Identification of the Cl− transport site of human red blood cells by a kinetic analysis of the inhibitory effects of a chemical probe

H₂DIDS, the dihydro analog of DIDS (4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid) can interact covalently with membrane sites, resulting in an irreversible inhibition of anion exchange. At low temperatures (0°C) and for relatively short times, however, its interaction is largely reversible, so that a kinetic analysis of the nature of its inhibitory effect on Cl^? self exchange can be performed. The effects of variations in the chloride concentration on the inhibitory potency of H₂DIDS are consistent with the concept that Cl^? and H₂DIDS compete for the transport site of the anion exchange system. The value of K_i for H₂DIDS is 0.046 μM, indicating that H₂DIDS has a higher affinity for the transport system than any other inhibitor so far examined. If, as seems probable, the covalent labelling of H₂DIDS occurs at the same site as the reversible binding, H₂DIDS can be used as a covalent label for the transport site. The specific localization of H₂DIDS in the band-3 protein thus indicates that this protein participates directly in anion exchange.     

Specific drug sensitive transport pathways for chloride and potassium ions in steady-state ehrlich mouse ascites tumor cells

A major aim of this investigation was to determine whether, in steady-state ascites cells, Cl^? transport can be partitioned into a furosemide-sensitive cotransport with K⁺ and a separate 4,4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS) sensitive self-exchange. Both Cl^? and K⁺ fluxes were studied. The furosemide- and Cl^? sensitive K⁺ fluxes were equivalent, both in normal ionic media and when the external K⁺ concentration, [K⁺]_o, was varied from 4 to 30 mM. The stoichiometry of the furosemide-sensitive Cl^? and K⁺ fluxes was 2 Cl^?: 1 K⁺ at 0.1 and 0.5 mM drug levels but increased to 3 Cl^? : 1 K⁺ at 1.0 mM furosemide. DIDS at 0.1 mM had no effect on the K⁺ exchange rate but inhibited Cl^? exchange by $\text{39\% ± 2}$ (S.E.). The effects of DIDS and 0.5 mM furosemide on Cl^? transport were additive but 1.0 mM furosemide and DIDS had overlapping inhibitory actions. Thus furosemide acts on components of K⁺ and Cl^? transport which are linked to each other, but the drug also inhibits an additional DIDS-sensitive Cl^? pathway, when present at higher concentrations. The dependence of the furosemide-sensitive K⁺ and Cl^? transport on [K⁺]_o was also studied; both fluxes fell as the [K⁺]_o increased. The latter results recall those in an earlier study by Hempling (Hempling, H.G. (1962) J. Cell. Comp. Physiol. 60, 181–198).     

Effect of staphylococcal alpha-hemolysin upon anion transport in the rabbit erythrocyte

Equilibrium exchange of SO₄^2? was measured prior to and during hemolysis in rabbit erythrocytes exposed to staphylococcal α-hemolysin. The anion-transport protein of the rabbit erythrocyte has also been identified. Equilibrium exchange of SO₄^2? was measured by both efflux and influx of ³⁵SO₄^2?. The rate of influx of SO₄^2? in rabbit erythrocytes exposed to α-hemolysin was twice that of the untreated cells. The rate of SO₄^2? efflux was unchanged by α-hemolysin. Inhibition of anion exchange with 4,4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid (DIDS) did not inhibit hemolysis, therefore, the increased influx of SO₄^2? may occur through a DIDS-insensitive pathway.     

