Skeletal muscle biochemical adaptations to exercise training in miniature swine

McAllister, Richard M., Brian L. Reiter, John F. Amann, andM. Harold Laughlin. Skeletal muscle biochemical adaptations toexercise training in miniature swine. J. Appl.Physiol. 82(6): 1862-1868, 1997.The primarypurpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that enduranceexercise training induces increased oxidative capacity in porcineskeletal muscle. To test this hypothesis, female miniature swine wereeither trained by treadmill running 5 days/wk over 16-20 wk (Trn;n = 35) or pen confined (Sed;n = 33). Myocardialhypertrophy, lower heart rates during submaximal stages of a maximaltreadmill running test, and increased running time to exhaustion duringthat test were indicative of training efficacy. A variety of skeletalmuscles were sampled and subsequently assayed for the enzymes citratesynthase (CS), 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and lactatedehydrogenase and for antioxidant enzymes. Fiber type composition of arepresentative muscle was also determined histochemically. The largestincrease in CS activity (62%) was found in the gluteus maximus muscle(Sed, 14.7 ± 1.1 µmol · min¹ · g¹;Trn, 23.9 ± 1.0; P < 0.0005).Muscles exhibiting increased CS activity, however, were locatedprimarily in the forelimb; ankle and knee extensor and respiratorymuscles were unchanged with training. Only two muscles exhibited higher3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity in Trn compared with Sed.Lactate dehydrogenase activity was unchanged with training, as wereactivities of antioxidant enzymes. Histochemical analysis of thetriceps brachii muscle (long head) revealed lower type IIB fibernumbers in Trn (Sed, 42 ± 6%; Trn, 10 ± 4;P < 0.01) and greater type IID/Xfiber numbers (Sed, 11 ± 2; Trn, 22 ± 3;P < 0.025). These findingsindicate that porcine skeletal muscle adapts to endurance exercisetraining in a manner similar to muscle of humans and other animalmodels, with increased oxidative capacity. Specificmuscles exhibiting these adaptations, however, differ between theminiature swine and other species.

     

Short-term exercise training alters responses of porcine femoral and brachial arteries

McAllister, Richard M., and M. Harold Laughlin.Short-term exercise training alters responses of porcine femoraland brachial arteries. J. Appl.Physiol. 82(5): 1438-1444, 1997.The primarypurpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that short-termexercise training enhances endothelium-dependent relaxation of porcinefemoral and brachial arteries. Miniature swine ran on a treadmill for 1 h at 3.5 miles/h, twice daily, for 7 consecutive days (Trn;n = 8). Compared with sedentarycontrols (Sed; n = 7), Trn swineexhibited increased skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity(P < 0.05). Vascular rings ~3 mmin axial length were prepared from segments of femoral and brachialarteries, and responses to vasoactive agents were determined in vitro.Sensitivity to bradykinin (BK) was enhanced in brachial vascular ringsfrom Trn swine compared with those from Sed swine, as indicated bylower concentration of vasorelaxing agent eliciting 50% of maximalresponse values [Sed, 8.63 ± 0.09 (log M); Trn, 9.07 ± 0.13; P < 0.05]. Thisdifference between groups was preserved in brachial rings in whichformation of nitric oxide and vasodilator prostaglandins were inhibited[Sed, 8.57 ± 0.17 (log M); Trn, 8.97 ± 0.13;P < 0.05]. Sensitivity to BKwas not different between Sed and Trn in femoral arterial rings.Relaxation responses to the calcium ionophore A-23187 and sodiumnitroprusside were not altered with training. Femoral and brachialarterial rings from Trn swine, compared with those from Sed swine,exhibited augmented vasocontraction across a range of concentrationsand increased sensitivity to norepinephrine (allP < 0.05). These findings indicatethat responses of porcine femoral and brachial arteries change inresponse to short-term training. Together with findings from previousstudies involving longer term training, our data suggest that vascular adaptations may differ at different time points during long-term endurance exercise training.

