bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and translocation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha- and beta-subunits to plasma membrane in MDCK cells
Authors: Mircheff A. K. , Bowen J. W. , Yiu S. C. , McDonough A. A.
Published: December 2017

Synthesis and translocation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha-catalytic and beta-glycoprotein subunits from intracellular membranes to the plasma membrane were studied in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK-T) by combining the methods of pulse-chase labeling, subcellular fractionation on sorbitol gradients, and immunoprecipitation. Immunoprecipitation from homogenates revealed that radioactive methionine incorporated into beta-subunit was equal to that incorporated into alpha-subunit after 15 min of labeling. Because the ratio of total methionines in alpha- vs. beta-subunit is approximately 5:1, these results suggest that beta-subunit is synthesized in molar excess over alpha-subunit. Half of the newly synthesized beta-subunit, likely unassembled units, were degraded by 60 min after labeling, while alpha-subunits were stable through 120 min after synthesis, suggesting alpha may be limiting for alpha beta-assembly. By 120 min the ratio of counts incorporated into alpha vs. beta approached 5, which is predicted by a 1:1 ratio of alpha to beta. The sorbitol gradient resolved two major membrane samples: a mixture of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi populations and a plasma membrane-enriched sample. Immature beta (beta i) could not be detected in the plasma membrane-enriched samples at levels greater than could be attributed to cross-contamination by intracellular membranes. Mature beta (beta m) became detectable after 30 min, and conversion of beta i to beta m was 90% complete at 120 min. A peak of labeled alpha-subunit appeared in the plasma membrane-enriched sample at 60 min, coincident with the appearance of labeled beta m-subunit in this sample, suggesting movement as alpha beta-heterodimers.
Role of facilitated diffusion of calcium by calbindin in intestinal calcium absorption
Authors: Feher J. J. , Fullmer C. S. , Wasserman R. H.
Published: December 2017

Computer simulations of transcellular Ca2+ transport in enterocytes were carried out using the simulation program SPICE. The program incorporated a negative-feedback entry of Ca2+ at the brush-border membrane that was characterized by an inhibitor constant of 0.5 microM cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]). The basolateral Ca(2+)-ATPase was simulated by a four-step mechanism that resulted in Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a Michaelis constant of 0.24 microM [Ca2+]. The cytosolic diffusion of Ca2+ was simulated by dividing the cytosol into 10 slabs of equal width. Ca2+ binding to calbindin-D9K was simulated in each slab, and diffusion of free Ca2+, free calbindin, and Ca(2+)-laden calbindin was simulated between each slab. The cytosolic [Ca2+] of the simulated cells was regulated within the physiological range. Calbindin-D9K reduced the cytosolic [Ca2+] gradient, increased Ca2+ entry into the cell by removing the negative-feedback inhibition of Ca2+ entry, increased cytosolic Ca2+ flow, and increased the efflux of Ca2+ across the basolateral membrane by increasing the free [Ca2+] immediately adjacent to the pump. The enhancement of transcellular Ca2+ transport was nearly linearly dependent on calbindin-D9K concentration. The values of the dissociation constant (Kd) for calbindin-D9K were previously obtained experimentally in the presence and absence of KCl. Calbindin with the Kd obtained in the presence of KCl enhanced the simulated Ca2+ transport more than with the Kd obtained in the absence of KCl. This result suggests that the physiological Kd of calbindin is optimal for the enhancement of transcellular Ca2+ transport. The simulated Ca2+ flow was less than that predicted from the "near-equilibrium" analytic solution of the reaction-diffusion problem.
Phylogenetic conservation of isoform-specific regions within alpha-subunit of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase
Authors: Pressley T. A.
Published: December 2017

Site-directed polyclonal antibodies were generated against four oligopeptides derived from the rat alpha-isoforms of Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (i.e., Na(+)-K+ pump) and were used to assess the phylogenetic conservation of the target regions. The first antibody was directed against a region near the phosphorylation site that is conserved among alpha-subunits from numerous species. The remaining antibodies were specific for the isoforms of alpha and recognized a region near the fluorescein isothiocyanate-reactive lysine of the adenine binding site. Immunoblots of protein from a number of species probed with these antibodies revealed dramatic differences in the conservation of the target sequences. The region derived from alpha 1 was found in four of the six mammals screened. In contrast, the analogous region derived from alpha 2 was found in all the screened mammals. Most conserved was the region derived from alpha 3, which was found in all the screened mammals as well as in chickens, catfish, dogfish, and sea slugs. Conservation of the region from alpha 3 suggests functional significance and implies that strong selective pressures have discouraged mutational change. Results from the immunoblots further suggest that isoforms are present in all vertebrates.
Na-K-Cl cotransport in the shark rectal gland. II. Regulation in isolated tubules
Authors: Lytle C. , Forbush B.
Published: December 2017

