T3 increases lactate transport and the expression of MCT4, but not MCT1, in rat skeletal muscle

Triiodothyronine (T3) regulates the expression of genes involved in muscle metabolism. Therefore, we examined the effects of a 7-day T3 treatment on the monocarboxylate transporters (MCT)1 and MCT4 in heart and in red (RG) and white gastrocnemius muscle (WG). We also examined rates of lactate transport into giant sarcolemmal vesicles and the plasmalemmal MCT1 and MCT4 in these vesicles. Ingestion of T3 markedly increased circulating serum T3 (P < 0.05) and reduced weight gain (P < 0.05). T3 upregulated MCT1 mRNA (RG +77, WG +49, heart +114%, P < 0.05) and MCT4 mRNA (RG +300, WG +40%). However, only MCT4 protein expression was increased (RG +43, WG +49%), not MCT1 protein expression. No changes in MCT1 protein were observed in any tissue. T3 treatment doubled the rate of lactate transport when vesicles were exposed to 1 mM lactate (P < 0.05). However, plasmalemmal MCT4 was only modestly increased (+13%, P < 0.05). We conclude that T3 1) regulates MCT4, but not MCT1, protein expression and 2) increases lactate transport rates. This latter effect is difficult to explain by the modest changes in plasmalemmal MCT4. We speculate that either the activity of sarcolemmal MCTs has been altered or else other MCTs in muscle may have been upregulated.     

Endurance training, expression, and physiology of LDH, MCT1, and MCT4 in human skeletal muscle

To evaluate the effects of endurance training on the expression of monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) in human vastus lateralis muscle, we compared the amounts of MCT1 and MCT4 in total muscle preparations (MU) and sarcolemma-enriched (SL) and mitochondria-enriched (MI) fractions before and after training. To determine if changes in muscle lactate release and oxidation were associated with training-induced changes in MCT expression, we correlated band densities in Western blots to lactate kinetics determined in vivo. Nine weeks of leg cycle endurance training [75% peak oxygen consumption (VO(2 peak))] increased muscle citrate synthase activity (+75%, P < 0.05) and percentage of type I myosin heavy chain (+50%, P < 0.05); percentage of MU lactate dehydrogenase-5 (M4) isozyme decreased (-12%, P < 0.05). MCT1 was detected in SL and MI fractions, and MCT4 was localized to the SL. Muscle MCT1 contents were consistent among subjects both before and after training; in contrast, MCT4 contents showed large interindividual variations. MCT1 amounts significantly increased in MU, SL, and MI after training (+90%, +60%, and +78%, respectively), whereas SL but not MU MCT4 content increased after training (+47%, P < 0.05). Mitochondrial MCT1 content was negatively correlated to net leg lactate release at rest (r = -0.85, P < 0.02). Sarcolemmal MCT1 and MCT4 contents correlated positively to net leg lactate release at 5 min of exercise at 65% VO(2 peak) (r = 0.76, P < 0.03 and r = 0. 86, P < 0.01, respectively). Results support the conclusions that 1) endurance training increases expression of MCT1 in muscle because of insertion of MCT1 into both sarcolemmal and mitochondrial membranes, 2) training has variable effects on sarcolemmal MCT4, and 3) both MCT1 and MCT4 participate in the cell-cell lactate shuttle, whereas MCT1 facilitates operation of the intracellular lactate shuttle.     

Isoform-specific regulation of the lactate transporters MCT1 and MCT4 by contractile activity

We examined the isoform-specific regulation of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT)1 and MCT4 expression by contractile activity in red and white tibialis anterior muscles. After 1 and 3 wk of chronic muscle stimulation (24 h/day), MCT1 protein expression was increased in the red muscles (+78%, P < 0.05). In the white muscles, MCT1 was increased after 1 wk (+191%) and then was decreased after 3 wk. In the red muscle, MCT1 mRNA accumulation was increased only after 3 wk (+21%; P < 0.05). In the white muscle, MCT1 mRNA was increased after 1 wk (+30%; P < 0.05) and 3 wk (+15%; P < 0.05). MCT4 protein was not altered in either the red or white muscles after 1 or 3 wk. MCT4 mRNA was transiently lowered (approximately 15%) in both muscles in the 1st wk, but MCT4 mRNA levels were back to control levels after 3 wk. In conclusion, chronic contractile activity induces the expression of MCT1 but not MCT4. This increase in MCT1 alone was sufficient to increase lactate uptake from the circulation.     