     

Vasoconstrictor responses of coronary resistance arteries in exercise-trained pigs

Coronaryresistance arteries isolated from exercise-trained pigs have been shownto exhibit enhanced myogenic reactivity (J. M. Muller, P. R. Myers, andM. Harold Laughlin. J. Appl. Physiol. 75: 2677-2682, 1993). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise training results in enhanced vasoconstrictor responses of these arteries to all vasoconstrictor stimuli[specifically acetylcholine (ACh), endothelin-1 (ET-1), KCl, andthe Ca²⁺ channel-agonist Bay K8644]. Female Yucatan miniature swine were trained (Trn) on amotor-driven treadmill (n = 16) orremained sedentary (Sed, n = 15) for16-20 wk. Arteries 50-120 µm in diameter were isolated andcannulated with micropipettes, and intraluminal pressure was set at 60 cmH₂O throughout experiments.Vasoreactivity was evaluated by examining constrictor responses toincreasing concentrations of ACh(10⁹ to10⁴ M), ET-1(10¹⁰ to10⁸ M), KCl (bathreplacement with isotonic physiological saline solution containing 30 or 80 mM), and Bay K 8644 (10⁹ to10⁶ M). Constricteddiameters are expressed relative to the passive diameter observed after100 µM SNP. All four constrictors produced similar decreases indiameter in arteries from both groups [ACh: 0.52 ± 0.07 (Trn)and 0.54 ± 0,06 (Sed); ET-1: 0.66 ± 0.05 (Trn) and 0.70 ± 0.07 (Sed); KCl: 0.66 ± 0.05 (Trn) and 0.70 ± 0.07 (Sed); Bay K8644: 0.86 ± 0.05 (Trn) and 0.76 ± 0.05 (Sed)]. Present results combined with previous observations indicate that exercise training does not alter vasoconstrictor responses of porcine coronary resistance arteries but specifically increases myogenic reactivity. Thus the underlying cellular mechanisms for myogenic tone are alteredby training but not receptor-mediated mechanisms (ACh and ET-1) norvoltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (KCland Bay K 8644) in coronary resistance arteries.

     

Muscle glycogen accumulation after endurance exercise in trained and untrained individuals

Hickner, R. C., J. S. Fisher, P. A. Hansen, S. B. Racette,C. M. Mier, M. J. Turner, and J. O. Holloszy. Muscle glycogen accumulation after endurance exercise in trained and untrained individuals. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(3):897-903, 1997.Muscle glycogen accumulation was determined in sixtrained cyclists (Trn) and six untrained subjects (UT) at 6 and either48 or 72 h after 2 h of cycling exercise at ~75% peakO₂ uptake(O_{2 peak}), which terminated with five 1-min sprints. Subjects ate 10 gcarbohydrate · kg¹ · day¹for 48-72 h postexercise. Muscle glycogen accumulation averaged 71 ± 9 (SE) mmol/kg (Trn) and 31 ± 9 mmol/kg (UT) during the first 6 h postexercise (P < 0.01) and 79 ± 22 mmol/kg (Trn) and 60 ± 9 mmol/kg (UT) between 6 and 48 or 72 h postexercise (not significant). Muscle glycogenconcentration was 164 ± 21 mmol/kg (Trn) and 99 ± 16 mmol/kg(UT) 48-72 h postexercise (P < 0.05). Muscle GLUT-4 content immediately postexercise was threefoldhigher in Trn than in UT (P < 0.05)and correlated with glycogen accumulation rates (r = 0.66, P < 0.05). Glycogen synthase in theactive I form was 2.5 ± 0.5, 3.3 ± 0.5, and 1.0 ± 0.3 µmol · g¹ · min¹in Trn at 0, 6, and 48 or 72 h postexercise, respectively;corresponding values were 1.2 ± 0.3, 2.7 ± 0.5, and 1.6 ± 0.3 µmol · g¹ · min¹in UT (P < 0.05 at 0 h). Plasmainsulin and plasma C-peptide area under the curve were lower in Trnthan in UT over the first 6 h postexercise(P < 0.05). Plasma creatine kinaseconcentrations were 125 ± 25 IU/l (Trn) and 91 ± 9 IU/l (UT)preexercise and 112 ± 14 IU/l (Trn) and 144 ± 22 IU/l(UT; P < 0.05 vs.preexercise) at 48-72 h postexercise (normal: 30-200 IU/l).We conclude that endurance exercise training results in an increasedability to accumulate muscle glycogen after exercise.

     

K+ supplementation increases muscle [Na+-K+-ATPase] and improves extrarenal K+ homeostasis in rats