We examined the binding of [3H]benzmetanide, a potent inhibitor of Na-K-Cl cotransport, to secretory tubules isolated from dogfish shark rectal glands. Specific binding increased dramatically (from 3 to 40 pmol/mg protein) when the tubules were exposed to secretory stimuli [e.g., vasoactive intestinal peptide, adenosine, forskolin, and permeable adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analogues]. Binding was also promoted by osmotically induced changes in cell volume; a 45% reduction in cell water content mimicked the effect of secretagogues on binding, whereas a 40% increase in cell water was only half as effective. Volume-responsive binding required extracellular sodium and chloride. The effect of cell shrinkage on binding was rapid and reversible (half-activation time = approximately 3 min, half-deactivation time = approximately 2 min). The binding sites evoked by secretagogues and by cell shrinkage had similar affinities for [3H]benzmetanide (Kd approximately 0.35 microM). Forskolin, a potent secretagogue, increased cell cAMP content 10-fold and respiration 7-fold, whereas hypertonicity affected neither parameter. The effects of cAMP-dependent stimuli and hypertonicity on binding were not additive. These results suggest the following. 1) Na-K-Cl cotransporters acquire the ability to bind [3H]benzmetanide with high affinity when activated. 2) Hormonal modulation of rectal gland secretion involves a coordinated regulation of basolateral Na-K-Cl cotransporters and apical Cl channels. 3) Separate signal transduction pathways, one sensitive to cAMP and another to cell volume, regulate the Na-K-Cl cotransporter.
Transmembrane gradients of free Na+ in isolated heart mitochondria estimated using a fluorescent probe
Authors: Jung D. W. , Apel L. M. , Brierley G. P.
Published: December 2017

The concentration of free Na+ in the matrix of isolated pig heart mitochondria has been monitored using the fluorescent probe sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI) developed by Minta and Tsien (J. Biol. Chem. 264: 19449-19457, 1989). SBFI was sequestered in the matrix by hydrolysis of the permeant acetoxymethyl ester. The sequestered probe showed altered quantum efficiency and excitation spectra in the presence and absence of Na+ when compared with SBFI free acid in solution. Fluorescence was calibrated in situ by using ionophores to equilibrate matrix [Na+] with external [Na+]. SBFI fluorescence showed that matrix [Na+] increased linearly as external [Na+] was increased to 95 mM in the presence or absence of respiration. Respiring mitochondria maintained a Na+ gradient (Na+ out greater than Na+in) of approximately 8.0. The corresponding gradient in nonrespiring mitochondria was approximately 2.0. The Na+ gradient was nearly equivalent to the H+ gradient in the presence or absence of respiration. The uptake of Pi by respiring mitochondria decreased matrix pH and increased matrix [Na+]. It is concluded that isolated mitochondria maintain a Na+ gradient across the inner membrane as a result of the activity of the endogenous Na(+)-H+ antiport.
Precontact mammalian sperm-egg communication and role in fertilization
Authors: Eisenbach M. , Ralt D.
Published: December 2017

In creatures with external fertilization, e.g., metazoa, it is well established that there is precontact sperm-egg communication in the form of chemotaxis. An intriguing question is whether also in mammals, where fertilization is internal and the need for precontact sperm-egg communication is not self-evident, such a process occurs and what its physiological significance may be. Here we review the evidence related to such a process in mammals, evidence which suggests that sperm attraction to the ovulated egg may indeed occur. On the basis of the available data we propose a hypothesis, according to which a sperm population is heterogeneous with respect to its physiological state; some spermatozoa are at a physiological state ready for fertilizing an egg, while others are premature or overmature. According to the hypothesis this is a dynamic state; the population of fertilizing spermatozoa gradually loses its potency and, at the same time, other spermatozoa mature and acquire fertilizing ability. After ovulation, only the fertilizing spermatozoa are attracted to the egg, while the rest are either repelled or inhibited and thus prevented from reaching the egg. The potential significance of sperm-egg communication is discussed.
Localization and differential expression of two isoforms of the tight junction protein ZO-1
Authors: Willott E. , Balda M. S. , Heintzelman M. , Jameson B. , Anderson J. M.
Published: December 2017

ZO-1 is a peripheral membrane protein of approximately 225 kDa located on the cytoplasmic side of all tight junctions. ZO-1 cDNA sequencing disclosed the presence of a 240-bp sequence in only some of the ZO-1 cDNAs studied. This 240-bp region encoded an inframe insertion of 80 amino acids, named motif-alpha. Expression of the predicted transcripts in normal rat and human tissues and in human epithelial cell lines (Caco-2, T84, Hep G2) was shown by reverse transcription of RNA and then DNA amplification. Immunoblot analysis showed both protein isoforms were present; however, in different cell lines, their amounts differed markedly relative to each other. Immunolocalization at light and ultrastructural levels, using antibodies generated against motif-alpha or shared sequences flanking it, indicated both forms localized indistinguishably to tight junctions. These observations demonstrate the existence and variable expression of ZO-1 isoforms and raise the question whether these isoforms contribute to tight junction diversity in different epithelia.
Discoordinate hormonal and ontogenetic regulation of four rat serpin genes
Authors: Schwarzenberg S. J. , Yoon J. B. , Seelig S. , Potter C. J. , Berry S. A.
Published: December 2017

To understand the roles of four highly homologous rat hepatic serine protease inhibitor genes (Spi 2.1, Spi 2.2, Spi 2.3, and alpha 1-antitrypsin), we measured the hepatic content of their specific mRNAs under several physiological conditions. Spi 2.1 and 2.3 mRNAs, which are regulated by growth hormone, paralleled serum growth hormone levels developmentally. Only Spi 2.1 mRNA decreased with starvation, while Spi 2.2, 2.3, and alpha 1-antitrypsin mRNAs did not change. Despite the close homology of the Spi genes to mouse contrapsin, which is regulated by testosterone, none of the serine protease inhibitor mRNAs examined here was dependent on androgens for expression. Spi 2.2 mRNA displayed a unique ontogenetic regulation, with a rise in hepatic content at day 19 to levels five times that of any other age group. These studies confirm the importance of growth hormone in the regulation of Spi 2.1 and 2.3 mRNAs and suggest that Spi 2.2 mRNA may be regulated by metabolic alterations occurring in the weaning period.
Ethanol metabolism and inhibition of nucleoside uptake lead to increased extracellular adenosine in hepatocytes
Authors: Nagy L. E.
Published: December 2017

