Synergism between toxin-gamma from Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus and veratridine in chromaffin cells

Toxin- (T)from the Brazilian scorpion Tityusserrulatus venom caused a concentration- andtime-dependent increase in the release of norepinephrine andepinephrine from bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. T was~200-fold more potent than veratridine judged fromEC₅₀ values, although the maximalsecretory efficacy of veratridine was 10-fold greater than that of T(1.2 vs. 12 µg/ml of catecholamine release). The combination of both toxins produced a synergistic effect that was particularly drastic at 5 mM extracellular Ca²⁺concentration([Ca²⁺]_o),when 30 µM veratridine plus 0.45 µM T were used. T (0.45 µM) doubled the basal uptake of⁴⁵Ca²⁺,whereas veratridine (100 µM) tripled it. Again, a drastic synergism in enhancing Ca²⁺ entry was seenwhen T and veratridine were combined; this was particularlypronounced at 5 mM[Ca²⁺]_o.Veratridine induced oscillations of cytosolicCa²⁺ concentration([Ca²⁺]_i)in single fura 2-loaded cells without elevation of basal levels. Incontrast, T elevated basal[Ca²⁺]_ilevels, causing only small oscillations. When added together, T andveratridine elevated the basal levels of[Ca²⁺]_iwithout causing large oscillations. T shifted the current-voltage (I-V) curve forNa⁺ channel current to the left.The combination of T with veratridine increased the shift of theI-V curve to the left, resulting in agreater recruitment of Na⁺channels at more hyperpolarizing potentials. This led to enhanced andmore rapid accumulation of Na⁺ inthe cell, causing cell depolarization, the opening of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, andCa²⁺ entry and secretion.

     

Ca2+ influx inhibits voltage-dependent and augments Ca2+-dependent K+ currents in arterial myocytes

These experiments were performed to determine the effects ofreducing Ca²⁺ influx(Ca_in) onK⁺ currents(I_K) inmyocytes from rat small mesenteric arteries by1) adding externalCd²⁺ or2) lowering externalCa²⁺ to 0.2 mM. When measured froma holding potential (HP) of 20 mV(I_K20),decreasing Ca_in decreasedI_K at voltageswhere it was active (>0 mV). When measured from a HP of 60 mV(I_K60),decreasing Ca_in increasedI_K at voltagesbetween 30 and +20 mV but decreased I_K at voltagesabove +40 mV. Difference currents(I_K) weredetermined by digital subtraction of currents recorded under controlconditions from those obtained whenCa_in was decreased. At testvoltages up to 0 mV,I_K60 exhibitedkinetics similar to controlI_K60, with rapidactivation to a peak followed by slow inactivation. At 0 mV, peakI_K60 averaged75 ± 13 pA (n = 8) withCd²⁺ and 120 ± 20 pA(n = 9) with lowCa²⁺ concentration. At testvoltages from 0 to +60 mV,I_K60 always had an early positive peak phase, but its apparent "inactivation" increased with voltage and its steady value became negative above +20mV. At +60 mV, the initial peakI_K60 averaged115 ± 18 pA with Cd²⁺ and 187 ± 34 pA with low Ca²⁺. With 10 mM pipette BAPTA, Cd²⁺ produced asmall inhibition ofI_K20 but stillincreased I_K60 between 30 and +10 mV. InCa²⁺-free external solution,Cd²⁺ only decreased bothI_K20 andI_K60. In thepresence of iberiotoxin (100 nM) to inhibitCa²⁺-activatedK⁺ channels(K_Ca),Cd²⁺ increasedI_K60 at allvoltages positive to 30 mV while BAY K 8644 (1 µM) decreasedI_K60. Theseresults suggest that Ca_in, through L-type Ca²⁺ channels and perhapsother pathways, increases K_Ca(i.e., I_K20) and decreases voltage-dependent K⁺currents in this tissue. This effect could contribute to membrane depolarization and force maintenance.

