for the OT receptor (OXTR) and vasopressin type 2 and type 1a receptors (AVPR2 and AVPR1A) were generated with RT-PCR and the identification of each amplicon confirmed by sequence analysis. A selective antagonist for OXTR and AVPR1A fully blocked the effects of OT and partially blocked the effects of VP when assessed in both 1 degree PVD and PVD9902 monolayers. APVR2 antagonists blocked the effects of low (< or =30 nM) but not high concentrations of VP, indicating that VP was affecting both AVPR2 and a second receptor subtype, likely OXTR or AVPR1A. Experiments employing chelerythrine demonstrated that OT stimulation of vas deferens monolayers requires PKC activity. Alternatively, VP (but not OT) increased the accumulation of cytosolic cAMP in vas deferens epithelial cells. Results from this study demonstrate that OT and VP can modulate ion transport across vas deferens epithelia by independent mechanisms. OT and VP have the potential to acutely change the environment to which sperm are exposed and thus, have the potential to affect male fertility.

Dietary genistein stimulates anion secretion across female murine intestine.

Genistein, a naturally occurring isoflavone, augments in vitro epithelial anion transport via activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel. In this study, we examined whether chronic dietary exposure to 600 mg/kg genistein (600 G) for 1 mo would stimulate anion secretion across wild-type (Wt, normal) murine intestine. Anion secretion was assessed in freshly excised segments of murine jejuna by measuring short circuit current (I(sc)) and comparing with jejunal segments from mice fed 0 mg/kg genistein (0 G). Basal and forskolin-stimulated anion secretions were augmented (P < 0.05) in female but not in male mice fed 600 G, compared with their counterparts fed 0 G. Serum genistein concentrations were greater in both female and male mice fed 600 G (approximately 3.5-6.9 micromol/L) than those fed 0 G (approximately 100 nmol/L). Anion substitution experiments and bumetanide-sensitivity demonstrated that chloride was the major anion mediating the increased secretion. A smaller bicarbonate component was not augmented by consumption of the genistein diet. These data indicate that chronic exposure to dietary genistein stimulates a sex-dependent increase in basal and forskolin-stimulated chloride secretion across murine intestine.

Epithelial Ion Transport of Human Nasal Polyp and Paranasal Sinus Mucosa

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus have various functions. However, little information is available on ion transport in these upper airway epithelia. In the present study, we measured the anion secretion and the anion channel activity to characterize the ion transport in epithelial cells prepared from human paranasal sinus mucosa (PSM) and nasal polyp (NP). To estimate the anion secretion and the anion channel activity, we measured the short-circuit current (Isc) and the transepithelial conductance (Gt) sensitive to NPPB (a Cl(-) channel blocker). The NPPB-sensitive Isc in PSM was larger than that in NP, correlating to the NPPB-sensitive Gt (Cl(-) channel activity). Forskolin stably elevated the NPPB-sensitive Isc associated with an increase in the NPPB-sensitive Gt in PSM and NP. UTP transiently stimulated the Isc associated with an elevation of Gt in PSM and NP. The stimulatory action of UTP on Isc and Gt was diminished by application of NPPB but not benzamil in PSM and NP, suggesting that UTP induced the NPPB-sensitive Isc (Cl(-) secretion) and Gt (Cl(-) channel activity). These observations suggest that in human PSM and NP, cAMP stably stimulates anion secretion by activating the Cl(-) (anion) channels, and that UTP just transiently elevates anion secretion via activation of some Cl(-) (anion) channels.