Recent evidence suggests that adenosine mediates many of the acute and chronic effects of ethanol in both cultured cells and whole animals. These adenosine-mediated effects of ethanol result from ethanol-induced increases in extracellular adenosine. Acute exposure of primary cultures of rat hepatocytes to 12.5-200 mM ethanol increased extracellular adenosine concentrations by 20-35%. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with 100 microM 4-methylpyrazole, an inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, completely blocked ethanol-induced increases in extracellular adenosine at 12.5 and 25 mM ethanol. However, even in the presence of 4-methylpyrazole, ethanol at concentrations greater than 50 mM still increased extracellular adenosine concentrations. This increase appears to be due to ethanol inhibition of adenosine uptake via the nucleoside transporter (50% inhibitory concentration, 28 mM). After chronic treatment with 100 mM ethanol for 48 h, acute challenge with ethanol no longer inhibited adenosine uptake, i.e., the nucleoside transporter had become tolerant to ethanol. Moreover, in these chronically treated cells, ethanol-induced increases in extracellular adenosine were completely blocked by treatment with 4-methylpyrazole at all concentrations of ethanol. Taken together, these results suggest that increased extracellular adenosine in hepatocytes is dependent on both ethanol oxidation and inhibition of adenosine uptake via the nucleoside transporter.
Alternate pathways for chloride conductance activation in normal and cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells
Authors: Chan H. C. , Goldstein J. , Nelson D. J.
Published: December 2017

Using whole cell patch-clamp and perforated patch recording techniques on human cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF airway epithelial cells, we sought to determine whether a single Cl- conductance (GCl) could be modulated via different regulatory pathways or whether multiple conductances could be identified. Cl- current in both CF and non-CF cells was activated by cellular swelling as well as by an elevation in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). While the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-activated GCl was absent in CF cells, its activation in non-CF cells was only observed in the perforated patch configuration at lower temperatures (24 degrees C) or infrequently in the whole cell configuration at elevated temperatures (33 degrees C). Currents activated by all three regulatory pathways were sensitive to the Cl- channel blocker 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS). Further increases in current activation could be produced by cellular swelling after maximal Ca2+ or cAMP-induced current activation. Intracellular application of a peptide inhibitor of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase selectively blocked the Ca(2+)-dependent current activation while leaving the swelling-induced current increase intact. These results are consistent with the presence of multiple anion conductances in both CF and non-CF airway cells. The heterogeneity of the responses to the three regulatory stimuli, however, prevented the correlation of a specific anion conductance with a separate modulatory pathway based on characteristic voltage-dependent kinetics and conductance.
Differential sensitivity of AS-30D rat hepatoma cells and normal hepatocytes to anoxic cell damage
Authors: Kobryn C. E. , Fiskum G.
Published: December 2017

A substantial fraction of cells present within hard tumors experience extremely hypoxic and hypoglycemic conditions that can lead to phenotypic alterations such as increased metastatic potential and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Little is known regarding the influence of anoxic aglycemia on tumor cell energy metabolism and viability, and no direct comparisons have been made between the effects of this form of metabolic stress on tumor cells and their tissue of origin. In this study, the effects of in vitro aglycemic incubation under N2 (with or without iodoacetate) on trypan blue exclusion, lactate dehydrogenase release, cell surface blebbing, ATP levels, and mitochondrial respiratory capacity of rat AS-30D ascites hepatoma cells and normal hepatocytes were measured. Under anoxic-aglycemic conditions, the period of incubation during which 50% viability was lost was 2 h for hepatocytes and 6-8 h for AS-30D cells. In contrast, the rate of anoxia-induced loss of ATP was comparable for the two cell types, and mitochondrial damage was actually accelerated in the tumor cells. These findings suggest that tumor cells are more resistant to anoxic cell death because of their greater ability to withstand deenergization and subcellular injury.
Magnetic field influence on acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Rosen A. D.
Published: December 2017

The effects of a static magnetic field on the frequency of miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs), recorded from the murine phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation, were studied. In the presence of a 1,200-G field, statistically significant changes in MEPP frequency were observed. There was a modest increase in frequency at temperatures at and below 34 degrees C and a prominent decrease in frequency at temperatures above 35 degrees C. This temperature-dependent phenomenon was not seen in the absence of calcium in the perfusate. These results suggest that, at its phase transition temperature, the diamagnetic anisotropy of the presynaptic membrane is sufficient to influence neurotransmitter release by altering the function of the transmembrane calcium transfer mechanism.
Maxi K+ channel in apical membrane of vestibular dark cells
Authors: Takeuchi S. , Marcus D. C. , Wangemann P.
Published: December 2017