     

Potent inhibition of the aortic smooth muscle maxi-K channel by clinical doses of ethanol

We investigated the effects ofclinically relevant ethanol concentrations (5-20 mM) on thesingle-channel kinetics of bovine aortic smooth muscle maxi-K channelsreconstituted in lipid bilayers (1:1palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine:palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine). Ethanol at 10 and 20 mMdecreased the channel open probability (P_o) by75 ± 20.3% mainly by increasing the mean closed time (+82 to+960%, n = 7). In some instances, ethanol alsodecreased the mean open time (40.8 ± 22.5%). TheP_o-voltage relation in the presence of 20 mMethanol exhibited a rightward shift in the midpoint of voltageactivation (V_1/2  17 mV), a slightlysteeper relationship (change in slope factor, k,  2.5 mV), and a decreased maximum P_o (from~0.82 to ~0.47). Interestingly, channels inhibited by ethanol atlow Ca²⁺ concentrations (2.5 µM) were veryresistant to ethanol in the presence of increased Ca²⁺ ( 20 µM). Alcohol consumption in clinically relevant amounts may alterthe contribution of maxi-K channels to the regulation of arterial tone.

     

TGF-alpha reduces bradykinin-stimulated ion transport and prostaglandin release in human colonic epithelial cells

The effect of chronic exposure to transforming growth factor-(TGF-) on bradykinin-stimulated acute prostanoid production and ionsecretion in monolayers of HCA-7 colony 29 colonic epithelial cells hasbeen studied. Monolayers synthesized prostaglandinE₂ (PGE₂) at a basal rate of 2.10 ± 0.31 pg · monolayer¹ · min¹over 24 h. Bradykinin(10⁸-10⁵M) dose dependently increased acutePGE₂ release by three orders ofmagnitude. This was associated with a rise in cAMP from 1.60 ± 0.14 to 2.90 ± 0.1 pmol/monolayer (P < 0.02) and a dose-dependent increase in short-circuit current (SCC).When monolayers were primed by a 24-h exposure to TGF-, basalPGE₂ release rose to 6.31 ± 0.38 pg · monolayer¹ · min¹(TGF- concn 10 ng/ml; P = 0.001).However, the stimulation of acute prostaglandin release, intracellularcAMP, and increased SCC by bradykinin was significantly reduced bypreincubation with TGF-. Priming withPGE₂(10⁸-10⁶M) over 24 h mimicked the effect of TGF- on bradykinin-induced changes in cAMP and SCC. These data suggest that enhanced chronic release of prostaglandins in response to stimulation with TGF- maydownregulate acute responses to bradykinin. In vivo, TGF- could havean important modulatory function in regulating secretion underinflammatory conditions.     

Calcium dependence of C-type natriuretic peptide-formed fast K+ channel

The lipid bilayertechnique was used to characterize theCa²⁺ dependence of a fastK⁺ channel formed by a synthetic17-amino acid segment [OaCNP-39-(1-17)] ofa 39-amino acid C-type natriuretic peptide (OaCNP-39) found in platypus (Ornithorhynchusanatinus) venom (OaV). TheOaCNP-39-(1-17)-formed K⁺ channel was reversiblydependent on1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-buffered cis (cytoplasmic)Ca²⁺ concentration([Ca²⁺]_cis).The channel was fully active when[Ca²⁺]_ciswas >10⁴ M andtrans (luminal)Ca²⁺ concentration was 1.0 mM, butnot at low[Ca²⁺]_cis.The open probability of single channels increased from zero at1 × 10⁶ McisCa²⁺ to 0.73 ± 0.17 (n = 22) at10³ McisCa²⁺. Channel openings to themaximum conductance of 38 pS were rapidly and reversibly activated when[Ca²⁺]_cis,but not transCa²⁺ concentration(n = 5), was increased to >5 × 10⁴ M(n = 14). Channel openings to thesubmaximal conductance of 10.5 pS were dominant at5 × 10⁴ MCa²⁺.K⁺ channels did not open whencisMg²⁺ orSr²⁺ concentrations were increasedfrom zero to 10³ M or when[Ca²⁺]_ciswas maintained at 10⁶ M(n = 3 and 2). The Hill coefficientand the inhibition constant were 1 and 0.8 × 10⁴ McisCa²⁺, respectively. Thisdependence of the channel on high[Ca²⁺]_cissuggests that it may become active under1) physiological conditions whereCa²⁺ levels are high, e.g., duringcardiac and skeletal muscle contractions, and2) pathological conditions that leadto a Ca²⁺ overload, e.g., ischemicheart and muscle fatigue. The channel could modify a cascade ofphysiological functions that are dependent on theCa²⁺-activatedK⁺ channels, e.g., vasodilationand salt secretion.

