Activation potassium efflux from Escherichia coli by glutathione metabolites

The mechanism by which N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) elicits potassium efflux from Escherichia coli has been investigated. The critical factor is the formation of specific glutathione metabolites that activate transport systems encoded by the kefB and kefC gene products. Formation of N-ethyl-succinimido-S-glutathione (ESG) leads to the activation of potassium efflux via these transport systems. The addition of dithiothreitol and other reducing agents to cells reverses this process by causing the breakdown of ESG and thus removing the activator of the systems. Chlorodinitrobenzene, p-chloromercuribenzoate and phenylmaleimide provoke similar effects to NEM. lodoacetate, which leads to the formation of S-carboxymethyl-glutathione, does not activate the systems but does prevent the action of NEM. It is concluded that the KefB and KefC systems are gated by glutathione metabolites and that the degree to which they are activated is dependent upon the nature of the substituent on the sulphydryl group.     

Effect of uncoupler on "downhill" substrate efflux of Escherichia coli is dependent on (Mg2+, Ca2+). Adenosine triphosphatase.

Previous studies have shown that mutations in the unc gene of Escherichia coli K12 cause defects in energy transduction as well as a membrane-bound (Mg2+, Ca2+)-adenosine triphosphatase. We studied the effect of this mutation on the "downhill" efflux of methyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, a suboli K12 did not show significant differences in substrate influx of efflux, a differential effect of an uncoupler, 2,4-dinitrophenol was demonstrated. In contrast to the unc+, dinitrophenol failed to inhibit significantly the rate coefficient of efflux in the unc- strain. Analysis of spontaneous unc+ revertants of the unc- mutant provided additional evidence that a functional unc gene is necessary for dinitrophenol inhibition of efflux. Other uncouplers tested in the unc+ strain showed different effects on efflux. While arsenate, azide and carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenulhydrazone caused little or no effect, 2,4-dibromophenol and pentachlorophenol increased efflux by a considerable factor.     

Roles of the trkB and trkC gene products of Escherichia coli in K+ transport

Mutations at the trkB and trkC loci of Escherichia coli produce an abnormal efflux of K+. The mutations are partially dominant in diploids and revert frequently by what appears to be intragenic suppression to the null state. The mutations can be reverted by insertion of Tn10 into the mutated gene, and spontaneous revertants are fully recessive to the mutant allele in diploids. K+ efflux produced by NEM* and by DNP* persists in strains with presumed null mutations at either locus, indicating neither gene product is the primary target for the effect of these inhibitors on K+ efflux. The results are consistent with the view that trkB and trkC encode independent systems for K+ efflux. Mutations at these loci alter regulation of the process so that K+ efflux occurs inappropriately. A second mutation to the null state abolishes this abnormal K+ efflux. These genes may encode K+/H+ antiporters, an activity postulated to mediate K+ efflux and demonstrated to exist in E. coli and other bacteria.     

Glutathione-dependent conversion of N-ethylmaleimide to the maleamic acid by Escherichia coli: an intracellular detoxification process

The electrophile N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) elicits rapid K(+) efflux from Escherichia coli cells consequent upon reaction with cytoplasmic glutathione to form an adduct, N-ethylsuccinimido-S-glutathione (ESG) that is a strong activator of the KefB and KefC glutathione-gated K(+) efflux systems. The fate of the ESG has not previously been investigated. In this report we demonstrate that NEM and N-phenylmaleimide (NPM) are rapidly detoxified by E. coli. The detoxification occurs through the formation of the glutathione adduct of NEM or NPM, followed by the hydrolysis of the imide bond after which N-substituted maleamic acids are released. N-ethylmaleamic acid is not toxic to E. coli cells even at high concentrations. The glutathione adducts are not released from cells, and this allows glutathione to be recycled in the cytoplasm. The detoxification is independent of new protein synthesis and NAD(+)-dependent dehydrogenase activity and entirely dependent upon glutathione. The time course of the detoxification of low concentrations of NEM parallels the transient activation of the KefB and KefC glutathione-gated K(+) efflux systems.     

Potassium fluxes in Neocosmospora vasinfecta.