Lactate transport activity in rat skeletal muscle sarcolemmal vesicles after acute exhaustive exercise.

The effect of a single bout of exhaustive exercise on muscle lactate transport capacity was studied in rat skeletal muscle sarcolemmal (SL) vesicles. Rats were assigned to a control (C) group (n = 14) or an acutely exercised (E) group (n = 20). Exercise consisted of treadmill running (25 m/min, 10% grade) to exhaustion. SL vesicles purified from C and E rats were sealed because of sensitivity to osmotic forces. The time course of 1 mM lactate uptake in zero-trans conditions showed that the equilibrium level in the E group was significantly lower than in the C group (P < 0.05). The initial rate of 1 mM lactate uptake decreased significantly from 2.44 +/- 0.22 to 1.03 +/- 0.08 nmol. min(-1). mg protein(-1) (P < 0.05) after exercise, whereas that of 50 mM lactate uptake did not differ significantly between the two groups. For 100 mM external lactate concentration ([lactate]), exhaustive exercise increased initial rates of lactate uptake (219.6 +/- 36.3 to 465.4 +/- 80.2 nmol. min(-1). mg protein(-1), P < 0.05). Although saturation kinetics were observed in the C group with a maximal transport velocity of 233 nmol. min(-1). mg protein(-1) and a Michealis-Menten constant of 24.5 mM, saturation properties were not seen after exhaustive exercise in the E group, because initial rates of lactate uptake increased linearly with external [lactate]. We conclude that a single bout of exhaustive exercise significantly modified SL lactate transport activity, resulting in a decrease in 1 mM lactate uptake and was associated with alterations in the saturable properties at [lactate] above 50 mM. These results suggest that changes in sarcolemmal lactate transport activity may alter lactate and proton exchanges after exhaustive exercise.     

Lactate transport by skeletal muscle sarcolemmal vesicles

Recent studies have indicated that lactate traversal of the sarcolemmal membrane of skeletal muscle could be a carrier mediated process. In the present study, the initial rates of L(+)-lactate flux (J_lact) were measured in highly purified rat hindlimb skeletal muscle sarcolemmal vesicles. Fluxes were determined by the vesicle uptake of L(+)-[U-¹⁴C] lactate from the extra-vesicular medium. J_lact was saturable with respect to increasing concentrations of L(+)-lactate. Regression of these data to the Michaelis-Menten equation yielded a Km of 12.5 mM. J_lact was inhibited 81% by 10 mM pyruvate and 83% by 5mM alpha-cyano 4 hydroxycinnamate (p<0.05), but not by D-lactate indicating the presence of a stereoselective monocarboxylate transporter in the sarcolemmal membrane. Preincubation of the vesicles with the protein modifier, N-ethylmaleimide (20mM), inhibited J_lact by 86% (p<0.05). An inhibitor of the inorganic anion exchanger, SITS (1mM), had no effect on J_lact. However, J_lact was markedly sensitive to an inwardly directed proton gradient (p<0.05), and the flux was more closely related to the concentration of external ionic L(+)-lactate than to the protonated (HLa) form. These studies suggest that skeletal muscle sarcolemmal membranes possess a specific transport system for L-lactate and other monocarboxylates, which has similar properties to the lactate carrier described for several other tissues.     

