Regulation of Epithelial Na+ Permeability by Protein Kinase C is Tissue Specific

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a major regulator of a broad range of cellular functions. Activation of PKC has been reported to stimulate Na⁺ transport across frog skin epithelium by increasing the apical Na⁺ permeability. This positive natriferic response has not been observed with other epithelial preparations, and could reflect the specific experimental conditions of different laboratories, or species or organ specificity of the response to PKC. In the present study, measurements were conducted with skins and urinary bladders from the same animals of two different species. The PKC activator TPA uniformly increased the transepithelial Na⁺ transport (measured as amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current, I _SC, across skins from Rana temporaria and Bufo marinus, and inhibited I _SC across bladders from the same animals. Inhibitors of PKC (staurosporine, H-7 and chelerythrine) partially blocked the TPA-induced stimulation of I _SC across frog skin. The specificity of the PKC response by amphibian skin could have reflected an induction of moulting, similar to that observed with aldosterone. However, light micrographs of paired areas of frog skin revealed no evidence of the putative moulting. Separation of stratum corneum from the underlying stratum granulosum could be detected following application of aldosterone. We conclude that the effect of PKC on epithelial Na⁺ channels is organ, and not species specific. The stimulation of Na⁺ permeability in amphibian skin does not arise from sloughing of the stratum corneum. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the natriferic action arises from the calcium-independent isozyme of PKC previously detected in frog skin. Received: 19 January 1996/Revised: 10 April 1996     

Control of sodium permeability of the outer barrier in toad skin

Summary The²⁴Na efflux (J _eff ^Na ) (i.e., the rate of appearance of²⁴Na in the outer compartment) in the isolated short-circuited toad skin bathed by NaCl-Ringer's solution on both sides is composed of para- and transcellular components of almost equal magnitudes. This relies on the assumption that amiloride acts on the transcellular component only and could block it completely.Ouabain induces a large transient increase of the transcellular component. This increase, which starts within a few minutes after the addition of ouabain, is due to electrical depolarization of the outer barrier, rather than a consequence of blocking Na recirculation across the inner barrier. The subsequent decline ofJ _eff ^Na , which takes place after the ouabain-inducedJ _eff ^Na peak, is due to a progressive block of outer barrier Na channels with time, which can eventually be complete, depending on the duration of action of ouabain. As the external Na concentration was always kept high and constant in these experiments, the results indicate that a rise in cell Na concentration, and not in the outer bathing solution, is the signal that triggers the reduction of outer barrier Na permeability (P ₀ ^Na ).Ouabain has no effect uponJ _eff ^Na with Na-free solution bathing the outer and NaCl-Ringer's solution the inner skin surface, showing the importance of Na penetration across the outer barrier, and not across the inner barrier due to its low Na permeability, in the process of closing the Na channels of this structure.Step changes from Na 115mm to Na-free external solution, or vice-versa, may affect both the outer barrier electrical potential difference (PD₀) and cell Na concentration (Na) _c . Therefore, the behavior ofJ _eff ^Na depends on which variable (if PD₀ or (Na) _c regulated outer barrier Na permeability) is most affected by step changes in outer bathing solution Na concentration.Amiloride in the control condition blocks the transcellular component ofJ _eff ^Na . However, in the condition of approximate short-circuiting of the outer barrier and high cellular Na concentration induced by long term effects of ouabain, when the Na channels of the outer barrier are already blocked by elevated cell Na concentration, amiloride may induce the opposite effect, increasing Na permeability of the outer barrier.With outer barrier Na channels completely blocked by high cell Na concentration, PCMB in the outer bathing medium induces a large increase ofJ _eff ^Na , rendering these channels again amiloride sensitive.The results are consistent with the notion that Na efflux from cell compartment to the outer bathing solution goes through the amiloride-sensitive Na channels of the apical border of the superficial cell layer of toad skin, with an apparent Na permeability modulated by cell ionic environment, most probably the cell Na concentration.The ensemble of the present results are consistent with Na permeability regulation taking place at the outer barrier level. However, this precise location could only be made unambiguously by measurements across the individual outer cell membranes.     