The unidirectional K+ fluxes across the mycelial surface of Neocosmospora vasinfecta were determined using 42K. Influx was mediated by at least two kinetically distinct systems, one having an apparent Km of 6-5 mu-equiv. K+/l and the other of about 1-0 m-equiv. K+/l. The VMAX for both systems was in the range 18 to 22 mu-equiv. K+/100 mg mycelial dry matter/h (1-0 to 1-2 m-equiv. K+/l cell-water/min). Influx was strongly inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol, sodium azide, sodium arsenate and anaerobiosis. K+ efflux was dependent on the external K+ concentration and ranged from 3 to 10% of mycelial K+/h. The maximum efflux rate was always considerably less than the initial influx rate for the K+ concentrations examined. During incubation in dilute KCl solutions, K+ influx decreased to a value approaching the K+ efflux rate. It is considered that equilibrium with external K+ is attained primarily by the regulation of K+ influx, and that this may be the principal mechanism controlling cytoplasmic K+ levels. Adsorption of K+ was also observed throughout the K+ concentration range examined and can be attributed to two distinct K+-binding entities at the mycelial surface, half-saturating at approximately O-I mM-and 4-4 mM-KCl respectively.     

Energy-dependent efflux of cadmium coded by a plasmid resistance determinant in Staphylococcus aureus.

Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus strain 17810R to Cd2+ appears to be due to a plasmid-coded Cd2+ efflux system. Complete efflux of Cd2+ after transfer of preloaded cells into Cd2+-free medium occurred in the resistant strain 17810R, but not in the plasmidless derivative strain 17810S. Net efflux was blocked by 2,4-dinitrophenol, N,N,-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), and incubation at 4 degrees C. The inhibition of Cd2+ efflux by DCCD paralleled a stimulation of net uptake in the resistant cells by this agent. Cd2+ efflux by the resistant strain was accompanied by a reversal of inhibition of respiration, whereas in the sensitive strain, inhibition of respiration was not reversed after transfer to Cd2+-free medium. Net Cd2+ uptake by strain 17810R was inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate. In Cd2+ contrast, Cd2+ uptake by the plasmidless strain 17810S was affected neither by p-chloromercuribenzoate nor by DCCD when added alone, but was blocked by a combination of these two agents. Valinomycin had no effect on the reduced Cd2+ uptake by the resistant strain, whereas nigericin stimulated uptake to values comparable to those of the untreated sensitive cells. With sensitive cells, valinomycin reduced Cd2+ uptake by about 50%, whereas nigericin was without effect. A possible mechanism of Cd2+ movements in both strains is discussed.     

The effects of 2,4-dinitrophenol and chemical modifying reagents on auxin transport by suspension-cultured crown gall cells

1. The effects of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and chemical modifying reagents on the transport of indol-3-yl acetic acid (IAA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 D) by suspension-cultured crown gall cells of Parthenocissus tricuspidata Planch. were investigated. 2. DNP smoothly reduced uptakes of both benzoic acid and 2,4 D but IAA uptake at pH 6.0 was not inhibited by concentrations below 20 mol/l except in the presence of 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) whose stimulatory effect was thereby abolished. DNP stimulated the efflux of 2,4 D and of IAA in the presence of TIBA. Without TIBA, DNP first inhibited but later stimulated IAA efflux. —3. Low concentrations of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) (<5 mol/l) abolished TIBA-stimulation of net IAA uptake while not affecting (or slightly promoting) net uptake of IAA alone, whose inhibition needs greater NEM concentrations. Diethylpyrocarbonate behaved similarly. The poorly-penetrant p-chloromercuriben-zenesulphonic acid did not cause a marked differential inhibition of the TIBA stimulation. — 4. Together with earlier data, the results support a two-carrier model comprising a common carrier for IAA and 2,4 D, previously suggested to be an auxin anion/proton symport, and also an electrogenic carrier, specific for IAA anions, and inhibited by TIBA. The role of such carriers in polar auxin transport is discussed.Abbreviations IAA Indol-3-yl acetic acid - 2,4 D 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BA Benzoic acid - DNP 2,4-Dinitrophenol - NEM N-ethylmaleimide - PCMBS p-Chloromercuribenzenesulphonic acid - TIBA 2,3,5-Triiodobenzoic acid     

Turgor-Regulated Sugar Release from the Source Leaves of Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.)