Recordings were made on excised apical membrane patches from vestibular dark cells from the semicircular canal of gerbils to determine if ion channels could be involved in the process of K+ secretion. Both nonselective cation channels [Am. J. Physiol. 262 (Cell Physiol. 31): C1430-C1436, 1992] and K(+)-selective channels were found. The K+ channels occurred in only 0.7% of the patches. In symmetrical 145 mM KCl solutions, the current-voltage (I-V) relation of the K(+)-selective channel was linear, indicating the absence of rectification, and the conductance was 240 +/- 8 pS (n = 8). The Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation for current carried solely by K+ could be fitted to the I-V relation in asymmetrical K+ and Na+ solutions and yielded a K+ permeability of 5.78 x 10(-13) cm3/s (n = 12). The channel was shown to be impermeable to Li+, NH4+, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and Cl-. Channel activity increased with depolarization and with increasing free [Ca2+]; for voltages between +40 and -60 mV, the strongest regulation occurred in the range 10(-6) to 10(-5) M Ca2+. Tetraethylammonium (2 x 10(-2) M) had from the cytosolic side no effect on the open probability (Po) but completely inhibited activity from the extracellular side. Po was reduced by Ba2+ (5 x 10(-3) M), verapamil (10(-4) M), quinine (10(-4) M), and quinidine (10(-4) and 10(-3) M), while lidocaine (5 x 10(-3) M) had no measurable effect on Po but decreased the amplitude. Rb+ and Cs+ were either poorly permeable or partially blocked the channel in a voltage-dependent manner.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Muscle fatigue in frog semitendinosus: role of intracellular pH
Authors: Thompson L. V. , Balog E. M. , Fitts R. H.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to utilize glass microelectrodes to characterize the intracellular pH (pHi) before and during recovery from fatigue in the frog semitendinosus (ST) muscle. A second objective was to evaluate the relationship between pHi and contractile function. The frog ST muscle (22 degrees C) was fatigued by direct electrical stimulation with 100-ms 150-Hz trains at 1/s for 5 min. Peak tetanic force (Po) was reduced to 8.5% of initial force and recovered in a biphasic manner, returning to the resting value by 40 min. Resting pHi was 7.00 +/- 0.02 (n = 37) and declined with fatigue to an average value of 6.42 at 3 min of recovery. During recovery pHi significantly increased and by 25 min had returned to the prefatigue value. The pHi recovery was highly correlated to the slow phase of Po recovery (r = 0.98, P less than 0.001). The mean resting membrane potential was -78 +/- 1.0 mV (n = 42) and at 3 min of recovery was depolarized to -67 +/- 4 mV. Both the peak rate of twitch force development (+dP/dt) (r = 0.99, P less than 0.001) and decline (-dP/dt) (r = 0.94, P less than 0.014) were highly correlated to pHi during the slow phase of recovery. Contraction time (CT) and one-half relaxation time (1/2RT) increased significantly and recovered exponentially. The recovery of CT and 1/2RT were both significantly correlated to pHi (r = -0.93, P less than 0.001 and r = -0.86, P less than 0.001 for CT and 1/2RT, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
cAMP-dependent protein kinase mediates hydrosmotic effect of vasopressin in collecting duct
Authors: Snyder H. M. , Noland T. D. , Breyer M. D.
Published: December 2017

The role of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) in mediating the hydrosmotic effect of vasopressin in in vitro microperfused rabbit cortical collecting ducts (CCDs) was examined. We measured PKA substrate phosphorylation and water permeability [hydraulic conductivity (Lp) = 10(-7) cm.atm-1.s-1], stimulated by substituted cAMP analogues selective for a unique cAMP binding site (site A or B) on PKA regulatory subunit (R). Synergy between site A- and site B-selective analogues suggests involvement of PKA, because both sites must be occupied for R to dissociate from the catalytic subunit (C), allowing phosphorylation to proceed. As single agents, the site B-selective analogues 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (8-CPT) and 8-thiomethyl-cAMP (8-SCH3) were at least two orders of magnitude more potent than the site A-selective analogues N6-monobutyryl-cAMP (N6-mono) or N6-benzoyl-cAMP (N6-benz). Combinations of subthreshold concentrations of two site A analogues (N6-mono+N6-benz) or two site B-selective analogues (8-CPT + 8-SCH3) failed to significantly increase protein phosphorylation or water permeability. In contrast, combination of a site A plus site B analogue synergistically stimulated both protein phosphorylation and Lp. Rp-cAMPS, an inhibitor of cAMP binding to PKA, reduced both vasopressin (41% inhibition)- and cAMP (56% inhibition)-stimulated water permeability. H-89 (50 microM), an inhibitor of PKA kinase activity, also blocked cAMP-stimulated water permeability (90% inhibition). These findings suggest that vasopressin-induced water permeability in the rabbit CCD is mediated by PKA.
Altered sulfate transport via anion exchange in CFPAC is corrected by retrovirus-mediated CFTR gene transfer
Authors: Elgavish A. , Meezan E.
Published: December 2017

PANC-1 (a permanent epithelioid cell line initiated from a pancreatic carcinoma of ductal origin) and CFPAC (a ductal epithelioid cell line established from a cystic fibrosis patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma) display sulfate transport via carrier-mediated anion exchange as supported by the following lines of evidence: 1) saturation kinetics, 2) inhibition by the anion exchange inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), and 3) substrate specificity. The DIDS-sensitive component of sulfate uptake is markedly inhibited by S2O3(2-) and MoO4(2-) but not by HAsO4(2-), H2PO4-, or gluconate-. Competitive inhibition of SO4(2-) uptake by extracellular Cl- (Cl-o) and stimulation of SO4(2-) efflux by Cl-o support the possibility that SO4(2-) transport occurs via a SO4(2-)-Cl- exchange mechanism. Inhibition of sulfate uptake and stimulation of sulfate efflux by extracellular HCO3- indicate that SO4(2-)-HCO3- exchange is an alternative mechanism for sulfate transport in these cells. Further support for SO4(2-) being transported via a typical anion exchanger is the stimulation of its uptake at low extracellular pH and high intracellular pH. Amphotropic viruses have been used by others (M. L. Drumm, H. A. Pope, W. H. Cliff, J. M. Rommens, S. A. Marvin, L.-C. Tsui, F. S. Collins, R. A. Frizzell, and J. M. Wilson. Cell 62: 1227-1233, 1990) to transduce a functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) cDNA into CFPAC, resulting in the PLJ-CFTR clones. Control clones (PLJ) were obtained by exposing CFPAC cells to control virus. In the present study, we report a striking 10-fold increase in the capacity of the DIDS-sensitive component of the sulfate transporter in two PLJ-CFTR clones (which had been shown by others to express corrected Cl- channel activity) compared with CFPAC and two PLJ clones. Our findings indicate that expression of the CFTR gene from a retroviral vector, which confers normal Cl- channel activity in the PLJ-CFTR pancreas epithelial clones, is capable of correcting a second aspect of the cystic fibrosis phenotype, altered sulfate transport via an anion exchange mechanism.
Regulation of apical membrane ion transport in Necturus gallbladder
Authors: Garvin J. L. , Spring K. R.
Published: December 2017