Stimulation of colonic anion secretion by monochloramine: action sites

During inflammatory bowel disease, reactive oxygen metabolites are released by phagocytes reacting with intraluminal NH3 to produce monochloramine (NH2Cl). NH2Cl is assumed to play role in the pathogenesis of inflammation-associated diarrhoea, as it is able to induce intestinal secretion. The aim of the present study was to determine the action sites of NH2Cl in rat colonic epithelium with Ussing chamber and fura-2 experiments. In intact mucosa, NH2Cl (5.10(-6)-10(-4) mol.l(-1)) evoked a concentration-dependent increase in short-circuit current (Isc), consistent with the induction of anion secretion, as demonstrated by anion substitution and transport blocker experiments. When the apical membrane was permeabilised by the ionophore nystatin, two basolateral action sites of NH2Cl (5.10(-5) mol.l(-1)) could be identified, i.e. an increase in the K+ conductance and a stimulation of the Na+-K+ pump. When tissues were basolaterally depolarised by a high K+ concentration, the stimulation of an apical Cl- conductance by NH2Cl was observed. In isolated colonic crypts loaded with the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2, NH2Cl (5.10(-5) mol.l(-1)) evoked an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. This increase was independent from the presence of Ca2+ in the extracellular medium, but was inhibited by blockade of intracellular sarcoplasmatic, endoplasmatic Ca2+-ATPases with cyclopiazonic acid (10(-5) mol.l(-1)). The NH2Cl-evoked Ca2+ release was sensitive against inhibition of ryanodine receptors with ruthenium red (5.10(-5) mol.l(-1)) and against inhibition of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors with 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate (10(-4) mol.l(-1)). Both blockers also inhibited the NH2Cl-induced increase in Isc. These results indicate that an intracellular Ca2+ release via ryanodine and/or IP3 receptors is involved in oxidant stimulation of anion secretion in rat colon.

Adenosine stimulates anion secretion across cultured and native adult human vas deferens epithelia.

Experiments were conducted to determine the responsiveness of human vas deferens epithelial cell monolayers to adenosine and related agonists. Human abdominal vas deferens epithelial cells have been isolated from adult tissues and grown to confluence on permeable supports. All cells exhibit intense ZO-1 and cytokeratin immunoreactivity. Cultured cell monolayers exhibit high electrical resistance with a lumen-negative potential difference and short circuit current (I(sc)) indicative of anion secretion and/or cation absorption. A portion of the basal I(sc) is inhibited by amiloride. Amiloride-sensitive I(sc) is enhanced by exposure to glucocorticoids and is Na(+) dependent, indicating the presence of epithelial sodium channel-mediated Na(+) absorption. Epithelial anion secretion and intracellular generation of cAMP are acutely stimulated by adenosine and the adenosine receptor agonist 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA), with these effects being fully blocked by 8-phenyltheophylline. Adenosine receptors are localized to the apical membrane of the epithelial cells, as basolateral adenosine is without effect. Freshly excised human vas deferens recapitulate observations made on cultured epithelia when evaluated with the self-referencing vibrating probe: amiloride inhibition of basal ion transport, stimulation by adenosine, and inhibition by 8-phenyltheophyline. These results demonstrate that adult human vas deferens epithelium actively transports ions to generate the luminal environment of the deferent duct. Thus, vas deferens epithelium likely plays an active role in male fertility, and interventions that modulate epithelial function might be exploited to treat male-factor infertility or in contraception.

Basolateral and apical A1 adenosine receptors mediate sodium transport in cultured renal epithelial (A6) cells.

There are conflicting reports in the literature regarding the adenosine receptor that mediates the increase in sodium transport in the A6 cell. In this study we used specific A1 and A2 adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists, as well as two different subclones of the A6 cell, to determine which adenosine receptor mediates the increase in sodium transport. In the A6S2 subclone, basolateral and apical N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), a selective A1 receptor agonist, stimulated sodium transport at a threshold concentration <10(-7) M, whereas CGS-21680, a selective A2 receptor agonist, had a threshold concentration that was at least 10(-5) M. The A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) was found to have a nonspecific effect on CHA-stimulated sodium transport, whereas the A2 receptor antagonist 8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC) had no effect. As with the A6S2 subclone, basolateral and apical CHA stimulated sodium transport at a nanomolar concentration in the A6C1 subclone and the threshold concentration for CGS-21680 was in the high micromolar range. Concurrent with the increase in 1 receptor in different subclones of the A6 cell, including a subclone capable of anion secretion.