     

Astrocytes from Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter-null mice exhibit absence of swelling and decrease in EAA release

We reported previously that inhibition ofNa⁺-K⁺-Cl cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) by bumetanide abolishes high extracellular K⁺concentration ([K⁺]_o)-induced swelling andintracellular Cl accumulation in rat cortical astrocytes.In this report, we extended our study by using cortical astrocytes fromNKCC1-deficient (NKCC1^/) mice. NKCC1 protein andactivity were absent in NKCC1^/ astrocytes.[K⁺]_o of 75 mM increased NKCC1 activityapproximately fourfold in NKCC1^+/+ cells (P < 0.05) but had no effect in NKCC1^/ astrocytes.Intracellular Cl was increased by 70% inNKCC1^+/+ astrocytes under 75 mM[K⁺]_o (P < 0.05) butremained unchanged in NKCC1^/ astrocytes. Baselineintracellular Na⁺ concentration([Na⁺]_i) in NKCC1^+/+ astrocyteswas 19.0 ± 0.5 mM, compared with 16.9 ± 0.3 mM[Na⁺]_i in NKCC1^/ astrocytes(P < 0.05). Relative cell volume ofNKCC1^+/+ astrocytes increased by 13 ± 2% in 75 mM[K⁺]_o, compared with a value of 1.0 ± 0.5% in NKCC1^/ astrocytes (P < 0.05).Regulatory volume increase after hypertonic shrinkage was completelyimpaired in NKCC1^/ astrocytes.High-[K⁺]_o-induced ¹⁴C-labeledD-aspartate release was reduced by ~30% inNKCC1^/ astrocytes. Our study suggests that stimulationof NKCC1 is required for high-[K⁺]_o-inducedswelling, which contributes to glutamate release from astrocytes underhigh [K⁺]_o.

     

Similarity of A(3)-adenosine and swelling-activated Cl(-) channels in nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells

Chloride release from nonpigmented ciliary epithelial (NPE)cells is a final step in forming aqueous humor, and adenosine stimulates Cl transport by these cells. Whole cell patchclamping of cultured human NPE cells indicated that theA₃-selective agonist1-deoxy-1-(6-[([3-iodophenyl]methyl)amino]-9H-purin-9-yl)-N-methyl--D-ribofuranuronamide (IB-MECA) stimulated currents (I_IB-MECA) by~90% at +80 mV. Partial replacement of external Clwith aspartate reduced outward currents and shifted the reversal potential (V_rev) from 23 ± 2 mV to0.0 ± 0.7 mV. Nitrate substitution had little effect. Perfusionwith the Cl channel blockers5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB) and niflumic acidinhibited the currents. Partial Cl replacement withaspartate and NO₃, and perfusion with NPPB, hadsimilar effects on the swelling-activated whole cell currents(I_Swell). Partial cyclamate substitution for external Cl inhibited inward and outward currents of bothI_IB-MECA and I_Swell. Bothsets of currents also showed outward rectification and inactivation atlarge depolarizing potentials. The results are consistent with theconcept that A₃-subtype adenosine agonists and swellingactivate a common population of Cl channels.