Na and Cl movement through the apical membrane of Necturus gallbladder epithelium was investigated using electrophysiological and light microscopic measurements. Changes in membrane potential difference, fractional resistance of the apical membrane, and transepithelial resistance caused by changes in apical bath Cl concentration revealed the presence of a Cl conductance in the apical membrane of control tissues that was apparently not present in the preparations studied by other investigators. This Cl conductance was blocked by bumetanide (10(-5) M) or by the inhibitor of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) action, the Rp isomer of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMPS; 0.5 mM). Treatment of the tissues with Rp-cAMPS also eliminated bumetanide-sensitive cell swelling in the presence of ouabain and activated an amiloride-sensitive swelling, changes consistent with inhibition of NaCl cotransport and the activation of Na-H and Cl-HCO3 exchange. We conclude that the mode of NaCl entry into Necturus gallbladder epithelial cells is determined by the level of cAMP. When cAMP levels are high, entry occurs by NaCl cotransport; when cAMP levels are low, parallel exchange of Na-H and Cl-HCO3 predominates. These observations explain the previous disagreements about the mode of NaCl entry into Necturus gallbladder epithelial cells.
Sustained activation of PGE2 synthesis in mesangial cells cocultured with glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Uchida K. , Ballermann B. J.
Published: December 2017

Glomerular endothelial cells synthesize and release endothelin-1 (ET-1), and mesangial cells, normally closely apposed to endothelial cells in vivo, respond to ET-1 with contraction, proliferation, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release. This study sought to determine whether chronic coculture of mesangial cells with glomerular endothelial cells alters mesangial cell PGE2 synthesis. Mesangial cells cocultured with endothelial cells were found to release PGE2 at rates much greater than those observed in mesangial cells not cocultured with endothelial cells. This effect persisted for at least 24 h after the mesangial cells were removed from coculture with endothelial cells. The increase in basal mesangial cell PGE2 synthesis was dependent on endothelial cell-derived ET-1. Despite the increase in basal PGE2 synthesis after coculture with endothelial cells, acute ET-1-stimulated PGE2 release was markedly blunted in mesangial cells that had been cocultured with endothelial cells when compared with mesangial cells in solo-culture. This lack of responsiveness was specific for ET-1 and resulted from a profound downregulation of mesangial cell endothelin receptors. Thus coculture with endothelial cells produces two apparently opposing and ET-1-dependent effects in mesangial cells, namely a sustained increase in basal PGE2 synthesis by the cells and a loss of responsiveness to further stimulation with ET-1. It is postulated that the induction of sustained PGE2 synthesis may also occur in vivo if endothelin release from endothelial cells is stimulated and may explain, in part, the extraordinary sensitivity of some patients with glomerular disease to cyclooxygenase inhibitors.
Citrate transport in proximal cell line
Authors: Law D. , Hering-Smith K. S. , Hamm L. L.
Published: December 2017

Citrate uptake into kidney proximal tubules occurs via an apical dicarboxylate transporter and a poorly characterized process in the basolateral membrane. We used OK cells, a cell line derived from opossum kidney, to study citrate transport in proximal tubule-like cells. Citrate uptake into cell monolayers was studied using [14C]citrate with [3H]mannitol as a volume marker. Citrate uptake into these cells was sodium dependent and saturable with increasing concentrations of citrate. In contrast to previous models, citrate transport was altered minimally by changes in pH from 6.2 to 7.0 and increased at pH 7.4 to 7.8. A variety of di- and tricarboxylates were tested for interaction with citrate transport. The dicarboxylates succinate, malate, and oxaloacetate at 1 mM concentration inhibited citrate uptake minimally (uptake at least 80% of control); one dicarboxylate, alpha-ketoglutarate, did inhibit citrate uptake significantly. In contrast, the tricarboxylates isocitrate and tricarballylate inhibited citrate uptake significantly, indicating probable competitive inhibition with the transport process. These characteristics are distinctly different from those of the apical membrane dicarboxylate transporter. 1,2,3-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial tricarboxylate transporter, did not alter citrate uptake. In conclusion, the OK proximal cell line exhibits a novel citrate transport process compared with the apical transport of citrate described in most proximal systems. This transport process probably involves the trivalent species of citrate in contrast to the usual predominant transport of divalent citrate. This transport process may represent a process similar to that in the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule.
Activation of Na-H exchange by intracellular lithium in barnacle muscle fibers
Authors: Davis B. A. , Hogan E. M. , Boron W. F.
Published: December 2017