Cl− transport in apical plasma membrane vesicles isolated from bovine tracheal epithelium

The Cl^? transport properties of the luminal border of bovine tracheal epithelium have been investigated using a highly purified preparation of apical plasma membrane vesicles. Transport of Cl^? into an intravesicular space was demonstrated by (1) a linear inverse correlation between Cl^? uptake and medium osmolarity and (2) complete release of accumulated Cl^? by treatment with detergent. The rate of Cl^? uptake was highly temperature-sensitive and was enhanced by exchange diffusion, providing evidence for a carrier-mediated transport mechanism. Transport of Cl^? was not affected by the ‘loop’ diuretic bumetanide or by the stilbene-derivative anion-exchange inhibitors SITS (4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid) and DIDS (4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid). In the presence of the impermeant cation, tetramethylammonium (TMA⁺), uptake of Cl^? was minimal; transport was stimulated equally by the substitution of either K⁺ or Na⁺ for TMA⁺. Valinomycin in the presence of K⁺ enhanced further Cl^? uptake, while amiloride reduced Na⁺-stimulated Cl^? uptake towards the minimal level observed with TMA⁺. These results suggest the following conclusions: (1) the tracheal vesicle membrane has a finite permeability to both Na⁺ and K⁺; (2) the membrane permeability to the medium counterion determines the rate of Cl^? uptake; (3) Cl^? transport is not specifically coupled with either Na⁺ or K⁺; and, finally (4) Cl^? crosses the tracheal luminal membrane via an electrogenic transport mechanism.     

Further observations on metabolic responses in hamster cells: changes in UDPG dehydrogenase activity.

The effects of phloretin, H₂DIDS (4,4′-diisothiocyano-1,2-diphenylethane-2,2′-disulfonate) and SO₄^?2 on anion transport in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was studied in an effort to determine whether Cl^? and SO₄^?2 share a common transport mechanism. Sulfate, in the presence of constant extracellular Cl^? (100 mM), reduces Cl^? self-exchange by 43% (40 mM SO₄^?2) and Cl^??SO₄^?2 exchange by 36% (25 mM Cl^?/O SO₄^?2) compared to 25 mM Cl^?/50 mM SO₄^?2. Phloretin blocks without delay and to the same extent the self-exchange of both Cl^? and SO₄^?2. For example, at 10^?4 M phloretin, anion transport is inhibited 28% which increases to 78% at 5 × 10^?4 M. Reversibly bound H₂DIDS also inhibits the self-exchange of both Cl^? and SO₄^?2. However, at all H₂DIDS concentrations tested (0.5 ? 10 × 10^?5 M) SO₄^?2 transport was far more susceptible to inhibition than that of Cl^?. H₂DIDS when irreversibly bound to the cell inhibits SO₄^?2 but not Cl^? transport The results of these experiments are consistent with the postulation that both Cl^? and SO₄^?2 are transported by a common mechanism possessing two reactive sites.     

A relationship between anion transport and a structural transition of the human erythrocyte membrane

Scanning microcalorimetry was employed as an aid in examining some structural features of the anion transport system in red blood cell vesicles. Two structural transitions were previously shown to be sensitive to several covalent and non-covalent inhibitors of anion transport in red cells. In this study, these transitions were selectively removed, either thermally or enzymatically, and the subsequent effect on ³⁵SO₄^2? efflux in red cell vesicles was determined. It is shown that removal of one of these transitions (B₂) has a negligible inhibitory effect on anion transport. Cytoplasmic, intermolecular disulfide linkages between band 3 dimers are known to form during the B₂ transition. The integrity of the 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate-sensitive C transition, on the other hand, is shown to be a requirement for anion transport. The localized region of the membrane giving rise to this transition contains the transmembrane segment of band 3, as well as membrane phospholipids. The calorimetric results suggest a structure of band 3 which involves independent structural domains, and are consistent with the transmembrane segment playing a direct role in the transport process.     

The effects of anion transport inhibitors on structural transitions in erythrocyte membranes

Red blood cell membranes have been labeled with several covalent and non-covalent inhibitors of anion transport and their heat capacity profiles determined as a function of temperature. Covalent inhibitors include the amino reactive agents 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, pyridoxal phosphate and 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitro benzene. The non-covalent inhibitors include several well known local anesthetics. The study was undertaken in order to identify regions of the membrane involved in anion transport. Covalent modification in all cases resulted in a large upward shift of the C transition, which is believed to involved a localized phospholipid region. Evidence is presented which indicates that Band III protein and this phospholipid region are in close physical proximity on the membrane. Addition of non-covalent inhibitors affects the membrane in either or both of two ways. In some cases, a lowering and broadening of the C transition occurs; in other the B₁ and B₂ transitions are altered. These latter transitions are believed to involve both phospholipid and protein, including Band III. These results may indicate that the non-covalent inhibitors produce their inhibitory effect on anion transport at least in part by interacting with membrane phospholipid.     