An alternate pathway of cAMP-stimulated Cl− secretion across the NKCC1-null murine duodenum

Background & Aims: Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-stimulated anion secretion across the duodenal epithelium requires the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the apical membrane and anion uptake proteins in the basolateral membrane. NKCC1, the epithelial Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter, is the major protein responsible for Cl− uptake. In this study, we evaluate the role of NKCC1 in determining the relative rates of transepithelial Cl− and HCO3− secretion during cAMP stimulation of the duodenum. Methods: Bicarbonate and chloride secretion across duodenal mucosa was measured in Ussing chambers by pH stat and 36Cl flux methods using mice with either gene-targeted deletion of NKCC1 (NKCC1−/−) or bumetanide blockade of NKCC1. Results: Total anion secretion stimulated by forskolin treatment of NKCC1-null duodenum resulted from approximately equivalent rates of electrogenic chloride, electrogenic bicarbonate, and electroneutral bicarbonate secretion. Evaluation of the alternate chloride secretory pathway indicated chloride uptake by a basolateral membrane anion exchange process with characteristics consistent with the anion exchanger isoform AE2. Conclusions: Chloride uptake by basolateral anion exchanger activity (AE2) supports intracellular cAMP–stimulated chloride secretion in the NKCC1-null duodenum. A model for the alternate chloride secretion pathway is proposed whereby chloride uptake via AE2 is coupled to basolateral NaHCO3 cotransport to support CFTR-mediated chloride and bicarbonate secretion.GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;123:531-541

Oxidant stress stimulates anion secretion from the human airway epithelial cell line Calu-3: implications for cystic fibrosis lung disease.

Exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with tissue damage in the lung and may be a common element in the pathogenesis of all inflammatory lung diseases. Exposure to the ROS hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) evoked a rapid increase in transepithelial anion secretion across monolayers of the human submucosal gland serous cell line Calu-3. This increase was almost entirely abolished by the addition of diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC), implicating the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel in the response. The response was also reduced by inhibitors of basolateral K+ channels. Studies of electrically isolated apical and basolateral membranes revealed that H2O2 stimulated both apical Cl- and basolateral K+ conductances (G(Cl) and G(K)). Apical G(Cl) was sensitive to DPC, but unaffected by 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), suggesting that CFTR is the major anion conduction pathway mediating the response to H2O2. Additionally, H2O2 had no effect on G(Cl) in the presence of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 or following maximal stimulation of G(Cl) with forskolin, implicating the cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway in the apical response to H2O2. Basolateral G(K) was reduced by the K+ channel inhibitors clotrimazole and clofilium, indicating roles for KCNN4 and KCNQ1 in the H2O2-stimulated response. We propose that ROS-stimulated anion secretion from serous cells plays an important role in keeping the airways clear from damaging radicals that could potentially initiate tissue destruction. Our finding that this response is CFTR dependent suggests that an important host defence mechanism would be dysfunctional in the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung. Loss of this compensatory protective mechanism could expose the CF lung to ROS for extended periods, which could be important in the pathogenesis of CF lung disease.

COX-dependent and -independent pathways in bradykinin-induced anion secretion in rat epididymis.

Lysylbradykinin (LBK) added to the apical or basolateral side of cultured rat epididymal monolayers stimulated a rise in short-circuit current (Isc) due to anion secretion. The concentration-response relationships for the apical and basolateral applications have EC50 value of 0.001 microM. The responses to apical or basolateral application of LBK were blocked by WIN64338, a specific B2 receptor antagonist, but not by Des-Arg9,[Leu8]-BK, a specific B1 receptor antagonist, indicating that the LBK effects were mediated through B2 bradykinin receptors. Experiments to desensitize the B2 receptors by repeated stimulation have demonstrated that the responses to apical or basolateral LBK were due to discrete receptors on the apical or basolateral surface. In epithelia clamped in the Ussing chambers, addition of LBK to the apical or basolateral surface evoked release of PGE2 into the apical and basolateral bathing solutions over the first 10 min following hormone addition. LBK added to the basolateral side elicited a greater release than it was added to the apical side. Pretreatment of the epithelia with piroxicam (5 microM) abolished PGE2 release elicited by apical or basolateral LBK and abrogated the Isc induced by basolateral LBK. However, the rise in Isc induced by apical LBK was reduced by 31.3% only. The anion secretion response to apical LBK was not affected by MDL-12330A, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, but greatly attenuated by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of intracellular Ca2+ release. However, the reverse effects were seen for basolateral LBK. It is concluded that distinct pathways are involved in the stimulation of anion secretion by apical or basolateral LBK. The response to basolateral LBK was COX-dependent, mediated by PGE2 and involves cAMP as second messenger. In contrast, the response to apical LBK is largely COX-independent, not mediated by PCE2 and involves Ca2+ as intracellular messenger.