Under mild water stress conditions, a potential site of regulationfor distribution of sucrose between osmotic adjustment and exportmay be at the mesophyll plasmalemma and/or tonoplast. This possibilitywas examined in attached leaves of sugarbeet (Beta vulgarisL.), labeled with ¹⁴CO₂. Leaf discs were exposed to solutionscontaining 400 or 50 mM mannitol to generate "low" or "high"cellular turgor, respectively and release of labeled soluteswas monitored. Response to changes in cell turgor was rapidand reversible. High turgor increased solute efflux rates todouble those at low turgor conditions. Approximately 30% and55% of the released label was in the sugar (sucrose and hexose)fractions at low and high turgor, respectively. Paramercuribenzenesulfonic acid (PCMBS) had no effect on efflux, but N-ethylmaleimide(NEM) and carbonylcyanide-m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP) enhancedefflux, especially at high turgor. Presence of unlabeled sucrosegreatly enhanced efflux in a turgor-dependent manner; suggestinga sucrose exchange system. While influx across the plasmalemmais both turgor sensitive and carrier-mediated, turgor-regulatedplasmalemma efflux did not appear to involve a carrier. Boththe tonoplast and plasmalemma appeared to be involved in turgor-inducedsugar efflux. Turgor-regulated efflux of solutes from vacuole-containingcells (mesophyll), may contribute to the establishment of ahomeostatic turgor pressure in these cells. (Received June 9, 1989; Accepted September 5, 1989)     

Mechanism of low intensity ultrasound effect on mitochondria

Ultrasound of 0,2 Wt/cm2 intensity affects the ionic transport across the mitochondrial membrane in vitro. In the presence of 1 mM EGTA in the incubation medium ultrasound slows down K+ exit into the external medium after the addition of an uncoupling agent (2,4-dinitrophenol). With the addition of 100 divided by 400 mM Ca2+ to the starting medium ultrasound makes the amount of Ca2+ absorbed by mitochondrial decrease and the rate of Ca2+/H+ electroneutral exchange increase. Without Ca2+ ultrasound does not influence the rate of coupled and 2,4-dinitrophenol uncoupled respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, i.e. does not produce strong functional changes.     

Inhibition of 2,4-dinitrophenol-induced potassium efflux by adenine nucleotides in mitochondria

The influence of nucleotides on 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)-induced K+ efflux from intact rat liver mitochondria has been studied. ATP and ADP at micromolar concentrations were found to inhibit mitochondrial potassium transport, whereas GTP, GDP, CTP, and UTP did not show tha same effect. The values of half-maximal inhibition (IC50) were approximately 20 microM for ATP and approximately 60 microM for ADP. It is suggested that adenine nucleotides exert their inhibitory action at the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane since the inhibitor of adenine nucleotide translocase atractyloside at concentration of 1 microM completely removed the inhibitory effect of ATP and ADP. The mitochondrial ATPase inhibitor oligomycin (2 microg/ml) was found to reduce slightly the rate of DNP-induced K+ efflux and had no effect on inhibition by adenine nucleotides; the latter was insensitive to Mg2+ and the changes in pH. It seems likely that the regulation of potassium transport is not due to phosphorylation of the channel-forming protein but to binding of the nucleotides in specific regulatory sites. The possibility of potassium efflux from mitochondria in the presence of uncoupler via the ATP-dependent potassium channel is discussed.     