Barriers to sodium movement across frog skin

Summary The aim of this paper is to obtain information on the number, nature and location of the barriers to Na movement across the frog skin, and on the size and location of the Na-pool that might be contained between these barriers. On the basis that Na penetrates passively across an outer barrier, and is actively extruded across an inner barrier which is impermeable to passive movements of Na, we expected to detect at least the Na-pool of a single cell layer containing some 10^–8 moles per cm² of epithelium (i.e., in a cell layer 5 thick and with 21mm Na). Yet no Na-pool with these characteristics was found. The method employed could have detected a Na-pool at least an order of magnitude smaller than the one expected. It is concluded that either a Na-pool does not exist (except for the Na bound to the mechanisms operating the translocation), or else that the Na-pool is contained between barriers with different characteristics than the ones assumed above. In the first case, Na transportacross the epithelium would consist of a translocation across a single asymmetrical functional barrier. In the second case, the experimental results would require that ouabain either directly (by inhibiting an active step) or indirectly (through a mediated decrease of the Na permeability of the outer barrier) prevents Na penetration at the outer border.     

A three-dimensional model of the human transglutaminase 1: insights into the understanding of lamellar ichthyosis

The stratum corneum, the outer layer of the epidermis, serves as a protective barrier to isolate the skin from the external environment. Keratinocyte transglutaminase 1 (TGase 1) catalyzes amide crosslinking between glutamine and lysine residues on precursor proteins forming the impermeable layers of the epidermal cell envelopes (CE), the highly insoluble membranous structures of the stratum corneum. Patients with the autosomal recessive skin disorder lamellar ichthyosis (LI) appear to have deficient cross-linking of the cell envelope due to mutations identified in TGase 1, linking this enzyme to LI. In the absence of a crystal structure, molecular modeling was used to generate the structure of TGase 1. We have mapped the known mutations of TGase 1 from our survey obtained from a search of PubMed and successfully predicted the impact of these mutations on LI. Furthermore, we have identified Ca²⁺ binding sites and propose that Ca²⁺ induces a cis to trans isomerization in residues near the active site as part of the enzyme transamidation activation. Docking experiments suggest that substrate binding subsequently induces the reverse cis to trans isomerization, which may be a significant part of the catalytic process. These results give an interpretation at the molecular level of previously reported mutations and lead to further insights into the structural model of TGase 1, providing a new basis for understanding LI. Figure Ribbon image of the model of the human TGase 1 structure. The side chains of residues reported to be mutated in patients with LI (34 amino acid mutation sites) are shown as spheres. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Peter M. Steinert (April 7, 2003).     

Physical and chemical perturbations of the supramolecular organization of the stratum corneum lipids: In vitro to ex vivo study

Background: FTIR spectroscopy is classically used to study the supramolecular organization of the stratum corneum lipids. Exposure to UV_A is responsible for a small decrease in packing observed on cutaneous lipid films. Methods: Lipid films and human skin biopsies were either exposed to UV_A irradiation of 120 J/cm², UV_B irradiation of 0.15 J/cm² or put in contact with ethanol. Using FTIR in vitro and IR microspectroscopy ex vivo provided information on: i) the precise localisation of the stratum corneum in the skin, ii) its thickness, and iii) the organization of its constituted lipids. Results: Different action modes were observed for UV irradiation and the contact with ethanol with a certain destabilisation of the lipidic layer. Ethanol was also found to be responsible for the creation of pores. The destabilisation of the lipid cement was mainly observed ex vivo. Conclusion: The barrier function of the skin is affected by the action of physical and chemical external agents at the molecular level. The increased laxity of the lipid packing could enable the percutaneous penetration velocity of actives.     

CELL JUNCTIONS IN AMPHIBIAN SKIN

Cell junctions have been investigated in the amphibian epidermis, a stratified squamous epithelium, and compared to those described previously in simple columnar epithelia of mammalian cavitary organs. In adult frogs and toads, and in larvae approaching metamorphosis, belts of membrane fusion or zonulae occludentes of considerable depth are regularly found between adjoining cells of the outermost layer of the stratum corneum, binding the cells together into a continuous, uninterrupted sheet. Another set of occluding zonules appears in the second cornified layer (when such a layer is present), and a third set usually occurs in the outermost layer of the stratum granulosum. Specialized elements described as "modified" and "composite" desmosomes are encountered along the lateral and basal aspects, respectively, of the cornified cells; ordinary desmosomes and maculae occludentes (i.e., spots of membrane fusion) are found in all other strata. The usual 200 A intercellular gap is generally maintained between the cells of the stratum germinativum at the basal ends of the intercellular spaces. Hence, the intercellular spaces of the epidermis form a largely continuous network, closed to the external medium and open to the dermal interstitia. The situation is comparable to that found in columnar epithelia, except that the intercellular spaces are much more extensive, and an extracellular subcompartment (or two) apparently exists in the stratum corneum and between the latter and the stratum granulosum. The last subcompartment is usually filled with a dense substance, probably derived from discharged secretory granules. The tripartite junctional complex characteristic of lumen-lining epithelia (i.e., a zonula occludens followed by a zonula adhaerens, and desmosome) is seen only in early larvae; in adults and in larvae approaching metamorphosis, the occluding zonule is followed directly by a series of modified desmosomes. Interpreted in the light of current physiological data, these findings suggest that the diffusion of water, ions, and small, water-soluble molecules is impeded along the intercellular spaces of the epidermis by zonulae occludentes while it is facilitated from cell to cell within the epidermis by zonulae and maculae occludentes.     