Bundgaard, Henning, Thomas A. Schmidt, Jim S. Larsen, andKeld Kjeldsen. K⁺supplementation increases muscle[Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase]and improves extrarenal K⁺homeostasis in rats. J. Appl. Physiol.82(4): 1136-1144, 1997.Effects ofK⁺ supplementation (~200 mmolKCl/100 g chow) on plasma K⁺,K⁺ content, andNa⁺-K⁺-adeonsinetriphosphatase(ATPase) concentration([Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase])in skeletal muscles as well as on extrarenalK⁺ clearance were evaluated inrats. After 2 days of K⁺supplementation, hyperkalemia prevailed(K⁺-supplemented vs.weight-matched control animals) [5.1 ± 0.2 (SE) vs. 3.2 ± 0.1 mmol/l, P < 0.05, n = 5-6], and after 4 daysa significant increase in K⁺content was observed in gastrocnemius muscle (104 ± 2 vs. 97 ± 1 µmol/g wet wt, P < 0.05, n = 5-6). After 7 days ofK⁺ supplementation, a significantincrease in[³H]ouabain bindingsite concentration (344 ± 5 vs. 239 ± 8 pmol/g wet wt,P < 0.05, n = 4) was observed in gastrocnemiusmuscle. After 2 wk, increases in plasmaK⁺,K⁺ content, and[³H]ouabain bindingsite concentration in gastrocnemius muscle amounted to 40, 8, and 68%(P < 0.05) above values observed inweight-matched control animals, respectively. The latter change wasconfirmed by K⁺-dependentp-nitrophenyl phosphatase activitymeasurements. Fasting for 1 day reduced plasmaK⁺ andK⁺ content in gastrocnemius musclein rats that had been K⁺supplemented for 2 wk by 3.1 ± 0.3 mmol/l(P < 0.05, n = 5) and 15 ± 2 µmol/g wet wt(P < 0.05, n = 5), respectively. After induction of anesthesia, arterial plasma K⁺was measured during intravenous KCl infusion (0.75 mmolKCl · 100 g bodywt¹ · h¹).The K⁺-supplemented fasted groupdemonstrated a 42% (P < 0.05) lower plasma K⁺ rise, associated with asignificantly higher increase inK⁺ content in gastrocnemius muscleof 7 µmol/g wet wt (P < 0.05, n = 5) compared with their controlanimals. In conclusion, K⁺supplementation increases plasmaK⁺,K⁺ content, and[Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase]in skeletal muscles and improves extrarenalK⁺ clearance capacity.

     

Exercise-associated hyponatremia in Alaskan sled dogs: urinary and hormonal responses

Hinchcliff, K. W., G. A. Reinhart, J. R. Burr, R. A. Swenson. Exercise-associated hyponatremia in Alaskansled dogs: urinary and hormonal responses. J. Appl.Physiol. 83(3): 824-829, 1997.Exercise-associated hyponatremia occurs in horses and humans, both species that sweat, and in sled dogs, which do not sweat. Toinvestigate the mechanism of exercise-associated hyponatremia in sleddogs, we measured water turnover, serum electrolyte concentrations andosmolality, plasma renal hormone concentrations, and urine compositionof 12 fit Alaskan sled dogs before, during, and after a 490-km sled dograce (Ex group). Water turnover and serum electrolyte concentrationswere measured in six similarly fit dogs that did not run (Sed group).Water turnover was significantly larger(P < 0.001) in Ex [190 ± 19 (SD)ml · kg¹ · day¹]than in Sed dogs (51 ± 13 ml · kg¹ · day¹).There were significant (P < 0.001)decreases in serum sodium concentration (from 148.6 ± 2.8 to 139.7 ± 1.9 mmol/l) and osmolality (from 306 ± 9 to 296 ± 5 mosmol/kgH₂O) of Ex, but not Sed,dogs during the race. Plasma concentrations of arginine vasopressin decreased, whereas aldosterone and plasma renin activity increased significantly (P < 0.01) during therace. Urine osmolality was unchanged, whereas urine sodium, potassium,and chloride concentrations decreased significantly(P < 0.05) and urine ureaconcentration increased (P = 0.06).These results demonstrate increased water turnover associated withhyponatremia and renal sodium conservation with maintained high urineosmolality in exercising Alaskan sled dogs.

     

Sprint training attenuates myocyte hypertrophy and improves Ca2+ homeostasis in postinfarction myocytes