Effects of 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic stilbene on ion transport in turtle bladders

The disulfonic stilbene (4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic stilbene) is found to be more potent than acetazolamide as an anion transport inhibitor in the turtle bladder, but less potent than acetazolamide as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. The anion-dependent (HCO₃^-−, Cl⁻) moeity of the short-circuiting current is eliminated by 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic stibene, but only after its addition to the serosal bathing fluid. Whereas 4-acetmido-4′-isothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic stilbene has no effect om Na⁺transport across the bladder, it is more potent than ouabain as an inhibitor of microsomal (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase of both turtle bladder and eel electric organ.     

Photo-activated inhibition of sulfate equilibrium exchange in human erythrocyte ghosts by a 4-azido-2-nitrobenzoate derivative of phlorizin

Like phlorizin, two glycosidic esters of phlorizin, the 4-azido-2-nitrobenzoate (ANB-phlorizin) and the 2-nitrobenzoate (NB-phlorizin) were found to be effective inhibitors of SO₄^2? equilibrium exchange at the outer but not at the inner membrane surface of the human erythrocyte ghost. After photolysis of ghost suspensions in the presence of extracellular ANB-phlorizin an irreversible inhibition of SO₄^2? exchange was observed, while photolysis of intracellular ANB-phlorizin was without effect. After photolysis in the presence of extracellular or intracellular tritiated ANB-phlorizin gel electrophoresis of the labelled membranes revealed similar locations of binding. These findings suggest that the sidedness of action of ANB-phlorizin could not be related to inaccessibility of the inner membrane surface for the agent but that inhibition occurs via binding to fixed sites at the outer membrane surface that are not associated with a mobile carrier which crosses the membrane.     

Chloride self exchange in Ehrlich ascites cells. Inhibition by furosemide and 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2-2′-disulfonic acid

The effects of furosemide and 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS) on steady-state Cl⁻ flux were studied in Ehrlich mouse ascites cells. At 10 mM, furosemide inhibited isotopically-determined Cl⁻ flux by 86% without changing cell Cl⁻ content, indicating that influx and efflux were depressed by the same amount. These results suggest that at least 86% of the steady-state Cl⁻ flux may occur as a one for one exchange. Half of the inhibitory effect was not reversed by vigorous washing with albumin-Ringer. A smaller portion of steady-state Cl⁻ flux was inhibited by SITS. The maximum effect of SITS was reached near 0.6 mM; at this concentration Cl⁻ flux was reduced by 37% without an alteration in cell Cl⁻ content. Possible competition of environment Cl⁻ and SITS was investigated by replacing environment Cl⁻ with acetate or NO₃. These anions reduced the efficacy of SITS because they depressed cell Cl⁻ turnover themselves, apparently acting on the same exchange process.     

cAMP activates Cl−/HCO3− exchange for regulation of intracellular pH in renal epithelial cells

The role of cAMP in regulation of intracellular pH in the confluent LLC-PK₁ cells was investigated. DibutyrylcAMP and forskolin induce intracellular acidification. This acidification is inhibited by DIDS and ethacrynic acid, inhibitors of Na⁺-independent Cl^?/HCO₃^? exchange, and by removal of extracellular Cl^?. In addition, Bt₂ cAMP causes Cl^? entry into LLC-PK₁ cells. These results suggest that cAMP activates Cl^? transport, namely Na⁺-independent Cl^?/HCO₃^? exchange, which participates in pH_i regulation.     