     

Ca2+-activated Cl- current in cultured myenteric neurons from murine proximal colon

Whole cell patch-clamprecordings were made from cultured myenteric neurons taken from murineproximal colon. The micropipette contained Cs⁺ to removeK⁺ currents. Depolarization elicited a slowly activatingtime-dependent outward current (I_tdo), whereasrepolarization was followed by a slowly deactivating tail current(I_tail). I_tdo andI_tail were present in ~70% of neurons. Weidentified these currents as Cl currents(I_Cl), because changing the transmembraneCl gradient altered the measured reversal potential(E_rev) of both I_tdo andI_tail with that for I_tailshifted close to the calculated Cl equilibrium potential(E_Cl). I_Cl areCa²⁺-activated Cl current[I_Cl(Ca)] because they were Ca²⁺dependent. E_Cl, which was measured from theE_rev of I_Cl(Ca) using agramicidin perforated patch, was 33 mV. This value is more positivethan the resting membrane potential (56.3 ± 2.7 mV), suggestingmyenteric neurons accumulate intracellular Cl.-Conotoxin GIVA [0.3 µM; N-type Ca²⁺ channelblocker] and niflumic acid [10 µM; knownI_Cl(Ca) blocker], decreased theI_Cl(Ca). In conclusion, these neurons haveI_Cl(Ca) that are activated by Ca²⁺entry through N-type Ca²⁺ channels. These currents likelyregulate postspike frequency adaptation.

     

Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) current in sheep lymphatic smooth muscle

Freshly dispersed sheep mesenteric lymphaticsmooth muscle cells were studied at 37°C using the perforatedpatch-clamp technique with Cs⁺- and K⁺-filledpipettes. Depolarizing steps evoked currents that consisted ofL-type Ca²⁺ [I_Ca(L)]current and a slowly developing current. The slow current reversed at1 ± 1.5 mV with symmetrical Cl concentrationscompared with 23.2 ± 1.2 mV (n = 5) and34.3 ± 3.5 mV (n = 4) when externalCl was substituted with either glutamate (86 mM) orI (125 mM). Nifedipine (1 µM) blocked and BAY K 8644 enhanced I_Ca(L), the slow-developing sustainedcurrent, and the tail current. The Cl channel blockeranthracene-9-carboxylic acid (9-AC) reduced only the slowly developinginward and tail currents. Application of caffeine (10 mM) tovoltage-clamped cells evoked currents that reversed close to theCl equilibrium potential and were sensitive to 9-AC.Small spontaneous transient depolarizations and larger actionpotentials were observed in current clamp, and these were blocked by9-AC. Evoked action potentials were triphasic and had a prominentplateau phase that was selectively blocked by 9-AC. Similarly, fluidoutput was reduced by 9-AC in doubly cannulated segments ofspontaneously pumping sheep lymphatics, suggesting that theCa²⁺-activated Cl current plays an importantrole in the electrical activity underlying spontaneous activity in this tissue.

     

Serotonin-elicited inhibition of Cl(-) secretion in the rabbit conjunctival epithelium

The effects of serotonin[5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] on the transepithelial electricalproperties of the short-circuited rabbit conjunctiva were examined.With this epithelium, the short-circuit current(I_sc) measures Cl secretion plusan amiloride-resistant Na⁺ absorptive process. Apicaladdition of 5-HT (10 µM) elicited a prompt I_screduction from 14.2 ± 1.2 to 10.9 ± 1.2 µA/cm² and increased transepithelial resistance from0.89 ± 0.05 to 1.03 ± 0.06 k · cm²(means ± SE, n = 21, P < 0.05).Similar changes were obtained with conjunctivae bathed withoutNa⁺ in the apical bath, as well as with conjunctivaepreexposed to bumetanide with the Cl-dependentI_sc sustained by the parallel activities ofbasolateral Na⁺/H⁺ andCl/HCO exchangers. In contrast, the5-HT-evoked effects were attenuated by the absence of Cl(I_sc = 0.5 ± 0.2, n = 5), suggesting that reduced Clconductance(s) is an effect of 5-HT exposure. In amphotericin B-treatedconjunctiva and in the presence of a transepithelial K⁺gradient, 5-HT addition reduced K⁺ diffusion across thepreparation by 13% and increased transepithelial resistance by 4%(n = 6, P < 0.05), indicating that aninhibition in K⁺ conductance(s) was also detectable.Significant electrical responses also occurred under physiologicalconditions when 5-HT was introduced to epithelia pretreated withadrenergic agonists or protein kinase C, phospholipase C,phosphodiesterase, or adenylyl cyclase inhibitors or after perturbationof Ca²⁺ homeostasis. Briefly, the conjunctiva harbors theonly known Cl-secreting epithelium in which 5-HT evokesCl transport inhibition; receptor subtype and signaltransduction mechanism were not determined.