Characterization of basolateral K+ channels underlying anion secretion in the human airway cell line Calu-3.

Transepithelial anion secretion in many tissues depends upon the activity of basolateral channels. Using monolayers of the Calu-3 cell line, a human submucosal serous cell model mounted in an Ussing chamber apparatus, we investigated the nature of the K+ channels involved in basal, cAMP- and Ca2+-stimulated anion secretion, as reflected by the transepithelial short circuit current (I(sc)). The non-specific K+ channel inhibitor Ba2+ inhibited the basal I(sc) by either 77 or 16 % when applied directly to the basolateral or apical membranes, respectively, indicating that a basolateral K+ conductance is required for maintenance of basal anion secretion. Using the K+ channel blockers clofilium and clotrimazole, we found basal I(sc) to be sensitive to clofilium, with a small clotrimazole-sensitive component. By stimulating the cAMP and Ca2+ pathways, we determined that cAMP-stimulated anion secretion was almost entirely abolished by clofilium, but insensitive to clotrimazole. In contrast, the Ca2+-stimulated response was sensitive to both clofilium and clotrimazole. Thus, pharmacologically distinct basolateral K+ channels are differentially involved in the control of anion secretion under different conditions. Isolation of the basolateral K+ conductance in permeabilized monolayers revealed a small basal and forskolin-stimulated I(sc). Finally, using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, we found that Calu-3 cells express the K+ channel genes KCNN4 and KCNQ1 and the subunits KCNE2 and KCNE3. We conclude that while KCNN4 contributes to Ca2+-activated anion secretion by Calu-3 cells, basal and cAMP-activated secretion are more critically dependent on other K+ channel types, possibly involving one or more class of KCNQ1-containing channel complexes.

Androgen control of cyclooxygenase expression in the rat epididymis.

Bradykinin and a number of peptide hormones such as angiotensin, endothelin, and vasopressin stimulate anion secretion in rat epididymis via local formation of PGE(2). These effects are mediated by cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 isozyme. The present study was undertaken to assess the androgen control of COX expression in the epididymis. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were bilaterally castrated through a scrotal route. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to measure COX-1 and COX-2 mRNAs in the epididymis in normal and castrated rats. Anion secretion in epithelia grown from the epididymides of these rats was studied by the short-circuit current technique. In normal rats, COX-1 and COX-2 mRNAs were detected in the intact epididymis. Elimination of spermatozoa by the technique of efferent duct ligation or flushing out spermatozoa did not affect the expression of either enzyme in the epididymis, indicating that the epithelium, but not spermatozoa, expressed the enzymes. Castration caused a time-dependent decrease in expression of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNAs, which were partially restored upon testosterone replacement. In epithelia cultured from castrated rats, there was a complete loss of bradykinin-induced anion secretion. This effect was reversible upon testosterone replacement. Although epithelia from castrated rats did not respond to bradykinin, they could respond to cAMP, forskolin, and PGE(2) with only 20% loss of response magnitude when compared with epithelia from normal rats. These results suggest that the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 are dependent on androgen. The loss of COX-1 expression after castration correlates with the specific loss of anion secretion induced by bradykinin and possibly other hormones.

CAMP stimulated anion secretion across NKCC1 knockout intestine

CAMP stimulated anion secretion across NKCC1 knockout intestine

Activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in rat epididymal epithelium by genistein.

The effect of genistein on anion secretion via cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in cultured rat cauda epididymal epithelia was studied by short-circuit current (Isc) technique. Genistein added apically stimulated a concentration-dependent rise in Isc due to Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) secretion. The genistein-induced Isc was observed in basolaterally permeabilized monolayers, suggesting that the Isc response was mediated by the apical anion channel. The response could be blocked by the nonspecific Cl(-) channel blocker, diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC), but not by the Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel blocker, 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS). Genistein did not increase intracellular cAMP, but H-89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, completely abolished the Isc response to genistein. Moreover, pretreatment of the tissues with MDL-12330A, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, markedly attenuated the Isc response to genistein, but the response was restored upon the addition of exogenous cAMP. Ca(2+), protein kinase C, tyrosine kinase, and protein phosphatase signalling pathways were not involved in the action of genistein. It is speculated that genistein stimulates anion secretion by direct interaction with CFTR. This requires a low level of phosphorylation of CFTR by basal protein kinase A activity. It is suggested that genistein may provide therapeutic benefit to male infertility associated with cystic fibrosis.