Inhibition of anion transport in the red blood cell by anionic amphiphilic compounds I. Determination of the flufenamate-binding site by proteolytic dissection of the band 3 protein

Flufenamate, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is a powerful inhibitor of anion transport in the human erythrocyte ($\text{I}{}_{50}\text{= 6·10}{}^{\mathrm{?7}}\text{M}$). The concentration dependence of the binding to ghosts reveals two saturable components. [¹⁴C]Flufenamate binds with high affinity ($\text{K}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>d</mtext>}}{}_1\text{= 1.2·10}{}^{\mathrm{?7}}\text{M}$) to 8.5·10⁵ sites per cell (the same value as the number of band 3 protein per cell); it also binds, with lower affinity ($\text{K}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>d</mtext>}}{}_2\text{= 10}{}^{\mathrm{?4}}\text{M}$) to a second set of sites (4.6·10⁷ per cell). Pretreatment of cells with 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS), a specific inhibitor of anion transport, prevents [¹⁴C]flufenamate binding only to high affinity sites. These results suggest that high affinity sites are located on the band 3 protein involved in anion transport. Extracellular chymotrypsin and pronase at low concentration cleave the 95 kDa band 3 into 60 kDa and 35 kDa fragments without affecting either anion transport or [¹⁴C]flufenamate binding. Splitting by trypsin at the inner membrane surface of the 60 kDa chymotryptic fragment into 17 kDa transmembrane fragment and 40 kDa water-soluble fragment does not affect [¹⁴C]flufenamate binding. In contrast degradation at the outer membrane surface of the 35 kDa fragment by high concentration of pronase or papain decreases both anion transport capacity and number of high affinity binding sites for [¹⁴C]flufenamate. Thus it appears that 35 kDa peptide is necessary for both anion transport and binding of the inhibitors and that the binding site is located in the membrane-associated domain of the band 3 protein.     

Interaction of phloretin with the anion transport protein of the red blood cell membrane

Phloretin is an inhibitor of anion exchange and glucose and urea transport in human red cells. Equilibrium binding and kinetic studies indicate that phloretin binds to band 3, a major integral protein of the red cell membrane. Equilibrium phloretin binding has been found to be competitive with the binding of the anion transport inhibitor, 4,4′-dibenzamido-2,2′-disulfonic stilbene (DBDS), which binds specifically to band 3. The apparent binding (dissociation) constant of phloretin to red cell ghost band 3 in 28.5 mM citrate buffer, pH 7.4, 25°C, determined from equilibrium binding competition, is $\text{1.8 ± 0.1}\text{μM}$. Stopped-flow kinetic studies show that phloretin decreases the rate of DBDS binding to band 3 in a purely competitive manner, with an apparent phloretin inhibition constant of $\text{1.6 ± 0.4}\text{μM}$. The pH dependence of equilibrium binding studies show that it is the charged, anionic form of phloretin that competes with DBDS binding, with an apparent phloretin inhibition constant of 1.4 μM. The phloretin binding and inhibition constants determined by equilibrium binding, kinetic and pH studies are all similar to the inhibition constant of phloretin for anion exchange. These studies suggest that phloretin inhibits anion exchange in red cells by a specific interaction between phloretin and band 3.     

Mutation of His 834 in human anion exchanger 1 affects substrate binding

Anion exchanger 1 (AE1 or band 3) is responsible for Cl⁻-HCO₃⁻ exchange on erythrocyte membrane. Previously, we showed that band 3 is fixed in an inward-facing conformation by specific modification of His 834 with DEPC, resulting in a strong inhibition of its anion transport activity. To clarify the physiological role of His 834, we evaluated the sulfate transport activities of various band 3 mutants: different mutants at His 834 and alanine mutants of peripheral residues around 834 (Lys 829-Phe 836) in yeast cell membranes. The K_m values of the His 834 mutants were 4-10 times higher than that of the wild type, while their V_max values were barely lower than that of wild type. Meanwhile, the K_m values of the peripheral alanine mutants were only slightly increased. These data suggest that His 834 is critically important for the efficient binding of sulfate anion, but not for the conformational change induced by substrate binding.     