     

Rabbit conjunctival epithelium transports fluid, and P2Y22 receptor agonists stimulate Cl{-} and fluid secretion

Rabbit conjunctival epithelium exhibits UTP-dependentCl secretion into the tears. We investigated whetherfluid secretion also takes place. Short-circuit current(I_sc) was 14.9 ± 1.4 µA/cm²(n = 16). Four P2Y₂ purinergic receptoragonists [UTP and the novel compounds INS365, INS306, and INS440(Inspire Pharmaceuticals)] added apically (10 µM) resulted intemporary (~30 min) I_sc increases (88%, 66%,57%, and 28%, respectively; n = 4 each). Importantly, the conjunctiva transported fluid from serosa to mucosa at a rate of6.5 ± 0.7 µl · h¹ · cm² (range2.1-15.3, n = 20). Fluid transport was stimulatedby mucosal additions of 10 µM: 1) UTP, from 7.4 ± 2.3 to 10.7 ± 3.3 µl · h¹ · cm²,n = 5; and 2) INS365, from 6.3 ± 1.0 to 9.8 ± 2.5 µl · h¹ · cm²,n = 5. Fluid transport was abolished by 1 mMouabain (n = 5) and was drastically inhibited by 300 µM quinidine (from 6.4 ± 1.2 to 3.6 ± 1.0 µl · h¹ · cm²,n = 4). We conclude that this epithelium secretes fluidactively and that P2Y₂ agonists stimulate bothCl and fluid secretions.

     

Ouabain and substrate affinities of human Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)beta(1), alpha(2)beta(1), and alpha(3)beta(1) when expressed separately in yeast cells

HumanNa⁺-K⁺-ATPase₁₁,₂₁, and ₃₁heterodimers were expressed individually in yeast, and ouabainbinding and ATP hydrolysis were measured in membrane fractions. Theouabain equilibrium dissociation constant was 13-17 nM for₁₁ and ₃₁at 37°C and 32 nM for ₂₁, indicatingthat the human -subunit isoforms have a similar high affinity forcardiac glycosides. K_0.5 values for antagonism of ouabain binding by K⁺ were ranked in order as follows:₂ (6.3 ± 2.4 mM) > ₃(1.6 ± 0.5 mM)  ₁ (0.9 ± 0.6 mM),and K_0.5 values for Na⁺ antagonismof ouabain binding to all heterodimers were 9.5-13.8 mM. Themolecular turnover for ATP hydrolysis by₁₁ (6,652 min¹) was abouttwice as high as that by ₃₁ (3,145 min¹). These properties of the human heterodimersexpressed in yeast are in good agreement with properties of the humanNa⁺-K⁺-ATPase expressed in Xenopusoocytes (G Crambert, U Hasler, AT Beggah, C Yu, NN Modyanov, J-DHorisberger, L Lelievie, and K Geering. J Biol Chem275: 1976-1986, 2000). In contrast to Na⁺ pumpsexpressed in Xenopus oocytes, the₂₁ complex in yeast membranes wassignificantly less stable than ₁₁ or₃₁, resulting in a lower functionalexpression level. The ₂₁ complex was also more easily denatured by SDS than was the₁₁ or the₃₁ complex.