Zhang, Xue-Qian, Yuk-Chow Ng, Timothy I. Musch, Russell L. Moore, R. Zelis, and Joseph Y. Cheung. Sprint training attenuates myocyte hypertrophy and improvesCa²⁺ homeostasis in postinfarctionmyocytes. J. Appl. Physiol. 84(2): 544-552, 1998.Myocytes isolated from rat hearts 3 wk aftermyocardial infarction (MI) had decreasedNa⁺/Ca²⁺exchange currents(I_Na/Ca; 3 Na⁺ out:1Ca²⁺ in) and sarcoplasmicreticulum (SR)-releasable Ca²⁺contents. These defects in Ca²⁺regulation may contribute to abnormal contractility in MI myocytes. Because exercise training elicits positive adaptations in cardiac contractile function and myocardialCa²⁺ regulation, thepresent study examined whether 6-8 wk ofhigh-intensity sprint training (HIST) would ameliorate some of thecellular maladaptations observed in post-MI rats with limited exerciseactivity (Sed). In MI rats, HIST did not affect citrate synthaseactivities of plantaris muscles but significantly increased thepercentage of cardiac -myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms (57.2 ± 1.9 vs. 49.3 ± 3.5 in MI-HIST vs. MI-Sed, respectively;P  0.05). At the single myocytelevel, HIST attenuated cellular hypertrophy observed post-MI, asevidenced by reductions in cell lengths (112 ± 4 vs. 130 ± 5 µm in MI-HIST vs. MI-Sed, respectively;P  0.005) and cell capacitances (212 ± 8 vs. 242 ± 9 pF in MI-HIST vs. MI-Sed, respectively; P  0.015). ReverseI_Na/Ca wassignificantly lower (P  0.0001) inmyocytes from MI-Sed rats compared with those from rats that were shamoperated and sedentary. HIST significantly increased reverseI_Na/Ca(P  0.05) without affecting theamount ofNa⁺/Ca²⁺exchangers (detected by immunoblotting) in MI myocytes. SR-releasable Ca²⁺ content, as estimated byintegrating forwardI_Na/Ca duringcaffeine-induced SR Ca²⁺ release,was also significantly increased (P  0.02) by HIST in MI myocytes. We conclude that the enhanced cardiacoutput and stroke volume in post-MI rats subjected to HIST aremediated, at least in part, by reversal of cellular maladaptationspost-MI.

     

Effects of vigorous exercise training and beta -agonist administration on bone response to hindlimb suspension

Bloomfield, Susan A., Beverly E. Girten, and Steven E. Weisbrode. Effects of vigorous exercise training and -agonist administration on bone response to hindlimb suspension.J. Appl. Physiol. 83(1):172-178, 1997.The effectiveness of dobutamine (Dob) inpreventing bone loss during 14 days of hindlimb suspension (Sus) wastested in exercise-trained (Ex; n = 25) and sedentary (Sed; n = 22) rats(age 155 days). One-half of each group was given Dob (2 mg · kg¹ · day¹)or saline (Sal). Histomorphometric measurements at midfemur revealed a17% smaller cortical bone area (CBA) and a 32% lower periostealmineral apposition rate (MAR) in suspended vs. nonsuspended Sed/Salrats. Dob abolished this decline in CBA in Sed/Sus rats, probably via an attenuation of the decrease in periosteal MAR; similarbut nonsignificant effects on cross-sectional moment of inertia wereobserved. Nonsuspended Ex rats had no change in bone CBA when CBA isindexed to body weight. Sus appeared to uncouple the relationshipbetween soleus weight and CBA. Dob attenuated the 43% decline insoleus weight after Sus in Ex but not in Sed rats. In summary, vigorousEx before Sus does not affect loss of bone mass due to unloading; Dobeffectively maintains CBA in Sed rats subjected to suspension.

     

Na+-K+-ATPase in frog esophagus mucociliary cell membranes: inhibition by protein kinase C activation

We examined protein kinase C (PKC)-dependentregulation ofNa⁺-K⁺-ATPasein frog mucociliary cells. Activation of PKC by12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol(diC8) either in intact cells or isolated membranes resulted in aspecific inhibition ofNa⁺-K⁺-ATPaseactivity by ~25-45%. The inhibitory effects in membranes exhibited time dependence and dose dependence [half-maximalinhibition concentration (IC₅₀) = 0.5 ± 0.1 nM and 2.4 ± 0.2 µM, respectively, for TPA anddiC8] and were not influenced byCa²⁺. Analysis of the ouabaininhibition pattern revealed the presence of twoNa⁺-K⁺-ATPaseisoforms with IC₅₀ values forcardiac glycoside of 2.6 ± 0.8 nM and 409 ± 65 nM,respectively. Most importantly, the isoform possessing a higheraffinity for ouabain was almost completely inhibited by TPA, whereasits counterpart was hardly sensitive to the PKC activator. The resultssuggest that, in frog mucociliary cells, PKC regulatesNa⁺-K⁺-ATPaseand that this action is related to the specificNa⁺-K⁺-ATPaseisoform.