KCl loss and cell shrinkage in the ehrlich ascites tumor cell induced by hypotonic media, 2-deoxyglucose and propranolol

Ehrlich ascites tumor cells lose KCl and shrink after swelling in hypotonic media and in response to the addition of 2-deoxyglucose, propranolol, or the Ca²⁺ ionophore, A23187, plus Ca²⁺ in isotonic media. All of these treatments activate cell shrinkage via a pathway with the following characteristics: (1) the KCl loss responsible for cell shrinkage does not alter the membrane potential; (2) NO₃^? does not substitute for Cl^?; (3) the net KCl movements are not inhibited by quinine or DIDS; and (4) early in this study furosemide was effective in inhibiting cell shrinkage but this sensitivity was subsequently lost. This evidence suggests that the KCl loss in these cells occurs via a cotransport mechanism. In addition, hypotonic media and the other agents used here stimulate a Cl^? -Cl^? exchange, a net loss of K⁺ and a net gain of Na⁺ which are not responsible for cell shrinkage. The Ehrlich cell also appears to have a Ca²⁺-activated, quinine-sensitive K⁺ conductive pathway but this pathway is not part of the mechanism by which these cells regulate their volume following swelling or shrink in isotonic media in response to 2-deoxyglucose or propranolol. Shrinkage by the loss of K⁺ through the Ca²⁺ stimulated pathway appears to be limited by Cl^? conductive movements; for when NO₃^?, an anion demonstrated here to have a higher conductive movement than Cl^?, is substituted for Cl^?, the cells will shrink when the Ca²⁺-stimulated K⁺ pathway is activated.     

Inhibition of anion permeability of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles by stilbene derivatives and the identification of an inhibitor-binding protein

The permeability of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles to sulfate ions was inhibited by diisothiocyano-1,2-diphenylethane-2,2′-disulfonic acid (H₂DIDS), which is a potent inhibitor of anion permeability in red blood cell membrane. The amount of H₂DIDS bound to the vesicles was determined by using [³H]-H₂DIDS. Apparent half inhibition of sulfate permeation was observed on the binding of 2.5 μmol/g protein. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the vesicles treated with [³H]H₂DIDS showed that about 10% of the total bound H₂DIDS corresponds to a 100 000-dalton protein, but the remaining 90% to non-protein components. The content of the H₂DIDS-binding protein was about 0.5 μmol/g protein. These results suggest that the H₂DIDS-binding protein is different from the calcium pump protein and is possibly an anion transport system similar to band 3 in red blood cell membrane.     

Studies on inactivation of anion transport in human red blood cell membrane by reversibly and irreversibly acting arginine-specific reagents

Summary A chromophoric derivative of phenylglyoxal, 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylglyoxal (HNPG), known to be highly selective for modification of arginine residues in aqueous solution is found to be a potent inhibitor of anion transport across the red cell membrane. In contrast to the action of all other arginine-specific reagents used under the experimental conditions in this laboratory, the action of HNPG on sulfate transport is completely reversible. Hence, a kinetic analysis of its inhibitory effect on SO ₄ ^2– self-exchange could be performed. The effect of increasing chloride concentration on the inhibitory potency of HNPG is consistent with the concept that Cl^– and HNPG compete for the same site on the anion transporter. The IC₅₀ value for the inhibition of SO ₄ ^2– exchange with HNPG is about 0.13mm at pH 8.0 and 0.36mm at pH 7.4, and the Hill coefficient for the interaction between the transporter and the inhibitor is near one at both pH's. HNPG is able to protect the transport system against inhibition with the (under our experimental conditions) irreversibly acting arginine specific reagent, phenylglyoxal. Partial inactivation of the transport system with phenylglyoxal lowers the maximal rates of SO ₄ ^2– and chloride exchange but does not modify the apparentK _s for the substrate anions. Reversibly acting anion transport inhibitors known to interact with the DIDS binding site like salicylate, tetrathionate, APMB, DNDS, and flufenamate are able to protect the transport system against phenylglyoxalation. Other inhibitors like phloretin and phlorizin have no effect.     