Chronic muscle stimulation increases lactate transport in rat skeletal muscle

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of chronic low frequency stimulation on the lactate transport across the plasma membrane of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of the rat. Stimulating electrodes were implanted on either side of the peroneal nerve in one hindlimb. Chronic stimulation (10 Hz, 50 psec bursts, 24 h/day) commenced 7 days after surgery, and were continued for 7 days. Animals were then left for 24 h, and thereafter muscles were obtained. Cytochrome C-oxidase activity was increased 1.9-fold in the stimulated TA compared to the control TA (p < 0.05). Lactate transport (zero-trans) was measured in giant sarcolemmal vesicles obtained from the chronically stimulated TA and the control TA. At each of the concentrations used in these studies a significant increase in lactate transport was observed: 2.8-fold increase at 1 mM lactate p < 0.05); 2-fold increases at both 30 mM and 50 mM lactate p < 0.05). These studies have shown that lactate transport capacity is markedly increased in response to chronic muscle contraction.     

Chronic leptin administration decreases fatty acid uptake and fatty acid transporters in rat skeletal muscle.

Chronic leptin administration reduces triacylglycerol content in skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that chronic leptin treatment, within physiologic limits, would reduce the fatty acid uptake capacity of red and white skeletal muscle due to a reduction in transport protein expression (fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) and plasma membrane-associated fatty acid-binding protein (FABPpm)) at the plasma membrane. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were infused for 2 weeks with leptin (0.5 mg/kg/day) using subcutaneously implanted miniosmotic pumps. Control and pair-fed animals received saline-filled implants. Leptin levels were significantly elevated (approximately 4-fold; p < 0.001) in treated animals, whereas pair-fed treated animals had reduced serum leptin levels (approximately -2-fold; p < 0.01) relative to controls. Palmitate transport rates into giant sarcolemmal vesicles were reduced following leptin treatment in both red (-45%) and white (-84%) skeletal muscle compared with control and pair-fed animals (p < 0.05). Leptin treatment reduced FAT mRNA (red, -70%, p < 0.001; white, -48%, p < 0.01) and FAT/CD36 protein expression (red, -32%; p < 0.05) in whole muscle homogenates, whereas FABPpm mRNA and protein expression were unaltered. However, in leptin-treated animals plasma membrane fractions of both FAT/CD36 and FABPpm protein expression were significantly reduced in red (-28 and -34%, respectively) and white (-44 and -56%, respectively) muscles (p < 0.05). Across all experimental treatments and muscles, palmitate uptake by giant sarcolemmal vesicles was highly correlated with the plasma membrane FAT/CD36 protein (r = 0.88, p < 0.01) and plasma membrane FABPpm protein (r = 0.94, p < 0.01). These studies provide the first evidence that protein-mediated long chain fatty acid transport is subject to long term regulation by leptin.     

Endurance training increases lactate transport in male Zucker fa/fa rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training (10 weeks) on previously reported alterations of lactate exchange in obese Zucker fa/fa rats. We used sarcolemmal vesicles to measure lactate transport capacity in control sedentary rats, Zucker (fa/fa), and endurance trained Zucker (fa/fa) rats. Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and 4 content was measured in sarcolemmal vesicles and skeletal muscle. Training increased citrate synthase activity in soleus and in red tibialis anterior, and improved insulin sensitivity measured by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. Endurance training increased lactate influx in sarcolemmal vesicles at 1 mM of external lactate concentration and increased MCT1 expression on sarcolemmal vesicles. Furthermore, muscular lactate level was significantly decreased after training in red tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus. This study shows that endurance training improves impairment of lactate transport capacity that is found in insulin resistance state like obesity and type 2 diabetes.     