     

Age-dependent response of the electrocardiogram to K(+) channel blockers in mice

Developmental changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) andresponse to selective K⁺ channelblockers were assessed in conscious, unsedated neonatal (days 1, 7, 14) and adult male mice(>60 days of age). Mean sinus R-R interval decreased from 120 ± 3 ms in day 1 to 110 ± 3 ms inday 7, 97 ± 3 ms inday 14, and 81 ± 1 ms in adultmice (P < 0.001 by ANOVA; all 3 groups different from day 1). Inparallel, the mean P-R interval progressively decreased duringdevelopment. Similarly, the mean Q-T interval decreased from 62 ± 2 ms in day 1 to 50 ± 2 ms inday 7, 47 ± 8 ms inday 14 neonatal mice, and 46 ± 2 ms in adult mice (P < 0.001 byANOVA; all 3 groups are significantly different fromday 1).Q-T_c was calculated asQ- interval.Q-T_c significantly shortened from179 ± 4 ms in day 1 to 149 ± 5 ms in day 7 mice(P < 0.001). In addition, the J junction-S-T segment elevation observed in day1 neonatal mice resolved by day14. Dofetilide (0.5 mg/kg), the selective blocker ofthe rapid component of the delayed rectifier(I_Kr) abolished S-T segment elevation and prolonged Q-T andQ-T_c intervals in day 1 neonates but not in adult mice.In contrast, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 2.5 mg/kg) had no effect onday 1 neonates but in adults prolongedQ-T and Q-T_c intervals andspecifically decreased the amplitude of a transiently repolarizingwave, which appears as an r' wave at the end of the apparent QRSin adult mice. In conclusion, ECG intervals and configuration changeduring normal postnatal development in the mouse.K⁺ channel blockers affect themouse ECG differently depending on age. These data are consistent withthe previous findings that the dofetilide-sensitiveI_Kr is dominantin day 1 mice, whereas 4-AP-sensitivecurrents, the transiently repolarizingK⁺ current, and the rapidlyactivating, slowly inactivating K⁺current are the dominant K⁺currents in adult mice. This study provides background information useful for assessing abnormal development in transgenic mice.

     

Aldosterone induces ras methylation in A6 epithelia

Aldosterone increases Na⁺ reabsorption by renalepithelial cells: the acute actions (<4 h) appear to be promoted byprotein methylation. This paper describes the relationship betweenprotein methylation and aldosterone's action and describesaldosterone-mediated targets for methylation in cultured renal cells(A6). Aldosterone increases protein methylation from 7.90 ± 0.60 to 20.1 ± 0.80 methyl ester cpm/µg protein. Aldosteronestimulates protein methylation by increasing methyltransferase activityfrom 14.0 ± 0.64 in aldosterone-depleted cells to 31.8 ± 2.60 methyl ester cpm/µg protein per hour in aldosterone-treated cells. Three known methyltransferase inhibitors reduce thealdosterone-induced increase in methyltransferase activity. One ofthese inhibitors, the isoprenyl-cysteine methyltransferase-specificinhibitor,S-trans,trans-farnesylthiosalicylic acid, completely blocks aldosterone-induced protein methylation and also aldosterone-induced short-circuit current. Aldosterone inducesprotein methylation in two molecular weight ranges: near 90 kDa andaround 20 kDa. The lower molecular weight range is the weight of smallG proteins, and aldosterone does increase both Ras protein 1.6-fold andRas methylation almost 12-fold. Also, Ras antisense oligonucleotidesreduce the activity of Na⁺ channels by about fivefold. Weconclude that 1) protein methylation is essential foraldosterone-induced increases in Na⁺ transport;2) one target for methylation is p21^ras; and3) inhibition of Ras expression or Ras methylation inhibits Na⁺ channel activity.

     

Relationship between cold tolerance and generation of suppressor macrophages during acute cold stress

Kizaki, Takako, Tomomi Ookawara, Tetsuya Izawa, JunichiNagasawa, Shukoh Haga, Zsolt Radák, and Hideki Ohno.Relationship between cold tolerance and generation of suppressormacrophages during acute cold stress. J. Appl.Physiol. 83(4): 1116-1122, 1997.Acute coldstress induces suppressor macrophages expressing large numbers ofreceptors to the crystallizable fragment (Fc) portion ofimmunoglobulin G(MAC-1⁺FcRII/III^brightcells), resulting in the immunosuppression of splenocyte mitogenesis. The generation ofMAC-1⁺FcRII/III^brightcells is mediated by the action of glucocorticoids (GCs) through theGC-receptor. In the present study, the generation ofMAC-1⁺FcRII/III^brightcells in peritoneal exudate cells was closely related to the decreaseof rectal temperature during 3-day exposure to 5°C. We nextinvestigated the effects of improved cold tolerance on the generationofMAC-1⁺FcRII/III^brightcells during acute cold stress. Mice were adapted to cold by exposureto 5°C for 3 wk (cold-acclimated mice) and then reexposed to5°C for 3 h (acute cold stress) after living at 25°C for 24 h.The rectal temperature of cold-acclimated mice was not decreased by theacute cold stress. In addition, the proportion ofMAC-1⁺FcRII/III^brightcells in peritoneal exudate cell population from cold-acclimated micewas unaffected by the acute cold stress. The cold acclimation significantly attenuated the increases in serum corticosterone levelsand the expression of the GC-receptor mRNA on peritoneal exudate cellsin response to acute cold stress. These results suggest that thealtered GC response to acute cold stress by the improvement of coldtolerance inhibits the generation of suppressor macrophages duringacute cold stress.