Identification of an anion channel protein from electric organ of Narke japonica

The anion permeability of membrane vesicles prepared from the electric organ of $\text{Narke japonica}$ was inhibited by the addition of 4,4′-diisothiocyano-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS). The permeability was measured by measuring changes in the scattered-light intensity caused by the osmotic volume change of vesicles; and also by the efflux measurement of ions from the vesicles using radioisotopes. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of membrane vesicles treated with dihydro analog of DIDS ([³H]H₂DIDS) showed that the H₂DIDS binding protein has a molecular weight of 180,000, and exists in membrane vesicles as a dimer formed by a disulfide bond between monomers of molecular weight 90,000.     

Labeling of human erythrocyte membranes with eosin probes used for protein diffusion measurements. Inhibition of anion transport and photo-oxidative inactivation of acetylcholinesterase

The binding of eosin-isothiocyanate (eosin-NCS) and iodoacetamido-eosin (IA-eosin) to band 3 proteins in the membrane of human erythrocytes is characterized by studying the effect of these probes on the anion transport system. Although the unbrominated fluorescein precursors do not affect anion transport, both eosin labels are strong inhibitors of sulphate exchange in intact erythrocytes. 50% inhibition is obtained by binding 4.7 · 10⁵ or 6.0 · 10⁵ molecules/cell for eosin-NCS and IA-eosin, respectively. Both eosin probes are irreversibly bound and occupy common binding sites with 4,4′-diisothiocyano-1,2-diphenyl-ethane-2,2′-disulfonic acid (H₂DIDS), although other sites are labeled as well. The inhibition of anion transport is light independent and can therefore not be attributed to a photosensitizing action of the eosin probes. Both eosin derivatives, however, inactivate acetylcholinesterase upon illumination of air-equilibrated samples of hemoglobin-free labeled ghosts. The inactivation of the enzyme is accompanied by the formation of protein aggregates as visualized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These effects are not observed when intact erythrocytes are illuminated in the presence of eosin probes suggesting a protective effect of hemoglobin during the labeling procedure. Protection of ghosts from photo-oxidation is achieved by displacing air with argon. These results are discussed in relation to the use of these and similar probes to measure protein diffusion in membranes.     

The interaction of chloride with the sulfate transport system of ehrlich ascites tumor cells

The effect of Cl^? on SO₄^?2 efflux was studied in both Cl^?-containing and Cl^?-free ascites tumor cells loaded with ³⁵SO₄^?2 to test the hypothesis that Cl^?-SO₄^?2 exchange is mediated by the same mechanism responsible for SO₄^?2-self exchange. The addition of Cl^?-free, ³⁵SO₄^?2 loaded cells to a SO₄^?2-free, Cl^? medium results in: (1) SO₄^?2 efflux that is dependent on the extracellular Cl^? concentration (Km = 4.85 mM; k_e = 0.048 min^?1 at 50 mM Cl^?) and (2) net Cl^?-uptake that exceeds SO₄^?2 loss. Both SITS (4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate) and ANS (1-anilino-8-napthalene sulfonate) inhibit SO₄^?2 efflux but are without effect on Cl^? uptake. The addition of Cl^?-containing, ³⁵SO₄^?2 loaded cells to a SO₄^?2-free, C1^? medium results in: (1) a slight gain in cellular Cl^? and (2) k efor SO₄^?2 efflux identical to that for Cl^?-free cells. The results are compatible with the suggestion that: (1) Cl^? interacts with a membrane component responsible for transmembrane SO₄^?2 movement; (2) Cl^? interaction stimulates the rate of unidirectional SO₄^?2 efflux from cells initially free of Cl^? as well as the rate of SO₄^?2 turnover in cells maintained in the steady state with respect to Cl^? and SO₄^?2; and (3) in the case of cells initially free of Cl^?, the Cl^?-SO₄^?2 pathway represents only a small fraction of the total unidirectional Cl^?-influx the remainder being compatible with the electroneutral accumulation of NaCl and KCl.