     

PGE(2), Ca(2+), and cAMP mediate ATP activation of Cl(-) channels in pigmented ciliary epithelial cells

Purines regulate intraocular pressure. Adenosine activatesCl channels of nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cellsfacing the aqueous humor, enhancing secretion. Tamoxifen and ATPsynergistically activate Cl channels of pigmented ciliaryepithelial (PE) cells facing the stroma, potentially reducing netsecretion. The actions of nucleotides alone on Cl channelactivity of bovine PE cells were studied by electronic cell sorting,patch clamping, and luciferin/luciferase ATP assay. Clchannels were activated by ATP > UTP, ADP, and UDP, but not by 2-methylthio-ATP, all at 100 µM. UTP triggered ATP release. The second messengers Ca²⁺, prostaglandin (PG)E₂,and cAMP activated Cl channels without enhancing effectsof 100 µM ATP. Buffering intracellular Ca²⁺activity with1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'- tetraacetic acidor blocking PGE₂ formation with indomethacininhibited ATP-triggered channel activation. The Rp stereoisomerof 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate inhibited proteinkinase A activity but mimicked 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclicmonophosphate. We conclude that nucleotides can act at >1 P2Yreceptor to trigger a sequential cascade involving Ca²⁺,PGE₂, and cAMP. cAMP acts directly on Clchannels of PE cells, increasing stromal release and potentially reducing net aqueous humor formation and intraocular pressure.

     

Transport of fluid by lens epithelium

We report for the first time that cultured lens epithelial celllayers and rabbit lenses in vitro transport fluid. Layers of the TN4mouse cell line and bovine cell cultures were grown to confluence onpermeable membrane inserts. Fluid movement across cultured layers andexcised rabbit lenses was determined by volume clamp (37°C).Cultured layers transported fluid from their basal to their apicalsides against a pressure head of 3 cmH₂O. Rates were (inµl · h¹ · cm²)3.3 ± 0.3 for TN4 cells (n = 27) and 4.7 ± 1.0 for bovine layers (n = 6). Quinidine, a blocker ofK⁺ channels, andp-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate andHgCl₂, inhibitors of aquaporins,inhibited fluid transport. Rabbit lenses transported fluid from theiranterior to their posterior sides against a2.5-cmH₂O pressure head at 10.3 ± 0.62 µl · h¹ · lens¹(n = 5) and along the same pressurehead at 12.5 ± 1.1 µl · h¹ · lens¹(n = 6). We calculate that this flowcould wash the lens extracellular space by convection about once every2 h and therefore might contribute to lens homeostasis and transparency.     

Characterization of norepinephrine-evoked inward currents in interstitial cells isolated from the rabbit urethra

Freshly dispersedinterstitial cells from the rabbit urethra were studied by using theperforated-patch technique. When cells were voltage clamped at 60 mVand exposed to 10 µM norepinephrine (NE) at 80-s intervals, eitherlarge single inward currents or a series of oscillatory inward currentsof diminishing amplitude were evoked. These currents were blocked byeither phentolamine (1 µM) or prazosin (1 µM), suggesting that theeffects of NE were mediated via ₁-adrenoceptors.NE-evoked currents were depressed by the blockers ofCa²⁺-activated Cl currents, niflumic acid (10 µM), and 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid (9-AC, 1 mM). The reversalpotential of the above currents changed in a predictable manner whenthe Cl equilibrium potential was altered, againsuggesting that they were due to activation of a Clconductance. NE-evoked currents were decreased by 10 µM cyclopiazonic acid, suggesting that they were dependent on store-releasedCa²⁺. Inhibition of NE-evoked currents by the phospholipaseC inhibitor 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl-N,N-diphenylcarbamate(100 µM) suggested that NE releases Ca²⁺ via an inositol1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃)-dependent mechanism. Theseresults support the idea that stimulation of₁-adrenoceptors releases Ca²⁺ from anIP₃-sensitive store, which in turn activatesCa²⁺-activated Cl current in freshlydispersed interstitial cells of the rabbit urethra. This elevates slowwave frequency in these cells and may underlie the mechanismresponsible for increased urethral tone during nerve stimulation.