Regulation of anion secretion by cyclo-oxygenase and prostanoids in cultured epididymal epithelia from the rat.

1. The role of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) in the regulation of anion secretion (measured as short- circuit current, Isc) in cultured epididymal epithelia from immature rats was investigated. 2. COX inhibitors attenuated the increase of anion secretion caused by bradykinin (LBK) but had no effect on that caused by PGE2, suggesting that prostaglandin synthesis mediates the secretory response of the tissues to LBK. 3. The apparent IC50 values for indomethacin, piroxicam and L-745,337 in inhibiting the LBK-induced Isc were 0.14, 1.34 and 15.7 microM, respectively. This order of potency: indomethacin > piroxicam > L-745,337 >> DFU suggests the involvement of the COX-1 isozyme in the mediation of the secretory response to LBK. 4. Among the COX products (prostaglandins, thromboxane and prostacyclins) tested, only PGE2 and, to a much lesser extent, PGF2alpha stimulated anion secretion by cultured rat epididymal epithelia. 5. The effect of PGE2 was mimicked by 11-deoxyl PGE1, a specific prostaglandin E (EP)2/4 receptor agonist, but not by sulprostone, a specific EP1/3 receptor agonist, indicating that cyclic AMP-coupled EP2/4 receptors are involved in the LBK-stimulated anion secretion. 6. A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction study detected the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA in intact rat epididymis and in cultured epididymal epithelia. The expression of COX-1 mRNA was reduced by LBK by 44 %. 7. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the presence of COX-1 immunoreactivity in the basal cells of the intact rat epididymis. By comparison, COX-2 immunoreactivity was detected in the apical pole of the principal cells. 8. The role of COX in the formation of the epididymal microenvironment and the implication of long term administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on male fertility are discussed.

Concerted actions of IL-1beta inhibit Na+ absorption and stimulate anion secretion by IMCD cells.

Increasing evidence indicates that factors other than adrenocorticoid hormones can influence long-term regulation of Na+ transport by inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. We now report that, of 14 interleukins tested, only interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and IL-1beta inhibited Na+ transport by primary cultures of rat IMCD. IL-1beta reduced both basal and mineralocorticoid (MC)-stimulated Na+ transport by 50-70%; its effect on glucocorticoid (GC)-stimulated Na+ transport was significantly less. IL-1beta continued to blunt MC stimulation of Na+ transport even after it had been removed from the medium for 24 h. The onset of action to inhibit Na+ transport was within 20 min. The acute effect from the basolateral surface was greater than that from the apical surface, but the effect from each surface was additive. In addition to its inhibitory effect on Na+ transport, chronic IL-1beta exposure increased both basal and cAMP-stimulated anion secretion rates. IL-1beta had no acute effect on anion secretion. Monolayers chronically treated with IL-1beta had an increased capacity to secrete fluid, as predicted from its effects on ion transport. Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase did not blunt the actions of IL-1beta. Furthermore, IL-1beta did not produce a rise in intracellular Ca2+. These results suggest novel signaling pathways induced by IL-1beta regulating Na+ and Cl- transport by the IMCD.

Recent findings on the mode of action of laxatives: the role of platelet activating factor and nitric oxide.

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid mediator of inflammation and stimulates anion secretion in animals and in isolated preparations of human colon. Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from the amino acid L-arginine, is an important enteric inhibitory neurotransmitter. In addition, NO-donating compounds stimulate anion secretion in rat and guinea-pig colon. In this article, Angelo A. Izzo and colleagues review the key pharmacological features of the involvement of NO and PAF in the action of laxatives and propose that the classification of laxatives should take into account the important implications of these endogenous mediators.

Stimulation of anion secretion by beta-adrenoceptors in the mouse endometrial epithelium.