Exercise-induced changes of MCT1 in cardiac and skeletal muscles of diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet and STZ

We hypothesized that a part of therapeutic effects of endurance training on insulin resistance is mediated by increase in cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondrial lactate transporter, monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1). Therefore, we examined the effect of 7 weeks endurance training on the mRNA and protein expression of MCT1 and MCT4 and their chaperon, CD147, on both sarcolemmal and mitochondrial membrane, separately, in healthy and type 2 diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by injection of low dose of streptozotocin and feeding with high-fat diet. Insulin resistance was confirmed by homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance index and accuracy of two membranes separation was confirmed by negative control markers (glucose transporter 1 and cytochrome c oxidase. Real-time PCR and western blotting were used for mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Diabetes dramatically reduced MCT1 and MCT4 mRNA and their expression on sarcolemmal membrane whereas the reduction in MCT1 expression was less in mitochondrial membrane. Training increased the MCT1 mRNA and protein expression in both membranes and decreased insulin resistance as an adaptive consequence. In both tissues increase in CD147 mRNA was only parallel to MCT1 expression. The response of MCT1 on sarcolemmal and mitochondrial membranes was different between cardiac and skeletal muscles which indicate that intracellular lactate kinetic is tissue specific that allows a tissue to coordinate whole organism metabolism.     

Effects of acute and chronic exercise on sarcolemmal MCT1 and MCT4 contents in human skeletal muscles: current status

Two lactate/proton cotransporter isoforms (monocarboxylate transporters, MCT1 and MCT4) are present in the plasma (sarcolemmal) membranes of skeletal muscle. Both isoforms are symports and are involved in both muscle pH and lactate regulation. Accordingly, sarcolemmal MCT isoform expression may play an important role in exercise performance. Acute exercise alters human MCT content, within the first 24 h from the onset of exercise. The regulation of MCT protein expression is complex after acute exercise, since there is not a simple concordance between changes in mRNA abundance and protein levels. In general, exercise produces greater increases in MCT1 than in MCT4 content. Chronic exercise also affects MCT1 and MCT4 content, regardless of the initial fitness of subjects. On the basis of cross-sectional studies, intensity would appear to be the most important factor regulating exercise-induced changes in MCT content. Regulation of skeletal muscle MCT1 and MCT4 content by a variety of stimuli inducing an elevation of lactate level (exercise, hypoxia, nutrition, metabolic perturbations) has been demonstrated. Dissociation between the regulation of MCT content and lactate transport activity has been reported in a number of studies, and changes in MCT content are more common in response to contractile activity, whereas changes in lactate transport capacity typically occur in response to changes in metabolic pathways. Muscle MCT expression is involved in, but is not the sole determinant of, muscle H(+) and lactate anion exchange during physical activity.     

Cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondria have a monocarboxylate transporter MCT1.

To evaluate the potential role of monocarboxylate transporter-1 (MCT1) in tissue lactate oxidation, isolated rat subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondria were probed with an antibody to MCT1. Western blots indicated presence of MCT1 in sarcolemmal membranes and in subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondria. Minimal cross-contamination of mitochondria by cell membrane fragments was verified by probing for the sarcolemmal protein GLUT-1. In agreement, immunolabeling and electron microscopy showed mitochondrial MCT1 in situ. Along with lactic dehydrogenase, the presence of MCT1 in striated muscle mitochondria permits mitochondrial lactate oxidation and facilitates function of the "intracellular lactate shuttle."     

Effects of high-intensity training on MCT1, MCT4, and NBC expressions in rat skeletal muscles: influence of chronic metabolic alkalosis