     

Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport in human fibroblasts is inhibited by cytomegalovirus infection

We examined the effects of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)infection on theNa⁺-K⁺-Clcotransporter (NKCC) in a human fibroblast cell line. Using the Cl-sensitive dye MQAE, weshowed that the mock-infected MRC-5 cells express a functional NKCC.1) IntracellularCl concentration([Cl]_i)was significantly reduced from 53.4 ± 3.4 mM to 35.1 ± 3.6 mMfollowing bumetanide treatment. 2)Net Cl efflux caused byreplacement of external Clwith gluconate was bumetanide sensitive.3) InCl-depleted mock-infectedcells, the Cl reuptake rate(in HCO₃-free media) was reduced inthe absence of external Na⁺ and bytreatment with bumetanide. After HCMV infection, we found that although[Cl]_iincreased progressively [24 h postexposure (PE), 65.2 ± 4.5 mM; 72 h PE, 80.4 ± 5.0 mM], the bumetanide andNa⁺ sensitivities of[Cl]_iand net Cl uptake and losswere reduced by 24 h PE and abolished by 72 h PE. Western blots usingthe NKCC-specific monoclonal antibody T4 showed an approximatelyninefold decrease in the amount of NKCC protein after 72 h ofinfection. Thus HCMV infection resulted in the abolition of NKCCfunction coincident with the severe reduction in the amount of NKCCprotein expressed.

     

Effect of clenbuterol on sarcoplasmic reticulum function in single skinned mammalian skeletal muscle fibers

We examined the effect of the₂-agonist clenbuterol (50 µM)on depolarization-induced force responses and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function in muscle fibers of the rat (Rattusnorvegicus; killed by halothane overdose) that had beenmechanically skinned, rendering the₂-agonist pathway inoperable.Clenbuterol decreased the peak of depolarization-induced forceresponses in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus fibers to77.2 ± 9.0 and 55.6 ± 5.4%, respectively, ofcontrols. The soleus fibers did not recover. Clenbuterol significantlyand reversibly reduced SR Ca²⁺loading in EDL and soleus fibers to 81.5 ± 2.8 and 78.7 ± 4.0%, respectively, of controls. Clenbuterol also producedan ~25% increase in passive leak ofCa²⁺ from the SR of the EDL andsoleus fibers. These results indicate that clenbuterol has directeffects on fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscle, in the absence of the₂-agonist pathway. Theincreased Ca²⁺ leak in the triadregion may lead to excitation-contraction coupling damage in the soleusfibers and could also contribute to the anabolic effect of clenbuterolin vivo.

     

P2 purinoceptors regulate calcium-activated chloride and fluid transport in 31EG4 mammary epithelia

It has been reported thatsecretory mammary epithelial cells (MEC) release ATP, UTP, and UDP uponmechanical stimulation. Here we examined the physiological changescaused by ATP/UTP in nontransformed, clonal mouse mammary epithelia(31EG4 cells). In control conditions, transepithelial potential (apicalside negative) and resistance were 4.4 ± 1.3 mV (mean ± SD, n = 12) and 517.7 ± 39.4  · cm², respectively. The apicalmembrane potential was 43.9 ± 1.7 mV, and the ratio of apicalto basolateral membrane resistance (R_A/R_B) was 3.5 ± 0.2. Addition of ATP or UTP to the apical or basolateral membranescaused large voltage and resistance changes with an EC₅₀ of~24 µM (apical) and ~30 µM (basal). Apical ATP/UTP (100 µM)depolarized apical membrane potential by 17.6 ± 0.8 mV (n = 7) and decreasedR_A/R_B by a factor of3. The addition of adenosine to either side (100 µM) hadno effect on any of these parameters. The ATP/UTP responses werepartially inhibited by DIDS and suramin and mediated by a transientincrease in free intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration (427 ± 206 nM; 15-25 µM ATP, apical; n = 6). This Ca²⁺ increase was blocked by cyclopiazonic acid, by BAPTA,or by xestospongin C. 31EG4 MEC monolayers also secreted or absorbedfluid in the resting state, and ATP or UTP increased fluid secretion by5.6 ± 3 µl · cm² · h¹(n = 10). Pharmacology experiments indicate that 31EG4epithelia contain P2Y₂ purinoceptors on the apical andbasolateral membranes, which upon activation stimulate apicalCa²⁺-dependent Cl channels and cause fluid secretion acrossthe monolayer. This suggests that extracellular nucleotides could playa fundamental role in mammary gland paracrine signaling and theregulation of milk composition in vivo.