Effect of potassium depletion of Hep 2 cells on intracellular pH and on chloride uptake by anion antiport

The effect of K+ depletion of Hep 2 cells on ion fluxes, internal pH, cell volume, and membrane potential was studied. The cells were depleted of K+ by incubation in K+-free buffer with or without a preceding exposure to hypotonic medium. Efflux of K+ in cells not exposed to hypotonic medium was inhibited by furosemide or by incubation in Na+-free medium, indicating that in this case at least part of the K+ efflux occurs by Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport. After exposure to hypotonic medium, K+ efflux was not inhibited by furosemide, whereas it was partly inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbene-disulfonic acid (DIDS). Exposure to hypotonic medium induced acidification of the cytosol, apparently because of efflux of protons from intracellular acidic vesicles. When isotonicity was restored, a rebound alkalinization of the cytosol was induced, because of activation of the Na+/H+ antiporter. While hypotonic shock and a subsequent incubation in K+-free buffer rapidly depolarized the cells, depolarization occurred much more slowly when the K+ depletion was carried out by incubation in K+-free buffer alone. The cell volume was reduced in both cases. K+ depletion by either method strongly reduced the ability of the cells to accumulate 36Cl- by anion antiport, and K+-depleted cells were unable to increase the rate of 36Cl- uptake in response to alkalinization of the cytosol.     

Effect of ethylmaleimide on the transport of Ca+ and K+ ions across mitochondrial membranes

As already reported, it has been found that the gradient of protons, set up across the inner membrane during the Ca2+ uptake by rat liver mitochondria, can be completely reversed by the addition of NEM. Identical results have been obtained by following the energy dependent K+ uptake. In these last conditions, the rate of H+ efflux supported by succinate oxidation is greatly enhanced only when NEM is added after rotenone. It is proposed that the increased rate other than to the inhibition of Pi uptake, as suggested by Reynafarje and Lehninger, could also be ascribed to a further decrease in the energetic level of the membrane as well as to an increased rate of succinate-Pi exchange diffusion reaction induced by NEM. A possible direct effect of NEM on succinate oxidation has been also considered to account for the inhibition observed when it is added before rotenone.     

Homologous npdGI genes in 2,4-dinitrophenol- and 4-nitrophenol-degrading Rhodococcus spp

Rhodococcus (opacus) erythropolis HL PM-1 grows on 2,4,6-trinitrophenol or 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) as a sole nitrogen source. The NADPH-dependent F(420) reductase (NDFR; encoded by npdG) and the hydride transferase II (HTII; encoded by npdI) of the strain were previously shown to convert both nitrophenols to their respective hydride Meisenheimer complexes. In the present study, npdG and npdI were amplified from six 2,4-DNP degrading Rhodococcus spp. The genes showed sequence similarities of 86 to 99% to the respective npd genes of strain HL PM-1. Heterologous expression of the npdG and npdI genes showed that they were involved in 2,4-DNP degradation. Sequence analyses of both the NDFRs and the HTIIs revealed conserved domains which may be involved in binding of NADPH or F(420). Phylogenetic analyses of the NDFRs showed that they represent a new group in the family of F(420)-dependent NADPH reductases. Phylogenetic analyses of the HTIIs revealed that they form an additional group in the family of F(420)-dependent glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases and F(420)-dependent N(5),N(10)-methylenetetrahydromethanopterin reductases. Thus, the NDFRs and the HTIIs may each represent a novel group of F(420)-dependent enzymes involved in catabolism.     

Extracellular Na+ and initiation of DNA synthesis: role of intracellular pH and K+

Initiation of DNA synthesis in confluent quiescent 3T3 cell cultures stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF), vasopressin, and insulin was abolished by removing extracellular Na+. The inhibition was reversible, time- and Na+-concentration-dependent, and not due to an effect on binding or internalization of 125I-EGF. Stimulation by combinations of other growth factors with different mechanisms of action was also affected by decreasing extracellular Na+, but with different half-maximal Na+ concentrations. When choline was used as an osmotic substitute for Na+, the decrease in DNA synthesis was correlated with the decrease in intracellular K+. In contrast, when sucrose was used there was stimulation of the Na+-K+ pump and maintenance of intracellular K+ that resulted in a somewhat higher rate of DNA synthesis at lowered extracellular Na+ compared to choline. Mitogenesis induced by epidermal growth factor, vasopressin, and insulin led to cytoplasmic alkalinization as determined by an increase in uptake of the weak acid 5,5-dimethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione. Experimental decrease in extracellular Na+ blocked this cellular alkalinization. Therefore, under some conditions the supply of extracellular Na+ may limit cellular proliferation because of a reduction in the provision of Na+ to the Na+/H+ antiport and resultant failure of alkalinization. We conclude that Na+ flux and its effect on intracellular K and pH has a major role in the complex system that regulates proliferation.     