THE OSMOTIC BEHAVIOR OF ROD PHOTORECEPTOR OUTER SEGMENT DISCS

The permeability properties of frog rod photoreceptor outer segment discs were investigated in preparations of purified, dark-adapted, outer segment fragments by the techniques of direct volume measurement and electron microscopy. Outer segment discs were found to swell and contract reversibly in response to changes in the osmotic pressure of the bathing medium in accordance with the Boyle-van't Hoff law. By use of the criterion of reversible osmotic swelling, the disc membrane is impermeable to Na⁺, K⁺, Mg⁺², Ca⁺², Cl^-, and (PO₄)^-3 ions, whereas it is freely permeable to ammonium acetate. The disc membrane is impermeable to sucrose, although its osmotic behavior towards this substance is different from its behavior towards impermeable ions. Electron microscopy showed that the osmotic effects on the rod outer segment fragments represent changes in the intradiscal volume. Fixation with glutaraldehyde did not abolish the permeability properties of the disc membrane, and fixed membranes were still capable of osmotic volume changes. It is concluded from this study that the frog's rod photoreceptor outer segment discs are free-floating membranous organelles with an inside space separate and distinct from the photoreceptor intracellular space.     

Circadian rhythm of histamine in the pineal gland

The stimulating effects of 2-guanidinbenzimidazole and phentolamine on sodium transport through the isolated skin of the frog $\text{Rana esculenta}$ are described. These substances only act when added to the epithelial side, suggesting that they affect the permeability of the external barrier of sodium compartment. The role of the imidazole group in the activation of sodium transport is discussed.     

ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE LOCALIZATION IN AMPHIBIAN EPIDERMIS

The localization of ATPase¹ activity has been studied by light and electron microscopy in the epidermis of Rana pipiens, Rana catesbiana, and Bufo marinus. The reaction was carried out on skin (glutaraldehyde-fixed or fresh) sectioned with or without freezing. Best results were obtained with nonfrozen sections of fixed tissue. The incubation mixture was either a Wachstein-Meisel medium, or a modification which approximates assay systems used in biochemical studies of transport ATPases. The reaction product was found localized in contact with the outer leaflet of all cell membranes facing the labyrinth of intercellular spaces of the epidermis. It was absent from: (a) membrane areas involved in cell junctions (desmosomes, zonulae and maculae occludentes); (b) cell membranes facing the external medium (i.e., those on the distal aspect of the ultimate cell layer in s. corneum); (c) cell membranes facing the dermis (those on the proximal aspect of cells in s. germinativum). In the presence of (Na⁺ + K⁺) the localization did not change, but the reaction was not appreciably activated. A similar though less intense reaction was obtained with ITP, but not with ADP, AMP, and GP as substrates. The results are discussed in relation to available data on transport ATPases in general, and on the morphology and physiology of amphibian skin in particular. Assuming that the ATPase studied is related to transport ATPase, the findings suggest a series of modifications to the frog skin model proposed by Koefoed-Johnsen and Ussing. The salient feature of this modified model is the localization of the Na⁺ pump along all cell membranes facing the intercellular spaces of the epidermis.     

Acidification and sodium entry in frog skin epithelium

Acidification of the external medium by isolated frog skin epithelium (Rana catesbeiana, Rana temporaria, and Caudiververa caudiververa) and its relationship to Na⁺ uptake was studied. Acidification was measured by the pH-stat technique under short-circuit or open-circuit conditions. The results of this study demonstrate that (a) acidification by these species of in vitro frog skins is not directly coupled to Na⁺ or anion transport; (b) acidification can be inhibited by the diuretic drug amiloride, but only at high external Na⁺ concentrations; (c) acidification rate in these species of frog skin is controlled in part by the metabolic production of CO₂; and (d) the positive correlation between net Na⁺ absorption and net acidification observed in whole animal studies could not be replicated in the in vitro skin preparation, even when the frogs were first chronically stressed by salt depletion, a physiological state comparable to that used in the in vivo experiments.     