     

Allometric modeling does not determine a dimensionless power function ratio for maximal muscular function

Batterham, Alan M., and Keith P. George. Allometricmodeling does not determine a dimensionless power function ratio formaximal muscular function. J. Appl.Physiol. 83(6): 2158-2166, 1997.In the exercise sciences, simple allometry(y = ax^b) israpidly becoming the method of choice for scaling physiological andhuman performance data for differences in body size. The purpose ofthis study is to detail the specific regression diagnostics required tovalidate such models. The sum (T, in kg) of the "snatch" and"clean-and-jerk" lifts of the medalists from the 1995 Men's andWomen's World Weightlifting Championships was modeled as a function ofbody mass (M, in kg). A log-linearized allometric model (ln T = lna + bln M) yielded a common mass exponent(b) of 0.47 (95% confidenceinterval = 0.43-0.51, P < 0.01). However, size-related patterned deviations in the residuals wereevident, indicating that the allometric model was poorly specified and that the mass exponent was not size independent. Model respecification revealed that second-order polynomials provided the best fit, supporting previous modeling of weightlifting data (R. G. Sinclair. Can. J. Appl. Sport Sci. 10:94-98, 1985). The model parameters (means ± SE) were T = (21.48 ± 16.55) + (6.119 ± 0.359)M  (0.022 ± 0.002)M²(R² = 0.97) for men and T = (20.73 ± 24.14) + (5.662 ± 0.722)M  (0.031 ± 0.005)M²(R² = 0.92) for women. We conclude that allometric scaling should beapplied only when all underlying model assumptions have been rigorouslyevaluated.

     

Structure, function, and genomic organization of human Na(+)-dependent high-affinity dicarboxylate transporter

We have clonedand functionally characterized the human Na⁺-dependenthigh-affinity dicarboxylate transporter (hNaDC3) from placenta. ThehNaDC3 cDNA codes for a protein of 602 amino acids with 12 transmembrane domains. When expressed in mammalian cells, the clonedtransporter mediates the transport of succinate in the presence ofNa⁺ [concentration of substrate necessary for half-maximaltransport (K_t) for succinate = 20 ± 1 µM]. Dimethylsuccinate also interacts with hNaDC3. TheNa⁺-to-succinate stoichiometry is 3:1 and concentration ofNa⁺ necessary for half-maximal transport(K^Na+_0.5) is 49 ± 1 mM as determined by uptake studies withradiolabeled succinate. When expressed in Xenopuslaevis oocytes, hNaDC3 induces Na⁺-dependent inwardcurrents in the presence of succinate and dimethylsuccinate. At amembrane potential of 50 mV,K^Suc_0.5 is 102 ± 20 µM andK^Na+_0.5 is 22 ± 4 mM as determined by the electrophysiological approach. Simultaneous measurements of succinate-evoked charge transfer andradiolabeled succinate uptake in hNaDC3-expressing oocytes indicate acharge-to-succinate ratio of 1:1 for the transport process, suggestinga Na⁺-to-succinate stoichiometry of 3:1. pH titration ofcitrate-induced currents shows that hNaDC3 accepts preferentially thedivalent anionic form of citrate as a substrate. Li⁺inhibits succinate-induced currents in the presence of Na⁺.Functional analysis of rat-human and human-rat NaDC3 chimeric transporters indicates that the catalytic domain of the transporter lies in the carboxy-terminal half of the protein. The humanNaDC3 gene is located on chromosome20q12-13.1, as evidenced by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Thegene is >80 kbp long and consists of 13 exons and 12 introns.