This study investigated the effects of high-intensity training, with or without induced metabolic alkalosis, on lactate transporter (MCT1 and MCT4) and sodium bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC) content in rat skeletal muscles. Male Wistar rats performed high-intensity training on a treadmill 5 times/wk for 5 wk, receiving either sodium bicarbonate (ALK-T) or a placebo (PLA-T) prior to each training session, and were compared with a group of control rats (CON). MCT1, MCT4, and NBC content was measured by Western blotting in soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) skeletal muscles. Citrate synthase (CS) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) activities and muscle buffer capacity (betam) were also evaluated. Following training, CS and PFK activities were significantly higher in the soleus only (P < 0.05), whereas betam was significantly higher in both soleus and EDL (P < 0.05). MCT1 (PLA-T: 30%; ALK-T: 23%) and NBC contents (PLA-T: 85%; ALK-T: 60%) increased significantly only in the soleus following training (P < 0.01). MCT4 content in the soleus was significantly greater in ALK-T (115%) but not PLA-T compared with CON. There was no significant change in protein content in the EDL. Finally, NBC content was related only to MCT1 content in soleus (r = 0.50, P < 0.01). In conclusion, these results suggest that MCT1, MCT4, and NBC undergo fiber-specific adaptive changes in response to high-intensity training and that induced alkalosis has a positive effect on training-induced changes in MCT4 content. The correlation between MCT1 and NBC expression suggests that lactate transport may be facilitated by NBC in oxidative skeletal muscle, which may in turn favor better muscle pH regulation.     

Exercise training alleviates MCT1 and MCT4 reductions in heart and skeletal muscles of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

We compared the changes in monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and 4 (MCT4) proteins in heart and skeletal muscles in sedentary control and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (3 wk) and in trained (3 wk) control and STZ-induced diabetic animals. In nondiabetic animals, training increased MCT1 in the plantaris (+51%; P < 0.01) but not in the soleus (+9%) or the heart (+14%). MCT4 was increased in the plantaris (+48%; P < 0.01) but not in the soleus muscles of trained nondiabetic animals. In sedentary diabetic animals, MCT1 was reduced in the heart (-30%), and in the plantaris (-31%; P < 0.01) and soleus (-26%) muscles. MCT4 content was also reduced in sedentary diabetic animals in the plantaris (-52%; P < 0.01) and soleus (-25%) muscles. In contrast, in trained diabetic animals, MCT1 and MCT4 in heart and/or muscle were similar to those of sedentary, nondiabetic animals (P > 0.05) but were markedly greater than in the sedentary diabetic animals [MCT1: plantaris +63%, soleus +51%, heart +51% (P > 0.05); MCT4: plantaris +107%, soleus +17% (P > 0.05)]. These studies have shown that 1) with STZ-induced diabetes, MCT1 and MCT4 are reduced in skeletal muscle and/or the heart and 2) exercise training alleviated these diabetes-induced reductions.     

Acute regulation of fatty acid uptake involves the cellular redistribution of fatty acid translocase

We used muscle contraction, which increases fatty acid oxidation, as a model to determine whether fatty acid transport is acutely regulated by fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36). Palmitate uptake by giant vesicles, obtained from skeletal muscle, was increased by muscle contraction. Kinetic studies indicated that muscle contraction increased V(max), but K(m) remained unaltered. Sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate, a specific inhibitor of FAT/CD36, fully blocked the contraction-induced increase in palmitate uptake. In giant vesicles from contracting muscles, plasma membrane FAT/CD36 was also increased in parallel with the increase in long chain fatty acid uptake. Further studies showed that like GLUT-4, FAT/CD36 is located in both the plasma membrane and intracellularly (endosomally). With muscle contraction, FAT/CD36 at the surface of the muscle was increased, while concomitantly, FAT/CD36 in the intracellular pool was reduced. Similar responses were observed for GLUT-4. We conclude that fatty acid uptake is subject to short term regulation by muscle contraction and involves the translocation of FAT/CD36 from intracellular stores to the sarcolemma, analogous to the regulation of glucose uptake by GLUT-4.     

Endurance training increases FFA oxidation and reduces triacylglycerol utilization in contracting rat soleus

We examined the effects of 8 wk of intense endurance training on free fatty acid (FFA) transporters and metabolism in resting and contracting soleus muscle using pulse-chase procedures. Endurance training increased maximal citrate synthase activity in red muscles (+54 to +91%; P 相似文献   

High-intensity exercise acutely decreases the membrane content of MCT1 and MCT4 and buffer capacity in human skeletal muscle.