Na+-dependent K+ uptake Ktr system from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and its role in the early phases of cell adaptation to hyperosmotic shock

Transmembrane ion transport processes play a key role in the adaptation of cells to hyperosmotic conditions. Previous work has shown that the disruption of a ktrB/ntpJ-like putative Na(+)/K(+) transporter gene in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 confers increased Na(+) sensitivity, and inhibits HCO(3)(-) uptake. Here, we report on the mechanistic basis of this effect. Heterologous expression experiments in Escherichia coli show that three Synechocystis genes are required for K(+) transport activity. They encode an NAD(+)-binding peripheral membrane protein (ktrA; sll0493), an integral membrane protein, belonging to a superfamily of K(+) transporters (ktrB; formerly ntpJ; slr1509), and a novel type of ktr gene product, not previously found in Ktr systems (ktrE; slr1508). In E. coli, Synechocystis KtrABE-mediated K(+) uptake occurred with a moderately high affinity (K(m) of about 60 microm), and depended on both Na(+) and a high membrane potential, but not on ATP. KtrABE neither mediated Na(+) uptake nor Na(+) efflux. In Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, KtrB-mediated K(+) uptake required Na(+) and was inhibited by protonophore. A Delta ktrB strain was sensitive to long term hyperosmotic stress elicited by either NaCl or sorbitol. Hyperosmotic shock led initially to loss of net K(+) from the cells. The Delta ktrB cells shocked with sorbitol failed to reaccumulate K(+) up to its original level. These data indicate that in strain PCC 6803 K(+) uptake via KtrABE plays a crucial role in the early phase of cell turgor regulation after hyperosmotic shock.     

Modulation of the voltage-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange in sea urchin spermatozoa through membrane potential changes induced by the egg peptide speract

Sea urchin sperm motility can be activated by alkalinization of the internal pH, and previous studies have shown that the internal pH can be regulated by a voltage-sensitive Na+/H+ exchanger present in the flagellar plasma membrane. In this study, the effects of speract, a peptide purified from egg conditioned media, on the Na+/H+ exchange were investigated. Evidence presented indicates that speract activates K+ channels in the flagellar membrane and modulates the Na+/H+ exchange activity through resultant changes in membrane potential. In the presence of tetraphenylphosphonium, a lipophilic ion, or high external Na+, the isolated flagella were depolarized, and Na+/H+ exchanger was inhibited. Speract and valinomycin, a K+ ionophore, were able to reactivate 22Na+ uptake, H+ efflux, and alkalinization of intraflagellar pH under either of the depolarizing conditions. Membrane potential measurements using 3,3'-dipropylthiodicarbocyanide iodide indicated repolarization by either speract or valinomycin. The speract-induced voltage changes did not require Na+ but were sensitive to [K+]. Thus, speract induced a slight depolarization in Na+-free seawater with 10 mM K+ but a hyperpolarization with 2 mM K+. Further support for the activation of K+ channels in the flagella was the 2-5-fold stimulation of K+ efflux induced by speract as measured with a K+ electrode. The ionic selectivity of the speract-activated channel assessed by voltage measurements was K+ greater than Rb+ greater than Cs+. The half-maximally effective concentration of speract was about 0.2 nM. That the H+ and K+ efflux in response to peptide was receptor-mediated was confirmed by the use of speract or resact on intact sea urchin spermatozoa, where the peptides were found to stimulate K+ efflux and to reverse the tetraphenylphosphonium inhibition on H+ efflux only in the homologous spermatozoa. Modulation of the voltage-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange by egg peptides, therefore, appears to be indirect and is coupled through its action on membrane potential.     