     

Contribution of Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter to high-[K(+)](o)- induced swelling and EAA release in astrocytes

We hypothesized that highextracellular K⁺ concentration([K⁺]_o)-mediated stimulation ofNa⁺-K⁺-Cl cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) may result in a net gain of K⁺ and Cland thus lead to high-[K⁺]_o-induced swellingand glutamate release. In the current study, relative cell volumechanges were determined in astrocytes. Under 75 mM[K⁺]_o, astrocytes swelled by 20.2 ± 4.9%. This high-[K⁺]_o-mediated swelling wasabolished by the NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide (10 µM, 1.0 ± 3.1%; P < 0.05). Intracellular³⁶Cl accumulation was increased from acontrol value of 0.39 ± 0.06 to 0.68 ± 0.05 µmol/mgprotein in response to 75 mM [K⁺]_o. Thisincrease was significantly reduced by bumetanide (P < 0.05). Basal intracellular Na⁺ concentration([Na⁺]_i) was reduced from 19.1 ± 0.8 to16.8 ± 1.9 mM by bumetanide (P < 0.05).[Na⁺]_i decreased to 8.4 ± 1.0 mM under75 mM [K⁺]_o and was further reduced to5.2 ± 1.7 mM by bumetanide. In addition, the recovery rate of[Na⁺]_i on return to 5.8 mM[K⁺]_o was decreased by 40% in the presenceof bumetanide (P < 0.05). Bumetanide inhibitedhigh-[K⁺]_o-induced ¹⁴C-labeledD-aspartate release by ~50% (P < 0.05).These results suggest that NKCC1 contributes tohigh-[K⁺]_o-induced astrocyte swelling andglutamate release.

     

Exercise training increases K+-channel contribution to regulation of coronary arterial tone

The present study examined whether regulation ofcoronary tone in conduit arteries (>1.0 mm ID) is altered by exercisetraining. Yucatan miniature swine were treadmill trained for 16-20wk (Ex) and compared with sedentary counterparts (Sed).Endothelium-denuded arterial rings were stretched to optimal length andallowed to equilibrate for 60 min. Inhibition of eitherCa²⁺-activated channels [1mM tetraethylammonium (TEA) or 10 nM iberiotoxin (IBTX)] orvoltage-dependent K⁺ channels[1 mM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)] significantlyincreased resting tension in both groups; however, the effect of allK⁺-channel blockers was greater inEx. Addition of 1 mM sodium nitroprusside reduced resting tension inboth groups, confirming the presence of active basal tone; however,sodium nitroprusside-sensitive tone was increased approximately twofoldin Ex compared with Sed group. Perforated patch-clamp experiments onisolated smooth muscle cells demonstrated no effect of exercisetraining on whole cell TEA-sensitive, 4-AP-sensitive, or basalK⁺ current. Similarly, whereasTEA, 4-AP, and IBTX all decreased resting membrane potential, there wasno difference in depolarization between groups. The greater effect ofTEA on resting tension in Ex could be mimicked in Sed by addition ofthe Ca²⁺-channel agonist BAY K8644. In conclusion, the greater response toK⁺-channel blockers after exercisetraining is consistent with an increased contribution ofK⁺ channels to regulation of basaltone in conduit coronary arteries. The lack of an effect of training onK⁺ current characteristics ormembrane potential responses in isolated cells suggests that arequisite factor for enhancedK⁺-channel activation in arteriesfrom Ex, possibly stretch, is absent in isolated cells.

     

LGL-1: a non-polymorphic antigen expressed on a major population of mouse natural killer cells

Rat mAb have been raised to mouse liver-derived large granular lymphocytes (LGL). One of these mAb (4D11) binds specifically to mouse LGL and appears to recognize a non-allelic determinant on NK-active cell populations. The Ag recognized by 4D11 is expressed on LGL of all mouse strains tested, including C57BL/6 (B6), BALB/c, C3H/HeJ, and SJL/J; thus, we have provisionally called this Ag LGL-1. Analysis of various lymphoid and hemopoietic tissues has indicated that only normal tissues known to contain NK activity have 4D11+ cells. With B6 and B6 congenic strains, a positive correlation exists between the number of LGL in a sample and the percentage of 4D11 immunofluorescence-positive cells detected by flow cytometric analysis. Dual color immunofluorescence analyses indicate that some LGL-1+ cells are also stained for Ly-1 and Thy-1. A very small subset exists that is weakly positive for CD3 and LGL-1. However, virtually no cells are seen which co-express LGL-1 and Ly-2. LU activity against YAC-1 targets was increased 7- to 700-fold in LGL-1+ spleen cells obtained by cell sorting from several different strains of mice (B6, BALB/c, C3H/HeJ, SJL/J, and athymic/nude). Sorted, LGL-1- spleen cells contained little or no NK activity. Cells positively selected for LGL-1 also contained between 50 and 60% LGL by morphology. By using facilitated in vitro antibody plus C' treatments, the majority of NK activity can be depleted from both B6 spleen and liver-derived leukocyte populations enriched for NK cells. mAb 4D11 was also shown to precipitate a protein of approximately 87 kDa from the surface of enriched murine NK cells. This mAb should prove valuable for understanding the role of NK cells in the immune response.     