We internally dialyzed single barnacle muscle fibers (BMF) for 90 min with a dialysis fluid (DF) containing no Na+ and either 0 or 100 mM Li+ and measured intracellular pH (pHi) with a microelectrode. During dialysis, the pH 8.0 artificial seawater (ASW) contained neither Na+ nor HCO3-. After we halted dialysis with a Li(+)-free/low-pH DF and allowed pHi to stabilize at approximately 6.8, adding 440 mM Na(+)-10 mM HCO3- to the ASW caused pHi to recover rapidly and stabilize at 7.32. In contrast, when the DF contained 100 mM Li+, pHi stabilized at 7.49. In fibers dialyzed to a pHi of approximately 7.2, Li+ stimulated a component of acid extrusion that was dependent on Na+ but not affected by SITS. Thus Li+ activates a Na(+)-dependent acid-extrusion mechanism other than the well characterized Na(+)-dependent Cl-HCO3 exchanger. To study the Li(+)-activated mechanism, we minimized Na(+)-dependent Cl-HCO3 exchange by raising pHDF to 7.35 and pretreated BMFs with SITS. We found that dialysis with Li+ elicits a Na(+)-dependent pHi increase that is largely blocked by amiloride, consistent with the hypothesis that Li+ activates a latent Na-H exchanger even at a normal pHi. In the absence of Li+, the Na-H exchanger is relatively inactive at pHi 7.35 (net acid-extrusion rate, Jnet = 9.5 microM/min) but modestly stimulated by reducing pHi to 6.8 (Jnet = 64 microM/min). In the presence of Li+, the Na-H exchanger is very active at pHi values of both 7.35 (Jnet = 141 microM/min) and 6.8 (Jnet = 168 microM/min). Thus Li+ alters the pHi sensitivity of the Na-H exchanger. Because the Na-H exchanger is only approximately 6% as active as the Na(+)-dependent Cl-HCO3 exchanger in the absence of Li+ at a pHi of approximately 6.8, we suggest that the major role of the Na-H exchanger may not be in pHi regulation but in another function such as cell-volume regulation.
Activation of permeabilized neutrophils: role of anions
Authors: Grinstein S. , Furuya W. , Downey G. P.
Published: December 2017

Activation of neutrophils was recently reported to be accompanied by large changes in their Cl- content [J. B. Myers, H. F. Cantiello, J. H. Schwartz, and A. I. Tauber. Am. J. Physiol. 259 (Cell Physiol. 28): C531-C540, 1990]. The significance of these ionic changes to the immune response has not been studied. To evaluate the role of intracellular [Cl-], the anionic composition of the cytosol was varied in human neutrophils permeabilized by electroporation or by treatment with streptolysin O. In Cl(-)-rich media, permeabilized but otherwise untreated cells remained quiescent, resembling unstimulated intact cells. In contrast, suspension of permeabilized cells in Cl(-)-depleted media elicited protein phosphorylation, actin polymerization, secretion of lysozyme, and a respiratory burst. The latter was demonstrated by several criteria to be mediated by the NADPH oxidase. The responses observed in Cl(-)-depleted media were insensitive to pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin but were inhibited by addition of GDP or by omission of ATP. The data suggest that an early event in signal transduction, common to several effectors, is sensitive to the ionic composition of the cytosol. This component, possibly a GTP-binding protein, may be affected by the anion concentration changes reported to occur during physiological stimulation of neutrophils.
Interaction of calcium with plasma membrane of epithelial (MDCK) cells during junction formation
Authors: Contreras R. G. , Miller J. H. , Zamora M. , Gonzalez-Mariscal L. , Cereijido M.
Published: December 2017

We have previously shown that upon transferring confluent monolayers of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells from low- to normal-Ca2+ medium, cytosolic Ca2+ increases and tight junctions (TJs) assemble and seal, but the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ does not seem to be necessary for junction formation. In the present work we establish that these are in fact two independent phenomena. We first measured unidirectional Ca2+ fluxes across the plasma membrane of MDCK cells to find suitable inhibitors and tested their effects on the ability of Ca2+ to seal the TJ. Likewise, we studied a variety of multivalent cations. We observed that 1) Ca2+ triggering of junction formation does not depend on its entering the cell, 2) cations like La3+ may impair the influx of Ca2+ without affecting the sealing of TJs, and 3) only Cd2+ is able to block both Ca2+ penetration and junction formation; however, 4) Cd2+ itself cannot trigger junction formation. We interpret that Ca2+ triggers junction formation by acting mainly on an extracellular membrane site and that this site has a higher Ca2+ selectivity than the mechanisms for Ca2+ translocation across the membrane.
Cyclic nucleotide-dependent regulation of Mn2+ influx, [Ca2+]i, and arterial smooth muscle relaxation
Authors: Chen X. L. , Rembold C. M.
Published: December 2017