     

Nerve growth factor regulates HCO-3 absorption in thick ascending limb: modifying effects of vasopressin

Growth factorsstimulateNa⁺/H⁺exchange activity in many cell types but their effects on acidsecretion via this mechanism in renal tubules are poorly understood. Weexamined the regulation of HCO₃absorption by nerve growth factor (NGF) in the rat medullary thickascending limb (MTAL), which absorbs HCO₃via apical membraneNa⁺/H⁺exchange. MTAL were perfused in vitro with 25 mMHCO₃ solutions (pH 7.4; 290 mosmol/kgH₂O). Addition of 0.7 nMNGF to the bath decreased HCO₃absorption from 13.1 ± 1.1 to 9.6 ± 0.8 pmol · min¹ · mm¹(P < 0.001). In contrast, with10¹⁰ M arginine vasopressin(AVP) in the bath, addition of NGF to the bath increasedHCO₃ absorption from 8.0 ± 1.6 to12.5 ± 1.3 pmol · min¹ · mm¹(P < 0.01). Both effects of NGF wereblocked by genistein, consistent with the involvement of tyrosinekinase pathways. However, the AVP-dependent stimulation requiredactivation of protein kinase C (PKC), whereas the inhibition was PKCindependent, indicating that the NGF-induced signaling pathways leadingto inhibition and stimulation of HCO₃absorption are distinct. Hypertonicity blocked the inhibition but notthe AVP-dependent stimulation, suggesting that hypertonicity and NGFmay inhibit HCO₃ absorption via acommon mechanism. These data demonstrate that NGF inhibitsHCO₃ absorption in the MTAL underbasal conditions but stimulates HCO₃ absorption in the presence of AVP, effects that are mediated through distinct signal transduction pathways. They also show that AVP is acritical determinant of the response of the MTAL to growth factorstimulation and suggest that NGF can either inhibit or stimulateapical Na⁺/H⁺ exchange activitydepending on its interactions with other regulatory factors. Locallyproduced growth factors such as NGF may play a role in regulating renaltubule HCO₃ absorption.

     

Arachidonic acid mediates dual effect of TNF-alpha on Ca2+ transients and contraction of adult rat cardiomyocytes

Tumor necrosisfactor (TNF)- has a biphasic effect on heart contractility andstimulates phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) incardiomyocytes. Because arachidonic acid (AA) exerts a dual effect onintracellular Ca²⁺ concentration([Ca²⁺]_i) transients, we investigated thepossible role of AA as a mediator of TNF- on[Ca²⁺]_i transients and contraction withelectrically stimulated adult rat cardiac myocytes. At a lowconcentration (10 ng/ml) TNF- produced a 40% increase in theamplitude of both [Ca²⁺]_i transients andcontraction within 40 min. At a high concentration (50 ng/ml) TNF-evoked a biphasic effect comprising an initial positive effect peakingat 5 min, followed by a sustained negative effect leading to50-40% decreases in [Ca²⁺]_i transientsand contraction after 30 min. Both the positive and negative effects ofTNF- were reproduced by AA and blocked by arachidonyltrifluoromethylketone (AACOCF3), an inhibitor of cytosolic PLA₂.Lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors reproduced the high-doseeffects of TNF- and AA. The negative effects of TNF- and AA werealso reproduced by sphingosine and were abrogated by the ceramidaseinhibitor n-oleoylethanolamine. These results point out thekey role of the cytosolic PLA₂/AA pathway in mediating thecontractile effects of TNF-.