1. Regulation of anion secretion by adrenoceptors in primary culture of mouse endometrial epithelium was investigated using the short circuit current (ISC) technique. 2. Adrenaline stimulated a sustained increase in the ISC in a concentration-dependent manner. The adrenaline-induced ISC could be inhibited by pretreatment with diphenylamine 2,2'-dicarboxylic acid (DPC) or replacement of external Cl- and HCO3-, but not by amiloride or replacement of Na+ in apical solution. 3. The concentration-dependent responses of the adrenaline-induced ISC to the Cl- channel blockers glibenclamide and DPC were examined and exhibited IC50 values of 380 and 960 microM, respectively. 4. The effect of various adrenoceptor agonists on the ISC was examined. The order of potency appeared to be isoprenaline > adrenaline > noradrenaline, while no response was elicited by the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine, indicating a predominant involvement of beta-adrenoceptors. 5. The beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol was found to be much more effective than the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine in inhibiting the ISC responses induced by all adrenoceptor agonists examined. 6. The effect of adrenaline on the ISC was mimicked by an adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, but suppressed by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor MDL 12,330A, indicating the involvement of cAMP. 7. Our results demonstrate that anion secretion by the mouse endometrial epithelium is regulated by beta-adrenoceptors and involves a cAMP-dependent mechanism.

Regulation of ion transport across porcine distal bronchi.

Distal airways comprise the vast majority of total human airway surface area, yet little is known about transepithelial ion transport in these tissues. Pathways that regulate ion transport in porcine small bronchi (3.62 +/- 0.04 mm outer diameter) were studied by measuring the effects of secretogogues that stimulate Cl- secretion in proximal airways. Resting potential difference (PD), shortcircuit current (ISC), and resistance (Rt) across the distal bronchi were 3.4 +/- 0.1 mV (lumen negative), 40.8 +/- 1.7 microA/cm2, and 92.1 +/- 5.0 omega.cm2, respectively. Isoproterenol (10 microM), acetylcholine (ACh; 10 microM), or ATP (100 microM) induced immediate significant (P < 0.05) increases in PD and ISC. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (1 microM) induced a slow increase in PD that was accompanied by a significant 2.4-fold increase in Rt and no change in ISC. The responses to isoproterenol, ACh, and ATP were maintained in the presence of 10 microM amiloride. Pretreatment with 10 microM bumetanide to block Cl- secretion inhibited responses to isoproterenol and ATP but not to ACh. The ACh effect was inhibited only after both Cl- and HCO3- secretion were blocked. These data suggest that isoproterenol, ACh, and ATP stimulate anion secretion. Isoproterenol and ATP specifically stimulate Cl- secretion, whereas ACh can stimulate both Cl- and HCO3- secretion. A23187 has no effect on active transepithelial ion transport but increases barrier resistance in intact distal bronchial epithelium.

Effect of cAMP agonists on cell pH and anion transport by cultured rat inner medullary collecting duct cells.

The rat inner medullary collecting duct is capable of secreting anions. We previously showed that adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) stimulates anion secretion; the apical membrane anion exit pathway activated by cAMP appears to be the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel. The present experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that the entry pathway across the basolateral membrane is a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger operating in parallel with an Na+/H+ exchanger. We investigated the mechanism by measuring cell Cl-, cell pH, and short-circuit current under a variety of conditions designed to uncover these pathways. cAMP agonists caused little change in cell Cl-, but they produced a consistent intracellular acidification. This acidification was dependent on HCO3-, but not on Cl-, and was not inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS). The presence of the basolateral Cl-/HCO3- exchanger was demonstrated by several maneuvers, and its activity was inhibited by DIDS. Applied to the basolateral solution, DIDS did not inhibit the cAMP-dependent anion current but actually stimulated it. We conclude that cAMP-stimulated anion secretion does not require activation of the basolateral Cl-/HCO3- exchanger. The transporter responsible for Cl- entry across the basolateral membrane remains unknown and is not inhibited by a variety of anion transport inhibitors, including DIDS, bumetanide, and hydrochlorothiazide. The cell acidification induced by cAMP appears to be independent of acid secretion and is the result of activation of one or more HCO3- exit pathways that are resistant to DIDS but are inhibited by a nonspecific anion transport inhibitor, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpro-pylamino) benzoic acid. We present a revised model for anion transport by the rat inner medullary collecting duct.