The regulation of intracellular pH during intense muscle contractions occurs via a number of different transport systems [e.g., monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs)] and via intracellular buffering (beta m(in vitro)). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an acute bout of high-intensity exercise on both MCT relative abundance and beta m(in vitro) in humans. Six active women volunteered for this study. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis were obtained at rest and immediately after 45 s of exercise at 200% of maximum O2 uptake. Beta m(in vitro) was determined by titration, and MCT relative abundance was determined in membrane preparations by Western blots. High-intensity exercise was associated with a significant decrease in both MCT1 (-24%) and MCT4 (-26%) and a decrease in beta m(in vitro) (-11%; 135 +/- 3 to 120 +/- 2 micromol H+ x g dry muscle(-1) x pH(-1); P < 0.05). These changes were consistently observed in all subjects, and there was a significant correlation between changes in MCT1 and MCT4 relative abundance (R2 = 0.92; P < 0.05). In conclusion, a single bout of high-intensity exercise decreased both MCT relative abundance in membrane preparations and beta m(in vitro). Until the time course of these changes has been established, researchers should consider the possibility that observed training-induced changes in MCT and beta m(in vitro) may be influenced by the acute effects of the last exercise bout, if the biopsy is taken soon after the completion of the training program. The implications that these findings have for lactate (and H+) transport following acute, exhaustive exercise warrant further investigation.     

MCT1 confirmed in rat striated muscle mitochondria.

We sought to test the hypothesis that monocarboxylate transporter isoform 1 (MCT1) is the inner mitochondrial membrane lactate/pyruvate transporter, and, as such, contributes to functioning of the intracellular lactate shuttle. However, presence of a mammalian mitochondrially localized MCT1 (mMCT1) has been contested. We sought to confirm by Western blotting the mitochondrial localization of MCT1 in rat cardiac, soleus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles utilizing three different cell fractionation methods and three different antibodies. We performed Western blotting using antibodies to cell membrane glucose transporter isoform GLUT1, inner mitochondrial constituent cytochrome oxidase, the monocarboxylate transporter protein chaperone CD147, as well as custom and commercially available MCT1 antibodies. Western blots demonstrated similar results with each MCT1 antibody and two of three methods of fractionation. MCT1 was found in the mitochondria, as well as in the sarcolemmal membrane and whole muscle homogenates. Probing with GLUT1 and CD147 demonstrated that mitochondrial fractions were not contaminated with sarcolemmal remnants. Probing with cytochrome oxidase showed mitochondrial localization of MCT1. Comparison of these results to the findings of others indicates that the most likely source of discrepancy is the cell fractionation procedure utilized.     

Effect of a myocardial volume overload on lactate transport in skeletal muscle sarcolemmal vesicles

This study sought to determine the effect of a myocardial volume overload (MVO) on sarcolemmal (SL) lactate (La(-)) transport and the aerobic profile of skeletal muscle. SL vesicles were obtained from female rats 10 wk after either a MVO was induced by creation of an infrarenal fistula (n = 10), or sham surgeries were performed (n = 11). Influx of (14)C-labeled L(+)-La(-) was measured at various unlabeled La(-) concentrations under zero-trans conditions. La(-) transport kinetics were determined using a Michaelis-Menten equation with an added linear component to discriminate between carrier-mediated and diffusional transport. Although heart and lung weights were significantly increased (P < 0.0001) in the MVO group, left ventricular function was only modestly altered (P < 0.05). A significant reduction in type I myosin heavy chain (MHC) in the soleus and a strong trend (P = 0.06) for a reduced type IIx MHC in the plantaris were observed in MVO rats, but no differences in citrate synthase activity or monocarboxylate transporter proteins (MCT)-1 expression were noted in any muscle. Carrier-mediated La(-) influx into SL vesicles was similar between sham and MVO (K(m) = 12 +/- 1 and 18 +/- 3 mM; apparent V(max) = 772 +/- 99 and 827 +/- 80 nmol. mg(-1). min(-1), respectively). Total influx at 100 mM was lower in MVO, and this was due to a 30% reduction in membrane diffusion. In conclusion, a 10-wk MVO did not alter MCT-mediated La(-) transport or protein expression but was associated with modest changes in myofibrillar proteins and impaired SL diffusive properties.     