Passive potassium transport in LK sheep red cells. Modification by N- ethyl maleimide

Passive K transport, as modified by N-ethyl maleimide (NEM), was studied in erythrocytes of the low-K (LK) phenotype of sheep. Brief (5- min) treatment with NEM at less than 0.5 mM caused inhibition of passive K influx; NEM at concentrations greater than 0.5 mM caused stimulation of K influx. NEM had similar effects on K efflux. The treatments with NEM did not affect cell volumes (passive K transport in LK cells is sensitive to changes in cell volume). The stimulation of K transport by high [NEM] was also not a consequence of an effect on the metabolic state of the cells. Passive K transport in LK cells is dependent on Cl (it is inhibited in Cl-free media; it may be K/Cl cotransport). NEM had no effect on K influx in Cl-free (NO3- substituted) media. Pretreatment of the cells with anti-L antiserum (L antigen is found on LK cells and not on HK cells) prevented stimulation of K influx by NEM, but did not prevent inhibition. Therefore, NEM modifies the Cl-dependent K transport pathway at two separate sites, a low-affinity site, at which it stimulates, and a high-affinity site, at which it inhibits. Anti-L antibody prevents NEM's action, but only at the low-affinity site.     

N-ethylmaleimide desensitizes pH-dependence of K+/H+ antiporter in a marine bacterium, Vibrio alginolyticus

The K+/H+ antiporter of a marine bacterium, Vibrio alginolyticus, is strongly dependent upon the cytoplasmic pH and functions only at an internal pH above 7.7. In alkaline buffer with an outwardly directed chemical gradient of K+ (delta pK), the internal pH was maintained at about 7.7. Addition of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) released cellular K+ and acidified the cytosol below pH 7.7. The NEM effect was reversed by the addition of 2-mercaptoethanol: K+ efflux ceased, and the internal pH returned to about 7.7. In acidic buffer, the internal pH was also regulated at about 7.6 even in the absence of delta pK. Following addition of NEM, the internal pH decreased below 7.6, dissipating delta pH. These results suggest that NEM desensitizes the pH-dependence of the K+/H+ antiporter, allowing the antiporter to function at an internal pH below 7.7.     

pCMBS-induced swelling of dogfish (Squalus acanthias) rectal gland cells: role of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase and the cytoskeleton

(1) 0.1-1.0 mM p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (pCMBS) and some other organic mercurials produce a swelling of slices of dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) rectal glands, with an uptake of cell Na+ and a loss of K+. In contrast, 1 mM N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) does not swell rectal gland cells (RGC), while affecting cell cations. (2) The slow entry of [203Hg]pCMBS is linearly related to its external concentration (10 microM-1 mM) and a small accumulation of pCMBS (apparent gradient about 3) in the cells occurs in 2 h. Cell 203Hg rapidly washes out of the cells (fast rate constant 0.153.min-1; slow rate constant 0.0067.min-1), and this efflux is accelerated by 1mM dithiothreitol. Thus, a major portion of pCMBS inter-acts rather loosely with cell components. (3) pCMBS and NEM share: (a) a negligible effect on the efflux of 86Rb+ and of [14C]urea; (b) a gradual inhibition of the cell Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity. (4) NEM as well as agents lowering cell glutathione accelerate and increase the pCMBS-induced cell swelling. Conditions inhibiting the Na+,K(+)-ATPase (ouabain, absence of Na+) have the same effect. (5) pCMBS, but not NEM produce a disappearance of the F-actin-phalloidin fluorescence independent of cell volume changes, particularly at the basolateral RGC membrane. (6) The data are consistent with the following set of events: (a) pCMBS (but not NEM) affects the cell membrane by increasing the efflux of the cell osmolyte taurine (Ziyadeh et al. (1988) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 943, 43-52 and unpublished data); (b) on entry into the cells, pCMBS and NEM interact with cell -SH, including those of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase; this action produces the observed changes in cell cations. Also, pCMBS, but not NEM, decrease F-actin at the membrane; (c) the inhibition of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity together with the decreased resistance of the cell membrane to stretch (absence of F-actin) produces the observed pCMBS-induced cell swelling by osmotic forces (intracellular non-diffusible anions).