Immunohistochemical Demonstration of Keratins in the Epidermal Layers of the Malayan Pangolin (Manis Javanica), with Remarks on the Evolution of the Integumental Scale Armour

Using immunohistochemistry, the study demonstrates the distribution of keratins (pankeratin with CK1-8, 10, 14-16, 19; keratins CK1, 5, 6, 9, 10; hair keratins AE13, AE14) in the epidermis of the Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica). A varying reaction spectrum was observed for pan-keratin, with body region-dependent negative to very strong reaction intensities. The dorsolateral epidermis exhibited positive reactions only in its vital layers, whereas the abdominal epidermis showed strong positive reactions in the soft two outer strata. The single acidic and basic-to-neutral (cyto)keratins produced clear variations compared to the pan-keratin tinging. For example, CK1 appeared in all epidermal layers of both body regions, except for the ventral stratum corneum, whereas CK5, 6, 9, 10 were restricted to the soft ventral epidermis. Here, distinctly positive reactions were confined to the stratum granulosum, except for CK6 that appeared in the soft stratum corneum. A different staining pattern was obvious for the hair keratins, i.e., positive reactions of AE13 concentrated only in the granular layer of the dorsal epidermis. In the abdominal epidermis, remarkable tinging for AE14 was visible in the stratum basale, decreasing toward the corneal layer, but was also found in the outer root sheath cells of the hair follicles in the ventral body part. Our findings are discussed related to the evolution of the horny dorsal scales of the pangolin, which may have started from the tail root, projecting forward to the head.Key words: keratinisation, epidermis, scale evolution, Malayan pangolin, immunohistochemistry     

Local temperature rises influence in vivo electroporation pore development: a numerical stratum corneum lipid phase transition model

Electroporation is an approach used to enhance transdermal transport of large molecules in which the skin is exposed to a series of electric pulses. Electroporation temporarily destabilizes the structure of the outer skin layer, the stratum corneum, by creating microscopic pores through which agents, ordinarily unable to pass into the skin, are able to pass through this outer barrier. Long duration electroporation pulses can cause localized temperature rises, which result in thermotropic phase transitions within the lipid bilayer matrix of the stratum corneum. This paper focuses on electroporation pore development resulting from localized Joule heating. This study presents a theoretical model of electroporation, which incorporates stratum corneum lipid melting with electrical and thermal energy equations. A transient finite volume model is developed representing electroporation of in vivo human skin, in which stratum corneum lipid phase transitions are modeled as a series of melting processes. The results confirm that applied voltage to the skin results in high current densities within the less resistive regions of the stratum corneum. The model captures highly localized Joule heating within the stratum corneum and subsequent temperature rises, which propagate radially outward. Electroporation pore development resulting from the decrease in resistance associated with lipid melting is captured by the lipid phase transition model. As the effective pore radius grows, current density and subsequent Joule heating values decrease.     

Influence of lithium upon the intracellular potential of frog skin epithelium

Summary The effect of Li upon the intracellular potential of frog skin (Rana esculenta) was investigated. In the range between 1 and 25mm Li in the epithelial bathing solution, a semilogarithmic linear relationship between [Li] and intracellular potential under short circuit conditions was obtained. The intracellular potential at all [Li] is quantitatively sufficient to explain the previously reported accumulation of Li in the intracellular space of the frog skin epithelium (Leblanc, G. 1972.Pfluegers Arch. 337:1) on the basis of a passive entrance step at the outer border. A reduction of the intracellular potential by Li is also observed in the presence of 6mm Na in the epithelial bathing solution. Consequences regarding the mechanism of uptake of Na across the outer border of the frog skin are discussed.     

The state of water in the outer barrier of the isolated frog skin

Summary The flux of water across the outer barrier of the frog skin is generally regarded as the rate-limiting step in the movement of water across the whole membrane. This paper presents some evidence that, at room temperature, the flux of water across the outer barrier occurs through water in a non-liquid state. The organization of water in a non-liquid state lowers the diffusion coefficient of water through water by several orders of magnitude. The study employs a method recently developed in this laboratory which permits measurement of unidirectional fluxes at the outermost part of an epithelial membrane mounted as a flat sheet. Only above 25°C is the activation energy for the flow of tritiated water (4.3 kcal mole⁻¹) similar to the one observed in free water (4.6 kcal mole⁻¹). At temperatures around 15°C, the energy of activation is 8.5 kcal mole⁻¹. At temperatures near 0°C, at which the frog lives only part of the year, the energy of activation is 16.7 kcal mole⁻¹.     

Effects of an external charged layer on transepithelial ion movement in frog skin

Summary The importance of a mucus layer in the transepithelial movement of ions was examined in frogs by altering the surface charge density while measuring²²Na and³⁶Cl fluxes. Cationic dyes such as Alcian Blue and Ruthenium Red titrate surface mucus but did not affect²²Na or³⁶Cl influx or efflux. Other agents such as lanthanum, Azure II, calcium and arginine titrate the subcorni-fied space mucus yet did not affect²²Na movement through this action. Thus, the mucus layer does not play a role in epithelial sodium or chloride movement across frog skin.     