Facilitated Lactate Transport by MCT1 when Coexpressed with the Sodium Bicarbonate Cotransporter (NBC) in Xenopus Oocytes

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) and sodium-bicarbonate cotransporters (NBC) transport acid/base equivalents and coexist in many epithelial and glial cells. In nervous systems, the electroneutral MCT1 isoform cotransports lactate and other monocarboxylates with H⁺, and is believed to be involved in the shuttling of energy-rich substrates between astrocytes and neurons. The NBC cotransports bicarbonate with sodium and generates a membrane current. We have expressed these transporter proteins, cloned from rat brain (MCT1) and human kidney (NBC), alone and together, by injecting the cRNA into oocytes of the frog Xenopus laevis, and measured intracellular pH changes and membrane currents under voltage-clamp with intracellular microelectrodes, and radiolabeled lactate uptake into the oocytes. We determined the cytosolic buffer capacity, the H⁺ and lactate fluxes as induced by 3 and 10 mM lactate in oocytes expressing MCT1 and/or NBC, and in water-injected oocytes, in salines buffered with 5 mM HEPES alone or with 5% CO₂/10 mM HCO₃⁻ (pH 7.0). In MCT1 + NBC- but not in MCT1- or NBC-expressing oocytes, lactate activated a Na⁺- and HCO₃⁻-dependent membrane current, indicating that lactate/H⁺ cotransport via MCT1, due to the induced pH change, stimulates NBC activity. Lactate/H⁺ cotransport by MCT1 was increased about twofold when MCT1 was expressed together with NBC. Our results suggest that the facilitation of MCT1 transport activity is mainly due to the increase in apparent buffer capacity contributed by the NBC, and thereby suppresses the build-up of intracellular H⁺ during the influx of lactate/H⁺, which would reduce MCT1 activity. Hence these membrane transporters functionally cooperate and are able to increase ion/metabolite transport activity.     

Sources of activator calcium ions in the contraction of smooth muscles in Aplysia kurodai

The physiological and pharmacological properties of contraction and the ultrastructure of buccal mass retractor muscle (I4) and gill-pinnule closure muscle (GPCM) in Aplysia kurodai were studied to learn more about the sources of activator Ca2+ in molluscan smooth muscle. Acetylcholine (ACh) and high K+-induced contractions were reduced by lowering the external Ca2+ concentration, and eliminated by the removal of extracellular Ca2+. Nifedipine appreciably reduced ACh- and high K+-induced contractions, while amiloride decreased only ACh-induced contractions and had no significant effect on high K+-induced contractions. When nifedipine and amiloride were applied together, either type of contraction was still appreciable. Serotonin (5-HT) could potentiate subsequent ACh- and high K+-induced contractions in I4; potentiated tension was significantly reduced by nifedipine and amiloride, whereas 5-HT inhibited ACh-and high K+-induced contractions in GPCM. The potentiating effects of 5-HT may be mediated by the activation of the Ca2+-channel to increase the influx from extracellular Ca2+. Caffeine caused contractions in Ca2+-free solution in both muscles. Electron microscopy revealed sarcolemmal vesicles underneath the plasma membrane in both muscle fibers. Electron microscopical cytochemistry demonstrated that pyroantimonate precipitates were localized in the sarcolemmal vesicles and in the inner surface of plasma membranes in the resting fibers. Present results indicate that the contractions of I4 and GPCM fibers are caused not only by Ca2+-influx but also by Ca2+ release from the intracellular storage sites, such as the sarcolemmal vesicles and the inner surface of plasma membranes.