Elevations in cyclic nucleotide levels can decrease myoplasmic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) and thereby induce arterial smooth muscle relaxation. We evaluated whether cyclic nucleotide-induced reductions in [Ca2+]i are caused by 1) decreased Ca2+ influx or 2) increased Ca2+ sequestration or efflux. Swine carotid medial tissues were loaded with fura-2, and Ca2+ influx was estimated from the quenching rate of 360-nm fluorescence after addition of extracellular Mn2+. Histamine stimulation or high KCl depolarization increased Mn2+ influx, [Ca2+]i, and contractile force. The Ca2+ channel blocker diltiazem attenuated histamine- or KCl-induced increases in Mn2+ influx, [Ca2+]i, and force. Addition of forskolin (which increases cAMP) or nitroglycerin (which increases cGMP) attenuated histamine-induced increases in Mn2+ influx, [Ca2+]i, and force. Addition of forskolin or nitroglycerin also relaxed KCl depolarized tissues; however, Mn2+ influx and [Ca2+]i remained high. These results suggest that Mn(2+)-induced quenching of 360-nm fluorescence is an estimate of Ca2+ influx in the intact swine carotid artery. These results also suggest that cyclic nucleotides can relax swine arterial smooth muscle by at least two mechanisms: 1) reduction of [Ca2+]i primarily induced by decreases in Ca2+ influx and 2) uncoupling force from [Ca2+]i without changing Ca2+ influx or [Ca2+]i.
Stored calcium modulates inositol phosphate synthesis in cultured smooth muscle cells
Authors: Berman D. M. , Goldman W. F.
Published: December 2017

Cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]cyt) and [3H]inositol phosphates ([3H]InsP) were correlated while varying the Ca2+ content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in cultured A7r5 cells at rest and during activation with [Arg8]-vasopressin (AVP). Thapsigargin (TG) raised and superfusion with 0 Ca2+ lowered [Ca2+]cyt, but both treatments decreased SR Ca2+ and AVP-evoked Ca2+ transients. Neither TG nor 0 Ca2+ affected basal [3H]InsP, but both treatments increased AVP-evoked synthesis of [3H]InsP. Exposure for several minutes to 40 mM K+ solution, BAY K 8644, or low-Na+ solution all elevated [Ca2+]cyt and, thereby, increased SR Ca2+, as manifested by augmented AVP-evoked Ca2+ transients. In all three cases, AVP-evoked, but not basal, [3H]InsP were reduced. The inhibitory effect of 40 mM K+ on AVP-evoked [3H]InsP synthesis was blocked when SR Ca2+ uptake was prevented by TG. Brief (30-s) exposures to 40 mM K+, which elevated [Ca2+]cyt but not SR Ca2+ loading, did not modify AVP-evoked [3H]InsP synthesis or Ca2+ transients. These results demonstrate an inverse relationship between SR Ca2+ content and evoked [3H]-InsP synthesis. Moreover, they suggest that SR Ca2+ may serve as a signal that modulates sarcolemmal [3H]InsP formation.
Comparison of apical and basal surfaces of confluent endothelial cells: patch-clamp and viral studies
Authors: Colden-Stanfield M. , Cramer E. B. , Gallin E. K.
Published: December 2017

The distribution of inwardly rectifying (Ki) and calcium-activated (KCa) potassium channels on the apical and basal surfaces of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) was examined by inverting BAEC monolayers onto polylysine-coated cover slips. To monitor cellular polarity, we examined human red blood cell adherence (hemadsorption) to the influenza virus protein, hemagglutinin (HA), and virus budding on the surface of infected BAECs. Hemadsorption and virus budding occurred on the apical surface but were not apparent on the basal surface of monolayers 1 and 5 h after inversion, although cellular HA antigen localization confirmed that all monolayers were infected. In contrast, by 9.5 and 24 h after inversion, hemadsorption was evident on the “new” apical surface. Single-channel patch-clamp analysis revealed the presence of both Ki and KCa channels on the apical surface and basal surface of BAEC monolayers 2-5 h after inversion. K channel conductance and kinetics were similar regardless of the surface monitored. This nonenzymatic mechanical technique of exposing the basal surface of endothelium provides a useful tool to study the distribution of ion channels in endothelium and in other polarized cell types grown in tissue culture.
Volume-sensitive Ca influx and release from intracellular pools in gastric parietal cells
Authors: Negulescu P. A. , Munck B. , Machen T. E.
Published: December 2017

The effects of osmotically induced changes in cell volume on cytoplasmic free Ca (Cai) were studied in parietal cells from intact rabbit gastric glands using digital image processing of fura-2 fluorescence. In resting unstimulated cells, Cai was unaffected by either cell swelling or shrinking when osmolarity was varied between 200 and 400 mosM (isotonicity 290 mosM). However, when cells were swelled in a 165 mosM solution (55% tonicity), a biphasic Ca increased was observed. On average, Cai increased transiently from 80 to 218 nM before stabilizing at approximately 140 nM. The peak was due to release from intracellular pools because it was present in Ca-free solutions while the sustained elevation was dependent on external Ca. In carbachol-stimulated cells, Ca influx was most sensitive to cell shrinkage. For example, addition of 25 mM sucrose (108% tonicity) caused a 30% decrease in the sustained carbachol-stimulated Cai increase (plateau). In contrast, carbachol-stimulated cells were relatively insensitive to cell swelling, with a 30% decrease in tonicity causing only a 15% increase in the plateau. However, as in the unstimulated cells, extreme (55% tonicity) swelling caused additional increases in Cai levels. The carbachol-dependent effects of changes in cell volume on Cai could be mimicked by treating cells with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of Ca pumps of intracellular membranes that also has been shown to stimulate Ca entry. Thus, although extreme swelling conditions (55% tonicity) could elicit Cai increases in either the presence or absence of agonist, agonist was required to observe Cai decreases due to cell shrinkage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of fat availability on acetyl-CoA and acetylcarnitine metabolism in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Spriet L. L. , Dyck D. J. , Cederblad G. , Hultman E.
Published: December 2017