The epidermis and feather follicles of the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonica) (aves)

The King penguin epidermis has a stratum corneum of flattened solidly keratinized cells without basophilic nuclear remnants. It contains keratin bound substances and is without an underlying stratum granulosum. The insunken feather follicles and the thick phospholipid-rich cornified layer appear to be adaptations for aquatic life.     

Translating chemometric analysis into physiological insights from in vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy of the human stratum corneum

The superficial layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), consists of corneocytes surrounded by lipid regions and acts as a protective barrier for the body against water loss, toxic agents and microorganisms. As most substances permeate the stratum corneum through the lipid regions, lipid organization is considered crucial for the skin barrier function. Here, we investigate the potential of in vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy to describe the composition and organization of the SC. Confocal Raman spectroscopy is finding increasing use in the characterization of skin in biomedical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. In this work, we analyze the spectra using chemometric methods and obtain principal components that correspond to the primary skin constituents: protein (keratin), natural moisturizing factor (NMF), water and lipid contributions in both ordered (orthorhombic) and disordered structural organization. By identifying these important components of the SC, these results highlight the utility of this in vivo, non-invasive, and depth resolved tool at the forefront of skin research.     

The Effects of Alkali Metal Cations and Common Anions on the Frog Skin Potential

The effects on the potential difference across isolated frog skin (R. catesbeiana, R. pipiens) of changing the ionic composition of the bathing solutions have been examined. Estimates of mean values and precision are presented for the potential changes produced by substituting other alkali metal cations for Na at the outside border and for K at the inside border. In terms of ability to mimic Na at the outside border of bullfrog skin, the selectivity order is Li > Rb, K, Cs; at the outside border of leopard frog skin, Li > Cs, K, Rb. In terms of ability to mimic K at the inside border of bullfrog and leopard frog skin: Rb > Cs > Li > Na. Orders of anion selectivity in terms of sensitivity of the potential for the outside border of bullfrog skin are Br > Cl > NO₃ > I > SO₄, isethionate and of leopard frog skin are Br, Cl > I, NO₃, SO₄. An effect of the solution composition (ionic strength?) on the apparent Na-K selectivity of the outside border is described. The results of the investigation have been interpreted and discussed in terms of the application of the constant field equation to the Koefoed-Johnsen-Ussing frog skin model. These observations may be useful in constructing and testing models of biological ionic selectivity.     

A Model of Solute Transport through Stratum Corneum Using Solute Capture and Release

A one-dimensional model of solute transport through the stratum corneum is presented. Solute is assumed to diffuse through lipid bi-layers surrounding impermeable corneocytes. Transverse diffusion (perpendicular to the skin surface) through lipids separating adjacent corneocytes, is modeled in the usual way. Longitudinal diffusion (parallel to the skin surface) through lipids between corneocyte layers, is modeled as temporary trapping of solute, with subsequent release in the transverse direction. This leads to a linear equation for one-dimensional transport in the transverse direction. The model involves an arbitrary function whose precise form is uncertain. For a specific choice of this function, closed form expressions for the Laplace transform of solute out-flux at the inner boundary, and for the time lag are obtained in the case that a constant solute concentration is maintained at the outer skin surface, with the inner boundary of the stratum corneum kept at zero concentration, and with the stratum corneum initially free of solute.     

Fine structure of the abdominal epidermis of the adult mudpuppy,Necturus maculosus (Rafinesque)

Summary The ventral epidermis of adult Necturus maculosus has been studied using electron and light microscopy. Many larval characteristics of amphibian epidermal structure are retained in adult Necturus. The epidermis is a stratified epithelium consisting of four cell layers and five cell types. Major differences compared with other adult amphibians are: (1) the absence of a well defined moulting cycle together with an apparently diminished synthetic and mitotic activity in the stratum germinativum; (2) an outermost cell layer (stratum mucosum) that is unkeratinized and appears to synthesize a mucous layer; and (3) numerous large club-shaped Leydig cells which span the epidermis between the cells of the stratum germinativum and stratum mucosum. The apical region of the stratum granulosum and stratum mucosum cells shows evidence of extensive synthesis. The stratum mucosum appears to be involved in the secretion of vesicular contents onto the outermost surface of the epithelium. The external surfaces of the stratum mucosum cells possess numerous microridges which are supported by an intricate network of cytofilaments in the apical region of these cells. The significance of these features is discussed in relation to the physiology and ecology of this species.