Decreased [3H]ouabain binding sites in skeletal muscle of rats with chronic heart failure

Pickar, Joel G., John P. Mattson, Steve Lloyd, and TimothyI. Musch. Decreased[³H]ouabainbinding sites in skeletal muscle of rats with chronic heart failure.J. Appl. Physiol. 83(1): 323-329, 1997.Abnormalities intrinsic to skeletal muscle are thought tocontribute to decrements in exercise capacity found in individualswith chronic heart failure (CHF).Na⁺-K⁺-adenosinetriphosphatase(the Na⁺ pump) is essential formaintaining muscle excitability and contractility. Therefore, weinvestigated the possibility that the number and affinity ofNa⁺ pumps in locomotor muscles ofrats with CHF are decreased. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in8 rats, and a sham operation was performed in 12 rats. The degree ofCHF was assessed ~180 days after surgery. Soleus and plantarismuscles were harvested, and Na⁺pumps were quantified by using a[³H]ouabain bindingassay. At the time of muscle harvest, MI and sham-operated rats weresimilar in age (458 ± 54 vs. 447 ± 34 days old, respectively).Compared with their sham-operated counterparts, MI rats had asignificant amount of heart failure, right ventricular-to-body weightratio was greater (48%), and the presence of pulmonary congestion wassuggested by an elevated lung-to-body weight ratio (29%). Leftventricular end-diastolic pressure was significantly increased in theMI rats (11 ± 1 mmHg) compared with the sham-operated controls (1 ± 1 mmHg). In addition, mean arterial blood pressure was lower inthe MI rats compared with their control counterparts. [³H]ouabain bindingsites were reduced 18% in soleus muscle (136 ± 12 vs. 175 ± 13 pmol/g wet wt, MI vs. sham, respectively) and 22% in plantaris muscle(119 ± 12 vs. 147 ± 8 pmol/g wet wt, MI vs. sham,respectively). The affinity of these[³H]ouabain bindingsites was similar for the two groups. The relationship between thereduction in Na⁺ pump number andthe reduced exercise capacity in individuals with CHF remains to bedetermined.

     

The effect of rapamycin on single ENaC channel activity and phosphorylation in A6 cells

Rapamycin and FK-506 are immunosuppressive drugs thatbind a ubiquitous immunophilin, FKBP12, but immunosuppressivemechanisms and side effects appear to be different. Rapamycin bindsrenal FKBP12 to change renal transport. We used cell-attached patch clamp to examine rapamycin's effect on Na⁺ channels in A6cells. Channel NP_o was 0.5 ± 0.08 (n = 6)during the first 5 min but fell close to zero after 20 min. Application of 1 µM rapamycin reactivated Na⁺ channels(NP_o = 0.47 ± 0.1; n=6), but 1 µMFK-506 did not. Also, GF-109203X, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor,mimicked the rapamycin-induced reactivation in a nonadditive manner.However, rapamycin did not reactivate Na⁺ channels if cellswere exposed to 1 µM FK-506 before rapamycin. In PKC assays,rapamycin was as effective as the PKC inhibitor; however, epithelialNa⁺ channel (ENaC) phosphorylation was low under baselineconditions and was not altered by PKC inhibitors or activators. Theseresults suggest that rapamycin activates Na⁺ channels bybinding FKBP12 and inhibiting PKC, and, in renal cells, despite bindingthe same immunophilin, rapamycin and FK-506 activate differentintracellular signaling pathways.

     

Effect of acidification on the location of H+-ATPase in cultured inner medullary collecting duct cells

In previousstudies, our laboratory has utilized a cell line derived from the ratinner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) as a model system for mammalianrenal epithelial cell acid secretion. We have provided evidence, from aphysiological perspective, that acute cellular acidification stimulatesapical exocytosis and elicits a rapid increase in proton secretion thatis mediated by an H⁺-ATPase. Thepurpose of these experiments was to examine the effect of acutecellular acidification on the distribution of the vacuolar H⁺-ATPase in IMCD cells in vitro.We utilized the 31-kDa subunit of theH⁺-ATPase as a marker of thecomplete enzyme. The distribution of this subunit of theH⁺-ATPase was evaluated byimmunohistochemical techniques (confocal and electron microscopy), andwe found that there is a redistribution of these pumps from vesicles tothe apical membrane. Immunoblot evaluation of isolated apical membranerevealed a 237 ± 34% (P < 0.05, n = 9) increase in the 31-kDa subunitpresent in the membrane fraction 20 min after the induction of cellularacidification. Thus our results demonstrate the presence of this pumpsubunit in the IMCD cell line in vitro and that cell acidificationregulates the shuttling of cytosolic vesicles containing the 31-kDasubunit into the apical membrane.