This study was designed to examine the effects of stimulation and fat availability on the contents of acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), free CoA (CoASH), acetylcarnitine, and free carnitine in the oxidative fiber types of rat skeletal muscle. Hindlimb muscles were perfused with no exogenous free fatty acids (FFA) or high FFA (0.93 +/- 0.03 mM) for 10 min at rest and during isometric, tetanic stimulation. Soleus (SOL) and red gastrocnemius (RG) muscles were sampled prior to perfusion and following rest perfusion and 1 and 5 min of stimulation. The SOL muscle contains predominantly slow oxidative (SO) fibers and the RG contains 56% fast oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) and 35% SO fibers. O2 uptake and tetanic tension production were similar in the fat-free and high FFA treatments. Rest perfusion with high FFA increased acetyl-CoA from 14.6 +/- 1.0 to 20.1 +/- 2.5 nmol/g dry muscle (dm) and acetylcarnitine from 0.12 +/- 0.01 to 0.78 +/- 0.18 mumol/g dm in the RG, while fat-free perfusion had no effect. The SOL results were similar as high FFA increased acetyl-CoA from 7.7 +/- 1.0 to 14.2 +/- 3.1 nmol/g dm and acetylcarnitine from 0.14 +/- 0.02 to 0.49 +/- 0.09 mumol/g dm. Stimulation increased acetyl-CoA and acetylcarnitine to values above rest in SOL and RG in both treatments and removed all fat-free and high-fat differences. The decreases in CoASH and free carnitine were reciprocal to the increases in acetyl-CoA and acetylcarnitine at all time points in both muscles such that total CoA and carnitine were constant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Delayed shortening and shrinkage of cochlear outer hair cells
Authors: Ohnishi S. , Hara M. , Inoue M. , Yamashita T. , Kumazawa T. , Minato A. , Inagaki C.
Published: December 2017

Slow shortening of cochlear outer hair cells has been speculated to modify cochlear sensitivity. Tetanic electrical field stimulation of isolated outer hair cells from guinea pigs shortened the cells for 2-3 min. Electrical stimulation reduced cell length and volume (-13.5 +/- 1.5 and -37.3 +/- 3.0% of initial values, respectively, n = 16) and decreased the intracellular Cl- concentration. Cytochalasin B (100 microM) inhibited electrical stimulation-induced shortening but not volume reduction. The following chemicals or manipulations inhibited the responses: 10 microM furosemide, 0.1 mM 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), 1 mM anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (AC9), 25 mM tetraethylammonium, 2.3 microM charybdotoxin (ChTX), 250 nM omega-conotoxin, and Ca(2+)-free medium. These findings suggest that both electrical stimulation-induced shortening and shrinkage of outer hair cells result not only from an actin-mediated contractile force, but also from Cl- efflux through furosemide-, DIDS-, and AC9-sensitive Cl- channels, and K+ efflux through ChTX-sensitive K+ channels.
Acute variations in extracellular pH modulate transduction pathways of PTH in rat proximal tubule
Authors: Poggioli J. , Lazar G. , Houillier P. , Gardin J. P. , Paillard M.
Published: December 2017

An increase in circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been shown to enhance the capacity for the kidney to excrete an acid as well an alkaline load, which suggests that changes in systemic acid-base status may modulate the effect of the hormone on bicarbonate absorption in proximal tubule. In the present study, we tested the possibility that acute variations in extracellular pH (pHe), obtained by modifying bicarbonate concentration at constant PCO2 (40 mmHg), may modulate the responses of intracellular messengers coupled to PTH receptors in a preparation of freshly isolated proximal tubule fragments. Variations in pHe, which induced parallel variations in intracellular pH (pHi), did not affect unstimulated values for adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production, inositol trisphosphate accumulation, or cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration. In contrast, reducing pHe from 7.4 to 7.2 elicited a decrease of the PTH-induced cAMP production, whereas increasing pHe from 7.4 to 7.6 enhanced it. The ability for cholera toxin and forskolin (which both bypass PTH receptors) to stimulate cAMP formation was diminished at pHe 7.2 and enhanced at pHe 7.6 (the increase did not achieve statistical significance in the presence of forskolin), suggesting that variations in pHe and/or pHi may affect per se adenylyl cyclase activity. Conversely, reducing pHe from 7.4 to 7.2 enhanced the PTH-induced inositol trisphosphate accumulation and rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ whereas increasing pHe from 7.4 to 7.6 had opposite effects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Signal transduction by T-cell receptors: mobilization of Ca and regulation of Ca-dependent effector molecules
Authors: Premack B. A. , Gardner P.
Published: December 2017

There have been major advances over the last several years in understanding the molecular basis of signaling by the T lymphocyte (T-cell) antigen receptor. In this article we discuss the early phases of T-cell activation with an emphasis on receptor-associated signaling molecules, mobilization of Ca, and on the possible roles of Ca in signal transduction. Ligation of the extracellular domains of the T-cell receptor activates receptor-associated tyrosine kinases that can phosphorylate the gamma-isoform of phospholipase C, increasing its catalytic activity. This leads to production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, release of stored intracellular Ca, and activation of Ca-permeable plasma membrane channels. Many of the critical T-cell signal transducing enzymes such as phospholipase C and protein kinase C contain intrinsic Ca-binding domains, but for the most part the rise in cytoplasmic Ca is transduced by specialized Ca-binding proteins that lack catalytic domains. The Ca-binding proteins found in T-cells include members of both the EF-hand and annexin families, as well as other types of Ca-binding proteins. In T-cells, a number of important kinases, phosphatases, and cytoskeleton-modulating enzymes are functionally Ca dependent but have no Ca-binding domains and therefore must sense changes in the cytoplasmic Ca level through interactions with Ca-binding proteins.